Jim Goulart

AUDIO: Hometown radio interview with RHP Scott Lieser - go to the 2:45 minute mark Side note: It's not quite up there with "Ashley Ashley", but Scott's wife's name is "Elise Lieser" -- five letters is all you need.

Saturday box score (VEN) -- Big league Brewer Hernan Perez made his winter debut, 0-for-3 with a K, but also (for him), the elusive base on balls. He played third base.

Saturday box score (VEN) -- Two scoreless relief stints covering three combined innings now for RHP Gian Rizzo Magallanes Top of the 8th Luis Antonio Rodriguez walks. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Alberth Martinez replaces Luis Antonio Rodriguez. Pitching Change: Gian Rizzo replaces Gabriel Moya. With Ronny Cedeno batting, Alberth Martinez caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Francisco Arcia to second baseman Bryant Flete. Ronny Cedeno strikes out swinging. Mario Lisson lines out, third baseman David Adams to first baseman Mike Jacobs.

Good luck to 24-year-old RF Michael Ratterree, as MiLB.com announced his retirement as of Friday. Ratterree, the Brewers 10th round pick out of Rice University in 2013, had a sad-to-say miserable 2015 at Brevard County. He played in only 75 games as he didn't debut until June 6th, recovering from a broken bone in his hand suffered in spring training. But what a debut it was -- AUDIO: In his first game with Brevard County, Michael Ratterree launches a walk-off homer to defeat Dunedin By the way, that was a heck of a Link Report -- Biloxi finally opened up MGM Park with a 14-inning victory. In 240 AB's with the Manatees, Ratterree posted a .150/.260/.221 line (sadly, none of which is a misprint). From 9/29/14 -- Ratterree dominated (as he should have) at Helena as a 2013 rookie (.976 OPS). He posted an .802 OPS as a 2014 Timber Rattler. One wonders if his hand was ever healthy this year and what impact it had on his retirement decision. Ratterree's signing bonus was only $25,000 as a senior sign. Brewers were not swimming in corner OF prospects at the A and A+ level to begin with. We wish Michael the very best in all future endeavors.

If this helps, the Brewerfan sortable Player Index is up-to-date, allowing you to scan all the organizational names so you won't miss anyone.

Let's see if we can keep this going for another offseason -- From the past week via WTMJ: Tom Haudricourt More with Haudricourt - Evening Show Craig Counsell Joe Block GM David Stearns Jonathan Lucroy Al Bethke (Ramblin' Al) *** ESPN 540: Tom Haudricourt - Mon. 10/5 *** WSSP: Last Monday -- Adam McCalvy AM Show Last Monday -- Ed Sedar AM Show Last Tuesday -- Adam McCalvy with Bill Michaels Two hours plus -- Tim and Sparky's Full Retrospective Show Wednesday -- MLB Analyst Seth Everett with Bill Michaels Thursday -- Adam McCalvy afternoon show *** Mike Heller Show Friday - Adam Rygg (Brewer Nation) - go to the 20:15 second mark *** On the final Brewers On Tap of the regular season, manager Craig Counsell and rookie pitchers Jorge Lopez and Zach Davies are highlighted

Tweet (translated): Gian Rizzo: "I did well this year with the Brewers, I hope to have more opportunities and demonstrate that I can throw in this League"

Go to the 2:45 minute mark for Brent Suter's welcome video interview -- nice job when asked to speak Spanish at the end of the interview!

