Matt Breen

Final: Biloxi 3, Jacksonville 2 Ray Shines in Dramatic Ninth for Shuckers Walk-Off Home Run Pairs Well with Knebel's Strong Rehab Outing By Spencer Siegel / Biloxi Shuckers (Photo: Michael Krebs) Biloxi Box Score Corey Ray hit a dramatic 2-run HR in the bottom of the 9th to lead the Biloxi Shuckers to a 3-2 victory over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. The home run would provide a stunning turnaround for the Shuckers, who surrendered a run - and the lead - in the top half of the 9th. Other game highlights include a Clint Coulter home run, as well as a perfect inning in relief for Corey Knebel in his first rehab appearance. The Biloxi staff held the Jacksonville hitters to six base hits and four walks. Both teams miss out on opportunities to score. The Shuckers went 0-9 with runners in scoring position. The Jumbo Shrimp went 1-13. Batting Corey Ray: 1-3, HR, 2 RBI, 2BB Jake Gatewood: 1-3, BB Clint Coulter: 1-4, HR Pitching Angel Ventura: 4.2 IP, 3 hits, 0 ER, 3BB, 6K Nick Ramirez: 1.1 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 1BB, 0K Corey Knebel: 1.0 IP, 0 hits, 0 ER, 0BB, 1K Brad Kuntz: 2.0 IP, 2 hits, 1 ER, 0BB, 3K, Win Notes While Corey Ray has been up and down this year, 14 of his 28 hits have been for extra bases (9 doubles, 3 triples, 2 HR). Stephen Vogt went 1-4 in his second rebab appearance. Biloxi Log Corey Ray with the big blow - and the win. Biloxi Bottom of the 9th Pitching Change: Marcus Crescentini replaces Jeff Kinley, batting 9th, replacing Mason Davis. Clint Coulter reaches on a throwing error by shortstop Chris Diaz. Tyler Heineman pops out to shortstop Chris Diaz in foul territory. Corey Ray homers (2) on a line drive to right field. Clint Coulter scores.

The folks at brewcrewball must have read this thread: https://www.brewcrewball.com/2018/5/3/17313436/the-milwaukee-brewers-may-want-to-consider-a-change-at-second-base

Miggy saw my original post and scoffed at me. He is now hitting .326 with a .942 OPS. The baseball universe is now back in balance.

Former Brewer Blaine Boyer has given up 17 hits, 8 walks and 15 earned runs in 10 innings of work this year with KC. His ERA is 13.50.

That's why I quoted his road numbers extensively in the original post. I think beyond the CS numbers there's some interesting stuff.

The main issue with Orf is that he is not a SS. That really limits his usefulness as a utility guy. A utility 2B/3B position is filled by Perez at this time - making Orf redundant. If the club parted ways with Sogard, they would need to use Villar as the back up SS if they wanted to call up Orf. Not the best - or worst option. Or the easier thing would be to bring up Dubon to take Sogard's place. For Orf to get a chance you're going to have to see a major injury (such as Perez) or a big house cleaning of our middle infielders - Villar, Sogard - and maybe Perez. That would open some doors to some more serious roster re-jiggering (which I don't see at this time).

