Jim Goulart

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Nine draft picks, including 3B Lucas Erceg, are listed on this preliminary (as of Tuesday) Helena roster -- Image courtesy of Ryan Collingwood of the Helena Independent Record

It's draft pick: 21 (621). Nathan Rodriguez, C, Cypress College (California)

Shuckers reflect on getting drafted Patrick Ochs, Biloxi Sun-Herald Last weekend is often one of the biggest days in a baseball player's life. Getting 'The Call' up to the Majors is one only a handful get to experience. For a larger number, getting their 'first' call -- the one informing them they have been drafted by a Major League Baseball team -- is the pinnacle of the mountain. It can be a joyous time but also a nerve racking one. The experience of Biloxi Shuckers infielder Chris McFarland in 2011 would fall into both categories. McFarland grew up in Lufkin, Texas. A Rice signee, he had heard he may go in the top 10 rounds, but as anyone who follows baseball knows, anything can happen on draft day. McFarland began having doubts as round after round passed without his name popping up on MLB.com. "Coming into the day I was kind of nervous. You see your name not go by after so many rounds and you're like, 'man, am I going to get drafted?'" McFarland said Saturday. "I watched the first couple rounds and was like, ah, whatever. I went to hang out with some family members, went to the store and came back home." McFarland got his dream in the 18th round when the Milwaukee Brewers selected him out of Lufkin High. "It was a cool experience, just the whole day," McFarland said. "It was a relief when you do get the phone call you've been waiting for your whole life. That was pretty cool." The call itself was brief, but memorable. After the Brewers had initially reached out to see if he would accept their signing bonus a little time passed before his phone rang again. "It was real quick. It was like, 'hey, congrats,'" he said. "I was smiling ear to ear with that little t-ball smile." Even after being drafted, there was still a decision as to whether to sign with the Brewers or attend Rice. "It was a nice school and close to home. That's what I loved about going to Rice, with the education and history they have there," McFarland said. "It was a tough call and came down to the last day of the signing deadline. "I wanted to play pro baseball. That was my dream. You start watching it on TV as a kid and I didn't want to pass up the opportunity." McFarland has methodically climbed the Minor League Baseball ranks. After starting out in Helena in 2012, McFarland spend 2013 and '14 with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, and last year with the High-A Brevard County Manatees. He opened 2016 with the Shuckers and is currently hitting .203 with a .246 on-base percentage. In 445 MiLB games, McFarland is hitting .268 with a .317 on-base percentage. He also has 20 homers, 181 RBIs and 75 stolen bases to his credit. Opting for college Brandon Woodruff's road to Biloxi was a bit different. Like McFarland, the 6-foot-4 right-hander was selected in the 2011 draft, only 13 rounds earlier -- and by the Texas Rangers. The Wheeler High standout opted instead to attend Mississippi State. "My experience was everything I wanted it to be, you know? I was taken out of high school in the fifth round and opted to go to Mississippi State, which was the best decision I ever made," Woodruff said. "I grew a lot in college and then when I got the opportunity to get drafted again it was a blessing. When you get drafted you just have to take it day by day and work as hard as you did before you got drafted because you know your job's not done yet." Three years later, Woodruff was selected in the 11th round by Milwaukee. Despite going several rounds later, Woodruff said his experience in Starkville prepared him for pro ball. "I had some injury problems at Mississippi State. That happens and you can't control that, but it made me grow as a person and really understand myself," he said. "I believe it has helped me get to the point I'm at now." Woodruff has had solid if not spectacular success since turning pro. After spending 2014 in Helena and 2015 in Brevard, Woodruff began '16 with the Manatees before getting promoted to Double-A Biloxi, where he's 2-2 with a 3.81 ERA. After surrendering four runs in his first two starts with the Shuckers, Woodruff allowed four earned runs total in his next 19 1/3 innings heading into Wednesday's start at Jacksonville. Originally from the Tupelo area, Woodruff has enjoyed his return to the Magnolia State for multiple reasons. "It's been great for sure to see some family and friends at the ball games," he said. "We definitely have a lot of support from Mississippi State fans down here. That's always good. "I haven't heard any cowbells yet, but I can't wait to hear those."

