Jim Goulart

We've placed the notifications for the other BA team reports in their own thread, but we'll have a separate thread for Brewer discussion. Since this thread was already begun, we'll include the free link here: www.baseballamerica.com/t...63202.html Tom Haudricourt will chat with subscribers about the Brewers system at 1 p.m. ET today, noon central. We'll please remind subscribers that we need to respect the pay-site aspect of BA, and be thankful our friends there provide as much "free" info as they do. Please do not copy directly from the chat transcript later today. We'll determine who among Brewerfan staff may "generalize" things from the chat. I personally don't have a problem with Haudricourt conducting the chat. I do know he stays on top of things very closely from a minor league perspective, even if the nuances of a major daily newspaper and the need to focus on the big league club for the general reading public don't always allow his insights on the kids to come through at the JS. As long as the chat focuses on the kids and not on how Tom is qualified to discuss the kids, the diehards may learn a thing or two day, and the more casual followers should learn quite a bit -- although the more casual fans won't be your BA subscribers -- oh well, now I'm talking in circles...

Another former Brewer catcher, Raul Casanova, Devil Rays - minor league deal.

Goetz turned 22 last July, so he was among the older Arizona League players. He got off to a surprisingly slow start, and had to finish strong to end at .289. The 17 K's in 180 AB's certainly defines his ability to get a bat on the ball, but only six of his 52 hits were for extra bases. He turned a lot of those singles into an extra base (31 steals in 40 attempts). It's a nice story because of the national batting titles and local ties, but college draft picks who don't see Helena their first year are behind the eight-ball to begin with. If he were 20 years old with those numbers, he'd be more exciting a prospect. Of course, here's wishing him well.

Eight years a Brewer, and I had forgotten about his big league cup of coffee -- catcher Robinson Cancel plucked from indy league ball by the Mets: www.edinburgcoyotes.com/news/?id=8500

I'm going to close this topic here in the Minor League Forum, and copy it to the Major League Forum, only because it involves a spot on the 40-man roster. But we do appreciate the update. Bowie Examiner, June 28, 2006: Salas thrives as Baysox closer Geremy Bass, The Examiner Bowie - Baysox closer Marino Salas, whose 13 saves is third among Double-A Eastern League pitchers, has grown very accustomed to his responsibility. ?It comes down to the end of the game, maybe the seventh inning, and you look down there and Marino just gives a wave,? Bowie pitching coach Scott McGregor said. ?It?s his time and he?s already up stretching and throwing, ready to go.? Salas moved from Single-A Delmarva to pitch for Class A Frederick last year, where he struck out 63 batters in 62 innings of work and finished third on the team in saves. This season, Salas has notched 31 strikeouts in his 32 innings and has dominated on the mound in the late innings. ?His work ethic is tremendous,? Baysox manager Don Werner said. ?You almost have to slow him down a little bit and tell him to save some of it for the game.? Werner said Salas? progression could result in a September call-up or a move to AAA next season.

A big recollection for me was that the following morning the Today show opened with the 9th inning highlights. Yes, it was a slow news day otherwise, but for the opening segment to focus on what the Brewers were doing was pretty special.

Tim Blackwell was a manager (High Desert) and coach in the Brewers system earlier this decade, so there's a connection on the Shanks signing. Looking at his rookie numbers, it's surprising San Diego said goodbye after one year. Then again, he was a 29th round pick who, as noted, has now re-invented himself as a submariner. Career Statistics: www.thebaseballcube.com/p...anks.shtml

Voice of the Stars' Brett Pollock conducted an interview with Huntsville Hitting Coach Sandy Guerrero recently. Nice job with the questions, Brett. Support the Stars' site by visiting the link for the text of the interview: www.huntsvillestars.com/n...ewsId=1053

Thanks for the update -- just a reminder that while not currently pinned to the top during the offseason, our "Alumni Thread" is always among those on the first page of threads here in the Minor League Forum. Folks can feel free to add news such as this there, thanks: p092.ezboard.com/fbrewers...3917.topic

Sorry if you're not, but a proposal like that from a new poster as their very first post. Smells trollish to me...

ditto. Isn't there a statute of limitations on number of months/years you can complain about a draft pick? Agreed -- and word of wisdom on this subject from a poster named "homer" yet....

