MassBrew

Huntsville Catchers: C Jeff Winchester, 25 years old, the former # 1 pick (supplemental) of the Colorado Rockies just ended a seven-year run in their system, compiling a .230 batting average. C John Vanden Berg, 25, .290 career average at three levels (.787 OPS in 756 pro AB's) Surely Vinny Rottino will see "some" time behind home plate, but with two other catchers on the roster, it won't be extensive playing time there. Pitching staff in next post...

With the updates above, that's 24 players named for what we believe is a 25-man roster limit league...

Unfortunately, we're waiting on as many as three names here, folks. But here are ten position players we believe we can confirm. We're trying to show patience here and will wait until Monday before politely going directly to the Brewers for confirmations. C Lou Palmisano, 22; the Fort Lauderdale resident gets to play in his home state; .293 at Beloit last season C C.J. Medlin, 23; former Cub farmhand mainly toiled in independent ball in 2004 1B Josh Brady, 24; bypassing Beloit was a must for the 2004 19th round pick, who dominated at Helena 2B Steve Sollman, 23; same comments as for Brady for the 2004 10th round pick out of Notre Dame SS Ozzie Chavez, 21; most of 2004 struggling in AA -- Ozzie's still young enough that this assignment shouldn't be that disappointing for the Dominican product 3B Adam Heether, 23; 17 HR, 72 RBI at Beloit, 2004 OF Drew Anderson, 23; .307 at Beloit, 2004 OF Travis Ezi, 23; just acquired in the Mark Johnson trade -- speed demon IF / OF Jeff Eure, 24; repeating high-A, 37 extra-base hits, 88 hits overall (.240) last season OF / 3B Carlos de la Cruz, 23; Dominican who hit .343 in Helena last year -- joins Brady and Sollman by skipping over West Virginia As noted, we owe you most likely one pitcher and three position players for this squad... UPDATES: OF Steve Moss, still just 21; but in need of a bounce-back season after a .235 2004 in Beloit OF Robby Deevers, 24, nearly half of his 2004 Beloit hits (27 of 56) went for extra-bases Seems to indicate another Beloit OF, Terry Trofholz, will replace the released Chris Morris for speed in Huntsville.

Here's the bulk of your 2005 Manatees (high-A) roster (at least we believe, official confirmations should be available by Monday): RHP Luis Pena, 22 years old to start the season, the 6'5" Venezuelan was added to the 40-man roster this past off-season; Beloit in 2004 RHP Ben Diggins, 25; no longer on the 40-man; threw only six innings (Arizona Rookie) in 2004; what will be his role here? LHP Ryan Costello, 25, the former minor league portion Rule 5 pick from the Blue Jays; this can't be a pleasant assignment for Ryan, who posted a 3.89 ERA in 125 innings in AA Huntsville in 2004 RHP Carlos Villanueva, just 21, the Dominican acquired along with RHP Glenn Woolard in the Franklin / Estrella deal last spring, was impressive at Beloit in 2004 RHP Kenny Durost, 23, 116 K's in 104 IP at Beloit last year RHP Bo Hall, 24 of his 27 2004 appearances for High Desert were starts; he'll look to post better numbers in a different locale RHP Ty Taubenheim, 22; big reliever with 106 K's in 92.1 2004 innings at Beloit RHP Nick Slack, 22; repeats high-A, but had skipped Beloit previously -- will likely share closing duties with Taubenheim RHP Tim Dillard, 21, 43 appearances, all but one in relief, for Beloit in 2004 RHP Kevin Rival, 25; reliever made 13 Beloit appearances after being signed from the independent ranks RHP Dan Grybash, 24; 40 relief appearances at Beloit last season for the 2003 34th round pick out of Carthage College We're probably missing one pitcher here -- hope to add that name soon. Position players in next post... UPDATE: LHP Jeremy Lewis, 24, signed as a minor league free agent this off-season -- a Tiger prospect through 2002, he's had successful independent league seasons the last two years That completes the staff, we believe...

Link while active, text follows: www.al.com/sports/huntsvi...563760.xml Stars infield to have Caribbean flavor Crabbe from Virgin Islands expected to be second baseman By MARK McCARTER Times Sports Staff markcolumn@aol.com Second in a series about the 2005 Huntsville Stars, position-by-position. Today: Infielders MARYVALE, Ariz. - In his spare time, Callix Crabbe can be found with his nose in a book. This is not, to be sure, the sort of behavior that is epidemic among baseball players. "I read a lot. A lot of Christian books, more books of finding yourself,'' said Crabbe. "Books for motivation, helping out others, things like that.'' A current favorite is "Traveler's Gift'' by Andy Andrews, with the telling subtitle, "Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success.'' Crabbe, who is expected to be the Huntsville Stars' second baseman this season, has done his share of traveling - and met with success. He is a 22-year-old native of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and his voice has a lovely accent with the flavor of the Caribbean. He is entering his fourth season with the Brewers organization, making previous stops at Ogden, Beloit and High Desert. He batted .291 in 132 games at Class A High Desert, driving in 61 runs, and was named the California League's postseason All-Star second baseman. He had 21 errors, most in the league at his position, but that was testimony to his range more than his mistakes; Crabbe also handled more chances than anybody in the league. Crabbe's double-play partner will be Enrique Cruz (.188 in 35 games at Huntsville, then .283 with a 28-game hitting streak at Class A High Desert), who edged out Ozzie Chavez (.323 at High Desert in 39 games, then .212 but only 18 errors in 85 games after his promotion to Huntsville). Cruz has big league experience, and thus Milwaukee has more invested in him to try to maximize, but Chavez was more impressive in camp. A recent on-the-run dig of an errant throw to complete a 1-6-3 double-play would have been an ESPN "web gem'' replayed ad nauseum. Third base will be occupied by Tony Zuniga, an off-season free agent acquistion who can also play first. Holdover third baseman Chris Barnwell can play an infield position and Vinny Rottino is another utility guy who'll catch part-time and play elsewhere so he can be in the lineup most every day. Brandon Gemoll, Huntsville's first baseman in 2003 and with the club as a DH, outfielder and reserve first baseman for 30 games last season, agreed to accept a demotion to Class Double-A as uber-prospect Prince Fielder leapfrogs him to Triple-A. Callix Crabbe has to face a similar situation. Rickie Weeks, the Brewers' No. 1 draft pick in 2003, is a second baseman, and on the fast track to the majors. He has also become close friends with Crabbe. "Honestly, you can't worry about it. Me and Rickie, we have our own destiny,'' Crabbe said. "He's a super talent and he's going to be an awesome player. I have to try to play good every day.'' That brings to mind a passage from "Traveler's Gift.'' "Take care of anything you can take care of,'' Crabbe quoted. "Rickie being in front of me, I can't worry about that. I've got to play my game and have fun and understand the Lord has a plan for me. I've got to be faithful, and I've got to be patient.''

