Matt Breen

i believe they left largely because of a sub par stadium. This was the primary reason. Some of the Rockies pitchers actually said playing in CS helped them become ready for Coors Field. Plus the hour drive between CS and Denver made logistics easy.

Sky Sox Pitching Powers Past Omaha 4-1 Sky Sox win series behind strong pitching and timely hitting. By Aaron Cheris / Colorado Springs Sky Sox Colorado Springs Box Score With a strong start from the newest Sky Sox pitcher and a scoreless night from the bullpen, the Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the Omaha Storm Chasers 4-1 at Werner Park on Wednesday night to win the series, taking three of four on the road. Making his first Triple-A appearance of the season, Sky Sox southpaw Wei-Chung Wang (0-0, 0.00) got off to a strong start. In both the first and second innings, he worked around a single to pitch scoreless frames to keep the Storm Chasers off the board. The Storm Chasers again got a two-out single in the third, but again they were denied as Wang picked Reymond Fuentes off first to end the inning. Omaha starter John Lannan (6-7, 4.29) also started off the game on the right foot. The Sky Sox got base hits in each of the first two innings, but Lannan didn't allow a run to score. In the third and fourth, he retried the Sky Sox in order to keep the game scoreless. In the fourth, Yadiel Rivera made a great barehanded play at shortstop to field a ground ball and throw out Whit Merrifield and prevent a base hit. Wang then retired the next two batters with strikeouts to keep the game scoreless going to the fifth. Omaha got on the board first against Wang in the bottom of the fifth as Orlando Calixte lined a single to left to score Tony Cruz with the first run of the game. The Sky Sox turned to the bullpen in the sixth, ending Wang's night. In his first game with the Sky Sox since last September, Wang pitched five innings, allowing just one unearned run on six hits while walking none and striking out five. The Sky Sox got even in the sixth. Rivera singled and advanced to third a couple batters later on a sacrifice bunt. Lewis Briinson tied the game with a sacrifice fly to center to score Rivera and even the score at one. In the bottom half, new reliever Sam Freeman got into trouble. After back-to-back singles started the inning, Jorge Bonifacio attempted to bunt the runners over, but Freeman pounced off the mound and fired to third to get the lead runner. After a walk loaded the bases, Freeman needed a big pitch to get out of trouble. He got what he needed, as Balbino Fuenmayor hit a soft ground ball back to Freeman, who threw to catcher Andrew Susac to get the out at the plate. Susac then fired to first to double off Fuenmayor to end the inning with the game still tied. Omaha went to the bullpen in the seventh, and the Sky Sox were quick to capitalize against reliever Brooks Pounders. Michael Reed and Eric Young Jr. waked to put runners on first and second with two outs. Brandon Macias came through with a double to center to score both Reed and Young Jr. to give the Sky Sox a 3-1 lead. David Goforth then came out of the bullpen and pitched a scoreless bottom half to keep the Sky Sox up a pair. In the eighth, Michael Kirkman allowed a leadoff single then was replaced by Ben Rowen. The Sky Sox submariner got through the inning by inducing three ground balls to leave a pair of runners on base going to the ninth. In the top of the ninth, Michael Reed crushed a solo home run, his seventh of the season, off reliever Clayton Mortensen to increase the Sky Sox lead to 4-1. In the bottom of the ninth, Damien Magnifico came in and pitched a scoreless inning to earn his third save of the series and 17th of the season. With his scoreless sixth inning, Freeman earned his second victory of the season for the Sky Sox. After an off day on Thursday, the Sky Sox will return home to battle the Albuquerque Isotopes in a four game series beginning on Friday night. Aaron Wilkerson (1-4, 6.00) is scheduled to get the start. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. MDT at Security Service Field. Colorado Springs Game Log Lewis Brinson didn’t get a hit for the first time since joining the Sky Sox. It snapped an 11-game hitting streak for Brinson.

It was pretty awesome. A little slower runner and they get the guy. But just amazing instincts.

Prospect Retrospective from John Sickels at minorleagueball.com. Fun read. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2016/8/10/12417302/prospect-retrospective-the-career-of-prince-fielder

Arcia looking good. I'm going to like his defense.

Regarding bringing Carlos back to Milwaukee - I normally don't like living in the past glories of former player. It rarely turns out well bringing back a guy. That said, Gomez is relatively young - only 30. If the team doesn't like what it sees in Broxton over the next couple of months or have plans for another guy (such as Brinson), I could see giving Gomez a look. If the club think he's healthy, offer him a low cost deal where Carlos knows he's going to get regular playing time. If he does well, we can flip him in a trade. If he doesn't, he's just keeping the spot warm for Phillips or Brinson anyhow. I certainly wouldn't pay him a lot, and I wouldn't promise him anything other than a chance to prove to the baseball world that he can still play. Other teams might offer the same thing, but he might like the comfort of Milwaukee. If not, no big deal. He's not a part of the future anyhow. He'd just be a babysitter for CF until our young guys are ready. And I certainly wouldn't sign him if the club wants to give Broxton a regular shot or if they want Phillips or Brinson to take the job by early 2017. No point in him holding anyone back.

