MassBrew

To be eligible, players on Minor League disabled lists must be activated at least 45 days before the conclusion of their respective seasons. Diggins and Moss almost definitely would not qualify under this rule.

We've heard some rumblings and speculation that because Brad Nelson is projected to be an Arizona Fall League participant, then that must mean he will be an August call-up to AA Huntsville. But here's a reminder about AFL eligibility: The eligibility rules to play in the AFL are simple. The roster size is 30 players per team. Each Major League organization is required to provide six players subject to the following requirements: All Triple-A and Double-A players are eligible, provided the players are on at least a Double-A level roster no later than Aug. 1. One player below the Double-A level is allowed per Major League team. One foreign player is allowed, as long as the player does not reside in a country that participates in winter ball, as part of the Caribbean Confederation or the Australian winter league. No players with more than one year of credited Major League service as of August 31 are eligible, except a team may select one player picked in the most recently concluded Major League Rule 5 Draft. To be eligible, players on Minor League disabled lists must be activated at least 45 days before the conclusion of their respective seasons. So unless the Brewers have another player below AA in mind as well, it's not a lock that Nelson will see Huntsville later this summer. Regarding his time in LF, we'll remind you that in high school Nelson mostly pitched, and was basically a utility infielder when he wasn't on the mound; the first time he was ever in the outfield was a handful of games this past spring in Maryvale.

Friday's Daily Menu : All times Central; pitchers subject to change; pre-game audio begins approx. 15 minutes prior to game time listed... INDIANAPOLIS: LHP Derek Lee vs. Norfolk (Mets), 7:00 PM; Jason Conti's cycle last night was the first in the International League this year, and a Norfolk player nearly had one as well, tagged out by a hair Audio link: www.newstalk1430.com/ HUNTSVILE: Hey, remember the Stars? RHP Pedro Liriano and RHP Ben Hendrickson in a doubleheader at Tennessee (Cardinals), featuring former Star Bucky Jacobsen, 5:15 PM; Liriano just has to pitch in better luck tonight -- that means offensive and defensive support (and better weather would be nice) Audio link: espn1450.com/ HIGH DESERT: RHP David Nolasco at home vs. Rancho Cucamonga (Angels), 9:05 PM, as the Mavs look to build some momentum Audio link: www.hdmavs.com/listen_live.htm BELOIT: The Snappers host Burlington (Royals) at 7:00 PM -- fireworks tonight for you locals; matchup info says "TBA", but if rotation form holds, it'll be RHP Luis Pena toeing the rubber tonight -- our first "towing the rubber" comment this season http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif Audio link (opponent's): www.gobees.com/audio.html HELENA: RHP Judd Richardson at home vs. Great Falls (White Sox), 8:00 PM; very sorry to report again there appears to be no audio available for this series ARIZONA: The Brewers travel to Oakland's complex; Hawaii's own RHP Hubert Pruett should be warming up as we type this, 10:30 AM Central

From the July 11th Daily Press in Victorville, CA: Candelaria's defense improving through experience By MICHAEL ROTHSTEIN/Staff Writer SAN BERNARDINO ? Six times, Scott Candelaria had a ball hit to him on Wednesday night. Six times, the third baseman retired the Inland Empire batter. He highlighted a two-night defensive surge for High Desert, along with Ralph Santana's spectacular inside-the-glove toss to Brad Nelson against the 66ers on Tuesday. "This team is a good defensive team," Candelaria said. "We just haven't been able to score enough runs to put that defense to work to make it a factor in a close game." High Desert had committed 100 errors in 88 games entering Thursday's finale against Inland Empire. During Candelaria's defensive night Wednesday, he snared a line drive from Greg Jacobs in the first inning and quickly threw the ball to first baseman Froilan Villanueva to nab Dustin Delucchi and end the first inning with a double play. Candelaria also has the fourth-highest batting average on High Desert (.296) and had seven errors entering Thursday. "I'm trying to work on defense a lot being a utility player," Candelaria said. "I've got to be able to play other positions other than first base and third base. I need to learn to play outfield. "It's been part of my focus this year." Part of High Desert's solid defensive output may stem from the 19 games the Mavericks have played against Inland Empire. High Desert has faced only one team more than that ? Lake Elsinore (24 times). High Desert will have faced Inland Empire 24 times by Sept. 1. This leads to sharper instincts with the players. "We've played these guys enough to where we know where they hit the ball," High Desert Manager Tim Blackwell said. "(Candelaria) is paying attention."

