Jim Goulart

Just 24 years old but entering his 7th pro season (minor league free agent at the end of 2018), slick-fielding SS Angel Ortega has been placed on the restricted list by the Brewers. Ortega, Milwaukee's 6th round pick in 2012 out of Puerto Rico, started 78 games at shortstop, 37 at third base, and three in left field for Biloxi last season. When the overall minor league camp numerical roster list was released by the Brewers, Ortega was the primary "missing person". RESTRICTED LIST - The Restricted List is used for many reasons. A team can request that a player be placed on the restricted list if that player has left the team without a valid reason, or has announced his intention to retire but is still of an age or level of skill that could allow him to return to professional baseball in the future. In effect, the team states that it retains rights to the player if and when he becomes active again. A player on the restricted list cannot be signed by another team unless compensation is paid to the team who placed him on the list. The list is honored throughout organized baseball and in leagues that have working agreements to respect the contracts of organized baseball, such as Nippon Pro Baseball. The list is most often used today when a player retires at a young age without receiving his unconditional release. If he decides to return to playing, he must do so with his last team, unless a trade or other deal can be worked out.

PRE-GAME FRI. 3/30: *** AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show: WSSP's Tim Allen *** VIDEO via Fox Sports Wisconsin: David Stearns and LH reliever Dan Jennings on Jennings signing with the Brewers today *** AUDIO via WSSP 105.7 FM's "Big Show": "Adam McCalvy says the Brewers clubhouse has become a little concerned, a little tense, as questions on who will stay and who will go from the roster continue to grow" *** AUDIO via WTMJ's "Sports Central": "Fox Sports Wisconsin's Dario Melendez joins Matt Pauley to talk about his return to Milwaukee, Ji-Man Choi's game and demotion, Jhoulys Chacin and the signing of Dan Jennings." *** VIDEO via WTMJ4: Corey Knebel sings "Moana"

@BrewersPD announced the signing of RHP Alec Crawford today, and conserving energy for West Coast Brewer viewing, the easiest way to inform may be referring to my earlier tweet -- Newest Brewers farmhand RHP Alec Crawford (@acrawford09), 26, was Rockies' 25th round pick in 2014 out of U. of Minnesota. Released after two seasons, pitched indy ball in '16, and not at all last season, coaching instead. Seems @CarolinaMudcats likely?

PRE-GAME THURS. 3/29: AUDIO via WSSP 105.7 FM's Morning Show: Tim Allen *** AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show: Adam McCalvy *** VIDEO via WTMJ4: Ryan Braun not worried about being traded (of course) *** AUDIO via ESPN 540 Milwaukee: "Is it playoffs or bust for the 2018 Milwaukee Brewers? Bryan Dee and Dan Needles discuss as Opening Day approaches." (go to the 08:45 minute mark) *** AUDIO via the Score's "One and Done with B.J. and the Bear": Kyle Lobner of @BrewFrostyMug fame at the 14:50 minute mark *** VIDEO via Brewers.com: "Craig Counsell discusses the Spring Training performance of Ji-Man Choi" *** AUDIO via WSSP 105.7 FM's On-Deck Show: The roundtable discussion with the "Big Show" crew is at the 06:20 minute mark, and a brief check-in with Tim Allen is at 39:30 *** AUDIO via the Mike Heller Show (You will need to create a free iHeart Radio account to listen): Tom Haudricourt (go to the 16:00 minute mark) *** POST-GAME THURS. 3/29: VIDEO via Fox Sports Wisconsin: On-the-field with Ji-Man Choi *** VIDEO via Fox Sports Wisconsin: Locker room with Jeremy Jeffress *** AUDIO via WTMJ: "Brewers reliever Jacob Barnes joins Greg after the game to talk about the exciting extra innings win against the Padres and his save." *** VIDEO via Brewers.com: "Chase Anderson and Ji-Man Choi discuss the Brewers' 2-1 win over the Padres in 12 innings" *** VIDEO via Brewers.com: "Brewers manager Craig Counsell discusses Chase Anderson's six shutout innings and great defensive plays by Travis Shaw and Orlando Arcia" *** AUDIO via WTMJ's "Brewers Weekly": "Following the Brewers 2-1, 12 inning win over the Padres. Matt Pauley is joined by Greg Matzek who is with the team in San Diego." *** AUDIO via WSSP 105.7 FM: The full 90-minute post-game show

