Jim Goulart

Look for these just prior to the respective game times -- 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 *** Sortable individual stat pages: Colorado Springs Biloxi Brevard County Wisconsin *** Weather.com: Memphis, TN Biloxi, MS Daytona Beach, FL Beloit, WI

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

Timber Rattlers duo confident about future Mike Sherry, Appleton Post-Crescent http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/960e140027ca232778d8767fc46a812469e76336/c=0-26-3250-2464&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/2016/04/07/Appleton/B9321645433Z.1_20160407000355_000_GFBDVPV5U.1-0.jpg Wisconsin Timber Rattlers infielder Jake Gatewood signs an autograph during FanFest Tuesday at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. (Photo: Wm. Glasheen) GRAND CHUTE - With very few exceptions, the path from high school baseball star to the major leagues is paved with potholes and adversity is a constant companion. It’s a lesson that Milwaukee Brewers prospects Jake Gatewood and Monte Harrison have already learned. The athletically gifted duo returns to Wisconsin this spring, Gatewood at a new position and Harrison on a surgically repaired left ankle. But the talented 20-year-olds begin their third seasons of professional baseball confident their struggles are in the rear-view mirror. Gatewood, drafted as a shortstop, will be at third base when the Timber Rattlers open the Midwest League season Thursday in Beloit, while Harrison will be in center field and says he’s 100 percent healthy after a long rehabilitation. Appleton native Matt Erickson, who begins his sixth season as Timber Rattlers manager, remains excited about the future for both players. “Those are two guys that came up here, were thrown in the fire as very young men last year, maybe a little bit above their competitive balance so to speak as far as just starting their professional careers, but both had very good spring trainings this year and we look for them to lead our ballclub this year,” Erickson said. Selected by the Brewers nine picks apart in the 2014 draft — Gatewood with the 41st overall pick and Harrison with the 50th pick — they started the 2015 season with the Timber Rattlers, but struggled against older competition and were sent back to the Brewers’ rookie team in Helena in June. Once in Montana, both started showing the tools that made them high draft picks. Gatewood batted .274 in 54 games and ranked second in the Pioneer League in doubles (23) and tied for fourth in extra-base hits (30), eventually returning to Wisconsin in August to finish out the season. Harrison batted .299 in 28 games at Helena, including a .400 average in 17 games in July before his season ended abruptly when he broke his ankle rounding third base against Orem on July 21. Gatewood, a California native, says he’s not upset about leaving shortstop and knows that playing third base could give him a quicker path to Milwaukee. “I’m not disappointed at all,” he said. “I think it wasn’t a move because I couldn’t play there, which is something they told me in spring. It was more of a move because we just didn’t have a lot of third baseman. My body type and the way I hit fits as a third baseman, so that’s what I’m doing right now.” Erickson said Gatewood has adjusted well to the position switch and has shown good footwork at third base, where going front to back is more important than having side-to-side range. “Every single ball pretty much hit at you is a rocket,” Gatewood said. “So, mentally, it’s a little different. I think that part’s a little tougher than short, but it’s also easier on your body, too, so that’s helped me a lot hitting-wise. But probably the biggest thing is everybody’s hitting rockets at you.” Gatewood, who batted .209 in 55 games in Wisconsin last year, said the game slowed down for him during his time in Helena and he really focused on swinging at good pitches. “I think realizing that you’re not going to get a hit every time is one thing that I really learned in Helena,” he said. “Regardless if you don’t get a hit maybe your first three at-bats, you can still go 2-for-5 and you’re hitting .400, and last time I checked .400 is pretty good.” Harrison, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, will have few limitations as he returns to action. Erickson said the former University of Nebraska football recruit may get a few extra days off early in the season, but added “physically he looks like he hasn’t lost a step.” Harrison, who had surgery to repair a fracture in his tibia and a dislocated fibula in his ankle, said it was disappointing to get injured just as he was hitting his stride last season, but he took a positive approach to his comeback. “I mean, it was very difficult, but I learned a lot from my injury,” he said. “Just knowing my body and things and watching the game. It’s going to sound weird, but I’m kind of glad it happened to me just so the game could slow down and get me really thinking about things. It’s a blessing that it happened, kind of.” Harrison will see most of his time in center field, but Erickson said he will also play in right field. “I want to play center field. I’m an athlete and that’s where athletes play,” Harrison said confidently. With the Brewers undergoing a rebuilding process, both Gatewood and Harrison know all eyes will be on the maturation of young talent throughout the organization. But as they’ve already learned, nothing will be easy and nothing will be handed to them. “It’s very exciting, but you can’t really think about moving up,” Harrison said. “You just have to play the game every day. That’s where you get in trouble. You start thinking about little things, ‘Oh, I’m doing this, or when am I going to get moved up?’ That’s where you get in trouble.”

