Jim Goulart

Demaria and Zumwalt blew that Nashville save within seconds of Vinny Rottino's Brewer debut (unfortunately, a strikeout to end the Milwaukee game). I had dueling media PC platforms bringing me both moments simultaneously in painful fashion. Meanwhile, Huntsville 5, Birmingham 4, in the bottom of the 8th. Six more outs, and the Stars are division champs, but as the Sounds found out tonight, we'll see. The Stars have missed golden chances to expand that slim lead here in the late innings, stranding 13 through eight.

Demaria and Zumwalt blew that Nashville save within seconds of Vinny Rottino's Brewer debut (unfortunately, a strikeout to end the Milwaukee game). I had dueling media PC platforms bringing me both moments simultaneously in painful fashion. Meanwhile, Huntsville 5, Birmingham 4, in the bottom of the 8th. Six more outs, and the Stars are division champs, but as the Sounds found out tonight, we'll see. The Stars have missed golden chances to expand that slim lead here in the late innings, stranding 13 through eight.

That's what we get for inviting you to listen, And That -- after seven perfect innings, Carlos Villanueva surrenders a single and home run to lead off the 8th -- it's 5-2, Sounds lead.

That's what we get for inviting you to listen, And That -- after seven perfect innings, Carlos Villanueva surrenders a single and home run to lead off the 8th -- it's 5-2, Sounds lead.

In progress: Nashville 1, Round Rock (Astros) 0, bottom of the 6th in Nashville Uh, believe me when I say you may wish to switch over to this audio after checking the current box score -- that is all...

In progress: Nashville 1, Round Rock (Astros) 0, bottom of the 6th in Nashville Uh, believe me when I say you may wish to switch over to this audio after checking the current box score -- that is all...

In progress: West Virginia 10, Hickory (Pirates) 1, bottom of the 6th Lorenzo Cain with a huge night, just obliterating that West Virginia season hit record that he's already broken, 4-for-4 with three doubles thus far; Michael Bell also 4-for-4 and Michael Brantley 3-for-4, with more at-bats to come; Aussie lefty David Welch, coming off an awesome August, strikes out nine (9!) in five sterling innings. By the way, if rumors are true and the Power management is seeking the Pirates affiliation (that would be one of the few justifiable reasons to say goodbye to the Brewers), then it's possible the Brewers could end up in Hickory, the Pirates' current affiliate and Power opponent tonight.

In progress: West Virginia 10, Hickory (Pirates) 1, bottom of the 6th Lorenzo Cain with a huge night, just obliterating that West Virginia season hit record that he's already broken, 4-for-4 with three doubles thus far; Michael Bell also 4-for-4 and Michael Brantley 3-for-4, with more at-bats to come; Aussie lefty David Welch, coming off an awesome August, strikes out nine (9!) in five sterling innings. By the way, if rumors are true and the Power management is seeking the Pirates affiliation (that would be one of the few justifiable reasons to say goodbye to the Brewers), then it's possible the Brewers could end up in Hickory, the Pirates' current affiliate and Power opponent tonight.

Must admit I've made the conscious decision to listen to Brett Pollock's call in Birmingham tonight, and haven't peeked in on the big league club at all. That's pretty extreme, even for a minor league fan like myself, but I just need a night off from the big boys. Brett has mentioned that in ten years of calling minor league action, he's only seen the postseason once before. Stars still up, 2-0, bottom of the 4th -- hopefully a celebratory game-ending call tonight. We'll have to ask Jim Powell if he saw the playoffs in his minor league days. If not, his streak of broadcast futility is even longer than we think.

Must admit I've made the conscious decision to listen to Brett Pollock's call in Birmingham tonight, and haven't peeked in on the big league club at all. That's pretty extreme, even for a minor league fan like myself, but I just need a night off from the big boys. Brett has mentioned that in ten years of calling minor league action, he's only seen the postseason once before. Stars still up, 2-0, bottom of the 4th -- hopefully a celebratory game-ending call tonight. We'll have to ask Jim Powell if he saw the playoffs in his minor league days. If not, his streak of broadcast futility is even longer than we think.