Daily Press High Desert Game Story: Fine account as usual, quotes and more... www.vvdailypress.com/cgi-...524,81848,

Helena OF Manuel Melo is recovered from his slight groin strain, and was activated from the Brewer disabled list for Thursday's game, going 2-for-5 and stealing a base. Helena RHP Todd Gelatka was released Thursday. The Brewers 28th round pick in 2000, the soon-to-be 22-year-old Gelatka appeared in only six games in three seasons (three this year). Not sure if he recently encountered additional injury issues, or simply became a victim of a numbers' crunch. Rehabbing Helena LHP Eric Henderson is on his way to High Desert! The 2000 draft 4th round selection will be 24 in September. Off to a very strong start against the Pioneer League kids, he'll get a chance to "catch up" in the system and pitch at the high-A level. If Henderson is truly over prior injury issues, this is one of the bigger roster moves for the Mavericks' benefit of the season thus far. We imagine Tim Blackwell will plug him into the High Desert rotation. No word yet on any accompanying moves.

Indianapolis Star Game Story: Cecil Cooper names a new closer... www.indystar.com/print/ar...5-036.html

Helena 11, Cedar Rapids (White Sox) 8 Here's to your first-place Brewers! Helena Site Game Notes: Brewers Bang Out 16 Hits To Take Sole Control of FirstThe hit parade in Helena continued as the Brewers downed Great Falls for the second straight night at Kindrick Legion Field. Once again the Brew Crew drove the Sox starter from the game early; getting to Matt Nachreiner for five runs in one and two thirds innings. Robby Deevers continued his hot streak going 4/5 for the second straight night. Drew Anderson put up some numbers of his own going 3/5 with four RBI. Lou Palmisano extended his hitting streak to 13, while the rest of Eddie Sedar's squad continued it's running ways, stealing four more bases this evening. Simon Beresford picked up his first win of the season. Beresford pitched three innings of relief giving up one run. Dana Eveland came in to close it out pitching the final two and two thrids innings to record his team leading sixth save. Helena is now 16-0 when leading after eight. Be sure to come out tommorow night as Helena goes for the sweep against Great Falls first pitch 7 p.m. (8:00 Central), gates open at 6 with baseballs to the first 600 fans courtesy of KCAP, KTVH and the National Forest. Be sure to get there early as Brewers players will be signing autographs prior to the game. I'm on my way! http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif Helena Independent Record Game Story: By TOM COTTON - IR Sports Editor - 07/11/03 For the first time since June 25, the Helena Brewers are in sole possession of first place in the Pioneer League's North Division. Drew Anderson drove in four runs and Robbie Deevers was 4-for-5 at the plate as Helena downed Great Falls Thursday night 11-8 at Kindrick-Legion Field. Great Falls had owned a one-game lead over Helena when the three-game series started Wednesday night, but Helena has now won two games in a row over the White Sox. The two wins have given the Brewers a one-game lead in the division. A big reason for the two wins has been the red-hot Helena offense. The Brewers have had double-digit hit totals in eight straight games. They have pounded out 19 runs in the two wins over great Falls. Helena's offense came to life early in Thursday's game. The Brewers scored one run in the first, when Guilder Rodriguez came home on a wild pitch from Matt Nachreiner. Nachreiner failed to cover home plate on the pitch and Rodriguez easily was safe at home. Helena put up four more runs in the second. Anderson delivered a 2-RBI single in the inning and Justin Barnes picked up a RBI double. Once again a wild pitch hurt Great Falls. This time Barnes came