Jim Goulart

2019 Timber Rattler Gabriel Garcia continues to see regular action in Puerto Rico. On Friday, he started in CF, a position he had never played as a Brewer farmhand (fielding stats).

TWEET: I love that we get an Alexander Palma spray-chart-like hitting tendency post out of Venezuela.

If you blink, you'll miss it! Go to the 02:27 minute mark to see RF "El Tanque" Alexander Palma's 3rd HR this week, this one off old friend LHP Johan Belisario. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly3eK4j7zkY Palma was 3-for-4 in this game and continues to post video game numbers in Venezuela. A better view of Palma's elite frame comes at the 00:53 second mark as he heads back to the dugout a bit out of breath after scoring on a single. Who is up for a Vogelbach / Palma designated hitter platoon? Please, MLB.

Go to the 05:28 minute mark as first baseman Luis Castro hits a three-run HR in Venezuela Saturday night. Castro also singled twice in a 3-for-6 night. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PK3R4fb-PSw

You're confusing me. All the players in bold were listed on the Rocky Mountain roster I linked to and factored into my analysis. Catcher Jhonnys Cabrera is only 18 and in the DSL. Correct on Clark's retirement, CheeseheadInQC, and on Yi's release and Leal never made it back from shoulder surgeries, he's no longer affiliated with the organization.

More recent reports indicate clubs will be allowed to field two teams at the complex level (Maryvale in the Brewers' case). Still at 220? You said stateside, so I doubt you are counting the Dominican Summer League kids. They don't factor into the conversation at this time. All we have to do is count the players listed in the links provided above and if we add four position players and five pitchers from the 40-man roster, there are 155 players in the Milwaukee stateside minor league system right now, 85 pitchers and 70 position players. That's with a big proportion of that number coming from the Maryvale complex. I stand by my message, lots of work to do to sign AAA and AA capable position players in particular.

