Jim Goulart

Here's your final Link Report from Saturday 5/28

There's no way to quickly tell if the Brewers' organization leads all of MiLB in walk-off victories (by every manner imaginable it seems), but if it doesn't, then it must be close to the top, given the overall W-L record of the four affiliates and the seemingly nightly entry (sometimes more than one, like within this report) we document here. Word of advice: don't leave Sounds-Shuckers-Timber Rattlers-Mudcats games early! Transactions: RH reliever Miguel Sanchez is recalled to the big league roster as Luis Perdomo hits the injured list. (Sanchez had not physically left the Crew's big-league road trip, as he remained on their "taxi squad" upon his option this week.) Reliever Zach Vennaro turns 26 years old this coming Friday. The 6'6" power righty is about to make his first appearance at the AAA level as the former independent leaguer gets the bump up from Biloxi. SS Willy Adames will be the star of the day in Zebulon Sunday as he begins a rehab stint with a one-day appearance with the Mudcats. Not only will the super-young Mudcats be treated to their best catering of 2022, but the ebullient Dominican native Adames will be of incredible inspiration to this primarily international-based collection of A-ballers. Adames will then travel less than forty miles to hook up with Nashville in Durham on Monday. Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Nashville 5, Toledo (Tigers) 0 Box Score / Game Log Via the Sounds' site, game details, and we encourage readers to review each of the affiliate write-ups as part of their Link Report routine: Boushley, Sounds Blank Toledo - Nashville Snaps Three-Game Skid with Four-Hit Shutout Caleb (the "h" is silent as in Bozley) Boushley with a super-impressive performance. We won't say it was out-of-nowhere, because Boushley has been solid, as evidenced by his 4.23 ERA entering this game. That ERA is now down to 3.66. As noted in the filed report linked above, RHP's Zack Brown and Hobie Harris finished up nicely (Harris striking out all three men faced to end things). Voice of the Sounds Jeff Hem released his latest podcast discussion, a ten-minute chat with Harris. As for the thinking on the Zach Vennaro call up, we see that veteran RH reliever Connor Sadzeck (0.63 ERA) has not pitched since May 20th. We know another effective bullpen arm, righty Peter Strzelecki, has been with the big league Brewers' taxi squad for their extended road trip. Until we get confirmation, Sadzeck's status is unknown. Five of the seven Sounds hits went for extra bases. OF Abraham Almonte's .500 slugging leads the current collection of Sounds now that Mark Mathias and his insane .341/.425/.549 AAA line is with the Brewers. By the way, Nashville's next six-game series is, as noted earlier, in Durham, North Carolina, Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the opener in the series will be at 5:05 local time Monday. The teams will then have Tuesday off. Sunday's game in Toledo is at 6:05 (also Eastern time). That's a quick turnaround. The Sounds are the only Crew affiliate playing Monday. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes via the Shuckers' Virtual Press Box Final: Biloxi 6, Montgomery (Rays) 5, eleven innings Box Score / Game Log Via the Shuckers' site, game details, please review: Walk-Off Wild Pitch Sends Shuckers to Third Straight Win - Shuckers Tally Second Walk-Off Win of Series Be sure to read that recap and then look below. Let's cut right to the ending - Back to .500 for the Shuckers. WLOX comes through again with their video package, which includes a Tristen Lutz laser beam HR (goodness!) and Gabe Holt coming-oh-so-close to his own round-tripper. Biloxi's roster remains very, very lean, which might explain why Joey Wiemer has played in all 42 Shuckers games thus far. We all love our pal Joey in the starting lineup, and having every Monday off helps. Just sayin'. In this one, Wiemer doubled, singled, walked, and stole two bases. Heck, that's prompting tweets like this - Biloxi is carrying one spare infielder, and Felix Valerio was the DH Saturday, so all were in the starting lineup. The lone extra outfielder is currently 20-year-old Terence Doston, utilized as a pinch-runner late in this one. So Mr. Wiemer won't be getting extra rest any time soon, which is a boon to the highlight reels. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes via their all-encompassing Virtual Press Box Final: Cedar Rapids (Twins) 8, Wisconsin 3 Box Score / Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers' site, game details, please review: Sabato Socks Wisconsin - Three-run homer by Sabato sends Cedar Rapids to 8-3 win With Sunday's scheduled T-Rat starter being RHP Ryne Moore, who has struggled in two efforts since being promoted from Carolina, Wisconsin could have used one of those top-notch final lines LHP Antoine Kelly has been providing in this battle with the first-place Kernels. Although Kelly fanned seven in 4.2 innings, nine men reached against him. Actually didn't matter, as the Rattlers were shutout in the frames after Kelly's departure, though Wisconsin outhit Cedar Rapids for the contest, 7-6. Catcher Darrien Miller's .911 OPS in April has melted to a .554 mark in May. Can we also find at-bats for switch-hitting backstop Alex Hall to help give Miller a break? Of course, Wes Clarke has also caught in a dozen games thus far. Speaking of Clarke (and the upcoming Father's Day), Wes may have the most vocally supportive group of family members on the web among Brewers farmhands - Dad's turn here: By the way, start setting your DVR's if you have access to channel CW14 out of Green Bay. Next Saturday the 4th is the first of a dozen games to be broadcast (here's that schedule). Carolina Pre-Doubleheader Media Notes Final, Game One: Kannapolis (White Sox) 7, Carolina 4 (seven innings as scheduled) Box Score / Game Log Final, Game Two: Carolina 4, Kannapolis (White Sox) 3 (seven innings as scheduled) Box Score / Game Log Via the Mudcats' site, doubleheader details, please review: Leones Lifts Mudcats to Doubleheader Split - The first place Mudcats split Saturday’s doubleheader with Kannapolis after taking Game 2 in walk-off fashion Yet another insightful postgame chat, worth your brief time to open in a new tab - LISTEN: Post-Game Interview with Manager Victor Estevez All eleven position players who took part Saturday had at least one base hit. OF Arbert Cipion and his .821 OPS missed both games and last played on Wednesday, so that's something to monitor. The club's primary third baseman, Alberis Ferrer, hasn't seen action in ten days now. On the pitching side of "missing in action", 20-year-old RHP Lun Zhao hasn't appeared in a game since he was roughed up in his second outing of the season back on April 24th. We have not heard if Zhao is healthy and working on things on the side but still with the Mudcats rather than Maryvale. And we love the two-minute interview cuts that Voice of the Mudcats Greg Young Jr. has begun posting on the team's YouTube page, we've been linking to them via our Carolina features thread on our Minor League Forum. Sunday's action is a mix of early afternoon and early-evening start times. Enjoy your day, everyone. Hey, what is this, four Link Report days in a row from yours truly? I'm getting some 2001-2021 Brewerfan ironman vibes. Very thankfully, those days are now in the rear-view mirror, and I heartily welcome Daniel and Joseph back to the rotation for the next several days. Catch you next time. Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores Links for affiliate audio Standings and sortable stat pages Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth Image courtesy of BrewerFanatic View full article