Very tough to see. I think he just needs to get healthy and then find a situation where he can play regularly next year to regain some value.

This is totally correct. We get excited about new things - it happens every poll. Plus we often get taken with small sample sizes of data. If Lucas Erceg was hitting .250 it's highly questionable he'd be at #12. I look at Orimoloye - people went nuts for him after doing well in Arizona last year. The love wore off pretty quick after another 130 ABs and a .225 BA. I think Brinson would have been the #3 prospect except for his recent tear at AAA. You could even see it in the voting. The voting was opened on Monday, August 1. Brinson's rankings from voters gradually got better over the next week - which coincided with his excellent play at Colorado Springs. Of the first 12 voters, only one person had him ranked #2 or better. Of the last eight voters, all of them had him at #1 or #2 on their lists. So the new guy lit things up for a week and squeaked past Hader for the second spot.

My bad. I corrected. For some reason I was thinking they were teammates. I don't know who played CF next to Ray, but I'll assume he wasn't too bad. Thank you. I fixed. Lots of cutting and pasting going on. I missed updating that one. I'm sure there are a few others as well. It gets blurry after a while. You're welcome.

Reminds me of the horrible Lucille Ball statue someone put a few years ago. Just hideous. I think it got replaced recently. http://www.ew.com/sites/default/files/styles/tout_image_612x380/public/i/2015/04/06/lucille-ball-statue.jpg?itok=Rm4XU4nD

I told my son (age 16) about Prince last night. He has grown up with this wave of guys who are now wrapping up their careers - Sheets, Fielder, Hart, Weeks, etc. He said to me he'll never forget the game where the opposing team brought in their lefty specialist to face Prince - then boom. HR. Didn't remember the opponent or the season or whatever, but it was something that stuck with him.

Notes from this year's mid-season poll: - All opinions in the write ups are my own. - Statistics cited are often broken out between leagues, but sometimes I just combined things if I thought it was okay. Again, just my decision. - A lot of new players meant a lot of guys dropping in the polls. - 61 ballots was the most we have ever had - crushing the previous high of 36. I think it goes to show how interested people are about the minor league system - and (hopefully) the excitement that the young guys will eventually bring to Milwaukee. - We had a tie for 25th spot - Wang and Diaz - so both are included. - We had two players - Rivera and Liriano - go from the Top 25 to not receiving a single vote. This has never happened, if I recall correctly. And we almost had others - Houser and Cecchini as well. - Coulter and Taylor represent huge fails - both were former top 3 players. Taylor came within one point of Arcia for the top spot in the 2014 mid-season poll. - There's a lot of very young players on our list. I'll take that as a good sign.

The 2016 Mid-Season BF.net Community Top 25 is complete. We had amazing participation - 62 ballots - shattering the old record, which was 36. Thanks very much for everyone’s input. Orlando Arcia captured 45 of the 61 1st place votes as he nabbed the top spot again. He was followed by newcomer Lewis Brinson with 10 1st place votes, then Josh Hader with five 1st place votes. Brent Suter received the final top vote. Newcomers: Brinson, Ortiz, Bickford, Ray, Erceg, Woodruff, Peralta, Burnes, M. Diaz and Wang (re-entery) Exited the Top 25: Davies (graduated), Reed, Taylor, Coulter, Houser, Broxton, Rivera, Cecchini, Liriano Number of ballots: 61 Number of players on ballots: 55 Mr. Irrelevant (1 point): Rijo, Brown, DeMuth Risers: Woodruff (29 spots), Peralta (24 spots), Wang (8 spots), Diplan (8 spots) Fallers: Coulter (29 spots), Houser (27 spots), Cecchini (26 spots), Taylor (15 spots), Lopez (11 spots), Nottingham (11 spots), Medeiros (9 spots), Harrison (9 spots), Orimoloye (8 spots), Broxton (8 spots), D. Williams (7 spots), Phillips (7 spots), Reed (6 spots), Rivera and Liriano (dropped completely off the list) If you see any mistakes, please let me know. I will update as needed. We'll plan on doing a new list after the season.