We will begin to see some formal minor league roster announcements soon. The formal announcement will come directly from the Sky Sox, not the Brewers. All four minor league affiliates will likely send out their press releases within an hour or so of each other once the Brewers have given them the official go-ahead to do so. Opening Night is Thursday 4/5! NOTE: Last season, the affiliates released their rosters on Tuesday AM, just two days prior) Feel free to link to any formal notices you see here. Often we learn via farmhand tweets, who has been assigned where, prior to the formal affiliate announcements. We'll link to any of those posts in this thread as they come out. As you might know, we use the "Your 2018" threads to post and link to feature stories that are outside the scope of game activity covered in the Daily Link Report. These threads have become among the most popular for viewing here, and we look forward to kicking them off formally. Please don't speculate here at this time, this is an anxious time for many on the farm, and unfortunately we're also likely going to learn about more player releases in the next few days, in addition to those players excited about their assignments.

We will begin to see some formal minor league roster announcements soon. The formal announcement will come directly from the Sky Sox, not the Brewers. All four minor league affiliates will likely send out their press releases within an hour or so of each other once the Brewers have given them the official go-ahead to do so. Opening Night is Thursday 4/5! NOTE: Last season, the affiliates released their rosters on Tuesday AM, just two days prior) Feel free to link to any formal notices you see here. Often we learn via farmhand tweets, who has been assigned where, prior to the formal affiliate announcements. We'll link to any of those posts in this thread as they come out. As you might know, we use the "Your 2018" threads to post and link to feature stories that are outside the scope of game activity covered in the Daily Link Report. These threads have become among the most popular for viewing here, and we look forward to kicking them off formally. Please don't speculate here at this time, this is an anxious time for many on the farm, and unfortunately we're also likely going to learn about more player releases in the next few days, in addition to those players excited about their assignments.

We will begin to see some formal minor league roster announcements soon. The formal announcement will come directly from the Sky Sox, not the Brewers. All four minor league affiliates will likely send out their press releases within an hour or so of each other once the Brewers have given them the official go-ahead to do so. Opening Night is Thursday 4/5! NOTE: Last season, the affiliates released their rosters on Tuesday AM, just two days prior) Feel free to link to any formal notices you see here. Often we learn via farmhand tweets, who has been assigned where, prior to the formal affiliate announcements. We'll link to any of those posts in this thread as they come out. As you might know, we use the "Your 2018" threads to post and link to feature stories that are outside the scope of game activity covered in the Daily Link Report. These threads have become among the most popular for viewing here, and we look forward to kicking them off formally. Please don't speculate here at this time, this is an anxious time for many on the farm, and unfortunately we're also likely going to learn about more player releases in the next few days, in addition to those players excited about their assignments.

We will begin to see some formal minor league roster announcements soon. The formal announcement will come directly from the Sky Sox, not the Brewers. All four minor league affiliates will likely send out their press releases within an hour or so of each other once the Brewers have given them the official go-ahead to do so. Opening Night is Thursday 4/5! NOTE: Last season, the affiliates released their rosters on Tuesday AM, just two days prior) Feel free to link to any formal notices you see here. Often we learn via farmhand tweets, who has been assigned where, prior to the formal affiliate announcements. We'll link to any of those posts in this thread as they come out. As you might know, we use the "Your 2018" threads to post and link to feature stories that are outside the scope of game activity covered in the Daily Link Report. These threads have become among the most popular for viewing here, and we look forward to kicking them off formally. Please don't speculate here at this time, this is an anxious time for many on the farm, and unfortunately we're also likely going to learn about more player releases in the next few days, in addition to those players excited about their assignments.

