Jim Goulart

Alumni updates: Will Inman takes head Carlisle HS baseball job Donovan Hand still having fun

DVR ALERT! - Next up is Monday's game, July 6th, 7:00 PM airtime, MyNew32 TV. This happens to be another scheduled Kodi Medeiros start for you locals, enjoy.

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 *** Sortable individual stat pages: Colorado Springs Biloxi Brevard County Wisconsin *** Weather.com: Colorado Springs, CO Montgomery, AL Viera, FL Grand Chute, WI Billings, MT Goodyear, AZ

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.

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

Sunday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Colorado Springs: RHP Tyler Thornburg at home vs. Memphis (Cardinals), 2:05 PM pre-game, 2:35 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: LHP Brent Suter at Montgomery (Rays), 5:20 PM pre-game, 5:35 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! NOTE: This series in Montgomery is available via MiLB.TV. ********** Brevard County: LHP Wei-Chung Wang vs. Clearwater (Phillies), 3:35 PM pre-game, 4:05 gametime 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: RHP Cody Ponce at home vs. Beloit (Athletics), 12:45 PM pre-game, 1:05 gametime; expect RHP David Burkhalter to pitch in a tandem role 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. *** Helena: TBD at Billings (Reds), 1:45 PM pre-game, 2:05 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 Grand Junction and Orem in July, and Idaho Falls in August, those games will be available to watch online. *** Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): at the Reds' complex in Goodyear, 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league *** DSL Brewers: Idle 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.

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

Myers joins Milwaukee Brewers post-MLB draft: An interview with Aaron Myers Halle Parker, Longwood University Rotunda Sports Editor http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/therotundaonline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/3b/e3b95ce2-21de-11e5-8d1a-039492de944f/559720c92c38d.image.jpg?resize=526%2C760 Laura Clarke photo For Aaron Myers, playing baseball after college was never just an option, but the only option. Whether or not a major league team picked him up, the Longwood graduate planned to continue pitching even if it was for an independent team. A two-year starter for the baseball team, Myers broke five records, including three strikeout records, during his senior season prior to graduating with a degree in Physics. The right-handed pitcher threw 319 strikeouts over the course of his career, solidly surpassing the previous record by 60 strikeouts. Following over 100 innings on the mound, Myers pitched over a third of his career strikeouts during his final season (115). After the MLB draft ended, the Milwaukee Brewers signed Myers as an undrafted free agent officially on Wednesday, June 24. Myers talked about his experience signing and his role with his club. Following are the edited excerpts. *** Full Q&A also posted in our Helena / Maryvale feature article archive thread...

