Jim Goulart

Final: Colorado Springs 9, New Orleans 6 Sox Use Pair Of Big Frames To Down Zephyrs Five-Run Fourth and Four-Run Seventh Help Sox to 9-6 Win By Ed Pearsall / Colorado Springs Sky Sox http://www.milb.com/assets/images/9/9/6/120581996/cuts/04_09_038_pk_ob2hbgp4_1sx9rra1.jpg Matt Clark collected three hits and two runs scored in Saturday night's 9-6 win over the Zephyrs. (Photo by Paat Kelly) COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - The force was on Colorado Springs' side on Saturday night as the Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 9-6 in back-and-forth contest before a Star Wars night crowd of 7,165 at Security Service Field. Josh Roenicke and Zephyrs righty Kendry Flores matched scoreless frames through the game's first two innings before New Orleans opened the scoring in the top of the third. The Sox starter allowed a leadoff single to Isaac Galloway before Flores' sac bunt moved the centerfielder to second with one out. After the easy out, Roenicke struggled to get another as he allowed four consecutive singles to the top of the Zephyrs order to give the visiting side an early 2-0 lead. Miguel Rojas and Vinny Rottino notched RBI singles off of the right-hander. The lead may have been greater if not for an excellent outfield throw by Logan Schafer to get Rojas at third trying to go first to third on a base hit. Flores tossed one more scoreless inning before facing the heart of the Sox order to begin the fourth. Colorado Springs would give New Orleans a taste of their own medicine, one-upping the Zephyrs' third inning output by stringing together five consecutive hits en route to four fast runs. Matt Clark, Matt Dominguez and Elian Herrera loaded the bases with three straight singles, bringing Matt Long to the plate with no out. Long capitalized with a two-run single to left to tie the game at two. Nevin Ashley followed with a two-run triple rocketed into the left field corner, allowing Herrera and Long to score the Sox third and fourth runs of the inning. The frustrated Flores would hit Yadiel Rivera with the very next pitch but would benefit from the pitcher's spot in the lineup due to come. Roenicke helped his cause slightly, grounding into a double play to drive Ashley home and clear the bases. The Zephyrs starter got a chance to breathe for the first time all inning after the twin-killing, following with a Kyle Wren groundout to end the big five-run Sox fourth. Roenicke gave up a run in both the fifth and a leadoff double to Juan Diaz in the sixth, prompting manager Rick Sweet to call upon righty Rob Wooten to maintain the now slim Sox lead. Wooten allowed Diaz to score, closing the book on Roenicke prior to letting his own run cross the plate on a sacrifice fly by Scott Sizemore. The sac fly knotted the contest at five through five and a half innings. Roenicke would be charged with four earned runs on 10 hits and two walks over five plus innings of work, striking out four in the no decision. Flores' night was done after allowing five runs on seven hits and a walk over five innings. The starter did not record a strikeout before handing the ball over to reliever James Nygren. The righty tossed a scoreless sixth to maintain the 5-5 tie in the back-and-forth contest. The Zephyrs offense continued to put runs on the board, tagging Wooten for another run in the top of the seventh thanks to a Brandon Bantz RBI single that scored Rottino, who led off the inning with a double. Michael Kirkman (2-0, 2.70) would be called upon to clean up for the ineffective Wooten, recording two strikeouts to limit the damage. The Rottino run gave New Orleans their first lead since the top of the fourth as the Sox now trailed 6-5. Colorado Springs wasted little time tying the ballgame and subsequently retaking the lead as Yadiel Rivera provided the spark necessary to start the home seventh. The speedy shortstop tripled to the right-centerfield gap off of Zephyrs lefty Pat Urckfitz (0-4, 5.81) to get things started for the Sox, bringing up pinch-hitter Pete Orr with a chance to tie the game once again with a deep fly ball. Orr did a bit better than a sac fly, grounding a single up the middle to bring Rivera home with the Sox' sixth run. It looked like the Sox would be satisfied with the tie as Wren and Schafer were both called out on strikes, giving New Orleans two outs with a man on first. Clark extended the inning with a single, bringing newest Sox infielder Dominguez to the plate with runners on the corners and two out against new pitcher Jon Link. The hard-hitting third baseman and former Astros starter roped a two-run double to the left field corner off of new Zephyrs pitcher Jon Link to give the home team an 8-6 lead. Link would give up a run of his own after Luis Sardinas' pinch-hit double plated Dominguez to give the Sox a little insurance with a 9-6 lead after seven. New Orleans would threaten minimally in the game's final two innings as Jaye Chapman came on with one on and one out in the top of the eighth to nail down the win. Chapman did just that, earning a five out save to secure his fourth of the season and the Sky Sox 9-6 victory on Star Wars night. With the victory, the Sox improve to 27-40 as they drop New Orleans to 31-36. Colorado Springs will look to earn a series-split in the final game of the homestand against these same Zephyrs on Sunday afternoon. New Orleans sends lefty Chris Narveson (NR) to the mound against an even newer Sox player in right-hander Hiram Burgos (NR) with first pitch set for 1:35 PM MDT (2:35 Central) at Security Service Field. Colorado Springs Box Score Nevin Ashley triples (3) on a ground ball to left fielder Jordany Valdespin. Elian Herrera scores. Matt Long scores. Wow, would like to see that! Ashley, a catcher, to left field, triple? Double-check that, Mr. Official Scorer, perhaps to third on the throw? Not a lot has gone right for Rob Wooten since his MLB Japan trip this winter - injuries, lost his 40-man spot, ineffectiveness. Elian Herrera was 1-for-3, hitting .402 in 92 AAA at-bats, but was pinch-hit for by another switch-hitter, Luis Sardinas (who doubled), in the critical 7th. OK, I guess... Not dropping in yet - Kyle Wren 1-for-12 (one walk, one K) with the Sky Sox, but he's playing center field over Logan Schafer, who has been in right... Colorado Springs Game Log

