Jim Goulart

Via MinorLeagueBall.com -- Breakout MLB Candidates for 2016: Milwaukee Brewers

Puerto Rico Box Sunday 12/27 SS Yadiel Rivera (.411 OPS in 21 winter games - ouch), 0-for-3 with his 5th error. He was also HBP by good friend RHP Hiram Burgos. Burgos was very good in long relief in his club's 2-1 win and netted the victory -- 3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 1 HBP, GB:FB 0:3, one throwing error Burgos also contributed to a triple play: Santurce Top of the 5th Pitching Change: Hiram Burgos replaces Tomas Santiago. Yadiel Rivera hit by pitch. Ruben Sosa singles on a line drive to left fielder Danny Ortiz. Yadiel Rivera to 2nd. Robert Andino pops into a triple play, catcher Yovan Gonzalez to second baseman Jesmuel Valentin to pitcher Hiram Burgos to catcher Yovan Gonzalez to shortstop Elmer Reyes to second baseman Jesmuel Valentin. Yadiel Rivera out at 2nd. Ruben Sosa out at 1st. Santurce Top of the 6th Reymond Fuentes flies out to left fielder Danny Ortiz. Javier Baez called out on strikes. Neftali Soto singles on a fly ball to center fielder Edwin Medina. Jose Lozada strikes out swinging. Santurce Top of the 7th Rene Rivera strikes out swinging. Roberto Pena flies out to center fielder Edwin Medina. Yadiel Rivera flies out to right fielder Dylan Cozens. Santurce Top of the 8th Ruben Sosa singles on a ground ball to center fielder Edwin Medina. With Robert Andino batting, throwing error by Hiram Burgos on the pickoff attempt, Ruben Sosa to 2nd. Robert Andino strikes out swinging. Pitching Change: Alex Claudio replaces Hiram Burgos. Reymond Fuentes flies out to center fielder Edwin Medina. Ruben Sosa scores. Throwing error by center fielder Edwin Medina. Javier Baez singles on a line drive to left fielder Danny Ortiz. Pitching Change: Randy Fontanez replaces Alex Claudio. Neftali Soto lines out to third baseman Luis Figueroa. *** Puerto Rico Box Sunday 12/27 In his team's 9-0 win, CF Omar Garcia was 0-for-2 as a later-inning pinch-hitter and replacement.

Please bear with the Google translation -- Orlando Arcia aspires to extend its participation with Caribes, but did not receive permission from Milwaukee Eduardo Acosta | Press LVBP Puerto La Cruz.- Orlando Arcia is about to leave the hut Caribes de Anzoategui. Only you subtract two games in Venezuela, by previous orders of the Milwaukee Brewers, his organization in the majors, and before leaving the eastern hopes to help sort. "I'd like to play, really, but I must obey what I ordered Milwaukee. Limits are established and we must meet them, because they want to be in good shape for spring training, "said Arcia, who tried to convince management of the lupulosos to continue for several games in January. "If. There was insistence, in fact I again spoke a few days ago to see if they let me play during the playoffs, but were repetitive to say that I need for those days rested. It's a shame, because I want to help the team. I like playing here. It only remains to wish my colleagues the best of luck, "he said. So far, his second season in Venezuela has met expectations. In only 28 challenges he was one of the best Caribbean in attack. Displays .295 with eight extra-base and .421 slugging striking while his fielding percentage is .961. You have to play some more How far would come? One question that it can not help wondering prospectus. "Everything I learned this year in the United States apply it every day. I worked hard to hit against breaking pitches, something that was affecting me before. I feel I have improved a lot compared to last year, playing in the LVBP helps improve. So it will not stop here to play well for a short time, "he said. TRUST YOUR TEAM His departure will leave a huge void in the Caribbean alignment, if the club gets access to the postseason. Currently, Aboriginal people are in a difficult situation where they need to win their last two games to force at least a draw that could take until January. "Right now we do not know whether we are in or not, all I do know is that you have to leave the field to give our best, play by play, inning by inning, so that things go well for us. I think we can do it, the guys have done a great job all year together. Always ahead and eager to play good baseball, "he said Arcia, he does not think his absence is felt in Caribbean, once it achieves the pass to the playoffs. "Of course not, what characterizes this team is that everyone contributes, not dependent on anyone in particular. Just follow our playing baseball, fighting every game. If you keep it that way, and I hope it does, they get very far, "he added. THE CHALLENGE OF 2016 Many eyes will be on Arcia, once their internship ends by Venezuelan baseball. It is one of the top prospects in the farm system MLB and although Milwaukee will take it easy, several reports of scouts ensure that debut in the majors in 2016. As of Anaco will shine our eyes to this possibility and ensures that you're ready for the challenge. "We are prepared to be in the big leagues, God willing. That makes me very excited, I just hope they get the training to do my best and see if we can start again in the big league. Otherwise, just always be ready, "he said.