The Power's website includes a Q&A with newly named pitching coach John Curtis -- the interview was conducted prior to the pitching staff being officially named: Q AND A SESSION WITH JOHN CURTIS What do you do in the off-season to keep you busy? I make my home in Long Beach, California, where I live with my wife and two cats. I have been living there since 2000. In the off-season, I spend a lot of time with my wife. We both enjoy walking, but basically we're homebodies. I am an energetic reader, and my tastes run to historical fiction, sports literature, and poetry. I am also a freelance writer, and I review books on baseball and other sports for the "San Diego Union-Tribune." I am working on a book about pitching, and I'd like to write some fiction at some point. I have plenty of story ideas and some notes, but nothing worth submitting for publication at this time. Before we get into the baseball questions, tell us about your family. What kind of family life do you lead? It is just my wife and me, as I said, and our two cats. My wife's name is Mary-Ann Petino (she kept her last name), and we have been married for almost 23 years. We met while I was playing for the San Diego Padres. Mary-Ann was the director of volunteers at Scripps Clinic, and I had decided that I wanted to volunteer there. The team doctor for the Padres, who was the chief of orthopedic surgery at Scripps, wrote a letter of introduction for me. When Mary-Ann received it, she was aghast. She told the doctor that it would be against hospital policy to allow a priest to volunteer. She thought by "Padre" that I was a member of the cloth, not a baseball player. That's how we met. You spent a significant amount of time in the big leagues, who were some of the big name players that you spent some time with? In Boston, I played with Hall of Famers Carl Yastrzemski, Carlton Fisk, and other stars like Rico Petrocelli, Luis Tiant, and Dwight Evans. In St. Louis, my teammates included Hall of Famers Bob Gibson and Lou Brock and catcher Ted simmons. With the Giants, I had the privilege to play with Hall of Famer Willie McCovey and batting champ Bill Madlock. With the Angels, I played with Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson and Rod Carew, as well as Bobby Grich, Bob Boone, and Tommy John. I feel terribly fortunate to have played with them, and I can't begin to tell you all the greats I pitched against. What were some of your best and worst moments during your playing days? I had so many good moments, but among the best were back-to-back, 1-0 shutouts while I was with the Red Sox and later when I was pitching for the Giants. The worst moments..., why I've forgotten them. Just kidding. One I remember was a game against the Braves when I was playing for the Cardinals. Skipper Red Schoendienst put me in to the game to pinch run, and I got thrown out at second after making too wide a turn on a single to right field. "I thought you could run the bases," he said when I got back to the bench. "I thought I could, too," I said rather sheepishly. What kind of approach do you suggest your players take when they are on the mound? I tell our pitchers to work ahead in the count, work fast, and to value their pitches. I like to preach minimum effort for maximum effect, which simply means use as few pitches as possible to get the hitters out. We're looking for ground balls and for our pitchers to use all their pitches. Who or what has really surprised you so far in spring training? So far, I have only been able to work with a few of the pitchers we'll break camp with. I have been impressed with the maturity and stuff of right-hander Mark Rogers, who was Milwaukee's No. 1 draft choice last year. I believe he'll be with us in Charleston, but that's about all I can say about our prospective players at this time. I simply don't know who's going to be with us.

Here are twelve of the position players assigned to low Class-A West Virginia. We believe there will be one additional position player name we?ll have for you later on, to bring the roster to its 25-man maximum. Country of origin is given for Latin players only to give perspective to the Brewers? south-of-the-border efforts. 1B Grant Richardson, 22 years old to begin the season, Richardson finished at Beloit in 2004 after a fine Helena campaign 1B / C Carlos Corporan, 21, repeating low-A, the 2003 12th round pick out of Puerto Rico will likely see some DH time as well C Clay Blevins, 21, Helena last year C Nestor Corredor, 21, the Venezuelan made pit stops in Arizona (76 AB?s), Helena (18 AB?s), and an emergency replacement stint in Huntsville (20 AB?s) last year Looks like it?s Helena for catcher Angel Salome? 2B Hernan Iribarren, 20, the Hurricane (Venezuela) hit .422 in 256 AB?s in Arizona and Beloit last year SS Alcides Escobar, 18, the ultra-young Venezuelan won?t even be 19 until December; Helena last year 2B Guilder Rodriguez, 21, repeating low-A, another position player out of Venezuela 2B Bill Lewis, 23, Lewis is either seriously undervalued by the organization or overvalued by Brewerfan nation, .328 in an injury-shortened Beloit 2004 season ? with this roster, you can start to build on other assumptions, like 2B Steve Sollman to Brevard County 3B Josh Murray, 20 ? the 2002 second-rounder still won?t be ?legal? until August, hard to believe ? and if you heard Jack Zduriencik during a recent spring training broadcast, he raved about Murray?s attitude and performance in spring camp thus far. (For what it's worth, the other player Jack Z. went out of his way to rave on was 17-year-old Canadian RHP Alexandre Periard.) OF Adam Mannon, 21, Helena 2004 OF Dallas Bates, 20, Helena in 2004 -- note to Brewers: Bates wasn't included in this year's media guide OF Freddy Parejo, 20, the Venezuelan did some nice things in 2004 in Arizona in his first stateside campaign, earning a bypass of Helena for 2005 Based on that list, you?d think the final roster spot will go to another outfielder ? we should know soon.