Welcome to Biloxi: Roache blasts solo HR in 15th to lift Shuckers in walk-off fashion Patrick Ochs, Biloxi Sun-Herald PHOTO GALLERY: Seven images from this game via Amanda McCoy of the Sun-Herald Welcome to Biloxi, Victor. In just his third game after being promoted to the Biloxi Shuckers, left fielder Victor Roache made sure Saturday's game at MGM Park was a memorable one. Having just played 14 1/2 scoreless innings, the visiting Montgomery Biscuits opted to send starting third baseman Leonardo Reginatto to the mound in the bottom of the 15th to save their already taxed pitching staff. Roache, the 2012 first-round selection out of Georgia Southern, watched Reginatto's first pitch go by for a ball below the knees. With a strong wind blowing out to left field, Roache swatted the next pitch well beyond the left field fence for a 1-0 victory. "It was low and in but I got enough barrel on it and it was high enough that I knew the wind would go ahead and blow it out," said Roache, who went 2-for-6 on the night. "Just glad it got out." With the lights from the Hard Rock guitar and Beau Rivage providing the backdrop, Roache took his time trotting around the bases, savoring what was his first professional walk-off hit. He was met at home plate by his teammates, who doused the night's hero in bottled water. "When it happened it just kind of felt unreal," he said. "I was running around the bases just like, 'wow, it really happened.' "It was a great experience. I'll never forget that for sure." Admittedly, Roache wasn't trying to hit a homer. The 6-foot-2, 223-pound slugger has been in similar positions before where a position player was on the mound and he's tried to crush the ball only to pop up. Saturday night, Roache stuck with his plan and ended up hitting his 11th homer of the season. "I was just trying to not get outside myself," Roache said. "I've been in that position before, playing a position player, and tried to do too much. I just learned from my experiences before and just tried to put my bat on the ball. "Luckily our left field is pretty short and the wind blows out, so it was able to get out." Roache, who grew up in Michigan and resides in Tampa, Fla., in the offseason, said his parents were in town to witness his walk-off winner. The win marked Biloxi's second walk-off in as many nights. OLD PALS: Roache said the first Shuckers he texted after being promoted from Brevard County were former High-A teammates Tyrone Taylor and Michael Reed. "When I got here everybody welcomed me with open arms, so it feels like I've been here all season," he said. HE SAID IT: "The fans are nice. The field is nice. Just trying to get used to the outfield and how left field plays. Just trying to come in and not do too much. We already have a great group of guys, so I just want to try and slide in under the radar and figure out where I fit in." -- Roache on playing in Biloxi at the new MGM Park. CLOSE CALL: The Shuckers had a close call in the outfield in the seventh when Roach and center fielder Taylor collided while tracking a ball off the bat of first baseman Jake DePew. It looked like one of Roache's knees hit Taylor's head as the two tumbled to the grass. Taylor remained on the field for a few minutes while trainers attended to him. He remained in the game and must have been OK because he made a beautiful diving catch in the next frame to rob leadoff hitter Leonardo Reginatto of at least a single. WHAT A GEM: The two pitching staffs were dialed in Saturday. Biloxi starter Brent Suter threw seven scoreless