Jim Goulart

There is no doubt, and we sensed this right from the start when AFL rosters were first announced, that the Brewers could not have botched things more than they did this year in this process. It's not the end of the world, but the whole Brewer AFL experience this year has been comical in a sad way, even before the latest developments. Thankfully, Doug, Gord, Reid, and Jack have done much better in so many other more important aspects of farm development.

Others now no longer in the organization: Corner outfielder Ben Van Iderstine was a Canadian product plucked from independent ball. Huntsville fans would be the most familiar with him. He'll be 28 in January. Ben Van Iderstine Career Stats: www.thebaseballcube.com/p...tine.shtml First baseman Carlos Gallardo, 22 years old, was an undrafted player who saw action in Arizona in 2004 and Helena in 2005. He had played for the University of Texas-San Antonio. Carlos Gallardo Career Stats: www.thebaseballcube.com/p...ardo.shtml More tidbits during the overnight...

You'd be inundated if I posted all the independent league alumni news, but it's likely catcher Jeremy Frost has old friends who read this forum, and this news on both he and RHP Matt Hammons is positive in that are both doing particularly well (in the independent ranks, anyway): www.saintsbaseball.com/news/?id=2823

From MILB.com: All-time batting average record: .292 (2004) 2005 average: .314 All-time worst ERA: 5.32 (2004) 2005 ERA: 6.30 All-time homers: 243 (1997) 2005 homers: 83 (on pace for 241) Note on homers: The record for homers per game is 1.82, set in 2001. This year, balls are going out at the rate of 2.52 per game. All-time runs per game: 12.07 (2004) 2005 RPG: 14.12

The Javelinas (5-6) host Phoenix (9-3) Wednesday, 3:05 PM Central, there is audio available today. Audio link: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p?sid=milb The updating box score / game log is here: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...n_perwin_1 Go to the AFL site home page to make use of the Advanced Gameday Feature: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p?sid=l119

Here are some other player updates we are aware of: RHP Forrest Martin, (26 years old next January), was released. Martin had an injury-plagued run since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2003. Forrest Martin Career Stats: www.thebaseballcube.com/p...rtin.shtml RHP Nick Slack was let go. He'd be 23 in January. The Brewers' 20th round pick in 2003 out of a Florida junior college was fast-tracked as a closer from Helena to High Desert, but will otherwise be known as the first (and thus far only) player to be suspended while with the Brewers for the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Nick Slack Career Stats: www.thebaseballcube.com/p...lack.shtml RHP Landon Stockman, 26 years old, won't be back, either. Originally a Detroit draft pick, he was plucked in the minor league phase of last year's Rule 5 draft from the Cleveland organization. He pitched 40 innings at Brevard County this season. Landon Stockman Career Stats: www.thebaseballcube.com/p...kman.shtml We'll post additional updates at mid-day. For the moment, there is an issue in how we can post transactions online via our home page. Eventually, we'll let you know whan all the transactions have been summarized and captured there for your review.

Of course, Mitch Stetter has been groomed to be a lefty specialist for some time now. Both Drew Olson and surprisingly Adam McCalvy, refer to him as "righty" in their articles. At some point, you'd think that news about Chris Saenz and the Brewers not coming to terms will sneak into a notes column. By the way, no AFL game Tuesday -- rainout.

From the list in our "Minor League Free Agent" thread, here's the word on how things worked out now that the October 15th deadline passed for re-signing one's own free agents before they hit the market. Within a week or two, Baseball America will (or should) confirm these findings. AAA MR Brett Evert -- now a free agent SP Gary Glover -- 40-man roster UT Corey D. Hart (the other Corey Hart) - signed for '06 CF Ryan Knox -- now a free agent MR Mike Meyers -- now a free agent UT Warren Morris -- now a free agent C Julio Mosquera -- now a free agent SP Sam Narron - signed for '06 MR Tommy Phelps -- now a free agent C Mike Rivera - signed for '06 UT Steve Scarborough -- now a free agent MR Clint Weibl -- now a free agent MR Alec Zumwalt -- now a free agent 3B Tony Zuniga -- now a free agent AA SP Dave Bradley - signed for '06 3B Nelson Castro -- now a free agent CL Matt DeWitt -- now a free agent CL Jerome Gamble - signed for '06 MR Andy Pratt - signed for '06 SP Chris Saenz -- now a free agent MR Darwin Soto -- now a free agent MR Keith Stamler -- now a free agent C Jeff Winchester -- now a free agent CL Brian Wolfe - signed for '06 A+ SP Ryan Anderson -- now a free agent 2B Wandel Campana -- now a free agent CL Jeremy Lewis - signed for '06 C C.J. Medlin - signed for '06 Earlier we had word that RHP Darwin Soto had been signed for 2006, apparently that's not the case. RHP David Bradley and LHP Andy Pratt are new to the 2006 list. And yes, RHP Chris Saenz, 23 years old and nearly back from Tommy John surgery, takes his six scoreless major league innings into the minor league free agent market.