home when Mike Moat unloaded a pitch that was too hard for Great Falls catcher Matt Deuchler to handle. Great Falls would cut the lead to 5-3, but Helena tacked on three more runs in the fifth, when Rodriguez delivered a RBI single and Terry Trofholz smacked an RBI double. Deevers also had a double in the inning and would come home to score. The White Sox made things interesting in the sixth, when Antoin Gray blasted a 3-run home run in th sixth over the left-field wall. That blast cut the Helena lead to 8-6, but the Brewers scored a run in the sixth and two more in the seventh to essentially put the game out of reach. Dana Eveland came in in the seventh and picked up his sixth save in the season. He was second in the Pioneer League in saves coming into the game. He allowed a two-run home run by Brandon Bounds in the ninth. Those two runs were just the third and fourth runs he has allowed all season. Helena and Great Falls finish up their three-game series tonight. Judd Richardson is set to go for Helena against Boone Logan for Great Falls. The Brewers then will host Missoula for a three game set starting Saturday. Game note: Helena catcher Lou Palmisano extended his hitting streak to 13 games Thursday night. Great Falls' Ricardo Nanita has hit in 20-straight games. The Pioneer League record is 27. Helena Box Score: College OF 2003 selections Trofholz (22nd round), Anderson (24th), and Deevers (30th) are all producing -- nice to see, if you're an OF in this Milwaukee system and you perform, there's plenty of room for you to grow... GAME DATE: 7/10/03 GREAT FALLS 8 AT HELENA 11 YTD YTD GREAT FALLS AB R H BI AVG HELENA AB R H BI AVG A.Gray 3B 4 1 1 4 .324 G.Rodriguez 2B 2 2 1 1 .254 R.Nanita RF 5 0 2 1 .410 T.Trofholz CF 5 1 2 1 .308 B.Anderson CF 3 1 1 0 .388 D.Anderson DH 5 0 3 4 .310 B.Bounds 1B 5 2 2 2 .375 L.Palmisano CAT 2 1 1 0 .394 M.Deuchler CAT 2 0 0 0 .406 B.Whitney 1B 5 0 1 1 .360 C.King LF 5 0 1 0 .231 R.Deevers RF 5 2 4 0 .377 C.Lee DH 4 2 3 1 .455 J.Barnes 3B 4 1 1 1 .271 C.Kelly PR 0 0 0 0 .188 M.Melo LF 5 2 2 0 .333 C.Haggerty 2B 5 1 1 0 .306 A.Septimo SS 4 2 1 0 .245 M.Myers SS 5 1 2 0 .311 D.Grybash PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 M.Nachreiner PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 S.Beresford PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 M.Moat PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 M.Stetter PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 S.Thompson PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 D.Eveland PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 P.Moviel PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 R.Surratt PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 TOTALS 38 8 13 8 TOTALS 37 11 16 8 GREAT FALLS 0 1 1 1 0 3 0 0 2- 8 13 2 HELENA 1 4 0 0 3 1 2 0 X-11 16 2 E--C.Haggerty, P.Moviel, J.Barnes 2. DP--GREAT FALLS 2, HELENA 0. LOB--GREAT FALLS 10, HELENA 10. 2B--T.Trofholz (4), B.Whitney (6), R.Deevers (4), J.Barnes (4). HR--A.Gray (1), B.Bounds (4). SB-- G.Rodriguez 2 (9), T.Trofholz (6), M.Melo (3). CS--R.Nanita. HBP-- L.Palmisano. SF--A.Gray, C.Lee. SH--G.Rodriguez. YTD IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA GREAT FALLS M.Nachreiner (L,2-2) 1.2 4 5 5 3 3 0 9.75 M.Moat 2.2 4 2 1 1 3 0 4.26 S.Thompson 0.2 3 1 1 0 0 0 5.40 P.Moviel 2.0 4 3 2 1 1 0 7.20 R.Surratt 1.0 1 0 0 1 0 0 3.68 HELENA D.Grybash 2.2 4 2 1 3 1 0 1.84 S.Beresford (W,1-1) 3.0 4 4 1 0 3 1 5.00 M.Stetter 0.2 0 0 0 2 2 0 6.43 D.Eveland (S,6) 2.2 5 2 2 0 3 1 2.53 HB--M.Nachreiner. WP--M.Nachreiner 2, P.Moviel, S.Beresford. PB-- M.Deuchler, L.Palmisano. SO--A.Gray, R.Nanita, B.Bounds, C.King 2, C.Haggerty 4, T.Trofholz 2, B.Whitney 2, R.Deevers, J.Barnes, A.Septimo. BB--B.Anderson 2, M.Deuchler 3, G.Rodriguez 2, L.Palmisano 2, J.Barnes, A.Septimo. T--3:04. A--1791

