Jim Goulart

AUDIO via the Sky Sox Soundcloud: Part One of a conversation with Athletic Trainer Aaron Hoback

Sky Sox clinch PCL American North title Colorado Springs making first postseason appearance since 1997 By Michael Avallone / MiLB.com Colorado Springs manager Rick Sweet guided his club to the franchise's first postseason appearance in 20 years. (Bobby Stevens photo / MiLB.com) Without throwing a pitch or swinging a bat Sunday, Colorado Springs punched its ticket to return to the playoffs for the first time in 20 years. After remnants of Hurricane Harvey canceled the Triple-A Brewers affiliate's game in New Orleans and spoiled the chance to clinch the Pacific Coast League American Northern Division title outright, the Sky Sox celebrated on their bus out of town after second-place Oklahoma City lost the first game of its doubleheader with Omaha. With eight games remaining in the regular season, the organization notched its first division title since 1995 and just the third in franchise history. The Sky Sox were affiliated with the Rockies when they last made the playoffs in 1997. "It's exciting for everybody, especially some of the younger players who are getting their first opportunity to play in the postseason," Colorado Springs skipper Rick Sweet said. "It's the first step, but it's the hardest one and the longest. Now that it's done, it's time to turn our attention to the smaller, shorter steps." Led offensively by top Brewers prospect Lewis Brinson and No. 12 Brett Phillips, the Sky Sox stand third in the league in batting average (.290) and runs (783), which enabled them to open up a 9.5-game lead over the Dodgers entering Sunday. Their 77 wins mark the most since the franchise won 78 in 2004 and the sixth time since 2000 they will finish with a winning record. "We started talking about what we wanted to accomplish in Spring Training," Sweet said. "I told some people last year that [2017] would be a big year for us. When we were putting the club together in spring, we laid out what was needed from our players to do this. We're a young club and our players have grown, matured and stayed focused the entire season. It's very, very gratifying to see all of these guys progress the way they have." A 27-year Minor League manager, Sweet knows the hardships of leading a team with so many moving parts. But as the Sky Sox prepare to face the Memphis Redbirds in the semifinals, he credited the Milwaukee organization for giving him the young prospects to get the job done with. "It is a tough job, but our success is a testament to the Brewers," the skipper said. "We've got a lot of good, young players. Even if we lose some, we have others who can capably replace them. I attribute that to what the organization has done the last few years. With some of the guys we've sent up to the Majors, even the ones that have come back do so with a good attitude. That's been a big part of the winning environment in the bigs and here in Triple-A."

Sky Sox Clinch First Postseason Berth Since 1997 Colorado Springs wins PCL American Northern Division after OKC loss Sunday By Robby Veronesi / Colorado Springs Sky Sox The Colorado Springs Sky Sox clinched their first postseason berth in 20 years Sunday afternoon, winning the Pacific Coast League American Northern Division for the first time in team history. Despite their series finale with the New Orleans Baby Cakes being cancelled due to wet grounds at the Shrine on Airline, the Sky Sox still clinched the division after the Omaha Storm Chasers defeated the Oklahoma City Dodgers, 3-0, in game one of Sunday afternoon's doubleheader at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in the Sooner State. Colorado Springs will face the Memphis Redbirds (St. Louis Cardinals), champions of the American Southern Division, in a best-of-five series beginning September 6 at 6:05 p.m. MT at AutoZone Park in West Tennessee. The Sox play on the road for the first two games of the series before the two teams head back to Security Service Field for game three on Friday, September 8, with if-necessary games four and five on Saturday, September 9, and Sunday, September 10. *** Congratulations to all involved in the Sky Sox 2017 season!

Timber Rattler DVR Alert WED. 8/30 vs. Beloit (Athletics), 7:00 PM Spectrum Sports are available on channel 32 and in HD on channel 1332 in Eastern Wisconsin Last TV game of the season.

