MassBrew

News on the AA front from Huntsville: Johnson, Barnwell returning to town By MARK McCARTER Times Sports Staff markcolumn@aol.com MARYVALE, Ariz. - One of the heroes in Huntsville's run through the Southern League finals has been reassigned to the Stars for the 2004 season, along with a pair of his 2003 teammates. Catcher Kade Johnson, as expected, was placed on the Stars' roster Sunday. Johnson was the last Huntsville hitter to bat at Joe Davis Stadium last season, swatting a 12th-inning, game-winning homer that evened the playoff series with Carolina. Chris Barnwell, an invaluable utility player last season, will also return to Huntsville, likely being given the chance as the regular third baseman. Pitcher Ryan Miller was also reassigned to Huntsville. Johnson batted only .192 in 65 games with the Stars, though he hit .321 and hit in 24 of 25 games at High Desert before his promotion in May. Barnwell played 35 games at second, 34 at shortstop, 18 at third and even made cameo appearances at first base and in the outfield while batting .246. Miller was 1-8, but had a 3.84 ERA and was the busiest man on the staff, with 50 appearances, mostly as a late-innings setup man. There are several question marks remaining as the Stars' roster is constructed, especially on the pitching staff and in the outfield. To predict the 12-man staff is like figuring an NCAA bracket. Two more outfielders must be selected to go along with Brad Nelson and Tony Gwynn Jr. Jason Belcher, who hit .320 at High Desert, is a possible candidate, but he's still in Triple-A camp for now. It looks as if Froilan Villanueva will be the backup catcher and Johnny Raburn the utility infielder, with Prince Fielder set at first, Rickie Weeks at second and Enrique Cruz at shortstop.

Another Brewer cut makes for one of those "alumni" who never officially appears in a game for the organization. Our Huntsville friend Mark McCarter reports that the Brewers have released 27-year-old Kevin Haverbusch, a player with AAA experience who was vying for the Stars' third base job. Haverbusch was also to be available for outfield duty, but that obviously won't be the case now. www.brewerfan.net/ViewPla...ayerId=635

RHP Jason Dickson, the former Anaheim pitcher, failed his physical and is no longer Brewer property. Dickson had been listed on the Indianapolis roster. Here's the current roster of AAA players, which includes the non-roster invitees still in major league camp: www.indyindians.com/clubh...ter04.html

According to the independent Frontier League transaction wire, the Brewers have purchased the contract of 23-year-old catcher Tim Marks from the Richmond Roosters. This should make a bit of news in Marks' college town of Indianapolis, where he played with Butler University. It will most likely be a Beloit assignment (perhaps High Desert) for Marks. We'll know within the next two weeks. At Butler: www.sports-wired.com/play...Name=DBHFG 97 AB's with Richmond: www.baseballamerica.com/c...ayer=marks For squarepusher and the Player Index: butlersports.ocsn.com/spo...tim00.html butlersports.ocsn.com/spo...03aaa.html

Thus far this month, Brewerfan.net is on pace to log its "busiest" month ever, based on number of visits, and while the link below covers the prior 12 months only, it's not hard to do the math and project that the numbers will be almost double what they were in March 2003. Look for a nice spike in April, with both the major and minor league (link reports! http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif ) regular seasons kicking in, and lots of visits for colbyjack's amazing draft coverage throughout the next three months. Thanks to everyone, especially our fearless leader and Brewerfan's daddy, squarepusher (Brian). www.brewerfan.net/stats/index.html

I hate having to go to other sights to get info I can't really say I agree with this, pogo. I really can't fathom being a Brewer fan wanting as much information as possible and not visiting both the Brewers' own site and the Journal Sentinel's daily. Each day this spring training for instance, Adam McCalvy has provided a game story, a feature article, and a notes column. That's three major components, and to be honest, it would get pretty repetitive for us to link to all three in the most relevant thread at the time each and every day. Colbyjack has surprised me on occasion by indicating that the JS coverage is only brought to his attention when linked within Brewerfan. Say what you might about Drew, Tom, et al, but the JS again does normally provide at least three relevant distinct daily links, obviously some of more importance than others. I do think we do a pretty good job of locating some of the more obscure Brewer links, thanks in no small part from posted contributions from our readers. I believe that squarepusher has experimented with an ESPN2-type ticker / crawler across the home page in testing mode. Perhaps it's something the "staff" could re-visit.

Patrick, awesome job as always! I've always loved the DFE-related tidbits here since your coverage began. I know how much effort goes into contacting the coaches, area scouts, etc., on your part -- very much appreciated. One small suggestion -- I was wondering how a New Jersey kid like Evan Baubles made his way to New Mexico for community college ball -- until I learned via some web browsing that Santa Fe Community College is in Florida -- gee, silly me http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/tongue.gif . Considering that some of these schools might be right in the backyard of our readers (spread out all over the country), could you include a city and state designation along with the school name going forward? Thanks!

