Jim Goulart

Final: Arizona Athletics 6, Arizona Brewers 0 Arizona Brewer Box Score and Game Log: Brewers have eight hits and nine walks and don't score, strand 18! That has to be a record for most stranded while getting shut out. Bases left loaded in the 5th, the 6th, and the 8th (none were out in the 8th). In Tomo Ohka's rough third inning, two of the outs came on the basepaths. Rookie A's went up hacking against Ohka, no K's, no walks... www.minorleaguebaseball.c...k_brrrok_1

Congrats to LH reliever Craig Breslow, on the AAA All-Star team for the International League Wednesday, and had his contract purchased by the Red Sox today and was added to the 40-man roster. Breslow remains the only Brewer farmhand in many years who was released by the organization at a lower level (High Desert, 2004), and fought his way to the major leagues elsewhere (San Diego, 2005). Breslow, the native New Englander, was interviewed during the Red Sox pre-game show Thursday night, some of you with the MLB.com audio package may want to check that out.

Link while active, text follows: www.sptimes.com/2006/07/1...e_th.shtml Clothes don't make the Class A pitcher Central grad Patrick Ryan's comfort zone is on the mound, chasing a spot in the majors, not slaving away in a retail store DAVID MURPHY St. Petersburg (FL) Times Patrick Ryan had a real job once. At Aeropostale this past offseason. Problem is, Aeropostale is a clothing store, not a baseball diamond. The hours are earlier. The workplace isn't outside. And unless you've got a thing for folding pants, the competitive juices are rarely flowing. "It was brutal," said Ryan, a former Central standout who is now a pitcher in the Milwaukee Brewers organization. "I never want a real job." He just might be able to pull it off. So far this season, Ryan has been one of the biggest surprises on the West Virginia Power, a Class A affiliate of the Brewers. He is the team's go-to middle reliever, and through Tuesday was 5-1 with a 1.60 ERA in 25 appearances. Though there is no telling when - or if - he will get his next minor league promotion (the Brewers high-Class A team plays in Brevard), Ryan certainly hasn't hurt his cause this year. "He's demonstrated here that he can pitch in this league and with a few more refinements he can easily make it to Brevard," Power pitching coach John Curtis said. That's pretty impressive, considering Ryan originally wasn't even supposed to be playing Class A ball this season. Selected in the 19th round of last June's draft, he played 17 games in 2005 with the Brewers' rookie league team in Helena, Mon. His numbers were respectable - 0-0 with a 3.15 ERA - but when spring training broke this year, he was slated to spend another season in Helena. At the last minute, though, Power manager Mike Guerrero decided he needed another pitcher, and Ryan was the choice. "It was kind of a 13th-hour decision," Curtis said. And it has worked out for both parties. Ryan, who said he arrived in Helena last year wearing shorts and flip-flops only to find it was 40 degrees and raining, is enjoying life in Charleston, W.V., where the Power plays its home games. He's engaged to his college sweetheart, and he's taking advantage of every opportunity he gets. For those who knew Ryan in high school, none of it comes as a surprise. Mike Ellison, who was an assistant coach at Central during Ryan's career there, remembers the list of goals the pitcher used to keep in his wallet during college. "Of all the kids I have ever coached, he is probably the most motivated," Ellison said. Former Central coach Gary Buel remembers the first time the "portly little smart-a--" named Patrick Ryan walked onto his baseball field as a freshman. He had awful mechanics, Buel said, and was in horrible shape. But he had determination. One day, Ellison and a few pitchers were working in the bullpen when Ryan announced he was going to play professional baseball. "We all got a little chuckle out of it," Ellison said. "But he was serious." After his senior year at Central, Ryan attended junior college because "nobody wanted me." He eventually landed at Embry-Riddle, where he underwent a physical transformation, dropping from 228 to 195 pounds and revamping both his diet and workout routine. As a senior he helped Embry-Riddle reach the NAIA World Series, and in June was drafted by the Brewers. Now, he is waiting to see where the next step will take him. Ryan said he has no idea what lies in his future. Though the velocity of his fastball is below average, Curtis said Ryan has movement on the pitch that is reminiscent of Yankees closer Mariano Rivera's famed cutter. Still, the development of prospects is a finicky business, one that no player will ever completely figure out. So many factors, from a team's strengths and weaknesses to its depth to its health, are involved in the decision-making process that it is best to ignore it completely. "If you start worrying about that stuff, your mind isn't in the right place," Ryan said. Besides, as long as he isn't folding clothes, life can't be too bad.