Bumping this thread for a two-part interview with Glenn Braggs via SullyBaseball: Part One Part Two

Via MinorLeagueBall - Top Performing Starting Pitchers of the 2015 Minors, Per the FaBIO Statistical Evaluation System Brewers fared well...

Venezuela Box Saturday 12/26 In his 56th game of the winter, Hernan Perez, who started at shortstop and moved to third base, was 5-for-5 (all singles) with two runs scored, two RBI, and his 10th stolen base in 13 attempts. Perez' OPS jumped to .782. Aragua Top of the 2nd Hernan Perez singles on a line drive to right fielder Luis Domoromo. Aragua Top of the 3rd Hernan Perez singles on a line drive to left fielder Jorge Parra. Alberto Callaspo to 3rd. Eduardo Escobar to 2nd. Aragua Top of the 5th Hernan Perez singles on a ground ball to right fielder Luis Domoromo. Jose Zambrano scores. Alberto Callaspo scores. Hernan Perez advances to 2nd, on a throwing error by right fielder Luis Domoromo. Aragua Top of the 7th Hernan Perez singles on a line drive to center fielder Alberth Martinez. Aragua Top of the 9th Hernan Perez singles on a line drive to right fielder Jorge Parra. His teammate, new Milwaukee 40-man catcher Josmil Pinto, playing first base in this one, was 2-for-5 with an RBI in the 7-0 win. Since this is our first Pinto update, we'll tell you he's at .247/.329/.342 in 19 games (18-for-73, four XBH's.) *** Puerto Rico Box Saturday 12/26 Catcher Rene Garcia was 2-for-4 (double) in a 4-2 win. He threw out one of two baserunners. Garcia sports a .299/.337/.371 line (.708 OPS) in 32 winter contests. *** Catching up on a debut that happened on Monday the 21st, 22-year-old Timber Rattler OF Jose Pena lined out in a pinch-hit appearance.

Via the West Central Tribune in Willmar, Minnesota New 40-man roster RHP Jacob Barnes made a special "thank you host family" trip; very classy move by the native Floridian.