Link while active, text follows: www.al.com/sports/huntsvi...241630.xml Bibbs not still, just steal Left fielder gives Stars leadoff hitter with speed By MARK McCARTER Times Sports Staff markcolumn@aol.com First in a series about the 2005 Huntsville Stars, position by position. Today: outfielders. Kennard Bibbs was in some pretty fast company. It was lunch time, some baked chicken and salad and other treats being dished out to the Milwaukee Brewers' minor league players, who sat at iron picnic tables on a patio outside their clubhouse earlier this week in Maryvale, Ariz. Bibbs, the Huntsville Stars' left fielder, was in a group that included Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks and Tony Gwynn Jr., hotshot, well-known prospects all. But Bibbs, 25, is pretty fast company himself. He's a quintessential leadoff hitter, legging out hits and stealing bases (38 last year at High Desert; with thin air and a constant breeze, baserunning is almost unnecessary, since the next batter up is likely as not to hit a home run anyway.) "I want to get on base and try to cause a little havoc,'' Bibbs said. "My goal is to steal 30 or 40 bases this year. If I don't steal 40 bases, I'm not doing my job.'' He is working to get away from one leadoff image - that of being a slap-hitting batter who merely lobs soft little hits into the outfield. He needs to make more firm contact, especially to take advantage of the gaps. "What I need to work on is to hit the ball hard, hit it hard hopefully eight out of 10 times instead of six out of 10,'' he said. "And I need to work on my bunting more. The first half last year, I didn't have one bunt hit. The second half, I probably had 20.'' Mel Queen, his manager at High Desert, raved about Bibbs' defensive skills, both mental and physical. ''He knows where to play the hitters and that's rare for a kid at this level,'' he said last summer. "And he's got a good first step.'' "Defense is definitely my strong suit,'' Bibbs said. Same goes for his other fast company in the outfield. Tony Gwynn Jr. will return to center field for Huntsville. He needs to boost his offensive numbers (.243, 37 RBIs) while continuing to play his sensational defense. In right, most likely, will be Nelson Cruz, acquired from Oakland in the off-season and one of the most impressive players in camp, with breathtaking power and a major league arm. Depending on the trickle-down after the Brewers demoted David Krynzel to Nashville in a surprise, another outfielder could be Ben Van Iderstine, who finished '04 in Huntsville, or even Southern League All-Star Brad Nelson. Bibbs spent most of spring training with the Triple-A club, "getting a lot of experience off the older pitchers. Guys at the Triple-A level, they can put the ball where they want to, any pitch any count. That's a big help.'' Bibbs, a native of Houston, attended Oklahoma City University, an NAIA school, and was a 14th-round draft pick in 2002. He still returns to Oklahoma City in the off-season, where he has more access to workout facilities. He even took a part-time job this past winter, helping coach and train young athletes. "It was not really coaching. It was more to try to work with them on different drills, to show them how to get better, how to lift (weights) if they were old enough to do that,'' Bibbs said. One facet of the program for the kids was something they called "Speed Camp.'' How appropriate.

Right you are, SoCal -- I corrected Yo's age above.

As you can imagine, there are decisions being made as we speak in regards to all the minor league rosters. We should have all by the end of the day Monday (seasons start Thursday for the four minor league full-season squads). Until then, we may have updates in drips and drabs, and we'll report on those updates we feel confident are accurate. For now, the West Virginia (low-A) pitching staff -- Greg Kloosterman is the lone lefty: Mark Rogers, age 19 at start of season Yovani Gallardo, 19 Josh Wahpepah, 20 Robbie Wooley, 20 Josh Baker, 22 Greg Kloosterman, 22 Forrest Martin, 25 Simon Beresford, 22 Brian Montalbo, 23 Derek DeCarlo, 22 Robert Hinton, 20 Ben Stanczyk, 22 Rogers is up from Arizona; Gallardo and Stanczyk finished briefly in Beloit after spending most of the season at Helena; Wahpepah, Wooley, Baker, DeCarlo, and Hinton were in Helena; Kloosterman, Beresford and Montalbo are repeating the level, at least to begin the season, and Martin is on his way back from arm surgery and will likely be moved up once he shows to be healthy. If possible, hold off on speculation for Helena (just below) or Brevard County (just above) for now, or discuss in a separate thread, as we'll be using this thread to spotlight non-game related stories on the Power all season.

It's getaway day, so game time is an hour earlier than usual -- look for Cappy to have a big strike zone. And is it just me, or have the Brewers failed to hit a "name" pitcher hard in at least three weeks? Schmidt, Zito, etc., all seem to post lines like "one run in six innings" against the Crew this spring. MLB.com audio link for subscribers: mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/ml...d=20050331 Don't forget your Gorman Thomas chat at 2:00 PM CT via the Brewers' official site.

Link while active, text follows -- I'm guessing Brevard County is a more likely destination to begin 2005. The article is written with a home-town spin, but I did get the sense in some things we saw during Link Report season 2004 that the Brewers liked Kevin Rival. www.newbritainherald.com/...&rfi=8 03/21/2005 New Britain native?s baseball passion unrivaled Bart Fisher, New Britain (CT) Herald Columnist You know what excites Kevin Rival most about being with the Milwaukee Brewers? Hitting. That?s right, stepping into the ol? batter?s box and taking a few cuts. Never mind that the former New Britain High and Central Connecticut State University star is one of the top pitching prospects in the Brewers organization; he?s really pumped that being with a National League club gives him the opportunity to showcase his hitting wares as well. And that should come as no surprise to anybody who saw him handle a bat for the Golden Hurricanes or the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils. The 6?3" right-hander hit .336 in 2002, his senior season at Central, slugging 11 home runs along the way. "He?s really excited about being able to hit," says Pete Rival, the 25-year-old hurler?s dad. "And he?s very pleased with the way he?s being brought along by the Brewers organization." Currently penciled in for long relief or possibly closing duties at Double-A Huntsville of the Southern League, Rival is having an excellent spring at the Brewers Maryvale, Ariz. training camp. He?s likely to see action in a split squad game with the big club and in one outing at the minor league complex the 220-pound flamethrower fanned four of the five batters he faced. "He?s living out a dream," says his dad. "This is what he?s wanted since the first day I had him out in the backyard fielding ground balls." The Rivals, Pete and Ann, have been there beaming at every level their son has played at and plan to see him pitch in Huntsville or wherever his journey takes him this year. "We?re as proud of him as we are excited for him," says dad. "He?s done everything the right way and worked very hard to give himself this chance." Undrafted out of college despite some pretty impressive numbers, Rival signed with the Florence Freedom of the Independent Frontier League and got noticed there pretty quickly after just about taking the league apart with his blazing fastball and impressive control. In 32.2 innings with the Kentucky club he fanned 43 batters, walked just nine and had an eye-popping 0.56 earned run average. But that wasn?t all he did for the Freedom. A gifted artist and probably headed for a career in that field once his playing days are over, Rival created a new logo for the independent league team, according to his proud dad. It wasn?t his artistic ability however that caught the attention of the Brewers, but rather the rare combination of velocity and location he displayed with the Kentucky team. Milwaukee signed him during the 2004 season and sent him to Beloit, their Midwest League affiliate in Wisconsin. Facing better competition in A-ball he more than held his own earning a 1-1 record and striking out 28 batters in 25.2 innings of work. If you put all of the stats from last season together the ex-New Britain High All-State player whiffed 71 batters and walked just 19 in just over 57 innings.His combined ERA was 1.57 and he gave up exactly zero home runs. He?s been tough to take out of the ballpark since his high school days under former New Britain HS mentor Ken Kezer. And during his senior season at CCSU, he not only produced an 8-4 record, but was also named Most Valuable Player in the Northeast Conference tournament. The Devils won the conference crown and went on to play in the NCAA post season tournament before being eliminated by Texas, the eventual national champion that year. Rival had a win and a save to garner NEC MVP honors. But being with a National League team lets him think about hitting as well. His career .336 batting average puts him 10th on the all-time list at Central. He?s also ninth in doubles and possesses good speed on the base paths. He?s also beaten a path to Ricky Bottalico?s "doorstep." Bottalico, another former Blue Devil, is battling for the Brewers closing job and is also expected to work with young pitchers like Rival. "Kevin?s thrilled about that," says his father. "It?s nice to have someone you can talk to about hometown stuff and Kevin really admires Ricky and what he has accomplished." Meanwhile, the young hurler is working on a string of accomplishments to call his own and he certainly appears to be off to a good start. Bart Fisher is a Herald columnist and former sports editor of The Herald. Readers can write to him at 1 Herald Square, New Britain 06050 or e-mail sports@newbritainherald.com.

