Jim Goulart

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Today we learn of this one (tweet): LHP Shawn Clowers, a senior out of Liberty University (school's player page) 2015 Statistics

Today we learn of this one (tweet): LHP Shawn Clowers, a senior out of Liberty University (school's player page) 2015 Statistics

Just joking of course, but it's almost like the Brewers are skimping on air fare to Montana. Good notation on Matt Martin, meant to post last night that he'd be an ideal fit here. Diehards here (especially MTBrew) will remember a Helena squad from a few years back that was made up almost entirely of catchers -- heck, at least two outfield posts each night seemed to have them out there, out of place. Really hoping Dustin Houle's status post-Tommy John is OK, because Kevin Martinez has never even played stateside before and Milan Post must still be pretty raw. You're asking them to fully guide the staff right now. You can only get so stretched out in Maryvale preseason games, so they're really going to need to add to those 12 arms soon, especially in the offense-friendly Pioneer League. Heck, each of the full-season squads have been at 13 pitchers most of the season. And the Helena roster limit is 35! More non-drafted free agents, young indy ballers, something. Tonight's opponent, Missoula, has 32 players active. Helena has 23 (Edwin Maysonet makes 24). Patience, we know...

Jonathan Mayo of MLB Pipeline Tweet: Karsen Lindell gets slightly over value from @Brewers in 9th. Bonus = $171,100. Pick value = $159,700. Oregon HS RHP.

MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis Tweet: 3rd-rder Nash Walters' bonus w/@Brewers = $800k (90 slot = $646,300). Texas HS RHP, projectable 6-ft-5, 88-93 sinker, 3/4 brk ball

AUDIO: Voice of the Shuckers Chris Harris talks to Ted Davis via the Mike Heller Show (go to the 22:40 minute mark)

Nathan Kirby a Possibility to Start Friday

ARTICLE: Undrafted Pennsylvania high school RHP Brandon Donovan's decision to go to college (Radford) despite the Brewers showing interest throughout the spring

Salas tosses first complete game against Jupiter Michael Parsons, Florida Today http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/879c0ae88cd8fdacbd5cb24c809910adec3ef737/c=185-0-2924-2054&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/2015/06/18/Brevard/B9317774934Z.1_20150618012425_000_GDVB444GK.1-0.jpg Michael Ratterree high fives with teammate Steven Halcomb (4) after hitting a home run off Jose Fernandez in Wednesday's game at Space Coast Stadium. (Photo: Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY) While all eyes were on Jose Fernandez on Wednesday night, Javier Salas quietly went about his business. And 90 pitches later the University of Miami standout got Justin Bohn to ground out to finish off his first complete game as a professional. "I know Jose a little bit from high school and we have mutual friends in Miami so when I saw that I was facing off against him I told all my buddies and my parents and it was something I looked forward to," Salas said. "I knew the way he was throwing I had to put up some zeroes and keep my team in the ball game." Salas did just that, allowing just a single run in the third inning, striking out three to win his sixth game of the season. Salas did not face more than four hitters in any inning until the seventh inning when five hitters came to the plate. He finished with 1-2-3 innings in both the eighth and ninth innings. "They were really aggressive to my fastball and it worked to my advantage," Salas said. "It was sinking a little bit and they were hitting it into the ground and my defense played great behind me so it worked out well." Michael Ratterree put the Manatees on the board in the second inning, hitting a 387-foot home run off Fernandez. "It is really exciting, obviously a great pitcher and it is a great experience for us," Ratterree said. "Everyone is all wide-eyed and up on the rail watching, ready to get their chance so it was exciting." The Manatees scored the game-winning run in the sixth inning when Garrett Cooper doubled, scoring Clint Coulter. Brevard County looks to head into the All-Star break with a series win in Thursday's finale as right-hander Brandon Woodruff gets the ball against Jose Adames. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM (5:35 Central).