Let me be the first to congratulate Ryan! Linkage: Ryan Braun added to 40-man roster

Oh yeah, that investment in Manatee merchandise is now a must. My kid will like that http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

Wow, the four-year commitment to the Florida State League is a surprise -- the Brewers must love the Space Coast Stadium facilities, and apparently the Nationals are happy with their high-A arrangement, and aren't interested in making their spring training home their high-A entry. I believe there's still time for West Virginia -- but the fact nothing was announced today is not a good sign -- that'd be a disappointment. Manatee GM Buck Rogers is hopeful of getting an audio deal for 2007 and beyond (hey, some affiliates do internet only -- that'd be OK), so we can hope for that. Old friends in Huntsville and Helena -- nothing wrong with that.

Link, text follows: milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com...p;c_id=mil Brewers extend relationship with three Minor League affiliates MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Brewers announced today the extension of player development contracts with three of the club's minor league affiliates. The Brewers Double-A affiliate, the Huntsville Stars, signed a two-year extension running through September 30, 2008; Class-A Brevard County Manatees signed a four-year extension running through September 30, 2010 and the Brewers Rookie affiliate, the Helena Brewers, signed a two-year extension running through September 30, 2008. "We are very excited to extend the relationship we have with these three clubs," said Brewers Executive Vice President and General Manager, Doug Melvin. "Huntsville, Brevard County and Helena have all provided the critical resources and environment needed to continue developing and preparing our young players for our organization." Huntsville has been a Brewers affiliate since the 1999 season and is a member of the Southern League. The Stars play at Joe W. Davis Stadium in Huntsville, Ala. Brevard County is currently in its second season as a Brewers affiliate and is a member of the Florida State League. The Manatees play at Space Coast Stadium in Melbourne, Fla. The Helena Brewers have been an affiliate since the 2003 season and play in the Pioneer League. Helena-which also had an affiliation with the Brewers from 1985 - 2000, plays its home games at Kindrick Field in Helena, Mont. In July of this year, the Brewers announced an extension of its player development contract with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds of the Pacific Coast League through the 2010 season.

Thanks for the heads up, the thread you refer to is just a bit lower on this page -- I'll bump it up with your update, and close this one.

Spoiler motivation for the Manatees from their GM, Buck Rogers: To the FSL Playoff picture...The Cubs trail first place Palm Beach by one game, but, because of all the rain outs Palm Beach has played two less games, the Cardinals are slightly ahead in percentage points. The Cubs need to have one less loss than the Cardinals down the stretch if they want to win the division; e.g., if the Cardinals go 2-1 in the final three games, Daytona will have to win all four over the Manatees. If the Cardinals win all three remaining games, the Cubs season is over. Very simply put, the Cardinals control their own destiny, the Cubs need help. It gets better for the Cardinals...they play Jupiter at Roger Dean Stadium and it doesn't matter who the home team is, they're both playing on their home field a la the New York Jets and the New York Giants in the NFL. The Cubs have one remaining home game (tonight) and then head into Space Coast Stadium for a DH tomorrow and Sunday's noontime game, in what could be the deciding game for post-season play. Last season the situation was reversed and the Manatees headed into Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona needing to win one game. It was those same Cubs that ended our playoff chances. Nothing says payback like a home DH with fireworks tomorrow with the Cubs rolling into town.

Spoiler motivation for the Manatees from their GM, Buck Rogers: To the FSL Playoff picture...The Cubs trail first place Palm Beach by one game, but, because of all the rain outs Palm Beach has played two less games, the Cardinals are slightly ahead in percentage points. The Cubs need to have one less loss than the Cardinals down the stretch if they want to win the division; e.g., if the Cardinals go 2-1 in the final three games, Daytona will have to win all four over the Manatees. If the Cardinals win all three remaining games, the Cubs season is over. Very simply put, the Cardinals control their own destiny, the Cubs need help. It gets better for the Cardinals...they play Jupiter at Roger Dean Stadium and it doesn't matter who the home team is, they're both playing on their home field a la the New York Jets and the New York Giants in the NFL. The Cubs have one remaining home game (tonight) and then head into Space Coast Stadium for a DH tomorrow and Sunday's noontime game, in what could be the deciding game for post-season play. Last season the situation was reversed and the Manatees headed into Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona needing to win one game. It was those same Cubs that ended our playoff chances. Nothing says payback like a home DH with fireworks tomorrow with the Cubs rolling into town.