The Javelinas (5-6) visit Surprise (7-4) Tuesday, 3:05 PM Central, no audio. The updating box score / game log is here: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...n_surwin_1 Go to the AFL site home page to make use of the Advanced Gameday Feature: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p?sid=l119

LHP Mitch Stetter was asked to save an 8-5 9th inning lead, but couldn't, and was pulled prior to the completion of a four-run rally that sealed a 9-8 loss for the Javelinas. Honestly, if you look beyond raw numbers in Huntsville and Nashville, Stetter hasn't been very impressive for months now. Corey Hart with a pinch-hit HBP and later homered, as did Prince Fielder (noted above). Prince finished 1-for-5. Day off for Alcides Escobar. Not as detailed a recap as usual, but the game box/log link is just a few posts up for you.

The Javelinas (5-5) host Grand Canyon (4-6) Monday, 3:05 PM Central, no audio. The updating box score / game log is here: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...n_perwin_1 Go to the AFL site home page to make use of the Advanced Gameday Feature: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p?sid=l119

A nice post here from Brewerfan reader crichar3 that I've copied from the major league forum: I spent a good part of Wednesday evening watching the Peoria Javs. The Brewers team in the AZ Fall League played the Phoenix Desert Dogs at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Two Brewers played: Prince and Alcides Escobar. It was a good night for each. I saw three of Fielder?s ABs (before I had to leave in the sixth): As the DH and clean up hitter, he was one for three with a walk and a run scored. His first time up Prince hit a rope ? a real screamer ? that looked like it was headed for right. But the 1b made a nice play and speared it for a hard out. Next time up, Prince blasted one over the RF?s head to the base of the wall for a double. The most impressive part of the hit was the wheels PF showed. He didn?t just waddle into second or chug unsteadily around the bases ? the dude looked quick and smooth?for a man his size, of course. Prince walked in his third AB and scored on a double. Again, he looked fluid and athletic coming around to score from first on the play. Now, he is still young and he may get sloppy when he gets older, but right now he looks so much better than when I saw him seven months ago in Maryvale. Escobar hit ninth and played SS. He popped out on the first pitch he saw. The next time up, he worked the count much better and lined a single to left-center. AE didn?t have a fielding opportunity. Some observations: * In the AFL, the teams wear the uniforms of their parent teams, making it look kind of like an all-star game (which, I guess, it is in a way). * It was weird to see Escobar out there in the Brewers traveling gear and wearing ? gulp -- #4! I don?t think he will be wearing that number if he ever makes it to MKE. * Not a real big crowd; I?d say around 300 people. The weather, however, was perfect. It was probably in the upper 70s with absolutely no wind ? an ideal night for baseball (or anything). * Phoenix Municipal Stadium is rather nice. Not much different from Maryvale and probably about the same age. It cost $6 to get in, no charge for parking (which was across the street but connected to the park by a pedestrian bridge). You could buy a program for $2; AFL tee shirts were $18. They had hats for three league teams on sale, too ? I think they were around $20-25 (I forget as I lost interest when they didn?t have the Javs lid). Hot dogs were $3 as were 20oz soft drinks (Pepsi products, which gives this park a decided advantage over Maryvale). Polish sausage went for $3.75. * Prince was a mini-celebrity: When he came out of the dugout before the game, people flocked to him for his autograph. * The Desert Dogs might have been called the Moneyballs: Their starting line up had four Dodgers and four A?s (including the two pitchers). I suppose that is to be expected, as PHX Muni is the A?s spring home. It was a pleasant experience, but a low energy one. The feel was sort of like a high school game. With so few people you could hear thing you never do at a big league game or even at a spring training game ? the sound of the ball bouncing on the infield, players sliding, pitches in the dirt, the umpire calling the game. It was pure baseball for people that love the game. Check it out if you can.