Follow Thursday's action as it happens: Here's what you do, right click on each of the links 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. Nashville: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...a_nasaaa_1 Huntsville: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...x_hunaax_1 Brevard County: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...a_sluafa_1 West Virginia: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...x_lwdafx_1 Helena: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...k_ogdrok_1

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

Thanks, bork, for kicking things off today. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif The rest of Thursday's Daily Menu: All times Central; pitchers subject to change -- Nashville: RHP Jared Fernandez at home vs. Memphis (Cardinals), 6:40 PM pre-game, 7:00 gametime Audio link: www.nashvillesounds.com/listenlive/ Huntsville: Rehabbing LHP Jorge de la Rosa at home vs. Mississippi (Braves), 6:50 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime Audio link: www.espn1450radio.com/ Brevard County: TBD at St. Lucie (Mets), 6:00 gametime; sorry, no audio for this series West Virginia: RHP Matt Kretzschmar at Lakewood (Phillies), 5:55 AM pre-game, 6:05 gametime Audio link: www.sportsjuice.com/provi...e=wvpower. Helena: TBD at Ogden (Dodgers), 7:45 PM pre-game; 8:00 gametime Audio (click on "Listen Live"): www.helenabrewers.net/html2/index.php

Link while active, text follows: www.pressofatlanticcity.c...1093c.html N.J. homecoming Class-A outfielder from Vineland plays in front of family in Lakewood By SUSAN LULGJURAJ, Atlantic City Press Staff Writer LAKEWOOD ? Darren Ford raced to the outfield wall. He had both eyes locked on the ball that flew off the bat of Lakewood BlueClaws John Urick. With a loud thump, the West Virginia Power center fielder ran into the advertisement-filled wall at First Energy Park and barely missed the ball. His mother, Carla Ford, jumped to the edge of her chair. ?Are you all right, baby?? she yelled from nearly 300 feet away. It didn't matter that Ford couldn't hear her. Carla, along with the 10 other family and friends, were worried about their star. ?If I could, I would be on the field right now running over to him,? Carla said. ?Even though he's not going to tell me if anything is wrong, but I talk to him everyday and I know when something is the matter.? Ford, a Vineland High School graduate, walked off the field at the end of the half inning and gave his mother sitting five rows behind the visiting dugout a reassuring look even though he did hurt his back on the play. It's just part of the job of a mother of a minor-league baseball player. Along with unwavering support, an ear to complain to and, when possible, a home-cooked meal. ?It doesn't matter where he is,? said his mother, who also blows kisses to her son as he rounds the bases. ?I'll be there.? Ford was promoted to the leadoff hitter of West Virginia this year, the single-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. Ford, an 18th-round pick in 2004, has the type of speed and defense for a center fielder that clubs salivate over, the only problem was he didn't have the bat to match. After 25 games with the Power, the 6-foot-1, 195-pound Ford had a .273 on-base percentage. For a leadoff hitter that was drastically low. ?Early in the year I was trying to get on base and not being patient enough,? Ford said. ?We tinkered with my stance a bit, started with my hands lower. Every player is going to have on and off days. You just have to learn how to overcome the off days.? Since then, Ford raised his OBP 61 points to .334. While he is currently mired in a 7-for-40 slump, which has dropped his average to .260, he is still getting on base via the walk. Once he's there, he changes to the tempo of the game and becomes a serious threat with his 38 stolen bases, which is fourth-best in the South Atlantic League. ?That's one thing you need to be a leadoff hitter, great speed,? said West Virginia manager Mike Guerrero. ?He's learning the strike zone and getting on base. He's becoming a good leadoff hitter with knowledge.? But even though his average isn't where he would like it, Ford is still putting up respectable numbers. He has 54 runs, which is tied for first on the team with roommate Lorenzo Cain and 10th in the league, 33 RBIs, 15 doubles, two triples and a homer. ?On this level you try to help the players out to make adjustments. You want to make them better not just for this level, but for the big league level if they get there,? Guerrero said. ?All the guys here are like diamonds that you are trying to polish.? While Ford is playing Lakewood this week, he is relishing the opportunity to play in New Jersey. Besides saving cellular phone minutes by having his family on hand, he has never gotten the chance to play in his home state on the professional level. However, the best part about being close to home is the time he spends with his family, especially his sisters Janine, 24, and Marianna, 15. Though his mother and friends visit Ford once a month, many times his sisters can't make the trip. But more than that he's worried about not being able to watch over them. ?It's hard because I want to know what they are doing at all times,? Ford said. ?I have to be a big brother and look out for them, but they know too every time I go away I have to go for baseball. I have to do something about my life.?