Standings through Thursday's action: Pacific Coast League (AAA) - American North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Nashville 75 65 .536 - 41-27 34-38 L1[/b] Iowa 72 68 .514 3.0 43-28 29-40 L1 Memphis 57 83 .407 18.0 34-39 23-44 W2 Omaha 53 87 .379 22.0 31-37 22-50 W1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southern League (AA) - North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Huntsville 39 25 .609 - 21-12 18-13 W8[/b] Chattanooga 36 30 .545 4.0 20-15 16-15 W1 Tennessee 35 31 .530 5.0 18-13 17-18 L2 West Tenn 29 37 .439 11.0 19-12 10-25 L9 Carolina 27 38 .415 12.5 19-11 8-27 W1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Florida State League (A+) - East Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Palm Beach 35 27 .565 - 19-11 16-16 W1 Daytona 35 29 .547 1.0 24-14 11-15 L2 St. Lucie 35 30 .538 1.5 18-15 17-15 W1 [b]Brevard County 27 33 .450 7.0 13-13 14-20 W4[/b] Vero Beach 23 36 .390 10.5 14-16 9-20 W2 Jupiter 22 41 .349 13.5 12-20 10-21 L3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- South Atlantic League (A) - Northern Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lakewood 45 21 .682 - 24-7 21-14 W1 [b]West Virginia 34 30 .531 10.0 21-12 13-18 L1[/b] Lake County 33 31 .516 11.0 17-16 16-15 W1 Greensboro 32 31 .508 11.5 16-18 16-13 W1 Hickory 32 33 .492 12.5 15-19 17-14 L1 Delmarva 27 38 .415 17.5 17-16 10-22 L1 Lexington 27 38 .415 17.5 17-14 10-24 W1 Hagerstown 26 40 .394 19.0 14-19 12-21 L1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pioneer League (R+) - North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Billings 22 9 .710 - 12-2 10-7 W3 Missoula 19 12 .613 3.0 12-5 7-7 W2 [b]Helena 18 13 .581 4.0 11-6 7-7 W5[/b] Great Falls 8 23 .258 14.0 6-8 2-15 L2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Thursday's action: Pacific Coast League (AAA) - American North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Nashville 75 65 .536 - 41-27 34-38 L1[/b] Iowa 72 68 .514 3.0 43-28 29-40 L1 Memphis 57 83 .407 18.0 34-39 23-44 W2 Omaha 53 87 .379 22.0 31-37 22-50 W1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southern League (AA) - North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Huntsville 39 25 .609 - 21-12 18-13 W8[/b] Chattanooga 36 30 .545 4.0 20-15 16-15 W1 Tennessee 35 31 .530 5.0 18-13 17-18 L2 West Tenn 29 37 .439 11.0 19-12 10-25 L9 Carolina 27 38 .415 12.5 19-11 8-27 W1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Florida State League (A+) - East Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Palm Beach 35 27 .565 - 19-11 16-16 W1 Daytona 35 29 .547 1.0 24-14 11-15 L2 St. Lucie 35 30 .538 1.5 18-15 17-15 W1 [b]Brevard County 27 33 .450 7.0 13-13 14-20 W4[/b] Vero Beach 23 36 .390 10.5 14-16 9-20 W2 Jupiter 22 41 .349 13.5 12-20 10-21 L3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- South Atlantic League (A) - Northern Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lakewood 45 21 .682 - 24-7 21-14 W1 [b]West Virginia 34 30 .531 10.0 21-12 13-18 L1[/b] Lake County 33 31 .516 11.0 17-16 16-15 W1 Greensboro 32 31 .508 11.5 16-18 16-13 W1 Hickory 32 33 .492 12.5 15-19 17-14 L1 Delmarva 27 38 .415 17.5 17-16 10-22 L1 Lexington 27 38 .415 17.5 17-14 10-24 W1 Hagerstown 26 40 .394 19.0 14-19 12-21 L1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pioneer League (R+) - North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Billings 22 9 .710 - 12-2 10-7 W3 Missoula 19 12 .613 3.0 12-5 7-7 W2 [b]Helena 18 13 .581 4.0 11-6 7-7 W5[/b] Great Falls 8 23 .258 14.0 6-8 2-15 L2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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]

