Jim Goulart

Prior info via Baseball America and linked previously in our draft forum -- The Brewers have agreed to sign Venezuelan catcher Jose Sibrian, the No. 29 international prospect for July 2. His bonus will be $550,000. Sibrian, a 16-year-old righthanded hitter, is 6 feet, 175 pounds and hasn’t been catching for long but has already earned praise for his defense and plus arm. http://cdn.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jose-Sibrian-2015-abr-300x225.gif

Shuckers' Jorge Lopez keeps faith as son, 2, battles genetic condition Pitcher stays upbeat Patrick Magee, Biloxi Sun-Herald PHOTO GALLERY: 12 images http://media.sunherald.com/smedia/2015/07/21/13/11/INN3e.AuSt.77.jpg Shuckers pitcher Jorge Lopez’s son, Mikael, now 25 months old, has multiple medical issues that has kept him in the hospital for all but two weeks of his life. PHOTO COURTESY JORGE LOPEZ The grind of a long baseball season never seems to get to Biloxi Shuckers pitcher Jorge Lopez. He is quick to flash a broad smile and offer a warm tap on your shoulder. *** Also linked and posted in full within our season-long Biloxi feature article thread for archiving purposes...

Shuckers' Jorge Lopez keeps faith as son, 2, battles genetic condition Pitcher stays upbeat Patrick Magee, Biloxi Sun-Herald PHOTO GALLERY: 12 images http://media.sunherald.com/smedia/2015/07/21/13/11/INN3e.AuSt.77.jpg Shuckers pitcher Jorge Lopez’s son, Mikael, now 25 months old, has multiple medical issues that has kept him in the hospital for all but two weeks of his life. PHOTO COURTESY JORGE LOPEZ The grind of a long baseball season never seems to get to Biloxi Shuckers pitcher Jorge Lopez. He is quick to flash a broad smile and offer a warm tap on your shoulder. Lopez claims that sunny disposition is the result of his upbringing in Puerto Rico. "I always smile," he said. "When I was a kid, I always smile. I think where I come from, it's humble people. That's where I learned it from, my family." Lopez keeps his upbeat approach to life despite the fact his young son, Mikael, has only spent two weeks of his 25 months of life outside of a hospital. "When I have Mikael, that's more reason to keep smiling," Lopez said. "Life provides a lot surprises, but we have good faith in God." A little more than two weeks ago, Mikael was given four diagnoses: familial Mediterranean fever, renal Fanconi syndrome, osteoporosis and early-onset inflammatory bowel disease. The 2-year-old is undergoing treatment at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center as doctors do their best to keep his fever at bay. Lopez left the Shuckers a month ago to take part in two days of tests in Cincinnati as doctors tried to determine if what Mikael was dealing with is the result of a genetic condition. The results came back as doctors suspected, with the Lopez family genetics playing a role with the familial Mediterranean fever. For Lopez, it was a relief to finally find out what was causing his son's problems after more than two years of uncertainty. "I don't want to hear, 'He doesn't have anything,'" the 6-foot-4 right-hander said of the early response from doctors in Puerto Rico. "It was frustrating, because I can't do anything." After he was born premature, Mikael spent his first four months in the hospital. He left the hospital for a couple of weeks, only to return. He was moved to a Miami hospital to be closer to his father, and then to Cincinnati. While he was in Miami a year ago, the doctors believed the best course of action for Mikael was an intestinal transplant. "While he was in Miami, he got an obstruction in his intestine," Lopez said. "They thought he needed a transplant. They were looking for that. But when they sent him to Cincinnati, they did every analysis and every test. They say he will probably need a transplant, but not now. They're trying to look to see how they can take out that fever. So he just waits." Progress in his smile At the moment, Mikael is doing well and Lopez can see the progress in the smile of his son. "He's doing good. He is stable," Lopez said. "He keeps fighting his condition. I'm glad every day, because he's a good fighter. No matter what, he shows a smile all the time. That's big for me." With Lopez 800 miles away in Biloxi and often bouncing around different towns in the Southern League, the two see each other the most through iPhone's FaceTime feature. "I'm always in FaceTime," Lopez said. "I try to see him every day. I try to see that smile." Lopez is popular in the Shuckers' clubhouse and manager Carlos Subero admires how he has put together an outstanding 2015 season despite dealing with the uncertainty of his son's health. Popular player "He's a great kid with good character," Subero said of Lopez. "He's a kid that's very well liked. He's been able to put his off-the-field stuff off the field and concentrate. He's definitely enjoying a great season." Lopez entered the season ranked by Baseball America as the No. 15 prospect in the Brewers' system. He has likely helped his stock with an 8-4 record and a 2.70 ERA in 17 starts this season. "He's been able to become a pitcher and recognize what pitches to throw and when to do it, instead of just throwing those pitches he's got," Subero said. "He knows when to do it and against who. He's following better sequences." The Brewers have afforded Lopez whatever time he has needed away from baseball to be there for his son. Last season, when he was a member of the Class-A Brevard County Manatees, a golf tournament was held in Florida as a fundraiser to help Lopez with the overwhelming expenses. "I'm glad they helped me a lot and support just not me, but my son," he said. "I really appreciate it."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7REQXq5f5Nk