Final: Biloxi 2, Jacksonville 1 Vogt Homers to Back Jankins in 2-1 Win Over Jumbo Shrimp Brewers' Rehabbing Catcher Delivers in First Appearance with Shuckers By Spencer Siegel / Biloxi Shuckers Stephen Vogt, making his first appearance with the Biloxi Shuckers on a rehab assignment from Milwaukee, homered in his second at bat for Biloxi. (Photo: Michael Krebs) Biloxi Box Score Thomas Jankins three 6.1 innings of shutout ball to lead the Biloxi Shuckers to a 2-1 victory over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. Jankins was outstanding on Wednesday night, giving up only three hits and a pair of walks while recording his fifth victory of the season. Nate Griep made things interesting in the 9th, giving up a hit and three walks - plus a run. He would load the bases with one out, but would get the final two batters on fly outs - preserving the win. Stephen Vogt hit a home run in his first rehab game. Boone Logan - also in Biloxi on rehab - threw a perfect frame in the win. Batting Stephen Vogt: 1-2, HR Jake Gatewood: 1-3, 2B Blake Allemand: 1-3 Jake Hager: 1-3 Dylan Moore: 2-3 Pitching Thomas Jankins: 6.1 IP, 3 hits, 0 ER, 2BB, 4K, Win Jon Olczak: 0.2 IP, 0 hits, 0 ER, 0BB, 0K Boone Logan: 1.0 IP, 0 hits, 0 ER, 0BB, 2K Nate Griep: 1.0 IP, 1 hit, 1 ER, 3BB, 0K, save Notes The Shuckers faced former Brewer prospects Monte Harrison and Isan Diaz on Wednesday night. For the season, Harrison has a respectable .789 OPS - although he has struck out 41 times on 90 ABs. Diaz has struggled with a .191 batting average. Biloxi Log Biloxi got all the runs they needed in the 4th on a Vogt HR and Hager single. Biloxi Bottom of the 4th Troy Stokes Jr. flies out to center fielder Monte Harrison. Stephen Vogt homers (1) on a line drive to right field. Jake Gatewood doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder John Norwood. Blake Allemand grounds out, second baseman Isan Diaz to first baseman Eric Jagielo. Jake Gatewood to 3rd. Jake Hager singles on a ground ball to center fielder Monte Harrison. Jake Gatewood scores. With Dylan Moore batting, Nick Neidert picks off Jake Hager at 1st on throw to Eric Jagielo. The drama of the night was the tightrope Nate Griep walked in the top of the 9th. Jacksonville Top of the 9th Pitching Change: Nate Griep replaces Boone Logan, batting 9th, replacing Nick Franklin. Monte Harrison walks. John Norwood walks. Monte Harrison to 2nd. Eric Jagielo singles on a ground ball to center fielder Corey Ray. Monte Harrison scores. John Norwood to 2nd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Mason Davis replaces Eric Jagielo. Cade Gotta out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Nate Griep to first baseman Jake Gatewood. John Norwood to 3rd. Mason Davis to 2nd. Nate Griep intentionally walks Brian Schales. Rodrigo Vigil pops out to first baseman Jake Gatewood in foul territory. Chris Diaz flies out to right fielder Clint Coulter.

I am not a fan of gritty battlers who really don't contribute that much. However, I am becoming a fan of Nate Orf - and am wondering if he might be our 2B by season's end (barring a trade). Orf has hit well the past two seasons - .320 in 2017 and .373 thus far in 2018. Of course, batting averages get warped in the thin Colorado air, and looking at Orf, he has benefited. However, if you look at his road numbers, he hit .288 last year and .294 in 2018. Not huge numbers, but not bad either. As a note his AAA splits in 2016 were big - .185 on the road and .377 at home. It was his first exposure to AAA and Colorado Springs, so I'm not sure if that played a role in the discrepancies. Positives - From reports I've read, he plays solid defense at 2B and 3B. He lacks range to play SS. Has also played OF - but the exposure there is limited. 2B is his best position. - He's a smart, gritty battler. - He hits for a solid average, and has shown improved contact. - Does not have big splits - so he's not really a platoon candidate. - Walks at a solid rate (around 10-11% for his career) and doesn't strike out that much (around 13-15%). - Cheap Carson Cistulli at FanGraphs does his 'Fringe Five' report (finding fringe gems in the minors) - and this just came out a couple of weeks ago: This now represents at least the third separate season in which Orf’s name has appeared among the Five. And, actually, he has exhibited signs of improvement since his first appearance, having lowered his ground-ball rate last year while still retaining his above-average contact rates. His translated defensive numbers continue to suggest that he’s an asset afield, as well. Through 48 plate appearances, he has recorded walk and strikeout rates of 6.3% and 10.4%, respectively, indicating that his control of the plate remains strong. https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-fringe-five-baseballs-most-compelling-fringe-prospects-104/ Weaknesses - Little power - At 28, he's not going to change much - Little upside - Should not play SS unless absolutely necessary - Success at Colorado Springs brings some of his numbers into question - Counsel might fall in love with him and give him way too many chances if he flops Conclusion In the end, Orf offers something that the Brewers have lacked at 2B (outside of Walker's short tenure last season) - stability. He is about as unsexy of a player there is. But if his bat could transition to the majors, he might be able to be a .270-280 hitter with an OBP of .340-.350. Add in solid defense, and he could be a stabilizing option at 2B for the Brewers. I also think this could help the overall infield defense. One thing about having lots of guys playing - it forces players to adjust constantly to the guy next to them. I realize these are professionals, and it isn't that big of deal, but players next to each other 140 times a year can develop a better feel for how things work from a defensive perspective. In the end, the best option would be to simply give Orf the 2B job if no on really steps up (unless a trade is made). He's never going to hit 20 HR or steal 30 bases or win a gold glove. But he might be able to provide a solid on base type bat at a position that has floundered the last few years.