Myers joins Milwaukee Brewers post-MLB draft: An interview with Aaron Myers Halle Parker, Longwood University Rotunda Sports Editor http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/therotundaonline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/3b/e3b95ce2-21de-11e5-8d1a-039492de944f/559720c92c38d.image.jpg?resize=526%2C760 Laura Clarke photo For Aaron Myers, playing baseball after college was never just an option, but the only option. Whether or not a major league team picked him up, the Longwood graduate planned to continue pitching even if it was for an independent team. A two-year starter for the baseball team, Myers broke five records, including three strikeout records, during his senior season prior to graduating with a degree in Physics. The right-handed pitcher threw 319 strikeouts over the course of his career, solidly surpassing the previous record by 60 strikeouts. Following over 100 innings on the mound, Myers pitched over a third of his career strikeouts during his final season (115). After the MLB draft ended, the Milwaukee Brewers signed Myers as an undrafted free agent officially on Wednesday, June 24. Myers talked about his experience signing and his role with his club. Following are the edited excerpts. In your four years at Longwood University, when did you first realize your dream could be a reality? “Last year, my junior year.” What happened? “I just had the numbers, honestly. I had below a two ERA, my strikeouts were up and I was able to throw a bunch of innings. I just built confidence after that.” Is that when you first started contacting coaches or did coaches come to you? “I ended up getting a bunch of questionnaires in the mail from a bunch of different scouts.” Could you try to describe the emotion you felt when you got the phone call asking you to sign? “I was just really excited. I was working a camp and walked away then once I hung up, I was just jumping with joy. It pretty much just made the rest of the camp better that day.” What thoughts were going through your head as you actually signed the contract? “It is done. It is official. I am officially a part of the Milwaukee Brewers association.” Were there any others teams that were interested in you? “No, not any major league team. I had three or four independent teams call me, but other than that, that was it.” Did Coach Mau have a big role in the recruitment? “Coach Mau pretty much helped me out with it all. Without him, I would not be here at all. He was a great support. He said if I ever need anything, give him a call. He sent me a couple of dates that were MLB tryouts I had to go to. He just kept putting in a good word for me.” What is your current situation with the Milwaukee Brewers? “Currently, I’m in the Arizona League down in Phoenix. We play every day, we get every fifth day off and I just started throwing bullpens last week and I threw another one today. I asked the coach what my role would be and he said I would most likely be a reliever because I threw so many innings during the school year.” In comparison to Longwood, have you been able to adapt to the intensity of the minor league? “Honestly, in my opinion it’s a little more relaxed than it is in college. Especially at the college level, you’re worried about school, you’re worried about grades and you’re worried about performing on the field. Here it’s just performing. You also have a bunch of people here who work to support you and will help you out with whatever you need.” How’s the coaching staff with your team? “I’d say it’s a close knit coaching staff. I’ve honestly probably only spoken with the head coach maybe two or three times. I mostly work with the pitching coach. They all stay separated for the most part. Have the coaches told you what they want you to improve on? “No, not at all. I’ve only thrown one bullpen and the pitching coach wasn’t even there to watch.” Is that frustrating? “No, it’s not frustrating. They actually set up cameras to watch me pitch so I’m pretty sure after a while they said they aren’t trying to change mechanics or anything. They’re just going to try to tweak a few things so I’m sure after watching a few videos of me and I throw more than once we’ll start going over a few things.” Looking towards the future, do you see yourself working your way up through the league? “Oh definitely. I wouldn’t say I’ll move up this year, but I’d say within the next year and years to come, I will be moving up.” *** NOTE: Myers had a wonderful pro debut on July 2nd, retiring all six men he faced, four by strikeout.

Tom Haudricourt -- Brewers need to improve farm system

Roller coaster, anyone? 15-1 loss, 9-0 loss, 16-0 win, 10-0 win, all wrapped within one Link Report...

One cool story out of Colorado Springs on this 4th of July Link Report -- Memphis Redbirds assistant Vance Albitz proud of Gloves 4 Troops on July Fourth

Final: Memphis 15, Colorado Springs 1 Sox Pitching Sees Red In 15-1 Loss To Memphis Redbirds Explode for 22 Hits In Independence Day Drubbing By Ed Pearsall / Colorado Springs Sky Sox http://www.milb.com/assets/images/4/6/6/134801466/cuts/4th_stadium_wpmidzeh_dsinc5x6.jpg Security Service Field hosted the Sox seventh largest crowd in team history in Saturday night's 4th of July loss. (Photo by Paat Kelly) COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - The Sky Sox had no answers for Memphis on Independence Day as the visiting Redbirds piled on 22 hits in their 15-1 series-opening victory before a sold out Colorado Springs crowd of 8,896 at Security Service Field on Saturday night. Memphis would get to starter Tim Dillard (2-2, 7.14) for 12 runs (11 earned) in the game's first two frames. Dillard lasted just 1.1 innings in the blowout loss, surrendering 11 hits and a walk in that time. Nine of Memphis' hits went for singles as Cody Stanley, Nick Martini, Matt Williams, Dan Johnson and Jeremy Hazelbaker combined for 10 RBI in the early going with Stanley and Williams each collecting three. Wirfin Obispo relived the struggling Dillard with one out in the second, tossing three total innings of one-run ball on four hits while striking out a whopping six Redbirds. With the score now 13-0 in favor of Memphis, Nick Additon would come on with one out in the fifth in hopes of keeping the Redbirds right where they were. He did just that in the fifth before going on to pitch 3.2 innings, allowing two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out four. Redbirds righty Zach Petrick (5-4, 3.64) benefitted from far better fortunes on America's birthday, shutting down the Colorado Springs lineup over 7.2 innings of truly impressive work. The starter allowed just six hits while walking none and striking out four, benefiting from an abundance of groundball outs. Newest Sox addition Austin Ross took over in the ninth to round out the arms used by manager Rick Sweet in a tough night for the home town pitching staff. Ross worked a scoreless inning, striking out one along the way in his Security Service field debut to send the Sox to the bottom of the ninth still trailing by 15. The Sky Sox showed signs of life in the contest's final frame, recording a run with hits by Logan Schafer and Matt Long before a Yadiel Rivera sacrifice fly to left scored Schafer from third to end the shutout. The run came off of reliever Joey Donofrio whom the Sox were clearly thankful to see, notching four base hits and their lone run against the righty in his 1.1 innings. Already with three hits under his belt in a perfect night at the plate, Juan Centeno came up with a man on and two out in the ninth and followed with a game-ending fly out to center. The Sky Sox managed ten hits in the while every Redbirds starter collected at least one knock with seven notching multi-hit performances. Stanley led the offensive charge for Memphis with his five-hit, four RBI night. Colorado Springs falls to 32-48 with the loss, helping Memphis improve to 42-41 on the season. The crowd of 8,896 on Saturday night represents the seventh largest Pacific Coast League season crowd in team history, and largest since Security Service Field's 2006 renovation. An exhibition between the Rockies and Sky Sox on 4/21/1994 saw a slightly higher attendance with 8,947 fans enjoying the contest. The Sox will look to get back in the win column after a quick turnaround on Sunday afternoon as they take on these same Redbirds in the second of a four-game set. Tyler Thornburg (1-4, 4.75) is set to take on Memphis lefty Tyler Lyons (5-4 , 3.10) with first pitch set for 1:35 PM MDT (2:35 Central) at Security Service Field. Colorado Springs Box Score Wow, what a clunker for fans waiting to get to the fireworks; the big-league club now with a better record than the Sky Sox, Manatees, and Timber Rattlers. If Gord Ash was still on hand in Colorado Springs, he was hiding in a corner covering his face. Tim Dillard, who actually had been having a solid season - 1.1 IP, 11 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 1 BB, 0 K Colorado Springs Game Log

