Jim Goulart

Link while active, text follows: www.dailymail.com/news/Sp...006090610/ Just where does the Power go from here? Jack Bogaczyk Charleston Daily Mail Sports Editor It was a record year at Appalachian Power Park. In 20 years of low Class A baseball in Charleston, no home team hit like the West Virginia Power. Presumably, if the ticket count means anything, the second year of Baby Brewers playing Power ball was a hit, too. A home attendance record of 239,721 was achieved, and the figure would have pressed 270,000 without six rainouts. Outfielders Lorenzo Cain and Darren Ford proved to be more than entertaining at the top of the batting order. They used their bat and feet to club-record levels in hits and steals. Right-hander Will Inman bounced back from an early season arm injury and has a chance to lead all of full-season minor league ball in ERA. For only the third time in a decade, Charleston baseball fans had a team that posted a winning record in both South Atlantic League half-seasons -- a pair of second-place finishes. The Power's .277 team batting average was a franchise record, and by 13 points. Sounds great ... but the Power-Brewer two-year affiliation agreement has ended. As fans prepare to rest their toast-catching skills, the lack of a renewal with Milwaukee is as evident as a scorcher to the scoreboard gap. Last Saturday, the Brewers announced they had re-upped with their Class AA, high A and short-season A affiliates in Huntsville, Brevard County (Fla.) and Helena, respectively. They had done Triple-A Nashville (through 2010) in July. Conspicuous by its absence was West Virginia, which, with good crowds in a nice facility, is a place teams should want their prospects to play. Make no mistake, Milwaukee wants to stay here. The question is whether the Power will turn elsewhere for a parent club. Under threats of stiff fines from the National Association (the minors' governing body), minor league clubs cannot discuss negotiations on Player Development Contracts (PDC). Power General Manager Andy Milovich won't even say if the team has filed for a potential PDC change, which must be done by Sept. 11 -- or the renewal is automatic. "I would prefer not to negotiate in the newspaper," Reid Nichols, Milwaukee's assistant GM and director of player development, said Tuesday. "All I can tell you, really, is that we are in the process of talking with the ownership there." While conceding that the Brewers don't deliver much buzz in the market, the Power's other PDC options aren't great. The regional clubs the Power may want to link with aren't available. Cincinnati isn't leaving Dayton as a low Class A site. Cleveland will stay with neighboring Lake County. Pittsburgh, thought not so long ago to be a possible target, will stay in the SAL in Hickory, although it hasn't been announced yet. Clubs that may be available are Kansas City, Texas, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Colorado, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia, the Mets and White Sox. It's doubtful the Phillies would bolt neighboring Lakewood, or the Orioles would fly from nearby Delmarva. The Nationals do want out of Savannah, and the Mets are said to be hoping to punt Hagerstown. The Chisox may be the defending World Series champs, but they have one of the worst records in the minors in 2006. Alan Levin is the managing partner in the West Virginia Baseball LLC ownership. Ultimately, it's his call on the affiliation, and it seems he's holding out for something from someone. If Charleston can't land the Reds, Indians or Pirates, it makes sense to bring back the Brewers -- unless there is some overriding reason or Milwaukee didn't deliver on a private promise. You could end up with a club that's a lot worse. Milwaukee has had good players and good people here. After a rough first half to 2005, the Power has played 14 games over .500. As players like Yovani Gallardo, Ryan Braun and Inman make their way to Milwaukee in the near future, the connection that doesn't exist now will be formed. The Brewers were under .500 at the two clubs below the Power in the organization, but Nichols indicated Tuesday that more than a few ?06 Power players would repeat the low Class A step to begin next April. I'd be surprised if the Power ditches the Brewers. Considering some of the alternatives ... you could be working with Reid Nichols, or wooden nickels.

Link while active, text follows: www.helenair.com/articles...606_03.txt 5 Questions ? Cole Gillespie, Brewers By CURT SYNNESS - IR Sports Writer One of the Helena Brewers brightest big league prospects is outfielder Cole Gillespie, of Portland, Ore. Gillespie, 22, currently ranks second in the Pioneer League batting race, with a cool .352 average. A third-round draft choice of the parent club Milwaukee Brewers, this spring he helped Oregon State to the 2006 College World Series championship. A solid 6-foot-1 and 203 pounds, Gillespie was a three-sport athlete at Portland's Westland High School, playing football, basketball and baseball. He has the look of a guy who might be just as comfortable on the gridiron, and was in fact an all-league wide receiver and safety. At the NCAA World Series in Omaha, Neb., Oregon State defeated North Carolina 2-out-of-3 in the finals. On the year, Gillespie led the Beavers (50-16) in several offensive categories, sporting a .379 BA, with 89 base hits, 57 runs batted in and 83 runs, in 66 games. He was chosen the 2006 Pac 10 Player of the Year. One of his Beaver teammates was Bill Rowe, who is also a member of the current Brewers' squad. Gillespie began his professional career in Helena about two weeks into this season. On July 13, in a 21-10 win over Ogden, he rapped six base hits, tying the Pioneer League record for most hits in a game. The standard is shared by many, including Daryl Hamilton of the Helena Gold Sox, who turned the trick in 1986. In addition to leading the league in hitting, Gillespie is first in on-base-percentage, with a lofty .465 mark. He also has some pop in his bat, pacing the Brewers with a .572 slugging average. His eight homers are second, behind Chris Errecart's team-high 12; and he sits third in doubles, with 12, after Stephen Chapman's 17 and 15 by Errecart. Cole can run, too. He is second on the club in stolen bases (17) and runs scored (48), behind Chapman in both categories. And he has posted those marks in only 47 games played. Gillespie was recently named an honorable mention choice to the 2006 Pioneer League All-Star team. Of the three sports you played in high school, which was your favorite? Gillespie: Baseball. Although I would've liked to play football in college, too, but oh well. How do you like Helena? It's a nice small town, great scenery, the weather's been alright. And the people here are real friendly. Did you get any rest after winning the College World Series? Yes, I had about nine or ten days off before coming to Helena. What are some of your hobbies? Hanging out with my friends, playing X-box, taking naps. What are your goals in baseball? To be playing for the Milwaukee Brewers in a few years, I hope.