#1 ( - ) Orlando Arcia, SS, Milwaukee Brewers, Age 22. .267 BA, .320 OBP, .723 OPS - AAA 1,495 Points (45 1st place votes) - 61 of 61 ballots Many expected Arcia to explode in hitter friendly Colorado Springs this year, but the young shortstop instead was just sort of ‘meh.’ All that is behind us now that Arcia has been promoted to the Big League club - likely for good. Expect him to be there a long time, even if there are some growing pains - particularly with the bat. Unless he goes into a catastrophic slump or is injured, expect this to be the last Prospect List for the talented Arcia. #2 ( new ) Lewis Brinson, CF, AAA Colorado Springs, Age 22. .254 BA, .295 OBP, .743 OPS, 12 HR - AA/AAA 1,424 Points (10 1st place votes) - 61 of 61 ballots Acquired in the deal for Lucroy, Brinson flashes true five-tool ability with superstar potential. After a brilliant 2015 campaign (31 doubles, 8 triples, 20 HR, .332 BA in 100 games), the rangy OF struggled through some injuries this year (shoulder strain) and the results have been middling (low walk rate and BA). On the plus side, Brinson has improved his strikeout rate and is still racking up extra base hits by the bushel. And his quick start at Colorado Springs has no doubt excited Brewer fans. Injuries have dogged Brinson over his short career, so it’s something to keep an eye on. #3 (+2 ) Josh Hader, LHP, AAA Colorado Springs, Age 22. 57 IP, 19 BB, 73 K, 0.95 ERA, 1.000 WHIP - AA 50 IP, 27 BB, 63 K, 5.40 ERA, 1.500 WHIP - AAA 1,415 Points (5 1st place votes) - 61 of 61 ballots After dominating at Biloxi, Hader has struggled with his control in Colorado Springs. He’s still striking out batters at a high rate, he’s just walking them too often as well. Hader sports a wicked fastball and slider, but needs to improve his other offerings - as well as his control. If he can do that, he has top of the rotation potential - something Milwaukee desperately would like to possess. #4 ( new ) Luis Ortiz, RHP, AA Biloxi, Age 20. 27.2 IP, 6 BB, 28 K, 2.60 ERA, 1.048 WHIP - A+ 42.2 IP, 8 BB, 37 K, 3.80 ERA, 1.312 WHIP - AA 1,292 Points - 61 of 61 ballots A key part of the Lucroy/Jeffress trade with Texas, Ortiz is a big (height and width wise) right hander with a plus fastball and slider and superior command. Still only 20 years old, Ortiz has displayed a mature approach to pitching that has allowed him to cruise through the lower minor leagues (even doing well in the notoriously hitter friendly High Desert). The main concerns for Ortiz are his conditioning, plus some nagging injuries that have dogged him since high school. #5 ( new ) Phil Bickford, RHP, A+ Brevard County, Age 21. 97.2 IP, 29 BB, 110 K, 2.76 ERA, 1.055 WHIP - A-/A+ 1,211 Points - 61 of 61 ballots Twice picked in the 1st round (2013 and 2015), Bickford was acquired for Will Smith at this year’s trade deadline. The tall right hander has mowed his way through the lower levels of the minors to the tune of a 2.62 ERA and 142 strikeouts in 120 innings - all the while not walking many batters. Radar guns have clocked Bickford’s fastball as high as 98 mph. A key for Bickford is maintaining good mechanics, which scouts say can at times get out of synch. #6 (+3 ) Isan Diaz, SS/2B, A- Wisconsin, Age 20. .280 BA, .363 OBP, .864 OPS, 18 HR - A+ 1,176 Points - 61 of 61 ballots Diaz was a tale of two players between 2014 and 2015. He hit .187 as a rookie, but then exploded last season to win MVP of the Pioneer League by hitting .360 with an OPS of 1.076. After a slow start in 2016, Diaz has started looking like the latter player. He leads the Midwest League in HRs and has bashed out more than 50 extra base hits already this year. He also is second in the league in walks. Diaz’s likely future is at 2B due to a pedestrian arm. BF.net readers have fallen in love with Diaz and bumped him up three spots in the polls - a tough thing to do with all the new talent the organization has acquired. #7 ( new ) Corey Ray, OF, A+ Brevard County, Age 21. .227 BA, .279 OBP, .598 OPS - A+ 1,150 Points - 61 of 61 ballots Milwaukee’s top pick in the 2016 draft (#5 overall) was aggressively placed at High A ball, and while the results thus far have been nothing special, the Brewers expect a lot from the talented Ray. The left-handed hitting outfielder sports an impressive all around set of skills, but doesn’t have one dominant tool that jumps out. Expect the Brewers to work Ray a lot in CF, a position he didn’t play in college. #8 ( -4 ) Trent Clark, OF, A- Wisconsin, Age 19. .245 BA, .357 OBP, .756 OPS - A+ 1,094 Points - 61 of 61 ballots The biggest issue for Clark in 2016 has been staying on the field. The Brewers top pick in 2015, Clark has missed time with various injuries, in particular hamstring issues. Those injuries have robbed him of some of his speed this year (only 1 SB this after 25 in 2015). Still, there’s a ton to love. Of his 35 hits, 16 have been for extra bases. Plus, he walks a ton (his career walk rate is over 15%), making him a potential on base machine. Clark has battled a high strike out rate since becoming a pro, perhaps a sign he’s being too patient at the plate. He has played mostly CF this year, but long term he is expected to move to LF due to a weak arm. #9 ( -7 ) Brett Phillips, CF, AA Biloxi, Age 22. .223 BA, .318 OBP, .712 OPS - A+ 1,090 Points - 61 of 61 ballots 2016 has been a disappointing year for Phillips with his batting average dropping into the .220s and his strike out rate north of 30%. On the positive side, the power Phillips flashed in the lower majors has re-emerged, and he’s taking walks (11.9%). Perhaps Phillips is worrying too much about hitting home runs, but whatever the reason, he’ll need to re-establish his hit tool (which may have been overpraised after his success in some hitter-friendly venues) going forward. His speed and powerful arm should play in CF or RF. #10 ( +8 ) Marcos Diplan, RHP, A+ Brevard County, Age 19. 