Link while active, text follows: www.al.com/stars/huntsvil...512090.xml Not all Stars strangers Several former Huntsville players on roster - for now By MARK McCARTER Times Sports Staff markcolumn@aol.com MARYVALE, Ariz. - The glassed-in conference room at Maryvale Stadium was already teeming with stacks of Brewers equipment and luggage, awaiting shipment to Milwaukee. Early Tuesday morning, it was also filled by the Brewers' personnel braintrust, gathered about a large rectangular table. With the Brewers breaking camp Thursday, there were countless decisions to make, some of which would have a domino effect on the Huntsville Stars' roster. In turn, 300 yards away, the Stars were beginning their morning drills, with myriad fresh changes already made to their roster. Huntsville manager Don Money was presented a new "work group" Tuesday with 34 players, divided equally among pitchers and position players; only 24 will be on the roster when the season opens April 8 at Carolina, with the Stars carrying 12 pitchers. Among those reassigned to Huntsville were first baseman Brandon Gemoll, the Stars' regular first baseman in 2003, Chris Barnwell, last season's third baseman, and center fielder Tony Gwynn Jr. Gemoll was passed on the organizational ladder by Prince Fielder but agreed earlier in camp he would report to Huntsville for the opportunity to play every day, even though he spent much of 2004 in Triple-A. Gemoll will be joined on the right side of the infield by second baseman Callix Crabbe. Enrique Cruz has the current nod at shortstop over incumbent Ozzie Chavez, who was surprisingly reassigned to the Single-A work group. Third base and catcher remain murky. Barnwell could wind up there, or assume a utility role if the Brewers want to gamble on a youngster like Adam Heether. Vinny Rottino, originally ticketed as the Stars utility man, will likely catch every other day, then play the corner infield spots on other days. The other catching spot awaits more decisions from above, especially if Milwaukee sends 40-year-old Pat Borders to Nashville as the No. 1 catcher, as expected. The Huntsville outfield will have Gwynn in center and Kennard Bibbs in left. Nelson Cruz will likely go in right, with either Ben Van Iderstine, who finished '04 in Huntsville, or somebody off the current Nashville roster dropped down as the fourth outfielder. The pitching staff is beginning to take shape with Dennis Sarfate, Manny Parra and Dana Eveland as starters. Ryan Miller, a holdover who missed much of last season after elbow surgery, has been outstanding in camp and could be the closer. Glenn Woolard, Matt Ford and Ryan Costello, other pitchers with some tenure in Huntsville, are also on the current work group roster. Given their releases this weekend were former Huntsville pitchers Brian Adams, Greg Bruso, David Nolasco and catcher Joel Alvarado. A key decision at the major league level revolves around David Krynzel, and whether Milwaukee should keep him as the No. 4 outfielder and a base-stealing threat or give him everyday duties at Nashville. On Monday, Fielder, second baseman Rickie Weeks and outfielder Corey Hart were sent to Nashville after getting a lot of looks under the major league microscope. The last look was not pretty. On a televised game Sunday night, each made egregious defensive mistakes and Brewers manager Ned Yost was critical in private meetings with the three and in the press, saying each would need to greatly improve defensively before any big league opportunities would arise.

This is obviously a conspiracy from colbyjack to get people to catch up on their Draft Forum reading...

Latest Stars' site update -- link while active, text follows: www.huntsvillestars.com/s...newsId=545 Huntsville 6 West Tenn 5 - Sunday March 27, Fitch Park, Mesa, AZ Stars starter Dennis Sarfate had a strong outing against Southern League foe West Tenn Sunday giving up no runs off just two hits while striking out five through four innings of work to earn the win. Reliever David Bradley gave up three runs to the Diamond Jaxx in the seventh inning cutting the lead to one run, but settled down in the eighth and allowed Mitch Stetter to shut the door on a comeback and earn the save. First baseman Vinny Rottino continued to show consistency at the plate going 3-for-4 on the day with a double and an RBI. Left fielder Drew Anderson drove in two runs on the day. Catcher John Vandenberg, 2-for-2 on the day with a double, also drove in a run. Mission Possible: Stars Win 6-3 The San Antonio Missions, the Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, jumped out to an early lead off starter Dana Eveland Monday. But, the Stars bats prevailed scoring runs in bunches through the first three innings to power Huntsville to a 6-3 win at Maryvale Park. Huntsville 6 San Antonio 3 - Monday March 28, Maryvale Park After falling behind 1-0 in the first, the Stars bats came alive scoring all of their runs in the first three innings. Third baseman Jeff Eure smashed a two-run double in the second, while left fielder Drew Anderson, center fielder Steve Moss (3-for-4 on the day), catcher Vinny Rottino and designated hitter Adam Heether also drove in runs. After yielding a run in the first, Eveland settled the Missions' bats through his three innings of work to earn the win. Reliever Matt Ford had a strong performance out of the bullpen allowing no runs or hits with a strike out through three innings of work. Ryan Costello made his second spring appearance for the Stars and gave up two runs off two hits allowing the Missions to cut the lead in half. But Ryan Miller entered the game in the ninth and kept San Antonio's bats silent to earn the save.