Quick VIDEO from the Rattlers' "Welcome Home" Banquet -- Players, put the phones away while sitting at your Meet-and-Greet, check out the final seconds here, ah, this generation

VIDEO via KKTV: Report from Colorado Springs prior to the team heading to Memphis; several worthwhile quotes

Thursday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Colorado Springs: RHP Zach Davies at Memphis (Cardinals), 6:35 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime 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 Josh Hader (turns 22 today!) at home vs. Chattanooga (Twins), 6:25 PM pre-game, 6:40 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 Brandon Woodruff at Daytona (Reds), 6:05 gametime Free Live Audio Link (Daytona Feed) 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: LHP Jake Drossner at Beloit (Athletics), 6:10 PM pre-game, 6:30 gametime Free Live Audio Link - WNAM 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. 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.

http://www.brewerfan.net/images/store/dailylinkreport.jpg

Should it ever become a future default option, remember that Las Vegas' stadium is also in crappy shape (literally). Darn Nashville...

Brewers' top prospect Orlando Arcia is a rare talent opening the season with Colorado Springs By Brent Briggeman, Colorado Springs Gazette Asked what strengths highlight Orlando Arcia's game, Sky Sox manager Rick Sweet gave a quick answer. "Everything," Sweet said. The manager raved about the shortstop's defensive range and consistency, his arm, his enthusiasm, his drive, emotion . pretty much, well, everything. Baseball America rates Arcia as the top prospect in the Brewers' organization and says he "could be the first homegrown impact player developed by the Brewers since Ryan Braun." Some prospect lists rank Arcia as high as No. 3, all have him in the top 15. "I don't feel any pressure right now," Arcia said through an interpreter. "I just want to go out there and play." Last year at Double-A Biloxi Arcia hit .307 with 37 doubles, seven triples, eight home runs and 25 stolen bases in 129 games. Sweet said there would be two keys to Arcia's season. First, maintaining that offensive level as he moves up to facing more polished pitchers in Triple-A. Second, controlling his emotions as he likely has to deal with at least some failure for the first time in his career. "I don't worry about that at all," Sweet said. "I'd much rather have that than someone you have to kick in the butt to motivate them." In the past decade, only third baseman Nolan Arenado and pitchers Drew Pomeranz and Franklin Morales appeared with the Sky Sox in the same year they were the organization's top prospect. Sometimes a prospect simply skips Triple-A. More often, a prospect's hype declines after a few years of pro ball, and by the time they reach the top level of the minors they aren't as touted. Arcia has gained steam as he's risen, and might not be here long. Milwaukee has Jonathan Villar - career batting average .237 - at shortstop, so there's a strong chance that spot is being kept for Arcia to take after a few weeks. By delaying his call-up until later this month, Milwaukee would be able to delay his ability to become a free agent for a year. That's what happened with Arenado and recent can't-miss prospects like the Cubs' Kris Bryant and the Astros' Carlos Correa. Then again, with the Brewers probably nowhere near contention, Arcia might be afforded a bit more time in Colorado Springs to work on polishing his game. The Sky Sox also feature a pitcher in Jorge Lopez. He was the Double-A Southern League Pitcher of the Year in 2015 and is the Brewers' No. 2 prospect. The team's veterans are also of a different sort this year. Triple-A is often stocked with low-ceiling veterans providing organizational depth. But because of Milwaukee's struggles, still-young veterans like Will Middlebrooks and Eric Young Jr. signed with hopes of rejuvenating their careers. The Sky Sox open the season Thursday in Memphis. The home opener is April 15.

VIDEO via the Brewers' site: Craig Counsell's postgame briefing

Via Haudricourt: Outfielder Alex Presley, the last position player cut at the end of spring training, reported to Class AAA Colorado Springs after being unable to find a big-league job elsewhere. Presley had 48 hours to seek an offer before accepting the Class AAA assignment. Presley had already been listed on the Colorado Springs initial roster, so it's still at 28, requiring three taxi squad moves today.