Link while active, text follows: tennessean.com/apps/pbcs..../701260424 Dickey relying on knuckleball Newest Sound aims for majors By MIKE ORGAN Tennessean Staff Writer Any R.A. Dickey fans hoping to see the former Montgomery Bell Academy and Tennessee star pitcher with the Nashville Sounds this season better catch some of the games early. That is because Dickey, the keynote speaker at tonight's Nashville Old Timers Baseball Association banquet at the Millennium Maxwell House, doesn't plan on spending much, if any, time with the Triple A club. It's not that he's unhappy to be back home. In fact, that is one of the reasons Dickey, who became a free agent after last season, chose to sign with the Sounds' major league affiliate Milwaukee Brewers. But after reinventing himself on the mound with the development of a knuckleball pitch, Dickey is not looking forward to stepping down from the major leagues and winding down his baseball career anytime soon. "I am just being patient and waiting to see what happens this year," Dickey said. "This knuckleball has really changed things for me. A lot of knuckleballers pitch into their 40s." Brewers an option Dickey, 32, has tangible proof that his dream of playing perhaps as long as another decade could happen. Former major league knuckleballer Charlie Hough, who worked extensively with Dickey during his time with the Texas Rangers, played 25 seasons. "Charlie Hough threw his last complete game shutout in the big leagues when he was 43 years old," Dickey said. "So, I don't know how much longer I'll play. It's in the Lord's hands, and I'm just doing the best that I know how to do with what I've got to see how far it takes me and how long it takes me. It could be five years; it could be one year. I could get released out of spring training and that'd be it." Dickey spent five of the previous six years with the Rangers, where he played in 77 games, posting a 16-19 record and a 5.73 ERA. He struck out 171 batters. After becoming a free agent for the first time in his career at the end of last season, he narrowed the teams he considered signing with to a handful before choosing Milwaukee. He settled on the Brewers primarily because he felt there was a personnel need for him along with the fact that Doug Melvin is the general manager in Milwaukee. When he was with the Rangers, Melvin drafted Dickey in the first round out of UT. "There's a couple of spots in the rotation that aren't really solidified," Dickey said. (Huh? AAA rotation, maybe -- Mass Haas). "I think I can come in and put in a lot of innings. And Doug Melvin leans on veterans a lot, and they're a team that's looking to win; they're not really rebuilding, they're looking to win." Home again And, of course, realizing he might start the year off in Triple A, Dickey liked the thought of being at home. "If I don't make the big league club out of camp, and I feel like it's kind of a long shot at this point, it was a good alternative," Dickey said. "If I have to play in Triple A to start off, then I'll be sleeping in my own bed with my family here. I've got three kids now (Mary Gabriel, 5, Lila, 3, and Eli, six months) and I feel compelled to be around them and my wife (Anne) more and make that more of a priority than I ever have."

I blame Geno's beloved Raiders for causing this. I still feel guilty about the tuck rule in the snow -- well, not really... Take care, and come back as soon as you're able.

No team other than the Padres (who are just off-the-charts ahead of the entire field) has given indy league players a shot more than the Brewers this decade. LHP Brian Mazone (2003 High Desert) was 13-3 in 20 starts with a 2.03 ERA in AAA as a 30-year-old for the Phillies in 2006; RHP Tim Bausher earned a Brewer 40-man spot before being claimed on waivers by the Rockies in 2004 and subsequently spent time on Boston's 40-man; RHP David Bradley returns to the Crew this season after a year away -- he was inked after his 2003 indy ball season; RHP's Jason Shelley and Clint Weibl and OF Ben Van Iderstine made decent contributions, INF Corey D. Hart is entering his second season as a hitting coach in the organization, and RHP Luther Hackman might just make his way to Milwaukee this season. 25-year-old LHP Joe Thatcher is coming off an incredible 2006 season capped by his super fall ball performance in Hawaii. And how about catcher Mike Rivera? Of course, there have been many others that barely caused a blip, both seasoned vets and newcomers to affiliated ball. But it always makes for a nice story, and the Brewers are second to only the Padres in their efforts.