innings, striking out seven. Austin Ross, Mike Strong and Manny Barreda combined to throw eight scoreless. "I've never been a part of a game where there were nearly 15 scoreless innings," said Suter, whose ERA dropped to 1.73 Saturday. "It was definitely a grinder game for us." UNDER PROTEST: The Biscuits ended up playing the game under protest. Why, you ask? With one out and Johnny Field -- who had walked -- on first base in the 14th inning, Dayron Varona struck out swinging. Field took off for second on the swing. Although he beat the throw, the umpire ruled Varona had interfered with the catcher -- awarding the Shuckers the third out. BY THE NUMBERS: Only Roache and Taylor Green had two hits in the game. ... Aside from Roache's homer, the only extra-base hit was a 12th-inning double by Green. Roache followed it up with a single but relief pitcher Ryan Garton made a clumsily athletic play to get catcher Adam Weisenburger out at first... Montgomery starter Austin Pruitt equaled Suter's start, throwing eight scoreless innings, striking out five while scattering eight hits and one walk. ...Garton and Bryce Stowell combined to pitch six scoreless innings in relief. RANDOM TIDBITS: Saturday's 15-inning game (3 hours, 55 minutes) was actually played 4 minutes faster than Friday night's 11-10 10-inning contest. ... The win gives the Shuckers seven straight series titles, dating back to the May 11-15 series at the Jackson Generals. ... With a 16-5 series record, the Shuckers have the Southern League's best series winning percentage at 76.2 percent. ... Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin was in town for the Biscuits series. Melvin was also in Biloxi for MGM Park's opener June 6. ... Former Biloxi High hoops standout and current Philadelphia 76er Isaiah Canaan was in attendance on Saturday. IF YOU BUILD IT ... : Saturday's attendance of 4,910 was the second-largest crowd in MGM Park history. Only the park's debut with 5,065 was higher in the Shuckers' nine home games thus far. THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE ALL-STAR GAME, PRESENTED BY YOUR BILOXI SHUCKERS: The Shuckers set a league record when it was announced Saturday that Ross, a right-handed reliever, was added to the Southern League's All-Star roster, giving Biloxi 10 participants. The addition of Ross also gives Biloxi a tie with the 2011 Tennessee Smokies for the most Southern League All-Star selections (12) since switching to the division-vs-division format in 1999. Ross joins pitchers Brooks Hall, Tyler Wagner, Damien Magnifico, Jorge Lopez and Hobbs Johnson, as well as shortstop Orlando Arcia, Reed, first baseman Nick Ramirez and Weisenburger. Outfielder Kyle Wren and pitcher Jaye Chapman were named all-stars before being promoted to Triple-A Colorado Springs. Ross, a former LSU standout and 2011 Midwest League All-Star with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, is first in the Southern League among relievers in strikeouts-per-nine with 11.38 (43 strikeouts in 34 innings pitched). On the year, Ross is 3-2 with a 2.91 ERA. He also has one save. The 2015 Southern League All-Star Game and Home Run Derby is set for Tuesday in Montgomery. PLAY OF THE NIGHT: With two runners in scoring position and Weisenburger at the plate, it looked like the Shuckers might scratch out a 12th-inning win. The all-star catcher hit a slow chopper to the right side of the pitcher's mound. Biscuits reliever Garton made stab at the ball, stumbled and was able to crawl to the bag in time to get the hard charging Weisenburger.