Thread will be utilized for any minor league news Saturday, lineup updates, etc. Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores Links for affiliate audio Standings and sortable stat pages Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth

Here's your final Link Report from Friday 5/27

Fans in attendance at the three Brewers affiliate games saw plenty of action Friday night, There were runs scored (both the good and bad guys) in 22 half-innings, including ten turns at bat in Biloxi. Image courtesy of Steve Buhr, Twins Daily (photo of Brandon Knarr) Fans in attendance at the three Brewers affiliate games saw plenty of action Friday night, There were runs scored (both the good and bad guys) in 22 half-innings, including ten turns at bat in Biloxi. Despite a loss and now a three-game skid, the 30-15 Sounds sit three games atop the International League West Division standings. The Shuckers sit at 20-21, but just 1.5 games back (three in the loss column) in the Southern League South Division. A sweet win Friday placed the 27-16 Timber Rattlers just one game back of Cedar Rapids in the Midwest League West Division, with a chance to tie for the top spot head-to-head with the Kernels Saturday evening. Your exciting super-young 24-18 Mudcats were rained out last night, but they sit atop the Carolina League North Division by one game. MiLB playoff procedures can be found here. Notice AAA, with its expanded schedule deeper into September, is unique. For the three lower levels, it appears the first-half schedule ends with the games of Thursday, June 23rd, from word we've received. Transactions: RH reliever Miguel Sanchez is back on the Nashville roster after his option assignment from the Brewers. Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Toledo (Tigers) 6, Nashville 4 Box Score / Game Log Via the Sounds' site, game details, and we encourage readers to review each of the affiliate write-ups as part of their Link Report routine: Sounds Drop Third Straight in Toledo - Nashville Suffers a Third Consecutive Loss for First Time This Season Clean defense on both sides in this one, but some spectacular plays by the Mud Hens sealed Nashville's fate late. The Sounds gave it a great shot, but here's the tip your cap trio of plays that nabbed Jonathan Davis twice, with Andruw Monasterio in between - Unfortunately, the two 8th inning runs allowed by Luke Barker loomed large. Brice Turang was 2-for-5, both singles. His splits show that he's played 20 games in both April and May, but ten extra-bas hits in the first month have turned into only two in the current month. It doesn't seem like it, but May's OPS is at only .604 thanks to that (and fewer walks). On the surface, the .287 batting average overall is hiding some of those shortcomings. Corey Ray, starting in his first game since May 4th. struck out all three times up. Ray exited after his K in the 6th, with Turang shifting out to center field. RISP 0-for-8, sigh. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes via the Shuckers' Virtual Press Box Final: Biloxi 9, Montgomery (Rays) 7 Box Score / Game Log Via the Shuckers' site, game details, please review: Shuckers Score Two Late to Down Biscuits 9-7 - Eight Shuckers’ Starters Record an RBI in Victory Thomas Zinzarella, who is working alongside Garrett Greene in the Shuckers' booth this season, has solo duties for a few days, and provided multiple details in the game report linked just above. WXXV was once again on-site with their cameras. but as often the case, had to pull their crew before the later innings - we do get to see Joey Wiemer fly around the bases to score from first on Thomas Dillard's double. This is pretty fantastic. Frelick has to twist his body to line up the throw, and it could not have been more on the money - The Shuckers put 21 men on base and were successful in all three stolen base attempts. RHP T.J. Shook made his second AA start. Shook was able to work around a lot of traffic his first time out, but could not in this one. Given his results in 2022, it's pretty shocking to see the six runs allowed in 3.2 IP (12 baserunners). Robbie Hitt allowed only one of the three Shook men on base he inherited to score. Biloxi doesn't win this one without the bullpen efforts. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes via their all-encompassing Virtual Press Box Final: Wisconsin 7, Cedar Rapids (Twins) 3 Box Score / Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers' site, game details, please review: Timber Rattlers Tighten Division Race with Win at Cedar Rapids - Knarr wins seventh straight start in 7-3 Wisconsin victory The sometimes not-quite-electric Wisconsin offense picked up sure-to-be-All-Star LHP Brandon Knarr here, as Knarr saw ten men reach base in his five innings of work. RHP's Kent Hasler and Cam Robinson continued their stellar work out of the T-Rats pen. The Brewers plucked Hasler from the independent ranks and his former broadcaster in Winnipeg continues to monitor his progress Although the bottom four in the order contributed just a single hit apiece, they played a big part in this one. Micah Bello with the confidence-boosting blast, and welcome to full-season ball, Jadher Areinamo! Mudcats and Cannon Ballers Postponed in Zebulon - Tonight’s game between Kannapolis and Carolina has been postponed due to wet grounds at Five County Stadium Yikes, always stay safe! I will assume that just about everyone who visits our daily Minor League Reports is somehow often exposed to the awesome work of the media-friendly arm of the Brewers Player Development Staff via their @BrewersPD Twitter account. Quite often, their fantastic video posts come out in the 24-hour period following the day's games reflected in our posts, and thus aren't always represented here. Check out the link in this paragraph for the latest and be sure to maintain that following. The Carolina Saturday twinbill begins at 3:05 Central, otherwise Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting. Yes, that's an Elton John 1973 song reference. This Link Report's title is via Meatloaf circa 1977. Appreciate your music industry history, folks ? Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores Links for affiliate audio Standings and sortable stat pages Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth View full article