AUDIO via Fangraphs' "Effectively Wild" Podcast Wed. 3/28: "RHP Jon Perrin, (go to the 18:30 minute mark) discusses the so-called Save America’s Pastime Act, minor-league pay and working conditions, what teams could and should do to improve minor-league development, what major leaguers could do to help the minor leaguers’ cause, his legal aspirations and investment advice, having interests outside of baseball, his first professional hit, and more." Perrin speaks highly of the food catering program the Brewers have provided (two meals daily), a program they upgraded in 2015.

And thus concludes the "offseason" media thread. Happy Opening Day!

Prospect Primer: Brewers still on rise Burnes, Woodruff top pitching stable; Hiura set for first full season By Chris Bumbaca / MiLB.com

Brewers announced three releases on Wednesday -- First baseman Dustin DeMuth, 26 (27 in July), was drafted in the 5th round out of Indiana University in 2014. The left-handed bat saw time around the diamond, in particular third base, early in his career, but had settled in at first base the past couple of seasons. Saw action in 119 Biloxi games last summer, .244/.339/.379 (.719 OPS). Despite a 6'3" frame, the power bat didn't fully materialize. *** RHP Michael Gonzalez, 19 (20 in July), was the slightly rare late round high school signing (24th round, 2016). Gonzalez walked 32 and struck out 37 in 52 pro innings, all at Maryvale. Tough when your pro journey doesn't get you to a real crowd, i.e. Helena. Gonzalez should have some college money waiting for him if he chooses via his Brewers contract. *** Infielder Julian Jarrard signed as an undrafted free agent out of Menlo (CA) College after last June's draft, despite being 24 years old (turned 25 last August). Younger brother Jonah, 23, is at the lower levels of the Dodgers' system. Jarrard's Maryvale numbers were fine enough (.767 OPS), but his quest for advancement seemed tough given the age differential. Good luck to each in their baseball and other journeys.

AUDIO via the Sports Spectrum Podcast 3/2: Audio-wise, it'd be hard to find a better way to pass 40 minutes of your Opening Day morning than with this Brett Phillips podcast; the story of Brett's introduction to big league perks at the 34:40 mark is worthwhile alone *** AUDIO via WSSP's Morning Show Wed. 3/28: Fox Sports Wisconsin's Jerry Augustine *** AUDIO via the Drew Olson Show Wed. 3/28 (You will need to create a free iHeart Radio account to listen): Bill Schroeder (go to the 44:40 minute mark) *** AUDIO via the Drew Olson Show Wed. 3/28 (You will need to create a free iHeart Radio account to listen): Tom Haudricourt (go to the 68:50 minute mark) *** AUDIO via Brewers.com Wed. 3/28: "Episode 110 chats with LHP Brent Suter and RHP Brandon Woodruff about making the Opening Day roster." *** AUDIO via the Journal Sentinel Wed. 3/28: "Host J.R. Radcliffe sits down with Milwaukee Brewers beat reporter Todd Rosiak on the eve of the team's season-opener Thursday afternoon in San Diego." At the 26:00 minute mark, Miller Park groundskeeper Michael Boettcher is interviewed. *** AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show Wed. 3/28: Seth Everett, National Baseball Insider *** VIDEO via WTMJ4 Wed. 3/28: Lorenzo Cain *** AUDIO via WTMJ's "Sports Central" Wed. 3/28: Christian Yelich *** And via our Minor League Forum -- AUDIO via Fangraphs' "Effectively Wild" Podcast Wed. 3/28: "RHP Jon Perrin, (go to the 18:30 minute mark) discusses the so-called Save America’s Pastime Act, minor-league pay and working conditions, what teams could and should do to improve minor-league development, what major leaguers could do to help the minor leaguers’ cause, his legal aspirations and investment advice, having interests outside of baseball, his first professional hit, and more."

Via Chris Mehring -- Devin Hairston hit the first base bag funny trying to beat out a grounder in the third. Being tended to by training staff now. Mallen now in the game at second base.