Time for the "Spring Training" version of the transaction history thread. The two "off-season" threads are linked here pub123.ezboard.com/fbrewe...mp;stop=40 and here pub123.ezboard.com/fbrewe...mp;stop=40 From the Journal Sentinel: The Brewers signed right-hander Dan Reichert to a minor-league contract. Reichert, who posted a 6.06 ERA in 15 games for Toronto last season, passed a physical Sunday and will report to minor-league camp in a few weeks. Right-hander Jose Silva, who joined Reichert and a handful of other players at a tryout Saturday, was offered a minor-league contract but declined. Career numbers on the former # 1 pick: www.sports-wired.com/play...p?Name=FGG

Notes from Huntsville: www.al.com/sports/huntsvi...170170.xml

Imagine that, ANOTHER ex-Texas Ranger.... And Michalak's 2001 season was split between Texas and Toronto, so given the Gord Ash connection it's a wonder he wasn't signed back in November... Interesting to see a successful age 26 season in relief in High Desert with the D-Backs' system -- kind of gives hope to a lot of the current so-called "non-prospects" that you can get to the show.

As mentioned in the Journal Sentinel today, LHP Chris Michalak has been signed to a minor league deal with a major league camp invite: www.sports-wired.com/play...p?Name=HAE

In a pleasant surprise, the Brewers' own site has updated minor league roster pages for the first time in months, now in sync with Brewerfan's http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif . Recent RHP signee's Garrett Berger and Greg Modica have each been assigned to the Beloit roster. Two new names at the Arizona rookie level: Soon-to-be 22 year-old Carlos de la Cruz, a 6'3", 175 lb. infielder born 03/01/82, bats/throws right Soon-to-be 19-year-old Jhonathan Blanc (listed spelling), a 6'3", 180 lb. outfielder born 03/22/85, bats/throws right One name announced earlier is no longer listed -- Erickson Volcan, a 17-year-old RHP. Unless he re-appears, we'll assume that signing fell through. Toby, still no sight of any of the DSL names on the Arizona roster. Maybe they'll be lent to an existing DSL squad down the road...

The Indianapolis website would continue to get solid grades in an off-season review, should yours truly ever produce the long-promised follow-up to last year's affiliate website reviews. Here the folks in Indy manage to do what the mlb.com staff can't at this time, and that's produce archived audio clips. Here's two interviews with Cecil Cooper, each worthwhile. The first interview, with Tribe broadcaster Brian Giffin, is brief but provides some nice insights. The second interview is from Coop's mlb.com visit last week. Even though he calls Tony Gwynn's son "Chris" http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/embarassed.gif , it's an OK clip that includes thoughts on Indy as a AAA city, his time spent as a player agent, and breaking into the big leagues with the Red Sox at a time when Boston was still considered "behind the times" in the integration of minority players. www.indyindians.com/multi...audio.html

The Brewers have reached again into the independent baseball ranks, signing RHP Greg Modica of the Frontier League's River City (Missouri) Rascals. Current Brewer and former Ranger farmhand RHP Justin Backsmeyer (High Desert) was signed off of the same club last season. Link: www.rivercityrascals.com/...odica.html Greg Modica's 2003 Frontier League Numbers: www.baseballamerica.com/c...yer=modica 2001 / 2002 in the Padres organization (Rookie +): www.sports-wired.com/play...sp?ID=6317 Brief article on his background and "stuff" from prior to his first pro contract: www.timesnewsweekly.com/O...RGMVM.html You'd have to think that at age 24 in May, Modica might squeeze into the pitching staff at A+ High Desert. Until the Brewers' site squares away its minor league pages, we can't know for sure. This signing occurred on January 29th. Thanks for the heads-up from Baseball America, currently the only active source on the web for player signings / releases.

You could make the case Luis Martinez' situation made room for yet another AAA signing, but the fact remains Indy's roster simply cannot remain this crowded: Indyindians Press Release: www.indyindians.com/press..._1104.html RHP Jason Dickson Career Numbers through 2002: www.sports-wired.com/play...Name=BAHDG Many will remember Dickson's seemingly stellar rookie campaign with Anaheim in 1997, although his secondary numbers that season did not indicate a strong chance of sustained success. 2003 in the independent Atlantic League: www.baseballamerica.com/c...ckson%2C+j

Story from Huntsville featuring Kade Johnson: www.al.com/specialreport/.../out2.html Catcher says 'it's not easy to make do' on minor league salary I'm sorry, but for most of the players, yes, but not 1st, 2nd, and even 3rd round bonus babies. This story would have rung much more true if it didn't include a focus on Kade Johnson, and snipets from Mike Jones. So most of the former 2nd round pick's (Johnson's) $650,000 is "socked away". Hey, that's great for Kade. But I've invested 18 years in my career, and that bonus is equal to about 13 years of my salary at my current pay scale, never mind going back to the early years. And I'm pretty sure Johnson's initial contract includes language about money for school after his playing days are done. So yes, for 90 - 95% of the Brewers' farmhands, a headline about "still waiting to strike it rich" may ring true. But as much as I tout Mark McCarter, this story holds no ground when you're quoting 1st and 2nd round picks in this day and age of huge up-front money. Sorry Kade, I'm rooting for you, but you can't be crying poverty -- no way, no how.