Link while active, text follows: www.helenair.com/articles...606_03.txt 5 Questions ? Cole Gillespie, Brewers By CURT SYNNESS - IR Sports Writer One of the Helena Brewers brightest big league prospects is outfielder Cole Gillespie, of Portland, Ore. Gillespie, 22, currently ranks second in the Pioneer League batting race, with a cool .352 average. A third-round draft choice of the parent club Milwaukee Brewers, this spring he helped Oregon State to the 2006 College World Series championship. A solid 6-foot-1 and 203 pounds, Gillespie was a three-sport athlete at Portland's Westland High School, playing football, basketball and baseball. He has the look of a guy who might be just as comfortable on the gridiron, and was in fact an all-league wide receiver and safety. At the NCAA World Series in Omaha, Neb., Oregon State defeated North Carolina 2-out-of-3 in the finals. On the year, Gillespie led the Beavers (50-16) in several offensive categories, sporting a .379 BA, with 89 base hits, 57 runs batted in and 83 runs, in 66 games. He was chosen the 2006 Pac 10 Player of the Year. One of his Beaver teammates was Bill Rowe, who is also a member of the current Brewers' squad. Gillespie began his professional career in Helena about two weeks into this season. On July 13, in a 21-10 win over Ogden, he rapped six base hits, tying the Pioneer League record for most hits in a game. The standard is shared by many, including Daryl Hamilton of the Helena Gold Sox, who turned the trick in 1986. In addition to leading the league in hitting, Gillespie is first in on-base-percentage, with a lofty .465 mark. He also has some pop in his bat, pacing the Brewers with a .572 slugging average. His eight homers are second, behind Chris Errecart's team-high 12; and he sits third in doubles, with 12, after Stephen Chapman's 17 and 15 by Errecart. Cole can run, too. He is second on the club in stolen bases (17) and runs scored (48), behind Chapman in both categories. And he has posted those marks in only 47 games played. Gillespie was recently named an honorable mention choice to the 2006 Pioneer League All-Star team. Of the three sports you played in high school, which was your favorite? Gillespie: Baseball. Although I would've liked to play football in college, too, but oh well. How do you like Helena? It's a nice small town, great scenery, the weather's been alright. And the people here are real friendly. Did you get any rest after winning the College World Series? Yes, I had about nine or ten days off before coming to Helena. What are some of your hobbies? Hanging out with my friends, playing X-box, taking naps. What are your goals in baseball? To be playing for the Milwaukee Brewers in a few years, I hope.

Link while active, text follows: www.helenair.com/articles...606_01.txt Sox shade Brewers By JEFF WINDMUELLER - IR Sports Writer The Helena Brewers gave the 1,173 fans in attendance on Tuesday a thrilling game for their last in Kindrick Legion Field this season. But despite the high score and Andy Bouchie?s third grand slam of the year in the fourth inning, the crowd walked away quietly as the Brewers dropped their second in a row to the Great Falls White Sox, 12-9. Bouchie?s frozen rope over the left field wall brought in Brad Miller, Taylor Green and Chris Errecart, and gave the Brewers a 7-4 lead. The White Sox responded immediately as lead-off batter Archie Gilbert nailed his own solo home run off a pitch by reliever Stuart Sutherland in the top of the fifth. Christian Marrero doubled, John Shelby singled and Chris Carter doubled to bring both of them in. Carter would come in as well on a sacrifice fly by Mike Grace, scoring the fifth run of the inning. The Brewers tried to fight back, but White Sox pitcher Andrew Urena came in in the bottom of the inning and struck out five batters in a row, silencing the Brewers throughout the next two innings. The White Sox kept up their hitting, however, as Reymundo Tavares belted a two-run homer in the seventh. Great Falls had four homers in the game while getting 18 hits to Helena?s eight. Helena got a break in the bottom of the inning when David Wasylak came in and walked Bouchie and Bill Rowe, both brought in by Zach Clem?s double. That brought the score to 10-9, but the Brewers batters were snuffed the last two innings. Clem went 4-for-5 with two doubles and two RBI, but had the unfortunate duty as the last batter of the evening, striking out looking. Errecart was given a special distinction during the game. The 21-year-old outfielder from Stockton, Calif., was named the team?s MVP and presented with a gold watch. The Pioneer League All-Star led his team with 13 home runs and 61 RBI. He was second to Chris Carter of the White Sox in the league for homers. Carter hit his 15th during the night, but Errecart?s RBI count does top the rest of the league. Urena was given the win after his sixth and seventh inning run. The White Sox took advantage of a lack of lefties on the Brewers line up as they divvied out the pitching duties. White Sox southpaw Nick Walters was brought in to face lefties Taylor Green and Stephen Chapman, but as soon as Errecart ? a right-handed hitter ? came to the plate they substituted Walters with righty Michael Rocco. Rocco finished up the final four hitters, the only lefty being Bill Rowe, who was 0-for-4 and ineffective. The Brewers, who dropped out of playoff contention after losing to Billings this past weekend, are 19-17 in the second half as they head to Missoula today for their last two games of the season. The White Sox are at the bottom of the standings with a 10-26 record. Great Falls baserunner Christian Marrero, right, is safe at third base as Helena's Carlos De La Cruz is a split second too late for the tag Tuesday at Kindrick Legion Field. http://www.helenair.com/content/articles/2006/09/06/sports_top/b01090606_01.jpg