All player name links lead to their respective page at MiLB.com -- RHP Tanner Poppe, who had been on the Temporary Inactive List, retired (discussed below in this alphabetical list). The Brewers also formally announced the retirements of OF Michael Ratterree, detailed here on October 10th, and corner IF/OF Steven Karkenny, detailed here on October 22nd. *** As for the releases, remember these guys had to excel at every prior level (every age, at high school, college for those who took that route, etc.) just to reach the heights they did. They're all pretty darn good at baseball. RHP Bubba Blau, 23, was drafted in the 24th round in 2014 out of Dixie State (Utah). Previously we mentioned here that his actual first name must be Bubba because MiLB.com lists it as such, but actually it's Maurice. A career highlight was on August 18th of this past summer when he closed out Helena's 13-7 road win over Ogden in front of local friends and family. Blau squeezed 14 solid 2015 relief appearances within three rugged ones, and his first two stints this summer (game log) unfortunately made salvaging overall good numbers for this past season tough. Here's a July 9th audio interview via the Helena site. *** Big-armed RHP Zach Cooper was signed by the Brewers this past June as a minor league free agent. Back at that time, we provided a detailed post on Cooper, so it's worthwhile to re-visit that now. Cooper missed a month from mid-July to mid-August with elbow soreness, and at age 26 this January, not even a stellar 1.00 WHIP in his 20 Timber Rattler appearances could save him a spot at Brevard or above for 2016. *** Another Timber Rattler, soon-to-be 24-year-old Luke Curtis, was drafted out of Pitt (where he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2011), in the 18th round in 2014. He was bumped to Wisconsin after only five Helena appearances in his rookie year. This past summer, in 40 relief appearances, Curtis was 8-2 with a 3.06 ERA for a Timber Rattlers team that finished 50-89. His 34-to-26 K-to-BB ratio in 53 innings likely did not catch the eye of the new management analytics staffers, however. *** Four-year pro catcher Paul Eshleman, 25, was drafted by the Crew in the 23rd round in 2012, out of Cal State - San Bernadino, where he had transferred after three years at the University of Oregon. It's tough to shake the "backup catcher / taxi squad guy" once attached. For one shining week, Eshleman was indeed, a star, receiving Florida State League Player of the Week honors this past April, and you can listen to his walk-off home run here, along with his next day reaction. *** 21-year-old Dominican Summer League OF Ariel Estades' release may be a statement about the Brewers' tolerance of indiscretions in the future. That's a fine line to walk, because the organization should hold highly-regarded talents to the same standards as more fringe farmhands. Estatdes was suspended 72 games for steroid use in July. Here's what we posted last March when the Brewers gave him a second chance at affiliated life -- We know the Brewers scout pretty heavily in Puerto Rico, as noted by the number of draft picks used on that island's players during the Melvin era. Milwaukee has signed a soon-to-be 21-year-old CF who the Royals drafted in the 17th round in 2012, but released this past season (on July 1st, only four games played in 2014). Ariel Estades is a LH bat, listed at only 5'11", 150 on his most recent MiLB.com player page. *** Recently-turned 23-year-old RHP Jose Flores was one of several non-drafted free agent pitchers inked by Milwaukee this summer. Here was the story put forth by Flores' proud college at the time of the signing. Flores, like several of the other NDFA's, started out really well, allowing only two runs in his first ten professional innings. Three of his last five Maryvale outings weren't quite so successful, skewing the numbers some. With all these guys, we hope they pursue at minimum, independent league avenues to keep the dreams alive (see LHP Craig Breslow, post-Brewers, and RHP Brandon Kintzler, pre-Brewers). *** Speaking of non-drafted free agent signees, infielder Steven Halcomb, a three-year Brewer (Maryvale, Wisconsin, then Brevard County), has his Gonzaga civil engineering degree to fall back on (thank you, Brewers Media Guide). Here's a Timber Rattler highlight and Manatee interview, both linked here. Nathan Orf is proving the undrafted senior guy infield "leadership" signee can make a real go of it. *** Soon to be 23 years old, RHP J.B. Kole was the Brewers 8th round pick out of Villanova in 2014 ($159,000 signing, bonus information is always made available for picks in the top ten rounds), as that draft class, at least from a college perspective, takes another hit (11th round RHP Brandon Woodruff looks to be the cream of that college draft crop, keeping in mind 3rd round RHP Cy Sneed netted Jonathan Villar in trade). Kole (listed at a classic 6'4", 210) failed to advance past rookie ball, and won't be invited back for a 3rd look. Perhaps his relatively high draft status gets him another chance elsewhere. *** RHP Scott Lieser, 25, was interviewed four times during his 2014 stay with Brevard County, archived here. Signed as an undrafted player for Maryvale in 2013, Lieser made a big jump in placement and spent all of 2014 at Brevard County. Six poor (but perhaps statistically unlucky in a small sample) Manatee relief outings to begin 2015 found him assigned down to Wisconsin for the balance of this past season. Lieser had altered a very high leg kick so that it wasn't quite as pronounced as when he had first signed. He was followed closely with radio appearances in his Minnesota hometown that we had linked here, so they will be disappointed, but Lieser did well for an undrafted player. *** 24-year-old LHP Tyler Linehan (9th round 2013, Fresno State, $125,000 signing) opened his 2nd pro season in 2014 with an expected stint in Wisconsin, but was shuttled back to Helena for the balance of that summer. Linehan then spent all of 2015 with the Timber Rattlers in that difficult middle relief role -- not part of a tandem, not a stand-alone starter, not a closer. We've seen in the past that it's tough to shine and progress when handed that role, but it was the nature of the assignment philosophy under Reid Nichols at the A-ball level. Linehan's peripherals didn't help his cause, unfortunately. *** LHP Trevor Lubking only made seven appearances for the Crew, all in a rookie rehab mode at Maryvale this past July and August. We had detailed the former Rays' farmhand's background and signing in this post. Lubking had been prepared to play with a Frontier Independent League team when Milwaukee acquired him. He had let us know via Twitter that he was "rehabbing a stress reaction in his left elbow (pre cursor to a stress fracture)." *** 23-year-old corner OF Mitch Meyer (24 this February) was yet another college pick member of the 2014 draft class (7th round). He only received a $10,000 bonus as a senior signing out of Kansas State, as MLB teams will now squeeze those minimum bonus signings into the latter stages of the top 10 rounds in order to allow for higher bonuses at the top, circumventing MLB limits. Meyer struggled in 75 games with Wisconsin in 2015 (he did miss a month with an undisclosed injury), but did manage to have a few highlight moments in his two-year pro stint. It's too bad Meyer couldn't have been more productive, he could have had a key spot with Brevard County in 2016. We've mentioned elsewhere on the forum that the upcoming Manatee squad could have immense trouble scoring runs, even well below the usual Florida State League frustration level. *** RHP Tanner Poppe, 25 (31st round, 2013, out of the University of Kansas), last pitched on April 29th. It seems his placement on the Temporary Inactive List was his retirement, which must have become official with paperwork filing at this time. Poppe reached AA in only his second season of pro ball, and although he was re-assigned to AA for this past season, that hardly seemed an issue. Here's earlier career archived audio with Poppe. Given his solid career numbers, this was probably a player the Brewers wished was still active. Best of luck to Poppe going forward. *** RHP Caleb Smith, 22, signed out of the 15th round from the (here we go again) 2014 college draft class (Rice University). He actually was one of three Caleb Smith's (all the same spelling) active in MiLB in 2015. Control and lack of strikeouts kept Smith in Maryvale for both of his pro seasons. Back on his draft day it was noted -- 15th round: Caleb Smith, Rice (2014) 8.16 ERA, 14 IP, 15 BB, 20 K (three schools in three years - Auburn, CC, Rice) Surely Smith warranted a "projection" selection, it just didn't pan out. Kudos to him for the work he put in during two blistering Maryvale summers.

