Jim Goulart

Venezuela Thurs. 10/12 - Nate Orf singled and walked in three plate appearances as the DH in a 5-0 loss (box score) 2B Javier Betancourt was 1-for-2 as a mid-game replacement in a 4-1 loss. In that game, 23-year-old LHP Frank Lopez (2017 Mudcats) made the start for Betancourt's squad, allowing two runs (just one earned) over 4.1 innings (box score) NOTE: Normally we don't note the winter league Brewers scheduled to become minor league free agents five days after the World Series, and it appears Lopez would normally qualify. But the info we have on his mid-season signing is conflicting, and we'll have to wait until the formal minor league free agent list comes out to learn whether Lopez is under Brewers control in 2018. Until then, we'll post Lopez' stats.

Miller Park Prospects on Game One in the AFL - we'll link to the work of Brad and the team often. *** Game Two: Corey Ray 0-for-4 leading off in CF, one K; Jake Gatewood, batting 5th, and playing first base, 0-for-3 with a walk and a SB. No Brewers pitchers saw action in their team's 3-1 loss.

In Venezuela Tuesday, a big 4-for-4 debut for 2B Nate Orf, on the opposing side 2B Javier Betancourt reached three times. Each committed an error. Orf stole a base, Betancourt was caught stealing. Oddly, all 21 hits in this game were singles (box score). *** Venezuela Wednesday - Skyrocketing RH reliever Wuilder Rodriguez tossed 2.1 innings, allowing only one unearned run (box score). Orf 1-for-4 with a double, Betancourt 0-for2 with his second walk in two games (box)

If the Brewers do grab Las Vegas (now that the Mets have said goodbye after 2018), they'll be moving into a brand new stadium.

AUDIO via the Rattler Radio Soundcloud: "Chris Mehring & Kyle Lobner discuss the latest Frosty Microbrew story, the Brewers final week of the season, Kyle's upcoming Arizona trip for Instructional League, and a few other things."

Enjoy both full podcasts, but for the focus of this Minor League Forum, we pinpoint the affiliate discussions -- AUDIO via Matt Pauley's Brewers Extra Innings Podcast Sun. 10/1: "As the final week of the regular season begins, the Brewers are still in playoff contention but just lost 3 of 4 to the Cubs. What has to happen in the final week for the Brewers to catch the Rockies and hold off the Cardinals for the Wild-Card? Matt discusses and is joined by Jack Moore to go even deeper on a number of Brewers-related issues. Plus, part 1 of the minor league recap begins with Brad Ford looking back at the seasons of the Arizona and Helena Brewers." Brad's chat starts at the 35:45 minute mark. *** AUDIO via Matt Pauley's Brewers Extra Innings Podcast Sun. 10/1: "As the Brewers season comes to an end, Matt gives his initial thoughts on how successful the season was and already starts to look forward to the 2018 season. Milwaukee's Tailgate podcast host J.P. Breen joins the discussion and gives his take on the 2017 season. The year-in-review of the Brewers minor league teams continues with Brew Crew Ball's Brad Ford. Brad will look back at the seasons of both the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and the Carolina Mudcats." Brad's chat starts at the 50:00 minute mark.

Archived since end of the regular season -- AUDIO via Matt Pauley's Brewers Extra Innings Podcast Sun. 10/1: "As the Brewers season comes to an end, Matt gives his initial thoughts on how successful the season was and already starts to look forward to the 2018 season. Milwaukee's Tailgate podcast host J.P. Breen joins the discussion and gives his take on the 2017 season. The year-in-review of the Brewers minor league teams continues with Brew Crew Ball's Brad Ford. Brad will look back at the seasons of both the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and the Carolina Mudcats." *** AUDIO via WTMJ Mon. 10/2: Tom Haudricourt *** AUDIO via WSSP's Morning Show Mon. 10/2: Adam McCalvy *** AUDIO via WSSP's "Big Show" Mon. 10/2: Seth Everett *** AUDIO via the Milwaukee Tailgate Podcast Mon. 10/2: "The Brewers playoff push ends on the second to last day of the season. Ryan, J.P. and Steve talk about how the Brewers surprised everyone in 2017, and what it will take to be competitive again in 2018." *** AUDIO via Brewers.com Tue. 10/3: "MLB.com takes a look back at the Brewers top moments of the season" *** AUDIO via WTMJ Tue. 10/3: Craig Counsell *** AUDIO via WSSP Tue. 10/3: The annual well-done mega-retrospective (one hour, 40 minutes) from Tim Allen and the staff *** AUDIO via ESPN Milwaukee's "Bryan and Dan" Tue. 10/3: Sophia Minnaert *** AUDIO via WSSP's Morning Show Tue. 10/3: Tim Allen *** AUDIO via WSSP's Morning Show Tue. 10/3: Ed Sedar *** AUDIO via ESPN Milwaukee's "Homer and Gabe" Tue. 10/3: Sophia Minnaert *** AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show Tue. 10/3: Adam McCalvy *** AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show Tue. 10/3: Ed Sedar *** AUDIO via the Mike Heller Show (Ted Davis hosting) Tuesday 10/3 (You will need to create a free iHeart Radio account to listen): Tom Haudricourt (go to the 106:00 minute mark) *** AUDIO via WTMJ Wed. 10/4: Jeff Levering *** AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show Wed. 10/4: Andrew Wagner of The Sports Xchange *** AUDIO via Brewers.com Wed. 10/4: Lane Grindle's "Brewers on Tap: Episode 102" with Craig Counsell and a look at the big season from Travis Shaw *** AUDIO via WSSP's "Big Show" Wed. 10/4: Adam McCalvy *** AUDIO via WTMJ Thurs. 10/5: David Stearns *** AUDIO via ESPN Milwaukee's Gabe Neitzel Thurs. 10/5: Tim Van Vooren *** AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show Thurs. 10/5: Seth Everett *** AUDIO via WTMJ Thurs. 10/5: Matt Pauley hosts "Brewers Weekly" *** AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show Fri. 10/6: WSSP's Tim Allen