The benefit for me is the archiving, because no matter how poorly the big league club is playing, I'll prioritize watching the MLB crew live over the kids live, and obviously I'm a huge minor league fan. So if there's a great moment, or an injury situation, or you want to check out a particular rally, you can view that -- keep in mind it's all AAA games, most AA games, no high-A games, many A games, and a few rookie games.

AUDIO via WTMJ Wed. 4/6: Jeff Levering joins the morning news broadcast *** AUDIO via ESPN 540 Wed. 4/6: Tom Haudricourt *** AUDIO via WSSP 105.7 FM's Morning Show Wed. 4/6: Fox Sports Wisconsin's Craig Coshun *** AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show Wed. 4/6: Seth Everett of NBC Sports Radio *** AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show Wed. 4/6: C.J. Nitkowski of MLB Network Radio *** "Brewers on Tap" Podcast via the Brewers' site Wed. 4/6: Colin Walsh talks about his MLB debut on Opening Day and COO Rick Schlesinger discusses the happenings at Miller Park in 2016 *** AUDIO via the Mike Heller Show (with Ted Davis) Wed. 4/6: Adam Rygg (@BrewerNation) joins the show mid-game from Miller Park (go to the 22:15 minute mark) *** AUDIO - the WSSP Postgame Show Wed. 4/6: "Following the Brewers series-ending win over San Francisco, Tim Allen and Sparky Fifer recap the action. Plus hear from The Fan's baseball insider Adam McCalvy, and postgame clubhouse audio from manager Craig Counsell, pitcher Taylor Jungmann and first baseman Chris Carter." NOTE: The McCalvy audio from the show is also archived separately here.

Shuck Dynasty Blog-- LOADED ROSTER HAS SHUCKERS SET FOR TITLE RUN IN 2016

Miller Park Prospects -- 2016 Preview: Brevard County Manatees

Sardinas actually starting in LF for the M's today...

"A Phillies official admitted that Santana wasn’t actually supposed to be on the list that was given to the Astros to pick from to satisfy the final piece on Aug. 15, 2011.” This was subsequently vehemently denied by Ruben Amaro, but it's fun to consider as possible.

Frosty Microbrews: Ready for games that count By Kyle Lobner / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

AUDIO PODCAST Tue. 4/5: Via Lake Country/Now sports director JR Radcliffe -- "Baseball season is upon us, and Brewers.com beat reporter Adam McCalvy is heading into his 16th season covering the team. He chats with JR about the changing landscape of the profession, gives his impressions about the plight of the franchise and describes a hilarious misunderstanding involving a former Brewers relief pitcher at the expression "de facto."" Interesting to hear about Adam's entry into this business...

Whether it was "paid" attendance or not, over 24,000 is pretty impressive for Game Two.

VIDEO via WLOX: Biloxi Shuckers Player Profile: Center fielder Brett Phillips

New LHP Sam Freeman has zero minor league options left. If Ariel Pena clears waivers and the Brewers don't outright release him, then he can choose free agency.

Prior to Tuesday night's acquisition of LHP Sam Freeman from the Rangers for cash, the most recent Milwaukee - Texas trade was pretty easy to remember: Rangers (01/19/15) -- Acquired INF Luis Sardinas, RHP Corey Knebel and RHP Marcos Diplan in exchange for RHP Yovani Gallardo and cash considerations The first post in this thread has been updated to reflect the "last" with all 29 teams. Still not on speaking terms with the Marlins!