RF Bryan Connell, Panama 09/11/98 (17 in September) As a 14 year old, he was listed at 6'2", 186

SS Aaron Familia, Dominican Republic, posted March 5th 16 years old, DOB 3/16/99, 6'2", 165 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJmPGCU6toA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=719REl8uPYI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VOSo9DSF8I

Tom at the J-S with the blog post that includes position info as well -- Brewers sign seven international players As we learn more, we'll fill you in. Often we don't even learn their height and weight until the spring media guide comes out. These players won't officially take the field until next spring.

The Ridiculous Theories Thread -- Leader in the clubhouse, how do these guys get keyboard rights? Do they have editors? Yankees reporter for NJ Advance Media & The Star-Ledger NJ.com Who could the Yankees nab on the market for cheap from potential sellers? RHP Wily Peralta, Milwaukee Brewers Peralta's been out since May 22 with a strained left oblique but has successfully made two rehab starts with one more on deck. His return for Milwaukee is set towards the end of the month, which of course would coincide perfectly. Peralta, who's good friends with Yankees' reliever Dellin Betances, is just 1-5 with a 4.00 ERA. (Read: they won't have to give up much.) And his current contract is just a one-year, $525,000 deal.

Musical veterans, um, chairs, at Colorado Springs -- Via the Brewers: Jim Henderson and Pete Orr activated to the Col Springs roster; Donnie Murphy and Tim Dillard to the DL. *** DL being code for taxi squad, although it does sideline them for seven days minimum

Tuesday's Farmhand Birthdays -- Sky Sox RH reliever Rob Wooten turns 30. Injured RHP Taylor Williams is 24 today (hope that forearm injury is healing).

Wisconsin's Carlos Leal mashes a solo home run in the fourth inning of a 3-2 Monday win over Kane County

Colorado Springs' Nevin Ashley belts a solo home run in the fourth inning of a 10-5 Monday loss to Nashville

To see tweets as to when the Link Report has been technically "completed" with available links, as well as to know when the new day's Report has been posted, please follow @Mass_Haas on Twitter.

Look for these just prior to the respective game times -- Colorado Springs Media Notes - Home games only, it's a unique link each day, but look for it under the "Multimedia" banner on the Sky Sox' site. Biloxi Media Notes - Linked on the Shuck Dynasty blog Brevard County Media Notes - It's a unique link each day, but look for it under the "Multimedia" banner on the Manatees' site. 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 Pioneer League North Division Arizona League Central Division Dominican Summer League San Pedro de Macoris *** Sortable individual stat pages: Colorado Springs Biloxi Brevard County Wisconsin Helena Maryvale DSL Brewers *** Weather.com: Colorado Springs, CO Biloxi, MS Viera, FL Cedar Rapids, IA Helena, MT Maryvale, AZ San Pedro de Macoris, DR

