Jim Goulart

Link while active, text follows: www.al.com/stars/huntsvil...amp;coll=1 Older hands expected to give Stars new look By MARK McCARTER Huntsville Times Sports Staff markcolumn@aol.com You can choose the home-improvement analogy, depending upon how much optimism you want to allow. The Huntsville Stars have a leaky roof and they're trying to patch the holes, or there is a good foundation they're merely trying to bolster. Whatever the case, expect the Stars' 2006 roster to be speckled with names heretofore not associated with the Milwaukee Brewers' system. As Reid Nichols, the director of player development, promised last summer, the Brewers have looked outside the organization to help in some thin spots at the two top levels of the minors, at Double-A Huntsville and Triple-A Nashville. The Stars and Sounds are in a sense auditioning newcomers these days. "What we're doing now is playing a lot of six-year free agents,'' Stars manager Don Money said Saturday morning from Maryvale, Ariz., where he is managing the Nashville squad until Sounds manager Frank Kremblas moves down from big-league camp Tuesday. "We want to make decisions on them, to send them here and there. So we're playing them and watching them.'' Catching and first base are a couple of concerns that immediately leap out. The Brewers are giving Jean Boscan, 26, a former Braves' farmhand, a look at catcher and Luis Lopez, 32, a veteran of the Japanese League, at first base. Journeyman Jermaine Clark, 29, with cups of coffee with five big league clubs, would seem to have a shot at second base in Nashville. Outfielders Colin Porter, 30, and Ronald Acuna, 25, who hit .296 at Double-A New Hampshire last season, are other names of note. "They've got to get a lot of playing time and see what they can and can't do,'' said Money. Other roster decisions will also be "dictated from the big league team. What they keep and what they don't.'' Stars notes: Pitcher Manny Parra continues his rehab and Money expects him to begin the season in extended spring training in Arizona. ... Chris Saenz is also on a slow recovery pace from surgery. ... Veteran catcher Kade Johnson is in camp again, but nursing a sore shoulder. He missed the entire '05 season. ... One first base prospect for down the road is Ned Yost IV, the son of the Brewers' manager. ... The Stars play an April 4 exhibition game against Alabama-Huntsville, then open the season with a five-game series at Mississippi beginning April 6. The home opener is April 11.

Let's in-game-thread two! The 2:05 PM game in Scottsdale features Dave Bush vs. Matt Morris. Sunday and Spring Training -- for many, not a reason to chain ourselves to the PC, especially if the weather is cooperating. This game will be available via MLB.com audio (the San Francisco feed). With the Brewer / White Sox game available via MLB.TV for many, this game will be in need of a play-by-play volunteer. How about at least for the early innings, as we're all excited about Dave Bush's spring thus far. Could be a longshot shout-out, but our Brewerfan faithful rarely lets us down. Day off Monday -- expect several more assignments to minor league camp after this, the final split-squad day of the spring.

Let's in-game-thread two! The 2:05 PM game in Maryvale features Ben Hendrickson vs. Freddy Garcia and the World Champion White Sox. Added bonus -- watch the White Sox feed of the game on MLB.TV. I imagine many of you will figure out how to catch the game on your cable and satellite systems, feel free to let others know about that here. Driving around town? Listen to Bob and Jim, who will be calling the game on WTMJ. Their call is available via MLB.com Audio as well. We'll be putting out a special call for a PBP volunteer to the split-squad game vs. San Francisco. See the Brewers - Giants thread for that request. Day off Monday -- expect several more assignments to minor league camp after this, the final split-squad day of the spring.

Friday's AA Game Recap (visit the Stars' newly designed site featuring Nelson Cruz on the banner): www.huntsvillestars.com/n...newsId=763 Stars Claim St. Patty's Day Slugfest Brandon Gemoll and Jeff Eure each hit home runs and knocked in a pair of runs to push Huntsville past the Frisco RoughRiders, the Texas Rangers double-A affiliate, 9-8 Friday afternoon in Surprise, Arizona. The Stars improved to 2-0 in the exhibition season and play again Saturday afternoon against the San Francisco Giants double-A affiliate at home in Maryvale. Travis Ezi, who played in 17 games for the Stars last season and hit .226 in 31 at-bats, paced the 15-hit attack with two singles, a double, a run scored and a run batted in. Gemoll, Adam Heether, Jimmy Stanfield and Ozzie Chavez, who batted .212 in 269 at-bats for the Stars two seasons ago, each collected a pair of hits. Tim Dillard started for Huntsville and allowed one run on four hits over three innings. The right-hander went 12-10 with a 2.48 earned run average in 28 starts at Brevard County last season. Bo Hall chipped in with an inning and two-thirds of scoreless relief.