It struck me that the Brewers have a ton of work to do in terms of picking up bodies on the farm. Like seriously, a lot of work to do just to field teams, never mind competitive teams. More to do than I can ever remember in a winter offseason. We should be seeing a whole slew of minor league free agent and indy league signings. Much of this is necessitated because of the larger-than-usual number of releases this past spring and summer. That list begins here, and if you scroll down at that link, you'll see several similar posts from within our transaction thread. I'm going to focus on the position player side here. The Brewers aren't swimming in pitching bodies, but there are multiple promising quality arms, and while the raw number of pitchers isn't overflowing, I may follow-up with a separate post on the pitching ledger side of things. But it's not the issue it is with the bats. But let's agree that the organization does need to fill uniforms at four different levels to begin full-season minor league seasons (even if delayed by a month or so by Covid), and my goodness, position players, the Help Wanted sign is posted in Brewerland. 40-Man Roster Help for the Farm: OK, so Mario Feliciano is a good start. Among other catchers, we'll place Luke Maile in the minors simply based on his option remaining. Corey Ray, and we'll place Mark Mathias on the 40-man yo-yo, so that's four players for the farm. Side note: You had just as many big league walks as Mathias did in 2020. Considering he has had a strong walk rate in the minors, zero walks in 36 AB's screams fluke, but imagine if the Crew had combined into one body Mr. Base On Balls Jace Peterson and Mathias. But, I digress... So, just how many position players will the Crew need? Nashville, Biloxi, Wisconsin, Carolina (yes, in that order top-to-bottom) - Online buzz indicates that minor league rosters may be as high as 30 players in 2021, mainly to protect young arms that weren't stretched out in 2020. While some organizations may go with a 17-to-13 pitchers vs. position player split, let's assume it will be 16-to-14. So the Crew will need 56 position players ready to play above the rookie ball level. We filled four of those spots above, so we need to fill 52 more spots. Link to current AAA roster: OK, a reminder this being called "AAA" is deceiving. These players are on this page because they were placed on the AAA roster to be protected from being scooped up for almost nothing in the Rule 5 Minor League Phase of the draft. Disregard Ryon Healy (set to play in Korea) and Angel Ortega (restricted list since after the 2017 season). There are 14 position players listed here, and yes, regardless of career path thus far, we'll place all 14 on a full-season roster. Organizational soldiers, roster filler (hate both of those terms, I'm sorry), but we know we have to fill slots here. It's just necessary, plain and simple. So now we're up to 18 of 56. Link to current AA roster: Hi Brice! Yup, that's it. One position player. 19 of 56 filled. Link to current High-A roster: Hey, we like those three guys! But that's the thing, it's three. I think you're starting to get the picture now. 22 of 56 filled. Link to current Low-A roster: Nine players, some more prominent than others, but sure, we'll add each to the pool. 31 of 56 filled, and remember, we're assuming all 56 will be healthy. Link to Rookie-Level (2019 Rocky Mountain Vibes roster): Seven players, and while a few may be on the very fringes of the Low-A roster, we'll place all seven on a full-season team. That's probably a bit generous, but OK. 38 of 56. Link to Rookie-Level (2019 Maryvale "Blue" roster): Link to Rookie-Level (2019 Maryvale "Gold" roster): Yes, there is some volume here. This includes the smallish 2020 draft class (five picks and a couple of post-draft signings, all college-aged level). So at minimum those seven will debut at low-A Carolina in 2021. Sprinkle in a couple of others, a possible direct jump from the Dominican Summer League to Low-A, and it appears we're at: 48 of 56. But is that a true number? Not really. First of all, the low-A Carolina roster can only hold so much, and a higher % of identified possibilities really should begin there. Then, you've got the matter of position need, along with placing players at an appropriate level for their talent, or at least within reason. So, given, health factors and what I just described, I will generously say the organization currently has 42 of the 56 position players needed to begin full-season play in 2021. *** Conclusion - First of all, David Stearns, Matt Arnold, Tom Flanagan are all aware of this. I'm not breaking news here. We've seen prior minor league off-seasons where bringing in five free agent/independent players for full-season teams was fresh, because that was a significant number. This winter? We're talking upwards of 15. So this is just letting folks know the minor league transaction wire is going to be buzzing the next four months, because, well, it simply has to be this time around. We will fawn (or yawn) over signings of 27-30 year-olds that could end up on a Justin Topa trajectory, but that is so much tougher to find on the position-player side. Via Baseball America on November 2nd -- Full List of 2020-2021 MiLB Free Agents You would have thought that the Crew would have already entered those free agent waters more (so far, Jamie Westbrook and Zach Green, but that's been it. Not sure why it's fun to be a transaction maven even on the furthest reaches of the organization, but I've heard from many of you who enjoy it (it's an odd and unique fascination, isn't it?). Let the fun begin.

Thanks to Cream City Prospects on Twitter, we know the page where the Nicaraguan Winter League has new LHP Leo Crawford's (Corey Knebel trade) stats.

Thursday 12/10: Via BJ and the Bear on WSCO: "Rob Zerjav (President of Wisconsin Timber Rattlers) discusses the Timber Rattlers move to High-A and the excitement to get minor league baseball back in the Fox Cities! Not Brewer-specific, but the best review available of the big MiLB shuffle - Via the Baseball America Podcast: "J.J. Cooper joins Kyle Glaser to discuss MLB's reorganization of the minors and the 119 teams it invited to be a part of the new player development system. They discuss what still remains before the teams become official, who the 120th team will be and what's next for the 43 teams who weren't invited moving forward."

Thursday 12/10: AUDIO via WTMJ: Matt Pauley hosts "Brewers Weekly" - New catcher Luke Maile is interviewed. Enjoy the full show, although the Maile interview is also available as a stand-alone here AUDIO via Sportsnet 590 in Toronto: Luke Maile, a former Blue Jay, is optimistic for 2021 Via the "On the Sports Clock" Podcast: We're Matt Pauley fans here, and this extended conversation details his broadcast career journey in an entertaining conversation Via the Fancounters Podcast: "Mark Richards has a job only 29 other people in the world have! He is a MLB Public Address Announcer currently working for the Milwaukee Brewers. In this extended interview we go behind the scenes to learn about what the 2020 season was like for Mark – working each day without fans in the stands. We’ll also learn how he got the job and what his most memorable moments have been in the booth!" Via Reviewing the Brew's "Cold Brew Podcast": Their latest episode *** From the Minor League Forum: Via BJ and the Bear on WSCO: "Rob Zerjav (President of Wisconsin Timber Rattlers) discusses the Timber Rattlers move to High-A and the excitement to get minor league baseball back in the Fox Cities! Not Brewer-specific, but the best review available of the big MiLB shuffle - Via the Baseball America Podcast: "J.J. Cooper joins Kyle Glaser to discuss MLB's reorganization of the minors and the 119 teams it invited to be a part of the new player development system. They discuss what still remains before the teams become official, who the 120th team will be and what's next for the 43 teams who weren't invited moving forward."