Link while active, text follows: tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....328/SPORTS Triple-A All-Star Game no showcase for Sounds International League stars blank PCL By MAURICE PATTON Tennessean Staff Writer TOLEDO, Ohio ? The Sounds were pretty quiet Wednesday night ? but then, so were most of their Pacific Coast League all-star teammates. Nashville outfielders Tony Gwynn and Nelson Cruz were hitless in seven combined at-bats, as International League pitchers allowed just two hits in a 6-0 win in the Triple-A All-Star Game before a crowd of 11,300 at Fifth Third Field. "I'd like to have gotten some hits, but you already know what you're getting into in an all-star game," Gwynn said after three groundouts and a strikeout. "Your adrenaline is higher than normal, and (the pitchers) have got the advantage because you've not seen them. "I didn't get any hits, but I had fun. That was the main point, to have fun, and I think we did that." It wasn't as if Gwynn and Cruz were the only PCL players not hitting. Portland's Justin Leone broke up the IL's attempt at a combined no-hitter with his fifth-inning double. Las Vegas' James Loney had the team's only other hit, a two-out single in the eighth. "You try to compete and win games, but that doesn't always happen. The point is to have fun," said Cruz, who flew out three times to center field. "I had a little of an uppercut (in my swing) from the home run derby. I've got to work to get my swing back." Nashville pitcher Ben Hendrickson said he threw "one bad pitch" in his two innings, a high changeup that Durham's Kevin Witt deposited over the right-field fence for a two-run home run in a three-run third inning. "I left it up, and he did what he's supposed to do," he said. "Instead of throwing it, I guided it. If I throw it at the knees, he rolls over it for a groundball out." Hendrickson took the loss, allowing three runs (none earned) in two innings on three hits with a pair of strikeouts. Gwynn had one of the top defensive plays, ranging far into the right-centerfield gap to make a running catch at the wall on a drive by Richmond's Carlos Mendez in the eighth. ?It?s not the big league all-star game, but it was pretty exciting.? ? Gwynn. ***Link while active, text follows: tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....328/SPORTS PCL stars needed Rivera By MAURICE PATTON Tennessean Staff Writer TOLEDO, Ohio ? There may have been some foreshadowing going on when former Nashville Sounds catcher Mike Rivera discussed his first half of the 2006 season last week. "I don't look at having a good situation to get called up; I look at having a good situation to be an everyday player. I just want to be an everyday player, try to get my at-bats and play every day so I can get more experience whenever I get the call," Rivera said ? just days before the Milwaukee Brewers purchased his contract and brought him back to the majors for the first time since '03. Before the callup, Rivera was slated to start for the Pacific Coast League in Wednesday night's Triple-A All-Star Game. At the time of his departure, he was hitting .297 with 10 homers and 46 RBIS. "I think I'm more mature, mentally," he said of his improvement since being released by the Tigers near the end of spring training last year ? a move that resulted in a short stay in the Atlantic League before he was signed to a minor league contract by the Brewers and assigned to Nashville last May. "Before, offensively, I was more of a hacker, trying to just hit homers. Now I'm trying to make a compact swing and make contact." Go west: Next year's Triple-A All-Star Game will be held in Albuquerque, at Isotopes Park, which opened in 2003. Toledo's Fifth Third Field opened in 2002. Last year's game was held at Sacramento's Raley Field, which debuted in 2000. "I think the queue right now is four to six years," said Sounds General Manager Glenn Yaeger, mindful of the new park expected in Nashville in 2008. "When we get it, we'll certainly be in line." Local connection: Charlotte reliever and former Brewer farmhand Jeff Farnsworth lists his hometown as Franklin, but admits he hasn't spent a lot of time in the Midstate. "My parents live there; I just kinda run through and say 'hi'," said Farnsworth, one of the International League's save leaders with 14. "They moved there a couple of years ago." He was born in Wichita, Kan., attended high school in Texas and played college ball in Florida. 'Pacman' packing: Tacoma outfielder Adam Jones, the youngest player on either of Wednesday's rosters ? he doesn't turn 21 until Aug. 1 ? was held out of the game and will joins Seattle today. Jones, who's hitting .277 with 14 homers and 55 RBIs for the Rainiers, was the recipient of a number of Pacman references during his team's mid-May visit to Greer Stadium, since he shares his given name with the Tennessee Titans cornerback/returner. "My teammates do the same thing," Jones said. Bricktown Showdown set: After a five-year absence, there will be a Triple-A championship at the end of this season. The winners of the International League and the PCL will meet at Oklahoma City's AT&T Bricktown Ballpark for one game on Sept. 19. The game will be televised on ESPN2. "There could be no better venue for Triple-A baseball to showcase its championship game," PCL President Branch Rickey III said. "While at this time, the game itself has been approved by Major League Baseball for only one year, we look forward to the event continuing indefinitely and AT&T Bricktown Ballpark being a permanent home." In a similar fashion to the Major League All-Star Game, the winner of Wednesday's Triple-A All-Star Game will be designated the home team for the Bricktown Showdown. "Oklahoma City has a history of hosting neutral events, and the attendance has been very strong," said John Allgood, executive director of the Oklahoma RedHawks. "We're excited about the game, regardless of who participates in it." From 1998-2000, the Triple-A World Series was played under a best-of-5 format in Las Vegas. Sounds loud: Rivera was slated to be part of the largest Nashville player contingent ever in the Triple-A All-Star Game. As it was, outfielders Nelson Cruz and Tony Gwynn both started and pitcher Ben Hendrickson was first out of the bullpen for the PCL, matching the three players sent to the contest by the Sounds on two other occasions. In 1994, when the game was held at Greer Stadium, designated hitter Drew Denson, second baseman Ray Durham and pitcher Steve Schrenk each played on the team of American League affiliates that lost an 8-5 decision to the National League affiliates. In 2001 at Indianapolis, outfielder Tike Redman, infielder Luis Figueroa and pitcher Don Wengert were on the PCL team that beat the International League 9-5. AAA All-Star Game Box Score and Game Log Link: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...a_ilaaaa_1