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

Tuesday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Colorado Springs: RHP Tyler Thornburg at home vs. Nashville (Athletics), 7:35 PM pre-game, 8:05 gametime Free Live Audio Link We welcome Dan Karcher, who is the longtime play-by-play voice of the Sky Sox; follow him on Twitter @SkySoxKarch 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: RHP Wily Peralta makes another rehab start at home vs. Mobile (Diamondbacks), 6:55 PM pre-game, 7:10 gametime Free Live Audio Link We also welcome Chris Harris as the very first play-by-play voice of the Shuckers! Follow Chris on Twitter @CHarris731. We'll be linking to his fantastic "Shuck Dynasty" blog. 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 Cy Sneed and LHP Zach Hirsch in a doubleheader at home vs. Tampa (Yankees), 3:35 PM pre-game, 4:05 gametime; each contest slated for seven innings Free Live Audio Link Dave Walkovic returns as the play-by-play voice of the 'Tees; follow the Brevard broadcast booth staff on Twitter @BCManateesRadio, as all home games and the "commuter" road games are scheduled to be broadcast in 2015. No Florida State League games are available via MiLB.TV. ********** Wisconsin: LHP David Carver at Cedar Rapids (Twins), 6:15 PM pre-game, 6:35 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. NOTE: Forty-two (!) of the Rattlers' 70 home games will be broadcast on TV this season. Time Warner Cable SportsChannel (9) and WACY-TV My NEW32 (34) 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. So, for the $49.95 season-long package, fans in Brewer Nation can watch all Sky Sox games, most Shuckers games, and all Timber Rattlers home games and some road games. NOTE: This series at Kane County is available via MiLB.TV (Cougars' feed). *** Helena: LHP Christian Trent at home vs. Orem (Angels), 7:45 PM pre-game, 8:05 gametime Free Live Audio Link We welcome back and again look forward to hearing second-year Voice of the H-Crew Dustin Daniel (@dustin__daniel on Twitter). MiLB.TV -- When the H-Crew makes their way to Idaho Falls in August, those games will be available to watch online. *** Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): at home vs. the mini-Dodgers, 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league *** DSL Brewers: at the DSL Tigers, 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.

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Brewers announce RHP John Ely has been released. *** The Brewers announce that Horst has indeed signed, but will be assigned to Biloxi. To make room, RH closer Damien Magnifico goes on the Shuckers' 7-day DL with an unidentified injury.

Final: AZL Royals 9, AZL Brewers 2 Maryvale Box Score Brewers fall to 19-5 KC squad; 2014 15th round RHP Caleb Smith (Rice) ran into trouble in his 4th inning of work; when you review the Maryvale pitching staff, you'll see it's almost exclusively now lower-round and non-drafted pitchers (save for 3rd round Texas HS pick Nash Walters), and many of these arms have pitched admirably. Rather non-descript offensive performance, the kids atop the lineup had set a tough early precedent to maintain... Maryvale Game Log

Netherlands product loving every minute of pro career Ryan Collingwood, Helena Independent Record http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/3d/b3d592b1-106c-5b6a-8e87-99a0975c3970/55add2c5ab7d0.image.jpg?resize=620%2C700 He’s had plenty of obstacles to overcome, but Helena Brewers catcher Milan Post is making his hard work pay off. Photo by Gary Marshall, Blackfoot Media Group Every Tuesday, before the rigors of team meetings, batting practice and crouching his 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame behind the plate the better part of the day, Helena Brewers catcher Milan Post employs a miniature syringe. *** Feature story well worth your time and interest -- also linked in full within our season-long Helena/Maryvale feature article thread for archiving purposes...