Link while active, text follows: www.helenair.com/articles...606_01.txt Sox shade Brewers By JEFF WINDMUELLER - IR Sports Writer The Helena Brewers gave the 1,173 fans in attendance on Tuesday a thrilling game for their last in Kindrick Legion Field this season. But despite the high score and Andy Bouchie?s third grand slam of the year in the fourth inning, the crowd walked away quietly as the Brewers dropped their second in a row to the Great Falls White Sox, 12-9. Bouchie?s frozen rope over the left field wall brought in Brad Miller, Taylor Green and Chris Errecart, and gave the Brewers a 7-4 lead. The White Sox responded immediately as lead-off batter Archie Gilbert nailed his own solo home run off a pitch by reliever Stuart Sutherland in the top of the fifth. Christian Marrero doubled, John Shelby singled and Chris Carter doubled to bring both of them in. Carter would come in as well on a sacrifice fly by Mike Grace, scoring the fifth run of the inning. The Brewers tried to fight back, but White Sox pitcher Andrew Urena came in in the bottom of the inning and struck out five batters in a row, silencing the Brewers throughout the next two innings. The White Sox kept up their hitting, however, as Reymundo Tavares belted a two-run homer in the seventh. Great Falls had four homers in the game while getting 18 hits to Helena?s eight. Helena got a break in the bottom of the inning when David Wasylak came in and walked Bouchie and Bill Rowe, both brought in by Zach Clem?s double. That brought the score to 10-9, but the Brewers batters were snuffed the last two innings. Clem went 4-for-5 with two doubles and two RBI, but had the unfortunate duty as the last batter of the evening, striking out looking. Errecart was given a special distinction during the game. The 21-year-old outfielder from Stockton, Calif., was named the team?s MVP and presented with a gold watch. The Pioneer League All-Star led his team with 13 home runs and 61 RBI. He was second to Chris Carter of the White Sox in the league for homers. Carter hit his 15th during the night, but Errecart?s RBI count does top the rest of the league. Urena was given the win after his sixth and seventh inning run. The White Sox took advantage of a lack of lefties on the Brewers line up as they divvied out the pitching duties. White Sox southpaw Nick Walters was brought in to face lefties Taylor Green and Stephen Chapman, but as soon as Errecart ? a right-handed hitter ? came to the plate they substituted Walters with righty Michael Rocco. Rocco finished up the final four hitters, the only lefty being Bill Rowe, who was 0-for-4 and ineffective. The Brewers, who dropped out of playoff contention after losing to Billings this past weekend, are 19-17 in the second half as they head to Missoula today for their last two games of the season. The White Sox are at the bottom of the standings with a 10-26 record. Great Falls baserunner Christian Marrero, right, is safe at third base as Helena's Carlos De La Cruz is a split second too late for the tag Tuesday at Kindrick Legion Field. http://www.helenair.com/content/articles/2006/09/06/sports_top/b01090606_01.jpg

Standings through Monday's action: Pacific Coast League (AAA) - American North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iowa 76 68 .528 - 43-28 33-40 W4 [b]Nashville 76 68 .528 - 42-30 34-38 L1[/b] Memphis 58 86 .403 18.0 34-39 24-47 L1 Omaha 53 91 .368 23.0 31-41 22-50 L4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southern League (AA) - North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Huntsville 43 26 .623 - 21-12 22-14 W2[/b] Tennessee 38 31 .551 5.0 21-13 17-18 W3 Chattanooga 37 33 .529 6.5 20-15 17-18 L3 West Tenn 32 38 .457 11.5 22-13 10-25 W3 Carolina 29 41 .414 14.5 21-14 8-27 L2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Florida State League (A+) - East Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Palm Beach 36 29 .554 - 20-11 16-18 L2 Daytona 36 31 .537 1.0 24-15 12-16 L1 St. Lucie 37 32 .536 1.0 20-15 17-17 L2 [b]Brevard County 29 34 .460 6.0 14-14 15-20 W1[/b] Vero Beach 25 38 .397 10.0 16-16 9-22 W2 Jupiter 24 42 .364 12.5 14-20 10-22 W2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- South Atlantic League (A) - Northern Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lakewood 47 23 .671 - 26-9 21-14 W1 [b]West Virginia 35 32 .522 10.5 21-12 14-20 L2[/b] Lake County 35 33 .515 11.0 17-16 18-17 L1 Hickory 34 34 .500 12.0 17-20 17-14 W2 Greensboro 32 35 .478 13.5 16-18 16-17 L4 Lexington 31 38 .449 15.5 21-14 10-24 W5 Hagerstown 30 40 .429 17.0 18-19 12-21 W4 Delmarva 27 42 .391 19.5 17-16 10-26 L5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pioneer League (R+) - North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Billings 25 10 .714 - 15-3 10-7 W2 Missoula 22 13 .629 3.0 12-5 10-8 L1 [b]Helena 19 16 .543 6.0 11-7 8-9 L2[/b] Great Falls 9 26 .257 16.0 6-11 3-15 W1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arizona League (R) - Arizona League Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AZL Angels 19 8 .704 - 6-3 13-5 W1 AZL Royals 19 9 .679 0.5 9-6 10-3 W2 AZL Padres 18 9 .667 1.0 11-4 7-5 L1 AZL Giants 16 11 .593 3.0 8-6 8-5 L1 AZL Athletics 14 13 .519 5.0 10-4 4-9 W3 AZL Cubs 11 16 .407 8.0 4-9 7-7 L2 AZL Mariners 11 16 .407 8.0 8-6 3-10 L3 AZL Rangers 8 20 .286 11.5 6-9 2-11 L4 [b]AZL Brewers 7 21 .250 12.5 5-9 2-12 W2[/b]

