Jim Goulart

Some sweet Hiram Burgos video from Wednesday

Box Score: CF Malik Collymore was 0-for-4 as his World Team lost to the Aussies, 2-1, on a walkoff single. He flied out, struck out, grounded out, and fanned again. That doesn't take away from the fine winter he's having. You'll find the full replay of the game as well as a few individual highlights including the walkoff, here.

Wednesday -- Puerto Rico box: RHP Hiram Burgos can flat-out pitch, sweet depth at AAA, and one of these years, an organization other than the Brewers will realize that and snag him in free agency. Burgos' line in this win: 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K, 5:4 GB:FO Teammate SS Yadiel Rivera 1-for-4, R, K, two SB (.584 OPS in 73 AB's) Caguas Bottom of the 1st Andrew Velazquez pops out to shortstop Yadiel Rivera. Jorge Padilla singles on a fly ball to center fielder Eddie Rosario. Rey Navarro strikes out swinging. Rusney Castillo called out on strikes. Caguas Bottom of the 2nd Randy Ruiz walks. Geraldo Valentin flies out to right fielder Henry Ramos. Angel Sanchez flies out to center fielder Eddie Rosario. Jonathan Morales grounds out, second baseman Jesmuel Valentin to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Caguas Bottom of the 3rd Omar Garcia flies out to center fielder Eddie Rosario. Andrew Velazquez called out on strikes. Jorge Padilla called out on strikes. Caguas Bottom of the 4th Rey Navarro grounds out, second baseman Jesmuel Valentin to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Rusney Castillo flies out to left fielder Benji Gonzalez. Randy Ruiz strikes out swinging. Caguas Bottom of the 5th Geraldo Valentin doubles (3) on a fly ball to left fielder Benji Gonzalez. Angel Sanchez walks. Jonathan Morales out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Hiram Burgos to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Geraldo Valentin to 3rd. Angel Sanchez to 2nd. Omar Garcia grounds out, shortstop Yadiel Rivera to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Geraldo Valentin scores. Andrew Velazquez grounds out, second baseman Jesmuel Valentin to first baseman Kennys Vargas. *** Puerto Rico box: SS Ivan DeJesus, Jr. was 2-for-2, R, RBI, sacrifice bunt, E (.789 OPS in 124 AB's). For the second time in three games, DeJesus exits early, this time after he scored on what appears to be a play at the plate: Santurce Top of the 6th Jose Lozada singles on a line drive to right fielder Ricardo Bautista. Ivan De Jesus Jr. singles on a line drive to left fielder Noel Cuevas. Jose Lozada to 2nd. Neftali Soto strikes out swinging. A. J. Jimenez hit by pitch. Jose Lozada to 3rd. Ivan De Jesus Jr. to 2nd. Hector Olivera doubles (6) on a line drive to right fielder Ricardo Bautista. Jose Lozada scores. Ivan De Jesus Jr. scores. A. Jimenez to 3rd. Pitching Change: Nelson Arocho replaces Efrain Nieves. Nelson Arocho intentionally walks Robert Andino. Roberto Pena pops out to second baseman Jack Lopez on the infield fly rule. Gabriel Robles strikes out swinging. Aguadilla Bottom of the 6th Defensive Substitution: Juan Silva replaces shortstop Ivan De Jesus Jr. , batting 3rd, playing right field. *** Dominican box: Jonathan Villar, again playing second base, 0-for-3, BB, K *** Venezuela box: 3B Hernan Perez, 2-for-4, BB, R, RBI (.854 OPS in 149 AB's) *** Venezuela box: SS Orlando Arcia 1-for-4, two K's in his team's 1-0 win *** Venezuela box: SS Gabriel Noriega 1-for-3, BB, K

Not only did the Brewers 3rd round catcher just turn 18 in November, we learn that he suffered a fractured hand (we don't know which one) in late September during instructional league play, and underwent a surgery that had a recovery period of two months. Feliciano has had only one at-bat (a groundout on 12/14). Manager Carlos Baerga discussed this within this September 28th article, you can translate it within Google Chrome, here's a portion: On the other hand, Feliciano, selected in the rookie draw this year by the Milwaukee Brewers, suffered a one-hand fracture Tuesday during the instructional league's work, Baerga said. This should be operated in the next few days and should be in recovery for about two months.