70 IP, 32 BB, 89 K, 1.80 ERA, 1.157 WHIP - A- 25.1 IP, 13 BB, 23 K, 4.62 ERA, 1.62 WHIP - A+ 894 Points - 60 of 61 ballots The skinny teenager can bring the heat. Diplan was impressive in the first half of 2016, striking out 89 batters in just 70 IP at Wisconsin. A bump up to Brevard County has seen Diplan cool off, but people are taking note of his solid three pitch arsenal and improving fastball - as Diplan’s eight spot rise in our Top 25 attests. For Diplan, it’s about improving his control. Over his career, he’s walked 101 batters in 204.2 IP. He’s still only 19, but if he can continue to make strides expect big things from the young man. #11 ( -1 ) Cody Ponce, RHP, A+ Brevard County, Age 22. 50 IP, 10 BB, 51 K, 3.96 ERA, 1.24 WHIP - A+ 855 Points - 61 of 61 ballots Snagged in the 2nd round of the 2015 draft, Ponce has impressed with a solid arsenal of pitches and good control (only 19 walks in 101 IP for his career). Arm fatigue set Ponce back earlier this year, but he’s been slowly rounding into form. He has been a little inconsistent, but has flashed moments of brilliance as well. A big man (6’6” and 240 lbs), the Brewers see Ponce as a workhorse starter down the road. As and advanced college pitcher, don’t be surprised if Ponce is pushed hard by the organization as they move him up the ladder as well as try and build up his work load. #12 ( new ) Lucas Erceg, 3B, A- Wisconsin, Age 21. .400 BA, .452 OBP, 1.005 OPS - Helena .307 BA, .346 OBP, .866 OPS - A- 767 Points - 60 of 61 ballots Hitting .361 between the Pioneer and Midwest League, Erceg won over BF.net voters with his dynamic professional debut. Erceg was viewed a power bat coming out of college, and his 21 extra base hits in only 45 games are proving them right thus far. The Brewers hope the improved BA is a sign of things to come. With 12 errors already, Erceg will need to improve his fielding if he is going to stick at the hot corner, but if he can, Brewer fans no doubt see him as the club's 3B of the future. #13 ( +29 ) Brandon Woodruff, RHP, AA Biloxi, Age 23. 44.1 IP, 10 BB, 49 K, 1.83 ERA, 0.970 WHIP - A+ 81.2 IP, 22 BB, 88 K, 2.98 ERA, 1.053 WHIP - A+ 734 Points - 61 of 61 ballots Talk about getting everyone’s attention. The tall righty from Mississippi State has improved in just about every statical category that you can imagine. He’s lowered his walk rate, increased his strikeout rate, lowered his ERA and WHIP and kept the ball in the park - it’s added up to a breakthrough performance for Woodruff. Scouts are reporting Woodruff’s fastball clocking in as high as 98 mph. Fans have embraced his successful season, catapulting him into the 13th spot in our poll - up 29 slots from the pre-season poll. #14 ( -11) Jorge Lopez, RHP, AA Biloxi, Age 23. 94.1 IP, 64 BB, 86 K, 6.60 ERA, 1.97 WHIP - AA/AAA 650 Points - 57 of 61 ballots No player in the Brewers minor league system collapsed like Lopez has done this year. Lopez’s control abandoned him at AAA - 55 walks in 79 IP and batters just teed off on him. He is back at AA in an attempt to resurrect his season. For Lopez, it’s about righting the ship and getting back to the player he had emerged as last season. 2016 has been a nightmare, so we can only hope it is an anomaly. #15 ( -8 ) Gilbert Lara, SS, Helena, Age 18. .228 BA, .287 OBP, .589 OPS - Helena 628 Points - 58 of 61 ballots Milwaukee’s 2014 international bonus baby has all the tools to be a special player, but at only 18, he’s struggling to put thing together. In Lara’s defense, the Brewers have been very aggressive with his placement - and he may need to just slow down and let his game develop at his own pace. For now, Brewer fans are just going to have to be patient with the talented, but very raw, Lara. Expect Lara to be moved off SS in the near future. #16 ( +24 ) Freddy Peralta, RHP, A+ Brevard County, Age 20. 60 IP, 24 BB, 77 K, 2.85 ERA, 1.15 WHIP - A- 16.1 IP, 11 BB, 13 K, 4.41 ERA, 1.78 WHIP - A+ 552 Points - 60 of 61 ballots Acquired last winter in the Adam Lind deal, Peralta vaulted up the BF.net rankings after carving up hitters at Wisconsin, allowing only 45 hits in 60 IP while striking out 77. The outstanding performance led the Brewers to promote him to Brevard County. Peralta sports a good fastball and several other solid offerings. His command can leave him at times, but that’s not unusual for someone who just turned 20. #17 ( -11 ) Jacob Nottingham, C, AA Biloxi, Age 21. .231 BA, .293 OBP, .622 OPS - AA 551 Points - 60 of 61 ballots After a stellar 2015 season, the Brewers acquired Nottingham for OF Khris Davis. Although he just turned 21, the Crew moved Nottingham to AA where he has struggled with the bat in 2016. Scouts are mixed on Nottingham’s chances of remaining at catcher, but the Brewers will give him every chance to stay behind the plate as there is no certainty that his bat will play at 1B (the likely destination for Nottingham if he is moved). The poor season at the plate, plus some uncertainty about his ultimate position, caused Nottingham to drop significantly in the latest Top 25 poll. #18 ( -9 ) Kodi Medeiros, LHP, A+ Brevard County, Age 20. 