Standings through Monday's action: Pacific Coast League (AAA) - American North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iowa 76 68 .528 - 43-28 33-40 W4 [b]Nashville 76 68 .528 - 42-30 34-38 L1[/b] Memphis 58 86 .403 18.0 34-39 24-47 L1 Omaha 53 91 .368 23.0 31-41 22-50 L4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southern League (AA) - North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Huntsville 43 26 .623 - 21-12 22-14 W2[/b] Tennessee 38 31 .551 5.0 21-13 17-18 W3 Chattanooga 37 33 .529 6.5 20-15 17-18 L3 West Tenn 32 38 .457 11.5 22-13 10-25 W3 Carolina 29 41 .414 14.5 21-14 8-27 L2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Florida State League (A+) - East Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Palm Beach 36 29 .554 - 20-11 16-18 L2 Daytona 36 31 .537 1.0 24-15 12-16 L1 St. Lucie 37 32 .536 1.0 20-15 17-17 L2 [b]Brevard County 29 34 .460 6.0 14-14 15-20 W1[/b] Vero Beach 25 38 .397 10.0 16-16 9-22 W2 Jupiter 24 42 .364 12.5 14-20 10-22 W2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- South Atlantic League (A) - Northern Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lakewood 47 23 .671 - 26-9 21-14 W1 [b]West Virginia 35 32 .522 10.5 21-12 14-20 L2[/b] Lake County 35 33 .515 11.0 17-16 18-17 L1 Hickory 34 34 .500 12.0 17-20 17-14 W2 Greensboro 32 35 .478 13.5 16-18 16-17 L4 Lexington 31 38 .449 15.5 21-14 10-24 W5 Hagerstown 30 40 .429 17.0 18-19 12-21 W4 Delmarva 27 42 .391 19.5 17-16 10-26 L5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pioneer League (R+) - North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Billings 25 10 .714 - 15-3 10-7 W2 Missoula 22 13 .629 3.0 12-5 10-8 L1 [b]Helena 19 16 .543 6.0 11-7 8-9 L2[/b] Great Falls 9 26 .257 16.0 6-11 3-15 W1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arizona League (R) - Arizona League Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AZL Angels 19 8 .704 - 6-3 13-5 W1 AZL Royals 19 9 .679 0.5 9-6 10-3 W2 AZL Padres 18 9 .667 1.0 11-4 7-5 L1 AZL Giants 16 11 .593 3.0 8-6 8-5 L1 AZL Athletics 14 13 .519 5.0 10-4 4-9 W3 AZL Cubs 11 16 .407 8.0 4-9 7-7 L2 AZL Mariners 11 16 .407 8.0 8-6 3-10 L3 AZL Rangers 8 20 .286 11.5 6-9 2-11 L4 [b]AZL Brewers 7 21 .250 12.5 5-9 2-12 W2[/b]

Follow Tuesday's action as it happens: Here's what you do, right click on the link below and choose "Open in New Window". Choose "Log". While you're listening to your minor league game of choice (or watching/listening to the big league Crew when they are playing), simply refresh your game log browsers every so often. Helena: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...k_helrok_1

Follow Tuesday's action as it happens: Here's what you do, right click on the link below and choose "Open in New Window". Choose "Log". While you're listening to your minor league game of choice (or watching/listening to the big league Crew when they are playing), simply refresh your game log browsers every so often. Helena: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...k_helrok_1

Tuesday's Daily Menu: Central time; pitcher subject to change -- Nashville: Playoffs begin Wednesday vs. Round Rock at home Huntsville: Playoffs begin Thursday in Chattanooga Brevard County: Season completed West Virginia: Season completed Helena: LHP Luis Ramirez at home vs. Great Falls (White Sox), 7:50 PM pre-game; 8:05 gametime Audio (click on "Listen Live"): www.helenabrewers.net/html2/index.php Arizona: Season completed