I thought trying to get Patrick Corbin was a bad move. You just never know.

I'm assuming he won't clear as someone will pick him up. He is better than what some teams have out there and he is cheap. We'll see. A 31-year old guy with limited success isn't exactly a number one priority for teams. Heck, the Orioles didn't want him last year - so I'm not sure enticing he will be this year. However, the K-rate is good and he's had some success here and there - it only takes one team to find him of interest.

You're right. Logan is the classic LOOGY. We need to make sure he is used that way.

If you look at the 2018 prediction thread, lots and lots of people thought Hader would be an all star and/or be the Brewer pitcher of the year. Could people have said they thought Hader would not be good? Or maybe he wouldn't be considered an all star because he was a reliever? Sure. Hundreds of people post on this site - and there are lots of opinions. But I believe the majority of people felt that Hader was going to be a good player.

Josh Hader is on a pace to throw 97 innings and strike out 211 batters.

Assuming no one gets hurt or implodes, Taylor Williams probably gets bumped. Or maybe Suter. I know the club likes Suter, but with Jennings and Logan they have a pair of lefties right there. I happy for the depth we have. I like Lopez and Houser for the pen as well. And I really wish Woodruff would just get a chance in the rotation. It means we won't be overpaying for relievers at the all star break if we are in the hunt for a playoff spot.

I feel sad for The Drake. But I get over it pretty quick. An interesting player who may have some good years in him (or not). I just see an erratic guy who has limited upside. The key is we have better options.

Derek Johnson vs Darnell Coles? I'm putting my money on Coles in this fight. Coles is a former player - 14 years in the big leagues. He was a 20 HR guy - gotta be pretty strong. Not a huge guy in his day - but big enough (6' 1"). He still looks pretty lean and fit, even at 55. Johnson is eight years younger, but he didn't play pro ball and doesn't appear to be in that good of shape - especially not compared to Coles. He's got some bulk to him, but I'm guessing Coles is a lot quicker and stronger. In the end, Johnson appears as if he could absorb some damage, but Coles has the look of a guy who could avoid getting hit - and hit back pretty hard. Coles wins in a KO.

Good point. My bad.

I'm guessing it will be Drake since Suter can handle the lefty specialist chores - and Boone Logan will be back sooner than later. With his reverse splits, he's probably not needed. And let's be honest - who else goes? Option Suter or T. Williams? I hope not. The other option would be a position player. Cut Sogard perhaps. This leaves the back up SS job to Villar. Or option Santana. That would be drastic, but perhaps some time to clear his head in AAA would help him out. I don't know.

Obviously two different people and personalities with different problems, but Zach Braddock is the last sort-of-comparable that I can come up with. Have to give Zach credit as he did get to the majors. It's too bad it didn't last long because he seemed to have some real top-end talent. Braddock ended up living out of his car. I think there was some mental health issues going on with him, which is tough as he had the talent to be a big leaguer.

Yeah, this works really well. A lot of teams won't want Machado as a rental - but he works perfectly for the Dodgers. And LA has a deep farm system so they can make that kind of a deal.