Wasn't released in time for Thursday night's Link Report, but nice work here, for sure -

Yes, more of this type of content, please, even in brief soundbites -

Wednesday 5/25: Via WSSP: Tim Allen hosts his postgame show after the 2-1 series-ending win in San Diego Via WTMJ: Matt Pauley's "Extra Innings" postgame show after a 2-1 victory over the Padres Locked on Brewers: "Brewers claim the series in San Diego!" *** Thursday 5/26: Via WTMJ's "First Pitch": David Stearns Via WSSP's "Big Show": WSSP's Tim Allen Via WSSP's "Big Show": Katie Woo, Cardinals writer for The Athletic Via WSSP's "The Ramie Show": Will Sammon of The Athletic VIDEO via MLB Network's "Intentional Talk": Kolten Wong Via WSCO's "The Show with Leo and Balky: Matt Carroll from "Reviewing The Brew" (go to the 28:00 minute mark) Via ESPN Wisconsin's "Homer and Tony": Jerry Augustine Via WTMJ: Matt Pauley's "Extra Innings" postgame show with Vinny Rottino after the 4-3 series-opening win over St. Louis Locked on Brewers: "Brewers survive another one-run game, Yeli, Hader and Urias get it done" *** Friday 5/27: Via ESPN Wisconsin's "Jen, Gabe and Chewy": Sophia Minnaert Via WTMJ's "First Pitch": Rick Schlesinger Via "Claibs Online" out of St. Louis: Matt Pauley (go to the 41:25 minute mark)

Thread will be utilized for any minor league news Friday, lineup updates, etc. Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores Links for affiliate audio Standings and sortable stat pages Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth

Here's your final Link Report from Thursday 5/26

Sincere apologies to Biloxi's Terence Doston and Carolina's Jackson Chourio for not referencing their walk-off base hits within the title of this report. But when you hear the line "simply addicted to hitting nukes" within a local TV highlight package, and it refers to the golden boy of the Brewers' farm system, well, the headline decision is automatic. But this report will certainly get to the last-moment victories within, and it was an unusually busy Thursday on the transaction front, even if there were only two actual active roster changes. Image courtesy of Mike Krebs Sincere apologies to Biloxi's Terence Doston and Carolina's Jackson Chourio for not referencing their walk-off base hits within the title of this report. But when you hear the line "simply addicted to hitting nukes" within a local TV highlight package, and it refers to the golden boy of the Brewers' farm system, well, the headline decision is automatic. But this report will certainly get to the last-moment victories within, and it was an unusually busy Thursday on the transaction front, even if there were only two actual active roster changes. Transactions: 18-year-old Venezuelan native Jadher Areinamo struck out only 22 times in 152 Dominican Summer League at-bats in 2021. While not the official word, his arrival in Cedar Rapids to join the Timber Rattlers is most likely associated with the apparent injury status of infielder Antonio Pineiro, which was referred to in our report of Wednesday's games. Regarding the three position players who were let go, none had seen time with a full-season club (A-ball or above). BrewerFanatic's @damuelle provided details on their baseball journeys here. We learned that OF Je'Von Ward's injury status (formally not disclosed) will unfortunately cost him the 2022 season. Finally, a player signing reminder that the Brewers still have a portion of their international bonus pool available to ink players overlooked during the initial January signing period, during which the Crew brought 33 players on board. On to the evening's action - Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Toledo (Tigers) 9, Nashville 4 Box Score / Game Log Via the Sounds' site, game details, and we encourage readers to review each of the affiliate write-ups as part of their Link Report routine: Sounds Downed by Toledo - Nashville unable to erase early deficit Even in a loss where the outcome was determined early (Nashville down 9-2 after three innings), the Sounds' staff puts together a game summary that includes bullet points worth knowing. We realize that linking to each affiliate's game summary requires four additional clicks on your part, but the information provided is helpful and often important to know, and it aids us from having to re-write readily available details on the action and allows us to focus on items we find of interest. After opening the game with his second home run of the season, CF Jonathan Davis followed up four innings later with his glove - Weston Wilson was caught stealing to end the 6th, Sounds down 9-3 at the time. Guess it can be kind-of-justified, with two outs a big inning is probably not forthcoming, where if successful, a single base hit at least nets another run. But no, despite that sentence, can't talk myself into approval here - Corey Ray did not play despite his now-active roster status. RHP Dylan File had only made one relief appearance since his 2017 rookie season, save for a five-inning performance in April that followed Luis Perdomo's work as an opener that night. File got one inning of work in with a no-pressure 8th, and following his removal from the 40-man roster, we'll have to monitor what the organization's plans are for him. Starter Tyler Herb is having trouble establishing a presence at the AAA level, though his two appearances this month (one in relief) is a blatantly small sample. In 2019, Herb struggled with a 7.16 ERA in 16 games (13 starts) in the Baltimore system. Kudos, LHP Andy Otero, big-time bullpen-saving effort. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes via the Shuckers' Virtual Press Box Final: Biloxi 4, Montgomery (Rays) 3, ten innings Box Score / Game Log Via the Shuckers' site, game details, please review: Doston Delivers Walk-Off Winner In Series Opener - Wiemer Hits League-Leading 12th Home Run Terence Doston is only 21 years old and is getting his first taste of full-season ball. The 2019 22nd round pick out of a Tampa high school is up partly to cover for the non-disabled list absence of fellow outfielder Sal Frelick, who had missed some time after getting dinged up laying out for a ball. Frelick returned in this game, 2-for-5 out of the leadoff spot, great news. Doston was in the game as initially box score reviewers gulped. He took over for Joey Wiemer defensively in the top of the 9th. No injury update here, thankfully, Wiemer struck out swinging to begin the bottom of the 8th, MiLB.TV subscribers can go to the 03:26:50 hour/minute mark here. But a pitch earlier in the at-bat low in the zone had been called a strike, and it seems Wiemer did some barking from the dugout three pitches into Thomas Dillard's subsequent at-bat that got him tossed, along with Manager Mike Guerrero. Guerrero slammed his helmet and was fired up! WXXV with the full-game highlights during which we now have the infamous phrase that will clearly be etched on Wiemer's Cooperstown plaque someday - "Simply Addicted to Hitting Nukes". Thank you, Jeff Haeger, for this. Seven and one-third shutout innings via the Biloxi bullpen, monster effort, guys! Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes via their all-encompassing Virtual Press Box Final: Cedar Rapids (Twins) 9, Wisconsin 0 Box Score / Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers' site, game details, please review: Cedar Rapids Shuts Out Wisconsin - Rattlers held to two hits in 9-0 loss T-Rats went 2-for-28, ten K's (five walks). RF Carlos Rodriguez had both knocks, pushing his May OPS to .903. Two of the Kernels' nine runs were unearned, as Wisconsin tossed three errors into this unappealing salad mix of a game. Shout-out to RH reliever Joey Matulovich on his fine work, stranding a baserunner for LHP Russell Smith before throwing an additional shutout frame. Smith, the 6'7" 2021 2nd round pick, continues to seek his footing in pro ball, while Matulovich is clearly still inspired by my brief interaction with him at a Cape Cod League game in the summer of 2018 shortly after his being drafted by the Crew out of Cal (I also convinced him to sign). Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Carolina 3, Kannapolis (White Sox) 2, eleven innings Box Score / Game Log Via the Mudcats' site, game details, please review: Chourio’s Walk-Off Lifts Pescados to 3-2 Victory - The first place Mudcats won their third straight on a game-winning hit in the eleventh Consecutive-game bonus where we get the postgame chat - LISTEN: Post-Game Interview with Manager Victor Estevez The Mudcats went with their all international-signing lineup, as the only two U.S. born position players on the roster, infielder Zack Raabe and outfielder Arbert Cipion, sat this one out. The composition of this roster is almost incomprehensible to longtime followers of the Crew's system - simply remarkable efforts on the part of the international scouting staff, although let's be honest, the proof will be in the pudding in the coming years. Although it sure seems like Jackson Chourio's pudding is going to be awfully yummy -- Earlier in the evening - Mudcat pitchers walked ten and plunked one in the 11 innings, but also fanned 15. In addition to reading about it in the team's summary, the game logs we link to are often a great review on how teams (both the good guys and the bad guys) escape the zombie runner innings unscathed occasionally. Chourio's OPS certainly stands out among all the others listed in the box score (others all sub-.700). But hey, still in first place and a super-fun bunch! Be sure to continue listening to the brief postgame interviews Voice of the Mudcats Greg Young Jr. posts, good stuff, especially "in the moment" after a walk-off. As of this time, it does not appear there are plans to make up either of the two postponed games in Biloxi this weekend, that may change. As is the norm, all evening action on a Friday night. We have also fixed the standings link below, MiLB had messed with their links and we've now adjusted. Stop doing that, MiLB. TGIF, everyone! Holiday weekend TGIF at that! Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores Links for affiliate audio Standings and sortable stat pages Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth View full article

