Jim Goulart

Catching up with Tuesday's archives: AUDIO via the Mike Heller Show Tue. 2/2: Adam Rygg (@Brewer Nation) -- go to the 20:00 minute mark *** AUDIO via MLB.com: Could one of the Brewers' starters throw the first no-hitter since 1987? MLB.com's Dave Raymond checks in with Brewers reporter Adam McCalvy to see who they think could accomplish this rare feat and other predictions for 2016. *** Via MLB.com: The first edition of Jeff Levering's "Brewers On Tap" of the new year features first baseman Chris Carter, outfielder Clint Coulter and reviews all the moves from the offseason.

Minor League Spring Training Games Schedule

Thanks, JB12 -- much appreciated. Here is the Gameday box from that contest. On Wednesday afternoon, Venezuela looks to move to 3-0 when they "visit" Mexico. Puerto Rico plays the Cuban team this evening, while host club Dominican Republic is idle and licking their wounds after an 0-2 start. There are three Brewers on team Puerto Rico. You have SS Yadiel Rivera, then RHP Hiram Burgos who was allowed to join the team from the league runner-up squad, and also catcher Rene Garcia, who started the winter in Puerto Rico, saw his club fail to make the postseason, so he then played postseason ball in the Dominican, and now finds himself back on his native island's team in the Caribbean Series -- whew... Unlike his Venezuelan teammate Hernan Perez, C/DH Josmil Pinto did not travel to the Dominican for this tournament.

Hat tip Kyle Lobner, nice Q&A here -- Twins Provide Brandon Kintzler With A Fresh Start

Tidbit from Marcus at Miller Park Prospects-- Fidel is the son of Brewers Dominican Summer League coach Jose Pena

Via Tom Haudricourt -- Brewers want minor-leaguers to get plenty of attention Excellent topic and love the renewed focus; would like to see an eventual answer on the nutritional investments, not just at the Dominican Academy and in Maryvale; increased meal money for the road games, Brewer-sponsored spreads at all affiliate home games.

We now learn that Avalo was an $80,000 signing.

As per Matt Eddy and Baseball America's Minor League Free Agent Tracker, the Brewers have signed 24-year-old switch-hitting super utility player (including catcher) Fidel Pena, who just completed a seven-year run with the Diamondbacks, the organization that signed him as a teenager out of the Dominican Republic. Via his Baseball Reference page, you'll see that Pena plays all over the field. He topped out in the high-A Cal League with Arizona, and almost certainly will slide in to a manager's dream utility role perhaps at Biloxi, but probably more likely with Brevard County to begin 2016. Notice that on his Twitter page, he calls himself "C/INF/OF" -- yes, 67 career games behind the plate. Here's a collection of six video clips dating back to 2013 on Pena. Welcome Fidel, good luck with the Crew.

*** Another update was posted February 1st -- Congratulations to two-time (2007, 2011) Brewers Organization Player of the Year Taylor Green, also named a scout on the professional scouting staff, ending his playing career (career stats). Looking back at the numbers from that 2011 age 24 season, just wow (.996 OPS). Yes, it was the Pacific Coast League, but playing in Nashville's division, only about a quarter of his games were in offense-friendly bandboxes. And how many players win that award twice for their organization? Former Brewer OF Drew Anderson has carved himself a nice start to his scouting career on the Brewers' amateur scouting staff, here's hoping Green finds success and happiness on the pro side of things.

AUDIO via WSSP's Morning Show Monday 2/1: Adam McCalvy *** Via MLB Network: Adam McCalvy joins Hot Stove to discuss the trade between the Brewers and the D-backs *** AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show Monday 2/1: Andrew Wagner of The Sports Exchange *** AUDIO via the Mike Heller Show (thebig920.com) Monday 2/1: GM David Stearns

Knew the community here would figure it out. Thanks! Here's a feature from last June on Sullivan. These are guys you feel for -- now 28, reached AAA, now using connections to arrange tryouts. Young family, still reaching. This is one tough business.

Just a reminder from the post just above, LHP Nick Hagadone's minor league deal was voided.

MILB.com analyzes NL Central minor leaguers in terms of their potential 2016 big league impact

Caribbean Series Opening Game Box / Log: Venezuela 2, Puerto Rico 1 Hernan Perez, batting 7th and playing second base, was 0-for-3, but was happy to see his club win. For Puerto Rico, SS Yadiel Rivera was 0-for-2 before being lifted for a pinch-hitter, something that has happened with regularity as of late (being pinch-hit for). On Tuesday, Puerto Rico is idle and Venezuela is the home team vs. the Dominican Republic. Mexico and Cuba round out the five-team tournament.