Sounds' site update: www.nashvillesounds.com/n...ewsId=1480 Spring Update - Rainiers Topple Sounds, 8-5 PHOENIX - The Nashville offense rallied for five runs over the final three innings of play but it was too little, too late for the Sounds as the Brewers' Class AAA affiliate fell to the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA-Mariners), 8-5, on Monday afternoon. Outfielder Nelson Cruz led the Nashville offense with a 2-for-4 effort that included a triple, two runs scored, and a pair of RBIs. First baseman Tony Zuniga added a 3-for-4 effort with two doubles and a pair of runs scored. Centerfielder Ryan Knox and catcher Julio Mosquera drove in the other two Nashville runs on the afternoon. Left-hander Andy Pratt got the start for the Sounds and was tagged for four runs on five hits over 4 1/3 innings to take the loss. He fanned five but also walked four batters in the outing. Veteran right-hander Juan Cerros relieved Pratt and was touched for two runs in his 1 2/3 innings. Matt Dewitt and Kane Davis followed with one scoreless inning each before Chad Paronto finished the contest by allowing two runs on three hits in just one-third of an inning. The Sounds visit Gene Autry Park in Mesa, Ariz. on Tuesday afternoon for a showdown with the Salt Lake Stingers (AAA-Angels), the second of three spring meetings between the clubs.

Thanks again, Mark McCarter... Link while active, text follows: www.al.com/stars/huntsvil...324140.xml Pitching a fit now for Stars' Zumwalt Contact Mark McCarter at markcol@aol.com Huntsville Times MARYVALE, Ariz. - It was a snowy December Saturday night in the North Carolina mountains near Boone, at a rented house near a ski resort. Alec Zumwalt was at a party honoring a friend's graduation from Appalachian State University. Close to 9 p.m., Zumwalt had his eye on the television. The "crawl'' with sports news came across the bottom. "The Milwaukee Brewers have traded All-Star relief pitcher Dan Kolb to the Atlanta Braves for pitcher Jose Capellan and a player to be named later,'' it read. Zumwalt turned to his wife, Kristen. "I hope,'' he said, "that's me.'' The "later'' turned out to be two days. Zumwalt was back at work, as a substitute teacher outside Charlotte. A school official called him out of class. The Atlanta Braves were on the phone. He was indeed headed to the Milwaukee organization, for which he is now appearing on the Huntsville Stars' roster. It could have been jolting, but turned out to be no big deal. "I'm used to change,'' said Zumwalt, a 24-year-old right-hander. He did, after all, grow up in Kingman, Ariz., only to move as a youngster to North Carolina, when his dad was transferred. He was even briefly property of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, working in their big-league camp in 2004. But the biggest change - the one "that set the standard,'' he said - was after he had been an outfielder in the Braves' system. He hated to pitch. He hated the notion. "It was just the hitter in me,'' he said. The hitter didn't pan out. After two years in the outfield, with a .216 average but only 741 at-bats to prove himself, Atlanta made him a pitcher in 2002. As Zumwalt casually paced between fields Saturday, his right elbow iced down after pitching for Huntsville against the Athletics' Double-A team, 20 feet away a tall, still-trim 49-year-old man in an Oakland uniform was holding court with friends. He could be Zumwalt's role model. Matt Keough batted .210 in the Southern League in 1976, as a third baseman. The next year, he was a pitcher. The next year, he worked an inning in the major league All-Star Game. He pitched nine seasons, made the cover of Sports Illustrated and could have been even bigger had the late Billy Martin not overworked him, as he famously did an entire promising staff. When Zumwalt bloomed at East Forsyth (N.C.) High School, scouts asked him if he'd want to pitch. "I was pretty blunt with them,'' he said. "I told them I didn't want to pitch at all.'' But when the Braves picked him in the fourth round, he signed "with the stipulation that, if hitting didn't come around, I'd pitch.'' Said Zumwalt, "I didn't see it coming as quick as it did.'' He played in less than 60 games in his first two seasons. He struggled making the adjustment from an aluminum bat to wood. He then found himself at Class A Macon, platooning in left with Charles Thomas, the vaunted prospect who "has now gone on to take over the world,'' said Zumwalt. (Thomas himself was trade bait for Atlanta, going to Oakland in exchange for Tim Hudson. Despite the competition for the outfield position, Thomas "is one of my best friends.'' They are even sharing a home this spring in Phoenix.) "Anybody who has played the game long enough, you're going to have to deal with change,'' Zumwalt said. "It's a matter of how you deal with it. You just have to roll with the punches.'' He has dealt with it by falling in love with pitching. "It's now fun.'' He's had ample opportunity for it. As a reliever at Greenville in '04, he appeared in 46 games. He also - ahem - had 11 at-bats, collecting five hits. "When I was a kid, I didn't say 'I want to be a hitter in the big leagues.' I said, 'I want to be a player in the big leagues,' " Zumwalt said. "I've still got a jersey on my back. I've still got a chance.''

Audio link for MLB.com subscribers: mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/ml...d=20050329 Wes Obermueller, Tommy Phelps, Matt Wise, Justin Lehr, Mike Adams and Julio Santana are also all on the list to pitch, according to Adam McCalvy.

Link while active, text follows: www.al.com/sports/huntsvi...157420.xml If you need it, Rottino's got it Like his equipment bag, 24-year-old utility player is prepared Contact Mark McCarter at markcolumn@aol.com Huntsville Times MARYVALE, Ariz. - "We've got catching equipment ..."Two outfielders gloves ..."Two infielders gloves ... "First baseman's mitt ... "Bats, batting gloves ... "Two pair of shoes, in case a shoestring breaks or something ...'' You ask, "A 9-iron? Three sleeves of balls?'' "The kitchen sink,'' he counters. That's the inventory for Vinny Rottino's equipment bag. Forty pounds worth, he figures. Ladies, every time you think you have a cluttered purse and can't find your Chapstick without pulling out 12 pounds of junk to get to it - or men, every time you sit exasperated as the wife fumbles through her purse - well, meet Vinny Rottino's bag. It is much-needed paraphernalia. He is a baseball version of a Swiss army knife. Anything you need, he can do. He is expected to be the Huntsville Stars' utility man this season. Rottino, who turns 25 the day before the Stars' April 8 season opener, may catch one game. Play third the next. First base the next. DH the next. The position won't be consistent. A spot in the lineup - somewhere - will be. Manager Don Money couldn't keep Rottino out of the lineup last year at Beloit. And, see what happened? Rottino merely batted .304, drove in 124 runs - breaking by 12 the Brewer minor league mark set a year earlier by Prince Fielder - hit 17 homers and had 161 hits, second-best in the Midwest League. This, while playing nearly every position on the field. That last sentence needs an asterisk next to nearly: on the season's final day, Rottino played an inning at each position, including a ninth-inning, 1-2-3 pitching performance. "Best ERA on the team,'' he laughs. You need a reason to keep Rottino in the lineup? After he left the game following his inning on the mound, Beloit lost in extra innings. The word "utility'' in baseball can have different interpretations. Let's remember that the complimentary phrase "jack of all trades'' is closely followed by "master of none.'' It can be praise, about one's versatility, or a euphemism for "isn't a prospect but we'll milk him for all we can.'' "I don't see anything wrong with it,'' Rottino says. "I hear some negative commentary about being a utility guy. It just makes me more valuable.'' "It's not a derogatory statement for Vinny Rottino. It's an advantage for him,'' says Reid Nichols, the Brewers' director of player development. "He's pretty good at all positions. It's not that we can't find a place for him to play defensively.'' "It's a blessing,'' Rottino says. "Every big-league team needs a utility guy, you know. I could be a 24th or 25th guy on a roster some day.'' Force him to make a choice, he'll tell you catching is his favorite position. Though he prefers the utility tab. He much prefers all that to where he was a little more than two years ago. Rottino was in pharmacy school at the University of Wisconsin, his baseball career seemingly history. He had played college ball at Wisconsin-La Crosse, a Division II school across the state from his home in Racine. But he went undrafted and unsigned. A family friend and former coach, Jack Schiesele, parlayed some contacts in pro ball to finagle some tryouts. The Brewers, Rottino's favorite team, gave him a look in February 2003 and signed him. They sent him to extended spring training, then to rookie ball at Helena (.311 in 64 games). Then to Beloit, the next step up the ladder, and his sensational 2004. He had a degree in chemistry and a minor in math, and a sister who is a pharmacist. "It was just an option,'' he says of his postgrad work. "I wanted to play ball. I hope I'm not going back anytime soon.'' Yeah, Rottino's bag is packed. But not for schoolwork. Pills and prescriptions will have to wait.

