MassBrew

It may be worth noting that the Brewers have now purchased two indy league pitchers named "Weibl" (as in Clint Weibl(s) wobble but don't fall down) and "Teeter". Sorry, couldn't resist. And no, don't confuse Travis Teeter with country music star Travis Tritt. http://sonynashville.com/TravisTritt/images/gallery/images/tt1.jpg

Only the Seattle Mariners have been more active in purchasing players out of the independent ranks than the Brewers in recent seasons. Milwaukee hopes to mine another in their latest acquisition, RHP Travis Teeter out of the Northern League via the Lincoln Saltdogs, where Teeter has been a teammate of former Brewer farmhand RHP Ryan Trytten in 2004. Teeter will make his Brewer debut with High Desert. The now 24-year-old Teeter was a 35th round draft pick for the Astros in 2001 after his junior year at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY. (My brother's a grad, but that's neither here nor there, is it http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/tongue.gif ?) Teeter decided to return for his senior year, and then signed as a non-drafted free agent with Baltimore, where he reached low-A ball in 2003 -- his WHIP of 1.11 in 114 pro affiliated innings is worth noting: www.sports-wired.com/play...Name=CCEAC Teeter's 2004 numbers (strikeout numbers are down): www.baseballamerica.com/c...yer=teeter http://www.saltdogs.com/images/PlayerPhotos/TravisTeeter.jpg

Finicky Red Sox fans call him: Nomar Garciapopup http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

C/3B Chris Coste has been activated from his stint on the temporary inactive / suspended list (depends on which source you read, as to where he was listed) -- regardless, he's available for duty as of this evening, according to the Indy pre-game notes.

Well, I knew at the time I saw it (Housman to Huntsville from Indy) within Sports Network's transaction page, that I should have cut-and-pasted it for my own sanity. That's not the first nor last time I'll be burned by that outfit. It really is ridiculous. milb.com has this SportsNetwork page which is sometimes updated more than once a day (particularly for AAA and AA): www.minorleaguebaseball.c...es/?id=686 But nowhere do they list an archived or accumulated transaction log. As soon as any transaction report is updated, it's over-ridden. Beloit had a timely and nicely maintained transaction page before Sports Network took over. High Desert hasn't tied in with Sports Network, but unfortunately have stopped updating their transactions as well. MLB.com gave up long ago, and Baseball America's reports don't include transfers of any kind. The long and short of it is, if anyone comes across a web-based minor league transaction page that accumulates and covers the full year, let us know. I really need to write those Sports Network bums...

According to the Sports Network transactions and roster updates, LHP Jeff Housman has been returned to Huntsville. It now appears he was brought up to assist with the Indianapolis doubleheader with both Jorge de la Rosa and Ben Hendrickson unavailable for AAA duty this weekend.

With LHP Dana Eveland to Huntsville from Beloit, RHP Roberto Giron moves from the Stars' bullpen up to AAA Indy.

Ok, now that I've got my breath back, whta's going on in wes Helms' mind after seeing that? "Gee, my OPS is less than Russ' slugging percentage!" We all hated the 2005 portion of Wes Helms' contract -- congrats to your agent, Wes, he set you up for life. Enjoy counting your $2.7 million for next year this off-season. 458 feet!

Wow. That's all I got.

That Ben Grieve at-bat was the most pathetic thing I've witnessed this year. It's called pinch-hitting, Ben, not pinch-sleeping. Somebody kick him already -- oh, I'm sorry, I'm sure I'll be reminded about his OPS or his batting practice HR's shortly. Honestly, guys, if you get to see the pitches he watched -- you could just hear the venom dripping in Jim Powell's accompanying call.

I know most of you guys are listening, not watching (I'm doing both). Jim Powell painted a very accurate picture during his innings, as Ueck did earlier, so as of this point, can't add a lot. It's probably no secret to Bob & Jim as to when there's no local TV. No K's yet, but seven ground ball outs off the off-speed stuff...