Javelinas score two in the bottom of the 9th to win 8-7... LH starter Dana Eveland (4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K, 1 HR) - nine baserunners, but only two runs in seven AFL innings over two starts... Peo Saguaros Top 1st -- Brendan Harris grounds out, shortstop Alcides Escobar to first baseman Prince Fielder. -- Ryan Roberts homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. -- Josh Fields strikes out swinging. -- Larry Broadway singles on a line drive to left fielder Corey Hart. -- Brad Eldred singles on a line drive to right fielder Nick Markakis. Larry Broadway to 2nd. -- Tony Blanco grounds into a force out, fielded by third baseman Tripper Johnson III. Larry Broadway out at 3rd. Peo Saguaros Top 2nd -- Chris Young strikes out swinging. -- Adam Boeve triples (1) on a ground ball to left fielder Corey Hart; triple to left? Did Corey mis-play? -- Erik Kratz grounds out, second baseman Brandon Fahey to first baseman Prince Fielder. Adam Boeve scores. -- Brendan Harris lines out to second baseman Brandon Fahey. Peo Saguaros Top 3rd -- Ryan Roberts singles on a ground ball to center fielder Adam Jones. -- With Josh Fields batting, Ryan Roberts steals (2) 2nd base. -- Josh Fields called out on strikes. -- Larry Broadway walks. -- Brad Eldred grounds into double play, shortstop Alcides Escobar to second baseman Brandon Fahey to first baseman Prince Fielder. Larry Broadway out at 2nd. Peo Saguaros Top 4th -- Tony Blanco strikes out swinging. -- Chris Young called out on strikes. -- Adam Boeve grounds out, third baseman Tripper Johnson III to first baseman Prince Fielder. 1B Prince Fielder's day (now 2-for-16, 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 3 BB, 7 K) -- Walked in the 1st, bases empty, two out. -- Walked in the 3rd, man on 3rd, two out. Promptly picked off and caught stealing 2nd base. -- Grounds out 4-3, leading off the 5th. -- Homers on a fly ball to right center field, leading off the 7th. -- Strikes out swinging in the 9th, man on 1st, none out. LF Corey Hart's day (now 4-for-16, 1 2B, 1 BB, 4 K) -- Called out on strikes in the 2nd, bases empty, one out. -- Doubles on a soft fly ball to center field with one out in the 4th, runner on second advances to 3rd, each runner scored on a subsequent single. -- Singles on a bunt ground ball to pitcher in the 6th, man on 1st, none out, each runner scored on a subsequent triple. -- Flies out to left field, leading off the 8th. SS Alcides Escobar's day (now 6-for-23, .261, 0 BB, 5 K) -- Singles on a bunt ground ball to the pitcher, leading off the 3rd -- Flies out to right field in the 4th, man on 1st, one out. -- Pops out to second base in the 6th, runners on 2nd and 3rd, one out -- ouch -- Flies out to center field in the 8th, man on 1st, one out. -- Handled all three fielding chances cleanly. Day off for the AFL on Sunday.

The reeling Javelinas, now 4-5 after a 3-0 start, host Peoria's other squad Saturday, 3:05 PM Central, no audio. LHP Dana Eveland gets the start in this one. The updating box score / game log is here: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...n_perwin_1 Go to the AFL site home page to make use of the Advanced Gameday Feature: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p?sid=l119

By the way, Gordon's gong to get some Arizona Fall League AB's: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...;fext=.jsp