AUDIO via the Mike Heller Show Wed. 12/21: GM David Stearns at the 01:50 minute mark

Continuing with the original October post above, we learn that former Brewers AAA farmhand Pete Orr has been added to the pro scouting staff (tweet), and former big league Brewer Jeff Bianchi is now listed in the pro scouting section of the Brewers' site front office roster listing. No longer listed as pro scouts are Joe Kowal, and also Gary Robinson, a veteran scout brought on board last winter from the defunct MLB Scouting Bureau. *** On the amateur side of things, newcomer Jeff Carter is listed as a new area scout, and it turns out he'll be handling the Northeast corridor (Facebook update here). No longer listed are 2016 newcomer Michael Rouse -- the former Athletics and Indians big league infielder, who had the critical Southern Cal area for the past year, and John Shelby III, who had covered Central and North Florida since winter 2014. Shelby is the son of former Brewers coach John Shelby.

Dan Zielinski III once again spoke with RHP Cody Ponce for his website the3rdmanin.com. Those posters here who have been questioning the Brewers' Player Development Staff may end up raising an eyebrow at the lack of adjustments Ponce has made, as per his quotes.

AUDIO via Brewers on Tap: Eric Thames

Long before clancyphile grabbed hold of Brent Suter's shining star, there was Jeff Pickler. MLB Trade Rumors has an update: The Twins have agreed to bring Jeff Pickler aboard to join their big-league coaching staff next year, MLB.com’s Rhett Bollinger writes. Pickler previously served as a special assistant for pro scouting and player development with the analytically inclined Dodgers, and while his exact role with the Twins has yet to be determined, he’s expected to serve as a liaison between the team’s front office and its coaching staff. Pickler played eight years as an infielder in the Brewers system and has also worked in scouting with the Padres and Diamondbacks.

I looked it up the other day. The Brewers formally announced their 2016 coaching staffs on January 13th, so we likely have a couple of weeks to wait before learning about any turnover.

Tuesday's games -- Click a name, find the box score: Dominican: 2B Jonathan Villar, 0-for-3, walk, two K's *** Dominican: RF Domingo Santana, 1-for-3, BB, K, in his winter debut, five past Brewers in the box, including both starting pitchers *** Venezuela: SS Gabriel Noriega, 1-for-3 *** Venezuela Doubleheader Game One: 3B Hernan Perez 2-for-3, K *** Venezuela Doubleheader Game Two: 3B Hernan Perez 0-for-4, error *** Puerto Rico: Catcher Rene Garcia, 0-for-3, K, threw out one of two baserunners; SS Ivan DeJesus was 2-for-4, RBI, K, and has the stolen base *** Puerto Rico: SS Yadiel Rivera, 0-for-2, BB, HBP, SB In that same game, RHP Jorge Lopez (stats) had his first truly uneven effort in eight starts - 3 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 1 K, 2 WP, GB:FB of 4:3 Caguas Top of the 1st Andrew Velazquez flies out to left fielder Danny Ortiz. Jorge Padilla pops out to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Rey Navarro grounds out, second baseman Jesmuel Valentin to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Caguas Top of the 2nd Rusney Castillo walks. Randy Ruiz singles on a ground ball to third baseman Emmanuel Rivera. Rusney Castillo to 2nd. With Jan Vazquez batting, wild pitch by Jorge Lopez, Rusney Castillo to 3rd. Randy Ruiz to 2nd. Jan Vazquez grounds out, second baseman Jesmuel Valentin to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Rusney Castillo scores. Randy Ruiz to 3rd. Jaime Ortiz grounds out to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Kevin Santiago strikes out swinging. Caguas Top of the 3rd Omar Garcia singles on a ground ball to shortstop Yadiel Rivera. With Andrew Velazquez batting, Omar Garcia steals (5) 2nd base. Andrew Velazquez walks. Jorge Padilla grounds out, second baseman Jesmuel Valentin to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Omar Garcia to 3rd. Andrew Velazquez to 2nd. Rey Navarro out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Henry Ramos. Omar Garcia scores. Andrew Velazquez to 3rd. With Rusney Castillo batting, wild pitch by Jorge Lopez, Andrew Velazquez scores. Rusney Castillo flies out to right fielder Benji Gonzalez in foul territory. *** Following up Lopez in this game, LHP Andrew Barbosa made his 2nd appearance since signing with the Brewers (here was his first, a two-inning start) and his 3rd overall of the winter - 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K, HBP, GB:FB of 2:1, got the win Caguas Top of the 4th Pitching Change: Andrew Barbosa replaces Jorge Lopez. Randy Ruiz strikes out swinging. Jan Vazquez strikes out swinging. Jaime Ortiz singles on a line drive to right fielder Benji Gonzalez. Kevin Santiago flies out to center fielder Henry Ramos. Caguas Top of the 5th Omar Garcia hit by pitch. With Andrew Velazquez batting, Omar Garcia steals (6) 2nd base. Andrew Velazquez singles on a fly ball to right fielder Benji Gonzalez. Omar Garcia to 3rd. Jorge Padilla grounds into a double play, shortstop Yadiel Rivera to second baseman Jesmuel Valentin to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Omar Garcia scores. Andrew Velazquez out at 2nd. Rey Navarro strikes out swinging. Caguas Top of the 6th Rusney Castillo grounds out, second baseman Jesmuel Valentin to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Randy Ruiz strikes out swinging. Jan Vazquez walks. Jaime Ortiz singles on a fly ball to left fielder Danny Ortiz. Jan Vazquez to 2nd. Kevin Santiago strikes out swinging.