Netherlands product loving every minute of pro career Ryan Collingwood, Helena Independent Record http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/3d/b3d592b1-106c-5b6a-8e87-99a0975c3970/55add2c5ab7d0.image.jpg?resize=620%2C700 He’s had plenty of obstacles to overcome, but Helena Brewers catcher Milan Post is making his hard work pay off. Photo by Gary Marshall, Blackfoot Media Group Every Tuesday, before the rigors of team meetings, batting practice and crouching his 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame behind the plate the better part of the day, Helena Brewers catcher Milan Post employs a miniature syringe. Five years ago, after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a doctor told a 16-year-old Post that each of his athletic pursuits would need to be shelved. The constant pain and stiffness that shot through his knees, ankles, feet and back, he said, were comparable to that of an elderly man with the bone-joint disease. With enough fortitude and advances in medicine with regards to his particular malady, though, Post, now 21, finds himself as a starting catcher for the Milwaukee Brewers' rookie affiliate -- so long as he injects the tiny needle into his right thigh once a week in order to suppress his joint pain and swelling. But the aforementioned disease is just one of two things that initially put Post behind the 8-ball for a career in professional baseball in the United States. The foremost reason was also out of his control -- being born and raised in the Netherlands. Post, who grew up in the Amsterdam suburb of Diemen, wasn't like the majority of his peers who dreamed of lore on the pitch in the soccer-rich country. He dabbled with soccer and speed skating, but it was baseball, a sport that has recently grown in popularity in the Western European country, that suited his fancy. A nudge from his mother, a former softball player and current grade school teacher, also contributed to his preference. "It's more upcoming because American scouts and more Americans are coming to see (Dutch players)," said Post, who was quick to recount the Netherlands' baseball World Cup championship in 2011 over 25-time champ Cuba. "I'm afraid it'll never get huge there. " The energetic and affable Post named Netherlands products who've made the big leagues in America as if he were spitting out the alphabet. Former big-leaguers Robert Eenhorn, Rikkert Faneyt and the late Greg Halman, a recent Seattle Mariners pitcher who was killed in a stabbing in 2011, were the first names to come off his accented tongue. He wants to be the next in a very short list of talent from his homeland to flourish in America's game, and he's all too cognizant of the odds against him which has made him appreciate every day in the low rungs of the Brewers' organization. "Obviously, the goal is to be in the big leagues," Post said. "But I'm very thankful to be here. Obviously, for everyone here, this should not be the end, but it's hard (to get to the MLB). But I'm having a lot of fun." Just getting his foot in the door was an arduous pursuit. Every year, a band of MLB scouts make the trek to Europe for a three-week instructional league, which features 50 of the best baseball players in all of Europe and Africa. All four years, Post -- a star in his part of the world, mind you -- participated, but was never invited to join a pro ball club in America. Between his nagging disease and being snubbed, it was enough for Post to temporarily step away from the game. He even enrolled in an Amsterdam college to earn a degree in architecture as he began to think of a future devoid of baseball. Two years ago, however, he and a couple of fellow Dutch standouts and their coach figured they'd try a nine-day pro baseball internship in Arizona, where they practiced with other members of the Brewers organization. His international coach, Martijn Nijhoff, connected with Brewers' front office man, Charlie Greene, which gave the Dutch trio an opportunity to play offseason ball at the Arizona League facility. At the conclusion of the nine days, the Brewers liked what they saw in the under-the-radar Post -- particularly his athleticism and release behind the dish -- and extended a free-agent contract. "I did not expect that at all," said Post who, before the offer, planned to start his American baseball career at junior college power San Jacinto College in Houston. In March of 2014, after a background check and the approval of a work visa, Post became an official member of the Brewers. In his 23 games with the Brewers' Arizona League team last summer, he had 168 put-outs and five errors but, still raw offensively, batted just .108. So far this season, Post has started 18 of Helena's 30 games and has upped his batting average to .213. Fellow catcher Charles Galiano, one of the three catchers on the Brewers' roster, immediately noticed he was in the rare situation of sharing a position with a Dutchman. "I remember looking at the roster before I got here and seeing he was from the Netherlands and I was like, 'Damn, I didn't know they played baseball out there,'" Galiano said with a laugh. Galiano, who signed with the Brewers three weeks ago out of Fordham, has been impressed with Post in a variety of capacities. "He's awesome," the catcher said. "Just a good dude to have around the clubhouse. Always high energy and he's a great player. He's a lot of fun to be around. A special attribute to the clubhouse, for sure. "He's got a great arm and receives well. He's been giving me in tips in what the organization looks for in a catcher. He's great defensively and his bat is coming along, as well." Culturally, Post admits he's still adjusting. When initially arriving to America, he was immersed in the fast-food culture he wanted to desperately avoid. At home, he'd typically make his own, healthy meals, but caught himself making nutritional compromises in Arizona. Constant trips to Chipotle, which he admitted weren't great but better than alternatives, were part of the experience. Now, in Helena, he makes food at home with his host family or makes a trip to a store's deli. Human interaction has been a bit of a contrast, too. "Everyone here is really nice," said Post, who likened Helena more to his home area than Phoenix. "It's not that everyone back home isn't. People here are just a lot more open, and it takes time to get used to that." The list of differences between America and the Netherlands is almost perpetual. It's his story, though, that's the most American thing about him. "Between having (rheumatoid arthritis) and playing pro ball in the states coming from the Netherlands," he said, "it's a true American story of working hard for an opportunity."