Tuesday's Daily Menu: Central time; pitcher subject to change -- Nashville: Playoffs begin Wednesday vs. Round Rock at home Huntsville: Playoffs begin Thursday in Chattanooga Brevard County: Season completed West Virginia: Season completed Helena: LHP Luis Ramirez at home vs. Great Falls (White Sox), 7:50 PM pre-game; 8:05 gametime Audio (click on "Listen Live"): www.helenabrewers.net/html2/index.php Arizona: Season completed

http://www.brewerfan.net/images/store/dailylinkreport.jpg

http://www.brewerfan.net/images/store/dailylinkreport.jpg

Monday's Helena KCAP Pre-Game Audio Chat with Cole Gillespie (Select date for September 4th, skip to the 13:00 minute mark) -- www.minorleaguebaseball.c.../audio.jsp

Monday's Helena KCAP Pre-Game Audio Chat with Cole Gillespie (Select date for September 4th, skip to the 13:00 minute mark) -- www.minorleaguebaseball.c.../audio.jsp

Link while active, text follows: www.helenair.com/articles...506_02.txt Great Falls cruises past Brewers By CURT SYNNESS - IR Sports Writer The Helena Brewers fell to the Great Falls White Sox last night, 10-2, at Kindrick Legion Field. The game was played in a surreal atmosphere, due to the smokey, hazey surroundings created by the forest fires from the west. The Brewers, who were eliminated from post season play earlier in the weekend, were outhit 15-8, but managed to keep the game close for six innings. The teams entered the seventh stanza deadlocked at 2-all, before the visitors scored four runs apiece in the seventh and ninth frames to pull away. Several bright spots for the Brewers were pitches from Amaury Rivas, as well as hits from right fielder Chuckie Caufield, catcher Jordan Swaydan and first baseman Chris Errecart. Caufield collected three base-hits in five at bats. The University of Oklahoma alum is associated with some athletic pedigree, as his father, Charles Caufield, played defensive back in the NFL, while his sister, LaNeishia, hooped professionally in the WNBA. Errecart belted his 13th home run, a solo shot, over the left field wall in the second inning, bringing him to within one tater of the Pioneer League lead. He just missed another roundtripper in the ninth. With two men on, Errecart crushed a long drive into the teeth of the wind to straightaway center field, which was caught against the fence. Swayden went 2-for-3. Rivas started on the mound for the Brewers, working six innings and allowing six hits and two runs, leaving the game with the score tied. Brae Wright relieved for one inning, and was stuck with the loss after giving up five hits and four runs. Great Falls starter Logan Williamson also pitched six stanzas, and was credited with the win. He was relieved by Steve Spurgeon, who hurled the final three scorless frames. The White Sox are managed by Bobby Tolan, former big leaguer with Cincinnati, before the Big Red Machine won two World Series in the mid-1970s. The Great Falls offense was spearheaded by John Shelby, Tyler Reves, Mike Grace, Santo Garcia and Kris Welker. Welker, from Missoula, is one of two Montanans on the White Sox roster, along with Columbia Falls' Josh Wells. The Brewers (19-16 in the second half, 34-38 overall) and Great Falls (9-26, 27-46) meet again tonight at Kindrick Legion Field at 7:05 p.m. This will be the last home game of the season for the Brewers.

Link while active, text follows: www.helenair.com/articles...506_02.txt Great Falls cruises past Brewers By CURT SYNNESS - IR Sports Writer The Helena Brewers fell to the Great Falls White Sox last night, 10-2, at Kindrick Legion Field. The game was played in a surreal atmosphere, due to the smokey, hazey surroundings created by the forest fires from the west. The Brewers, who were eliminated from post season play earlier in the weekend, were outhit 15-8, but managed to keep the game close for six innings. The teams entered the seventh stanza deadlocked at 2-all, before the visitors scored four runs apiece in the seventh and ninth frames to pull away. Several bright spots for the Brewers were pitches from Amaury Rivas, as well as hits from right fielder Chuckie Caufield, catcher Jordan Swaydan and first baseman Chris Errecart. Caufield collected three base-hits in five at bats. The University of Oklahoma alum is associated with some athletic pedigree, as his father, Charles Caufield, played defensive back in the NFL, while his sister, LaNeishia, hooped professionally in the WNBA. Errecart belted his 13th home run, a solo shot, over the left field wall in the second inning, bringing him to within one tater of the Pioneer League lead. He just missed another roundtripper in the ninth. With two men on, Errecart crushed a long drive into the teeth of the wind to straightaway center field, which was caught against the fence. Swayden went 2-for-3. Rivas started on the mound for the Brewers, working six innings and allowing six hits and two runs, leaving the game with the score tied. Brae Wright relieved for one inning, and was stuck with the loss after giving up five hits and four runs. Great Falls starter Logan Williamson also pitched six stanzas, and was credited with the win. He was relieved by Steve Spurgeon, who hurled the final three scorless frames. The White Sox are managed by Bobby Tolan, former big leaguer with Cincinnati, before the Big Red Machine won two World Series in the mid-1970s. The Great Falls offense was spearheaded by John Shelby, Tyler Reves, Mike Grace, Santo Garcia and Kris Welker. Welker, from Missoula, is one of two Montanans on the White Sox roster, along with Columbia Falls' Josh Wells. The Brewers (19-16 in the second half, 34-38 overall) and Great Falls (9-26, 27-46) meet again tonight at Kindrick Legion Field at 7:05 p.m. This will be the last home game of the season for the Brewers.