76.1 IP, 51 BB, 60 K, 5.19 ERA, 1.86 WHIP - A+ 397 Points - 53 of 61 ballots With he move to the pitcher-friendly FSL, many though Medeiros would thrive with his electric fastball and wipeout slider. Instead his control has abandoned him resulting in gobs of walks and hits allowed. That has led to a deep plummet in the BF.net Top 25 poll. Like so many young pitchers, controlling his pitches is Medeiros’ challenge. If control continues to be an issue for Kodi, a move to the bullpen may be in his future. #19 ( -7 ) Devin Williams, RHP, A+ Brevard County, Age 20. 72.1 IP, 34 BB, 74 K, 3.61 ERA, 1.355 WHIP - A- 396 Points - 53 of 61 ballots I seem to write the same thing about Williams every year. He strikes out a batter an inning, limits HRs, posts solid, but not spectacular results, shows some control issues. The same has been true in 2016, as his numbers are similar to last season. Williams didn’t begin the season until mid-May due to a shoulder injury, but has progressed enough that he was recently bumped to Brevard County. A talented young man, Williams has all the tools to succeed - he just has to bring things altogether. #20 ( -9 ) Monte Harrison, OF, A- Wisconsin, Age 21. .216 BA, .287 OBP, 648 OPS - A- 318 Points - 50 of 61 ballots Harrison shook off a slow start this season (sub .200 BA in April/May), and caught fire in June, posting a .321 BA and hitting five HR. Unfortunately, he broke hamate bone in his left hand and was sidelined (he is scheduled to return to action this month). A raw and talented player, Harrison tantalizes with his athletic skills. The most important thing for him is to simply stay on the diamond and refine his game. Unfortunately, injuries have cost him significant parts of 2015 and 2016. #21 ( -1 ) Jake Gatewood, 3B, A- Wisconsin, Age 20. .241 BA, .264 OBP, 649 OPS - A- 292 Points - 51 of 61 ballots Jake Gatewood is a work in progress. A tall kid with plus power, he’s worked hard to adjust to the pro game. The results have been mixed, but the Brewers are willing to be patient with Gatewood. While his numbers aren’t anything special, he is 10th in the HRs in the Midwest League while he ranks 11th in doubles. In addition to working on his hit tool, Gatewood will need to improve his walk rate, which fell this season. #22 ( new ) Corbin Burnes, RHP, A- Wisconsin, Age 21 27 IP, 11 BB, 30 K, 1.67 ERA, 1.07 WHIP - A-/A+ 225 Points - 42 of 61 ballots Burnes surprisingly fell to the Brewers in the 4th round of this year’s draft. A college pitcher, he has quickly acclimated himself to pro ball, his exceptional fastball eating up hitters at Wisconsin and Brevard County (small sample size alert). Scouts say Burnes will need to keep working on his secondary pitches as he moves forward, but they like his fastball/slider combo. #23 ( -8 ) Demi Orimoloye, OF, Helena, Age 19. .225 BA, .305 OBP, .631 OPS - Helena 215 Points - 42 of 61 ballots After a nice debut last year in Arizona, Orimoloye has found Helena a little more difficult with his power and batting average falling significantly. On the plus side, Orimoloye has greatly improved his walk rate (from a paltry 2.1% in 2015 to 9.9% this season). And we can’t forget that the man is still very young and very raw. He has great physical tools, but Orimoloye will need time to refine his hitting, so we will need to be patient. #24 (-5 ) Nathan Kirby, LHP, IR, Age 22. 191 Points - 36 of 61 ballots Recovering from TJ surgery, Kirby has been sidelined all of 2016. Expect him back in 2017. With the infusion of arms into the system, the Brewers will not need to rush the talented lefty. Kirby was the 40th overall selection in the 2015 draft. #25 (tie) ( +2 ) Miguel Diaz, RHP, A- Wisconsin, RHP, Age 21. 78.2 IP, 25 BB, 74 K, 3.66 ERA, 1.118 WHIP - A- 99 Points - 26 of 61 ballots Welcome to the Top 25, Mr. Diaz! After showing glimpses of dominance in Rookie ball, Diaz has had a solid first year at full season Wisconsin. He’s struck out almost a batter per inning and limited baserunners. Diaz has a plus fastball and an emerging slider, however he’ll likely need to develop his other pitches if he is to stay as a starter. #25 (tie) ( +8 ) Wei-Chung Wang, LHP, AAA Colorado Springs, Age 23. 107.1 IP, 33 BB, 93 K, 6.65 ERA, 1.258 WHIP - AA/AAA 99 Points - 16 of 61 ballots Since his disastrous season in Milwaukee in 2014, former Rule 5 pick up Wang has slowly and steadily moved up the minor league ladder, providing a solid, consistent performance at each stop. His numbers aren’t particularly sexy, but if he can continue his development, he’ll be back in Milwaukee at some point. Wang was promoted to Colorado Springs on August 9. The Rest: Brent Suter - 93 points Michael Reed - 84 Keon Broxton - 60 Jon Perrin - 57 Tyrone Taylor - 53 Braden Webb - 46 Jacob Barnes - 29 Mario Feliciano - 24 Kyle Wren - 23 Joantgel Segovia - 22 Garrett Cooper - 19 Troy Stokes - 17 Chad McClanahan - 14 Mitch Ghelfi - 12 Clint Coulter - 10 Jorge Ortega - 9 Damien Magnifico - 8 Taylor Williams - 6 Angel Ventura - 6 Aaron Wilkerson - 5 Adrian Houser - 3 Franly Mallen - 3 Garin Cecchini - 3 Nate Orf - 3 Jordan Yamamoto - 2 David Denson - 2 Dustin DeMuth - 1 Zac Brown - 1 Wendell Rijo - 1 All statistics and the players ages are as of August 10, 2016. Here’s a link to the voting thread: viewtopic.php?f=64&t=34367