AUDIO via the Rattler Radio Blog: You'll find Friday's pregame interview with Hitting Coach Chuckie Caufield at the link

Erickson, Timber Rattlers players adjust to life on the road Tim Froberg, Post-Crescent Media What an insightful feature by Tim, also posted in full in the Timber Rattlers' archive feature thread., do yourself a favor and check it out...

Erickson, Timber Rattlers players adjust to life on the road Tim Froberg, Post-Crescent Media GRAND CHUTE – It's not the Powerball or the Wisconsin Lottery Mega Millions, and no one is going to retire on the jackpot. But excitement builds on the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers' bus whenever the hat gets passed around. The rules are simple: toss in five bucks or so along with an ID. One by one, the IDs are pulled out until a final one remains, and the owner gets the cash. Welcome to life on the road with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, where simple diversions like the bus lottery are a part of the travel experience. The Rattlers will finish up a 13-day, 12-game road trip today at Beloit. It is the longest road trip of the season and came on the heels of an 11-game road swing in late May. Road trips are embraced by some and dreaded by others. They mean living out of suitcases, adapting to different beds every three or four days, dealing with hecklers at the ballpark and boredom away from it. And, of course, there are the bus rides, where time seems to be frozen and quick trips are as rare as triple plays. Movies, music, video games and conversation are boredom busters on the bus. And the tap-tap-tap of fingers on a cell phones is a constant. "We have the bus lottery, which is always fun and everyone looks forward to," said Wisconsin manager Matt Erickson. "We usually do it at the beginning of a road trip and someone always starts off the trip excited. But other than that, it is what you would think it would be. You're on the bus for a long time, and you find ways to deal with it." Erickson knows the minor league lifestyle well, and has always enjoyed it. A seventh-round selection by the Florida Marlins in the 1997 draft, the former Appleton West multi-sport athlete played 11 seasons in the minor leagues and has been a coach or manager the past seven years. "It's changed a little bit over the years, because there's so much technology now," said Erickson, the winningest manager in Timber Ratters history. "In years past, there would be a lot of card games on the bus. But now, everyone has their phone and internal computers. For me, personally, I always liked the travel. The game has helped me see so much of the country, and I've played in places like Taiwan, Mexico and Canada. Travel-wise, this game has given me so much. I doubt if I'd otherwise be able to see those places." Routine, routine, routine Once minor league teams like the Rattlers reach their destination, players and coaches fall into similar routines they experience at home. A typical work day for a 7 p.m. game can start as early as 1 p.m. There are meetings, video reviews, individualized instruction, weight training, stretching, work in the indoor batting cages, and hot and cold tub treatment before players hit the field for batting practice and warmups about two hours before the game. "To me, road games actually go fast," said Rattlers catcher Carlos Leal. "You wake up, go to the field and you're doing something the rest of the day. You're always busy." Leal is in his second season of professional baseball, and life on the road seems to agree with him. "They (the Brewers organization) take care of us," said Leal. "They treat us really well. We stay in nice hotels, you get your own bed and eat good food. I thought road trips were going to be tough and I had heard they were tough, but they're not bad at all. I enjoy them. Even on the bus, we have fun. I'm always doing something with my phone and before you know it, we're there. In college, the bus trips we took were a lot longer." Timber Rattlers ace pitcher Cy Sneed uses as much time on the road as possible to keep his valuable right shoulder healthy. "This game can really tax the body," said Sneed. "You can get a lot of work done on the road. You stretch, you use the hot tub and cold tub. I mean, yeah, it can get a little boring sitting in the hotel for hours on end, but you can use it as a positive by using it to rest up and get your body to recover." High-tech help Erickson says the daily structure that major league organizations provide for minor league ballplayers — both at home and on the road — hasn't changed significantly since his playing days. But the various ways organizations can develop players through technology is vastly different. "Structure has always been there, it's always been the No. 1 priority," said Erickson. "It's always been very organized with schedules, and that's important with younger kids at lower levels. You give them a little more as they get older and figure out how to prepare themselves. "The thing that's amazing to me in today's game is there is so much more information available, so much video. We video every day, every pitch, every at-bat. These kids are able to see every swing they take, every pitch they throw. I think that's a good thing. With some people, you have to repeat, repeat, repeat until it becomes a muscle memory type thing. Others are visual learners and they have to see it in front of them and then feel it. For those kind of learners, videos are such a great tool. "Our players take a personality test and we upload that into our computer system, so we learn how they learn. That way, our staff can base its teachings to different individuals. Until now, I had never seen that in our organization. It's a great tool for us." Lots of jeers, few cheers Playing on the road requires considerable poise and confidence, along with a thick skin. Individuals sensitive to criticism have no choice but to adapt to hecklers and hostile crowds, because they're not going to get any fan support until they return home. "I actually enjoyed playing on the road and in front of negative fans," said Erickson, who played four games with the Milwaukee Brewers during the 2004 season. "I would have loved to have played in Philadelphia or at Yankee Stadium. If you're a competitor, you like those kind of environments. The more fans get excited and get negative, the more you want to show them." For family men like Erickson, who is married and has three children, life on the road can be especially challenging. It means missing little league games, recitals and quality time with his wife, Julie, and children, Maddox, Aubrie and Emma. "I always joke that it (the travel) has kept our marriage strong throughout the years," said Erickson with a chuckle. "I'm home just long enough to where I might be hanging around the house and my wife is like, 'Don't you have to somewhere to go?' I'm kidding. When you're on the road for a couple weeks, you're living on the phone." Following today's game against Beloit, the Rattlers have three days off before starting the second half of the Midwest League season Thursday at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. It will be Wisconsin's first home game in 17 days and launches a seven-game home stand. "These road trips can definitely get long," said Erickson. "It's fun to be able to wake up with your family and spend your mornings or off days with them. I'm fortunate in that my job is in my hometown. It's where I live. So when I get home, I get a chance to go to those little league games, basketball camps and all that stuff. A lot of the coaches and married guys in pro baseball live in other places, so they don't get that opportunity. I'm very fortunate."