High Desert 7, Inland Empire (Mariners) 6 Our concept of giving the Mavs some "audio love" worked! Regardless of a team's record, if you have a fantastic contest to work with, the game itself can provide a tremendous baseball experience; good for the Mavs -- we hope the music was blasting and the bus was rocking afterwards... High Desert Site Game Summary: Mavs End Longest Skid of YearSAN BERNARDINO, CA - The longest losing streak since a 12-game skid in 2000 came to an end for the High Desert Mavericks on Thursday night in San Bernardino. The Mavs capped an exciting series with a 7-6 come-from-behind victory over the Inland Empire 66ers at Arrowhead Credit Union Park, ending the Mavericks' nine-game losing streak. Pinch hitter Jeremy Frost's RBI single in the eighth inning, brought home Brad Nelson as the Mavs took a 5-4 lead. After adding two insurance runs, Tony Stavros and Justin Backsmeyer combined for the win and the save respectively by working the final 2.1 innings of relief. Trailing 4-1 in the fifth, High Desert picked up a run on Chris Morris' second RBI single, knocking in Ralph Santana, who opened the inning with a triple. The Mavs tied the game at 4-4 in the seventh, scoring twice. Jason Belcher's RBI single made it 4-3, scoring Morris who walked earlier in the frame. Belcher scored on a wild pitch from reliever Ryan Rowland-Smith (0-1), tying the game at 4-4. The Mavs took the lead for good, scoring three times in the eighth. Nelson and Scott Candelaria opened the inning with back-to-back singles. With one out, Frost delivered the biggest hit in the last 10 games, knocking in Nelson from second with a line drive single to left. After Santana singled, he and Frost would both score on Morris' two-run triple to right field, making it 7-4. Morris had three hits and four RBIs to lead the Mavs offense, which picked up 14 base hits on the night. Stavros (2-2), who struck out John Castellano with a man on to end the seventh, planted awkwardly on a ground ball hit to first baseman Froilan Villanueva while covering the bag. After Stavros left with what was later diagnosed as a sprained left knee, Backsmeyer came out of the bullpen. Backsmeyer walked Cristian Guerrero and allowed a single to Chris Collins to load the bases with the Mavs leading 7-4. After two runs scored on a Mavs error, Backsmeyer got pinch hitter Blake Bone to ground into a double play to end the inning. Backsmeyer retired the first two hitters in the ninth but walked Greg Jacobs, bringing the winning run to the plate. John Castellano, who hit a two-run shot in the fourth inning off Mavs starter Jeff Hundley, struck out swinging to end the ninth, giving Backsmeyer his third save of the year. Hundley pitched well in his first start this year, working three hitless innings before allowing four in the fourth. The win for the Mavs puts their second-half record at 4-15 and overall at 29-60. The Mavs welcome Rancho Cucamonga to Mavericks Stadium on Friday night, as they begin a three-game series. David Nolasco (2-4) goes for the Mavs, while the Quakes counter with Jake Woods at 7:05 (9:05 Central). High Desert Box Score: GAME DATE: 7/10/03 HIGH DESERT 7 AT INLAND EMPIRE 6 YTD YTD HIGH DESERT AB R H BI AVG INLAND EMPIRE AB R H BI AVG J.Belcher RF 5 1 1 1 .324 D.Delucchi CF 4 0 1 0 .328 F.Villanueva 1B 5 0 1 0 .293 H.Brown 3B 3 1 1 0 .262 B.Nelson DH 5 1 3 0 .322 G.Jacobs LF 4 1 1 0 .349 S.Candelaria 3B 3 0 1 0 .297 J.Castellano DH 5 1 1 2 .304 J.Raburn LF 4 1 1 0 .269 J.VanMeetren 1B 3 1 1 0 .259 J.Alvarado CAT 3 0 0 0 .125 C.Guerrero RF 3 2 1 0 .274 J.Frost PH 1 1 1 1 .370 C.Collins CAT 2 0 1 1 .272 B.Foster CAT 0 0 0 0 .182 I.Castro 2B 4 0 0 0 .250 R.Santana 2B 4 2 3 0 .276 I.Castro SS 0 0 0 0 .250 C.Morris CF 3 1 3 4 .263 E.Menchaca SS 2 0 0 0 .243 O.Chavez SS 4 0 0 0 .233 B.Bone PH 1 0 0 0 .222 J.Hundley PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 B.Bone 2B 0 0 0 0 .222 A.Dean PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 G.Bott PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 T.Marx PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 R.Rowland-sm PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 T.Stavros PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 B.Strelitz PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 J.Backsmeyer PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 J.Thomas PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 TOTALS 37 7 14 6 TOTALS 31 6 7 3 HIGH DESERT 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 3 0- 7 14 2 INLAND EMPIRE 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 2 0- 6 7 1 E--J.Raburn, R.Santana, I.Castro. DP--HIGH DESERT 1, INLAND EMPIRE 0. LOB--HIGH DESERT 5, INLAND EMPIRE 7. 2B--D.Delucchi (7), H.Brown (21), C.Guerrero (8). 3B--R.Santana (3), C.Morris (2). HR--J.Castellano (7). SB--J.Raburn (20). CS--R.Santana. HBP--H.Brown. SF--C.Collins. SH--S.Candelaria, D.Delucchi. YTD IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA HIGH DESERT J.Hundley 4.0 4 4 4 1 2 1 4.70 A.Dean 2.0 1 0 0 1 1 0 6.67 T.Marx 0.2 0 0 0 2 0 0 22.09 T.Stavros (W,2-2) 0.1 1 1 1 0 1 0 5.37 J.Backsmeyer (S,3) 2.0 1 1 0 2 1 0 4.02 INLAND EMPIRE G.Bott 6.2 9 4 4 1 2 0 3.57 R.Rowland-sm (L,0-1) 0.1 2 1 1 0 0 0 5.40 B.Strelitz 1.0 3 2 2 0 0 0 2.58 J.Thomas 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4.26 HB--A.Dean. WP--J.Hundley. SO--F.Villanueva, B.Nelson, J.Alvarado, G.Jacobs, J.Castellano 3, C.Guerrero. BB--C.Morris, H.Brown, G.Jacobs, J.VanMeetren, C.Guerrero, C.Collins, E.Menchaca. T--3:01. A--2274