This link will be included in each daily report when the Nashville Sounds and/or Huntsville Stars are scheduled to play. Normally it is updated an hour or two prior to gametime: Nashville Media Notes (Adobe .pdf format): www.nashvillesounds.com/pdf/notes.pdf Following Nashville's lead, Huntsville now makes its media notes available as well, nice: www.huntsvillestars.com/i...eNotes.pdf NOTE: Huntsville notes haven't been updated as of this post since 8/24...

This link will be included in each daily report when the Nashville Sounds and/or Huntsville Stars are scheduled to play. Normally it is updated an hour or two prior to gametime: Nashville Media Notes (Adobe .pdf format): www.nashvillesounds.com/pdf/notes.pdf Following Nashville's lead, Huntsville now makes its media notes available as well, nice: www.huntsvillestars.com/i...eNotes.pdf NOTE: Huntsville notes haven't been updated as of this post since 8/24...

Follow Friday's action as it happens: Here's what you do, right click on each of the links below and choose "Open in New Window". Open the Nashville Gameday. For the others, 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. Nashville: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...a_nasaaa_1 Huntsville: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...x_biraax_1 Brevard County: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...a_dbcafa_1 West Virginia: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...x_hicafx_1 Helena: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...k_bilrok_1

Follow Friday's action as it happens: Here's what you do, right click on each of the links below and choose "Open in New Window". Open the Nashville Gameday. For the others, 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. Nashville: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...a_nasaaa_1 Huntsville: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...x_biraax_1 Brevard County: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...a_dbcafa_1 West Virginia: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...x_hicafx_1 Helena: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...k_bilrok_1

Friday's Daily Menu: TGIF! Happy and safe Labor Day weekend to all! All times Central; pitchers subject to change -- Nashville: RHP Carlos Villanueva at home vs. Round Rock (Astros), 7:00 PM pre-game; 6:40 gametime Audio link: www.nashvillesounds.com/listenlive/ Huntsville: RHP Corey Thurman at Birmingham (White Sox), 6:50 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime Audio link: www.espn1450radio.com/ Brevard County: LHP Derek Miller at Daytona (Cubs), 6:05 PM Audio link (opponent's) -- www.daytonacubs.com/ West Virginia: LHP Dave Welch at Hickory (Pirates), 5:50 PM pre-game, 6:00 gametime Audio link: www.sportsjuice.com/provi...e=wvpower. Helena: RHP Chris Jean at Billings (Reds), 7:50 PM pre-game; 8:05 gametime Audio (click on "Listen Live"): www.helenabrewers.net/html2/index.php Arizona: Season completed

Friday's Daily Menu: TGIF! Happy and safe Labor Day weekend to all! All times Central; pitchers subject to change -- Nashville: RHP Carlos Villanueva at home vs. Round Rock (Astros), 7:00 PM pre-game; 6:40 gametime Audio link: www.nashvillesounds.com/listenlive/ Huntsville: RHP Corey Thurman at Birmingham (White Sox), 6:50 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime Audio link: www.espn1450radio.com/ Brevard County: LHP Derek Miller at Daytona (Cubs), 6:05 PM Audio link (opponent's) -- www.daytonacubs.com/ West Virginia: LHP Dave Welch at Hickory (Pirates), 5:50 PM pre-game, 6:00 gametime Audio link: www.sportsjuice.com/provi...e=wvpower. Helena: RHP Chris Jean at Billings (Reds), 7:50 PM pre-game; 8:05 gametime Audio (click on "Listen Live"): www.helenabrewers.net/html2/index.php Arizona: Season completed