One more: That’s exactly what we like seeing the BA Grades used for. It’s a lot of meat for people to dive in and use to compare farm systems. The Brewers are one of the systems with the highest upsides in baseball, although it also comes with a good bit of risk. The depth of the system is quite impressive and if you are going to have a lot of risk (I count 11 extreme lists on the MIL list) than it is useful to spread that risk around a large number of high upside players. JJ Cooper, Managing Editor Baseball America

That was quick -- Neat way to slice & dice the information, we love seeing the BA Grades used like that. -- John Manuel, Editor in chief, BASEBALL AMERICA *** Jim, Here are the “official” counts I produced from our internal data. This considers only book players, so 900 total. I think we’re all fans of the Brewers farm system as presently constructed. By BA Grade Grade Count Pct 40 72 8% 45 283 31% 50 328 36% 55 135 15% 60 58 6% 65 16 2% 70 8 1% So just 9% of the book received an unadjusted grade higher than 55. By Risk Risk Count Pct Safe 4 0% Low 46 5% Medium 182 20% High 429 48% Extreme 239 27% For various reasons, about 75% of players in the book are considered High or Extreme risk propositions. Matt Eddy, Associate Editor Baseball America

That was a nice bit of research -- I'm sending John Manuel, J.J. Cooper, and Matt Eddy a direct link via email should they wish to share among their Baseball America brethren.

So apparently last-minute roster-jumping is allowed, congrats to Hiram, as his team actually finished as the Puerto Rico runner-up Hiram Burgos tweet -- (translated) Proud to represent my island of Enchantment in the series of the Caribbean 2016. Gracias my God for your blessings

All audio below via WTMJ radio: Saturday: Joe Block Jeff Levering MLB Network Radio's Mike Ferrin on the Brewers' rebuild *** Sunday (Brewers on Deck): Mark Attanasio GM David Stearns the day after the trade with Arizona Rollie Fingers Domingo Santana Chris Carter Matt Garza Jeremy Jeffress Bob Uecker and Will Smith Jimmy Nelson Craig Counsell

OK, this could be fun, could use your help -- On Wednesday 1/27, stumbled on this tweet from a baseball dad, his young man is a catcher from Shorewood, IL who is only a high school junior: "Thursday Eastin has the honor to catch a bull pen session for MLB pitcher in front of Brewers, and Padres scout" Next night: "Eastin had a great bull pen session tonight in front of Pat Murphy San Diego/Milwaukee Brewers. Keep grinding!!", and linked to this video. His son Eastin is on Twitter but hasn't tweeted about it. "After bull pen session, Eastin is being asked what pitches worked the best, And what had the best stuff. Priceless!!", and linked to this photo. Now I have tweeted to both the father and son (and private message'd the son), with no responses now for a few days. My guess is they were asked not to comment on the workout, which is understandable, so please, don't bombard and reach out to them via Twitter, I already politely have, maybe they'll get back to me. So we know it's a RHP with what appears to be long hair and facial hair. And the workout was in the Joliet, IL area (Shorewood). Is the player from nearby? My guess is that it's not related to the Padres at all, and it was a Brewers-only workout. Doesn't look like a current Brewer, so it was probably indeed a tryout workout of sorts. Four days ago, thought this would lead to possible breaking news and a fun scoop, but that seems unlikely at this point. We'll see...

Sorry, Colorado Springs Gazette, but even with the ownership connection, don't look for the Helena Brewers to move and play Pioneer League games in your large AAA ballpark.

Puerto Rico Box Friday 1/29 Yes, the Yadiel Rivera 365-day baseball season program is now official! You can now remove the word "potentially" below -- Rivera was 0-for-3 with a K, but his Santurce team won 2-0, and moves on to the Caribbean Series, where Hernan Perez and Josmil Pinto will represent Venezuela to complete the Brewers connections. RHP Hiram Burgos got the start and took the loss for Mayaguez Friday -- 5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 3 K, 1 BB, error on pickoff, GB:FB 4:5, was aided by his teammate who stranded two inherited runners Santurce Bottom of the 1st Ruben Sosa strikes out swinging. Jose Constanza grounds out, shortstop Elmer Reyes to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Reymond Fuentes pops out to third baseman T. J. Rivera in foul territory. Santurce Bottom of the 2nd Neftali Soto singles on a ground ball to left fielder Danny Ortiz. Juan Silva pops out to third baseman T. Rivera in foul territory. Robert Andino grounds into a force out, second baseman Jesmuel Valentin to shortstop Elmer Reyes. Neftali Soto out at 2nd. Robert Andino to 1st. With Jose Lozada batting, Robert Andino caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Roberto Perez to shortstop Elmer Reyes. Santurce Bottom of the 3rd Jose Lozada doubles (3) on a line drive to right fielder Dylan Cozens. Yadiel Rivera called out on strikes. Roberto Pena flies out to center fielder Blake Tekotte. Ruben Sosa grounds out, second baseman Jesmuel Valentin to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Santurce Bottom of the 4th Jose Constanza flies out to left fielder Danny Ortiz in foul territory. Reymond Fuentes pops out to second baseman Jesmuel Valentin. Neftali Soto flies out to center fielder Blake Tekotte. Santurce Bottom of the 5th Juan Silva pops out to catcher Roberto Perez in foul territory. Robert Andino strikes out swinging. Jose Lozada flies out to center fielder Blake Tekotte. Santurce Bottom of the 6th Yadiel Rivera grounds out, catcher Roberto Perez to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Roberto Pena flies out to center fielder Blake Tekotte. Ruben Sosa walks. With Jose Constanza batting, throwing error by Hiram Burgos on the pickoff attempt, Ruben Sosa to 3rd. Jose Constanza singles on a ground ball to left fielder Danny Ortiz. Ruben Sosa scores. Reymond Fuentes singles on a line drive to left fielder Danny Ortiz. Jose Constanza to 2nd. Neftali Soto singles on a line drive to right fielder Dylan Cozens. Jose Constanza scores. Reymond Fuentes to 3rd. Neftali Soto to 2nd on the throw. Pitching Change: Giovanni Soto replaces Hiram Burgos. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Jorge Padilla replaces Juan Silva. Jorge Padilla grounds out, second baseman Jesmuel Valentin to first baseman Kennys Vargas. *** Here's your Caribbean Series schedule, the Brewers' match-up begins things on Monday. All games to be played in the Dominican Republic this year. ESPN Deportes, and not MLB Network (boo!) your TV option.

