Jim Goulart

Former Pacer Cooper Hummel drafted by Brewers Matt Sherman, Lake Oswego Review (Portland, OR) To say it’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks for Cooper Hummel would be an understatement. The Lakeridge graduate recently finished his junior year at the University of Portland where he put up very strong numbers as the team’s starting catcher. Hummel batted .321 with five home runs and drove in 29 runs which was good enough to put him on the radar of major league scouts. It has been a lifelong dream of Hummel’s to play professional baseball and he anxiously awaited the major league draft, hoping to hear his name and start the next phase of his career. The first two days came and went and Hummel tried not to get down when he wasn’t selected. “It was kind of frustrating because I saw a lot of catchers go off the board but I got a lot of calls that night from teams that were asking if I was still interested in signing,” Hummel said. But, on the third day of the draft, the Milwaukie Brewers plucked him in the 18th round. While being selected wasn’t a huge surprise, going to the Brewers was. “I had a lot of attention from Seattle, the Dodgers and the Rays but (Milwaukie) was one of about 20 teams that had contacted me,” Hummel said. The call set off a flurry of activity for Hummel. After celebrating with his friends and family in Lake Oswego, he was suddenly negotiating a contract with the club and scrambling to pack as the team wanted him to start with its short season summer affiliate as soon as possible. Within 12 hours, Hummel was on a plane bound for Montana to join up with the Helena Brewers and was quickly thrust into action at the professional level. “It was crazy. I’m just excited for the opportunity. Playing pro ball is a dream,” Hummel said. Hummel has been a baseball junkie since he was a kid. He was a part of Lake Oswego’s team that advanced to the Little League World Series, playing in front of thousands of fans in Williamsport for a squad that advanced out of pool play into the semifinals of the United States bracket. In high school, Hummel blossomed into a collegiate prospect, displaying an impressive mix of power and keen batting eye with terrific defensive skills behind the plate. Hummel became an important player in an emerging Lakeridge program and eventually went on to play for the Pilots, putting up strong numbers in his sophomore and junior seasons. He finished the year as one of the top professional prospects in the state and was rewarded for his hard work by the Brewers. Currently, Hummel is just a handful of games into his first minor league season and he is thoroughly enjoying the experience. “You hear a lot of horror stories about the minor leagues but it’s been great. They treat us like big-leaguers and the travel isn’t too bad,” Hummel said. The season will wrap up in early September depending on the playoffs and Hummel then expects to return home to work out and potentially take some classes. But he is ready for the potential long haul of a minor-league career. Hummel is excited to be a part of the organization and to see how far his skills can take him. “The Brewers have a history of developing strong catchers so I’m just excited to see what happens,” Hummel said.