In progress: Inland Empire (Mariners) 4, High Desert 2, after five innings LHP Jeff Hundley tossed three hitless innings in his first start of the season before running into trouble in the fourth, when the first four 66'er runs came in. RHP Aaron Dean is in, and pitched a scoreless fifth. OF Chris Morris with a nice offensive night thus far. Update: Inland Empire 4, High Desert 4, after 6.5 in San Bernadino (Inland Empire) Mavs score two in the 7th, Jason Belcher drives in the tying run. Also in that half-inning, High Desert with two absolutely hideous baserunning blunders (Ralph Santana and Froilan Villanueva) -- Villy thrown out at 3rd with two outs trying to advance two bases on a wild pitch, thus taking the bat out of Brad Nelson's hands. Struggling LHP Tommy Marx trying to hold the fort for the Mavs...

Final: Indianapolis 8, Norfolk (Mets) 5 Indy Site Game Summary: INDIANAPOLIS -- Jason Conti hit for the cycle to lead the Indianapolis Indians to an 8-5 win over the Norfolk Tides Thursday night. Conti drove in the game's first run with a double in the first inning. He singled and scored in the third inning. Conti led off the fifth inning with a triple that rattled around in the right-field corner. He scored the tying run when Jim Rushford singled to deep short. The Tribe center fielder finished the cycle in the sixth when he belted a two-run homer deep onto the lawn in right field to make it an 8-4 game. It was Conti's eighth home run of the season. Conti's cycle was the first ever in the seven-year history of Victory Field. It was the first by an Indian since Eduardo Perez accomplished the feat on July 21, 1996 at Oklahoma City. Norfolk's Jorge Toca almost completed a cycle of his own. The Tide's first baseman homered in the second, singled in the third and doubled in the sixth. With one out in the seventh, Toca drove a ball into the gap in left-center. Conti tracked the ball down and threw a strike to cutoff man Steve Scarborough who whirled and fired to third baseman Wilton Veras who tagged Toca out by a foot. Tribe starter Nate Teut (2-3) earned the win for the Indians (41-51). Teut allowed home runs to Toca, Matt Watson and Marco Scutaro in the first three innings as Norfolk claimed a 4-2 lead. The lefthander settled down to allow just three more hits and one run over the next four innings. Pat Strange (4-3) took the loss for Norfolk (46-46) allowing four runs in 2.2 innings of relief. Jason Childers pitched a perfect ninth to record his fourth save. The four-game series with Norfolk concludes on Friday at 7 p.m. The first 4,000 fans receive a Victory Field cap, and a fireworks show follows the game. Indianapolis Box Score: GAME DATE: 7/10/03 NORFOLK 5 AT INDIANAPOLIS 8 YTD YTD NORFOLK AB R H BI AVG INDIANAPOLIS AB R H BI AVG E.Snead CF 1 0 0 0 .233 B.Hall 2B 5 2 2 0 .276 M.Watson PH 1 1 1 2 .281 J.Conti CF 5 3 4 3 .223 M.Watson LF 2 0 0 1 .281 J.Rushford 1B 5 1 2 2 .335 D.Garcia 2B 4 0 0 