Garin Cecchini to the Royals on a minor league deal.

Monday -- Light night, but both Jonathan Villar and Hernan Perez managed 2-for-5 evenings, box scores at the links

AUDIO via Rob Bradford's podcast at WEEI 93.7 FM in Boston Mon. 12/19: Rob Bradford is joined by former Red Sox infielder Travis Shaw about how he found out about his recent trade to the Brewers, the ups and downs in his first full big league season, and dealing with the media in Boston Full half-hour interview, outstanding opportunity for Brewers fans to learn about their new third baseman...

AUDIO via Brewers.com Fri. 12/16: The Brewers have not stopped making moves since the offseason began. MLB.com's Matt Waymire and Brewers reporter Adam McCalvy discuss the Martin Maldonado trade for Jett Bandy as well as picking up Travis Shaw and Mauricio Dubon in exchange for Tyler Thornburg. *** VIDEO via BrewerOnTap Mon. 12/19: Lane Grindle sits down with Brewers GM David Stearns following the Winter Meetings

Shane Peterson to the Rays with a camp invite (Rotoworld)

Disciples of Uecker write-up this AM *** Ray Montgomery via MLB Network Radio

If you have a Sirius / XM subscription that includes the bonus app archiving, search on "Ray Montgomery" and you'll find his interview, conducted by Daron Sutton. The Brewers' newly-promoted Vice President of Scouting touched on these subjects, I apologize for these "loosely-typed" notes: How soon to you get back to communicating with players you are following - Constant year-round, keep tabs, visiting families, get deck squared away, get ready for January #1 pick Corey Ray - 2012 Area Codes, what did you see? History with him going back to high school, type of person he is, progression at Louisville, big draw, gregarious, challenges teammates to raise their games #2 Lucas Erceg - Don’t feed machine about pitching, he’s a 3B now. Could not have asked for better season, way he went about his business, work ethic #3 C Mario Feliciano -Perfect Game All-American, 17 years old at rookie ball, Perfect Game follow, pro scouting events, handled the bat, has hit it off with catching instructor Charlie Greene, defense may be a bit behind at this point, but will be equal to his offense soon 6th round C Payton Henry, a BYU commit - Hotbed of baseball there in Utah (was kidding), so a bigger learning curve, big change getting reps day in and day out; our scout (Jeff Scholzen) lives in Utah and knew Payton from very young age, had inside track, thrust into pro environment, still managed to impress Discussed mental side of catching; games called for the player prior to pro baseball – understanding gravity of what’s involved on the defensive side of the ball, huge learning curve – being careful not to rush talented players, too much, too fast can only do harm – proceed with caution, good players tend to blossom when the sun shines on them most Discussed Montgomery's own career, his lone HR a walkoff in ’96 vs. Ron Villone Watched CBA talks, stayed well-versed, how it might affect things, competitive balance picks no longer a lottery (good for Brewers) Discussed Montgomery as Diamondbacks Scouting Director, in particular commenting Trevor Bauer's prep & uniqueness – even as an amateur, he was pushing the envelope Wrapped it up with Christmas pleasantries, etc...

AUDIO via WSSP 105.7 FM Sun. 12/18: "Hot Stove Weekly" kicks off with Hitting Coach Darnell Coles off the top, and national analyst Seth Everett is also interviewed The individual interview links are available by clicking on the names...