Montgomery only had two relievers available for this game, prompting the need for a position player and an immediate walkoff blast by Roache? Thus the infinity ERA in the box score. That's odd, too.

Biloxi Bottom of the 11th Tyrone Taylor lines out to third baseman Leonardo Reginatto. Orlando Arcia flies out to right fielder Dayron Varona. Michael Reed called out on strikes. Montgomery Top of the 12th Defensive switch from second base to right field for Nathan Orf. Defensive Substitution: Nick Shaw replaces right fielder Michael Reed, batting 4th, playing second base. Tyler Goeddel strikes out swinging. Justin O'Conner flies out to left fielder Victor Roache. Cameron Seitzer grounds out sharply to first baseman Taylor Green. *** Odd timing on an injury, as indicated in red in the prior post. Hopefully not a "punch the water cooler moment", obviously that's wild speculation, forget I even considered it .

Regarding the Helena and Maryvale rosters -- Posted on May 28th: The Brewers have placed 19-year-old Venezuelan RHP Yosmer Leal on the Arizona roster for the purpose of medical rehab. Leal has had elbow surgery (Tommy John, we presume, but not confirmed), and will miss the 2015 season. The tall (6'4", 170 lb.) Leal has two Dominican Summer League seasons under his belt. Leal has the distinction of being the only "Yosmer" to ever play professional baseball. His player page indicates he's on the 60-day DL with Maryvale. But that player page isn't on the Maryvale roster page, a technicality we'll ask about. *** 21-year-old catcher Dustin Houle (missed 2014 due to Tommy John) and should be good to go, his individual player page lists him as on Helena's inactive list, but again, it's a ghost entry as he doesn't appear on Helena's roster page. *** Initially posted April 13th: 22-year-old Matt Martin, drafted in the 27th round last June out of Wake Forest, is listed as an outfielder, not a catcher, on the Brewers' Extended Spring roster. Martin posted a sweet .311/.427/.446 line in the Maryvale heat last summer (.873 OPS, 89 plate appearances). With good fortune, perhaps he can develop into a corner OF prospect with some pop, seemingly always a need in the system over the years. While Martin's individual player page indicates he's on the Maryvale roster, the actual roster page does not include him. *** 23-year-old Connor Narron, who converted to catcher last season, is listed as active on Helena's roster on his individual player page at MiLB, but is not listed on any Brewers roster page. *** One of the top prospects in the chain, RHP Taylor Williams, is listed (for extended spring training rehab purposes) on Helena's roster on his player page, but not on Helena's actual roster. Again, this is just a technical oversight that will get corrected. On May 30th, Adam McCalvy wrote: Gord Ash had less encouraging news about another hard-throwing prospect, Taylor Williams, who received a platelet-rich plasma injection last week in an effort to treat a right forearm strain that has sidelined him since the end of Spring Training. Williams is in a mandatory shut-down period that follows such treatment. Asked whether he believed Williams would pitch this season, Ash responded, "I do." Williams pitched in his first Major League camp this spring and drew raves at the start from established hitters like Ryan Braun and Carlos Gomez. It is impossible to know whether doing too much, too soon contributed to his injury. *** We get a kick that RHP Osmel Perez is still listed on the DSL roster, even though he hasn't pitched since 2011. He's on a restricted list (as the Brewers still own his rights), but that's the case with many of their former farmhands who never filed proper retirement paperwork. They'll probably finally "hide" his name upon our reminder. Even though Perez has been idle for so long, he still won't turn 22 until this July! *** We see RHP Victor Diaz, who made six appearances (four starts) for the Timber Rattlers earlier this season, is also on the 60-day, that can't be good. Finally, we'll try to learn the nature of Diaz' injury (he does appear on the roster page, it's just an injury question for him).