Link while active, text follows: www.al.com/sports/huntsvi...amp;coll=1 Hammond goes distance for Stars Pitcher throws complete-game, two-hit shutout By BRAD SHEPARD For The Huntsville Times By the bottom of the sixth inning, there was plenty of drama left in Joe Davis Stadium. But none of it had to do with who was going to win. Already staked to a nine-run lead, Stars pitcher Steve Hammond was 16 outs into his bid to become the first Huntsville pitcher since Tanyon Sturtze on June 13, 1993, to toss a no-hitter. He still had a long way to go against the hapless Mississippi Braves. But the start was enough to have the idea of a no-no to begin creeping into the minds of the 1,237 fans until Josh Burrus ripped a solid single to center to break it up. A smattering of inspired applause followed for Hammond, capping a night of plenty cheer-worthy moments for Stars fans in an 11-0 cakewalk. "I'm not real sure if I was thinking about it or not," said Hammond, who wound up allowing two hits. "I think I was. "Obviously, when you get results like that, everything is working." Several patrons sported Jeff Francoeur jerseys Wednesday night, and Atlanta's Double-A affiliate could have used its most famous alumnus, plus a whole lot more, against Hammond. Huntsville's offense - still sizzling from the five-game series at Birmingham before the all-star break - scored four first-inning runs and never let up. In winning three of five games against the Barons last week, the Stars averaged seven runs per game. They more than kept the momentum going as every starter got a hit Wednesday. They hope it's a trend rather than a temporary treat. "When you're winning, the clubhouse is more relaxed and everybody's having fun," said catcher Lou Palmisano, who went 4-for-5 with a run scored. "It's great to be in here messing around and not sitting at your locker thinking about just getting beat." The fire shown by the Stars didn't stop with a nine-run lead, though. After a routine line-drive up the middle, Ryan Braun never stopped going around first and wound up with a surprise double in the fifth, a sign of refusing to let up on a struggling opponent. "That's what we tell the guys," Stars manager Don Money said. "That's not taking advantage of the other team, either. That's just a hustle double." Callix Crabbe finished 3-for-3 with a run scored and a pair of RBIs, and Drew Anderson also had a pair of hits in the rout. Everyone but Braun scored. And Hammond continued peppering the mitt with perfect pitches. He entered with a lineup-card-thin 1.06 earned run average, and he lowered it to 0.77. Hammond now has given up just two earned runs in 26 innings. It's almost like a friendly tug-of-war between he and fellow newcomer Yovani Gallardo on who's going to be the Stars' new ace. "It seems like every time I go out and pitch well, he goes out and tries to top me," Hammond said with a smile. "There's nothing said, but I guess it's a little competition." That's more than OK with Palmisano. "When it's like this," the Stars' catcher said, "it's to a point where you feel like you can throw down anything."