The Brewers have made yet another purchase from the independent ranks, bringing 27-year-old LHP Luis Villarreal back into affiliated ball for the first time since he wrapped up two years in the Red Sox system in 2003. Kudos to Luis, three full years of independent league ball since -- way to hang in there... The Red Sox drafted him in the 20th round in June 2002 out of Northwood University in San Antonio. Villarreal threw the fifth no-hitter in Joliet JackHammers (Northern League) history on August 6, 2005 against the Kansas City T-Bones. He struck out 13 while walking just four in a 127 pitch performance. No-Hit Link: www.northernleague.com/news/?id=2438 Villarreal went 6-5 last year with a Northern League-best 2.71 ERA. Huntsville seems a likely destination, and it's always fun watching lefty's give it a go (hello, Joe Thatcher, another indy leaguer) -- although Villarreal's nearly always been a starter. LHP Luis Villarreal Career Statistics from the Baseball Cube: We'll have a Brewerfan Player Index page in place soon - www.thebaseballcube.com/p...real.shtml

Nashville Site: www.nashvillesounds.com/n...ewsId=2174 RHP Mark (don't confuse me with Mike) DiFelice - The 30-year-old veteran spent the entire 2006 campaign in the independent Atlantic League, where he posted a 12-9 record and 3.19 ERA (56 ER / 158.0 IP) in 25 starts for Camden, including a league-best seven complete games, and was a mid-season All-Star selection. He enjoyed a solid season in the Mexican Winter League, carrying a 4-3 record and 2.77 ERA in 13 games (11 starts) between two clubs. DiFelice last appeared in affiliated ball during the first half of the 2005 season, when he went 1-2, 8.40 in 14 games (two starts) for New Orleans (AAA-Nationals) before finishing the year as the Atlantic League postseason MVP with Somerset. The right-hander, who was the Colorado Rockies' 15th round selection in the 1998 draft, carries a career 3.67 ERA in 214 minor-league contests (154 starts). He has previously spent time in the Rockies, Orioles, and Nationals organizations. RHP Mark DiFelice Career Statistics from the Baseball Cube: We'll have a Brewerfan Player Index page in place soon - www.thebaseballcube.com/p...lice.shtml

Rotoworld: Rangers signed RHP Jamey Wright to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. Wright gets enough grounders that he can be adequate insurance for the Rangers. He's definitely not someone who should be in the rotation at the start of the year, but if he's needed as a starter for a few weeks at some point, he could keep the team in some games.

Tom Haudricourt in the JS: The Milwaukee Brewers have invited minor-league right-hander Luther Hackman to their spring training camp as a non-roster player. Hackman, 32, was picked up by the Brewers last August and assigned to Class AA Huntsville, where he went 3-0 with a 0.66 earned run average in eight relief outings. He was promoted to Class AAA Huntsville, retiring all six batters he faced in his only assignment. Hackman pitched this winter in Mexico for Hermosillo, going 3-4 with a 4.85 ERA in 16 games (seven starts). He finished his campaign there with three scoreless outings. In 149 major-league appearances (nine starts), Hackman has a career record of 9-10 with a 5.09 ERA. He last pitched in the majors in 2003 for San Diego, going 2-2 with a 5.17 ERA in 65 relief outings. The Brewers have invited 15 non-roster players to camp, including 10 pitchers.

Earlier we posted: Former Brevard County Manatees Catcher 'Sweet' Lou Palmisano's fiance, Katherine, is one of three finalists in the Miami Heat's Dance Contest. The winner will represent the Heat at the NBA's All-Star Game in Las Vegas this season. Many fans remember Katherine sitting in the stands cheering on the Manatees; now it's the 'Tees fans to cheer on Katherine...log onto the following web site and let's get Katherine some votes. If you forward this email off to family and friends and asked for a few additional votes, we won't tell! Go to: www.nba.com/allstar2007/dance/mia.html Now this, from Manatee GM Buck Rogers: A message from former Manatees Catcher 'Sweet Lou' Palmisano's mother, Denise: Lou's fiancé Katherine, was voted to join the NBA All-Star Game Dance Team as a representative of the Miami Heat. Many of you voted to make that a reality and the Palmisano's send their thanks to Manatees fans everywhere. Congratulations, Katherine, enjoy the experience and we'll be watching you on TV! The Palmisano's send best wishes to the Manatees and Manatees fans this season! So indirectly, thanks to Brewerfan readers, too!

Yes, too low, how can you say Yovani will be "starring", not starting, but starring, by season's end, and have him at 24. Braun too, for that matter, by about ten spots apiece at least -- it'll be an interesting Top 15 Tuesday. Also, 41. Hunter Pence, 24, OF, Houston Astros 2006 Stats (AA): .283/.357/.533, 17 SB in 523 AB Due to his small-college background and abnormal swing, Pence will have to prove himself at every level. He did so in 2006, dominating the Texas League despite no longer having a noticeable age advantage over the competition. Pence's month-by-month statistics are all over the board, though he did remain consistent in two areas: power and strikeouts. While months with different BABIPs (Batting Average on Balls In Play) fluctuated his batting average substantially, Pence showed he can be a 25-home run threat (albeit with 125 strikeouts) in the majors. His 2006 batting line represents his big league ceiling, I think, but Pence will still have to prove it all over again in 2007. Drafted - Selected by Milwaukee Brewers in 40th Round (1189th overall) of 2002 amateur entry draft (June-Reg), went on to Division I Texas-Arlington.