Via MLB Network: Former Major Leaguer Gorman Thomas calls Hot Stove to talk about his career, the Brewers event this weekend and much more *** VIDEO via WTMJ620: Some classic Bob Uecker outtakes while filming a commercial *** AUDIO via the Bill Michaels Show Friday 1/29: Chief Operating Officer Rick Schlesinger *** AUDIO via WSSP Friday 1/29: Nearly 21 minutes with GM David Stearns on "the Big Show"

Here are the latest front office updates, noticed on January 29th -- There are two new scouts listed on the professional side. Ross Pruitt was with the Brewers / Manatees in 2014, and discussed his work as a video coordinator in this audio on the Brevard County pregame show. Very cool to listen to how his young baseball career had begun and developed at that point, and now he's a formal member of the scouting staff. Joe Prebynski also has a video coordinator background, and was the Texas Rangers' instant replay review man in 2015. He enjoyed a special moment off the field detailed here. *** New -- Analyst - Baseball Operations: Joshua Schaffer He interned with the Mets last season. LinkedIn provides a laundry list of his 2015 duties for those of you with similar aspirations, here you go...

Keep in mind the Brewers saw enough in RHP Kaleb Earls (Baseball Reference) to bump him right past the Timber Rattlers to the Manatees for his age 22 season in 2015, which was only his 2nd season of pro ball, and his first full season. When you couple that with the 6'5" frame and the strong control (1.117 WHIP), age-appropriate level and big velocity (mentioned below), you have a prospect who is under the radar for all but the biggest farmhand diehards. His hometown paper brings us up to date below, link provided while still active, text below for archiving purposes: Also, Earls was featured in two audio interviews on Manatees radio last season -- April 15th June 3rd *** Earls ready to show stuff in spring training By Larry Hilliard, Gaffney (South Carolina) Ledger Sports Editor It didn’t take long for Kaleb Earls to regain his swag after missing some time with an injury. In his first full season in the minor leagues, the 6-5 right hander from Blacksburg posted a solid 3.15 ERA in 2015. But there were some shoulder problems mixed in. “Last season started off good, then I was injured and out for three to four weeks,” Earls said. “I went through the process to get back from a shoulder strain. I did everything to get the strength back, and the arm felt strong.” Pitching in high Class A for the Brevard County Manatees, the 22-year old reliever gave up 42 hits, struck out 27 and picked up six saves in 45.2 innings. More impressive, perhaps, is that he allowed only nine walks, and batters hit just .241 against him. Velocity has never been an issue for Earls, even when he was young. His fastball has been clocked at 96 mph. But the Brewers believe that some minor mechanical improvements could help his control, which, considering his size and makeup, would make him even more difficult to hit. “They want me to command all my pitches,” he said. Earls was drafted in the 13th round by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2014. He had a 2.08 ERA with three saves and 24 strikeouts in 17 innings for the Brewers’ Rookie League team. He also pitched for the Brewers’ affiliate in the Pioneer League, posting a 3.60 ERA in only five innings of work. To prepare for the season, he’s been working out at Planet Fitness and has begun throwing to a former catcher in the San Diego Padres organization at the Upward facility in Spartanburg. “I’ve been working hard and am in the best shape of my life,” Earls said. “It’s just up to me to put up the results.” Earls will be leaving for the Brewers’ spring training facility near Glendale, Ariz., in either late February or early March. If he impresses the organization this spring, he hopes to be pitching for the Brewers’ Double A team in Mississippi. “That’s my goal, if I do what I’m supposed to do,” Earls said. Earls was an all-region selection at Blacksburg. He also helped Post 109 to the 2011 American Legion World Series. As a junior at Limestone, he posted a 4.15 ERA with 72 strikeouts in 82.1 innings.