Final: Orem 10, Helena 3 Owlz Score 10 Early, Cruise to Win Helena Brewers The Helena Brewers (14-16) dropped their second straight to the Orem Owlz (20-12), falling 10-3 on Monday at Kindrick Field. All of the runs would be scored in the fourth or earlier, with the Owlz plating seven in the fourth. Trailing 3-0 going to the second, the Brewers would tie it up. George Iskenderian singled and Charles Galiano doubled before both were brought in by Carlos Belonis. Belonis hit an insider-the-parker to score all three runs. Iskenderian led the way offensively for Helena, going 3-for-4 with the run scored. Drake Owenby (1-1) was rattled for the first time in his pro career, giving up 10 runs on 12 hits in 3 1/3 innings. Tanner Lubach would start the Owlz' fourth inning with a single, picking up two hits in the frame. Lubach was 3-for-5 on the night with three RBI and a solo home run. Taylor Ward would add an RBI double as part of a two-hit night for the first-rounder. J.B. Kole would pitch the final five innings for the Brewers, throwing shutout baseball and striking out two to shut down the Orem offense. The Brewers and Owlz will face off for the final time this season on Tuesday Kindrick Field. First pitch is set for 7:05 PM (8:05 Central). *** PHOTO GALLERY: Via the Helena Independent Record's Gary Marshall, Blackfoot Media Group *** VIDEO VIA KTVH: OK, looks like there was a scoring change and the Carlos Belonis inside-the-park HR is now a single and three-base error -- one could make a case for the HR when you see the bad hop the ball took on the left fielder. Helena Box Score Three singles for 2B George Iskenderian; nice effort by RHP J.B. Kole, as noted above... Helena Game Log

AUDIO: Interview with Helena's Jake Drossner, 10th Round LHP out of Maryland

BayBears start off two-game series with win over Shuckers More game summary, but includes -- “We struggled from the get-go,’ ’ Shuckers manager Carlos Subero said. “The kid (Weller) came in with a high ERA (10.61). He was able to command that curveball early and finish our hitters off with curveballs. He had a running fast ball going on. “It hasn’t been a good homestand. We’ve been in a little slump but every team goes through that. Hopefully we start playing up to our potential.’’ *** VIDEO via WLOX: Biloxi lowlights *** PHOTO GALLERY: Shuckers' images via the Sun-Herald

Golden memory for Sky Sox infielder Pete Orr after thrilling Pan Ams victory By Joe Paisley, Colorado Springs Gazette What a 24 hours it was for Sky Sox infielder Pete Orr. The Toronto-area native experienced one of the biggest moments of his baseball career when he scored the winning run in Canada's 7-6 extra-inning victory over the U.S. in the Pan American Games gold-medal game on Sunday night. By Monday afternoon, the 15-year pro was already in the Colorado Springs clubhouse, and still fielding interview requests from his homeland. Orr, 36, has enjoyed some personal highlights, including his first Major League Baseball game and hit with the Braves in 2005. "Those moments are so different it's hard to compare them," Orr said. "They're both very special." Sky Sox manager Rick Sweet is happy for Orr. "He did a great job," Sweet said before Monday's home game versus Nashville. "He was showing off the medal to his teammates. I am happy for him." Now, how that memorable moment occurred. Under international rules, the visiting Americans started the 10th with runners at second and first, which was enough for the U.S. to take a 6-4 lead into the bottom of the inning in suburban Toronto. The hosts started with runners at second and first when Orr connected on an RBI single to cut the United States' lead to 6-5. U.S. reliever David Huff tried to pick off Orr at first base and the throw sailed into right field, allowing the other base runner to score and tie it at 6. The throw to put out Orr as he slid into third base went wide and the Newmarket, Ontario, native was a 90-foot sprint from gold. He scored. The game was won. The celebration ensued. "I didn't know if it got away far enough for him to score, and he ran anyway," Canadian starting pitcher and former Rockies standout Jeff Francis said in a postgame news conference. "The ball obviously beat him (to the plate). I don't remember much after that." "I am really not sure what happened," Orr said. "It's all a blur." It was the second straight Pan Ams that Canada defeated the U.S. in the gold-medal game. The Canadians prevailed 2-1 in 2011. And now it's back to work for Orr, who is expected to be taken off the temporary inactive list as early as Tuesday. Sweet is pleased to have his clubhouse leader in a Sky Sox uniform. "We missed him," Sweet said. "He is a good player on the field and veteran presence in the clubhouse. (Infielder Donnie) Murphy stepped into that role for me while he was gone but it is good to have him back."