LINK includes video interview with Matt Erickson Timber Rattlers expect improvement Tim Froberg, Post-Crescent http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/507834e23b9c1f0095084a127728907ce9763910/c=58-0-3191-2350&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/2016/04/05/Appleton/B9321630368Z.1_20160405200509_000_GFBDVPV6N.1-0.jpg Wisconsin Timber Rattlers manager Matt Erickson gathers the team in the outfield during a workout as part of FanFest at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Tuesday in Grand Chute. (Photo: Wm. Glasheen) GRAND CHUTE - As the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers learned in 2015, the Midwest League can be a difficult starting point for professional ballplayers. Experience works wonders for young hitters and pitchers, which is why Matt Erickson is optimistic his Timber Rattlers will find much better results this season. The Rattlers are coming off a dismal 50-89 season — the organization’s worst showing since 1973 when it was a Chicago White Sox affiliate. But that was last year, and Wisconsin returns 11 players who played at least part of the 2015 season with a youthful Rattlers team loaded with 19-, 20- and 21-year-olds. “We still have a very young group, but the difference is that we have a lot of guys with Midwest League experience,” said Erickson during Media Day at Fox Cities Stadium on Tuesday. “I look for them to lead a bit and I was very excited to see the level of energy we had the last few days of spring training. That’s usually when you get a lull. You could tell this group was excited to get out of spring training and see what it could do in the Midwest League. “I’m excited about the potential of this team. I know that’s the dreaded word, potential. It’s our job as a staff to turn that potential into game skills.” Wisconsin opens its season Thursday night at Beloit before staging its home opener Saturday at 4:05 p.m. against the Snappers. Improving run production figures to be a priority for a Rattlers squad that hit just .236 last season and averaged just 3.3 runs per game. A couple of high 2014 Milwaukee Brewers’ draft picks — third baseman Jake Gatewood and outfielder Monte Harrison — should help upgrade the offense along with first baseman (turned outfielder) David Denson and 19-year-old shortstop Isan Diaz. Gatewood, Harrison and Denson spent time with the Timber Rattlers last season, but struggled to find consistency. All three hit with power and so does Diaz, acquired from Arizona in the Jean Segura trade. Wisconsin’s home-run leader in 2014 was third baseman Sthervin Matos, who hit just eight round-trippers. Matos is another returning player, but might have to find a new position if Gatewood makes a successful transition from shortstop to third base. “When Jake (Gatewood) has some barrel control and connects with the ball, there’s just a different sound off his bat than you find with most young guys,” said Erickson, starting his sixth season as manager. With the Brewers in a rebuilding mode, Erickson said that Rattlers players understand that opportunity is right in front of them. “That was addressed in spring training with all of our minor league players,” said Erickson. “The Brewers are in a situation where they are trying to find people and there are going to be lot of young kids who are going to get opportunities in the next few years. Hopefully, we can prepare as many kids as possible to perform well, so they can stick in the big leagues and be a big part of the ongoing development of the team.” No bullpen blues Wisconsin’s pitching staff was respectable in 2015 — compiling a 4.11 ERA — and returns two pitchers from last season: right-handers David Burkhalter (4-9, 4.99 ERA) and Jon Perrin (1-5, 4.31 ERA). Erickson feels the Rattlers’ bullpen will be much stronger this season. “We have a bullpen that’s a little more established, a little bit older, and with a little more savvy,” said Erickson. “So I feel confident that if we get a lead, we should be able to hang on this year.” Getting the start Wisconsin’s opening-day starter will be 21-year-old left-hander Jake Drossner, a 10th-round draft pick by Milwaukee in the 2015 major league draft. “He had quite a few innings last year and showed a lot of consistency through instructional league,” Erickson said. “He’s a bigger kid who is able to control his breaking ball as well as locate his fastball. He had a rough patch in spring training, but did a nice job of bouncing back from that in the last couple outings and was very strong in his last outing. He was the guy to get the ball and we’ll see what we get Thursday night.” The 6-foot-3, 195-pound Drossner posted a 4-3 record with a 3.64 ERA in seven starts and 14 games last season in rookie league ball at Helena. He played three years of college baseball at Maryland. “I’m just looking to go out and compete and give my team a chance to win,” said Drossner. “I was the opening-day starter all three years in college, but we have a long season, so it’s just another day.” Don’t expect Drossner to be affected by the cool Wisconsin weather that will greet him Thursday in Beloit. “It gets a little cold around here, but I’m from Philadelphia, so I’m used to it,” Drossner said. “We have a great team and I’m looking forward to playing with these guys.” Perrin will get the start Saturday for Wisconsin’s home opener. But no parkas When asked as a returning player what his advice would be to Wisconsin newcomers, Gatewood had a quick answer. “Get hand warmers and wear a lot of long sleeves,” said Gatewood, a Clovis, California, native and the 41st overall selection by Milwaukee in the 2014 draft.

VIDEO: Report from Appleton via Fox11online