All player name links lead to their respective page at MiLB.com -- RHP Tanner Poppe, who had been on the Temporary Inactive List, retired (discussed below in this alphabetical list). The Brewers also formally announced the retirements of OF Michael Ratterree, detailed here on October 10th, and corner IF/OF Steven Karkenny, detailed here on October 22nd. *** As for the releases, remember these guys had to excel at every prior level (every age, at high school, college for those who took that route, etc.) just to reach the heights they did. They're all pretty darn good at baseball. RHP Bubba Blau, 23, was drafted in the 24th round in 2014 out of Dixie State (Utah). Previously we mentioned here that his actual first name must be Bubba because MiLB.com lists it as such, but actually it's Maurice. A career highlight was on August 18th of this past summer when he closed out Helena's 13-7 road win over Ogden in front of local friends and family. Blau squeezed 14 solid 2015 relief appearances within three rugged ones, and his first two stints this summer (game log) unfortunately made salvaging overall good numbers for this past season tough. Here's a July 9th audio interview via the Helena site. *** Big-armed RHP Zach Cooper was signed by the Brewers this past June as a minor league free agent. Back at that time, we provided a detailed post on Cooper, so it's worthwhile to re-visit that now. Cooper missed a month from mid-July to mid-August with elbow soreness, and at age 26 this January, not even a stellar 1.00 WHIP in his 20 Timber Rattler appearances could save him a spot at Brevard or above for 2016. *** Another Timber Rattler, soon-to-be 24-year-old Luke Curtis, was drafted out of Pitt (where he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2011), in the 18th round in 2014. He was bumped to Wisconsin after only five Helena appearances in his rookie year. This past summer, in 40 relief appearances, Curtis was 8-2 with a 3.06 ERA for a Timber Rattlers team that finished 50-89. His 34-to-26 K-to-BB ratio in 53 innings likely did not catch the eye of the new management analytics staffers, however. *** Four-year pro catcher Paul Eshleman, 25, was drafted by the Crew in the 23rd round in 2012, out of Cal State - San Bernadino, where he had transferred after three years at the University of Oregon. It's tough to shake the "backup catcher / taxi squad guy" once attached. For one shining week, Eshleman was indeed, a star, receiving Florida State League Player of the Week honors this past April, and you can listen to his walk-off home run here, along with his next day reaction. *** 21-year-old Dominican Summer League OF Ariel Estades' release may be a statement about the Brewers' tolerance of indiscretions in the future. That's a fine line to walk, because the organization should hold highly-regarded talents to the same standards as more fringe farmhands. Estatdes was suspended 72 games for steroid use in July. Here's what we posted last March when the Brewers gave him a second chance at affiliated life -- We know the Brewers scout pretty heavily in Puerto Rico, as noted by the number of draft picks used on that island's players during the Melvin era. Milwaukee has signed a soon-to-be 21-year-old CF who the Royals drafted in the 17th round in 2012, but released this past season (on July 1st, only four games played in 2014). Ariel Estades is a LH bat, listed at only 5'11", 150 on his most recent MiLB.com player page. *** Recently-turned 23-year-old RHP Jose Flores was one of several non-drafted free agent pitchers inked by Milwaukee this summer. Here was the story put forth by Flores' proud college at the time of the signing. Flores, like several of the other NDFA's, started out really well, allowing only two runs in his first ten professional innings. Three of his last five Maryvale outings weren't quite so successful, skewing the numbers some. With all these guys, we hope they pursue at minimum, independent league avenues to keep the dreams alive (see LHP Craig Breslow, post-Brewers, and RHP Brandon Kintzler, pre-Brewers). *** Speaking of non-drafted free agent signees, infielder Steven Halcomb, a three-year Brewer (Maryvale, Wisconsin, then Brevard County), has his Gonzaga civil engineering degree to fall back on (thank you, Brewers Media Guide). Here's a Timber Rattler highlight and Manatee interview, both linked here. Nathan Orf is proving the undrafted senior guy