Farmhand birthdays -- RHP Matt Smith - 24 (2016 34th round pick saw action at three levels last season, on 60-day DL) Maryvale IF Francisco Thomas - 19 (8th round , 2016)

Look for these just prior to the respective game times -- Colorado Springs Media Notes - Linked on the Sky Sox official blog Biloxi Media Notes - Linked on the Shuck Dynasty blog Carolina Media Notes - Linked on the Mudcats official blog Wisconsin Media Notes - Linked on the Rattler Radio blog *** STANDINGS: AAA - Pacific Coast League American Northern Division AA - Southern League South Division High-A - Carolina League Southern Division A - Midwest League Western Division Pioneer League North Division Arizona League Central Division Dominican Summer League San Pedro Division Dominican Summer League North Division NOTE: Divisional standings for the two DSL teams point to the same shared page link. NOTE #2: The Standings Links above will reflect second-half standings for Biloxi, Carolina, and Wisconsin. You can easily then click on "Overall Standings" once you've reached the initial link. *** Sortable individual stat pages: Colorado Springs Biloxi Carolina Wisconsin Helena Maryvale DSL Brewers DSL Brewers/Indians *** Weather.com: New Orleans, LA Biloxi, MS Myrtle Beach, SC Clinton, IA Billings, MT

Follow Sunday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Colorado Springs Biloxi Carolina Wisconsin Helena MiLB.com feature -- organizational scoreboard, Brewers

Sunday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Colorado Springs: TBD at New Orleans (Marlins), 12:30 PM pre-game, 1:00 gametime Free Live Audio Link Dan Karcher, the longtime play-by-play voice of the Sky Sox is on Twitter @SkySoxKarch; joining him again this season is Dan Acheson (@Dan_Acheson) MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; all Colorado Springs games, home and away, will be available to watch via MiLB.TV's $49.99 season-long package ($12.99 to pay for a single month). The audio feed is from the home team. The video of each game is archived online, which is a nice feature. All MiLB.TV details available at the link. NOTE: Notice that on MiLB.TV's page, you can click on "Filter", then "Milwaukee Brewers", and you'll see just the Crew's organizational TV lineup. ********** Biloxi: RHP Luis Ortiz at home vs. Jacksonville (Marlins), 4:45 PM pre-game, 5:05 gametime Free Live Audio Link Chris Harris is the play-by-play voice of the Shuckers. Follow Chris on Twitter @CHarris731. We'll be linking to his fantastic "Shuck Dynasty" blog. Erik Bremer (@Erik_Bremer) joins Chris often. All games, home and away, are scheduled to be radio broadcast. MiLB.TV - Eight of the ten Southern League teams telecast their home games, and Biloxi is among them. Only games in Chattanooga and Mobile won't be available. ********** Carolina: RHP Marcos Diplan at Myrtle Beach (Sox), 1:50 PM pre-game, 2:05 gametime Free Live Audio Link We look forward to Mudcats audio with Greg Young (@gregyoungjr), especially after going without gameday audio for much of the Brewers' stay in Brevard County. MiLB.TV - Yes, Carolina home games will be on MiLB.TV, sweet. It appears three other Carolina League teams (Salem, Myrtle Beach, and Winston-Salem) broadcast as well. ********** Wisconsin: RHP Carlos Herrera at Clinton (Mariners), 1:40 PM pre-game, 2:00 gametime Free Live Audio Link Chris Mehring is back to do his customary fantastic work as the Voice of the Rattlers. Follow him on Twitter @CMehring; we'll link to Chris' infamous blog often -- Rattler Radio. MiLB.TV - Eight of the 16 Midwest League teams telecast their home games, and Wisconsin, once again, is among them. We'll let you know when a road TV feed is available. In 2017, fifteen games will be broadcast on Spectrum Sports in Wisconsin, available on channel 32 and in HD on channel 1332. We'll keep you posted with our "DVR Alerts" days in advance. *** Helena: RHP Harold Chirino at Billings (Reds), 4:45 PM pre-game, 5:05 gametime Free Live Audio Link Garrett Greene (@Garrett_Greene) has your H-Crew coverage for 2017 *** Maryvale: Idle

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Let the Burnes thread remain. Hopefully it will interest folks who don't venture to the Minor League side of things too often, to dip their toes there in the future. I doubt it will set this great future precedent of intersecting forums/threads.

First-hand viewing details linked to Reddit poster "brew_burner", so scary. Copy and paste of Reddit post -- I can give details. Was there in person watching. Julio was hit by a pitch in what looked like the ribs/chest and immediately fell to the ground. Trainers took action very quickly. He was laying on his stomach and was rolled over. His breathing was very sharp and aggressive if I had to describe it. Then, it stopped, and trainers for both teams started CPR. There was a good 10 minutes (felt like an eternity) before paramedics arrived and took over the process. He was shocked (not certain of the correct medical terms, I apologize) 3 times during the entire process. He came back and took a few breaths at one point on his own during the process but it was only for a few seconds. He was taken to the ambulance while CPR was still being performed.