Friday's AA Game Recap (visit the Stars' newly designed site featuring Nelson Cruz on the banner): www.huntsvillestars.com/n...newsId=763 Stars Claim St. Patty's Day Slugfest Brandon Gemoll and Jeff Eure each hit home runs and knocked in a pair of runs to push Huntsville past the Frisco RoughRiders, the Texas Rangers double-A affiliate, 9-8 Friday afternoon in Surprise, Arizona. The Stars improved to 2-0 in the exhibition season and play again Saturday afternoon against the San Francisco Giants double-A affiliate at home in Maryvale. Travis Ezi, who played in 17 games for the Stars last season and hit .226 in 31 at-bats, paced the 15-hit attack with two singles, a double, a run scored and a run batted in. Gemoll, Adam Heether, Jimmy Stanfield and Ozzie Chavez, who batted .212 in 269 at-bats for the Stars two seasons ago, each collected a pair of hits. Tim Dillard started for Huntsville and allowed one run on four hits over three innings. The right-hander went 12-10 with a 2.48 earned run average in 28 starts at Brevard County last season. Bo Hall chipped in with an inning and two-thirds of scoreless relief.

Ueck and JP with the call on WTMJ -- audio available as well via MLB.com, and its archive.

Nice MLB.com article on Dennis Sarfate here: brewers.mlb.com/NASApp/ml...p;c_id=mil

RHP Fernando Rijo, who settled for an independent league contract earlier this winter, has had his contract purchased by the Colorado Rockies organization.

The only Brewer farmhand suspended for performance-enhancing drugs since the new policy of naming players went into effect has found a home in independent ball: Nashua Pride (New Hampshire, Can-Am League) team officials announced today that RHP Nicholas Slack has signed a contract for this upcoming season. Slack was picked by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 20th round of the 2003 draft. The Middletown, CT native pitched for the Brewers Frontier League team in Helena, Montana and produced a 2.19 earned run average in 2003. Last year, the right-handed reliever pitched for the Brewers Class-A affiliate Brevard County Manatees in the Florida State League.

Nashville Site, Thursday 3/16 game: www.nashvillesounds.com/n...ewsId=1865 MARYVALE, Ariz. - The defending Pacific Coast League champion Nashville Sounds opened their 2006 spring schedule with a 5-2 victory over the Salt Lake Bees (AAA-Angels) on Thursday afternoon at the Milwaukee Brewers' spring training complex. The Sounds were led by major-league southpaw Chris Capuano, who won 18 games for the Brewers last season and was getting some extra work by pitching in the game. Capuano tossed five scoreless innings, allowing only three hits. Former Sounds Mike Adams (1.0 IP, 1 R, 0 ER), Brett Evert (2.0 scoreless IP), and Jeff Housman (1.0 IP, 1 ER) worked in relief to close out the contest. On the offensive side, ex-Sound Brad Nelson ripped a pair of doubles and drove in two of the club's five runs during a 2-for-3 afternoon. Other 2005 Sounds to see action included Corey D. Hart (1-for-2), Chris Barnwell (0-for-2), and Dave Krynzel (0-for-2). The Sounds travel to Surprise, Ariz. on Friday to take on the Oklahoma RedHawks (AAA-Rangers) in a rematch of last season's American Conference Finals.

Nashville Site, Thursday 3/16 game: www.nashvillesounds.com/n...ewsId=1865 MARYVALE, Ariz. - The defending Pacific Coast League champion Nashville Sounds opened their 2006 spring schedule with a 5-2 victory over the Salt Lake Bees (AAA-Angels) on Thursday afternoon at the Milwaukee Brewers' spring training complex. The Sounds were led by major-league southpaw Chris Capuano, who won 18 games for the Brewers last season and was getting some extra work by pitching in the game. Capuano tossed five scoreless innings, allowing only three hits. Former Sounds Mike Adams (1.0 IP, 1 R, 0 ER), Brett Evert (2.0 scoreless IP), and Jeff Housman (1.0 IP, 1 ER) worked in relief to close out the contest. On the offensive side, ex-Sound Brad Nelson ripped a pair of doubles and drove in two of the club's five runs during a 2-for-3 afternoon. Other 2005 Sounds to see action included Corey D. Hart (1-for-2), Chris Barnwell (0-for-2), and Dave Krynzel (0-for-2). The Sounds travel to Surprise, Ariz. on Friday to take on the Oklahoma RedHawks (AAA-Rangers) in a rematch of last season's American Conference Finals.