Venezuela's season started Wednesday 10/7. Just hours after being awarded to the Brewers on waivers from the White Sox, RHP Junior Guerra pitched exquisitely in his Opening Night start -- 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K (all swinging!), 76 pitches (54 strikes), 6:1 GB/FO Box Score Lara Top of the 1st Leon Landry grounds out, shortstop Heiker Meneses to first baseman Cesar Suarez. Maikol Gonzalez grounds out, second baseman Reegie Corona to first baseman Cesar Suarez. Rubi Silva strikes out swinging. Lara Top of the 2nd Hector Gimenez strikes out swinging. Rangel Ravelo strikes out swinging. Jairo Perez singles on a soft line drive to center fielder Yonathan Daza. Juniel Querecuto singles on a soft ground ball to shortstop Heiker Meneses. Jairo Perez to 2nd. Gabriel Lino strikes out swinging. Lara Top of the 3rd Cesar Izturis reaches on a throwing error by second baseman Reegie Corona. Leon Landry singles on a ground ball to center fielder Yonathan Daza. Cesar Izturis to 3rd. Leon Landry advances to 2nd, on a fielding error by center fielder Yonathan Daza. Maikol Gonzalez grounds out, third baseman Alberto Gonzalez to first baseman Cesar Suarez. Rubi Silva strikes out swinging. Hector Gimenez walks. Rangel Ravelo strikes out swinging. Lara Top of the 4th Jairo Perez singles on a line drive to left fielder Brian Burgamy. Juniel Querecuto strikes out swinging. Gabriel Lino pops out to second baseman Reegie Corona. Cesar Izturis grounds out, shortstop Heiker Meneses to first baseman Cesar Suarez. Lara Top of the 5th Leon Landry strikes out swinging. Maikol Gonzalez flies out to center fielder Yonathan Daza. Rubi Silva grounds out, third baseman Alberto Gonzalez to first baseman Cesar Suarez. *** 22-year-old 2015 Timber Rattler Gian Rizzo also pitched on Opening Night, two scoreless with four K's. Box Score Margarita Top of the 8th Pitching Change: Gian Rizzo replaces Zach Jackson. Eliezer Alfonzo flies out to left fielder Ronald Bermudez. Chris Marrero strikes out swinging. Christian Marrero called out on strikes. Margarita Top of the 9th Erick Salcedo remains in the game as the designated hitter. Gerson Montilla strikes out swinging. Omar Narvaez singles on a ground ball to shortstop Franklin Barreto. Junior Sosa strikes out swinging. Breyvic Valera lines out to left fielder Ronald Bermudez. *** Thursday - Venezuela Box Score 26-year-old LHP Brent Suter got the start for Aragua: 4 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 63 pitches (43 strikes), 8:1 GB/FO La Guaira Bottom of the 1st Reegie Corona grounds out, second baseman Gioskar Amaya to first baseman Luis Ugueto. Jose Martinez singles on a sharp ground ball to third baseman Jose Martinez. Ronnier Mustelier grounds out, second baseman Gioskar Amaya to first baseman Luis Ugueto. Jose Martinez to 2nd. Alex Cabrera grounds out, pitcher Brent Suter to first baseman Luis Ugueto. La Guaira Bottom of the 2nd Cesar Suarez walks. Brian Burgamy flies out to center fielder Teodoro Martinez. Yonathan Daza grounds into a force out, fielded by second baseman Gioskar Amaya. Cesar Suarez out at 2nd. Yonathan Daza to 1st. Heiker Meneses grounds into a force out, third baseman Jose Martinez to second baseman Gioskar Amaya. Yonathan Daza out at 2nd. La Guaira Bottom of the 3rd Defensive Substitution: Daniel Madero replaces third baseman Jose Martinez, batting 5th, playing third base. Daniel Fajardo grounds out, third baseman Daniel Madero to first baseman Luis Ugueto. Reegie Corona pops out to second baseman Gioskar Amaya. Jose Martinez triples (1) on a line drive to right fielder Alex Romero. Ronnier Mustelier doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Carlos Tocci. Jose Martinez scores. Alex Cabrera singles on a ground ball to right fielder Alex Romero. Ronnier Mustelier scores. Cesar Suarez grounds into a force out, third baseman Daniel Madero to second baseman Gioskar Amaya. Alex Cabrera out at 2nd. La Guaira Bottom of the 4th Brian Burgamy singles on a soft ground ball to third baseman Daniel Madero. Yonathan Daza strikes out swinging. Heiker Meneses singles on a ground ball to center fielder Teodoro Martinez. Brian Burgamy out at 3rd on the throw, center fielder Teodoro Martinez to third baseman Daniel Madero. Daniel Fajardo grounds into a force out, third baseman Daniel Madero to second baseman Gioskar Amaya. Heiker Meneses out at 2nd.

Miller Park Prospects -- 2015 BC Manatees Season Review

Baseball America From Instructional League -- Gatewood, Hader, Houser, all an excellent and appreciated read

Bernie Pleskoff of MLB.com -- Scouting Report: Orlando Arcia *** Year of firsts continues as Shuckers are nominated for four MiLBY awards BILOXI, MS (WLOX) - It was a year of firsts for professional baseball in Biloxi. Those firsts continue after the season, as the team has been nominated for four "MiLBY" Awards. It began with an unprecedented 54 game road trip. The Biloxi Shuckers' success on that road trip propelled them to a first half South Championship. That road trip success, combined with the Shuckers' post-season accomplishments, has put them in the running for "Best Team." After spending the better part of two months on the road, the Shuckers returned home to MGM Park to play the first of many games in Biloxi. The first night in their home park, the Shuckers found the magic that they'd used on the road, and recorded their first win in storybook fashion with a come from behind victory in a 14 inning game. In return, the game was nominated for "Game of the Year". The success of the Shuckers' inaugural season couldn't have happened without some top class play from some high rated prospects. Outfielder Brett Phillips, a top 40 prospect in Major League Baseball and 2nd ranked Brewers prospect, showed his ability to continually get on base with several multi-hit games after joining the club at the major league trade deadline. Phillips has been nominated for "Top Offensive Player" and "Breakout Prospect." Also nominated for "Breakout Prospect" is shortstop Orlando Arcia, who was the anchor of the Biloxi Shuckers offense, as well as defensive standout. Arcia, who is the Brewers top prospect, a top ten short stop prospect, and ranked 12th overall among minor league talent, had his best professional season with 8 home runs, 69 RBI, and a .307 AVG. Arcia also led the way on defense on his way to a Rawlings Minor League Gold Glove award. If you'd like to vote for the Shuckers in any of these categories, just follow this link. You can vote as many times as you'd like. Voting ends October 27th.