0 .293 M.Smith LF 4 0 0 0 .293 M.Scutaro 3B 4 1 1 1 .304 P.Zoccolillo RF 4 0 1 0 .280 J.Toca 1B 4 1 4 1 .267 W.Veras 3B 3 1 2 0 .234 T.Shinjo CF 2 0 1 0 .235 C.McKay CAT 4 0 2 2 .242 T.Shinjo RF 2 0 0 0 .235 S.Scarboroug SS 4 0 0 0 .211 P.Redman LF 1 0 0 0 .239 N.Teut PIT 2 1 1 0 .143 P.Redman RF 2 0 0 0 .239 K.Luuloa PH 1 0 0 0 .262 J.Velandia SS 3 0 1 0 .233 R.Marquez PIT 0 0 0 0 .500 P.Zamora PIT 0 0 0 0 .571 J.Childers PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 O.Moreno PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 M.Glavine PH 1 0 0 0 .211 J.Depastino CAT 4 1 2 0 .303 J.Scobie PIT 1 1 0 0 .000 P.Strange PIT 1 0 0 0 .000 R.Johnson SS 2 0 0 0 .271 TOTALS 35 5 10 5 TOTALS 37 8 14 7 NORFOLK 0 1 3 0 0 0 1 0 0- 5 10 3 INDIANAPOLIS 1 1 1 0 2 3 0 0 X- 8 14 0 E--M.Watson, J.Velandia, J.Scobie. DP--NORFOLK 0, INDIANAPOLIS 0. LOB--NORFOLK 4, INDIANAPOLIS 7. 2B--J.Toca 2 (21), J.Depastino 2 (13), B.Hall (23), J.Conti (12), J.Rushford (6), W.Veras 2 (9). 3B--T.Shinjo (1), J.Conti (2). HR--M.Watson (6), M.Scutaro (8), J.Toca (6), J.Conti (8). CS--P.Redman, S.Scarboroug. YTD IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA NORFOLK J.Scobie 2.1 5 3 3 0 0 0 5.64 P.Strange (L,4-3) 2.2 6 4 4 2 1 0 5.20 P.Zamora 2.0 3 1 1 0 1 1 4.07 O.Moreno 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.62 INDIANAPOLIS N.Teut (W,2-3) 7.0 8 5 5 1 3 3 3.58 R.Marquez 1.0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3.99 J.Childers (S,4) 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2.60 SO--T.Shinjo, J.Velandia, M.Glavine, J.Depastino, M.Smith, S.Scarboroug. BB--P.Redman, W.Veras, N.Teut. T--2:41. A--6807

Don't we have anyone to pinch-hit for Clayton? Already used up Young when Kieschnick was already coming in to the game anyways, but where's VanderWal today? That sure was frustrating. With first base open, if VanderWal had PH for Clayton, he surely would have been walked, leaving Kieschnick to face Suppan (133 pitches), or more likely, Sauerbeck, I guess. But PH'ing Young for Nance in the bottom of the 8th, when you were going to bring in Kieschnick for the 9th, especially against a RH pitcher, was arguably Yost's dumbest in-game move of the season. * sigh *

In progress: Indianapolis 5, Norfolk (Mets) 4, after five innings Actually a very entertaining listen here -- Cody McKay and Wilton Veras continue to smack the ball around -- where has that been all season? INTL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E - - - - - - - - - - - - NORFOLK 0 1 3 0 0 4 INDIANAPOLIS 1 1 1 0 2 5 (END 5) HOME RUNS: NOR - JORGE TOCA (6) OFF NATE TEUT IN THE 2ND MATT WATSON (6) OFF NATE TEUT IN THE 3RD MARCO SCUTARO (8) OFF NATE TEUT IN THE 3RDAnyhow, it's off to check out the Mavericks' game as our audio commitment is guaranteed to break this nine-game losing streak! By the way, it's Gord Ash's turn to visit the Mavs -- he's in California with the team. Brad Nelson gets a turn at DH tonight.