infield "leadership" signee can make a real go of it. *** Soon to be 23 years old, RHP J.B. Kole was the Brewers 8th round pick out of Villanova in 2014 ($159,000 signing, bonus information is always made available for picks in the top ten rounds), as that draft class, at least from a college perspective, takes another hit (11th round RHP Brandon Woodruff looks to be the cream of that college draft crop, keeping in mind 3rd round RHP Cy Sneed netted Jonathan Villar in trade). Kole (listed at a classic 6'4", 210) failed to advance past rookie ball, and won't be invited back for a 3rd look. Perhaps his relatively high draft status gets him another chance elsewhere. *** RHP Scott Lieser, 25, was interviewed four times during his 2014 stay with Brevard County, archived here. Signed as an undrafted player for Maryvale in 2013, Lieser made a big jump in placement and spent all of 2014 at Brevard County. Six poor (but perhaps statistically unlucky in a small sample) Manatee relief outings to begin 2015 found him assigned down to Wisconsin for the balance of this past season. Lieser had altered a very high leg kick so that it wasn't quite as pronounced as when he had first signed. He was followed closely with radio appearances in his Minnesota hometown that we had linked here, so they will be disappointed, but Lieser did well for an undrafted player. *** 24-year-old LHP Tyler Linehan (9th round 2013, Fresno State, $125,000 signing) opened his 2nd pro season in 2014 with an expected stint in Wisconsin, but was shuttled back to Helena for the balance of that summer. Linehan then spent all of 2015 with the Timber Rattlers in that difficult middle relief role -- not part of a tandem, not a stand-alone starter, not a closer. We've seen in the past that it's tough to shine and progress when handed that role, but it was the nature of the assignment philosophy under Reid Nichols at the A-ball level. Linehan's peripherals didn't help his cause, unfortunately. *** LHP Trevor Lubking only made seven appearances for the Crew, all in a rookie rehab mode at Maryvale this past July and August. We had detailed the former Rays' farmhand's background and signing in this post. Lubking had been prepared to play with a Frontier Independent League team when Milwaukee acquired him. He had let us know via Twitter that he was "rehabbing a stress reaction in his left elbow (pre cursor to a stress fracture)." *** 23-year-old corner OF Mitch Meyer (24 this February) was yet another college pick member of the 2014 draft class (7th round). He only received a $10,000 bonus as a senior signing out of Kansas State, as MLB teams will now squeeze those minimum bonus signings into the latter stages of the top 10 rounds in order to allow for higher bonuses at the top, circumventing MLB limits. Meyer struggled in 75 games with Wisconsin in 2015 (he did miss a month with an undisclosed injury), but did manage to have a few highlight moments in his two-year pro stint. It's too bad Meyer couldn't have been more productive, he could have had a key spot with Brevard County in 2016. We've mentioned elsewhere on the forum that the upcoming Manatee squad could have immense trouble scoring runs, even well below the usual Florida State League frustration level. *** RHP Tanner Poppe, 25 (31st round, 2013, out of the University of Kansas), last pitched on April 29th. It seems his placement on the Temporary Inactive List was his retirement, which must have become official with paperwork filing at this time. Poppe reached AA in only his second season of pro ball, and although he was re-assigned to AA for this past season, that hardly seemed an issue. Here's earlier career archived audio with Poppe. Given his solid career numbers, this was probably a player the Brewers wished was still active. Best of luck to Poppe going forward. *** RHP Caleb Smith, 22, signed out of the 15th round from the (here we go again) 2014 college draft class (Rice University). He actually was one of three Caleb Smith's (all the same spelling) active in MiLB in 2015. Control and lack of strikeouts kept Smith in Maryvale for both of his pro seasons. Back on his draft day it was noted -- 15th round: Caleb Smith, Rice (2014) 8.16 ERA, 14 IP, 15 BB, 20 K (three schools in three years - Auburn, CC, Rice) Surely Smith warranted a "projection" selection, it just didn't pan out. Kudos to him for the work he put in during two blistering Maryvale summers.