Voila! Note there are some DL stints. We knew about LHP Joan De La Cruz (60-day DL, Tommy John), but now we see RHP Victor Diaz, who made six appearances (four starts) for the Timber Rattlers earlier this season, is also on the 60-day, that can't be good. RHP Miguel Diaz (#14 on MLB Pipeline's Brewer Top 30) and former farmhand LHP Trevor Lubking are each on the 7-day DL. Promising 18-year-old Panamanian catcher Johel Atencio is on the 7-day DL as well. Roster just a bit short on infielders, plenty of arms despite the DL stints, a few will see Helena within a month or so.

Voila! Note there are some DL stints. We knew about LHP Joan De La Cruz (60-day DL, Tommy John), but now we see RHP Victor Diaz, who made six appearances (four starts) for the Timber Rattlers earlier this season, is also on the 60-day, that can't be good. RHP Miguel Diaz (#14 on MLB Pipeline's Brewer Top 30) and former farmhand LHP Trevor Lubking are each on the 7-day DL. Promising 18-year-old Panamanian catcher Johel Atencio is on the 7-day DL as well. Roster just a bit short on infielders, plenty of arms despite the DL stints, a few will see Helena within a month or so. NOTE: Discuss the roster in the Helena/Maryvale thread if you'd like, thanks...

Lineup Tweet: McFarland, Coulter in starting All-Star slots

Late rallies and long road trips - Shuckers continue to overcome odds Patrick Magee, Biloxi Sun-Herald The Biloxi Shuckers have been in plenty of situations this season where they could have mailed it in and called it a night. Instead, they continue to find ways to overcome adversity. During the team's 54-game road trip to start the season, they went 33-21 and stayed in first place in the Southern League South for almost the entirety of that run. On June 14, the Shuckers clinched the first-half title in the South Division to earn a playoff bid. You didn't hear many complaints from the players and coaches about the circumstances of the road trip. They did their job and did it well. They could have easily gone through the motions and used the incredibly long road swing as an excuse, but they just shrugged their shoulders and went about their business. In the process, they came together as a team. In the minor leagues, it's easy for a team to become disjointed with players more concerned about their own well being rather than the team as a whole. The Shuckers become tighter as a team as the season goes along. "This is the first time I've been on a team where everybody likes each other," Shuckers pitcher Brooks Hall said. "There are no enemies. It's great." On May 27, Biloxi mayor Andrew "FoFo" Gilich announced that MGM Park wouldn't open on June 6 as planned due to the added expense needed to have the stadium ready. Even with the increased cost, it was uncertain as to whether the stadium would be ready to go on that date. While the matter was resolved by the next day, the Shuckers took the field the night of May 27 in Chattanooga, Tenn., still not knowing when they'd get to play a genuine home game. Gilich's announcement was a major blow to the team that day. And by the fourth inning, the Shuckers trailed 6-1 to to the Chattanooga Lookouts. Somehow, the Shuckers found a way to answer. Biloxi pieced together a five-run rally to send the game to extra innings and Tyrone Taylor's two-run double in the 10th gave the Shuckers an 8-6 win. Again, they easily could have used the bad news as an excuse. Instead, they went beyond what was expected of them. The Shuckers are playing games right now that don't have an impact on the standings. They already have their first half title and won't again play games that count until after the all-star break. When the Shuckers trailed 9-6 entering the eighth Friday night thanks to three homers by the Montgomery Biscuits, it looked like it wasn't going to be their night. A grand slam by Nick Ramirez in the eighth and a walk-off single by Taylor Green in the 10th gave the Shuckers an 11-10 victory over the Biscuits. "They could have relaxed and said, 'OK, we've accomplished this,'" Biloxi manager Carlos Subero said. "They still keep going after it." How do the Shuckers continue to keep stepping up in difficult situations? "I think it's just we have so much talent that we're able to cut deficits," Ramirez said. "Everybody knows their role here. We have guys that hit the ball out of the park and we also table setters. Once everyone is clicking with that, we're a pretty tough team to beat." The Shuckers continue to make their first season in Biloxi a special one it's well worth the price of admission to watch as the team continues on its improbable ride to the postseason.