Baseball America -- 2015 Pacific Coast League Top 20 Prospects #13 Domingo Santana, #20 Taylor Jungmann

FanGraphs from May-- A Brief Report on Junior Guerra, the 30-Year-Old Prospect

My apologies, folks -- have since learned only outrighted players with three years of service time have the right to elect this early (by a few weeks) form of free agency, which explains Kintzler's status as well as the others listed.

Should catcher Nevin Ashley clear waivers after his DFA, his status would be eventual minor league free agent (unless re-signed to a new minor league deal). List two posts above has been updated.

We never did learn what specifically sidelined Wisconsin 1B Alan Sharkey as of August 22nd, but he's rehabbing a lower body injury in this photo.

By the way, Brett Phillips was #8 on the AA Texas League list. Jim (TX): My absolute two favorite prospects being a Astros fan is A.J. Reed (and was Brett Phillips) very sad he was traded. I see both these two getting the call up next season. Probably A.J. a little quicker as he is older but I understand through rumor that Phillips is going to Japan to represent the U.S. in November (IBAF) which should give him some great experience. Do you see these two getting to the show by middle of next year? Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Hi Jim. Very possible. I think it’s not out of the question for Reed to contend for the first-base job out of spring training, given his production and the need for some consistency there. I think Phillips, just given the power drop when he got to the Southern League, will need to show he can hit consistently at that level before he’s considered for a major league promotion. He’s more likely a late-year callup.

Wrapping up the activations from the disabled lists, as also detailed two posts above -- Reinstated from DL (9/25): RHP Brooks Hall, RHP Martin Viramontes, LHP Hobbs Johnson, 2B Nathan Orf Not definitive, but it seems only Orf's injury was legit, yet we don't have the specifics on that. The rest appeared to involve making room for Biloxi postseason reinforcements.

Baseball America -- 2015 Southern League Top 20 Prospects Orlando Arcia #3, Jorge Lopez #7 Baseball America -- Southern League Top 20 Prospects Chat Matt (Queens, NY): Did Tyrone Taylor's stock fall any this year, in your opinion? Which other Shuckers were considered for the list? Thanks for chatting. Matt Eddy: I looked most closely at the Biloxi OF trio of LF Victor Roache, CF Tyrone Taylor and RF Michael Reed, probably favoring Reed the most in the bunch. Taylor didn’t hit much this year, but it was a true development year for him, and he’ll certainly return to the SL in 2016. He overhauled his stance this year, going from a spread-out setup to a more upright one intended to generate more power. It didn’t really pay off this year, but he can still defend and throw and make contact, so his floor remains extra OF. Reed is interesting for his on-base skills, but he might not have the HR power or contact ability to make it as a regular. Ben (Iowa): Adrian Houser's walk rates went from very bad to very good after the trade to Milwaukee. Are advancements he made in sustainable? Matt Eddy: One scout brought up Biloxi RHP Adrian Houser specifically. He didn’t spend much time in the SL because he was Astros property for most of 2015. Houser falls in and out of his delivery and that affects his control. However, he has been clocked as high as 98 mph and has flashed a plus breaking ball and good-enough changeup. This is a good speculative play by the Brewers. Ben (Iowa): Josh Hader had a strikeout rate north of 30% for Biloxi. Has his secondary stuff made enough advancements that he could be a starter long term or does he project more a reliever? Matt Eddy: Biloxi LHP Josh Hader can dial his FB up to 96 mph from a low slot that batters aren’t used to seeing. Reports on his breaking ball are not optimistic, however, making him a better bullpen candidate than starter option. *** And as discussed in our Lopez thread -- David (Ponte Vedra Bch, Fl): Did any of your sources directly compare Jorge Lopez and Jose Berrios and if so, why did they rate one over the other? Matt Eddy: Sure, comparing and contrasting Jorge Lopez and Jose Berrios was a major focal point for me because they’re the top two righthanders in the SL. Every source indicated that Lopez has a higher ceiling because of a stronger breaking ball, more prototypical starter build and a tick better velocity. They’re both going to be qualify major league starting pitchers, and Berrios does offer a few other advantages, such as an outstanding changeup and incredible mound presence (both accurate). Eric Rodriguez (Puerto Rico): Jorge Lopez top 100 prospect? Matt Eddy: Yes, definitely. *** Baseball America -- Southern League In A Box