Haudricourt also mentions the signing of RHP Jose de la Torre (no data available). Obviously the son the Yankee manager never mentioned before -- ahh, those winter league groupies!

We'll have to ask colbyjack to check his notes from the 2001 draft. The 60th overall pick (2nd round), RHP Garrett Berger was signed by the Brewers' today, the Journal's Tom Haudricourt reports. Here's a Q&A from this winter's Florida Marlin Baseball America chat: Q: Joe from Knoxville, Tenn asks: What is the status / outlook for Marlins pitcher Garrett Berger? He was sidelined with Tommy John surgery following the 2001 draft. A: Moderator: The man known as "Chunk" has had a hard time making it back so far, which is a shame. I really like the kid and his family. Unfortunately, he had bad control problems this year in the GCL and posted a 9.15 ERA in 14 outings. He received no support whatsoever for the Marlins Top 30 prospects list, so he'll drop off this year. Here's hoping he makes it back on the list next winter. The Marlins released him in January. His signing bonus in 2001 was $795,000. The Marlins couldn't wait for more of a return on their investment in the 6'3", 240 lb. high schooler? He won't be 21 years old until May 11th. Career numbers (all in 2003, rookie ball): www.baseballamerica.com/c...erger%2C+g Haudricourt also mentions the signing of RHP Jose de la Torre (no data available, other than to note he's only 18 years old). Apparently Berger signed late in the summer of 2001, and was throwing in the high 90's during fall instructionals when he blew out his elbow, forcing surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament. Perhaps a nice risk / reward signing, Dougie.

The Indy site also lists a preliminary roster (players not on the 40-man, but currently listed at AAA). Only one name is a surprise, and we will contact the Brewers to confirm. RHP Roberto Giron, the Tribe's closer for most of 2003, is listed. Perhaps he was re-signed by Milwaukee, as he had been a free agent. The Brewers have confirmed for us that minor league free agent Roberto Giron has indeed been re-signed to a AAA contract. The lanky RH Dominican reliever's career began with the Blue Jays' organization, and detoured through four seasons of independent league ball before he joined High Desert in 2001. He'll be 28 in March. Roberto Giron career numbers: www.sports-wired.com/play...Name=CBHDA

Congratulations, Rickie! Linkage: mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/ml...;fext=.jsp

No doubt Huntsville Star historian David Weiser will recognize Scott Sheldon's name from his days in the A's organization. Scott Sheldon career numbers: www.sports-wired.com/play...p?Name=EJB

Veteran 3B Scott Sheldon signed for Indy: www.indyindians.com/press..._2904.html The Indy site also lists a preliminary roster (players not on the 40-man, but currently listed at AAA). Only one name is a surprise, and we will contact the Brewers to confirm. RHP Roberto Giron, the Tribe's closer for most of 2003, is listed. Perhaps he was re-signed by Milwaukee, as he had been a free agent. www.indyindians.com/clubh...ter04.html 29 players at AAA, and 15 players from the 40-man won't be on the big league Opening Day roster as well, with only a half-dozen or so of those 15 obvious candidates for AA or lower. In other words, very crowded, and some folks will be saying goodbye or getting moved down to AA, as there just isn't a way to sneak 35 or so names on to the 24-man Indianapolis roster for April. In the infield alone, you have J.J. Hardy, Steve Scaborough, and Luis Figueroa at SS, Trent Durrington at 2B, and Matt Erickson and now Sheldon at third. If Jeff Liefer doesn't make the big league club as a RH power bat and Lyle Overbay's backup, he looks to be the Indy 1B, it seems. Does the glut mean Corey Hart returns to Huntsville to open 2004?

While some select farmhands will report to Brewer minor league camp as early as February 21st, the Brewers overall report date of March 14th for both pitchers and position players is about as late as any team in baseball. Check out San Diego: www.minorleaguebaseball.c...es/?id=594 The early report date of the 21st for some of the Brewers' kids would seem to be the equivalent of the work done in fall instructionals, which was eliminated as of last season by Doug Melvin and staff. And no, we don't have a list of the early invitees.

Lots of ballpark renovation talk in Huntsville: www.al.com/stars/huntsvil...183471.xml

Jeriome Robertson and Brian Duckworth, obtained from Philadelphia over the winter, will compete for jobs in the bullpen. Let's see, it's the off-season, and you're responsible for an every-other-week major league notes column (swapping off with Drew), and not much else. So glad such effort goes into that assignment, Tom. By the way, it's Brandon. Nice writing. Let's promote this guy to the JS. All summer long, we'll read better journalistic efforts (both stylistically and factually) from Huntsville, High Desert, and Beloit. And that's not an automatic, because the Indianapolis Star coverage of the Indy club is dreadful. Thank you to guys like Jim Franz in Beloit and Mark McCarter in Huntsville.