FYI -- Nashville playoff rotation: Villanueva Eveland Jackson Lehr (if necessary) Hendrickson (if necessary)

FYI -- Nashville playoff rotation: Villanueva Eveland Jackson Lehr (if necessary) Hendrickson (if necessary)

Link for Tony Gwynn photo while active, text follows: tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....328/SPORTS Nashville uses loss to prepare Work begins early for playoff games By JESSICA HOPP Tennessean Staff Writer If only for a day, the pressure was off. Win or lose, the Sounds were going to see Round Rock again on Wednesday night in the opening series of the Pacific Coast League postseason's American Conference finals. So despite the 10-4 loss to the Express in front of 5,165 fans at Greer Stadium on Monday afternoon, the Sounds did not lament the close of the regular season. In fact, Sounds Manager Frank Kremblas said it was a welcome opportunity to get some players at bats and some pitchers extra work. Included in that list was left-handed reliever Mitch Stetter, who had pitched a total of two innings in his last five appearances. Monday afternoon he collected one inning of work, surrendering four runs on three hits in the eighth to give Round Rock a 9-2 edge. "Even though he didn't have the results he would probably like, it was good for him to face some guys," Kremblas said. One player who welcomed the extra at bats was centerfielder Tony Gwynn, who needed every chance he got to reach his goal of a .300 average for the season. His single in the bottom of the ninth put him over the mark. Gwynn was 2-of-5 for the afternoon with one run scored. Shortstop Chris Barnwell also reached .300 with a single in the third. "I had to knock some rust off when I got sent back down (from the Brewers)," said Gwynn, who started the season hot, but had hit .264 in 22 games since returning to Nashville on Aug. 11. "But my mechanics are getting better and better at the plate. It is the perfect time as we head into the playoffs." Express left fielder Derek Nicholson had three RBI on the afternoon, including a two-run home run to left in the fourth inning that gave Round Rock a 5-0 lead. The Sounds scored two in the sixth when Drew Anderson hit his first career Triple-A home run, scoring Gwynn, and two more in the eighth off hits by Anderson and Dave Krynzel. But Round Rock had a four-run eighth and added one more in the ninth. What they said: "We just have to do the same thing we have been doing all year, go out, have some fun and see what happens.'' ? Kremblas on the upcoming playoffs. ***Link while active, text follows: tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....328/SPORTS Gwynn, Barnwell hit goal of .300 By JESSICA HOPP Tennessean Staff Writer At the beginning of the year, Tony Gwynn sat down with his father ? Tony Sr., a five-time Gold Glove winner with the San Diego Padres ? and set some goals. One of those was to hit .300 for the season. Mission accomplished. In his fifth and final at bat on Monday afternoon, Gwynn singled to right to boost his average over the coveted benchmark. He joined Chris Barnwell, who singled to left in the third inning putting the shortstop over .300, as well. "Barnwell and I had some work to do today," said Gwynn, who looked like he would miss out getting just one hit in his first four at bats. "He got his early so he got to come out of the game. I had to stay in, but man it feels good." It was the first time in his career Gwynn had finished at .300. His previous best average was .280, which he collected playing for Single-A Beloit in 2003. Barnwell finished over .300 for the second time in six seasons. He hit .307 while with Ogden in 2001 ? his first professional season. Beginning to end: Four Sounds players spent the entirety of the 2006 season on the active roster ? infielders Brent Abernathy and Jermaine Clark, outfielder Dave Krynzel and reliever Mitch Stetter. Infielder Zach Sorensen was also with the Sounds the entire season, but spent six weeks on the disabled list from April 14 to May 30. Season finales: The Sounds are 4-5 in season finales since joining the Pacific Coast League in 1998. Better than last year: For the season, the Sounds finished with a record of 76-68, topping the 2005 mark of 75-69. First at first: Krynzel made his first career appearance outside of the outfield on Monday when he started at first base. His only miscue at the unfamiliar position was midgame, when he allowed a Joe McEwing grounder to first slip past his glove, giving McEwing time to reach the base. The play was originally ruled an error, but was later changed to a base hit with both managers' consent. And speaking of errors: The Sounds concluded the regular season with a Pacific Coast League-best .982 fielding percentage. It is the highest single-season mark in club history, with the previous best coming in at .981 in 2004. For the year the Sounds committed 100 errors.