Drew Olson note from Thursday's AAA game: In a groove: Left-hander Chris Capuano threw in a Class AAA game in minor-league camp and was pleased with the results. He was scheduled to throw four innings or about 60 pitches, but his innings were so smooth that he ended up with five innings and 55 pitches. "That's the first time this spring I felt, like, 'OK, I remember how to do this,' " said Capuano, who faced hitters from the Angels' top affiliate. After winning a team-high 18 games last year, Capuano is adding a cut fastball to his repertoire and the early results have been encouraging.

Drew Olson note from Thursday's AAA game: In a groove: Left-hander Chris Capuano threw in a Class AAA game in minor-league camp and was pleased with the results. He was scheduled to throw four innings or about 60 pitches, but his innings were so smooth that he ended up with five innings and 55 pitches. "That's the first time this spring I felt, like, 'OK, I remember how to do this,' " said Capuano, who faced hitters from the Angels' top affiliate. After winning a team-high 18 games last year, Capuano is adding a cut fastball to his repertoire and the early results have been encouraging.

No word on how Nashville's game went today. Now keep in mind that there are only "official" spring training games at the AAA and AA levels, and that several players who will be at low-A or high-A will appear in these games. Huntsville site: www.huntsvillestars.com/n...newsId=762 Stars Victorious in Spring Debut Yovani Gallardo tossed three scoreless innings and three different players drove in runs to lead the Stars to a 3-1 win over the Arkansas Travelers in their 2006 spring training debut Thursday afternoon in Maryvale, Arizona. The "Travs" are the double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Gallardo, who went 8-3 with a 2.74 earned run average for West Virginia in the low class-A South Atlantic League last season, allowed two hits, struck out three and did not walk a batter. Josh Wahpepah, 5-6 with a 3.95 earned run mark for the same Power team last season, tossed two scoreless frames in relief and Jesse Harper, who pitched in one game for Huntsville in 2004, retired the side in order on nine pitches in the ninth inning to preserve the win. Alcides Escobar, Jeff Eure and Jimmy Stanfield, who went hitless in four at-bats with one sacrifice fly in the final week of the season last year for the Stars, knocked in the Huntsville runs. Escobar hit .271 for West Virginia last season, while Eure batted .229 with 17 home runs and 66 driven in for Brevard County in 2005.

No word on how Nashville's game went today. Now keep in mind that there are only "official" spring training games at the AAA and AA levels, and that several players who will be at low-A or high-A will appear in these games. Huntsville site: www.huntsvillestars.com/n...newsId=762 Stars Victorious in Spring Debut Yovani Gallardo tossed three scoreless innings and three different players drove in runs to lead the Stars to a 3-1 win over the Arkansas Travelers in their 2006 spring training debut Thursday afternoon in Maryvale, Arizona. The "Travs" are the double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Gallardo, who went 8-3 with a 2.74 earned run average for West Virginia in the low class-A South Atlantic League last season, allowed two hits, struck out three and did not walk a batter. Josh Wahpepah, 5-6 with a 3.95 earned run mark for the same Power team last season, tossed two scoreless frames in relief and Jesse Harper, who pitched in one game for Huntsville in 2004, retired the side in order on nine pitches in the ninth inning to preserve the win. Alcides Escobar, Jeff Eure and Jimmy Stanfield, who went hitless in four at-bats with one sacrifice fly in the final week of the season last year for the Stars, knocked in the Huntsville runs. Escobar hit .271 for West Virginia last season, while Eure batted .229 with 17 home runs and 66 driven in for Brevard County in 2005.