JDLR looks very composed -- he simply was overthrowing on those balls in the dirt in the first -- Moeller really did have no chance. Moeller has Jorge consistently mixing in his curve, which seems to have a sharp bite. There was a nice change-up for a swing-and-a-miss earlier. Wonder if Gary Bennett would be asking for as much off-change stuff (see Hendrickson). By the way, Chris Magruder did just totally botch the fly ball in the first -- yes, the sun appeared to be brutal, but hey, JDLR should have a no-hitter. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

No Jenkins, Overbay, or Branyan against the lefty Willis -- Brady Clark, Bill Hall, and Chris Magruder -- your prototypical major league 3-4-5 combo: Podsednik CF Durrington 3B Clark RF Hall 2B Magruder LF Helms 1B Moeller C Counsell SS JDLR

According to Baseball America, LHP and Canadian Olympian Mike Kusiewicz of High Desert was given his release. This differs from the transactions for fellow farmhands Pete Rasmusen and Jared Theodorakos (Greek Olympians), who were placed on the temporary incative list.

From the Helena Independent Republic (includes some trivia for the Huntsville historians): Sollmann is Brewers' every man By TOM COTTON - IR Sports Editor Steve Sollmann can hit. He can run. He can throw. He can field. But if you ask him, he doesn't do any of those things in spectacular fashion. "I don't do anything awesome, but I do everything decently," the Helena Brewers' second baseman said. He has been spectacular enough, however, this season for the Brewers. He is hitting .306, which is second on the team among batters with at least 100 at-bats. He has enough speed to have stolen seven bases in eleven tries and he has a fielding percentage that hovers around the .990 mark. Sollmann was expected to be a big part of Helena's success this season coming out of college as he was a 10th-round draft pick in 2004 from Notre Dame. While playing for the Fighting Irish, he was an all-American pick in 2003 and he also was an academic all-American. He graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.44 with a degree in business marketing. He was only the 11th player in any sport in Notre Dame history to achieve both All American and Academic All American status. While individual accolades came in for Sollmann, the Irish also were successful during his stint in South Bend. In 2002, Sollmann's sophomore season, they made the trip to Omaha for the College World Series. "That was as fun as it gets playing baseball in college," he said about the experience. While he didn't come away with a national championship, Sollmann said the road to the CWS had one memory that he will always cherish. In 2002, Notre Dame eliminated perennial power Florida State in a Super Regional contest, winning 2-of-3 games in Tallahassee, Fla. Sollmann went 7-for-12 in the series. "It was an amazing crowd," Sollmann said. "They were in the game the whole time. There is nothing better than beating Florida State at their place." Sollmann's prowess on the baseball diamond is largely due to a family that was immersed in sports. His father, Rick, was a standout football player and also ran track. His sister Stacey was a soccer player for the University of West Virginia. Sollmann claims his mother Kathy is the most athletic person in the family despite the fact that she never played any organized sports. His brother Scott, however, provided much of the spark Sollmann needed to play baseball at a high level. "Everything he does, he does all out," Sollmann said about his brother. Scott was drafted by the Detroit Tigers and bounced around in the Arizona and Cincinnati Reds organization. He even spent time in the Milwaukee chain, playing for Class AA Huntsville, Ala. Steve, who played football, basketball and baseball for St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, decided to take to the diamond, in part due to his brother's success. "I saw what a great player he is and it drew me into the sport," he said. The Brewers are glad he decided to play baseball this season as Sollmann has become a fixture in the second spot in the Helena lineup. He has exhibited a knack for timely hitting, collecting a game-winning RBI against Billings one week ago. He has also played well defensively and at times has made the spectacular defensive stop. Earlier this season against the Mustangs he made the long run from second base to chase down a fly ball in foul territory. "I take pride in my defense and it is something I am going to keep trying to improve on," he said. He said that having nimble feet has helped him become a formidable defensive second baseman. "If you have good footwork, you put yourself in good position to field ground balls," he said. He has done enough defensively to impress his manager. "He is like a coach on the field," Brewers manager Johnny Narron said. "He is just a baseball player who understand the game." Most of all, Sollmann said he is just trying to enjoy himself whenever he takes the field. "I am just trying to have fun," he said. "If you are not having fun, you are not in the game for the right reasons." Photo by Jon Ebelt IR Staff - Steve Sollmann of the Helena Brewers keeps his eyes on the action while running the bases. Sollmann has seven stolen bases to his credit this season. http://www.helenair.com/content/articles/2004/08/13/sports_top/b01081304_01.jpg

Well, DHonks, Diggins will also be 26 next June and if kept on the 40-man roster, will be in his third year on that -- he'd have to be up for good in 2006.