Puerto Rico box: Ivan DeJesus (fine after Saturday's HBP exit) and Yadiel Rivera, on base once apiece *** Venezuela box: SS Orlando Arcia with a double, single, walk, scored three runs, batting just ahead of his brother at the bottom of the order *** Venezuela box: Hernan Perez with his 3rd HR, 7th double, and 5th SB in 31 games, and oh yeah, he's hitting .346 *** Venezuela box: A David Goforth sighting! Retired the only man he faced, on a groundout

My wife and I recently rediscovered Bewitched, one of her favorite all-time shows, after not watching episodes for 25 years or more. I was surprised to learn that one of the adult cast members was still with us until this past week, as Bernard Fox (Dr. Bombay) passed away at 89. Some cool info in this article about his approach to that role and his Titanic connections. http://cdn4.thr.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/portrait_300x450/2016/12/bewitched_bernard_fox_photofest_-_p_2016.jpg

Saturday -- Puerto Rico box: Something to watch as SS Ivan DeJesus (1-for-2, R) left the game immediately after a 5th inning HBP. *** Puerto Rico box: C Rene Garcia 0-for-4 in a 3-1 loss *** Venezuela box: SS Orlando Arcia, 0-for-4, K *** Venezuela box: SS Gabriel Noriega, 1-for-3, RBI, E; 3B Hernan Perez, 1-for-5, K *** Australia box: Sydney loses 5-0 as the Blue Sox fall to 9-11. CF Malik Collymore maintains a .920 OPS after a 1-for-4, BB, but was immediately picked off and thrown out at second base after his walk led off the game. 2B Tucker Neuhaus' subpar winter continues with an 0-for-4, two K (.500 OPS).

"AndThat" reminded me of Malik Collymore's Ontario background.

1B Alan Sharkey (13th round - 2012) Alan Sharkey certainly had a name that would have made for great marketing opportunities, but the bat simply never fully came around, bottoming out with a .496 OPS in 71 Timber Rattler games in his age 22 season, after posting a more respectable .678 OPS in 2015. Defensive work aside, that's just not going to keep you around, especially as a first baseman. Sharkey toiled in Maryvale for his first two pro seasons. Every one of his 282 games in five pro campaigns was at first base, as the lefty arm never saw the outfield in terms of versatility. Rare is the mid-to-late round position player high school signee who finds future success. If he chooses to go to school, the Brewers likely included funds for that at the time of his signing. VIDEOS from 2015: Defense / Offense *** OF Omar Garcia (7th round - 2013) OF Omar Garcia, 23, was successful on 74% of his 184 stolen base attempts in his four pro seasons. Thirty-eight of his 40 base hits were singles in 2016, which included a 19-game introduction to AA. Garcia was a juco draft pick, and would seem to be a good candidate for an indy ball chance before another affiliated situation. AUDIO and VIDEO 2013-2015: Interviews from Helena and Brevard County, highlights from Wisconsin in 2014 *** LHP Shawn Clowers (NDFA - 2015) Solid debut numbers in his age 22 Maryvale season did not translate to the Pioneer League, where batters scorched Clowers (Liberty University) for a had-to-be-a-bit-unlucky .385 average. Being a southpaw always merits a little more interest, and the undrafted guys are always easy to root for, but it was hard for the Brewers to overlook the raw 2016 numbers, apparently. *** LHP Boanerges Nova (IFA - 2013) The 6'2" southpaw spent three seasons in the Dominican, which may be fine when you start at age 17, but at 20 it will put you a bit behind once you hit stateside. A 1.66 WHIP in Maryvale last summer seemingly didn't set him up for a full-season gig heading into 2017 at age 24. At least he can say he's the only "Boanerges" to ever play pro ball. *** NOTE: The four names above each warranted a surprise post on Rotoworld's December 14th transactions page. *** C Zach Taylor (15th round - 2015) The junior college signee spent his age 19 and age 20 seasons in Maryvale, and was behind the plate in 20 of his 40 pro games, the rest at designated hitter or pinch-hitter. Tough numbers in limited opportunities, imagine there are some educational arrangements made for players who are enticed to leave community college to join the pro ranks, not just high schoolers. *** RHP Jeremy Newton (NDFA - 2016) Help me out, guys, is the Doug Melvin / Gord Ash legacy in Canada now down to just Dustin Houle and Demi Orimoloye? Newton only walked one in his 8.1 pro innings, but the 17 hits allowed equaled a very brief and stark entry into pro ball. *** LHP Joan De La Cruz (IFA - 2012) The LHP underwent Tommy John surgery and missed all of 2015, which was slated to be his first stateside season after three in the DSL. Tough numbers crunch to dedicate rehab efforts to a player, but then have to say goodbye at this point. *** IF Josue Herrera (IFA - 2015) The 19-year-old has now been let go by two organizations, as the Brewers picked him when he was cut after his age 17 season by the Diamondbacks. Two subsequent seasons in the Milwaukee system, including a 2016 that was limited by an injury of some sort, did not net him a stateside trip. *** OF Marcos Pinero (IFA - 2014) The Brewers always seem to do well with their Venezuelan signees, but after two DSL summers, the right-handed outfield bat managed a .375 OBP but with no pop to speak of. You know the Brewers are also evaluating players in how they are taking to coaching, their classroom and English language work, and more. We can only go by the numbers. *** RHP Axel Cruz (NDFA - 2016) Check out the 2nd half of this post to learn about the Puerto Rico native Cruz, as his signing is more reflective of Jeremy Newton's as a non-drafted free agent, rather than an international signing. So not only was the placement of the then 21-year-old in the DSL a bit unique, his release after doing a nice job in ten relief stints is a bit surprising as well.