Final: Billings 9, Helena 0 Helena shut out for first time this year Helena Brewers The Helena Brewers (6-10) were shut out for the first time this year, falling 9-0 to the Billings Mustangs (7-9) on Saturday at Dehler Park. Ty Boyles was outstanding in the start for Billings, giving up just two hits over six and a third innings and striking out six. Southpaw Christian Trent would pitch well for Helena in the start, but would be limited to three innings. The lefty would throw shutout baseball and strike out one. The Mustangs picked up six runs in the bottom of the fourth off Brock Hudgens (0-1). Reydel Medina hit his fourth home run in two days, going 3-for-4 and coming up a triple short of the cycle. Tyler Stephenson and Hector Vargas would double in the frame, giving Billings a 6-0 advantage after four. Steven Karkenny accounted for two of Helena's three reaches in the game, singling and walking in his two plate appearances. Billings added three more runs in the sixth off Brewers' reliever Marcos Diplan. Aristides Aquino tripled for his second hit of the day and scored on Medina's RBI-single. The two teams will face off in the finale of their four-game series Sunday at Dehler Park. First pitch is set for 7:05 PM (8:05 Central). *** Billings Gazette: Mustangs-centric coverage *** Helena Box Score RHP Brock Hudgens has allowed 22 baserunners in 6.1 innings with Wisconsin and Helena... Helena Game Log

We posted that earlier in this thread, back in April. Now notice another name on that release list, catcher Bismar Nunez, mentioned in Eddy's note above. Like Morillo, we now learn the Brewers have signed the former Yankee signee Nunez, who never played at all for the Yankees organization. Checking in on the two players the Yankees spurned, for whatever reason -- CF Adolfo Morillo, 25 games -- .301/.330/.398 (83 AB's, 4 BB, 22 K, 3 SB, 2 CS) C Bismar Nunez, 11 games -- .316/.350/.421 (38 AB's, 2 BB, 7 K) So far, thanks, Yankees...

