Jim Goulart

I've been asking for the Brewers to get re-involved in the independent league scene, and it's always especially interesting when they give a young man his first chance at affiliated ball. Milwaukee has purchased 24-year-old 6'4, 225 lb. RHP Luke Barker from the Traverse City (Michigan) Beach Bums of the Frontier League. Barker will be 25 on March 11th. The Traverse City roster page provides some of the background, from his signing by them last January, so please check that out now. Barker was exclusively a reliever in 2016, and as his Baseball Reference page indicates, his numbers were off-the-charts impressive. Yikes. Barker was league runner-up for Rookie of the Year, and he began his pro career in the fledgling California Winter League last winter, from where he caught the attention of the Beach Bums after just a single side session, as you'll read in Barker's alma mater's webpage here. That link includes some quotes of interest, and this link includes more statistical news from what seems to have been an excellent Division II college career. One would think that Barker has a good chance to open minimally at Wisconsin, likely even Carolina depending on his spring performance, given his late start in affiliated ball. Love these little offseason gifts, adding to the organizational depth. The Frontier League is considered behind the more veteran Atlantic League for sure, but isn't that far behind the American Association and Can-Am League in the indy ball pecking order. But it will be a significant jump for Barker regardless of A-Ball placement. VIDEO is from July 2015 -- Finally, here's the link confirming the signing.

Via Baseball America, here you go -- Astros Carolina League Affiliate To Play At Campbell

Via Alec Dopp on Twitter from Arizona -- Jacob Nottingham tonight: 8 swings, 2 contact (25% ct). Broken record in AZ; barrel in/out of zone; head movement in swing. Work to be done. Too often we get the impression "work in progress" is an understatement...

Monday -- SS Gabriel Noriega 0-for-4, K, error OF Ryan Cordell, 0-for-1, flied out as pinch-hitter *** Tuesday -- RF Cordell, 1-for-4, two K's 2B Javier Betancourt, 0-for-2, BB SS Orlando Arcia (yes, that Orlando Arcia), 0-for-5; old friend Donovan Hand pitched four perfect innings in that start (Venezuelan box score); for that matter Rob Wooten is faring well starting in the Dominican C Manny Pina, 0-for-3, K SS Hernan Perez, 1-for-5, K *** Wednesday -- CF Omar Garcia, 2-for-4, R By the way, the 1-12 Aguadilla team, one of four teams in the Puerto Rico Winter League, refused to take the field because of lack of payment, and forfeited their game. That's a new location city for the league this year. RF Cordell, 0-for-2, BB, two GIDP's SS Noriega, 2-for-4, 2B, two R, SB SS Arcia, 2-for-5, R, K, throwing error C Pina, 1-for-3, HBP, RBI 3B Perez, 1-for-4, R, K In the Pina-Perez game (box), RHP David Goforth retired zero of three batters, was charged with two runs, as his team held on, 7-5. Aragua Bottom of the 9th Pitching Change: David Goforth replaces Dayan Diaz. Dariel Alvarez singles on a ground ball to second baseman Ildemaro Vargas. Avisail Garcia walks. Dariel Alvarez to 2nd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Alex Nunez replaces Juan Graterol. Alex Nunez walks. Dariel Alvarez to 3rd. Avisail Garcia to 2nd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Gioskar Amaya replaces Rayder Ascanio. Pitching Change: Robert Carson replaces David Goforth. Gioskar Amaya singles on a ground ball to left fielder Ericson Leonora. Dariel Alvarez scores. Avisail Garcia to 3rd. Alex Nunez to 2nd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Guillermo Quiroz replaces Miguel Mendez. Pitching Change: Kendy Batista replaces Robert Carson. Guillermo Quiroz grounds into a double play, shortstop Juniel Querecuto to second baseman Ildemaro Vargas to first baseman Rangel Ravelo. Avisail Garcia scores. Alex Nunez to 3rd. Gioskar Amaya out at 2nd. Carlos Tocci called out on strikes.

Good luck to six-year Brewer utility infielder Brandon Macias; he approved a trade to the Mexican League, as per this @BrewersPD tweet. Macias should have a chance to make more than he would have in 2017.

Rattler Radio Blog - Relive the 2016 Walkoffs!

Brewers announce Espino's deal includes an invite to big league camp.

