Jim Goulart

Posted May 6th: North alum Hirsch 'on the mend' and optimistic Eyes quick return to MWL after elbow setback By Kevin Druley, Kane County Chronicle http://www.kcchronicle.com/_internal/cimg!0/ggcvo7s5icrk4k3gd2met1eh1n2uv5m St. Charles North and Nebraska product Zach Hirsch, 24, is in his second season with the Milwaukee Brewers organization. (Photo provided by Ann Mollica/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers) Swanky accommodations await St. Charles North alumnus Zach Hirsch during a four-day visit to Pheasant Run Resort this weekend. If this sounds like a staycation, think again. It’s simply a Hirsch homecoming with a caveat. A left-hander in the Milwaukee Brewers organization for almost a year now, Hirsch and the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers will be in town for a four-game series against the Cougars beginning Friday. Stays of such length typically would all but assure Hirsch a start, but a roadblock comes in the form of recent tenderness in his pitching elbow. “Not throwing this time,” Hirsch said, “but hopefully the next time.” The Cougars and Timber Rattlers share the Midwest League’s Western Division, so Wisconsin will make three more visits to Fifth Third Bank Ballpark this season – from June 16-18, July 8-9 and July 18-20. With respect to the buzz sure to swirl around Geneva during a potential Hirsch start, Timber Rattlers pitching coach Gary Lucas hopes Hirsch will be off the disabled list and in position to climb to Advanced-A Brevard County of the Florida State League in 2015. “His character and makeup are through the roof,” Lucas said. “I’ve been impressed with him since spring training and how he’s gone about his business. And that’s where it starts. I know he’s had some arm issues in the past, but he’s on the mend now. “He’s at that age we want to get him squared away and pass him on to higher levels, hopefully, before the year is out.” Hirsch, 24, joined the Brewers as a 19th-round draft pick out of Nebraska in June 2014 on the heels of a resurgent senior season. Recovered from an injury to his non-throwing wrist that cost him the final 31 games of his junior season, he struck out 50 batters in 52 1/3 innings over 31 relief appearances. Before the wrist troubles, Hirsch redshirted his first collegiate season following February 2010 elbow surgery, but had ascended into Nebraska’s starting rotation by 2012. He described his latest setback as “just a little elbow tenderness,” something he sensed after pitching 6 1/3 innings of eight-hit, five-run ball against Quad Cities on May 2. “A little something didn’t feel right, and I felt like I needed to say something,” Hirsch said. “We have a great trainer here and he’s taken great care of me, so I have a lot of faith that I’ll be good to go here in a couple weeks.” Being the elder statesman of Wisconsin’s starting staff allows Hirsch the freedom to work without a tandem partner, as much of the rest of the Timber Rattlers’ pitchers do, per an organizational philosophy. He has pitched at least six innings in each of his five MWL starts, striking out 24 and walking two in 31 1/3 innings. Hirsch is 1-3 with a 4.02 ERA, working with his usual pitch repertoire and hovering between 86 to 89 mph with his fastball velocity, occasionally touching 90 to 91. “It’s still fastball, curveball, changeup,” Hirsch said, “just hopefully a little better stuff than when I was in high school.” That’s a bit of self-deprecation, of course, but working alongside Lucas has helped boost many intangibles, including confidence. Predominantly a reliever during an eight-year Major League career with the San Diego Padres, Montreal Expos and California Angels, Lucas earns distinction not just with his experience, but by being left-handed. Hirsch admits “I haven’t had many” southpaw pitching coaches. His current one is confident Hirsch will be in position to work with many others in the Brewers organization after beginning his pro career with Short-A Helena (Montana) in 2014. “He’s ready to take off,” Lucas said. “He gets healthy here, I think that he’s on his way and can play catch-up pretty quick.” North head coach Todd Genke and pitching coach Terry Ayers remain in touch with Hirsch, and even allowed him to use school facilities for a spring training tune-up. Hirsch spent the offseason in Nebraska, which figured to send a few more familiar faces to Fifth Third Bank Ballpark this weekend before his recent injury. “I’m sure some of them will still come out,” Hirsch said. “It kind of stinks that I won’t be able to throw, but to me, obviously, the most important thing right now is to be healthy.”