Sneed absorbs tough loss in Manatees debut Donald Rieber Jr., Brevard County Manatees Examiner http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/b0/69/b06938fe27684ccaf04ee6774afafd22.JPG?itok=Us6JlR03 Cy Sneed made his Brevard County debut Saturday, allowing four runs in four innings and coming up on the losing end of a 7-6 decision. Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography The Brevard County Manatees gave the Fourth of July crowd at Space Coast Stadium a lot to cheer about late in Saturday’s contest against Clearwater. Unfortunately, the ‘Tees rally ended up falling just short in a 7-6 loss in front of 5,259. “That was a fun game,” said Manatees manager Joe Ayrault. “It was good to see the stadium packed.” The home crowd witnessed the debut of Manatees starting pitcher Cy Sneed, who was called up from Low-A Wisconsin, earlier this week. Sneed pitched well overall, but as you might expect had a bit of a rough first inning. Malquin Canelo and Carlos Tocci hit consecutive singles to start the game and each moved up on a groundout to first base by Andrew Pullin. After Rhys Hoskins walked to load the bases, Sneed made a nice play on a chopper back to the mound off the bat of Chace Numata. Sneed fielded and threw to catcher Cameron Garfield to record the out. Unfortunately, the next batter was Willians Astudillo, who is batting .316. He ripped a single back up the middle that was good for two runs. Numata was thrown out at third by Omar Garcia, ending the inning. “You come into a new league, you’re gonna be a little over-amped,” said Ayrault, when asked about Sneed. “”He left some balls up in the zone and he was probably a little jacked up tonight.” The Manatees (3-6, 31-46) got a run back in the bottom of the second, helped by a Clearwater error. Garfield hit a one-out double against Threshers starter Yacksel Rios and moved to third on a groundout by Jose Pena. Angel Ortega then hit a grounder to second that was fielded cleanly, but the throw went off Astudillo’s glove at first, allowing Garfield to score and close the gap to 2-1. Astudillo atoned for his error in the Clearwater fourth, when he belted a two-run homer to left, chasing home Numata, who singled ahead of him. “Astudillo is a very good hitter,” said Ayrault. “He had four RBI on the night, hit the two-run homer and had the bases loaded two RBI single. That kid can flat out hit.” Brevard County didn’t wait long to answer, getting those two runs back in the bottom of the inning. Garrett Cooper and Garfield hit consecutive singles with one out. An error at third allowed both runners to move up. With Pena batting, Rios threw a wild pitch, bringing Cooper home and making it a 4-2 game. After Pena walked, Ortega hit into a fielder’s choice, earning him an RBI and pulling the Manatees within one, 4-3. Sneed would not come out for the fifth inning, he threw 84 pitches over his four innings of work. He allowed four runs on six hits, walked one and struck out three. Tristan Archer was called on to start the fifth for the Manatees. Clearwater (8-2, 45-35) would get to Archer with two outs in the fifth. Hoskins hit an RBI single to left, giving his team a 5-3 lead. They would pick up another run in the sixth on a Chase Harris RBI single and one more in the seventh on a Numata RBI knock. When all was said and done, the Threshers were ahead 7-3 and they would need every one of those runs. The Manatees put together their best inning of the game in the bottom of the seventh, against Clearwater reliever Miguel Nunez. Ortega singled and Garcia was hit by a pitch. Michael Ratterree came up with an RBI single, making it 7-4. He went to third on an RBI single by Clint Coulter and all of a sudden it was a two-run game. Taylor Brennan’s RBI sacrifice fly made it 7-6 and put an end to Nunez night, after 0.2 innings. He allowed three runs on three hits and walked one. Jesen Dygestile-Therrien came in and threw a wild pitch to Garfield, moving Coulter to third and Cooper to second. Therrien rebounded quickly though, getting Garfield to fly out. “It was good to see the guys string some hits together and score those three runs,” said Ayrault. The Manatees came up in the bottom of the ninth, still needing two runs to win and almost pulled it off. Against Threshers closer Ulises Joaquin. Chris McFarland reached on an error to start the inning and Ratterree followed with a deep fly to center that fell just shy of the warning track. Coulter was up next and he gave a Joaquin fastball quite a ride to left, but came up just short. Brennan was the Manatees last hope, but he grounded out to third, to end the game. “Ratterree hit the ball deep and Coulter just missed that ball off the end of the bat,” said Ayrault. “They both could’ve been game-enders.” The Manatees will try to even the series Sunday, when they play game two at 5:05 PM (4:05 Central). Lefty Wei-Chung Wang (5-2, 4.72 ERA) will take the ball for the Manatees, while the Threshers counter with righty David Whitehead (5-6, 4.06 ERA).