Nashville Site Update: www.nashvillesounds.com/n...ewsId=1479 Spring Update - Sounds Fall To Iowa, 9-3 MESA, Ariz. - Highly-regarded pitching prospect Jose Capellan struggled in his first minor league outing of the spring as the Nashville Sounds dropped a 9-3 decision to the Iowa Cubs (AAA-Cubs) on Sunday afternoon. None of the four Sounds pitchers who appeared in the game made it through unscathed. Capellan, who was optioned to the Nashville roster on Saturday, was tagged for five runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings of work and took the loss. Mike Meyers followed and was touched for one run in 2 1/3 frames. Chad Paronto and Jeff Bennett each allowed one run in one inning of work to close out the contest. On the offensive side, first baseman Kevin Orie continued his strong spring with a 2-for-3 effort that included a home run and two RBIs. The only other Sound to post a multiple-hit game was catcher Jeff Winchester (2-for-3). The Sounds open their final week of spring competition with a Monday afternoon meeting with the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA-Mariners) in Peoria, Ariz. It will be the clubs' only meeting of the spring season.

Courtesy of the Stars' site: www.huntsvillestars.com/s...newsId=545 Stars Sweep Series with Rockhounds Round two of the head-to-head match up between the Miles Prentice owned Stars and Midland Rockhounds, the AA-affiliate of the Oakland A's, went almost as well as the first round for Huntsville as the team edged Midland 5-3 on Saturday. Huntsville 5 Midland 3 - Saturday, March 26, Papago Park, Phoenix Designated hitter/shortstop Ozzie Chavez showed promise in the lead-off spot in the Stars batting order Saturday. Chavez went 2-for-4 on the day with an RBI. Left fielder Drew Anderson, catcher C.J. Medlin, shortstop Enrique Cruz each drove in runs and first baseman Josh Brady added a run on a triple. Khalid Ballouli made his first spring start for the Stars Saturday allowing no runs and just one hit with three strikeouts over three innings pitched. 2004 Star Ryan Costello made his first appearance of the spring for the Stars allowing no runs with one hit and three strikeouts over two innings and earning the win in relief. Does it seem pretty apparent Drew Anderson is going to bypass high-A Brevard County and start for Huntsville? -- MB Drew Anderson Brewerfan Player Profile Page: www.brewerfan.net/ViewPla...ayerId=557

In addition to LHP Brian Adams and catcher Joel Alvarado, we've learned that three other veterans of the system were let go this past weekend: RHP Greg Bruso, acquired from the Giants in the August 2003 trade of Eric Young, is probably the biggest surprise. He'll be 25 years old this May. It's likely that the scapula (right shoulder) injury he suffered prior to training camp in 2004 is still affecting his velocity, otherwise it's hard to imagine the Brewers giving up on him at this time. Greg Bruso Brewerfan Player Profile Page: www.brewerfan.net/ViewPla...ayerId=606 Bruso peaked at # 15 on the Power 50: www.brewerfan.net/ViewPow...ayerId=606 RHP David Nolasco, the Brewers 23rd round pick in 2001, will be 26 next month. Nolasco had to be bummed when he spent all of 2004 in High Desert after finishing with Huntsville in 2003, but to be honest, his numbers never really impressed along the way. David Nolasco Brewerfan Player Profile Page: www.brewerfan.net/ViewPla...ayerId=115 Finally, speedy OF Chris Morris, acquired from St. Louis along with LHP Mike Matthews in the trade that sent RHP Jamey Wright and cash to the Cardinals in 2002, was also cut. Hard to forget his 111 stolen bases in 135 attempts in 2001 -- the stat line that caught our eyes upon his arrival. Morris turns 26 years old this July. Chris Morris Brewerfan Player Profile Page: www.brewerfan.net/ViewPla...ayerId=366 Chris Morris Brewerfan Power 50 History: www.brewerfan.net/ViewPow...ayerId=366 Brewerfan wishes all these guys well, and hopes to see their names in future transaction reports should they choose to continue their pro careers.

From the Nashville site: www.nashvillesounds.com/n...ewsId=1477 Spring Update: Sounds Come Back For 7-6 Win SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Nashville Sounds plated three runs in the top of the ninth inning to score a come-from-behind 7-6 victory over the Sacramento River Cats (AAA-A's) on Saturday afternoon. Catcher Julio Mosquera went 2-for-3 with a game-best three RBIs to lead the offensive effort for Nashville. Third baseman Tony Zuniga plated a pair of runs for the Sounds, and first baseman Brandon Gemoll, leftfielder Brad Nelson, and rightfielder Ben Van Iderstine all turned in two-hit efforts in the win. Reliever Ryan Miller picked up the victory with a scoreless inning of work. Starter Jeff Housman allowed two unearned runs on five hits in his four innings of work. Jason Ryan followed by surrendering four runs in his lone frame, before Clint Weibl tossed two scoreless frames for Nashville. The Sounds open their final week of spring competition with a Monday afternoon meeting with the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA-Mariners) in Peoria, Ariz. It will be the clubs' only meeting of the spring season.