Wednesday's Helena KCAP Pre-Game Audio Chat with LHP Brandon Parillo (Select date for July 12th, skip to the 13:00 minute mark): www.minorleaguebaseball.c.../audio.jsp

Q & A Feature with Nashville Pitching Coach Stan Kyles from MLB.com: brewers.mlb.com/NASApp/ml...;fext=.jsp

West Virginia Site Game Summary: Losses to first-place team placing the Power in a big division race hole... MALONEY SHUTS POWER DOWN Lakewood left hander Matt Maloney shut the Power offense down on Wednesday morning at First Energy Park, allowing only one run on three hits in seven innings of work as the Lakewood BlueClaws defeated the Power 4-1. Avelino Asprilla hit a solo home run off of Derek Miller in the bottom of the fourth inning to give Lakewood a 1-0 advantage. The BlueClaws increased their lead with a two-run fifth inning. Greg Golson knocked in Cooper Osteen on a sacrifice fly and Clay Harris provided a two-out RBI single. The Power scored their only run of the game in the seventh inning on a two-out RBI base hit from Michael Brantley. The BlueClaws answered in the bottom of the seventh on John Urick?s RBI double. Maloney (10-5) earned the victory, Andy Barb (13) earned the save and Miller (8-2) obtained the loss. The loss snapped an eight game winning streak for Miller; it was his first loss since April 24th at Lexington. The Power are 47-41 overall and 8-11 in the second half after the loss while the BlueClaws improved to 52-37 overall and 15-5 in the second half after the win. The Power will continue the four game series against the BlueClaws Thursday night. Right hander Carlos Carrasco (6-5, 2.66) will make the start for Lakewood and the Power will counter with right hander Matt Kretzschmar (1-3, 6.59). The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM (6:05 Central).

Final: Huntsville 11, Mississippi (Braves) 0 Huntsville Site Game Summary: Link, text follows -- www.huntsvillestars.com/n...newsId=918 Hammond Hurls Stars to Big Win Over Braves Steve Hammond tossed no-hit baseball for 5 1/3 innings en route to a complete-game, two-hit shutout in Huntsville?s 11-0 blanking of Mississippi Wednesday night in the opener of a five-game set at Joe Davis Stadium. The Stars won their second straight game to improve to 9-12 in the second half, while the Braves lost their ninth straight road game and slipped to 6-15 in the second half. The Stars completed their seventh shutout win of the season and won for just the fifth time in their last 29 games on home soil. Josh Burrus singled with one out in the sixth to break up Hammond?s no-hit bid and the Huntsville hurler retired the next 10 hitters he faced before Yunel Escobar collected the only other hit for the visitors with a two-out, infield single in the ninth. Onil Joseph was hit by a pitch to lead off the third inning and moved up on a sacrifice bunt by pitcher Francisely Bueno and was the only Braves runner to reach second base. Hammond tossed the first nine inning complete game shutout of his career and has thrown 15 scoreless frames over his last two outings. He has thrown scoreless baseball in three of his four starts at the double-A level after throwing shutout baseball three times in 14 starts at Brevard County in the Florida State League. Hammond and Jeremy Lewis combined to blank Lakeland 7-0 on June 1 in the first shutout of the southpaw?s career. The Stars scored four runs in the first inning on a two-run double by Ron Acuna, a Brad Nelson sacrifice fly and a wild pitch by Bueno. The left-hander settled down over the next two innings but committed a costly throwing error on a Hammond bunt attempt in the fourth that led to another four-run frame. Steve Moss singled home a pair, Callix Crabbe knocked in a run with a scoring fly ball and a double play grounder by Acuna scored a run, as Drew Anderson was caught in a run down before being tagged out for the final out of the frame. Nelson hit a leadoff home run in the fifth inning to complete the scoring off of Bueno, who allowed ten hits over five innings. He struck out five, was charged with seven earned runs and fell to 1-3. Eric Schmitt worked two innings in relief, allowing two runs, one earned, and Ryan Basner worked a scoreless eighth inning. Every Stars? starter had at least one hit and each position player, with the exception of Ryan Braun, scored at least one time. Lou Palmisano collected a season-high four hits and Crabbe chipped in with three hits and two runs batted in. The series continues Thursday night with left-hander Jorge De La Rosa making his fourth rehab start for the Stars against Braves? left-hander Matt Harrison. Coverage of the game begins at 6:50 p.m. central time and can be heard locally on ESPN Radio 1450 AM and through the internet at www.huntsvillestars.com. Huntsville Box Score and Game Log Link: Steve Hammond's performance certainly a candidate for pitching line of the season, perhaps not as gaudy as Yo Gallardo's one-hitter, but certainly worth a big bravo; nice to see Callix Crabbe (perfect in five trips) and Lou Palmisano with huge nights... www.minorleaguebaseball.c...x_hunaax_1 Steve Hammond photo from the Stars' site: Remember, Hammond was in college a year ago June... http://www.huntsvillestars.com/images/news/Hammond,%20Steve%2019t.JPG