AUDIO: Manatees' Manager Joe Ayrault joins the Manatees Radio Network to recap the road trip *** AUDIO: Clearwater defeats Brevard County in front of 5,259 fans at Space Coast Stadium, 7-6

Speedy Diaz burning up basepaths for Timber Rattlers Tim Froberg, Post-Crescent Media http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/6e26a883174896d6483a95fec14607e469d5218b/c=121-0-3129-4010&r=537&c=0-0-534-712/local/-/media/2015/07/04/Appleton/B9317931918Z.1_20150704222455_000_GN5B8PFQR.1-0.jpg The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers’ Brandon Diaz faces the Cedar Rapids Kernels during their baseball game at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium last month. (Photo: Wm. Glasheen/Post-Crescent Media) GRAND CHUTE – He’s workout buddies with Eric Hosmer, an avid Miami Heat fan and the most explosive Wisconsin Timber Rattler on the basepaths. Meet Brandon Diaz, an intriguing outfield prospect who has shown development in recent weeks. *** This was also posted in full within our season-long Timber Rattlers feature article archive thread.

Speedy Diaz burning up basepaths for Timber Rattlers Tim Froberg, Post-Crescent Media http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/6e26a883174896d6483a95fec14607e469d5218b/c=121-0-3129-4010&r=537&c=0-0-534-712/local/-/media/2015/07/04/Appleton/B9317931918Z.1_20150704222455_000_GN5B8PFQR.1-0.jpg The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers’ Brandon Diaz faces the Cedar Rapids Kernels during their baseball game at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium last month. (Photo: Wm. Glasheen/Post-Crescent Media) GRAND CHUTE – He’s workout buddies with Eric Hosmer, an avid Miami Heat fan and the most explosive Wisconsin Timber Rattler on the basepaths. Meet Brandon Diaz, an intriguing outfield prospect who has shown development in recent weeks. The 20-year-old Diaz has some tools to work with. Diaz — an eighth-round pick by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2013 first-year player draft — has exceptional speed and has stolen 60 bases in his 2 1/2 seasons of pro ball. He covers considerable ground in center field and has also shown some pop, with a career-high six home runs, tying him for the team lead. Diaz plays the game with energy, calling it “the best job in the world,” and appears to be one of the better position prospects on the Timber Rattlers. Q: You closed the month of June on a tear. What’s made a difference for you at the plate? A: “My timing has just been there. I’ve been getting ahead in the count and not missing good pitches. When you miss a good pitch to hit, it’s hard to get another one.” Q: You’ve also shown more power the past month. What do you attribute that to? A: “You just hope you get a good pitch to hit and if it goes, it goes. I’m just trying to get on base, steal a bag and have someone drive me in. A home run is something that just happens.” Q: You lead the team in steals, and speed is a huge part of your game. What have you learned about stealing bases in your 2 1/2 seasons of pro ball? A: “A lot of it is based on times. Pitchers have different delivery times, different leg kicks or side steps. Plus, you study the catcher to see if he has a good, quick arm. You try and pick a good count to run on and get a good jump. Speed is something that’s always been a strength for me. I’ve always been told that your bat will go into slumps, but your legs won’t. That’s something I’ve never taken lightly.” Q: You’ve played different outfield positions, but have used that speed to make some great catches in center the past month. Do you consider center your best position? A: “Oh, I love playing center field. I played a little second base in high school, but mainly center and it’s always been my position. You have that big part of the field, the gaps, so you get to run things down. You’re in control and I love the challenge.” Q: What’s more rewarding? Robbing an opponent of a hit with a terrific catch? Or hitting a home run? A: “Taking away a hit. When you can run down a well-hit ball, it’s such a good feeling. You know you are helping out the pitcher and making him feel comfortable, knowing he has a good defense behind him.” Q: You played for an elite prep baseball program in Florida at American Heritage High School. What was was that experience like? A: “I was pretty happy I got to play there. A lot of my teammates are playing college ball now and are pretty successful. We’ve got some in the pros, too, including Eric Hosmer, who went to the World Series last year.” Q: Do you know Hosmer? A: “I was in seventh grade when he played at American Heritage, but I’ve gotten to know him. I’ve actually worked out with him in the offseason. He’s a great guy and his dad was one of my coaches. I like to pick his brain about playing in the majors. He says it’s a special place, but that it’s still the same game. You’re still playing baseball, just in front of a lot of fans.” Q: Did you play any other sports in high school? A: “It was baseball and basketball through junior high. When I got to high school, I realized I had to get a little more serious about baseball and focus on it. Q: Didn’t the track coach try and recruit you? A: “I probably ran track for about two weeks in middle school, and I was like, “This is too much for me.’ I’m not much of a running guy in terms of distance. I just like running the bases.” Q: You grew up about 30 minutes from Miami. Are you a big Miami sports fan? A: “Oh yeah. The Heat is my team. I love to go watch them play. I went to a few games a couple years ago when they won the NBA championship. Got to sit on the floor with Hosmer, who got us tickets. It was awesome. I got to see LeBron (James) play. I cheer for the the (Miami) Marlins too, and used to get to a few games when I wasn’t playing. I got to play there in high school and that was a big deal. I’m not a huge football guy.” Q: So did you feel betrayed when LeBron left town for Cleveland? A: “Not really. (Dwyane) Wade all the way. Wade County.” Q: What’s it like attending a Heat game? A: “It’s pretty crazy, a really live atmosphere. Everyone back home really supports the Heat.” Q: You’re not old enough yet to hit the clubs, but what’s the South Beach environment like in Miami? A: “It’s just fun to go around all the beaches and hang out. The water is so nice and there’s always a lot of music playing.” Q: You mentioned that you like to go deep sea fishing? What do you fish for? A: “Mainly, yellowtail, or we might go for lobster. If you’re not having a good day fishing, it’s still fun to just cruise around the water and enjoy the sun. Q: As a South Florida guy, what was it like dealing with the cold Wisconsin spring? A: “Early in the year, it started snowing during one of our games and that was the first time that I had seen snow. And we actually played that day. To play baseball in it, that was different, but you have to work through it. The other team has to play in it, too.” Q: You worked out at Miller Park prior to getting drafted by the Brewers. How cool was that for an 18-year-old? A: “Oh, it was awesome. I felt comfortable there. It was just a good feeling knowing that all your hard work was about to pay off. I got picked and now I’m trying to play there every day.” BRANDON DIAZ Age: 20. Height/Weight: 5-10, 181 Position: Center field Residence: Coral Springs, FLA. Bats/throws: Right/right. Notable: Led Pioneer League in stolen bases last season with 22, while hitting .261 for Helena with four home runs and 26 RBI. Batted .286 with the Arizona Brewers in rookie league play in 2013, with three homers, 26 RBI and 21 stolen bases. FAVORITE MLB team growing up: “I always watched the New York Yankees. My parents grew up in the Bronx and I got to go Yankee Stadium a few times and watch them play. What a cool experience! MLB player: “Derek Jeter. He was my role model. I just like the way he went about his business. He came to play every day. Never wanted a day off. He was my guy.” Food: “Rice, beans and chicken. I could eat that every day.” Musical artist/group: “Don’t really have one. I like everything from country to rap to all kinds of rock and roll. Movie: “The Sandlot” and “Never Back Down” Must-see TV: “I really like The Discovery Channel.” Hobbies outside baseball: “I like deep sea fishing, playing Frisbee with my friends, and working out.” Best advice: “Players might get more talented as you go along, but baseball is still the same game it was when you were a little kid. So just keep playing like you were five-years-old. See ball, hit ball, have fun.”