Brewers system bolstered by recent trades Lucroy, Segura deals deliver depth to Milwaukee's prospect talent pool By Chris Tripodi / MiLB.com This offseason, MiLB.com is honoring the players -- regardless of age or prospect status -- who had the best seasons in their organization. We're taking a look at each team to determine the outstanding seasons in Minor League Baseball.

Corey Ray hopes he’s ready for spring training By Dan Zielinski III, the3rdmanin.com Excellent job by Dan getting these quotes...

AUDIO via WTMJ's Sports Central Tue. 11/15: Tom Haudricourt

Very analytic-friendly signing. In 426.2 AAA IP (85 G, 66 starts), 1.188 WHIP, 7.8-to-1.9 K/BB per nine IP *** VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS via MiLB.com *** Wouldn't be surprised to see Espino pitch for Panama in the spring's WBC. Updated the initial post in this thread to reflect that Espino is Rule 5 draft-eligible.

Toolshed Stats: Triple-A ballpark factors Colorado Springs, Columbus stadiums stand out for distinct reasons By Sam Dykstra / MiLB.com

Very analytic-friendly signing. In 426.2 AAA IP (85 G, 66 starts), 1.188 WHIP, 7.8-to-1.9 K/BB per nine IP *** VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS via MiLB.com *** Wouldn't be surprised to see Espino pitch for Panama in the spring's WBC.

TWEET: OF Ramon Flores to the Angels on a minor league deal.

Rattler Radio Blog - Two-Homer Games in 2016

Sunday - Box Score: RHP Jorge Lopez allowed one run, his first in three Puerto Rico starts this winter, but was undone by four walks and an HBP in 4.2 innings. He was aided when a bullpen arm got the final out of the 5th, stranding the bases loaded. Prior to that 5th inning, Lopez had allowed only two hits and two walks in his first 13 winter innings. Even so, he allowed only the one run on Sunday and sports a 0.66 ERA and .089 BAA in 13.2 innings thus far. Also in this game, CF Omar Garcia was 1-for-3 with a walk (two K's) for Lopez' opponent in the 6-3 win for Garcia's squad. Garcia was called out on strikes and then walked vs. Lopez. *** Click on the players name to see their winter league box score. In the Dominican, RF Ryan Cordell was 0-for-3 with two K's. Everything else is Venezuela: SS Gabriel Noriega 2-for-5, run, RBI, K Hernan Perez, playing SS, 1-for-4 Nice game for 2B Javier Betancourt, 2-for-3, BB, R, RBI Manny Pina grounded out as a pinch-hitter. In that game, RHP David Goforth was charged with a blown save -- he entered the game in a tough bases-loaded, one-out situation and allowed two runners to score. La Guaira Top of the 8th Omar Carrizales grounds out, second baseman Ildemaro Vargas to first baseman Rangel Ravelo. Heiker Meneses singles on a ground ball to shortstop Juniel Querecuto. Brock Stassi walks. Heiker Meneses to 2nd. Jose Martinez walks. Heiker Meneses to 3rd. Brock Stassi to 2nd. Pitching Change: David Goforth replaces Tiago Da Silva. Brian Burgamy walks. Heiker Meneses scores. Brock Stassi to 3rd. Jose Martinez to 2nd. Jose Castillo out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Welington Dotel. Brock Stassi scores. Jose Martinez to 3rd. Brian Burgamy to 2nd. Defensive Substitution: Gabriel Lino replaces catcher Gustavo Molina, batting 7th, playing catcher. Jorge Alfaro grounds out, shortstop Juniel Querecuto to first baseman Rangel Ravelo.

AUDIO via BLESSED2PLAY.com - Half-hour with Brewers broadcaster Lane Grindle; first-half of the interview is on his first year with the Crew, second half is faith-based should you wish to continue

Hope some of you watched, if not, the article linked below via MLB.com's Manny Randhawa contains a two-minute plus highlight reel, both of Jacob Nottingham's near-identical singles, including the walkoff winner, and more video showcasing a nice throw on a caught stealing. Nottingham is the clear feature of the MLB.com story. RF Brett Phillips was 0-for-5 (one K).