Burgos Baffles Omaha Bats in 3-1 Win Pinto home run, strong bullpen, back strong Burgos start. By Aaron Cheris / Colorado Springs Sky Sox Colorado Springs Box Score Behind a strong start from one of their veterans, the Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the Omaha Storm Chasers 3-1 at Werner Park on Tuesday night. Sky Sox starter Hiram Burgos (6-9, 4.97) pitched six brilliant innings, allowing just one run on five hits while walking three and striking out six to earn his sixth win of the season. Both teams got off to a nearly identical start. With one out in the first, Nate Orf doubled off Omaha starter Christian Binford (2-10, 5.59). The next batter, Lewis Brinson, lined into an unassisted double play to second baseman Ramon Torres, who doubled Orf off second to end the inning. In the bottom half, Reymond Fuentes doubled with one out against Burgos. But the next batter, Jorge Bonifacio hit a line drive right back to Burgos, who made the catch and threw to Orf at second to double off Fuentes to end the inning. In the third, the Sky Sox loaded the bases with three walks and Kyle Wren coming to the plate. Wren grounded into a double play off Binford, but Michael Reed came home to score the game's first run. Omaha answered with a run in the bottom half off Burgos as Whit Merrifield hit a two-out double to score Parker Morin and even the score at one after three. The Sky Sox were quick to respond in the fourth as Josmil Pinto crushed a two-out solo home run, his eighth of the season, to give the Sky Sox a 2-1 lead. The Sky Sox extended the lead in the fifth as Reed reached on an error, then a bunt from Eric Young Jr. was misplayed for another error, allowing Reed to score and give the Sky Sox a 3-1 lead after five. In the bottom of the fifth, Burgos worked around a Fuentes single to pitch another scoreless inning. He did the same in the sixth by retiring the side in order, including a strikeout of Orlando Calixte to end the inning with the Sky Sox still up a pair. The Sky Sox turned to the bullpen in the seventh, ending Burgos' night. Tyler Cravy entered for Colorado Springs in the seventh and worked around a pair of runners to pitch a scoreless inning to keep the Sky Sox up a pair after seven. In the eighth, Cravy struck out the side in order in a dominant frame to send the game to the ninth. Closer Damien Magnifico entered for the Sky Sox in the ninth and struck out two in a scoreless inning to finish the win and earn his 16th save of the season. Offensively, Brinson recorded a pair of hits to extend his hitting streak to eight games since joining the Sky Sox last week. In the series finale on Wednesday night, Wei-Chung Wang (NR) will get the start in his first appearance for the Sky Sox this season. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. MDT at Werner Park. Colorado Springs Game Log Lewis Brinson stays hot with two more hits. He’s now hitting .455 since coming to Milwaukee. 25-year old Damien Magnifico has had a solid season at AAA. His save tonight was his 16th in 19 tries. He still struggles with his control, but his ERA is a respectable 3.29. He should get a shot at the big league club, if not this September, then next year.