1B Alan Sharkey (13th round - 2012) Alan Sharkey certainly had a name that would have made for great marketing opportunities, but the bat simply never fully came around, bottoming out with a .496 OPS in 71 Timber Rattler games in his age 22 season, after posting a more respectable .678 OPS in 2015. Defensive work aside, that's just not going to keep you around, especially as a first baseman. Sharkey toiled in Maryvale for his first two pro seasons. Every one of his 282 games in five pro campaigns was at first base, as the lefty arm never saw the outfield in terms of versatility. Rare is the mid-to-late round position player high school signee who finds future success. If he chooses to go to school, the Brewers likely included funds for that at the time of his signing. VIDEOS from 2015: Defense / Offense *** OF Omar Garcia (7th round - 2013) OF Omar Garcia, 23, was successful on 74% of his 184 stolen base attempts in his four pro seasons. Thirty-eight of his 40 base hits were singles in 2016, which included a 19-game introduction to AA. Garcia was a juco draft pick, and would seem to be a good candidate for an indy ball chance before another affiliated situation. AUDIO and VIDEO 2013-2015: Interviews from Helena and Brevard County, highlights from Wisconsin in 2014 *** LHP Shawn Clowers (NDFA - 2015) Solid debut numbers in his age 22 Maryvale season did not translate to the Pioneer League, where batters scorched Clowers (Liberty University) for a had-to-be-a-bit-unlucky .385 average. Being a southpaw always merits a little more interest, and the undrafted guys are always easy to root for, but it was hard for the Brewers to overlook the raw 2016 numbers, apparently. *** LHP Boanerges Nova (IFA - 2013) The 6'2" southpaw spent three seasons in the Dominican, which may be fine when you start at age 17, but at 20 it will put you a bit behind once you hit stateside. A 1.66 WHIP in Maryvale last summer seemingly didn't set him up for a full-season gig heading into 2017 at age 24. At least he can say he's the only "Boanerges" to ever play pro ball. *** NOTE: The four names above each warranted a surprise post on Rotoworld's December 14th transactions page. *** C Zach Taylor (15th round - 2015) The junior college signee spent his age 19 and age 20 seasons in Maryvale, and was behind the plate in 20 of his 40 pro games, the rest at designated hitter or pinch-hitter. Tough numbers in limited opportunities, imagine there are some educational arrangements made for players who are enticed to leave community college to join the pro ranks, not just high schoolers. *** RHP Jeremy Newton (NDFA - 2016) Help me out, guys, is the Doug Melvin / Gord Ash legacy in Canada now down to just Dustin Houle and Demi Orimoloye? Newton only walked one in his 8.1 pro innings, but the 17 hits allowed equaled a very brief and stark entry into pro ball. *** LHP Joan De La Cruz (IFA - 2012) The LHP underwent Tommy John surgery and missed all of 2015, which was slated to be his first stateside season after three in the DSL. Tough numbers crunch to dedicate rehab efforts to a player, but then have to say goodbye at this point. *** IF Josue Herrera (IFA - 2015) The 19-year-old has now been let go by two organizations, as the Brewers picked him after he was cut after his age 17 season by the Diamondbacks. Two subsequent seasons in the Milwaukee system, including a 2016 that was limited by an injury of some sort, did not net him a stateside trip. *** OF Marcos Pinero (IFA - 2014) The Brewers always seem to do well with their Venezuelan signees, but after two DSL summers, the right-handed outfield bat managed a .375 OBP but with no pop to speak of. You know the Brewers are also evaluating players in how they are taking to coaching, their classroom and English language work, and more. We can only go by the numbers. *** RHP Axel Cruz (NDFA - 2016) Check out the 2nd half of this post to learn about the Puerto Rico native Cruz, as his signing is more reflective of Jeremy Newton's as a non-drafted free agent, rather than an international signing. So not only was the placement of the then 21-year-old in the DSL a bit unique, his release after doing a nice job in ten relief stints is a bit surprising as well.