Puerto Rico Box Wednesday 12/23 In a 3-0 win, SS Yadiel Rivera was 1-for-3 (run scored). *** Puerto Rico Box Wednesday 12/23 In a 6-3 loss, catcher Rene Garcia (quite the workhorse lately) was 1-for-4 (RBI). *** Venezuela Box Wednesday 12/23 3B Hernan Perez was 2-for-5 (one K) in a 6-5 loss. Perez stole two bases to give him nine in twelve attempts in 55 (55!) winter games. For the winning squad, SS Orlando Arcia had another on-base fest, walking three times, scoring two runs, and driving in the gamewinner with a sacrifice fly. Officially he was 0-for-1. He's at .295/.391/.421 (.812 OPS) after 28 games. Be careful, don't hurt him!

For those not in on the reference (most of you ), Venezuelan RHP Osmel Perez (link to his MiLB player page) just completed his 4th consecutive year of no appearances, yet still remains on the Brewers MiLB.com Dominican Summer League roster. Remarkably, he's still just 22. Here's a June 1st, 2013 tweet from Brewers Player Development on Perez, whose numbers were actually quite impressive for a 16/17 year old. Osmel Perez quit and is no longer active. But darn it, MiLB.com and the Brewers still await his return. Is he still 6'3, 196? P.S. Whenever a player fails to provide formal paperwork upon "retiring", the Brewers do place them on a restricted list as they retain their rights (remember Brent Brewer, Michael Marseco, and many more?). But those players don't normally endure in infamy on the MiLB roster pages. Long live Osmel!

David Denson Tweet -- So this will be a thing soon, apparently. Tweet from the director as well.

During the evening and overnight, we'll give each of these players their proper due by at minimum noting worthwhile achievements during their Brewers tenure: McCalvy tweet -- Minor League releases RHP Tanner Poppe, who had been on the Temporary Inactive list, retired. Perhaps some found out earlier, but two days before Christmas?