Sky Sox Offense Struggles In 3-1 Loss Sky Sox produce just four hits in loss in Omaha. By Aaron Cheris / Colorado Springs Sky Sox Colorado Springs Box Score The Colorado Springs Sky Sox offense scored first, but could muster little after that as they fell to the Omaha Storm Chasers 3-1 on Monday night at Werner Park. The game got off to a tough start for the Sky Sox. In the first inning, a pitch from Omaha starter Jake Junis (1-0, 1.29) came up high and hit Sky Sox first baseman Garrett Cooper. After being looked at by the Sky Sox trainer, Cooper walked off the field under his own power. Brandon Macias pinch-ran for Cooper and remained in the game. Leading off the third inning, Yadiel Rivera crushed the first pitch he saw from Junis over the left field wall for a solo home run, his second of the season, to give the Sky Sox a 1-0 lead. In the bottom half, the Storm Chasers got even against Sky Sox starter Josh Hader (0-4, 5.40). With runners on second and third with one out, Reymond Fuentes hit a sacrifice fly to center field to score Dusty Coleman to tie the game at one. Ramon Torres led off the fifth with a double against Hader. After moving to third on a sacrifice bunt, Torres came home to score on a sacrifice fly from White Merrifield to give Omaha a 2-1 lead after five. With two outs in the sixth, Lewis Brinson singled to center to extend his Sky Sox hitting streak to seven games since joining the club following his trade from the Texas Rangers. Unfortunately for the Sky Sox, Brinson was caught stealing to end the inning one batter later. Omaha added another run in the sixth off Hader as Hunter Dozier doubled off the left field wall to score Jorge Bonifacio and extend the Storm Chasers lead to 3-1. Later in the inning, Tim Dillard came out of the Sky Sox bullpen with one out and runners on base and retired the only two batters he faced to end the inning. Hader finished his start with three earned runs against on four hits while walking four and striking out six in five and one third innings pitched. He suffered his fourth loss of the season. In the seventh, Ben Rowen entered for the Sky Sox and pitched a scoreless inning in his Sky Sox debut to keep his new team within a pair of runs. Austin Ross came out of the bullpen in the eighth and did the same to keep the Omaha lead at 3-1 going to the ninth inning. For Omaha, Junis pitched seven innings, and relievers Kevin McCarthy and Malcolm Culver came on to pitch the final two innings to finish the victory. Junis earned his first win of the season and Culver earned his fifth save of the year in the win. In game three of the series on Tuesday night, Hiram Burgos (5-9, 5.16) is scheduled to start for the Sky Sox against Christian Binford (2-9, 5.79) First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. MDT at Werner Park. Colorado Springs Game Log The Sky Sox were caught all three times they tried stealing bases on Monday. Hader threw 96 pitches in only 5.1 innings and we can't blame the Colorado air since the game was in Omaha. In all, Hader gave up three runs while walking four and surrendering four hits. Lewis Brinson has a hit in every game since coming to the Sky Sox. He is hitting .448. He has a 10 game hitting streak dating back to his time in AA with the Rangers.

