Jim Goulart

Actual minor league spring training games against other organizations begin March 15th. Minor league camp officially began this past weekend, but obviously some players have been "ready to go" in terms of participating in Brewer big league camp games when needed. With only 46 players now in big league camp, a day like Sunday (split-squad games) saw some interesting names in the box scores. First, kudos to Cole Gillespie for his three-run HR vs. A's southpaw Dan Meyer! Erik Miller is a 20-year-old outfielder who singled and struck out in two AB's in Maryvale Sunday. He only played rookie ball in Maryvale last summer. 18-year-old Edgar Trejo is an infielder (third base mainly at this time) who got a late bump from Maryvale to Helena in 2007. The Venezuelan prospect was 0-for-2 with a K vs. the A's Sunday. Stephen Chapman singled in a pinch-hit appearance Sunday. Michael Brantley, Lorenzo Cain and Steve Sollmann were each 1-for-1 with singles as well - nice! Chris Errecart, Mel Stocker, Ned Yost IV, Charlie Fermaint, and Mat Gamel were the other non-big league camp position players to see action Sunday. On the mound, AAA lefty Erasmo Ramirez had a better stint on Sunday; Sam Narron (one run allowed) and Lindsay Gulin (got the save) threw against the A's Sunday. Earlier in the week, Jason Shiell (two scoreless appearances) threw, as did Steve Hammond, Josh Wahpepah, and Robert Hinton, who all struggled the first time out. We'll trry to continue to mention the players not on the 40-man roster who are also not big league camp invites in this thread. Link to Brewer spring training stats

No advance word on a lineup today, but remember that the show is from noon until 1:50 Central Saturday, to be followed by Royals - Brewers. Listen live here on the 8th Hopefully an archive is available later on...

Not only Taylor Green is currently in Taiwan playing for Canada and representing the Brewers -- RHP Alexandre Periard pitched well in relief last night in a victory against South Africa; Canada is 2-0 in the tournament thus far.

According to the Wisconsin State Journal, there are five games remaining on Angel Salome's suspension, 39 for Jeremy Jeffress (which we had read earlier). The WSJ makes some projected assignments for other Brewer prospects in the linked article.

Ryan Braun is just insane. Thank you, Jack Z. and staff (again).

Just sayin', everybody, we need to do a better job on these quoted posts -- common sense please, you know you can quote someone and then remove all but the most pertinent point. We're really trying to educate everyone about this.

It's simply meant to create a buzz, and if it's done well and in relatively good tatse, as this was, it'll pick up plenty of coverage nationwide. Deadspin had a story on this the other day. The Stars are looking to generate local interest, and if this gets the community talking about the club in a fun way, little is wrong with that.

The final interview in our announcer series is now online -- our chat with Helena's Steve Wendt. If you have enjoyed our series, the biggest thank you that you can give to the affiliate play-by-play guys is to tune in to their broadcasts when you have a chance this coming season. Drop them a line during a game, as they all solicit email remarks from their listeners. You don't want to wait until next offseason to get their perspective on a certain player? Send them a note -- I guarantee they'll get back to you right away, either on-air if during a game, or via email for a post-game response. Nice way to get your name mentioned on air as well http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif. One thing I took away from these chats is that each of these guys has been very proud to be a part of the Milwaukee Brewer organization. Maybe it was Brett in Huntsville knowing that all the brass was tuning in to listen to get his perspective on a key Ben Sheets rehab start. Or a particular Helena pre-game interview with Steve introducing a top draft pick to the Milwaukee fan base. Or Chuck getting the reaction of a player being called up to the big leagues for the first time just before departing Nashville. Or Andy finding every superlative available to describe Ryan Braun's few weeks in Charleston. And so much more...such as five different celebrations last year for post-season qualifying! OK, Steve, you're up...

The "Are You Game" Sidebar on the right...

Thread discussion is actually taking place on the Draft Forum, so we'll close here. But interesting topic beyond just the draft aspect....

Very interesting idea, don't you agree? As for the other aspect of the article, concerning the discussion of fan websites assisting MLB organizations, congrats to Jeff Sackmann for his mention. We do know that Brewer front office staff appreciates Brewerfan's links to the newspaper reports of the minor league games. While of course the minor league managers provide the actual "important" details of the games to the home office each post-game, they enjoy reading the quotes, hearing the pre-game interviews, etc. And we're aware that colbyjack's draft work is appreciated by Brewer personnel as well, both here and at Perfect Game.