AUDIO via WSSP's Morning Show Tue. 3/27: Journal Sentinel sports columnist Gary D'Amato *** AUDIO via ESPN 540 Milwaukee Tue. 3/27: "What are some realistic and attainable goals for the Milwaukee Brewers this season? Dan Needles, Bryan Dee, and Fox Sports Wisconsin's Sophia Minnaert discuss." *** AUDIO via WSSP 105.7 FM's "Big Show" Tue. 3/27: Former Brewers pitcher Paul Wagner *** VIDEO via WTMJ4 Tue. 3/27: "Soundtrack of Summer: Bob Uecker prepares for 48th year with the Brewers" *** AUDIO via WTMJ's Sports Central Tue. 3/27 -- Brandon Woodruff Corey Knebel Brent Suter

AUDIO via WTMJ's "Sports Central" Mon. 3/26: Lorenzo Cain

VIDEO via WTMJ4 Mon. 3/26: "Josh Hader has fans drinking the Hader-ade"

Latest signing turns 17 on July 5th -- Dominican OF Jhonny David (Video takes over for slide show at 1:15 minute mark) David was 15 at the time of the video shoot *** 2015 Tweet from the Academy Baseballs used at the academy of Astin Jacobo in San Pedro de Macoris in Dominican Republic. #BaseballIsLove

AUDIO via WSSP's Morning Show Mon. 3/26: Adam McCalvy *** AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show Mon. 3/26: Jacob Barnes is interviewed by producer Joe Zenzola *** VIDEO via Fox6 Mon. 3/26: Maintaining Miller Park's grass *** AUDIO via WSSP 105.7 FM's "Big Show" Mon. 3/26: National Baseball Analyst Seth Everett (Brewers are a top 5 team in NL) *** AUDIO via WSSP 105.7 FM's "Big Show" Mon. 3/26: Tim Allen *** AUDIO via WSSP 105.7 FM Mon. 3/26: Latest episode of "Spring Training Live" *** AUDIO via "The Wisconsin Podcast" Mon. 3/26: "With Opening Day fast approaching this week, Caitlin Moyer, the director of new media for the Milwaukee Brewers, shares stories about Hank the Ballpark Pup, Bob Uecker, and Brewers recent tribute to the movie The Sandlot. Things to listen for in this episode… 1:36 | Brewers players pay tribute to The Sandlot 6:13 | The buzz at Miller Park 10:03 | The funniest guy on the team 19:00 | Hank the Ballpark Pup goes viral 33:47 | Bob Uecker gets Caitlin ice cream 42:40 | Haters gonna hate on social media"

Minor-league pitchers Josh Uhen, Nate Griep make favorable impressions in Brewers camp Haudricourt piece really makes you think either could make a Jacob Barnes-type ascension; good nuggets within...

VIDEO via FOX6 Sun. 3/25: Pitchers, catchers must have tight relationship: ‘Getting to know them on a personal level’ *** AUDIO via Matt Pauley's Brewers Extra Innings Podcast Sun. 3/25: "In the final episode before the regular season starts for the Brewers, Matt does an in-depth look at what the season will look like. Getting help from Adam Rygg of "The Brewer Nation", this week's episode previews the season by discussing the major narratives at each position group."

Rattler Radio Blog Posts -- Saturday Sunday

AUDIO via the Rattler Radio Soundcloud Sun. 3/25: "A double shot of interviews today. First, Tom Flanagan, the Brewers Farm Director, talks about some of the decisions about to be made, players who have stood out at camp, and how players are evaluated with limited game time. Second, Hainley Statia, the Rattlers hitting coach, discusses Demi Orimoloye's swing change, his new tablet, and what he will do with an off day on Monday." *** NOTES: High praise for RHP Alec Bettinger from Flanagan, who also indicates that slick-fielding SS Antonio Pinero will likely not begin with Wisconsin, and now bats RH-only, no longer switch-hitting.