Miami's Jose Fernandez looks sharp in rehab start Michael Parsons, Florida Today VIERA – Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez said he was 'pretty ready' and the results backed that statement Wednesday night at Space Coast Stadium. The 2013 National League Rookie of the Year used a fastball that was regularly in the 98 to 99 mile per hour range to strike out 10 Manatees in 4 2/3 innings, allowing six hits and a walk. "The stuff was there, really happy with my stuff and location," Fernandez said. "There was a couple of pitches that I didn't want there, but that is baseball and that is something I will work on and try to become perfection on the mound." One of those pitches was a change-up to Michael Ratterree in the second inning, who belted it over the left field wall. "I am just glad it wasn't that 97 mile per hour fastball, something a little slower," Ratterree said. "I just put a good swing on it and tried to be aggressive. You don't want to get down to him, he has nasty stuff and can put you away quick." After the home run in the second inning he did just that, striking out the next three hitters, with the first two going down looking. Fernandez also hit in the game, a rarity in the Florida State League. "I love trying to hit," he said. On his first at-bat he tried to bunt the runner to third base and missed the first two, but was successful on the third try. "The first one looked like 100, it was 89 or something, but I have been away for a while. It looked pretty hard, but I have been away 13 months," Fernandez said. "That is why I wanted to do it now, see the pitches and try to get bunts down." He would later bounce into a double play in the top of the fifth inning. He left the game with the score tied 1-1. The Manatees would add a second run in the sixth inning as Garrett Cooper doubled, driving in Clint Coulter. It was all the support Manatees starter Javier Salas would need as he tossed his first complete game of the season. But Wednesday night, all eyes were on Fernandez. "These next two starts are really important," Fernandez said. "I have to keep following the plan. They are there for a reason. I think we are going up in pitches but I feel really strong, think I could have easily gone a couple more innings. But I just have to follow the plan, and that is what I have been doing the past 13 months." He is scheduled to start in Jupiter on Monday and hopes to throw 90 to 95 pitches. "I am ready," Fernandez said. "It has been a lot of hard work. It has been a lot of days on the football field playing catch, a lot of days behind the scenes, and I just can't wait to get the ball in my hand July 2."

AUDIO, Game Highlights: Javi Salas tosses a complete game in a 2-1 Brevard County victory *** AUDIO: After tossing his first career complete game, Javi Salas joins the Manatees Radio Network

Voice of the Helena Brewers Dustin Daniel takes us around the ballpark, good luck starting tonight, Dustin! The ballpark is "graded" in this article.

VIDEO via KTVH: Helena report focusing on Jake Gatewood

Colorado Springs' Luis Sardinas hits a triple in the Sky Sox's 4-3 loss to the Oklahoma City Dodgers (a little help from the center fielder...)

Well, this was a big moment when it happened -- Elvis Rubio gives the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers a 6-5 lead with a two-run double in the 8th

Recently-turned 19-year-old RHP Jordan Yamamoto will be your Helena Opening Night starter Thursday (Maryvale opens Saturday).

AUDIO: Infielder Steven Halcomb joins the Manatees Pregame Show, discusses facing LHP Chris Narveson