The need for pitching reinforcements at the Triple A level led the Phillies to acquire veteran right-hander Chris Leroux from Milwaukee in a cash deal on Monday. That's the first trade between the clubs since this one nearly nine years ago: Phillies (07/28/06) -- Acquired 3B David Bell in exchange for LHP Wilfrido Laureano Leroux had been placed on the Sky Sox DL on 5/10 and was eligible to be activated.

The need for pitching reinforcements at the Triple A level led the Phillies to acquire veteran right-hander Chris Leroux from Milwaukee in a cash deal on Monday. That's the first trade between the clubs since this one nearly nine years ago: Phillies (07/28/06) -- Acquired 3B David Bell in exchange for LHP Wilfrido Laureano Leroux had been placed on the Sky Sox DL on 5/10 and was eligible to be activated.

So much for that, with the Scooter Gennett for Corey Knebel swap. Gennett's playing time will only affect veterans such as Pete Orr and Donnie Murphy. OF/2B Matt Long remains as one of only four OF choices.

Look for these just prior to the respective game times -- Colorado Springs Media Notes - 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 Huntsville, AL Viera, FL Burlington, IA

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

Monday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Colorado Springs: RHP Drew Gagnon at home vs. Round Rock (Rangers), 7:05 PM pre-game, 7:35 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: RHP's Jacob Barnes and Hiram Burgos in a "home game" doubleheader in Huntsville vs. Jacksonville (Marlins), 4:25 PM pre-game, 4:40 gametime; each contest slated for seven innings 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 looking off to his very promising "Shuck Dynasty" blog. All games, home and away, are scheduled to be radio broadcast. MiLB.TV - Seven of the ten Southern League teams telecast their home games, and Biloxi staff indicates it is hopeful it will be eight when the new stadium opens. NOTE: This series is unfortunately not available online for MiLB.TV subscribers. ********** Brevard County: RHP Jorge Ortega at home vs. Clearwater (Phillies), 5:05 PM pre-game, 5:35 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: LHP Kodi Medeiros at Burlington (Angels), 6:10 PM pre-game, 6:30 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.

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VIDEO: Colorado Springs' Logan Schafer belts a solo home run in the fifth inning of a 6-2 loss to visiting Round Rock

Wow, that's pretty for the struggling Nelson -- who else can remember a walkoff bases-loaded triple? Only thing more exciting would be if there had been two outs (there were none): Col. Springs Bottom of the 7th Shane Peterson reaches on a fielding error by second baseman Rougned Odor. Ben Guez walks. Shane Peterson to 2nd. Pete Orr singles on a bunt ground ball to pitcher Luke Jackson. Shane Peterson to 3rd. Ben Guez to 2nd. Pitching Change: Jon Edwards replaces Luke Jackson. Chris Nelson triples (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Jake Smolinski. Shane Peterson scores. Ben Guez scores. Pete Orr scores.

Miller Park Prospects Photo Gallery: Timber Rattlers, Saturday 5/16/15

Shuckers Postgame – Shuckers walk-off with G2 win – Radio Highlights and Photo Gallery