Here's the MiLB.com story on the huge night for the Tampa Bay 21-year-old hurler Jacob Faria. Click that player page link to see the strides Faria has made in 2015. *** VIDEO via WLOX: Lowlights from the game *** From the Montgomery Advertiser: And this Independence Day had some early fireworks as well, as Biloxi starter Brooks Hall (7-5) grooved one just over Tommy Coyle's head after Reginatto's home run, which emptied both benches and resulted in an intense jarring session between both managers. Eventually, it was Biscuits skipper Brady Williams who was tossed for a third time in the last eight games after an altercation with a couple of the umpires. The Biscuits are now 3-0 at home in games in which Williams has been ejected.

Biloxi's Victor Roache triples to end Montgomery's no-hit bid

AUDIO: Interview with Troy Stokes as the outfielder talks about his adjustments at the plate, his hot start to the 2015 season, and life in Montana

Josh Fellhauer reaches via catcher's interference as the Shuckers fall to Mississippi, 4-3, on Friday

Matt Clark singles in a run in Colorado Springs' 2-1 loss to Nashville Friday

Noted AZ baseball photographer Bill Mitchell is in Maryvale today: "Impressed w/adjustments made since extended spring by AZL #Brewers SS Gilbert Lara. Going w/pitches now instead of overswinging."