battlekow

Nieves accepted his assignment and played for Nashville tonight.

Final: Nashville 5, @Memphis 3 Boggs, Carroll Power Sounds Past Memphis, 5-3Nashville Sounds MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Brandon Boggs and Brett Carroll each belted a pair of home runs to power the Nashville Sounds to a 5-3 victory over the cross-state rival Memphis Redbirds on Sunday evening at AutoZone Park. With the victory, the Sounds (31-38) snapped a two-game skid and brought an end to the Redbirds' six-game winning streak. Boggs (2-for-4) homered from both sides of the plate in the contest, going deep from the right side of the plate in the first and from the left side in the eighth. Carroll (3-for-4) extended his longest hit streak of the year to nine games with his two-homer effort. Their feats marked the ninth and tenth two-homer efforts posted by Nashville batters this season. The Sounds jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead against Memphis starter Nick Additon, belting a pair of first-inning home runs off the right-hander. Boggs got things started with a bang for the Sounds, opening the contest with an eight-pitch at-bat that culminated in a leadoff homer to left. The blast, his second game-opening longball in the past week, was Boggs' fourth of the year. Later in the frame, Edwin Maysonet drew a one-out walk then trotted home when Carroll mashed a two-run roundtripper to left. The blast was the outfielder's 10th of the year. Carroll struck again in the third, swatting a two-out solo homer to left on a 1-0 pitch from Additon to up the visitors' lead to 4-0. It marked his second two-homer game of the season. Left-hander Chase Wright made his return to the Sounds' rotation following Mark DiFelice's recent promotion to Milwaukee. He opened the contest by allowing only two hits over four scoreless frames before the Redbirds broke through in the fifth. Second baseman Jose Garcia drew an inning-opening walk from Wright and scored when Nick Derba followed with an RBI triple off the base of the wall in dead center. Pinch-hitter Freddie Bynum halved the Nashville lead to 4-2 when he looped a run-scoring single to right. Wright (4-4) continued his career dominance of Memphis and earned the victory by allowing two runs on four hits over his five innings of work in his first start since May 29th. The left-hander has defeated the Redbirds five times in his seven career outings against them. Boggs, batting left-handed, belted his second homer of the night to lead of the eighth inning, ripping a solo shot to right to greet Memphis reliever Pete Parise. His fifth longball of the year extended the Sounds' lead to 5-2. Right-hander Sean Green followed Wright to the hill for the Sounds and turned in three hitless innings of work, allowing only one baserunner when he hit a batter. Memphis made it interesting in the bottom of the ninth against Sounds left-hander Zach Braddock, who made his first appearance since being optioned from Milwaukee. After Aaron Luna opened the frame with a walk, Daryl Jones (3-for-4) singled through the right side of the infield to bring the potential tying run to the plate. Matt Carpenter continued the rally by lining an opposite-field RBI single down the left field line to plate Luna to make it a 5-3 contest. Braddock quickly recovered by catching the next two Memphis hitters looking at called third strikes before popping up pinch-hitter Bryan Anderson for the final out of the contest, securing the Sounds' win and earning his first save of the year. On the game's final play, Boggs made an outstanding sliding catch in foul territory to glove the final out. Additon (1-4) took the loss for Memphis after surrendering four runs in his five innings of work. Catcher Wil Nieves made his Sounds debut in the contest and went 0-for-4 at the plate while batting from the second spot in the order. The teams will wrap up the series with a 7:05 p.m. finale on Monday evening. Left-hander Sam Narron (4-2, 3.59) will make the start for the Sounds to face Memphis right-hander Lance Lynn (6-3, 3.78). Both hurlers rank among the Pacific Coast League's top 10 in ERA. Nashville box scoreThe only baserunners not mentioned were singles by Maysonet and Eric Farris. Caleb Gindl's recent hot stretch ended in a screech; he's hitless in his last four games. Taylor Green did not play. Not sure whether I'm glad or not that Nieves accepted his assignment.Nashville play-by-play

Final: Wisconsin 4, @Cedar Rapids 1 Wisconsin closes out first half with a winChris Mehring/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - TJ Mittelstaedt may not want four days off for the Midwest League All-Star break. The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers outfielder had a triple, a home run, and two RBI in a 4-1 victory over the Cedar Rapids Kernels on Sunday afternoon in the final game of the first half. Mittelstaedt went 11-for-21 with a pair of home runs during the just concluded 7-game road trip for the Rattlers. Mittelstaedt put Wisconsin (38-32) in front in the top of the fifth inning. He tripled to right-center with two outs to drive in the first run of the game. Cedar Rapids (32-38) came back in the bottom of the fifth on a two-out RBI single by Rolando Gomez. Chris Dennis put the Rattlers back in front with a two-out RBI double in the top of the sixth. Mittelstaedt struck again in the top of the seventh. He stepped to the plate with two outs and none on base. Mittelstaedt lined a 1-1 pitch to the right field corner. The ball glanced off the foul pole just above the wall for a home run. Mittelstaedt's sixth home run of the season put the Rattlers up 3-1. Rattlers starting pitcher Austin Ross tossed three scoreless innings and left the game in favor of Del Howell. Howell, who had not worked in a game since June 10, came on and allowed one run over three innings. Stosh Wawrzasek worked a scoreless seventh inning, but issued a walk and gave up a double with one out in the eighth inning. The call went to Brian Garman. The lefty got a strikeout and deep fly ball to left to preserve the 3-1 lead. The Rattlers added an insurance run in the top of the ninth. Franklin Romero, Jr. singled and stole second. Mittelstaedt dropped a sacrifice bunt to move Romero to third. Mike Brownstein's sacrifice fly to center got Romero home and Wisconsin led 4-1. Garman worked a 1-2-3 ninth inning for the save, his third of the season. Wisconsin is off as a team until Friday night. The Timber Rattlers start the second half of the 2011 season at home on June 24 against the Quad Cities River Bandits. Game time is 7:05pm. Four Timber Rattlers will be busy during the Midwest League All-Star Break. Chris Dennis, Austin Ross, Tyler Thornburg, and Mike Walker were selected by the managers of the Western Division to represent the Rattlers in the All-Star Game on June 21 at Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport, Iowa. Fans in Wisconsin who are Time Warner Cable subscribers will be able to watch the game on Sports 32. Game time is 7:00pm. Wisconsin box scoreRoss threw 33 pitches and 22 strikes. The Rattlers staff combined to walk five while only fanning two, but hey, it worked for today. Figures that in after the two extra-base hits, Mittelstatedt drop down a sac bunt. He's now got a pretty great .319/.443/.496 line on the year. Romero and Cody Hawn joined Mittelstaedt with two hits, Walker walked twice, and Chad Stang singled and walked. Wisconsin play-by-play