Thanks for all the votes, everyone. No more lists will be allowed and no edits allowed going further. I'll post a new Top 25 once all the votes are tabulated. Should be in a few days. Thanks again for all the participation.

Last day to get in lists. We have over 50 submissions - by far the most ever. It usually takes a few days to get everything together, but we'll publish as soon as everything is set. Thanks again to everyone for participating.

Suter Stifles Storm Chasers In 3-0 Win Sky Sox allow just three hits to take opener in Omaha. By Aaron Cheris / Colorado Springs Sky Sox Colorado Springs Box Score Behind a dominant start from their ace, the Colorado Springs Sky Sox started their road trip with a 3-0 win over the Omaha Storm Chasers on Sunday night in front of 7,121 at Werner Park. In his best start of the season, Sky Sox southpaw Brent Suter (6-5, 3.07) pitched seven and two thirds scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while walking none and striking out one to earn his sixth win of the season. Both pitchers got a little help from their defenses early. In the second, both the Sky Sox and Storm Chasers grounded into double plays in an inning that saw both teams get base runners, but no runs. The Sky Sox broke through against Omaha starter Mike Minor (0-3, 5.84) in the third. After Michael Reed led off with a walk, Garin Cecchini singled to advance Reed to third. After falling behind 0-2, Yadiel Rivera singled to left on the ninth pitch of his at-bat to score Reed from third with the game's first run. From the start of the game, Suter was at the top of his game. He retired the side in order in the first, and then got through the second with the double play. After the Sky Sox took the lead in the third, Suter got stronger on the mound. The Sky Sox southpaw retired all nine batters he faced between the third and fifth innings to keep Colorado Springs up 1-0. Minor was pulled for a reliever in the fifth. The Omaha lefty pitched four and a third innings, allowing one earned run on three hits while walking three and striking out four. Minor suffered his third loss of the season. In the sixth, Suter again set down the side in order, with more help from his defense. With one out, Parker Morin hit a deep fly ball to right-center. Reed and center fielder Lewis Brinson gave chase, and it was Brinson who hustled over to make the catch to save a hit in what proved to be another scoreless inning. The Sky Sox loaded the bases with one out in the seventh off reliever Luke Farrell, but they could not score as Farrell retired Cecchini and Rivera to end the frame. In the bottom half, Suter kept the Sky Sox in front by retiring the side on just nine pitches. After leaving the bases loaded in the seventh, the Sky Sox didn't falter offensively in the eighth. After Nate Orf drew a one-out walk, Lewis Brinson doubled down the right field line to extend his Sky Sox hitting streak to six games. Right fielder Jorge Bonifacio had trouble with the ball in right, allowing Orf to score on an error and give the Sky Sox a 2-0 lead. The Storm Chasers put a pair of runners on base against Suter in the eighth. The Sky Sox went to the bullpen with two outs and two on. Closer Damien Magnifico entered to pitch to Tony Cruz. On three pitches, Magnifico struck out Cruz looking to end the inning. In the ninth, Josmil Pinto led off with a solo home run, his seventh of the season, to increase the Sky Sox lead to 3-0 going to the bottom half. In the bottom half, Magnifico returned to the mound and retired the side in order to earn his 15th save of the season. In game two of the series, Josh Hader (0-3, 5.44) is scheduled to get the start on the mound for the Sky Sox. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. MDT at Werner Park. Colorado Springs Game Log

Rain, Sounds Silence Sky Sox 5-2 Sky Sox fall in finale as rain shortens game. By Aaron Cheris / Colorado Springs Sky Sox Colorado Springs Box Score Sky Sox starting pitcher Aaron Wilkerson was roughed up on Saturday night in Colorado Springs in a game shortened by rain. Wilkerson gave up five runs on 12 hits in 5.2 IP. He didn’t walk anyone, but the 12 hits did the damage. The game was called due to rain in the bottom of the sixth with the Nashville Sounds winning 5-2. Offensively, the Sky Sox were stifled by the Sounds pitchers, who surrender two runs on only five hits and no walks. The lone highlight for Colorado Springs was Michael Reed hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth. Reed’s HR was his sixth of the year, and established a career high for the 23-year old outfielder. Former Brewer Colin Walsh had two doubles and drove in two runs for the Sounds. Colorado Springs Game Log

Game day says 5-5 with a walk.

I've said this before , but I would appreciate it if people would vote according to the criteria established. That means if a person is eligible (or ineligible), they should be considered for the poll. If we have people deciding they don't want to include players for a specific reason, it really does skew things - and not in a good way. Thank you.

Sky Sox Suffer 12-7 Defeat To Sounds Slugfest goes Nashville's way as Sky Sox bullpen struggles. By Aaron Cheris / Colorado Springs Sky Sox Colorado Springs Box Score Colorado lived up to its reputation as a hitter’s park on Friday. Sky Sox pitchers surrendered 12 runs on 11 hits and gave eight walks in an ugly lose to the Nashville Sounds. Wily Peralta, Tyler Cravy and Sam Freeman were each roughed up in the defeat. Offensively the Sky Sox scored seven runs, with Kyle Wren, Lewis Brinson, and Josmil Pinto each having a pair of hits, with Pinto hitting an HR and Wren driving in three runs. Both of Brinson’s hits were doubles. Colorado Springs Game Log

Miller Park is the 3rd most HR friendly park according the ESPN Park Factors: http://www.espn.com/mlb/stats/parkfactor/_/sort/HRFactor It's slightly above average for runs scored, but the HR thing is still quite high.

I agree that picking 10 or 12 or wherever isn't a bad thing. It means guys like Davies and Guerra and so forth are doing good. That's the point of playing right now - determining who's part of the future. If guys do good, the future gets that much more in focus. I'll happily swap a few draft slots for identifying pieces of our next winning club.