Final, Game One: Colorado Springs 9, Memphis 8 Final, Game Two: Colorado Springs 7, Memphis 5 Sky Sox Sweep Doubleheader Over Memphis Sky Sox use late rallies to win both games on Thursday By Aaron Cheris / Colorado Springs Sky Sox http://www.milb.com/assets/images/6/5/8/185877658/cuts/06_23_4037sm_pk_ouuavjm0_2ohijwgj.jpg Will Middlebrooks celebrates his grand slam in game one of Thursday's doubleheader. (Paat Kelly photo) Obviously, a highly suggested read for all the details... *** Usual bad cool weather behind slow start for Sky Sox attendance, organization says by Joe Paisley, Colorado Springs Gazette Mother Nature still reigns at Security Service Field and that is the main reason Sky Sox attendance continues its recent downturn, despite a competitive team with a knack for late comebacks, the franchise president said earlier this week. The franchise is second-to-last in the Pacific Coast League in average (3,838) and total attendance (122,817) through 32 openings, ahead of only New Orleans (2,531; 86,069, 34 openings), entering Thursday night's doubleheader. The Sky Sox have finished 12th or lower out of 16 PCL teams in overall paid attendance in 10 of the past 11 years, despite a record 350,374 in 2014. "More than anything else in the past two summers it has been the weather," president and general manager Tony Ensor said. "It's been an unusual period. That hurts but there is nothing you can do about Mother Nature." The third-place Sky Sox (34-37) have lost six openings during the usual poor weather in April and May. A number of games during those months were played in cold conditions, further stamping down attendance numbers. Ensor expects an attendance uptick now that the summer heat has hit Colorado Springs. The offseason news about the Triple-A baseball franchise considering a move to San Antonio has little to do with the early attendance, Ensor said. "Certainly there was some initial reaction but the fans have come to realize this is a long process that is far from a done deal," he said. "They understand that this team is not going anywhere soon. The fans get it." Area fans have proved loyal, Ensor said. They have been treated to competitive baseball by the team, which remains in contention for a playoff berth out of the PCL American North division. The two-time league champion Sky Sox last made the playoffs in 1997. If they do make it, chances are it will be in dramatic fashion. The Sky Sox lead all of professional full-season baseball with 13 last at-bat wins so far; 12 when trailing after six innings and 10 after seven complete. The Sky Sox also have 17 victories after falling behind early. That is indicative of the winning culture manager Rick Sweet wants in his clubhouse. "We are in rebuilding mode at the major level and you want players in your organization who have developed in winning situations," Sweet said. Veteran outfielder Eric Young Jr. said learning to battle though the final is a valuable habit for the next level. The Rockies organization was focused on developing players for the bigs, as then-manager Glenallen Hill said, and not worried about wins and losses. "You can't get too low if you fall behind," Young said. "You just chip away and before you know it, you end up in a big situation at the end of the game. Young players will find themselves in close situations in the bigs and having that experience helps." Sweet is pleased to be contending as the season midway point nears. "I like this team," he said. "We have a good mix of young and older players who play the right way, hard on every play." *** Amarillo Waits While San Antonio Ballpark Plan Develops By Kevin Reichard, Ballpark Digest *** Colorado Springs Game One Box Score This team is just insane with the late heroics, good for the locals (and concessions)... Colorado Springs Game One Game Log Colorado Springs Game Two Box Score Holy cow, have you taken notice of what Kyle Wren has been up to as of late? Colorado Springs Game Two Game Log

AUDIO via the Biloxi Pre-Game Show: LHP Stephen Peterson -- the distracting background music at the beginning of the interview ends quickly... *** AUDIO: Biloxi game highlights *** VIDEO via WLOX: Biloxi highlights *** Shuckers avoid being no-hit, fall to Biscuits by Maurice Singleton, Special to the Sun-Herald BILOXI — The Biloxi Shuckers rallied in the bottom of the ninth inning Thursday to score two runs, but they failed to overcome a three-run deficit and fell to the visiting Montgomery Biscuits 3-2. Montgomery dominated the first eight innings, with Hunter Woods denying the Shuckers a hit in the first six innings. Ryne Stanek did the same in seventh and eighth, but he walked Johnny Davis and Jacob Nottingham in the bottom of the ninth. Brett Phillips then singled for the Shuckers' first hit of the game, loading the bases. Garrett Cooper launched a base hit to right field to score Davis and Nottingham, and with no outs and runners on first and second, things looked pretty good for the Shuckers. But the Biscuits (35-36) retired the next three Shuckers (39-31) in order as Tyrone Taylor popped up to second base, Nick Ramirez struck out and Montgomery made a nice play on Gabriel Noriega's ground ball to the shortstop. "For eight innings we were shut down completely," Shuckers manager Mike Guerrero said. "To have the opportunity to win the game is very exciting. You're never done until you're done. That's the character of this team — never giving up. That's a compliment to this team.” Wood rolled through the first six innings but was hit on the hand by a hard Nottingham line drive and was pulled after 74 pitches. "They threw the ball well," Guerrero said of Montgomery's pitching. "Their starter was outstanding." The Shuckers gave up two runs in the third inning and a home run in the fourth. Adrian Houser pitched the first four innings for the Shuckers. Tristan Archer, Tyler Spurlin and Stephen Kohlscheen all pitched in relief. Montgomery opened the third inning with two base hits. A sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third. A line drive to centerfield then scored the first run. A base hit later scored the second. Patrick Leonard launched a full-count pitch over the left field fence to close out the scoring for Montgomery in the fourth inning. Houser fell to 3-7 with the loss, surrendering three runs on five hits and two walks with four strikeouts. Next up The Shuckers face Montgomery in the second game of their five-game series on Friday at MGM Park. Javier Salas is projected to start on the mound for the Shuckers. Roster moves The Milwaukee Brewers announced two roster moves prior to Thursday's game. Angel Ortega (SS) transferred to the Shuckers from Brevard County and promptly made his Double-A debut. Ortega brings a .275 batting average through 60 games. Nathan Orf transferred back to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Amarillo Waits While San Antonio Ballpark Plan Develops By Kevin Reichard, Ballpark Digest