Javelinas get blanked, an AFL rarity, 7-0 on Friday. RHP Brian Wolfe tossed two scoreless innings, and Corey Hart, at DH and batting 8th, had three AB's (0-3, 1 K). Wolfe now has a nice 10-to-1 K-to-BB ratio in seven IP (3.86 ERA). Hart is 2-for-12, 1 BB, 3 K. Surprise Bottom 6th Pitcher Change: Brian Wolfe replaces Chris Buglovsky. Josh Anderson singles on a sharp ground ball to center fielder Jeff Salazar. Charlton Jimerson strikes out swinging. Howie Kendrick singles on a line drive to center fielder Jeff Salazar. Josh Anderson to 2nd. Cody Haerther grounds into double play, shortstop Brandon Fahey to second baseman Dan Uggla to first baseman Michael Johnson, Howie Kendrick out at 2nd. Surprise Bottom 7th Kendry Morales grounds out to first baseman Michael Johnson. Brandon Wood strikes out swinging. Travis Hanson grounds out, third baseman Ian Stewart to first baseman Michael Johnson. DH Corey Hart's day: Grounds into a 6-4-3 double play in the 2nd, men on first and second base, one out. Strikes out swinging in the 5th, man on second base, one out. Lines out to third base leading off the 8th.

The Javelinas, now 4-4 after a 3-0 start, visit Surprise Friday, 3:05 PM Central, no audio. The updating box score / game log is here: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...n_surwin_1 Go to the AFL site home page to make use of the Advanced Gameday Feature: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p?sid=l119

Thursday's recap: Javelinas lose 12-4, giving up seven runs in the 9th... LHP Mitch Stetter's perfect 8th inning: Matt Kemp called out on strikes. Wes Bankston called out on strikes. Jarred Ball grounds out, third baseman Ian Stewart to first baseman Prince Fielder. 1B Prince Fielder (now 1-for-13, 1 BB, 6 K's) Strikes out swinging in the 1st, none on, two out. Grounded out into a fielder's choice out in the 4th, none out, with teammate Brandon Fahey thrown out at the plate after a leadoff triple. Prince was then promptly picked off first base. Grounds into a force out in the 6th, men on 1st and 2nd, none out. Called out on strikes in the 8th, none on, two out. Made a fielding error in the 9th that led to six unearned runs. LF Corey Hart (now 2-for-9, 1 BB, 2 K's) Four putouts defensively in LF. Flies out to right field in the 2nd, none on, two out. Lines out to center field, leading off the 5th. Flies out to right field, leading off the 7th. Singles on a line drive to center field in the 9th, none on, one out. SS Alcides Escobar (now 5-for-19, 0 BB, 5 K's) Quiet, clean day defensively. Grounds out to the third baseman in the 3rd, one out, man on third base did not score. Flies out to left field in the 5th, man on first, two out. Called out on strikes in the 7th, man on first, two out. Fouls out to right field in the 9th, men on 1st and 2nd in the 9th, one out.

The Javelinas, now 4-3 after a 3-0 start, host Pheonix Thursday, 3:00 PM Central, no audio. The updating box score / game log is here: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...n_perwin_1 Go to the AFL site home page to make use of the Advanced Gameday Feature: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p?sid=l119

Javelinas lose, 5-1 -- former Brewer farmhand Craig Breslow getting rocked this fall as a Padre representative on the squad... DH Prince Fielder (c'mon, that's type-casting!) -- line out, double, walk (run scored), pop up SS Alcides Escobar -- pop out, line drive single, strike out swinging, clean fielding, part of two double plays, now 5-for-15 (all singles), no walks, three K's...

The Javelinas visit Pheonix for their first night game Wednesday, 9:00 Central. The updating box score / game log is here: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...n_pddwin_1 Go to the AFL site home page to make use of the Advanced Gameday Feature: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p?sid=l119