Link for Tony Gwynn photo while active, text follows: tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....328/SPORTS Nashville uses loss to prepare Work begins early for playoff games By JESSICA HOPP Tennessean Staff Writer If only for a day, the pressure was off. Win or lose, the Sounds were going to see Round Rock again on Wednesday night in the opening series of the Pacific Coast League postseason's American Conference finals. So despite the 10-4 loss to the Express in front of 5,165 fans at Greer Stadium on Monday afternoon, the Sounds did not lament the close of the regular season. In fact, Sounds Manager Frank Kremblas said it was a welcome opportunity to get some players at bats and some pitchers extra work. Included in that list was left-handed reliever Mitch Stetter, who had pitched a total of two innings in his last five appearances. Monday afternoon he collected one inning of work, surrendering four runs on three hits in the eighth to give Round Rock a 9-2 edge. "Even though he didn't have the results he would probably like, it was good for him to face some guys," Kremblas said. One player who welcomed the extra at bats was centerfielder Tony Gwynn, who needed every chance he got to reach his goal of a .300 average for the season. His single in the bottom of the ninth put him over the mark. Gwynn was 2-of-5 for the afternoon with one run scored. Shortstop Chris Barnwell also reached .300 with a single in the third. "I had to knock some rust off when I got sent back down (from the Brewers)," said Gwynn, who started the season hot, but had hit .264 in 22 games since returning to Nashville on Aug. 11. "But my mechanics are getting better and better at the plate. It is the perfect time as we head into the playoffs." Express left fielder Derek Nicholson had three RBI on the afternoon, including a two-run home run to left in the fourth inning that gave Round Rock a 5-0 lead. The Sounds scored two in the sixth when Drew Anderson hit his first career Triple-A home run, scoring Gwynn, and two more in the eighth off hits by Anderson and Dave Krynzel. But Round Rock had a four-run eighth and added one more in the ninth. What they said: "We just have to do the same thing we have been doing all year, go out, have some fun and see what happens.'' ? Kremblas on the upcoming playoffs. ***Link while active, text follows: tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....328/SPORTS Gwynn, Barnwell hit goal of .300 By JESSICA HOPP Tennessean Staff Writer At the beginning of the year, Tony Gwynn sat down with his father ? Tony Sr., a five-time Gold Glove winner with the San Diego Padres ? and set some goals. One of those was to hit .300 for the season. Mission accomplished. In his fifth and final at bat on Monday afternoon, Gwynn singled to right to boost his average over the coveted benchmark. He joined Chris Barnwell, who singled to left in the third inning putting the shortstop over .300, as well. "Barnwell and I had some work to do today," said Gwynn, who looked like he would miss out getting just one hit in his first four at bats. "He got his early so he got to come out of the game. I had to stay in, but man it feels good." It was the first time in his career Gwynn had finished at .300. His previous best average was .280, which he collected playing for Single-A Beloit in 2003. Barnwell finished over .300 for the second time in six seasons. He hit .307 while with Ogden in 2001 ? his first professional season. Beginning to end: Four Sounds players spent the entirety of the 2006 season on the active roster ? infielders Brent Abernathy and Jermaine Clark, outfielder Dave Krynzel and reliever Mitch Stetter. Infielder Zach Sorensen was also with the Sounds the entire season, but spent six weeks on the disabled list from April 14 to May 30. Season finales: The Sounds are 4-5 in season finales since joining the Pacific Coast League in 1998. Better than last year: For the season, the Sounds finished with a record of 76-68, topping the 2005 mark of 75-69. First at first: Krynzel made his first career appearance outside of the outfield on Monday when he started at first base. His only miscue at the unfamiliar position was midgame, when he allowed a Joe McEwing grounder to first slip past his glove, giving McEwing time to reach the base. The play was originally ruled an error, but was later changed to a base hit with both managers' consent. And speaking of errors: The Sounds concluded the regular season with a Pacific Coast League-best .982 fielding percentage. It is the highest single-season mark in club history, with the previous best coming in at .981 in 2004. For the year the Sounds committed 100 errors.

Link while active, text follows: www.nashvillecitypaper.co...s_id=51931 Sounds shift focus to playoff series By Nate Rau, Nashville City Paper Sports Correspondent The Sounds? Labor Day matinee against Round Rock at Greer Stadium was of literally no consequence to either team and it showed. Nashville, which clinched its second straight division championship Sunday night, and the Express already knew they would meet in this week?s Pacific Coast League playoffs, which begin Wednesday night at Greer. But the 144th and final regular season game meant a great deal to a pair of Sounds, who were looking to put the finishing touches on career seasons. Although Round Rock came away with the 10-4 win, the Sounds found silver lining in the form of Tony Gwynn and Chris Barnwell. The Nashville duo, who served as offensive catalysts all season, each collected enough hits Monday to finish the season with a .300 batting average. Hitting .300 was an especially big deal to Gwynn, who had never done it before and hit .271 in Double-A last season.. ?I worked hard this offseason,? said Gwynn, who is playing in his first season at the Triple-A level. ?The expectations that I came into the season wanting to do, [hitting .300] was definitely one of them.? Gwynn and Barnwell both surpassed any reasonable expectations the Milwaukee Brewers franchise had in them for this season. Barnwell, who has always been excellent defensive shortstop, batted .330 before earning a July call-up to Milwaukee. When he came back down, he was moved to second in the batting order and his average dipped to below .300 in August. Barnwell collected the necessary hit in his second at-bat, while Gwynn didn?t get his until the ninth inning. Both players finished hitting exactly .300. ?It?s nice, I?ve never done it in a full season,? Barnwell said. ?I?ve never hit higher than .246 in a full season. Hitting .299 really doesn?t matter, I knew I had to get a hit.? As for the game itself, the defending PCL champion Sounds (76-68) were rather indifferent. Outfielder Dave Krynzel got a start at first base, where he?s never played before, and committed an error. Three different pitchers were used as pinch-hitters, and Sounds batters were generally swinging at the first pitch every at-bat. The ho-hum attitude came because the team had clinched its playoff berth the night before. Starting pitcher Ben Hendrickson (9-8) gave up five earned runs on eight hits over four innings and the Sounds never threatened after that. Nashville manager Frank Kremblas said he wasn?t worried about surrendering momentum, even though his club will host Round Rock Wednesday night. ?I don?t think we gave [the game] to them,? Kremblas said. ?It?s not a thing where you?re giving them one. To me [the game] didn?t make any difference.? Drew Anderson supplied most of the Nashville offense, hitting a two-run homer in the sixth inning and notching three RBIs. Carlos Villanueva (7-1) will take the mound for Nashville in the all-important series opener on Wednesday.