Final, Game Two: DSL Brewers 5, DSL Nationals 0 This was a makeup game from June 8th; Nationals were the home team here, although this game was played at the Brewers' complex, it appears. DSL Brewers Game Two Box Score It's getting serious now for 6'4" 20-year-old Dominican rookie RHP Johan Dominguez -- after dazzling in six relief appearances, he earned his first start and dazzled again: 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K, six ground ball outs. Dominguez has now pitched 14.2 scoreless career innings, fanning 15 with a WHIP of 0.95. DSL Brewers Game Two Game Log The top of the order shined, especially 17-year-old rookie switch-hitting second baseman Edwin Sano, batting 2nd in this lineup, 2-for-3 with two doubles, a walk, two RBI, and a run scored. Catcher Bryan Torres (yes, batting leadoff), singled twice, and fellow catcher Jose Sibrian (DH'ing here) also had two base knocks and drove in two.

Final, Game One: DSL Nationals 4, DSL Brewers 2 DSL Brewers Game One Box Score A three-run Nationals' 4th inning was the difference in this seven-inning contest. Rookie 18-year-old Venezuelan RHP Henry Medina made his second start (4th appearance), he's only walked two in 16.1 innings thus far. Five Brewers singled, two others walked, LF Marcos Pinero (HBP) was the only Brewer to reach twice. 0-for-11 with RISP won't get you many wins... DSL Brewers Game One Game Log

Rattler Radio Blog Postgame Entry -- Pre-game interview with Manager Matt Erickson, postgame interviews as well

LHP Drake Owenby activated from the Temp Inactive List at Wisconsin.

At Colorado Springs, RHP's Jorge Lopez and Tim Dillard swap places on the Temporary Inactive List, with Lopez returning to action.

This week's Bill Michaels Show audio -- TUESDAY: Third base coach Ed Sedar TUESDAY: Adam McCalvy TUESDAY: Seth Everett WEDNESDAY: MLB.com's Mike Bauman

This week's WSSP 105.7 Chuck and Wickett Morning Show audio -- MONDAY: Third base coach Ed Sedar MONDAY: Adam McCalvy

LOCAL TV: A reminder about the Rattlers Field Pass show airing on TWC this evening

Here's another cool interview -- granted, I marked out on this interview more than most of you will, explanation below . AUDIO: New Helena radio voice Craig Durham Craig is interviewed by a Houston radio station, partly because Brewers' 10th round LHP Blake Fox (Rice University) was assigned to Helena, and one of the radio guys is Fox' uncle. But it's so much more than that -- one of the radio hosts is former New England Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson, and Craig like myself, grew up on Patriots football and old Foxboro Stadium, even if I'm 20 years older than Craig. And Johnson played a key role in Craig's early life, as you'll find out. Not a lot to learn from a specific Brewers' perspective, but a fun ten-minute listen if you have time.

Nice recent Sky Sox pre-game audio interviews: Nate Orf -- Not only non-drafted, but a walk-on as Baylor as well, wow Kurt Bathelt - the Colorado Springs video coordinator, interesting to learn his story as well, loved hearing about the combining of efforts with the video coordinators at the other Brewer affiliates

The Shuckers, Manatees, and Timber Rattlers all begin their second half schedules tonight. The Sky Sox play a full-season, non-split schedule. The standing links provided above all list the second-half standings as applicable, although there are easy links on those headings that will allow you to review the full-season standings as well.

So many Timber Rattlers DVR Alerts, including TONIGHT! THU, June 23, vs. Quad Cities River Bandits, 7:00 PM, TWC SportsChannel FRI, June 24, vs. Quad Cities River Bandits, 7:00 PM, MyNew32 TV SAT, June 25, vs. Quad Cities River Bandits, 6:30 PM, MyNew32 TV MON, June 27, vs. Clinton LumberKings, 7:00 PM, MyNew32 TV WED, June 29, vs. Clinton LumberKings, 7:00 PM, MyNew32 TV THU, June 30, vs. Clinton LumberKings, 7:00 PM, TWC SportsChannel