While we recognize the need to protect Mendez' privacy, and the need to keep his family informed of the latest (presumably they are in Venezuela), we hope Farm Director Tom Flanagan and the Brewers are able to release a positive report early on this Sunday regarding Julio's condition.

As you maybe could tell, several Link Reporters are enjoying vacation duty this weekend. Been a long time since I went wall-to-wall with stateside coverage, brought back memories of the Jim Powell early Link Report days. Hope you enjoyed it, 'cuz that won't be happening regularly . Thanks to all our Link Report volunteers, and a special shoutout to Brad who wrapped up his daily Link Report Dominican League coverage in this thread.

Final: AZL Angels 4, AZL Brewers 2, completed early, 9th inning emergency Maryvale Box Score AZL Brewers Top of the 9th Moises Perez strikes out swinging. Julio Mendez hit by pitch. That's not how you want to see a game log end unless it's a walkoff HBP. This wasn't. We'll refer you again to the dedicated thread on the serious situation involving young third baseman Julio Mendez. While we recognize the need to protect Mendez' privacy, and the need to keep his family informed of the latest (presumably they are in Venezuela), we hope Farm Director Tom Flanagan and the Brewers are able to release a positive report early on this Sunday regarding Julio's condition. Maryvale Game Log How the A-Crew scored their two runs -- AZL Brewers Top of the 3rd Moises Perez singles on a line drive to center fielder Jared Foster. Julio Mendez lines out to shortstop Dylan Woods. With Yeison Coca batting, passed ball by Mario Sanjur, Moises Perez to 2nd. Yeison Coca walks. With Pablo Abreu batting, Moises Perez advances to 3rd on a balk. Yeison Coca advances to 2nd on a balk. Pablo Abreu strikes out swinging. Robert Henry walks. Julian Jarrard singles on a line drive to right fielder Brendon Sanger. Moises Perez scores. Yeison Coca scores. Robert Henry to 3rd. Pitching Change: Jon Malmin replaces Wilkel Hernandez. Robie Rojas strikes out swinging. *** Pickoffs: Salaman (Pineda, G at 1st base). Honestly, not sure even our usual Maryvale Link Reporter Toby can keep track of southpaw Wilfred Salaman's pickoff count anymore. Best outing of the year for just-turned 19-year-old 2nd year RHP Michael Gonzalez. And this was promising RH starter Joaquin De La Cruz's first appearance in 18 days. Ivy League RF Robert Henry's OBP now .418, on base thrice here.

Final: Helena 7, Missoula 4 Seven Unanswered Runs Give Brewers Series Win Gabe Friese's second quality outing and bursts of offense help Brewers take two of three from Osprey By Garrett Greene / Helena Brewers Nice photo of Friese at the summary link above... *** Helena Box Score Can I just adopt Tristen Lutz? No, not like adopt him as a favorite Brewer farmhand, but seriously adopt him? And can we just refer to him as a first round pick? It was one thing in prior years to write "Supplemental" first rounder, but now we have to type "Competitive Balance Round" Pick? What did he tell his friends when drafted? "Oh yeah, I went in the Competitive Balance Round, just like I dreamed I would growing up." Lutz crushed HR #8 of his 34-game pro career here, and singled twice to boot. Great game, son. Helena Game Log On Sunday, the H-Crew travels to Billings and get to face Reds' 2nd overall pick Hunter Greene as he makes his mound debut. Greene has appeared in seven games as a DH thus far (stats).

Final: Wisconsin 3, Clinton 1 Rattlers hold off Clinton 3-1 Wisconsin ends LumberKings' win streak at five By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Chris paints his usual fine picture, and posts one as well... *** VIDEO TWEET: Final out *** Wisconsin Box Score CF Zach Clark finding his game in Wisconsin, he should really take off after instructional league 2017 and more seasoning, on base three times here. Rattlers drew seven walks in addition to their seven base hits. Wisconsin Game Log

By the way, back to New Orleans with the Sky Sox. Nate Orf says, "you need me to hit home runs?", Rule 5-watching organizations? That was #8 Saturday night, and at sea level. Previous season high was 2.