Gainey was among those invited to fall instructionals this year -- Pompano resident continues steady climb up the major league ladder Emmett Hall, Sun-Sentinel (FL) Forum Publishing Group http://www.trbimg.com/img-56152e33/turbine/fl-xnxfpg-pbf-sp-gainey-1007-jpg-20151007/450/253x450 Pompano resident Preston Gainey was named to the Florida State League All-Stars as a pitcher with the Brevard County Manatees, an affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers organization. (Submitted photo) It has been a steady climb up the big league ladder in a quest to land in the majors for Pompano Beach resident Preston Gainey (MiLB Player Page). The right-hander just completed his third season with the Milwaukee Brewers organization and his progress is garnering attention. The 24-year-old son of James and Amy Gainey pitches for the Brevard County Manatees in the Florida State League. His 2.70 earned run average and eight-for-eight save opportunities earned him a spot in the Florida State League All Star game. That makes it back-to-back All-Star berths for his minor league work with the Brewers organization. Gainey was a late bloomer on the pitching prospect list when he became a starting pitcher at Calvary Christian High School his senior year. He was drafted by the Brewers organization while he was at the United States Naval Academy, foregoing his final two years of college play. The prospect of playing big league baseball was something Gainey always dreamed of. With the blessing of his coaches, teammates and family, the decision was made to sign the contract and pursue the goal of pitching in the big leagues. Gainey was soon hitting the radar gun consistently at 91 to 93 miles per hour. After some help from talented pitching coach Mark Klein, Gainey was being clocked at 94 to 97 miles per hour and occasionally hitting 98 miles per hour. The improved fastball, an excellent slider and an improving changeup has Gainey's future looking brighter that has Klein very excited. "To give you an indication how far [Gainey] has come, was when he was named the most improved pitcher in 2014 for the entire Brewers organization, which includes about 70 to 80 pitchers," Klein said. "I've worked with a lot of pitchers and [Gainey] has the most complete package of all of them. He has the ability to take direction and implement it immediately, which is incredible. The work ethic is great, he has all the physical tools and emotionally he is super stable on the mound. All he needs is consistency. He is very high on major league baseballs radar." According to Klein, Gainey may be one year away from getting the call to pitch in the majors, but that call could come any time. For his part, Gainey is staying positive, keeping in shape and staying mentally ready. "I've had the opportunity to see guys who I've played with and who I know very well, get the call to pitch in the big leagues and that is very cool," Gainey said. "I know my call isn't too far away. I'm very optimistic and definitely feel I have the ability. I'm at the best I've been and will continue to work hard and God-willing, when that time comes I'll be ready. It takes a lot, with travel and 142 games a season, but the door was opened to play professional baseball and I'm getting to live out a dream."

From the post just above -- As per the Pacific Coast League transactions page, Brandon Kintzler elected free agency on the very first day he was eligible. That doesn't mean the others won't as well, although perhaps they are hopeful of a new minor league deal with the Crew being worked out. You'll also notice at that link that any 40-man roster member not already in the big leagues (such as Juan Centeno, Matt Clark, Mike Strong -- also Johnny Hellweg and Daniel Fields) have been recalled to Milwaukee in a paper move, as all 40-man roster members are considered big leaguers on paper now, until possible options next spring, for those with options remaining.

Reviewing The Brew -- Q&A with LHP Trevor Seidenberger

Miller Park Prospects - 2015 Timber Rattlers Season Review

Baseball America Top 20 Midwest League -- Kodi Medeiros at 16 Chat questions -- Mike (Milwaukee): How close was Cody Ponce to making the top 20? Saw that his fastball was touching 97-98 in fall instructionals with a slight cut action. J.J. Cooper: Very close. Should move quick. Four pitches he can throw around the zone. That’s more velo than I would expect over a full season but he has impressive stuff. Todd (Cedar Rapids): I think it's fair to say we'll see both Alex Jackson (Mariners) and Monte Harrison back in the MWL next season. Both struggled mightily in their initial exposure to full season ball. Which player, in your opinion, is most likely to unlock their tools and reach their ceiling? J.J. Cooper: One would think Jackson but there was really nothing encouraging about his early season stay in Clinton. He was missing very hittable fastballs. Didn’t drive the ball. Didn’t really do much of anything. Harrison is much more of the kind of hitter who was expected to struggle–a two-sport star who is now fully focused on baseball. Jackson was a polished SoCal hitter who has played in a ton of showcases. Both still have very high ceilings but I’m more worried about Jackson’s struggles.