MLB.com audio link: mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/ml...d=20050328

Lengthy notes column from Mark McCarter this week, link while active, text follows: www.al.com/stars/huntsvil...255650.xml From Canseco to Hudson, former Huntsville players keep making news Contact Mark McCarter at markcolumn@aol.com Huntsville Times It was hard to escape thoughts of former Huntsville Stars while covering spring training this year. At the same time new Stars prepared under an Arizona sun for the team's 21st season in Huntsville, former Star Jose Canseco became a best-selling, ahem, author and joined two other former Huntsville players - Mark McGwire and Jason Giambi - in getting invited to the Congressional steroids hearings. (Giambi was excused from testifying.) Here are springtime reflections on past Stars, many whom made it to The Show. The starriest ex-Stars Among Huntsville's graduates to the big leagues, here are the five best currently (in order): 1. Miguel Tejada, SS, Baltimore Orioles (Stars 1997-98) 2. Tim Hudson, P, Atlanta Braves (Stars 1998) 3. Eric Chavez, 3B, Oakland Athletics (Stars 1998) 4. Ben Sheets, P, Milwaukee Brewers (Stars 2000) 5. Ramon Hernandez, C, San Diego Padres (Stars 1997-98) Here's the same list, five years down the road: 1. J.J. Hardy, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Stars 2002-03) 2. Eric Chavez, 3B, Oakland Athletics 3. Tim Hudson, P, Atlanta Braves 4. Rickie Weeks, 2B, Milwaukee Brewers (Stars 2004) 5. Mike Jones, P, Milwaukee Brewers (Stars 2003) Here's the same list, five years down the road, according to Tom Haudricourt, the national baseball writer for The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: 1. Miguel Tejada, SS, Baltimore 2. Prince Fielder, 1B, Milwaukee (Stars 2004) 3. Rickie Weeks, 2B, Milwaukee 4. Ben Sheets, P, Milwaukee 5. Tim Hudson, P, Atlanta Among Huntsville's graduates to the big leagues, here are the five best all-time (in order): 1. Mark McGwire, 1B, Oakland, St. Louis (Stars 1986) 2. Jose Canseco, OF, Oakland, many others (Stars 1985, '89) 3. Miguel Tejada, SS, Oakland, Baltimore 4. Terry Steinbach, C, Oakland, Minnesota (Stars 1985-86) 5. Jason Giambi, 1B, Oakland, NY Yankees (Stars 1994) The black sheep of the family Jose Canseco: In his new tell-all - or tattle-tale - book "Juiced,'' Canseco admits to steroid use. In fact, it began before he came to Huntsville in 1985 and continued here. Canseco also ratted out ex-teammates Mark McGwire and Rafael Palmeiro among others as steroid users. On the other hand, Jose tells us that he and Madonna were just friends. Mark McGwire: His pursuit of Roger Maris' home run record in 1998, dueling with Sammy Sosa, was said to have "saved baseball'' after several years of bad P.R. He used andro, a non-steroid supplement, that season but Canseco said he used to inject McGwire in the buttocks with steroids. Will the steroid crackdown now be the next time McGwire helps save baseball, or must he worry about saving his reputation? Jason Giambi: The McGwire protege tearfully confessed to using steroids. The American League MVP in 2000, his career has gone downhill, including a 2004 season that was basically a washout as he dealt with a mysterious illness. Bobby Chouinard: (Stars 1995) On Christmas Day 1999, a reportedly intoxicated Chouinard began an argument with his wife in front of their 17-month-old child. Chouinard was charged with striking his wife and trying to choke her, and he reportedly even pointed a gun at her. He served time in jail, was fined $25,000 and was required to undergo counseling. His career essentially ground to a halt. Luis Polonia: A Stars outfielder in 1985, he was arrested in Milwaukee on August 16, 1989, for having sex with a 15-year old girl he picked up at the team hotel's bar. He was sentenced to 60 days in jail and given a $1,500 fine after pleading no contest to a charge of having sex with a minor. Feel-good stories David Newhan: (Stars 1997) After a career full of injuries and some modest playing time in the majors, the son of a Hall of Fame sports writer hit the big time with Baltimore last season. He hit .311 in 95 games with 54 RBIs and will play a key utility role for the Orioles this season. Huntsville Olympians: Outfielders Mike Neill (Stars 1992-93, '95, '97-98) and Ernie Young (Stars 1993-94) and pitcher Ben Sheets were all members of the 2000 U.S. Olympic team that won a gold medal in Sydney, Australia. Sheets pitched a complete-game, three-hit shutout as the U.S. upset Cuba in the gold medal game. Neill hit an extra-inning homer to beat Japan in a preliminary game, and homered to stake Sheets to a 2-0 lead in the gold medal game. Bucky Jacobsen: (Stars 1999-2002) It seemed Jacobsen would be a career minor leaguer, albeit an intensely popular one, one of the few players who had an official fan club while still in Single-A. The Brewers let the slugger with the Paul Bunyan build depart, then the Cardinals let him go to Seattle. There, he had a sensational start in Triple-A in 2004, then was promoted to the majors in August and hit four homers in his first nine games. Scott Brosius: (Stars 1989-90) How much did Huntsville mean to him? On a family trip to the South two seasons ago, he went out of his way to visit Joe Davis Stadium to show his kids where dad used to play. He also used to play in Yankee Stadium - where the classy third baseman was named the MVP of the 1998 World Series, a four-game New York sweep of San Diego as Brosius batted .471, hit two homers and drove in six runs. Memories Of Huntsville "It was the ninth inning on a Saturday night game and we had a big, big crowd. And (general manager Bryan) Dingo didn't want us to lose that one. We were up by two and I went up over the fence in right-center and robbed a guy of a home run.'' - David Krynzel (Stars 2002-03) "A lot of long bus rides. That's what I remember about the Southern League. It was a learning experience for me. The people in Huntsville were great. I just remember it being really hot.'' - Tim Hudson "Beating Birmingham at Birmingham to make the championship that year (2003). Especially when they had some less-than-quality human beings on that team.'' - Frank Kremblas (Stars manager 2002-04) "I caught the last out in the playoff series against Birmingham. It was big. I hadn't been around all season to know all the history, but I knew we didn't like them.'' - Brad Nelson (Stars 2003-04) "Hitting a home run in the first game last year, after I had told all my teammates I would hit the first home run.'' - Ryan Knox (Stars 2001-04) "Us going to the championship. I was the MVP that year and that was one of the better things that ever happened to me, but I couldn't have done it if we didn't have a championship kind of team.'' - Corey Hart (Stars 2002-03) "To be honest with you, I don't remember much about it at all. Sorry.'' - Mark McGwire The four best names in the Brewers' minor league camp this spring 1. Thomas Hawk 2. Angel Salome 3. Khalid Ballouli 4. Roque Mercedes Reading the fine print