Giant GIDP induced by RHP Austin Ross to preserve 1-1 tie, then similar fate hit Biloxi prior to the walkoff above -- Jacksonville Top of the 6th Pitching Change: Mike Strong replaces Tyler Wagner, batting 9th, replacing Brandon Macias. Viosergy Rosa strikes out on a foul tip. Ryan Rieger hit by pitch. Sharif Othman singles on a fly ball to center fielder Kyle Wren. Ryan Rieger to 2nd. Pitching Change: Austin Ross replaces Mike Strong, batting 9th. Justin Bohn walks. Ryan Rieger to 3rd. Sharif Othman to 2nd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter David Adams replaces Jake Esch. David Adams grounds into a double play, third baseman Taylor Green to second baseman Nick Shaw to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Justin Bohn out at 2nd. Biloxi Bottom of the 6th Pitching Change: Lay Batista replaces Jake Esch, batting 9th, replacing David Adams. Kyle Wren walks. Nick Shaw walks. Kyle Wren to 2nd. Orlando Arcia grounds into a double play, third baseman Zack Cox to first baseman Viosergy Rosa. Kyle Wren out at 3rd. Nick Shaw to 2nd. Lay Batista intentionally walks Nick Ramirez. Taylor Green strikes out swinging *** Weather: 79 degrees, cloudy. Wind: 10 mph, Out to LF. Att: 272 (for a Sunday afternoon doubleheader). Venue: Joe W. Davis Municipal Stadium, Huntsville

VIDEO: Shuckers' walk-off rally in the nightcap

More Sky Sox / Helena paper roster taxi squad shuffling Sunday: RHP Tim Dillard active again, OF Bryan Petersen takes a back seat on the phantom Montana shuffle *** There are 14 active pitchers now on the Sky Sox 25-man roster, and another five on the DL (RHP's Johnny Hellweg, Chris Leroux and John Ely, LHP's Jarret Martin and Brent Leach).

Sunday's Farmhand Birthday -- Well, we hope it's a nice 29th for RHP John Ely. He went on the DL after just his 2nd Sky Sox start. This was our April 17th post -- Ely's injury has been listed as a "right elbow strain" on the Pacific Coast League transactions page. Considering Ely underwent Tommy John surgery in April of 2013 (pitched 31 games of relief in Boston's chain last year), that isn't a good thing.

REMINDER! VOTING IN THIS ROUND ENDS MIDNIGHT SUNDAY! Baseball America's LogoMania -- The Shuckers and Manatees moved on to Round Two without our help, but now Link Report readers can help them move on (no registration or login needed to vote). Here's their "poster" - click to enlarge. Learn more and vote here. Timber Rattlers should have been in the original 32 as well. Vote, vote, vote!

Look for these just prior to the respective game times -- Colorado Springs Media Notes - 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 Huntsville, AL Tampa, FL Grand Chute, WI

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

Sunday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Colorado Springs: RHP Tyler Thornburg and LHP Nick Additon in a doubleheader at home vs. Round Rock (Rangers), 2:05 PM pre-game, 2:35 gametime; each contest slated for seven innings 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's Brooks Hall and Tyler Wagner in a "home game" doubleheader in Huntsville vs. Jacksonville (Marlins), 10:45 AM pre-game, 11:00 gametime; each contest slated for seven innings 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 looking off to his very promising "Shuck Dynasty" blog. All games, home and away, are scheduled to be radio broadcast. MiLB.TV - Seven of the ten Southern League teams telecast their home games, and Biloxi staff indicates it is hopeful it will be eight when the new stadium opens. NOTE: This series is unfortunately not available online for MiLB.TV subscribers. ********** Brevard County: RHP Javier Salas at Tampa (Yankees), 12:00 PM gametime Free Live Audio Link (Tampa Feed Only) No Florida State League games are available via MiLB.TV. ********** Wisconsin: RHP Cy Sneed at home vs. Kane County (Diamondbacks), 12:45 PM pre-game, 1:05 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.

Speaking of Manatees, Clint Coulter is 2-for-his-last-32...

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Saw "real" Manatees today for the first time, very informative tour!

ARTICLE LINK: What a good read via Tim Froberg of the Post-Crescent as the video interview with Timber Rattlers 3B Tucker Neuhaus from Friday's Link Report is an expanded Q&A in print today. Tim calls Neuhaus "a well-spoken 19-year-old mature beyond his years". Along with Neuhaus' production this spring, Tucker should now be on everyone's radar as one of their favorite farmhands to follow. No mention of it here, but via twitter, we know he is engaged to be married as well. Keep it rolling, young man.