VIDEO via WLOX: Good Biloxi highlight package here

Lopez tosses another gem as Shuckers top Biscuits, 6-2 Patrick Magee, Biloxi Sun-Herald PHOTO GALLERY: Ten nice photos by Amanda McCoy of the Sun-Herald at the link BILOXI – With a 6-2 win over the Montgomery Biscuits Wednesday night, the Biloxi Shuckers' pitching staff continued its recent outstanding run against the Southern League. Right-hander Jorge Lopez took his turn in the Shuckers' rotation and put together another quality start. Lopez allowed one run on four hits in six innings, striking out three and walking one. “I just attack the hitter,” Lopez said. “I've been learning lot. I've got to credit (catcher Adam) Weisenburger. He's been doing a really good job back there. I work off that and try to make those pitches.” Lopez, a Southern League South Division All-Star, improved to 5-2. In Biloxi's current five-game winning streak, the team's starting pitchers have allowed three runs on 16 hits in 33 innings. Since June 2, Biloxi's pitchers have registered 12 quality starts in the last 15 games and a 1.60 ERA. “When you've got good pitchers, they feed off each other,” Shuckers manager Carlos Subero said. Biloxi pitching coach Chris Hook has seen a healthy dynamic develop on the pitching staff as a whole. “They're a competitive group,” Hook said. “They're all pulling for each other, but they're all competitive. That's just how it works. Guys go out and throw well. The next guy tries to throw better. We had a little down swing in mid-May, but the guys have really thrown well.” A total of 3,572 fans showed up to watch the series opener Wednesday for the third largest crowd in MGM Park's brief six-game history. Wednesday night marked the first time that the suites have been open at the new ballpark. Biloxi broke through with a four-run run fourth to set the lead at 5-0 and put the game out of reach for the Biscuits. As part of the four-run rally, Taylor Green lifted a high homer to the power alley in right field for a three-run shot, his second homer at MGM Park and his fourth of the season. “I would say that was the key at-bat of the game,” Subero said. “He had a good hit in the ninth against Mississippi the other day. He's an experienced guy. He knows what to do with a 2-0 changeup.” The fourth run of the fourth came on a throwing error by Montgomery right fielder Dayron Varona following a single by Weisenburger. Victor Roache advanced from second to third on the hit and took home when Varona's throw home was well off the mark. With the speedy Kyle Wren promoted to Triple-A Colorado Springs earlier this week, Josh Fellhauer filled in well in the leadoff spot on Wednesday for the Shuckers. Fellhauer reached base four times against the Biscuits. He went 2-for-3 with a run scored and two bases on balls. “That's my job, get on base for the big boppers,” Fellhauer said. “I think I did my job tonight.” Fellhauer doubled to lead off the bottom of the first and later took home on a wild pitch by Biscuits starter Ryne Stanek (2-1) to give the Shuckers an early 1-0 lead. It was just the first of many examples of poor control from Stanek, who walked five and gave up four earned runs on five hits in five innings. The Shuckers host Montgomery at 7:10 PM. Thursday with left-hander Hobbs Johnson (4-3, 3.05) set to start for Biloxi. Right-hander Jared Mortensen (4-3, 2.75) will start for Montgomery.

VIDEO: Additional Colorado Springs game footage in the right sidebar menu at KKTV's link

I was driving on my commute home this afternoon with Dan Karcher's 11th inning Sky Sox call playing on my phone. Colorado Springs posed its greatest late-inning threat in the home 11th as a Diaz double and Schafer walk set up the Sox with a chance to send fans home happy after a long day at the ballpark. Rivera followed with a one-out groundout, advancing both runners into scoring position with two away and Pete Orr coming to the plate. In the most pivotal moment of the day, Orr lined a ball that looked to be ticketed for centerfield before it deflected off the leg of Dodgers closer Juan Gonzalez into the glove of Seager at shortstop. The hustling Orr would be thrown out by a few steps to end the ballgame on a play that simply didn't go the Sox way. Gonzalez earned his second save of the season to secure the Dodgers' 4-3, series-clinching win. You'll find the video of that final play (ball scorched) at the link below. Short-handed Sky Sox fall in 11 when deflected ball bounces Oklahoma City's way by Brent Briggeman, Colorado Springs Gazette The challenges of Triple-A roster management were on full display for the Sky Sox on Wednesday in a hard-luck loss to Oklahoma City. Colorado Springs, playing without the designated hitter as it faced a fellow National League affiliate, entered the game with just two available players on its bench. With limited options, manager Rick Sweet had to pinch hit a pitcher in the ninth inning. Oklahoma City eventually took a 4-3 lead in the 11th with a walk, wild pitch and two sacrifices. The Sky Sox climbed back into position to win, but Pete Orr's hard-hit ball ricocheted off the pitcher to the Dodgers' shortstop, who used the kick-save to convert the final out and strand runners on second and third. Would the game have gone differently had the Sky Sox not released Chris Nelson before the game without first bringing in a replacement? Sweet wasn't going there. "We had so many chances in this game to win and we just didn't take advantage," Sweet said. "We played just good enough to lose, and we are better than that. That's why I'm upset. I'm not upset we lost the game, I'm upset the last three games we lost because I want someone to execute. I want someone to get it done in the middle of this game." Sweet said playing short-handed is part of Triple-A. In 15 years at this level, he estimates at least 80 percent of the time he's been at least one player short. On Wednesday he was without Nelson and catcher Juan Centeno, who was active but held out for a minor injury. Sweet had already used Donnie Murphy as a pinch hitter with a runner in scoring position in the seventh, so Orr was his only available bat in the ninth. When the first man in the inning was retired, Sweet went to pitcher Josh Roenicke - a .250 hitter. Saving the last position player worked as planned, as Orr entered the game in the 11th as part of a double switch and he came to the plate with two outs and a chance to win it in the 11th. Oklahoma City was saved only by catching the break of the ball hitting the pitcher. Sweet said he would have used Orr in the ninth instead of Roenicke had a runner been in scoring position. "What happens is people in the stands and sometimes you guys don't understand how far ahead I think," Sweet said. "At least for two or three innings, I know exactly what I'm going to do with everything lined up perfectly. What happens is the execution of your players makes you either look good or look bad. That's what it comes down to. To me, managers don't win games; managers only screw up and lose games." Colorado Springs (26-38) has won just one of its past eight series, tying two of those. Robinzon Diaz and Logan Schafer each had three hits for the Sky Sox and Yadiel Rivera drove in a pair. Catcher Austin Barnes had a triple and an RBI in his three-hit day for the Dodgers and top prospect Corey Seager scored a run, drove in a run and cracked two doubles.