Link while active, text follows: www.nashvillecitypaper.co...s_id=51931 Sounds shift focus to playoff series By Nate Rau, Nashville City Paper Sports Correspondent The Sounds? Labor Day matinee against Round Rock at Greer Stadium was of literally no consequence to either team and it showed. Nashville, which clinched its second straight division championship Sunday night, and the Express already knew they would meet in this week?s Pacific Coast League playoffs, which begin Wednesday night at Greer. But the 144th and final regular season game meant a great deal to a pair of Sounds, who were looking to put the finishing touches on career seasons. Although Round Rock came away with the 10-4 win, the Sounds found silver lining in the form of Tony Gwynn and Chris Barnwell. The Nashville duo, who served as offensive catalysts all season, each collected enough hits Monday to finish the season with a .300 batting average. Hitting .300 was an especially big deal to Gwynn, who had never done it before and hit .271 in Double-A last season.. ?I worked hard this offseason,? said Gwynn, who is playing in his first season at the Triple-A level. ?The expectations that I came into the season wanting to do, [hitting .300] was definitely one of them.? Gwynn and Barnwell both surpassed any reasonable expectations the Milwaukee Brewers franchise had in them for this season. Barnwell, who has always been excellent defensive shortstop, batted .330 before earning a July call-up to Milwaukee. When he came back down, he was moved to second in the batting order and his average dipped to below .300 in August. Barnwell collected the necessary hit in his second at-bat, while Gwynn didn?t get his until the ninth inning. Both players finished hitting exactly .300. ?It?s nice, I?ve never done it in a full season,? Barnwell said. ?I?ve never hit higher than .246 in a full season. Hitting .299 really doesn?t matter, I knew I had to get a hit.? As for the game itself, the defending PCL champion Sounds (76-68) were rather indifferent. Outfielder Dave Krynzel got a start at first base, where he?s never played before, and committed an error. Three different pitchers were used as pinch-hitters, and Sounds batters were generally swinging at the first pitch every at-bat. The ho-hum attitude came because the team had clinched its playoff berth the night before. Starting pitcher Ben Hendrickson (9-8) gave up five earned runs on eight hits over four innings and the Sounds never threatened after that. Nashville manager Frank Kremblas said he wasn?t worried about surrendering momentum, even though his club will host Round Rock Wednesday night. ?I don?t think we gave [the game] to them,? Kremblas said. ?It?s not a thing where you?re giving them one. To me [the game] didn?t make any difference.? Drew Anderson supplied most of the Nashville offense, hitting a two-run homer in the sixth inning and notching three RBIs. Carlos Villanueva (7-1) will take the mound for Nashville in the all-important series opener on Wednesday.

Charleston Daily Mail: Power season closes with cancellation HICKORY, N.C. -- No tarp? No kidding. Wet grounds canceled the West Virginia Power's South Atlantic League baseball season finale at L.P. Frans Stadium here Monday afternoon. An unexpected rain shower passed through Hickory in the wee hours Monday. The tarp was not on the field, which was deemed unplayable. So, the Power got on the bus back to Charleston and will begin scattering to their homes today. When Lake County fell to Northern Division second-half champ Lakewood, the Captains fell from a second-place tie with the Power (35-32). West Virginia finished second in both SAL half-seasons. The Power was 39-30 in the first half, and became only the sixth Charleston low Class A club in 20 years to post a winning record in both halves (1991-93, ?97, 2004 and 2006). Lorenzo Cain finished the season with a .307 batting average (third in the SAL batting race), and was the league leader in hits with 162. Right-hander Will Inman was the South Atlantic League's leader in ERA at 1.71. West Virginia also finishes the season with an SAL-leading .277 batting average, a club record in the 20 Class A seasons. Several franchise records fell in the 2006 season as well. An attendance record was set (239,721) despite six rainouts. Cain set the franchise record in hits with 162, while outfielder Darren Ford set club stolen base record with 69. Inman's ERA was also a club record. Lakewood, Lexington, Rome and Augusta advanced to the SAL playoffs, opening Wednesday.

Charleston Daily Mail: Power season closes with cancellation HICKORY, N.C. -- No tarp? No kidding. Wet grounds canceled the West Virginia Power's South Atlantic League baseball season finale at L.P. Frans Stadium here Monday afternoon. An unexpected rain shower passed through Hickory in the wee hours Monday. The tarp was not on the field, which was deemed unplayable. So, the Power got on the bus back to Charleston and will begin scattering to their homes today. When Lake County fell to Northern Division second-half champ Lakewood, the Captains fell from a second-place tie with the Power (35-32). West Virginia finished second in both SAL half-seasons. The Power was 39-30 in the first half, and became only the sixth Charleston low Class A club in 20 years to post a winning record in both halves (1991-93, ?97, 2004 and 2006). Lorenzo Cain finished the season with a .307 batting average (third in the SAL batting race), and was the league leader in hits with 162. Right-hander Will Inman was the South Atlantic League's leader in ERA at 1.71. West Virginia also finishes the season with an SAL-leading .277 batting average, a club record in the 20 Class A seasons. Several franchise records fell in the 2006 season as well. An attendance record was set (239,721) despite six rainouts. Cain set the franchise record in hits with 162, while outfielder Darren Ford set club stolen base record with 69. Inman's ERA was also a club record. Lakewood, Lexington, Rome and Augusta advanced to the SAL playoffs, opening Wednesday.