Just updated that, earlier it said one, my apology. It is indeed two.

Andy Wilkins is on his seventh organization since March. Hit 30 homers at the Triple-A level in 2014, 17 in 2015 (h/t Adam McCalvy). He has two minor league options remaining. Here's the Rotoworld waiver wire joyride history.

Career numbers, minors and majors, on one page LH bat, no minor league options remaining, most of 2016 at age 28 (29 in August)

In case you missed Jim Callis from the Major League Forum thread -- AUDIO 12/22: WSSP's Hot Stove Weekly Show featuring former RHP Paul Gibson at the 15:15 minute mark and MLB.com prospect guru Jim Callis at the 28:00 minute mark.

VIDEO: Tyler Barnes, VP of Communications for the Brewers, in South Africa; wouldn't it be great if the top players just starting out there now grew allegiances to the Crew years from now?

Puerto Rico Box Tuesday 12/22 Catcher Rene Garcia was 1-for-3 (sacrifice bunt, run scored, one K), in his team's 3-2 loss. For the winning club, SS Yadiel Rivera as also 1-for-3 (double, run, one K). *** Puerto Rico Box Tuesday 12/22 CF Omar Garcia got the start in the leadoff spot in his club's 6-4 loss. He singled in three at-bats, scored a run, stole his 4th base (in six attempts), but was pinch-hit for in the 6th. Getting the win in a nice bounce-back relief stint was RHP Hiram Burgos, retiring all eight men he faced -- Caguas Bottom of the 6th Pitching Change: Hiram Burgos replaces Tomas Santiago. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Henry Ramos replaces Omar Garcia. Henry Ramos flies out to left fielder Danny Ortiz in foul territory. Rey Navarro strikes out swinging. Bryce Brentz flies out to right fielder Dylan Cozens. Caguas Bottom of the 7th Johnny Monell grounds out, second baseman Jesmuel Valentin to first baseman Kennys Vargas. David Vidal strikes out swinging. Ryan Kalish grounds out to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Caguas Bottom of the 8th Trever Adams called out on strikes. Angel Sanchez flies out to center fielder Isaac Ballou. Pitching Change: Alex Claudio replaces Hiram Burgos. Benji Gonzalez singles on a line drive to right fielder Edwin Medina. Benji Gonzalez to 2nd on the throw. Henry Ramos grounds out, third baseman T. J. Rivera to first baseman Kennys Vargas. *** Venezuela Box Tuesday 12/22 It was a 1-0 game, so quiet nights were to be expected. Orlando Arcia's club defeated Hernan Perez' team. Arcia was 0-for-4 (one K), Perez 0-for-3 (one BB).

AUDIO 12/22: WSSP's Hot Stove Weekly Show featuring former RHP Paul Gibson at the 15:15 minute mark and MLB.com prospect guru Jim Callis at the 28:00 minute mark.

Well, we don't have to worry, because in start #2 Monday night, Pena retired all nine men he faced in a game his team would go on to win 2-1 - Estrellas Bottom of the 1st Aneury Tavarez grounds out, first baseman Jose Marmolejos-Diaz to pitcher Ariel Pena. Michael Martinez strikes out swinging. Jordany Valdespin grounds out softly, pitcher Ariel Pena to first baseman Jose Marmolejos-Diaz. Estrellas Bottom of the 2nd Rob Segedin flies out to right fielder Mel Rojas Jr. Felix Pie grounds out to first baseman Jose Marmolejos-Diaz. Orlando Calixte lines out to shortstop Emilio Guerrero. Estrellas Bottom of the 3rd Henry Charles grounds out, second baseman Ordomar Valdez to first baseman Jose Marmolejos-Diaz. Ryan Casteel flies out to right fielder Mel Rojas Jr. Abiatal Avelino grounds out, shortstop Emilio Guerrero to first baseman Jose Marmolejos-Diaz. *** Outside of a Javier Betancourt pinch-running appearance in Venezuela, Pena was the only Brewer to see winter action on Monday. *** OF Ben Guez is home in the USA from Venezuela (his tweet), he thinks he'll be heading back, but that's not set in stone, so as he indicated to me, "we'll see".