St. Charles North native Hirsch set to start against Cougars by Chris Casey, Kane County Chronicle Also archived in our season-long Timber Rattlers feature thread...

St. Charles North native Hirsch set to start against Cougars by Chris Casey, Kane County Chronicle GENEVA – Zach Hirsch wasn’t going to allow anything to inhibit him from starting against the Cougars this time around. Hirsch, a 2009 St. Charles North graduate and member of the Milwaukee Brewers Class-A affiliate Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, will start on the mound Thursday against the Cougars at Fifth Third Bank Ball Park in Geneva. The Timber Rattlers had Hirsch scheduled to start back in May, but elbow soreness forced the southpaw to miss the appearance. Hirsch said he has thought about today’s outing for awhile, but wants to make sure he doesn’t get too caught up in the moment. “I’m really excited about it, there’s no doubt about that,” Hirsch said after Wednesday’s matinee, an 8-7 Cougars’ win. “I was looking forward to it last time we were in town, but with the injury, I wasn’t able to go. But whether I’m down in Kentucky or 10 minutes from home, I try to treat every start the same, so it’ll be a cool experience, but it’s no different than any other start.” Hirsch (2-3, 2.98 ERA) last started at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark in 2009, his senior year at North. Being from the area, he expects a fairly good showing of hometown support, something he always appreciates. “I love having support anytime,” Hirsch said. “It doesn’t matter how many people show up, I enjoy and am thankful for support wherever I am.” One person he can count on seeing, should the weather cooperate for the scheduled 6:30 PM first pitch, will be North head coach Todd Genke. Genke said he keeps in contact with as many of his players who have gone on to play at the next level as he can, and makes sure he can get out to see them play whenever they are in the area. “We are bringing a nice little group,” Genke said. “I double checked with Zach a few nights ago to see if he was still starting because of the rain and he reassured me that he’d be out there. We are really excited to see him throw and I hope he throws the way I know he is capable.” Genke said Hirsch had joked in a previous conversation, when hearing Genke and other supporters would be in attendance, that he was going to be nervous pitching in front of people. “He told me ‘There’s never anyone in the stands when I pitch, so I’m going to be nervous’,” Genke said with a laugh. Hirsch was selected by the Brewers as a 19th-round draft pick out of Nebraska in June 2014.

From the season-long Helena feature thread... High draft picks dot Brewers' roster on Opening Day Ryan Collingwood, Helena Independent Record