Brevard County Site Game One Game Summary: No mention of why Manny Parra was pulled -- welcome to the Florida State League, the black hole of game-night info... Manatees top Mets Four pitchers combined on a four-hitter and Adam Heether delivered an RBI double as Brevard County beat visiting St. Lucie, 1-0, in Wednesday's doubleheader opener. Starter Manny Parra gave up one hit and two walks while striking out two in two innings. Ben Stanczyk yielded two hits over three frames, and Jeremy Lewis allowed a hit and fanned three in two innings. Josh Alliston (1-2) earned the win with a perfect eighth. Steve Sollman led off the eighth for the Manatees (7-10) with a single and advanced on a sacrifice by Alcides Escobar. After Kyle Phillips flied out, Heether drove a double to left field for the game's only run. St. Lucie starter Salvador Aguilar scattered six hits over six innings. He struck out three and walked one. Marcelo Perez (3-3) absorbed the loss for the Mets (10-7) after surrendering a run on two hits and two walks. -- Max Lance/MLB.com

Final, Game Two: Brevard County 6, St. Lucie (Mets) 3 Brevard County Site Game Summary: Parejo, Manatees top Mets Freddy Parejo smacked a go-ahead two-run double in the sixth inning as Brevard County beat visiting St. Lucie, 6-3, to sweep Wednesday's doubleheader. With the score knotted, 3-3, Parejo knocked in Alcides Escobar and Carlos Corporan to put the Manatees ahead for good. Parejo scored on an errant throw by first baseman Mike Carp. Corporan went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored for Brevard County (8-10), while Hernan Iribarren chipped in two hits. Manatees reliever Bo Hall (5-2) got the win after retiring all 12 batters he faced, striking out six. Starter Mike Jones gave up three runs on four hits over three innings. St. Lucie reliever Edgar Alfonzo (3-4) allowed three runs -- two earned -- on four hits and a walk in two innings. Starter Chuck Smith gave up three runs on seven hits over four innings. He fanned one and walked two. Jesus Flores lined a two-run double and Enrique Cruz smacked an RBI single in the first for the Mets (10-8). -- Max Lance/MLB.com Brevard County Game Two Box Score and Game Log Link: Bo Hall strikes out six in his four-inning relief stint, as pretty a pitching line as you'll see from the bullpen all season here; Mike Jones with two perfect innings after a rough first, so the Manatees retired the final 20 Mets in a row; still, Jones only goes the three innings... www.minorleaguebaseball.c...a_breafa_2

Final: Helena 21, Ogden (Dodgers) 10 Helena Box Score and Game Log Link: Pinball machine numbers -- historic night for 2006 3rd rounder Cole Gillespie, as mentioned above; Chris Errecart drives in six; Andy Bouchie four walks and a base hit, reaching all five times up; Zach Clem reaches five times; seven doubles among Helena's 23 hits; Brewers also walk eight times, strand 14; southpaw Brian Logan's first pro win, establishing order after a poor start by Chris Jean... www.minorleaguebaseball.c...k_ogdrok_1

Mike Jones your nightcap Manatee pitcher -- tough first inning (four hits, three runs)...

Final, Game One: Brevard County 1, St. Lucie (Mets) 0, eight innings (scheduled for seven) Adam Heether two-out RBI double to walk-off win it... Brevard County Game One Box Score and Game Log Link: As noted above, Manny Parra leaving after two innings probably not a good thing; Charlie Fermaint on base in all three plate appearances; both teams had chances wasted... www.minorleaguebaseball.c...a_breafa_1