Re-read the Timber Rattlers section of Wednesday's Link Report ? Areinamo, still just 18 years old (19 in November), struck out only 22 times in 152 DSL at-bats in 2021.

Just a blip of a mention until he is assigned to a complex league club at some point, but the Brewers have signed 5'10", 175 lb. RHP Cristofher Carrasco (MiLB page). Carrasco was not one of the 33 players listed in the initial January list of international signees. His signing bonus is likely modest from the remaining portion of the team's pool. Yes, that's all we know at this time, not even country of origin. Speaking of those January signees, the oldest among them is among the first to net his own MiLB player page and be listed as a signee. Back in January, The Athletic's Will Sammon wrote: "The oldest player of the Brewers’ signing group was 21-year-old pitcher Roman Perez, a 6-foot-4 right-hander from the Dominican Republic, whom scout Gary Peralta signed. Perez sits around 95 MPH but will have to work on command." Perez' MiLB.com page lists a formal signing date of May 25th. Perez will turn 22 in October. Photo from January --

22-year-old OF Je'Von Ward, the 2017 12th round pick out of a California high school, will miss all of 2022 with an undisclosed injury. He had yet to debut this season. Ward's status is now listed as "Injured - Full Season" on his MiLB.com Player Page. Ward had spent his past two seasons with the Timber Rattlers, with low-A and high-A stints sandwiched around the lost 2020 Covid year, posting respective OPS marks of .633 and .699 in those campaigns. He will be eligible for minor league free agency after the 2023 season.

Udder Tuggers jersey auction begins at 10:00 AM Central 5/26, ending ten days later.