Final: Birmingham 11, Biloxi 7 Seven-Run First Not Enough For Shuckers in Birmingham Biloxi Held Scoreless After Big First Inning By Garrett Greene / Biloxi Shuckers (Photo: Michael Krebs) Biloxi Box Score If games only lasted on inning, Biloxi would have had a great day. But that's not how things work and the Shuckers squandered a huge lead on Monday, losing 11-7 to the Birmingham Barons. Spotted a seven run lead, Adrian Houser was promptly rocked for nine hits and four runs in just two innings of work. Next up, Boone Logan. Unfortunately, Logan's rehab assignment did not go well. The left-hander gave up a hit and two walks - plus three runs - without getting anyone out. Logan also had a throwing error. Despite all that, Biloxi still had the lead when Kodi Medeiros entered the game in the bottom of the fourth with the bases loaded. But Medeiros didn't have much better luck, promptly walking in a run, then surrendering a grand slam. The Shuckers highlight was a seven run 1st inning, capped by Wendell Rijo's grand slam. But after that, the team's bats went silent and didn't score again. Batting Corey Ray: 2-4, 2B, BB Dylan Moore: 3-5 Wendell Rijo: 1-4, HR, 4 RBI Clint Coulter: 2-4 Pitching Adrian Houser: 2.0 IP, 9 hits, 4 ER, 0BB, 2K Brad Kuntz: 1.0 IP, 0 hits, 0 ER, 0BB, 1K Boone Logan: 0.0 IP, 1 hit, 3 ER, 2BB, 0K Kodi Medeiros: 5.0 IP, 8 hits, 4 ER, 1BB, 3K, Blown save, Lose Notes With two walks today, Troy Stokes Jr. now has 18 on the year - second in the Southern League. Former top prospect Clint Coulter has hit well since being brought up to AA. In 32 ABs at Biloxi, he has a .323 average. Biloxi Log Wendell Rijo's grand slam highlighted a seven run 1st inning. Biloxi Top of the 1st Corey Ray singles on a line drive to left fielder Jameson Fisher. Troy Stokes Jr. walks. Corey Ray to 2nd. Jake Hager doubles (10) on a fly ball to left fielder Jameson Fisher. Corey Ray scores. Troy Stokes Jr. to 3rd. Lucas Erceg reaches on a fielder's choice out, first baseman Keon Barnum to catcher Seby Zavala. Troy Stokes Jr. out at home. Jake Hager to 3rd. With Dylan Moore batting, wild pitch by Ian Clarkin, Lucas Erceg to 2nd. With Dylan Moore batting, wild pitch by Ian Clarkin, Jake Hager scores. Lucas Erceg to 3rd. Dylan Moore singles on a line drive to left fielder Jameson Fisher. Lucas Erceg scores. Blake Allemand flies out to left fielder Jameson Fisher. Clint Coulter singles on a line drive to center fielder Tito Polo. Dylan Moore to 3rd. With Dustin Houle batting, wild pitch by Ian Clarkin, Clint Coulter to 2nd. Dustin Houle walks. Wendell Rijo hits a grand slam (1) to left field. Dylan Moore scores. Clint Coulter scores. Dustin Houle scores. Corey Ray called out on strikes.

Wily Peralta pitched against Colorado Springs today. Got beat up. Wily is pitching out of the pen this year. 6.2 IP, 9 runs, 10 walks. 12.15 ERA.

Final: Biloxi 5, Birmingham 4 Shuckers Come Back To Beat Barons Three-Run Sixth and Griep's Save Set Up Rubber Match By Garrett Greene / Biloxi Shuckers (Photo: Michael Krebs) Biloxi Box Score Biloxi did just enough to get a win on Sunday afternoon, compiling 11 hits and a pair of walks in a 5-4 come-from-behind win over the Birmingham Barons. Zack Brown gave up two home runs (giving him 6 gopher balls on the year in 26.2 IP), but only one earned run to earn the win. Relievers Jon Olczak, Quinton Torres-Costa and Nate Griep would shut down the Barons for the final 3.2 innings to secure the win. Batting Dylan Moore: 2-4, 2B Dustin Houle: 2-4 Wendell Rijo: 2-4 Pitching Zack Brown: 5.1 IP, 7 hits, 1 ER, 1BB, 6K, Win Jon Olczak: 1.2 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 0BB, 2K Quintin Torres-Costa: 1.0 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 0BB, 1K Nate Griep: 1.0 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 0BB, 2K, Save Notes Griep got his 8th save of the year on Sunday. He had 30 last season at Carolina. Biloxi Log A three-run 6th put the Shuckers up for good, highlighted by doubles from Dylan Moore and Jake Hager. Biloxi Top of the 6th Troy Stokes Jr. singles on a soft fly ball to right fielder Eloy Jimenez. Lucas Erceg singles on a soft line drive to center fielder Tito Polo. Troy Stokes Jr. to 3rd. Jake Gatewood strikes out swinging. Pitching Change: Connor Walsh replaces Jordan Guerrero. Dylan Moore doubles (4) on a fly ball to left fielder Mason Robbins. Troy Stokes Jr. scores. Lucas Erceg to 3rd. Jake Hager doubles (9) on a line drive to left fielder Mason Robbins. Lucas Erceg scores. Dylan Moore scores. Clint Coulter grounds out, third baseman Matt Rose to first baseman Nick Basto. Dustin Houle grounds out, shortstop Danny Mendick to first baseman Nick Basto.