Link while active, text follows: lfpress.ca/newsstand/Spor...9-sun.html Kjeldgaard opts for pro baseball The Londoner passes on school and is learning in the Brewers' system By MORRIS DALLA COSTA, LONDON (Ontario) FREE PRESS SPORTS COLUMNIST No need to wait when you know what you want to do. That was Brock Kjeldgaard's philosophy when he abandoned a scholarship at a U.S. university and signed a contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. He is now immersed in the business of becoming a professional baseball player. Kjeldgaard, 20, a graduate of Oakridge secondary school and the London Badgers organization, is pitching in Helena, Mont., for the Brewers' advanced rookie team in the Pioneer League. He joins other local players in major league organizations, including Adam Stern with the Boston Red Sox, Chris Robinson with the Detroit Tigers, Jamie Romak with the Atlanta Braves and Mike Meyers, also with the Brewers. Kjeldgaard had just graduated from Indian Hills College in Centerville, Iowa, and was scheduled to take a baseball scholarship at the University of Nevada in the fall when the Brewers selected him in the 34th round, 1,015th overall, in this summer's draft. It's always a difficult choice for players drafted in that position. Do they go to school, play for three more years and improve their draft position? Or do they move right into professional baseball and learn the life? Several years ago, Robinson was in the same situation when he was drafted very late by the New York Mets. He opted for school. He was drafted in a much higher round by the Tigers and is now playing A ball in Florida where he is second in his team in battling. Romak was picked in the early rounds by Atlanta and made the same choice as Kjeldgaard. Romak is also in A ball and while he is struggling with his battling average, his power numbers are very good. "Yeah, it was a tough decision," said Kjeldgaard. "But in the end, I thought this would be better for developing baseball skills. I think this gives me the chance to be a better baseball player." Kjeldgaard signed early with the Brewers and spent two weeks in Arizona for extended spring training. Once the college season ended, he headed to Helena. Most of the players in extended rookie league ball are college and university players. It's a short season in which they play 76 games. He played last summer with Medicine Hat in the Western Major Baseball League and helped Ontario to a gold medal at the Canada Summer Games in Regina in August. Kjeldgaard has impressive physical attributes. He's six foot four, weighs 215 and has a lively arm. Since going to Helena, he's pitched 15 innings and is 1-0 with a 5.28 ERA. "This league is more about development, trying to develop your secondary and third pitches," said Kjeldgaard. "They want you to work on reducing the walks. They don't worry so much about the stats like they do when you get to a higher level. They still worry about stats, but they just want to make sure you develop. "There's a lot to learn. Right now what I'm really working on is developing my pitches. I throw a fastball, slider and changeup. I'd say right now I need to work on the changeup. As a starter, you really need a changeup to be successful." There's more than pitching to worry about. If there's one thing every young player has to learn when they move to the professional ranks, it's how to survive the heavy workload. "Your life is baseball," said Kjeldgaard. "You get done. You get home at 11 or 12. You get up and you're right back at the field. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it. It's a lot of fun." As Kjeldgaard moves up the organizational ladder, there will be more games, more travel and more pressure -- just what he expected when he choose to attend the school of baseball.

Final: Lakewood (Phillies) 4, West Virginia 1 West Virginia Box Score and Game Log Link: Power bats pretty cold lately; of course, Mat Gamel is working hard at his defense, but another throwing error led to two big unearned runs -- he'll look back on that error count in a few years and realize how far he's come, hopefully... www.minorleaguebaseball.c...x_lwdafx_1

Tuesday's West Virginia Press Release: CHARLESTON, WV (July 11, 2006) - The West Virginia Power, Class A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers have made another roster move. Today, right handed pitcher Wilfrido Laureano was taken off the suspended list and right handed pitcher Ryan Marion was placed on the DL to make room on the roster. Laureano was 3-2 with a 4.27 ERA and one save over 25 appearances before being placed on the suspended list last week. Marion has been placed on the disabled list due to a stomach illness. Marion was 0-0 with a save and a 7.48 ERA over 14 appearances before being placed on the disabled list. Well, considering we weren't notified earlier of Laureano's suspension, nor that Marion had been activated from a previous DL stint, these moves are actually status quo to us http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif .

Tuesday's West Virginia Press Release: CHARLESTON, WV (July 11, 2006) - The West Virginia Power, Class A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers have made another roster move. Today, right handed pitcher Wilfrido Laureano was taken off the suspended list and right handed pitcher Ryan Marion was placed on the DL to make room on the roster. Laureano was 3-2 with a 4.27 ERA and one save over 25 appearances before being placed on the suspended list last week. Marion has been placed on the disabled list due to a stomach illness. Marion was 0-0 with a save and a 7.48 ERA over 14 appearances before being placed on the disabled list. Well, considering we weren't notified earlier of Laureano's suspension, nor that Marion had been activated from a previous DL stint, these moves are actually status quo to us http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif .

Huntsville Site: www.huntsvillestars.com/n...newsId=916 Stars Add Veteran Backstop The Milwaukee Brewers have promoted catcher Carlos Lee to the Huntsville Stars. Lee is expected to be in uniform when the Stars begin a five-game series with Mississippi on Wednesday night, which will bring their roster to a full, active 23. Lee was released by the Chicago White Sox at the end of April after getting one hit in seven at-bats and driving in two runs for Birmingham in two games. He was signed by the Brewers and played in five games for their Arizona Rookie League team. Lee collected eight hits in 18 at-bats and knocked in six runs. He set career highs in hits, with 85, home runs, 14, runs batted in, 48, and total bases last season while playing in 84 games for Winston-Salem, Chicago?s high-A affiliate in the Carolina League. Lee was originally signed as a free agent by the White Sox in May, 2000 and is the younger brother of current Brewers outfielder Carlos Lee.

Huntsville Site: www.huntsvillestars.com/n...newsId=916 Stars Add Veteran Backstop The Milwaukee Brewers have promoted catcher Carlos Lee to the Huntsville Stars. Lee is expected to be in uniform when the Stars begin a five-game series with Mississippi on Wednesday night, which will bring their roster to a full, active 23. Lee was released by the Chicago White Sox at the end of April after getting one hit in seven at-bats and driving in two runs for Birmingham in two games. He was signed by the Brewers and played in five games for their Arizona Rookie League team. Lee collected eight hits in 18 at-bats and knocked in six runs. He set career highs in hits, with 85, home runs, 14, runs batted in, 48, and total bases last season while playing in 84 games for Winston-Salem, Chicago?s high-A affiliate in the Carolina League. Lee was originally signed as a free agent by the White Sox in May, 2000 and is the younger brother of current Brewers outfielder Carlos Lee.

Standings through Tuesday's action: Pacific Coast League (AAA) - American North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Nashville 47 42 .528 - 28-19 19-23 L1[/b] Iowa 44 45 .494 3.0 25-20 19-25 W4 Memphis 38 51 .427 9.0 20-27 18-24 W1 Omaha 34 56 .378 13.5 19-20 15-36 L3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southern League (AA) - North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tennessee 12 8 .600 - 7-3 5-5 L1 West Tenn 12 8 .600 - 7-3 5-5 W3 Chattanooga 11 9 .550 1.0 6-4 5-5 L3 Carolina 8 12 .400 4.0 5-5 3-7 L3 [b]Huntsville 8 12 .400 4.0 3-7 5-5 W1[/b] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Florida State League (A+) - East Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daytona 12 4 .750 - 8-4 4-0 W1 St. Lucie 10 6 .625 2.0 5-4 5-2 L4 Palm Beach 8 9 .471 4.5 5-3 3-6 W2 Jupiter 8 10 .444 5.0 4-6 4-4 W3 [b]Brevard County 6 10 .375 6.0 2-3 4-7 L2[/b] Vero Beach 6 11 .353 6.5 1-5 5-6 L1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- South Atlantic League (A) - Northern Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lakewood 14 5 .737 - 7-1 7-4 W4 Lake County 11 8 .579 3.0 5-3 6-5 W4 Greensboro 9 10 .474 5.0 5-5 4-5 L2 [b]West Virginia 8 10 .444 5.5 4-3 4-7 L1[/b] Lexington 8 12 .400 6.5 6-4 2-8 W1 Hagerstown 7 11 .389 6.5 5-9 2-2 L4 Hickory 7 12 .368 7.0 4-8 3-4 W2 Delmarva 6 13 .316 8.0 4-6 2-7 L1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pioneer League (R+) - North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Billings 14 6 .700 - 8-2 6-4 W3 Great Falls 10 11 .476 4.5 3-7 7-4 L3 [b]Helena 9 12 .429 5.5 4-7 5-5 W1[/b] Missoula 8 12 .400 6.0 4-6 4-6 W1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arizona League (R) - Arizona League Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AZL Giants 11 4 .733 - 4-3 7-1 W3 AZL Padres 11 5 .688 0.5 4-3 7-2 W6 AZL Royals 10 5 .667 1.0 4-3 6-2 L1 AZL Mariners 9 7 .563 2.5 5-3 4-4 L2 AZL Angels 7 9 .438 4.5 5-7 2-2 L1 AZL Athletics 6 10 .375 5.5 3-4 3-6 W1 [b]AZL Brewers 6 10 .375 5.5 2-6 4-4 L3[/b] AZL Rangers 6 10 .375 5.5 3-4 3-6 L2 AZL Cubs 5 11 .313 6.5 2-6 3-5 W2