Very interesting idea, don't you agree? As for the other aspect of the article, concerning the discussion of fan websites assisting MLB organizations, congrats to Jeff Sackmann for his mention. We do know that Brewer front office staff appreciates Brewerfan's links to the newspaper reports of the minor league games. While of course the minor league managers provide the actual "important" details of the games to the home office each post-game, they enjoy reading the quotes, hearing the pre-game interviews, etc. And we're aware that colbyjack's draft work is appreciated by Brewer personnel as well, both here and at Perfect Game.

Huntsville offers "Rocket" Roger a Job As creative as that is, it'll be great when the minor league forum returns to a focus on the games on the field -- Link Reports begin Thursday, April 3rd!

OK, enough fun, kids -- closing it up...

OK, enough fun, kids -- closing it up...

In 2006, Levis was the Northeast Area amateur scout for Milwaukee, a position he only held for one season -- maybe the Brewers knew something before they parted ways.

Lots of gushing about Alcides Escobar's defense....

Sorry to nitpick, but reaching on a fielder's choice does not help your OBP.

Enrique Cruz signs a minor league deal with the Mets.

The latest Latin youngster to sign is a RHP named Francisco Rivero. We'll hope to learn about his background later this spring.

I think he's going to stick with the Padres, but if not, hopefully this will open the Brewers' eyes as to his value for 2009 and beyond -- if the Brewers take him back, they'd have to make room on the 40-man...

Callix Crabbe 2-for-2, playing 3B and SS, where he never played as a Brewer farmhand -- go Callix!

Erasmo Ramirez, Rich Hinton, and Steve Hammond -- seven walks in two innings (and still going). Not only are you bringing in minor league camp guys, but camp guys who are making their spring debut. Although Jason Shiell pitched well, and soft-tossing lefty Lindsay Gulin did yesterday as well... Now it sounds like Brian's mike is on during the commercial break, which usually is not a good thing for the unknowing announccer...

Video Highlights

Manatees go young, name Smith, 27, GM BY JIM CAWLEY FLORIDA TODAY The first thing that jumps out about Kyle Smith is he's young. Another thing that becomes quickly apparent is he's sharp. That second feature hasn't eluded Brevard County Manatees owner Dr. Tom Winters and president Charlie Baumann, who named Smith the team's general manager. The 27-year-old Minnesota native replaces Buck Rogers, who accepted the GM position with the Class-AA Huntsville Stars. "Kyle is a very bright young person that's very level-headed," Baumann said. "He also understands the business of baseball. He listens intently . . . And I think that's what he brings -- a good, sound solid approach." Smith joined the Manatees in 2006 as an intern. He then became the head of ticket sales, and later director of stadium operations, working closely with Rogers. Before coming to Brevard County, the Minnesota State graduate was involved with Division I hockey and was an assistant GM with the Northwoods League, a successful wooden bat organization featuring some of the country's top collegiate players. "I'm glad I got a chance to learn a lot from Buck," Smith said. "I'm going to try to carry over a lot of things he did here, but I want to install a few new things." Rogers was known for his numerous promotions during his four-year tenure with the Manatees. Expect those to continue under Smith, who also hopes to boost weekday attendance and increase involvement in the community. "We want people to know who we are -- simple as that," Smith said. "And give us a chance. Come out and enjoy a game. If we don't put on a good show for you, that's our fault." Manatees players put on a good show last season, finishing runner-up to the Clearwater Threshers in the Florida State League championship. Brevard County has been a hotbed for major-league talent in recent years, with players like Ryan Braun and Yovani Gallardo going from the Class-A Manatees to the Milwaukee Brewers in less than a season. Still, attendance has been down, which is something Smith hopes to change. But the October newlywed knows that will require a lot of hard work -- and sometimes extended hours. That's something Smith discussed recently with team chaplain Donnie Legg. "It's a lot of responsibility . . . But I told (Legg), 'How many kids could you think of who would want to trade places with me right now, would want to run a minor-league team?' Anybody would jump at this opportunity, any type of baseball fan would love it," Smith said. "So you put in a little more hours than somebody else -- big deal. It's baseball; it's fun." The quick ascent to GM is something that excited Smith, but didn't take hold right away. That changed with a quick phone call. "It didn't really sink in until I talked to my dad about it," Smith said. "My dad normally holds his emotions in, but he got kind of emotional and said, 'I'm very proud.' And that's when it hit me." Baumann can't wait for Smith and the Manatees to hit the ground running this season. "We feel very optimistic about our future, and we're really excited about '08," Baumann said. "Kyle knows the job and he's done very well. We're excited that he's with us. This is a natural choice." Photo by Rik Jesse / Florida Today http://cmsimg.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=A9&Date=20080303&Category=SPORTS&ArtNo=803030320&Ref=AR&Profile=1097&MaxW=550&MaxH=650&title=0