Back to all-evening action Thursday - Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores Links for affiliate audio Standings and sortable stat pages Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth

Here's your final Link Report from Wednesday 5/25

Details forthcoming on a dominant performance by our precocious Mudcats, another fantastic outing for a resurgent Timber Rattler starting pitcher, a rare stumble for the Sounds bullpen, and another idle day for the Shuckers, this time via Mother Nature. Before we dig into the details, let's briefly discuss why the upcoming Memorial Day weekend is such an important marker in the minor league season from a fan perspective. You've seen them, we link to them often, heck, you'll view some in this edition of our report. We're talking about highlights with near-empty stands, particularly in Zebulon, North Carolina, and Biloxi, Mississippi. We're not quite sure what to make of light attendance for Shuckers games, and likely neither is the local Chamber of Commerce, as attendance has regularly fallen short of expectations for beautiful MGM Park since construction was completed in 2015. Carolina's Five County Stadium was built in 1991, and the Mudcats franchise has evolved (devolved?) from the AA level to High-A, and now single-A. I enjoyed this article by Cory Lavalette of the North State Journal and hope you will as well. It paints for us, in a positive way, the dichotomy of the experience of taking in a Mudcats game vs, that of the AAA Durham Bulls, merely 37 miles away. It seems that Zebulon itself is becoming a growing residential destination and with that, the potential for increased crowds at Carolina games exists. Of course, there are no such concerns in Nashville and Appleton. Several Timber Rattlers have expressed within interviews their pleasure with the larger crowds compared to their prior Zebulon home, Antoine Kelly the most recent. It's not surprising that in the business world of minor league baseball, this upcoming weekend is huge as the weather improves, and as most school systems wrap up or are on the verge of doing so. Here's to the crowds enhancing our own highlight-viewing pleasure while also giving the Brewers prospects the local audiences they deserve for the summer. Transactions: None Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Toledo (Tigers) 3, Nashville 2 Box Score / Game Log Via the Sounds' site, game details, and we encourage readers to review each of the affiliate write-ups as part of their Link Report routine: Walk-Off Walk Dooms Sounds - Mud Hens score game two win in walk-off fashion RH reliever Thomas Jankins utilized a pickoff at second base to help escape his 8th inning jam, but as the summary detailed, couldn't quite seal the deal in the fateful 9th - You may have caught this from the Journal-Sentinel earlier this week: Pitcher Peter Strzelecki, catcher Alex Jackson and utility man Mark Mathias were present in the visiting clubhouse at Petco Park. A team is permitted to carry up to five players on its taxi squad for all road trips. For Strzelecki, an undrafted free agent signing by Milwaukee in 2018, it marks his first time in a big-league clubhouse. The right-handed reliever wasn’t with the Brewers on the major-league side in spring training, either. Mathias was indeed activated to take Hunter Renfroe's roster spot. The report does shine a light on what the Brewers think currently of Strzelecki, perhaps just a bit higher on the reliever rung than Luke Barker, Zack Brown, Hobie Harris, and Connor Sadzeck. Based on their 2022 performances, it'd be hard to quibble with any of the choices. Jackson's absence from Nashville explains Nick Kahle's random callup to AAA. Brice Turang stole his 5th base in six attempts. Mario Feliciano has yet to go deep in 97 at-bats despite otherwise pretty numbers. It seems so long ago (2019 with then high-A Carolina) that Feliciano cranked 19 bombs. We didn't forget to give you a shout-out beyond what the game summary, provided, Jason Alexander. You've been wonderful, another zero-walk performance here (only 12 free passes in 47.2 IP). On the other side of the box score, yes, that was former Rule 5 loss Miguel Diaz pitching the top of the 9th, and Jamie Westbrook has walked plenty but otherwise struggled since his trade to the Tigers. Montgomery (Rays) at Biloxi, ppd., rain No makeup date announced, the series should finally get underway Thursday evening. No worries, here's an excellent video feature via Jeff Haeger on Joey Wiemer, including the latest quotes from the stud slugger - Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes via their all-encompassing Virtual Press Box Final: Wisconsin 5, Cedar Rapids (Twins) 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers' site, game details, please review: Jarvis Jams Kernels with Nine Strikeouts - Rattlers win 5-1 at Cedar Rapids Raise your hand if you were suggesting that RHP Justin Jarvis should be moved to the bullpen after a rough April (five starts, 7.91 ERA, 1.60 WHIP). Oh wait, there I am, looking in the mirror, sheepishly now recognizing a stellar month of May (1.59 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 28 K, 8 BB in 22.2 IP). The Brewers seemingly have their system-wide pitching development system on cruise control, it's amazing. Sweet work, Justin. The Cedar Rapids newspaper report includes thoughts on Jarvis from the opposing dugout. Scary moment in the top of the 9th - MiLB.TV subscribers go the 03:08:00 hour/minute mark - as Antonio Pinero slid feet-first into a successful steal of second base, appeared to jam his leg going in, and was clearly in pain. After a few minutes with the trainer and acting Manager Liu Rodriguez (Joe Ayrault still away), in what I can only call a near-shocking decision, Pinero remained in the game for a few more pitches. Still clearly uncomfortable, he was then pulled for a pinch-runner. Please always act on the side of caution guys, that was not a good look. Outfielder Carlos Rodriguez has an .855 OPS in May. Still just in his age 21 season, yet it's season five overall (includes the lost 2020 season in which service time still applies). Folks may not remember that Rodriguez signed for $1.355 million in the summer of 2017. Although he didn't pitch in this game, WFRV provides the latest video entry in the inspiring story of RHP Tyler Gillies - And yes, at 10:00 AM Central this AM, bidding begins in the Udder Tuggers jersey auction. Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Carolina 13, Kannapolis (White Sox) 0 Box Score / Game Log Via the Mudcats' site, game details, please review: Cornielle and Rodriguez Blank Ballers 13-0 - Alexander Cornielle and Carlos Rodriguez combined to nine scoreless frames and 15 strikeouts Always a bonus when we get the postgame chat, especially after a game such as this - LISTEN: Post-Game Interview with Manager Victor Estevez Twenty-three baserunners, 10-for-21 with RISP, shutout pitching, just ensconce this box score in velvet, as George Costanza might (remember, he was up for senior scouting positions with both the Yankees and Mets at various points - oh, those script writers...). Special shoutout to catcher Jose Sibrian on his three doubles. The 23-year-old Venezuelan native remarkably qualifies for minor league free agency at season's end (7th year in the Crew's chain). Back to all-evening action Thursday - Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores Links for affiliate audio Standings and sortable stat pages Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth Image courtesy of BrewerFanatic View full article