Final: Birmingham 4, Biloxi 2 Biloxi Bested Because of Four-RBI Night by Jimenez Shucker drop game three of series with Barons By Garrett Greene / Biloxi Shuckers (Photo: Michael Krebs) Biloxi Box Score Four hits and five walks doesn't cut it. That's all Biloxi could manage on Saturday in a 4-2 lose to Birmingham. The only runs they scored were due to a an error by the Barons. The highlight of the game was Nick Ramirez striking out six of the seven batters he faced. Batting Troy Stokes Jr. 1-2, 2BB Wendell Rijo: 1-3, B Pitching Wuilder Rodriguez: 5.0 IP, 7 hits, 4 ER, 1BB, 4K, Lose Nick Ramirez: 2.1 IP, 0 hits, 0 ER, 1BB, 6k Josh Uhen: 0.2 IP, 0 hits, 0 ER, 0BB, 1K Notes Wuilder Rodriguez started on Saturday, which is rare. He surrendered four runs in five innings. Rodriguez moved to the pen in 2017, and has produced much better numbers as a reliever the as a starter. Biloxi Log All the Shucker scoring came in the 5th inning - courtesy of an error. Biloxi Top of the 5th Jake Gatewood strikes out swinging. Jake Hager singles on a fly ball to center fielder Tito Polo. Clint Coulter walks. Jake Hager to 2nd. With Wendell Rijo batting, wild pitch by Jordan Stephens, Jake Hager to 3rd. Clint Coulter to 2nd. Wendell Rijo walks. Corey Ray strikes out swinging. Troy Stokes Jr. reaches on a fielding error by third baseman Matt Rose. Jake Hager scores. Clint Coulter scores. Wendell Rijo to 2nd. Lucas Erceg pops out to third baseman Matt Rose in foul territory.

I don't think that is out of line. By trading Machado in the near future, Baltimore would save around $12-13M. That is not insignificant - especially for a club that has some I remembered an article from late last year pinioning that Addison Russell for Machado would be a fair deal. Here it is: http://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/46311/why-cubs-should-make-addison-russell-for-manny-machado-blockbuster-deal I guess the big question is what is Arcia worth. His glove is good - and could be great - but his hitting is a bit iffy. Still real young - so you never really know. Will he develop a little pop in time? Or will he just be a free swinger type who'll never really hit that well? But hey, even if he's a 2.0-2.5 WAR guy - you're talking five years at that level - that's pretty good. In fact, I'd say that was probably just fine. However, elite players usually have a premium on their price tag. So if you have to, you add in Burnes and you have a really solid package. Baltimore wouldn't be getting superstar caliber players - but they'd be getting some nice value - and both players would fit into their future plans. The question is if someone else is willing to give up better. Honestly, Machado at SS would make our team really pretty awesome - at least this year. After that, we'd be kinda screwed at SS. One thing the club could do -- take on a contract as well. No, not Alex Cobb. But what about someone like Darren O'Day? Makes $9M this year and next. That's a lot - too much in my opinion - so by taking it back his salary you lessen the cost for Manny. And the guy could still help out in the pen this year and next. As I said, Machado would be a beast in our lineup. Right now, we have too many black holes in our offense - including SS. Machado would change that. PS - I'm not necessarily advocating for this trade. I'd hate to give up Arcia. To me, he's a critical part of the team for the next five years. And I hate 'going for it' when we just aren't that good. So this is just speculation on my part.