Update: SOU HUNTSVILLE AT TENNESSEE NOTE: THE GAME HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN AND WILL BE MADE UP AS PART OF A DOUBLEHEADER ON FRIDAY, JULY 11 AT 6:15 PM EDT.Well, you don't have to worry about having only ten pitchers when you extend the All-Star break by another day...

As Jim Powell indicated in his broadcast today, and Victor Valley Daily Press Maverick beat writer Mike Rothstein confirms for us, Brad Nelson's shift to LF is not purely based on an OF shortage in High Desert. Powell reminded us that Nelson saw time there in instructionals, and Rothstein indicates that Nelson may be a candidate for Arizona Fall League action there as well. Here's Brad, courtesy of the Mavs' web site: http://www.hdmavs.com/Gallery%20-Action%20Images/nelson_bobblehead.jpg In Adelanto this weekend? Check out the details on the Brad Nelson Bobblehead Promotion... http://www.hdmavs.com/

Huntsville at Tennessee (Cardinals), delayed, rain Yet to begin, initial rain delay of over one hour...

Arizona Brewers 9, Arizona Royals - Team Two 5 Arizona Box Score: Brewer pitchers walk eight and hit one, but strand 13; catching prospect Charlie Lozada sees his first action of the year at third base... ROYALS-2 AB R H BI AVG BREWERS AB R H BI AVG I.Falu 2B 5 1 2 0 .400 F.Plasencia CF 4 2 2 1 .234 G.Valentin SS 3 1 1 1 .375 F.Mejia LF 4 0 1 0 .333 B.Graham RF 3 0 2 1 .350 B.Opdyke CAT 4 1 1 1 .152 A.Figuereo 3B 5 0 2 1 .328 A.Mannon RF 4 1 2 4 .340 M.Saunches 1B 4 1 1 0 .300 C.Corporan 1B 4 1 1 1 .220 G.Boruff DH 5 1 1 0 .235 G.Acosta SS 4 1 1 1 .396 A.Alexander LF 3 1 1 0 .200 J.Phillips 2B 0 0 0 0 .222 D.Salazar CF 4 0 2 1 .289 C.Lozada 3B 4 1 2 0 .364 J.Guzman CAT 4 0 0 1 .152 B.DePaula 2B 4 1 1 0 .192 J.Gragg PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 B.DePaula SS 0 0 0 0 .192 S.Bray PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 G.Olayemi DH 2 1 0 1 .250 B.Nendza PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 T.Dillard PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 M.Garcia PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 F.Martin PIT 0 0 0 0 .000 TOTALS 36 5 12 5 TOTALS 34 9 11 9 ROYALS-2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 1- 5 12 3 BREWERS 0 0 2 0 0 7 0 0 X- 9 11 3 E--A.Figuereo 2, J.Guzman, B.Opdyke, A.Mannon, C.Lozada. DP--ROYALS-2 1, BREWERS 1. LOB--ROYALS-2 13, BREWERS 6. 2B--M.Saunches (1), C.Corporan (3), C.Lozada (2). 3B--I.Falu (1), A.Mannon (2). SB--A.Figuereo (3). HBP--F.Plasencia. SF--J.Guzman, G.Olayemi. SH--F.Mejia. YTD IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA ROYALS-2 J.Gragg 4.0 4 2 2 1 2 0 5.17 S.Bray (L,1-1) 1.1 5 6 4 0 1 0 6.55 B.Nendza 2.2 2 1 1 1 4 0 4.66 BREWERS T.Dillard 4.0 4 2 1 3 0 0 2.70 M.Garcia (W,1-0) 3.0 6 0 0 1 1 0 9.00 F.Martin 2.0 2 3 1 4 4 0 0.93 HB--B.Nendza. WP--B.Nendza. PB--B.Opdyke. SO--A.Figuereo, G.Boruff, A.Alexander, J.Guzman 2, F.Mejia 2, B.Opdyke, G.Acosta, C.Lozada 2, G.Olayemi. BB--G.Valentin 2, B.Graham 2, M.Saunches, A.Alexander 2, D.Salazar, B.Opdyke, G.Olayemi. T--2:40.