A couple of surprising releases reported by Baseball America: www.baseballamerica.com/t...63171.html RHP Joe Valentine, who had re-signed with the Brewers after a successful season at Huntsville, and RHP Ronny Malave, who had just turned 21. The Venezuelan had posted decent numbers in his three seasons, one of the few latin pitchers who had for the Brewers in recent years. Joe Valentine Career Statistics: www.thebaseballcube.com/p...tine.shtml Ronny Malave Career Statistics: www.thebaseballcube.com/p...lave.shtml

Still not sure why he "retired" last summer, but RHP Joe Winkelsas has resurfaced with the Braves on a minor league deal. Looks like LHP Luis Martinez actually signed with the Nationals, not the A's. RHP Travis Phelps to the Astros.

Jeremy Guthrie p 4 year/$4.5M (2003-06) DFA 1/07 $2M signing bonus $2.5M pd over 4 years drafted 2002 Indians designated RHP Jeremy Guthrie for assignment. Guthrie was out of options and had almost no chance of winning a spot on the Indians this spring. The 27-year-old looks like a poor bet to turn into a major league pitcher, but he still has a pretty good arm and the right pitching coach might get something out of him. It seems unlikely that he'll get through waivers unclaimed. It's rare those deals work for drafted pitchers...

Latest from MLB.com: mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/ne...p;c_id=mil Considering Dennis Sarfate was in big-league camp last year, and that he pitched in the AFL, he has been non-stop for nearly a calendar year, and pitchers and catchers report to Maryvale in less than a month. Impressive and perhaps fool-hardy at the same time...

Baseball America lists their annual "cutting room floor" prospect list -- their name for all the scouting reports that didn't quite make it into the 2007 Prospect Handbook, which includes the Top 30 prospects for each club. We suggest you click on the link for more background on what this list is all about, but halfway through their two-day list (alphabetical), they have: www.baseballamerica.com/t...63152.html Steve Bray, rhp, Brewers Born: Dec. 22, 1980 ? B-T: R-R ? Ht: 6-1 ? Wt: 193 ? Drafted: New Haven (Conn.), 2003 (14th round) ? Signed by: Steve Connelly (Royals) Before they took him in the Triple-A phase of the 2005 Rule 5 draft, the Brewers had history with Bray. They drafted him in the 45th round out of Norwalk (Conn.) CC in 2000, but he didn't turn pro until the Royals took him as a 14th-rounder out of NCAA Division II New Haven (Conn.) three years later. After joining the Brewers, Bray had a breakthrough season, posting a 2.33 ERA and 75-11 K-BB ratio in the upper levels of the system. He throws three pitches for strikes, including an 88-90 mph fastball, a sharp slider and an effective changeup. Without overwhelming stuff, he succeeds with terrific command. Milwaukee was so impressed with his work that it sent him to the Arizona Fall League to see how he matched up against other near-ready prospects, and he was solid there as well. Bray likely will open 2007 in Triple-A but could surface as a middle reliever for the Brewers later in the year. Ryan Crew, inf/of, Brewers Born: Aug. 31, 1983 ? B-T: R-R ? Ht: 6-0 ? Wt: 175 ? Drafted: Texas-San Antonio, 2005 (40th round) ? Signed by: Ray Montgomery A two-way standout at Texas-San Antonio, Crew has used his versatility to move quickly in pro ball. He reached high Class A in 2006, his first full pro season, while seeing time at second base, left field, shortstop and third base. Crew uses an unorthodox approach at the plate, bailing out on his front side on nearly every pitch, but he has the bat speed and hand-eye coordination to nonetheless hit for average. However, he doesn't stay behind the ball so he doesn't drive it, resulting in little power. He has fringe-average speed and a solid arm--he threw in the 90s when he pitched in college--so he can hold his own at most positions. His best chance to be a regular would be at second base, but the Brewers already have Rickie Weeks there and Crew is better suited as a utilityman. Double-A will be a good test for him in 2007.