Tuesday's wrap: RHP Brian Wolfe's day (2 IP, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 1 WP): Mesa Top 4th Pitcher Change: Brian Wolfe replaces Jonathan Asahina. Don Kelly singles on a ground ball to right fielder Nick Markakis. Kody Kirkland hit by pitch. Don Kelly to 2nd. Eric Patterson lines out to right fielder Nick Markakis. Don Kelly to 3rd. Brad Snyder strikes out swinging. Chris Denorfia strikes out swinging. Mesa Top 5th Ryan Garko lines out to center fielder Adam Jones. Matt Murton doubles (5) on a fly ball to right fielder Nick Markakis. David Espinosa singles on a soft ground ball to third baseman Corey Hart. With Justin Knoedler batting, wild pitch by Brian Wolfe, Matt Murton to 3rd. David Espinosa to 2nd. Justin Knoedler called out on strikes. Don Kelly reaches on fielding error by second baseman Dan Uggla. Matt Murton scores. David Espinosa scores. Kody Kirkland strikes out swinging. 1B Prince Fielder's Day (0-for-5, one run): Called out on strikes (leading off the 2nd). Strikes out swinging (man on 2nd, no one out in the 4th). Strikes out swinging (bases loaded, two outs in the 5th). Fielding error in the 7th (led to one unearned run). Grounds into a force out (man on 1st, two out in the 7th). Reaches on fielding error by second baseman (bases empty, two outs in the 9th, later scored). 3B Corey Hart's day (.400 OBP for the day, 1-for-4, walk): Strikes out swinging (bases empty, one out in the 1st). Called out on strikes (runners on 1st and 3rd, two out in the 3rd). Walks (2nd and 3rd, one out in the 5th). Fielding error in the 6th (no harm, had handled two prior chances cleanly). Singles on a soft fly ball to right (bases empty, one out in the 7th). Flies out to left (leading off the 9th).

The Javelinas host Mesa in Peoria today at 3:00 Central. You can listen in to this one. The updating box score / game log begins at 3:00 PM Central here: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...n_perwin_1 Go to the AFL site home page to make use of the Advanced Gameday Feature or to listen to the audio: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p?sid=l119

Monday Wrap-Up, Javelinas win 5-3: Dana Eveland started, as noted above. Prince Fielder makes his 2005 AFL debut, striking out. Corey Hart grounds into a double play in his first 2005 AFL at-bat. Good thing each took time off after the major league season http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif . Alcides Escobar finishes 1-for-4 with one K, and with a clean day on defense. Mitch Stetter walks two in a scoreless inning: Pitcher Change: Mitch Stetter replaces Andy Mitchell. Chris Denorfia strikes out swinging, catcher Jeff Clement to first baseman Prince Fielder. Ryan Garko grounds out, shortstop Alcides Escobar to first baseman Prince Fielder. Matt Murton walks. Brandon Sing walks. Matt Murton to 2nd. Coaching visit to mound. Don Kelly pops out to shortstop Alcides Escobar.

Kansas City Star: Royals have eyes on an arm with their No. 1 draft pick by JEFFREY FLANAGAN One of the few things to get lukewarm about the Royals is that, as you know, they will get the No. 1 pick in the draft next June. And here?s something interesting: The Royals apparently will be looking at a pitcher, not a hitter. That?s interesting because the Royals? offense right now is pitiful. True, the Royals? pitching staff wasn?t exactly stellar, either. But even the biggest skeptic can see the potential in some of the Royals? young arms. But offensively, the only potential ? Billy Butler, Chris Lubanski, Mitch Maier ? is still in the minors. Yet Royals scouting director Deric Ladnier is looking for a starting pitcher with that No. 1 pick. ?To be honest, we pretty much believe we?ve addressed the offensive side in recent drafts,? Ladnier said. ?There?s some offense and legitimate hitters on the way that should help the big-league club soon. ?Now we?re going to turn back to the pitching aspect. Ideally, you?d always like to get more of this and more of that, but we feel pretty comfortable with what we have on the way in terms of bats.? This is where the faith of Royals fans will be tested again. But say this much about Ladnier: After more than a decade of draft whiffs by the Royals, he appears to have restocked the farm system in a relatively short time. Since Ladnier took over the draft in 2001, he?s plucked Zack Greinke, Butler, Lubanski, Maier and Alex Gordon in the first round ? five guys who should be cornerstones of the team?s future. And don?t forget J.P. Howell, too. Ladnier?s first pick ? Colt Griffin ? may turn out to be his worst, but remember that all scouting directors occasionally fan on first-round picks. As for next year?s top pick? Here?s a few names that are being tossed around: North Carolina right-hander Daniel Bard, Oregon State right-hander Dallas Buck, USC right-hander Ian Kennedy and North Carolina lefty Andrew Miller.