I'm pretty sure he wasn't yet throwing a knuckleball in the Brewers system. Also, he was never on the 40-man roster, simply a minor league free agent who was allowed to leave after one year (2007).

Orleans outfielder Orimoloye inks pro contract with Brewers By Mike Koreen, Toronto Sun As also posted for archives in our season-long Helena / Maryvale thread...

Orleans outfielder Orimoloye inks pro contract with Brewers By Mike Koreen, Toronto Sun http://storage.ottawasun.com/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/suns-prod-images/1297710435730_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80&size=420x Demi Orimoloye is going to try to fulfil his major-league dream with the Milwaukee Brewers organization. The Orleans outfielder has signed with the Brewers (MLB.com reported the deal is for $450,000 US) and has reported to the team's rookie league affiliate in Phoenix, Ariz. The team's fourth-round pick from the draft last week is expected to start playing next week. "It feels good to finally get that contract signed," Orimoloye, 18, said in a phone interview. "I'm ready to get started. I want to go out there every day and keep getting better." By signing, Orimoloye will pass on the opportunity to play NCAA Division I baseball on a full scholarship at the University or Oregon. "I had my heart set on playing professional baseball," he said. "It was the right decision for me." Orimoloye said his goal is to get promoted in the Brewers organization before he leaves for Australia in August with the junior national team ahead of the U18 World Cup in Japan. "I just want to get better every day, get consistent," he said. What are his first impressions of Arizona? "It's real hot, like 120 degrees every day," Orimoloye chuckled. "But the coaches and everyone has been great."

At some point today, and prior to game time, this (currently) outdated Maryvale Brewers MiLB.com roster page will be updated.

Reminder of the Draft Signings postand the Draft Forum itself with news and notes -- 23 players have now signed, the latest 15th round catcher Zach Taylor and 33rd round UC-Santa Barbara RHP Connor Baits. Now let's wrap up this College World Series and ink those three remaining top 10 picks!

Brewers announce two more non-drafted free agent signings, both assigned to Maryvale: RHP Alex Farina -- University of Lafayette (Easton, PA) senior (player page via the university) Announcement on school's website *** LHP Brad Kuntz -- Baylor University (Waco, TX) senior (player page via the university) ARTICLE: Kuntz rebounded from offseason Tommy John surgery to post a 2.22 ERA and two saves. The left-hander was Baylor’s only pitcher to average at least a strikeout per inning, with 26 Ks in 24 1/3 innings. Looks like the initial agreement with Kuntz was back on the 12th (tweet). Good luck and congrats to each, bring your sunscreen!

Today's Brewers farmhand birthday: How awesome! Happy 22nd to Jorge Ortega!

ONLINE AUCTION: Three Timber Rattlers' jerseys (Salute to Cows , Star Wars) are available in an online auction, about two days remain.

24 (721). Christian Trent, LHP, Ole Miss (MS) 33 (991). Connor Baits RHP, U. of California - Santa Barbara (CA) Brewers confirm the previously known Trent signing, and announce that Baits has signed as well.

Expected game time temps: 66 degrees 109 degrees Welcome to pro ball, Maryvale kids, and there's your reward for good performance!

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 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 Biloxi, MS Port St. Lucie, FL Beloit, WI Great Falls, MT Mesa, AZ Boca Chica, DR

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 Saturday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Colorado Springs Biloxi Florida State League All-Star Game Wisconsin Helena Maryvale DSL Brewers MiLB.com feature -- organizational scoreboard, Brewers