Brewer Press Release: brewers.mlb.com/NASApp/ml...p;c_id=mil MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Brewers today announced a series of moves that pared the number of players in Major League camp to 41. Righthanded pitcher Chris Demaria, lefthanded pitcher Dana Eveland and outfielder Tony Gwynn, Jr. were optioned to Triple A Nashville; infielder Hernan Iribarren was optioned to Class A Brevard County and lefthanded pitcher Wilfredo Rodriguez was assigned to Minor League camp. The moves were announced by Brewers Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Melvin. Demaria, 25, spent the majority of the 2005 season at Class A High Desert where he went 4-2 with a 2.23 ERA. He made his Major League debut last season with Kansas City and went 1-0 with an ERA of 8.00 in eight relief appearances. This spring, Demaria made three Cactus League appearances and went 0-0 with a 1.93 ERA. Eveland, 22, began the 2005 season with Double A Huntsville before being called up by the Brewers in July to make his Major League debut. He finished the season with the Brewers, going 1-1 with a 5.97 ERA and one save in 27 relief appearances. In four Spring Training appearances this year, he was 0-1 with a 15.75 ERA. Gwynn, 23, spent the entire 2005 season at Double A Huntsville where he hit .271 and was selected as a Southern League Mid-Season All Star. He hit .200 with two home runs, five RBI and one triple in Cactus League play this year. Iribarren, 21, spent the entire 2005 season with Class A West Virginia where he hit .290 with four home runs and 48 RBI. He was named to the South Atlantic League Mid Season All Star team and participated in the Futures Game in Detroit. In Cactus League play, Iribarren hit .250 with three RBI in ten games. Rodriguez, 27, played with Triple A Oklahoma and Double A Frisco during the 2005 season. In Spring Training action, he went 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in three appearances. Of the 41 players remaining in camp, eight are non-roster invitees. The roster consists of 21 pitchers, five catchers, eight infielders and seven outfielders.

From the Brewers: LHP Dana Eveland was optioned to Triple A Nashville today . . . LHP Wilfredo Rodriguez was returned to Minor League camp. The Brewers now have 44 players in camp including nine non-roster invitees. . . the roster consists of 22 pitchers, five catchers, nine infielders and eight outfielders. Drew Olson: Phoenix - Left-hander Dana Eveland, who entered spring trianing as a candidate for the Milwaukee Brewers' starting rotation, was optioned to Class AAA Nashville this morning. Eveland, 22, reported to camp heavier than the Brewers wanted and began a weight-loss regimen when camp began. He never got on track on the mound. He pitched in four exhibition games and was 0-1 with a 15.75 earned run average. In eight innings, he allowed 19 hits and 14 earned runs. He walked six batters, struck out one and saw opponents bat .500 against him. Manager Ned Yost said that Eveland will work as a starter in minor-league camp, where games begin today. Yost wants Eveland and other minor-leaguers "stretched out'' and ready to start in case Rick Helling or Ben Sheets are hampered by injury near the end of camp. The Brewers also assigned lefty Wilfredo Rodriguez to minor-league camp. Rodriguez appeared in three games and gave up five hits, two walks and one earned run. Opponents hit .417 against him.

From Drew Olson: Phoenix - Knuckleballer Jared Fernandez, who has turned in some impressive outings this spring, will make his first start as the Milwaukee Brewers take on Oakland. Fernandez, a non-roster invitee who has pitched in the big leagues for Cincinnati and Houston, has piqued the interest of Brewers manager Ned Yost and the coaching staff with his ability to throw the fluttering pitch in the strike zone consistently. Here is the Brewers' lineup for the game: 1. Brady Clark, cf. 2. Jeff Cirillo, 3b. 3. Geoff Jenkins, rf 4. Carlos Lee, lf 5. Corey Koskie, 1b 6. Bill Hall, ss 7. Zach Sorensen, 2b 8. Chad Moeller, c 9. Jared Fernandez, p. Relief pitchers: Carlos Villaneuva, Ben Hendrickson, Justin Thompson, Derrick Turnbow.

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20060315/capt.e040d451481d4e2dbb27e1b7e70e6bee.brewers_giants_baseball_azer109.jpg Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Gabe Gross dives and misses a fly ball hit by the San Francisco Giants' Barry Bonds during the first inning of their spring training game in Scottsdale, Ariz., Wednesday March 15, 2006. Bonds doubled on the play. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

RHP Greg Bruso (Eric Young trade with San Francisco) retires - Northern League press release: Gary, Ind.?The 2005 Northern League champion Gary SouthShore RailCats Professional Baseball Club today announced the retirements from professional baseball of pitchers Jamie Bennett, Greg Bruso, and Mike Schaefer. All three players were key contributors to the RailCats 2005 championship. RailCats manager Greg Tagert wished all three players the best and thanked them for their contributions. ?Jamie, Greg, and Mike, along with Randy Vanderplow and John Gonzalez (who both retired in January), have all expressed that the satisfaction from winning the championship in 2005 was something they don?t think they could ever repeat as a player,? said Tagert. ?All five are high quality characters and will be extremely successful in their future endeavors.? Bruso, the RailCats opening day starting pitcher in 2005, was 5-7 with a 4.69 ERA in 29 games (12 starts). Bruso closes out a four year professional career with a record of 24-27. He also played in the San Francisco Giants and Milwaukee Brewers organizations.