Wednesday 5/25: Via WSSP's "Big Show": Discussion about Brent Servio's BrewerFanatic article "The End is Near for American Family Field" (go to the 32:10 minute mark) Via WSSP's "Big Show": Part Two of the discussion about Brent Servio's BrewerFanatic article "The End is Near for American Family Field" (go to the 24:55 minute mark)

Tuesday 5/24: Via WTMJ's "First Pitch": Jerry Augustine Via WSSP's Bart Winkler Show: WSSP's Tim Allen Via WSSP's Bart Winkler Show: CBS 58's Kevin Holden (go to the 10:30 minute mark) Via WSSP's "Big Show": Tim Dillard Via 97.3's "Nine2Noon Show": Former Brewers RHP Paul Wagner (go to the 51:45 minute mark) Via ESPN Wisconsin's "Dario Melendez": Sophia Minnaert Via 97.3 FM's "Mike Heller Show": Brian Anderson (go to the 47:00 minute mark) Via WSSP's "The Ramie Show" (Tobi Altizer hosting): Dominic Cotroneo, statistician for Bally Sports Wisconsin & host of Locked On Brewers Locked on Brewers: "Brewers even the series in San Diego! A complete team win sets up the rubber match" Via WSSP: Tim Allen hosts his postgame show after the 4-1 win in San Diego Via WTMJ: Matt Pauley's "Extra Innings" postgame show after a 4-1 victory over the Padres *** Wednesday 5/25: Via WTMJ's "First Pitch": Jeff Levering Via WSSP's "Sparky's Midday Madness": Former Brewers bullpen catcher Marcus Hanel (go to the 29:45 minute mark)