A link to the now-closed 2017 regular season transaction thread, viewed nearly 36,000 times this season. We had detailed quite a bit about non-drafted free agent C/1B Kyle Beam earlier this summer here. Beam had moved from the restricted list to the suspended list since that last linked update, but was reinstated to the Helena roster this week. We don't see players return from those lists too often, but the Brewers will welcome him back this spring. On to the offseason moves, we'll track them here.

Nathan Kirby Happy To Be Back On The Mound Josh Norris, Baseball America Also notes on buying the Mudcats, and Payton Henry...

RHP Rob Scahill declared his free agency Wed. 10/4. He was eligible to do so as a player who appeared in the big leagues in 2017. The initial post in this thread reflects recent updates.

Increasing to 19 the number of international prospects signed to 2018 contracts (nearly all of whom will likely debut in the Dominican Summer League next June), the latest two Brewers signings are Venezuelans -- OF Oswal Leones, turns 17 on Friday 10/6, bats L, throws R - here he is as a 13-year-old receiving a mini HR derby trophy from Omar Vizquel (TWEET) RHP Kleiber Bordones, turns 17 on 10/12, here's a 2016 photo of the youngster.

RHP Wily Peralta declares as well, as of 10/3.

Having seen big league in action in 2017, RHP's Michael Blazek and David Goforth, along with OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis, did not have to wait until five days after the World Series to declare free agency, and each has done so as of 10/2.

AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show -- Jerry Augustine (Wednesday) Len Kasper Seth Everett

AUDIO via WTMJ: David Stearns

AUDIO via Brewers.com: "Lane Grindle's latest "Brewers on Tap" (Episode 100) features PxP man Jeff Levering and Colorado Springs manager Rick Sweet. Plus a look at the arm strength of OF Brett Phillips." *** AUDIO via WTMJ: Jeff Levering

AUDIO: Eric Thames with Buster Olney *** VIDEO: Craig Counsell with Chris Russo on "High Heat"

TUESDAY NIGHT: AUDIO via WTMJ's Extra Innings Postgame Podcast: Anthony Swarzak

AUDIO via the Drew Olson Show Monday 9/18 (You will need to create a free iHeart Radio account to listen): Tom Haudricourt (go to the 68:55 minute mark) *** MONDAY NIGHT: AUDIO via WTMJ's Extra Innings Postgame Podcast: Brent Suter *** TUESDAY: AUDIO via WTMJ: Craig Counsell *** AUDIO via ESPN Milwaukee: Sophia Minnaert *** AUDIO via WSSP 105.7 FM's Morning Show -- Adam McCalvy Ed Sedar *** AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show -- Adam McCalvy Ed Sedar *** AUDIO via the Drew Olson Show Tuesday 9/19 (You will need to create a free iHeart Radio account to listen): Bill Schroeder (go to the 67:15 minute mark)

AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show Mon. 9/18: WSSP's Tim Allen

AUDIO via Matt Pauley's Brewers Extra Innings Podcast Sun. 9/17: "The Brewers get an extra home series after three games scheduled for Miami were moved to Milwaukee due to the effects of Hurricane Irma. Fans show up in a big way to Miller Park and the Crew takes 2 of 3 but was it enough? Matt discusses that and all aspects of the pennant race. Brew Crew Ball's Tim Muma will join Matt. The voice of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, Dan Karcher, will also join Matt to recap their playoff season." Enjoy the entire podcast, but for the purpose of this specific forum, the Dan Karcher interview is at the 33:25 minute mark.

AUDIO via Matt Pauley's Brewers Extra Innings Podcast Sun. 9/17: "The Brewers get an extra home series after three games scheduled for Miami were moved to Milwaukee due to the effects of Hurricane Irma. Fans show up in a big way to Miller Park and the Crew takes 2 of 3 but was it enough? Matt discusses that and all aspects of the pennant race. Brew Crew Ball's Tim Muma will join Matt. The voice of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, Dan Karcher, will also join Matt to recap their playoff season." *** AUDIO via WTMJ Mon. AM 9/18: Tom Haudricourt

Catching up with OF D'Vontrey Richardson, and where he is now in his independent league odyssey.

From Friday: AUDIO via WTMJ: Lane Grindle *** AUDIO via WSSP's Morning Show: Tim Allen *** AUDIO via WSSP 105.7 FM's "Big Show": COO Rick Schlesinger *** AUDIO via WSSP 105.7 FM's "Big Show": Adam McCalvy

Nice to see Brad and Miller Park Prospects back in action -- Herrera, Diplan, Sanchez to play in Dominican Winter League