From the Helena site -- Craig Durham is thrilled to be joining the Helena Brewers for the 2016 season. This will be Craig's first season back in affiliated Minor League Baseball since 2013 when he served as the voice of the Mobile BayBears, the AA-Affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Since 2013 Craig has split his time covering baseball and hockey, most recently calling games for the Providence Bruins of the AHL during the 2015-2016 season. His baseball exploits have taken him around the world, including Sydney, Australia where he called the 2014 MLB Opening Weekend Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. In the fall of 2015, Craig traveled to Taichung, Taiwan to lead the English language coverage of the inaugural WBSC Premier12 Tournament, an international baseball tournament featuring the top 12 ranked countries in the world. Those games were aired in over 50 countries worldwide. When he is not talking sports, Craig enjoys doing yoga, playing golf and watching movies with his wife Laura. *** Nice -- welcome, Craig! Looking forward to Friday's call! Craig's on Twiiter @CraigMDurham Biloxi's Chris Harris and Craig would certainly be familiar with each other from their Southern League days.

Final: DSL Braves 8, DSL Brewers 1 It was 2-1 Braves after six innings... Att: 150. We've been seeing attendance for the Brewers road games, not from their own complex yet. DSL Brewers Box Score Both of Venezuelan rookie RHP Harold Chirinos' starts have been solid, but nothing to show for them but two losses. Fellow rookie RHP Daniel Acosta has now walked six in two innings (over three appearances). The D-Crew managed only three hits, one a triple by DH Bryan Torres, who also singled. Catcher Jose Sibrian was on base three times (walk, two HBP's). Thankfully he stayed in the game. It's a wonder more players aren't seriously injured by flame-throwing young arms just working on the initial stages of command. 17-year-old leadoff SS Luis Avila walked twice, would be great to see him enhance his presence with that aspect of his game. DSL Brewers Game Log

Not sure who "N. Rodriguez" is on the Helena bench as depicted above.

I'm excited to get the Helena guys playing. Should be fun to see some of the younger guys like Demi. Here's their scrimmage lineup --

Via the Shuckers: ROSTER MOVE: INF Brandon Macias has been reinstated from the 7-day DL. INF Nick Shaw has retired. *** Nick Shaw had a nice run as a 25th round pick (2010) out of Barry University (Miami, FL). Shaw, who will turn 28 in August, was in the midst of his 7th pro season, and would have qualified as a minor league free agent this fall. Shaw posted a sweet .364 career OBP (.348 at the AA level, where he topped out in the ladder). Of course, average and slugging were lacking, otherwise Shaw wouldn't have been at the AA level in 2016 for the 4th consecutive season. Shaw appeared in 337 games at second base, 324 at shortstop. VIDEO and AUDIO: Nick Shaw with Wisconsin, Huntsville and Biloxi over the years Our very best to Nick in his post-baseball career. July 27th, 2011

Monday's Game -- *** Of all Thaddeus' Shuckers shirts, I love the yellow -- gotta get me one of those!

Happy 85th to Marla Gibbs, who played the maid Florence on the Jeffersons. Yes, still with us... http://d236bkdxj385sg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/227mary.jpg

Sorry, future attorney Jon Perrin, but you're stuck with the Manatees and Brewers a while longer. We're glad to have you.

AUDIO: Maverick Phillips interviews newest Shucker OF Johnny Davis, who reminds us he never played baseball until he was 23 years old

Catch up with now-retired Hunter Morris, just four seasons after his monster 2012 season, a fine read here and best to Hunter going forward...

As noted in the Menu above, Helena formally begins play Friday, and Maryvale on Monday, but some legion ball kids hit the field with the H-Crew tonight. Helena Senators to meet minor league Brewers Tuesday at Kindrick Legion Field

Here's the unfortunate two-run walk-off that knocked the Shuckers one game back with six left to play --

Monday's Game --

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 Dominican Summer League San Pedro Division *** Sortable individual stat pages: Colorado Springs Biloxi Brevard County Wisconsin DSL Brewers *** Weather.com: Colorado Springs, CO Biloxi, MS Viera, FL Davenport, IA San Pedro de Macoris, DR

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

Tuesday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Colorado Springs: LHP Brent Suter and RHP Tyler Cravy in a doubleheader at home vs. Iowa (Cubs), 5:00 PM pre-game, 5:30 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: LHP Wei-Chung Wang at home vs. Birmingham (White Sox), 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: RHP Jon Perrin at home vs. Palm Beach (Cardinals), 5:35 PM gametime Sorry, no audio is 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 Marcos Diplan at Quad Cities (Astros), 6:40 PM pre-game, 7:00 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. 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: Opening Day is Friday June 17th at home vs. Great Falls (White Sox) ********** Maryvale Rookie: Opening Day is Monday June 20th at the Cubs' complex ********** DSL Brewers: at the DSL Braves, 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.