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 Wisconsin Media Notes - Linked on the Rattler Radio blog *** STANDINGS: AAA - Pacific Coast League American Northern Division AA - Southern League South Division High-A - Florida State League North Division A - Midwest League Western Division Pioneer League North Division Arizona League Central Division Dominican Summer League San Pedro Division *** Sortable individual stat pages: Colorado Springs Biloxi Brevard County Wisconsin Helena Maryvale DSL Brewers *** Weather.com: Colorado Springs, CO Biloxi, MS Viera, FL Grand Chute, WI Great Falls, MT San Pedro de Macoris, DR

Follow Thursday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Colorado Springs Game One Colorado Springs Game Two Biloxi Brevard County Wisconsin Helena DSL Brewers Game One DSL Brewers Game Two MiLB.com feature -- organizational scoreboard, Brewers

Thursday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Colorado Springs: RHP Jorge Lopez and LHP Brent Suter in a doubleheader at home vs. Memphis (Cardinals), 5:30 PM pre-game, 6:05 gametime; each contest slated for seven innings Free Live Audio Link Dan Karcher, the longtime play-by-play voice of the Sky Sox is on Twitter @SkySoxKarch; joining him 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 Adrian Houser at home vs. Montgomery (Rays), 6:50 PM pre-game, 7:10 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. Thaddeus Krzus (@Shucks1stIntern) 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. ********** Brevard County: TBD at home vs. Clearwater (Phillies), 5:35 PM gametime Sorry folks, no audio available for this series... Unfortunately, the Manatees have dropped their broadcast coverage for 2016. No Florida State League games are available via MiLB.TV. Ten of the 12 Florida State League teams provide audio (some only for home games), we'll do our best to let you know when an opponent's audio is going to be available. ********** Wisconsin: RHP Conor Harber at home vs. Quad Cities (Astros), 6:45 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime; expect LHP Jake Drossner to pitch in a tandem role 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. NOTE: Thirty-nine (!) of the Rattlers' 70 home games will be broadcast on local TV this season. Time Warner Cable SportsChannel (10) and WACY-TV My NEW32 (29) will split duties. We'll let you know when and who, and remember to refer to the Rattlers' full TV schedule (scroll to bottom of link) so you can coordinate your DVR activity. ********** Helena: RHP Zack Brown (5th round, University or Kentucky) debuts at Great Falls (White Sox), 7:50 PM pre-game, 8:00 gametime Free Live Audio Link We welcome and look forward to hearing first-year Voice of the H-Crew Craig Durham ([b@CraigMDurham[/b] on Twitter). ********** Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): Idle ********** DSL Brewers: Doubleheader at home vs. the DSL Nationals, 9:30 AM, although game data won't be available until later in the day We'll link to this Dominican Summer League Brewers' thread as part of the Daily Menu all season to assist you with your familiarity with these young men.

This week's Brewers.com audio -- TUESDAY: Adam McCalvy WEDNESDAY: Brewers on Tap with Asst. GM Matt Arnold and First Base Coach Carlos Subero

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This week's ESPN 540 Milwaukee audio -- MONDAY: Tom Haudricourt WEDNESDAY: Bill Schroeder

This week's WTMJ audio -- MONDAY: Tom Haudricourt TUESDAY: Craig Counsell WEDNESDAY: Jeff Levering WEDNESDAY: Tom Haudricourt (via Sports Central) WEDNESDAY: Greg Vaughn (via Sports Central) THURSDAY: David Stearns

Final, Game One: Colorado Springs 10, Memphis 9, nine innings (scheduled for seven) Final, Game Two: Memphis 16, Colorado Springs 4 Sky Sox Split Twin Bill With Redbirds Sky Sox walk off to win game one, then fall in game two By Aaron Cheris / Colorado Springs Sky Sox http://www.milb.com/assets/images/9/5/6/185658956/cuts/06_22_3979sm_pk_8ahpmkii_pl5t7drx.jpg The Sky Sox walked off in the first game of their doubleheader on Wednesday. (Paat Kelly photo) *** Colorado Springs Game One Box Score Rene Garcia, have a game, wow! Four others had pretty lines, as you'll see... Colorado Springs Game One Game Log Colorado Springs Game Two Box Score Colorado Springs Game Two Game Log Tough having to come back with another twinbill today, unfortunately Tim Dillard had to take an extra pounding, and even then could not record an out in the 3rd inning...