These transactions were copied from MiLB.com on the day the Brewers adjusted rosters: 11/19/2020 LHP Nathan Kirby assigned to Biloxi Shuckers from Carolina Mudcats. 11/19/2020 RHP Bubba Derby assigned to Biloxi Shuckers from San Antonio Missions. Oh, and here's an update on Luke Barker's status: Yes, it was an oversight, as noted as a possibility above. I've been able to confirm that Barker is indeed protected on the AAA level, meaning he's still a definite candidate to be plucked by a major league team in Rule 5, but he won't be virtually given away in the minor league phase.

Updated list of what we believe to be the Brewers farmhands eligible to be plucked in Rule 5 today: Alphabetical within level (highest level reached) SAN ANTONIO: RHP Luke Barker RHP Zack Brown RHP Bubba Derby 3B Lucas Erceg 3B/1B Zach Green RHP Thomas Jankins RHP Miguel Sanchez LHP Quintin Torres-Costa OF Jamie Westbrook BILOXI: 1B/OF Ryan Aguilar RHP Jesus Castillo 1B Luis Castro RHP Luis Contreras RHP Bowden Francis OF/C Cooper Hummel OF Alexander Palma 1B Chad Spanberger IF/OF Weston Wilson CAROLINA: LHP Cody Beckman RHP Matt Hardy C Payton Henry RHP Robbie Hitt RHP Alec Kenilvort LHP Nathan Kirby RHP Braden Webb WISCONSIN: OF Pablo Abreu RHP Freisis Adames INF Yeison Coca RHP Jake Cousins C Brent Diaz 3B Gabriel Garcia OF Jesus Lujano 1B/OF Chad McClanahan SS Antonio Pinero ROCKY MOUNTAIN / MARYVALE: RHP Daniel Acosta RHP Harold Chirino RHP Brayan Salaya C Jose Sibrian RHP Nash Walters

Wednesday 12/9: Via the Bill Michaels Show: Adam McCalvy Via 104.5 FM Fox Sports Radio in Nashville: Sounds GM Adam Neuse (go to the 27:10 minute mark)

Wednesday 12/9: Via 104.5 FM Fox Sports Radio in Nashville: Sounds GM Adam Neuse (go to the 27:10 minute mark)

By the way, in extra innings, they are using the "man opens on 2nd" rule in the Dominican, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico Leagues. Not in Mexico.

2019 35th round middle infielder and Maryvale Gold Brewer Odrick Pitre debuted (box score) in his native Puerto Rico Wednesday (0-for-2, two K's, one BB). Pitre's tea scored nine runs. They allowed 21. Now 20 years old, it was a rough introduction to pro ball as the link above shows. For more background, scroll to the bottom of this 2018 Perfect Game profile.

Sunday 12/6: Via Matt Pauley's Brewers Extra Innings Podcast: Will Sammon of The Athletic is the featured guest Latest Milwaukee Tailgate Podcast

The Puerto Rico League opened its season Tuesday night. 2019 Timber Rattler corner IF/OF Gabriel Garcia, soon to be 23 years old, batted 9th and played left field. He clubbed a three-run HR, singled twice, and added a stolen base, huge night. Somehow however, his club lost a 7-1 lead in the bottom of the 9th, an inning that saw Garcia commit one of the three errors for his squad in that frame. Mayaguez Bottom of the 9th Pitching Change: Edwin Sanchez replaces Pedro Garcia. Emmanuel Rivera singles on a line drive to center fielder Danny Mars. Danny Ortiz singles on a line drive to center fielder Danny Mars. Emmanuel Rivera to 2nd. T.J. Rivera doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Gabriel Garcia. Emmanuel Rivera scores. Danny Ortiz scores. Throwing error by left fielder Gabriel Garcia. With Brian Navarreto batting, T. J. Rivera advances to 3rd on a balk. Brian Navarreto homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. T.J. Rivera scores. Pitching Change: Eddy Tavarez replaces Edwin Sanchez. Jesmuel Valentin strikes out swinging, catcher Juan Centeno to first baseman Jose Sermo. Jeremy Rivera reaches on a fielding error by first baseman Jose Sermo. Henry Ramos singles on a line drive to center fielder Danny Mars. Jeremy Rivera to 2nd. Khalil Lee singles on a ground ball to right fielder Johnathan Rodriguez. Jeremy Rivera scores. Henry Ramos scores. Khalil Lee to 3rd. Fielding error by right fielder Johnathan Rodriguez. Wild pitch by pitcher Eddy Tavarez. Khalil Lee scores.