Final: Carolina 3, Myrtle Beach 2 Ray hits go-ahead triple as Mudcats win fourth straight Corey Ray had a go-ahead RBI triple in the seventh as the Mudcats defeated the Pelicans Did you know the Mudcats are now closer in their playoff chase than the Shuckers? The difference is that Biloxi plays the teams directly in front of them. But the Muddies aren't dead yet. Good summary above, as always, from the Carolina folks. *** VIDEO TWEET via @BrewerProspect: Corey Ray triple (HR shy of a cycle) VIDEO TWEET via the Mudcats: Final outs double play induced by closer Nate Griep *** Carolina Box Score Is RHP Eric Hanhold's walkout music via the Beatles? It should be. Or maybe Hootie and the Blowfish. Think about it. 22-year-old switch-hitting catcher Cooper Hummel has had one heck of a first pro season (skipped Wisconsin), once they let him hit the field on May 18th (.806 OPS). Carolina Game Log

Final: Jacksonville 7, Biloxi 6 Oh man, not in front of the Brewers' GM, they didn't, this one was painful. Jacksonville outlasts Shuckers in seesaw battle on Saturday night Shuckers drop to five games back of Jacksonville with nine games to play *** VIDEO TWEET via the Shuckers: Game highlights (and lowlights) oh, Tyrone Taylor so close on the diving attempt you just read about at the link above) *** Biloxi Box Score Both RHP's Josh Uhen and Forrest Snow had been touched up in a recent outing -- that was a fateful 7th inning, though, in which they combined to surrender the four key runs. Johnny Davis' high-water month for OBP was July (.361). Even reaching five times on Saturday, his August OBP is .316. Lots of progress during the season overall, though. VIDEO TWEET via @BrewerProspect: Johnny Davis - he fast. Biloxi Game Log RHP Corbin Burnes had walked more than two in a game only twice prior all season, the last time on May 4th. He doled out five free passes here -- did all the pitchers hear David Stearns was in the house? The Shuckers need to grab the next four games in this series to give themselves a chance in the final week.

AUDIO via the Shuck Dynasty Soundcloud: "Shuckers manager Mike Guerrero previews the pivotal series against Jacksonville at MGM Park." *** AUDIO via the Shuck Dynasty Soundcloud: "Brewers GM David Stearns visits the booth during the 5th inning of Saturday's game with Jacksonville. Corbin Burnes, Minor league development and partnership between the Brewers and Shuckers are discusssed."

Final: Colorado Springs 10, New Orleans 2 Offense Erupts In Win In Bayou Kyle Wren's 5 RBI Saturday night marked a new career high after recording a quartet of RBI on two different occasions By Robby Veronesi / Colorado Springs Sky Sox It's been 20 years, Sky Sox fans, but your playoff-qualifying magic number is down to one, details at the link above. *** The Baby Cakes are 53-77, but their announcers maintain great enthusiasm! *** Colorado Springs Box Score Bowdien Henry Asa Derby has a 1.13 WHIP in 11 Pacific Coast League starts. He's just 23. Take that, Billy Beane! RHP Tristan Archer and LHP Tyler Webb finished up nicely. We'll probably see Webb on 9/1 with the Brewers, but he hasn't exactly impressed with the Sky Sox. Colorado Springs Game Log Is 27-year-old catcher Rene Garcia the next Manny Pina? Guarantee you there are discussions in the front office about trying to retain the pending minor league free agent with the stellar defensive reputation who appears to be breaking out offensively in 2017.

Thought it was best to break off a separate thread where we can send out thoughts and prayers to Maryvale infielder Julio Mendez, who reportedly was administered CPR after being hit by a pitch in the Arizona Brewers game in Tempe tonight. We will include the game report among others within this Link Report, but obviously everything takes a back seat to Mendez' well-being, so here is the dedicated thread; please post any specific thoughts and/or updates within that thread only, thanks.

Several other Angels players have tweeted their concerns, this link shows Twitter mentions of "Julio Mendez", you may see some not pertaining to the Brewers farmhand.

Tweet from the 20-year-old Angels RHP Austin Krzeminski who hit Mendez with the pitch -- "If everyone could do me a favor and say a prayer for Julio Mendez it would really mean a lot" Krzeminski, before Saturday's outing, had only walked one man unintentionally and had only one HBP in 25.2 innings. Let's keep this young man in our thoughts as well. Julio Mendez, a 4th year pro, also just 20 years old, is listed at 5'10", 140 at his MiLB Player Page, but this spring's media guide has him at 171 pounds. I only mention that since many will seek out his player info, and a super slight frame shouldn't be seen as a contributing factor to this most unfortunate situation.

More Biloxi VIDEO TWEETS via @BrewerProspect: Cody Ponce Clint Coulter Johnny Davis Jacob Nottingham