Saturday -- Dominican box - RF Ryan Cordell 1-for-4, two K's, first RBI of the winter in a 2-1 loss *** Venezuelan box - Hernan Perez, playing SS and batting 3rd, 4-for-5, double, run, in his team extra-inning win *** Venezuelan box - Catcher Manny Pina 1-for-3 with a walk in a 4-1 loss, threw out only attempted basestealer *** Venezuelan box - SS Gabriel Noriega on base three times in four trips (two singles, walk) in a 3-2 win

Robert Vaughn, suave 'Man from U.N.C.L.E.' star, dies at 83

Sir, you've done yeoman work all fall, if I may -- Thursday (box score): Salt River lost 6-5, and it was a rough day for Brewers moundsmen, as RHP's Josh Uhen and Tayler Scott combined to allow six runs (four walks, just one K) over three innings (game log). Scott's six previous outings had all been scoreless, covering 9.1 innings. At the plate, Isan Diaz was 1-for-4 with two K's as the DH, and catcher Jacob Nottingham was 0-for-4 (now at .210; .537 OPS over 62 AB's). The baserunner was successful in the lone attempt vs. Nottingham. *** Friday's game (box) It was a 6-4 Salt River win. RHP Tyler Spurlin allowed two runs over two innings, only the second time he was scored upon in nine outings (game log). SS Isan Diaz led off, doubled and walked over five plate appearances, scored two runs (two K's). RF Brett Phillips was on base four times in five trips, with a single and three walks. He scored a run and fanned in his only out. Phillips stole his 4th base in six attempts this fall. You'll see at that player link that Phillips has a unique .224/.418/.306 line (.724 OPS), based on 18 walks and 17 K's in 49 official at-bats.

Friday: Dominican box -- Teammates in a 5-2 win RF Ryan Cordell 2-for-4, run, SB Licey Top of the 9th Pitching Change: Jayson Aquino replaces Roman Mendez. Juan Francisco pops out to shortstop Leonardo Reginatto. Jorge Bonifacio walks. Jose Marmolejos singles on a ground ball to right fielder Ryan Cordell. Jorge Bonifacio to 2nd. Pitching Change: Jhan Marinez replaces Jayson Aquino. Mel Rojas Jr. strikes out swinging. Yermin Mercedes reaches on a fielding error by third baseman Jefry Marte. Jorge Bonifacio scores. Jose Marmolejos to 2nd. With Marco Hernandez batting, passed ball by Miguel Olivo, Jose Marmolejos to 3rd. Yermin Mercedes to 2nd. Marco Hernandez walks. Pitching Change: Alexi Ogando replaces Jhan Marinez. Rymer Liriano flies out to center fielder Manuel Margot. *** In Venezuela, Hernan Perez, playing SS, was 2-for-4 with two runs scored (box); Gabriel Noriega, also playing SS, was 3-for-6 (double, run, two RBI, 3 K), box; catcher Manny Pina was 3-for-4 with a double, SB, three runs (box). In the Manny Pina game, RHP David Goforth netted a two-inning save -- Magallanes Top of the 8th Jose Tabata walks. With Mario Lisson batting, Jose Tabata steals (4) 2nd base. Mario Lisson walks. Pitching Change: David Goforth replaces Dayan Diaz. Josmil Pinto grounds into a double play, shortstop Juniel Querecuto to second baseman Ildemaro Vargas to first baseman Rangel Ravelo. Jose Tabata to 3rd. Mario Lisson out at 2nd. Ronny Cedeno grounds out, second baseman Ildemaro Vargas to first baseman Rangel Ravelo. Magallanes Top of the 9th Robinson Chirinos flies out to right fielder Ericson Leonora. Jesus Sucre flies out to right fielder Ericson Leonora. Jose Rondon pops out to second baseman Ildemaro Vargas.

FYI - Jenny Dell congratulates husband Will Middlebrooks on Twitter for new deal with Rangers

RHP Kender Villegas, who the Brewers plucked from the Cardinals' system in the minor league phase of Rule 5 last December, has signed with the Blue Jays. Villegas was at Brevard County for all of 2016 (stats at link), and won't be 24 until next June, by far the youngest of all the Brewers' minor league free agents. Outstanding 8.8 to 1.6 K-to-BB ratios in 2016.

Watch AFL's Military Appreciation Game tonight Fall League contest will be streamed live at 7:00 PM CT Saturday night on MLB.com, MLB Network Hopefully we'll see several Brewers in action...