Yes, November 6th, now updated above, thanks.

Technically, this is the 2015-16 Winter League season, so Baseball Reference would call this the 2016 season, and won't post until season's end. In all of the daily updates in this thread, just click on the players' names to get up-to-date winter league stats. Venezuela and Puerto Rico seem to update overnight; Dominican Republic seems to stagger until late the next day.

Jon Heyman tweet -- will middlebrooks gets $1.2M if in majors on brewers deal. if not in majors 7/1, WM may be released for spot on other team.

Venezuela Box Sunday 12/20 Shortstop Orlando Arcia is the gift that keeps on giving this season. In his team's 7-4 win, Arcia was on base four times, 2-for-3 (triple, two HBP, two runs, three RBI, one K). His line is a gaudy .311/.396/.444 in 26 games (.841 OPS). Watch Arcia's triple -- Arcia did commit his 5th error. *** Venezuela Box Sunday 12/20 In a 6-1 loss, 3B Hernan Perez was 1-for-4 (double, run, one K), while teammate Ben Guez, playing left field in this one, was 1-for-3 (one K). *** Dominican Box Sunday 12/20 In a 2-1 loss, Domingo Santana, playing left field, was 0-for-4 (one K). By any imaginable standard, Santana has had a hideous 23-game stint. *** Dominican Box Sunday 12/20 In a 3-2 win, SS Jonathan Villar continued his ultra-patient winter with a 1-for-2 afternoon (two walks, one K). Villar was 1-for-2 on the basepaths as well (now 12-for-14 in SB attempts in 34 games). *** This was typed on December 1st -- Puerto Rico Box Tuesday 12/1 In a suspended game tied 2-2 after nine innings, catcher Rene Garcia was 1-for-3 (walk, RBI, one stolen base against on defense). On the other side of the box score, shortstop Yadiel Rivera left his hot bat in Arizona, as an 0-for-4 night (one K) has him at .105 (3-for-28, no walks) in his some-might-say "rushed" winter league stint. This game ended with neither player seeing additional action, Rivera's team walked off 3-2 in ten innings. *** Puerto Rico Box Sunday 12/20 In the regularly scheduled game, Rivera's team won again, 3-0. Yadiel was 0-for-3 (one K), committed his 4th error (18 games), and is now batting .141 (9-for-64). For the losing squad, catcher Rene Garcia was 1-for-4. Oh, and check this out -- Santurce Bottom of the 1st Ruben Sosa walks. With Christian Vazquez batting, Ruben Sosa caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Rene Garcia to shortstop Ozzie Martinez. Santurce Bottom of the 4th Reymond Fuentes pops out to third baseman Jose Rivera in foul territory. Javier Baez singles on a line drive to left fielder Dayron Varona. With Juan Silva batting, Javier Baez caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Rene Garcia to second baseman Irving Falu. Santurce Bottom of the 7th Ruben Sosa walks. With Christian Vazquez batting, Ruben Sosa caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Rene Garcia to second baseman Irving Falu. Sky Sox pitchers are going to love this guy. *** Puerto Rico Box Sunday 12/20 For the second time in a week, Omar Garcia's pinch-running stint was "not good" -- Caguas Top of the 8th Dickie Joe Thon remains in the game as the third baseman. Pitching Change: Dereck Rodriguez replaces Hoby Milner. Bryce Brentz singles on a ground ball to center fielder Isaac Ballou. Pitching Change: Alex Claudio replaces Dereck Rodriguez. Johnny Monell grounds into a force out, shortstop Elmer Reyes to second baseman Jesmuel Valentin. Bryce Brentz out at 2nd. Johnny Monell to 1st. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Trever Adams replaces Jaime Ortiz. Pitching Change: Jonathan Albaladejo replaces Alex Claudio. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Omar Garcia replaces Johnny Monell. With Trever Adams batting, Omar Garcia caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Roberto Perez to second baseman Jesmuel Valentin. Trever Adams strikes out swinging. Garcia's team would lose, 5-4.