From Drew Olson: Phoenix - Leftfielder Carlos Lee returns to the Milwaukee Brewers' lineup today after a stint with Team Panama in the World Baseball Classic. Lee will bat cleanup for the Brewers, who face San Francisco at Scottsdale Stadium. Here is the Brewers' starting lineup for the game: 1. Gabe Gross, cf. 2. Jeff Cirillo, 2b 3. Geoff Jenkins, rf 4. Carlos Lee, lf 5. Prince Fielder, 1b 6. Bill Hall, ss 7. Corey Koskie, 3b 8. Damian Miller, c 9. Doug Davis, p Relief pitchers: Matt Wise, Dan Kolb, Kane Davis, Jose Capellan, Wilfredo Rodriguez.

Interesting write-up if you're planning to visit the Melbourne / Viera area for a game: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p;sid=t503

FSN TV MLB.TV MLB Audio Enjoy!

18. Zack Braddock, LHP (Chipola College, FL) The Brewers have followed the Chipola program closely in recent years, signing Darren Ford from there a year ago as a DFE and selecting Mat Gamel in the fourth round of last year's draft. Braddock has the perfect, athletic pitcher's build at 6'4", 225 pounds, and when you throw in the fact that he's left-handed he automatically becomes arguably the most exciting DFE candidate to watch this spring. He had Tommy John surgery during the summer of 2004, otherwise he may have been drafted within the top five rounds of the 2005 draft. Last spring recovering from surgery, Braddock's velocity returned to the upper-80s, maxing out at 89 miles per hour. Scouts were still hesitant with him as he didn't throw too many curveballs, which will be the true test on his healing elbow. If Braddock stays healthy he is likely to sign with the Brewers this spring. colbyjack, turns out that Zach Braddock chose to stay close to home and is on the roster at Burlington County College in New Jersey, instead of Chipola. staff.bcc.edu/athletics/b...r_2006.htm Looks like Burlington just wrapped up their Florida swing, no statistics available via their site.

Link while active, text follows: tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....328/SPORTS Whites Creek grad Rasheed fights injuries Wants move up in Brewers system By MAURICE PATTON, Tennessean Staff Writer PHOENIX ? Both Hasan Rasheed and the Milwaukee Brewers are convinced that good things can happen for the Whites Creek High (Tennessee) graduate ? if he can stay on the field. Drafted in the 26th round three years ago and signed after his freshman season at Lake City (Fla.) Community College, Rasheed was slowed by a pulled groin last year. However, he recovered to hit .305 in 79 games at Class A West Virginia. This spring, he's battled a blister on the middle finger of his left (throwing) hand that has only recently allowed him to resume activities. "He hasn't been able to throw," said Reid Nichols, director of player development for the Brewers. "We've got to get him healthy first. You can't make the club in the tub." At 5-feet, 8-inches and 161 pounds, Rasheed's game is predicated on speed. But he said his high school and college years were plagued by hamstring problems. "I wasn't stretching enough, but now I'm getting stretching from the trainers," he said. "I'm a little stiff. I just have to stretch and keep my legs good." At rookie-level Helena in 2004, Rasheed played 49 games and hit .299 with 45 runs, seven doubles, two triples and 13 stolen bases in 21 attempts. Last year, he scored 41 runs with 11 doubles and 14 steals in 19 tries. "He's a contact hitter," Nichols said. "He can run the ball down in the outfield. He's got a little speed." Working on making more contact and taking advantage of that speed is the key to Rasheed's development. In 128 career games, he's struck out 116 times. On the other hand, improving on that facet was a factor in his latest injury. "I was bunting and got hit with a pitch, and busted my whole finger," he said. "I had a pretty good year last year, but I want to cut down on my strikeouts and bunt more. I'm just trying to stay healthy the whole season, play every game. I want to get to the big leagues as quickly as possible, so I just want to work hard, and hopefully start at high-A." It's still to be determined whether Rasheed will reach high-A Brevard County (Florida State League) to open the season or return to West Virginia (South Atlantic League) for a second year. "He's competing for an outfield spot," Nichols said. "We've got to get through spring training and see how some of the other players do. It's hard to say."