From mlb.com: mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/ml...;fext=.jsp

Perhaps not an official transaction, but like the Jesse Harper injury update, as good a place as any to note: Brewer announcer Jim Powell reported on-air on Ben Diggins tonight: A setback for the big RHP down in Arizona with a bone spur in his pitching elbow. No operation for now. With the need for 40-man roster spots increasing this winter, you've got to believe that Diggins (and Nick Neugebauer) are in danger of losing their spots. If other clubs can carry them (and rehab them) -- heck, often clubs will claim a player like this, and then outright them themselves, hoping the player won't be claimed a second time.

Stars' announcer Robert Portnoy just told us that RHP Jesse Harper will be shut down for the rest of the regular season with a strained ulnar colateral ligament in his pitching elbow. Harper just returned to Huntsville from Milwaukee. Portnoy was adamant that it wasn't as serious as it sounds, and Harper may be able to pitch in instructionals or even the fall league, but heck, that still ain't good news, now is it?

Matt Wise 44 pitches, 15 outs Wes Obermueller 43 pitches, three outs

Earlier when Canadian RHP Craig Langille (9th round) signed, it was hinted that the Brewers had found a way to get him to Maryvale somehow. That's unlikely, as Langille has been placed on the Brewers' restricted list: A player who fails to report or fails to sign a contract with the Club to which the player is reserved may be placed on the Restricted List. Fails to report, as in unable to do so, we presume...

Adam McCalvy of MLB.com: The team signed three more draft picks before the game including 19th round pick Josh Brady, a 23-year-old left fielder from Texas Tech University. The team also signed non-drafted free agent Brandon Hundt, a right-hander from Washington State University. Both players will join Helena of the rookie Pioneer League. Signed three more draft picks? Typo?

RHP Brandon Hundt was toiling in a summer collegiate wood bat league I wasn't familiar with based in the Northwest: www.pacificinternationall...about.html Hundt was working as one of his team's closers, gaining three svaes in six relief appearances covering nine innings (seven hits, one BB, 11 K).

Also noted is the signing out of Texas Tech of corner outfielder Josh Brady, the Brewers' 19th round pick this summer. Here's what we posted on the Draft Forum back in June: and "Brady's Perfection Earns Him Recognition," University Daily, Byline Joey Kirk, February 11, 2004 and From Lindon, Utah, hometown of 19th round OF Josh Brady out of Texas Tech: Pleasant Grove's Josh Brady was taken by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 19th round. Brady just finished his junior year at Texas Tech and must now decide whether or not to take a shot at professional baseball. Brady hit .365, with 20 home runs and 88 RBI. "I know the biggest reason I went so late was because of my age (23). I know that if I turn it down, I will be turning (professional baseball) down for good," Brady said. "I just had a daughter two weeks ago and I've got to decide if that's what I want to do. I'm excited to come back to school too, so either way." Brady says he's three semesters away from graduating and looks forward to getting a degree in accounting. If Brady does sign with the Brewers he will likely start his career with Helena in the Pioneer League, which means he would play against the Provo Angels. "That would be fun to play (in Provo)," Brady added. "But it all depends on what they come up with."

Here's the link to the Spring Transactions thread should you need to review: pub123.ezboard.com/fbrewe...mp;stop=40 And to the April / May thread: p082.ezboard.com/fbrewers...mp;stop=40 And to the June thread: p082.ezboard.com/fbrewers...mp;stop=40 The July thread: p082.ezboard.com/fbrewers...mp;stop=40 Thanks to poster rpms6 on the Draft Forum for noticing this signing of an undrafted free agent, RHP Brandon Hundt, a teammate of Helena first baseman Grant Richardson at Washington State this past college season: wsucougars.collegesports....don00.html No word yet on Hundt's initial team destination with the Crew.