If you didn't get a chance to listen to the audio, this article recaps things nicely with some additional humor.

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From Chris Mehring's Timber Rattlers game summary after their 12-0 Monday night loss -- "Wisconsin also saw their very slim playoff hopes become even slimmer with their loss. The second place Clinton LumberKings defeated the division leading Peoria Chiefs 9-2 on Monday. The Rattlers trail Peoria by six games with six games remaining in the half and since the Chiefs won the first half series from Wisconsin, Peoria holds the tie-breaker. Wisconsin trails Clinton by 5-1/2 games and the LumberKings have seven games left in the half. The LumberKings have the tie-breaker on the Rattlers so Wisconsin would need to win all of their remaining games in the half while the LumberKings would need to lose all of their remaining games with the three teams between Wisconsin and Clinton also losing a lot of games." ***

Just saw this now, so haven't learned about Helena's plans, hopefully there is still online coverage. Good luck to Dustin, who provided the H-Crew's calls for the past two seasons. Billings Mustangs hire Dustin Daniel as play-by-play voice

Birmingham smashes Shuckers Patrick Ochs, Biloxi Sun-Herald BILOXI -- Monday night's game got away from the Biloxi Shuckers relatively early. Right-hander Jorge Ortega was in and out of trouble throughout his 4 1/3 innings of work and four errors behind him didn't help, either. One night after the Shuckers rallied out of an early four-run deficit to knock off the visiting Birmingham Barons, homestanding Biloxi was unable to work its magic for a second straight night, falling 9-2. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak at MGM Park. Getting started Birmingham scored one run in the first and fourth innings, two in the third and then blasted five runs in the fifth off of Ortega and reliever Tyler Spurlin. Surrendering eight runs (six earned) on nine hits and a walk with two strikeouts ballooned Ortega's ERA from 3.79 to 4.38. "When you're not able to execute it's always going to be a difficult night. Everything was high in the strike zone," manager Mike Guerrero said. "I really think the errors opened up the flood gates. "When you have to get four, five, six outs in an inning it's always tough. "And if you're not having your best stuff, it's always going to be a bad outcome. We just have to play better." The Barons could have extended the lead in the seventh with the bases loaded but second baseman Nick Shaw made a nice dive up the middle and flip to Noriega to start an inning-ending double play for reliever Hobbs Johnson. Quiet offense The Shuckers (36-27) had multiple chances to bite into the Barons' (27-37) large lead, perhaps none better than in the sixth. Garrett Cooper, Jacob Nottingham and Tyrone Taylor all reached base on starter David Holmberg to start the inning, but a Nick Ramirez double play and comebacker off the bat of newly acquired infielder Gabriel Noriega only pushed across one run. The Barons left-hander ended up allowing just two runs on eight hits and one walk with five strikeouts in six innings to improve to 5-4 on the year. "We had the base runners but we hit into double plays with the bases loaded," Guerrero said. "That's a killer. We had the big guys out there in the middle of opportunities and it didn't happen. "It was a night where nothing went our way. Step three times back and pump tomorrow." Lead Shuckers Nottingham continued to swing a hot bat, picking up two more hits to improve his average to .264. Brett Phillips went 2-for-5 to push his on-base streak to six games. Noriega also had two hits, as did Trey Michalczewiski, Keon Barnum, Adam Engel and Marcus Lemon for the Barons. Johnson pitched three scoreless frames to close out the game for Biloxi despite walking six batters. What's next? After claiming the series with Sunday's 6-5 win, Biloxi entered Monday's contest tied with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos atop the Southern League's South Division. Biloxi and Birmingham wrap the five-game series Tuesday with another 7:10 p.m. start. Biloxi will send left-hander Wei-Chung Wang (2-3, 4.61 ERA) to the mound against right-hander and former Vanderbilt ace Carson Fulmer (3-7, 5.37). The Shuckers will conclude their first-half schedule with a five-game road trip to Jacksonville, starting Wednesday.