News that slipped under the radar: Helena's Manny Ramirez hit .632 (12-19) with 9 runs scored, 6 doubles, 2 homers, 7 RBI, and a 1.263 slugging percentage to garner Pioneer League Hitter of the Week honors for the week-ending July 6th. Ramirez, a (former?) catcher, has appeared exclusively at first base with Helena in his first eleven games.

Minorleaguebaseball.com also stated that the contract was for the 2004 season, which seems a bit odd. Either another typo, or a very young Epy Guerrero find for next season.

Foiled again by the often unreliable Arizona box score! As I thought last night (but should have typed), the Brewers have confirmed the Arizona rookie Brewer catcher Wednesday was 2003 12th rounder Carlos Corporan, not LHP Alex Correa (both last names begin with "Cor"). At some point, it'd be interesting to learn how the box scores are generated and prepared by the official scorers at these Rookie League games in Arizona, where often less than a dozen or so are in attendance. Either way, Corporan had a rough night behind the plate, then... Fun while it lasted!

FYI: The Reid Nichols Farm Director World Tour continues as he was on the Indy pre-game show yesterday in a two-part interview that concludes tonight. I was a bit surprised the Indianapolis Star coverage didn't have something -- maybe tomorrow. The coverage from that paper really pales compared to what we read in Huntsville, Adelanto, Beloit, and even Helena. In yesterday's part one, Nichols basically gave an overview of the system, highlighting the successes in Huntsville, Beloit, and Helena. He indicated Indianapolis fans would have a nice 2004 to look forward to, without detailing specific players (in case the predicted J.J. Hardy "bump" happens, no doubt http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif ). Nichols admitted that the front office transition phase did not allow for a prime crop of free agent signings for Indy, something that he hopes has been corrected in recent roster adjustments, which he hopes will allow for a respectable finish. Nichols is so soft-spoken -- it's really a 180 degree listening experience from the gregariously enthusiastic Greg Riddoch, dismissed this past offseason. Hopefully this evening, Nichols will speak to Bill Hall's improvements, and perhaps hint at September call-up news. We won't be seeing any of the Huntsville kids not yet on the 40-man, so names like Rushford, Zoccolillo, and perhaps others might be bandied about. If anyone is able to check out tonight's portion of the pre-game, feel free to fill us in -- thanks....

Thursday's Daily Menu offers up some evening choices with the Milwaukee matinee today; I hope to give High Desert some late-night audio love; Snapper fans will have to choose between the Crew and the kids this afternoon... All times Central; pitchers subject to change; pre-game audio begins approx. 15 minutes prior to game time listed... INDIANAPOLIS: LHP Nate Teut vs. Norfolk (Mets), 7:00 PM Audio link: www.newstalk1430.com/ HUNTSVILE: RHP Pedro Liriano at Tennessee (Cardinals), featuring former Star Bucky Jacobsen, 6:15 PM; Liriano just has to pitch in better luck tonight -- that means offensive and defensive support Audio link: espn1450.com/ HIGH DESERT: LHP Jeff Hundley makes his first Maverick start at Inland Empire (Mariners), 9:05 PM Audio link: www.hdmavs.com/listen_live.htm BELOIT: LHP Jeff Housman at Cedar Rapids (Angels), 12:00 PM Audio link (opponent's): www.kernels.com/Pages/radio.html HELENA: Battle for first place tonight at home vs. Great Falls (White Sox); RHP Dan Grybash gets the starting nod; very sorry to report again there appears to be no audio available for this series ARIZONA: The Brewers host the Royals #2 Rookie squad this AM; RHP Tim Dillard is scheduled to start; will he move to the field after the game, as he did last time out?

Daily Press High Desert Game Story: Interesting account of how a struggling pitcher, in this case Chad Petty, can start to work things out... www.vvdailypress.com/cgi-...147,17204,

From the High Desert Game Post above: Brad Nelson with his second game in LF; by necessity on this squad? I may have to put the miscellaneous comments in red http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

Indianapolis Star Game Story: www.indystar.com/print/ar...8-036.html