What's sky blue, unfolds four times and has more vague language than a daily horoscope and more big words than a George Will column? It's a standard "Minor League Uniform Player Contract.'' Not uniform as in what they wear. Minor league players sign an eight-page document each year, full of legalese that protects both the club (especially) and the player (fairly well). Page one is actually a biographical information sheet. Then you open it up to the whereas and therefore. The last page is mostly blank, an addendum page for bonus information. A separate one-page addendum covers the player's salary. While many major league contracts may specifically prohibit certain dangerous activities - skydiving, motorcycles, running with scissors - the minor league contract covers most anything "detrimental'' to a career. It has clauses that require a player to be in good physical condition. Some even sound like a Boy Scout oath: To "serve diligently and faithfully ... and comply with organization rules.'' And, you ask, what about that addendum covering salaries? A player in the first year with the organization, at the Double-A level, makes $1,600 a month in-season. It escalates according to tenure and the level at which they play. What's happening now David Krynzel made a strong push to stick with the Brewers with his 4-for-4 game Friday against the White Sox, including a homer. "It put my mind at ease,'' he says. "It was a confidence booster.'' It seems likely he'll be Milwaukee's fourth outfielder, giving the Brewers some speed and base-stealing ability on the bench, a capable late-inning defensive replacement for a not-so-fast Carlos Lee in left and as the back-up in center to Brady Clark. Prince Fielder and Rickie Weeks, the highly touted prospects at Huntsville last season, are still in big-league camp. They're expected to remain with the Brewers at least through tonight. That's because tonight's game will be broadcast back to Milwaukee and new team owner Mark Attanasio reportedly suggested it would be a good idea to let folks back home get a good look at the promising talent for the future. Fielder was batting .306 with three homers and 14 RBIs going into Saturday's game and Weeks was at .289 with 38 at-bats. J.J. Hardy was the Brewers' shortstop of the future only three years ago when he was promoted to Huntsville as a 19-year-old. The future is now. Hardy will be Milwaukee's starting shortstop - even more remarkable when you consider he missed much of last season after shoulder surgery. The Brewers like his glove, intelligence and hitting potential. Infield coach Rich Dauer, the former Oriole, has compared him to the late Baltimore great Mark Belanger. "I like his makeup,'' says Milwaukee manager Ned Yost. "I like his ability to field the ground ball and throw it accurately. I like his leadership capabilities. He's a quality young man.'' On Saturday, the Giants' Deivi Cruz hit a smash off the glove of Milwaukee third baseman Wes Helms. Hardy was backing up on the play and neatly fielded the ricochet and threw Cruz out by two steps, a sensational play. Ben Hendrickson (Stars 2002-03) was the Brewers' minor league pitcher of the year after winning 11 games at Triple-A. However, when he was sent up to the majors he struggled, going 1-8. The Brewers demoted him to Triple-A Nashville Saturday morning after he was 1-1 and gave up 28 hits in 14 innings of work this spring. "It's OK,'' Hendrickson says. "I'm working through some new mechanics and I'm starting to feel more comfortable with them.'' Hendrickson has dropped his release point to more of a three-quarters delivery, giving him more movement on his pitches. Ben Sheets' contract is a major topic in spring training. His agent, Casey Close, is meeting with Brewers general manager Doug Melvin in hopes of settling on a long-term contract. His current deal expires after 2006. He could command in the neighborhood of a four-year, $40 million deal, much like another former Huntsville pitcher, Tim Hudson. Sheets pitched six innings in a minor league game Friday, allowing only two hits. He had off-season back surgery, but shows no ill effects from that. Bucky Jacobsen continues to rehab his surgically repaired knee. The first baseman made a big splash with the fans - and the Mariners - when he made his big league debut last season. According to Seattle sources, Jacobsen "should be ready about a month from now'' and start the season in Triple-A. Former Huntsville reliever Jack Krawczyk (Stars 2000-02) is making a tough trip this weekend. He's now in his first year as the pitching coach at Arizona State - and his Sun Devils are playing at Southern Cal, where Krawczyk played collegiately and set an NCAA record for saves. Todd Van Poppel (Stars 1991) has retired after being in camp with the Mets. Van Poppel, 33, an Oakland farmhand rushed up to the majors by the Athletics, played 11 seasons for seven different teams. Brian Adams (Stars 2003), a left-handed reliever and classy guy, was released Saturday by the Brewers. Catcher Kade Johnson (Stars 2003) is still struggling with a bum throwing shoulder that might ultimately require surgery. Outfielder Tony Gwynn (Stars 2004) has been working with Triple-A Nashville all spring, but expects to return to Huntsville. He's content with that decision, saying, "I want to show I'm better than a .245 hitter.'' Odds and ends Bill Hall (Stars 2001) looks to be set for a utility role for the Brewers again. He's batting .351 in camp. ... Currently on the Stars' roster, but likely to begin in A-ball, is infielder Steven Sollman, the Brewers' 10th-round pick out of Notre Dame. His brother, Scott, played for the Stars in 1999. ... Jose Capellan, a highly touted prospect when with the Braves but who was traded for Brewers closer Dan Kolb in the off-season, was sent to Triple-A Saturday. He had a 9.69 ERA in 13 innings work but did strike out 12. ... Mike Coolbaugh (Stars '97) is making a great push to stick with Houston. After all those years of affiliation between the Oakland Athletics and Huntsville Stars, can you believe that third baseman Eric Chavez is the only player left from those days on the Oakland roster? Pitcher Tim Harrikala (Stars 2000) is bidding to make the team, but he came through Huntsville in the Milwaukee days after already having been in the majors. Chavez is nearing superstar status, with four consecutive Gold Gloves. Astounding for those who remember him as a young player who approached defense with great indifference. He just signed a six-year, $66 million deal. ... The 1998 Stars team of manager Jeffrey "Hac-Man'' Leonard failed to make much noise in the playoffs, dropping three in a row to Mobile in the first round. But it is making noise in the majors. Along with Chavez, others on that team currently in the majors are shortstop Miguel Tejada (Baltimore), catcher Ramon Hernandez (San Diego) and pitchers Tim Hudson (Atlanta), Eric DuBose (Baltimore), Luis Vizcaino (White Sox) and Chad Harville (Houston). ... And whatever became of Justin Bowles?