Hey Britney, he did it again!

Palma was a triple shy of a cycle Monday night, now .361/.375/.583 (.958 OPS) through ten games and 36 AB's. But we also learn his nickname is "El Tanque" (The Tank), and this video of his home run tells us why. Guessing he's not playing at his listed 6'0", 201 anymore (likely for a few years now). Wouldn't mind seeing some video of his work in right field from last night, also.

Brewers send six prospects to play in Australian Baseball League Five with play for the Brisbane Bandits as part of a recently announced partnership By Kyle Lesniewski, BrewCrewBall

Wednesday 12/2: Via BJ and the Bear on WSCO: Former Brewer RHP Paul Wagner (go to the 14:15 minute mark) *** Thursday 12/3: Via Reviewing the Brew's "Cold Brew Podcast": An extended chat with Adam McCalvy Via WSSP's "Big Show": David Stearns Via 97.3 Milwaukee's Drew & KB: Tom Haudricourt *** Friday 12/4: Via 97.3 Milwaukee's Steve Czaban: Paul Wagner (01:34:30 minute mark)

Venezuela Winter League is underway, but the Brewers players involved thus far are: 1B/3B/2B Luis Castro was a longtime Rockies farmhand when the Brewers signed him as a minor league free agent in November of 2019. Even with the missed 2020 season, Castro's 2021 campaign will only be his age 25 season. Castro is off to a 3-for-21 start (1 HR, 3 BB, 5 K), and you can track him going forward at the link above as Baseball Reference includes this league's stats. *** Corner OF (primarily RF) Alexander Palma originally signed with the New York Yankees on 7/2/12 for $800,000 as an international free agent out of Miranda, Venezuela. The Brewers announced his signing the same November day as Castro's. He recently turned 25. Palma is 7-for-24 thus far, three doubles, 1 BB, 5 K, .763 OPS. Once again, Baseball Ref's link will update this winter. *** RHP Brayan Salaya will be 21 years old in February. Salaya signed for $250,000 at the July 2nd, 2016 international signing period. The youngster struggled in his last relief outing, so through two appearances, the ERA is spiked at 16.20 as seen at the link, which includes his Maryvale numbers from the past two summers. *** Quite often through the year, we'll see the very youngest of the Brewers international signings listed on winter league rosters, but they often won't reach the box scores. But they will suit up, and get work in. Here's a photo of 2019 catching signee Jesus Garcia with the Tiburones de La Guaira squad. Baseball America's Ben Badler tweeted this photo when Garcia became a Brewer at the 2019 July 2nd day. *** Another 2019 catcher signee, Blayberg Diaz, is listed on the Cardenales de Lara roster. He won't even turn 18 until January 31st. *** Things are still quiet from a Milwaukee perspective in the Dominican Republic and Mexico. The D.R. seems to be past its Covid-suspension stage. Looks like Puerto Rico gets underway Tuesday 12/8. We'll keep this thread updated with occasion posts of note.

Sunday 11/29: Via Matt Pauley's Brewers Extra Innings Podcast: Brad Ford of Brew Crew Ball is the featured guest. *** Wednesday 12/2: Via the Bill Michaels Show: "Former Milwaukee Brewers Bullpen Catcher Marcus Hanel joined the show to reminisce about his career. Who was responsible for establishing a culture in the Brewers bullpen? What were some of his favorite memories from his entire career?"

Friday 11/28: Via Reviewing the Brew's "Cold Brew Podcast": Guest is Voice of the Biloxi Shuckers Garrett Greene Discussing Bettinger, File, others who missed the 40-man roster cut, and more...