As CheeseheadInIllinois pointed out, 7th-round RHP David Goforth and 21st-round 1B Mike Nemeth have signed with the Brewers and been assigned to Helena.

Timber Rattlers profile: No. 40 Stosh Wawrzasek, pitcher Quick hits Age: 20. Height, weight: 6-0, 249. Bats/throws: Right/right. Residence: Langley, British Columbia. Notes: Selected by the Brewers in the 16th round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft. … Committed to play at Florida International before signing with the Brewers. … Was a teammate of former Brewers first-round draft pick Brett Lawrie on the Langley Blaze of the British Columbia Premiere Baseball League. … Owns a 1-2 record with the Timber Rattlers with a 2.52 ERA and one save. Favorites MLB team growing up: "I would say, growing up, was probably the Red Sox, because of Tim Wakefield. My dad taught me to throw a knuckleball when I was younger and I was like, 'I want to throw that.' I saw (Wakefield) pitch and I thought, 'I want to be like him when I grow up.' But then I developed and I throw it a little harder than him so, I thought, 'I might not want to be him.' " [unfortunate day to trot that fact out.] MLB player growing up: "Wakefield." Sport other than baseball: "Anything with contact. I love contact sports. I played everything when I was younger. I played football, rugby. I didn't play hockey, though. It's the one thing I never really played." Food: "The list goes on and on." Thing about Langley: "I would probably say the ball field that I grew up at. A lot of memories there. My dad was my coach when I was playing 7 through 12. Just playing baseball with the people I grew up with is one of the biggest memories I have." TV show: "I'd probably say 'Lie to Me.' It's one of those shows that I just zoned in. I couldn't stop watching." Musical artist: "I really don't have a specific favorite. Whatever is on the radio, I'll listen to. If I had to chose, I'd probably say Eminem." NFL team: "When I was younger, it was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I couldn't tell you why. I think it was because of their logo." Q&A Q: How did you parents decide on the name Stosh? A: "My dad's name is Stanley. Stosh is actually Polish for Stanley. They didn't want to give me the same name as my dad, even though that's what he goes by. But they said, "We'll name him Stosh.' So it's not the same, but it kind of is." Q: Are you disappointed you lost in the first round last year of Minor League Moniker Madness? A: "Not so much. I didn't expect to win. I thought it was cool to be in it. But some of the other names in there were kind of crazy." Q: Do you remember who you lost to? A: "A guy named Beamer Weems." Q: What's the funniest story you have involving your name? A: "Just the mispronunciation of it. When we were in Bowling Green, I came in to pitch the ninth inning and they announced my name as Steve Werzak. Didn't get either of them right. I don't know how he butchered my first name, but he did." Q: Were you sad to see Lawrie traded? A: "It is tough to see someone you played with your whole life leave. But the move is probably better for him because he's playing in Triple-A now in his third year in pro ball. He's a great hitter, a great power hitter and a pretty good second baseman, I think, especially when I played with him in Langley." Q: Is it a widely held misconception that every Canadian boy is given a hockey stick and shoved onto the ice? A: "Yes. I was given one. But, surprisingly enough, I've never been on ice skates. I played roller hockey but I've never been on skates." Q: At what point did the organization decide you'd be a reliever and how did that sit with you? A: "I think the decision of me being a reliever has been up in the air for a little bit. The first year I signed, I was kind of like a starter. The second year, in Arizona, I was strictly a relief pitcher. And then last year, I played in Helena and I was a starter and now, this year, I'm back to a reliever. I'm actually doing well out of the pen. I'm throwing a lot harder than I was last year. I think it's that mentality that I'm possibly only going to be in there three or four innings and I'm going to give it everything I've got and throw the ball as hard as I can." Q: What's the hardest thing about being a reliever? A: "Having to get your arm ready and be prepared to go out there every day. That was the biggest thing for me. To throw two innings one day, then do your stuff, and then be able to go the next day as well. That was the biggest adjustment I had to make." Q: What's it like to get the last out of the game? A: "It's by far one of the best feelings I've ever had. Nothing beats it. Having your catcher walk toward you, shake his hand, then shake hands with the rest of your teammates and walk off the field with a satisfied feeling in your gut. Feels real good." Q: Do you throw a knuckleball? A: "Not in a game. I goof around with it. They told me not to throw it in a game." Q: How do you kill time in the bullpen? A: "Throw water on the bratzooka guy. But we just really talk and goof around, but when it gets down to the later innings, it gets serious. You start to stretch and get your body loose just in case. It's not just having your body ready but you have to be mentally prepared too. If you're not mentally prepared, things can go crazy really fast." Q: How does the bratzooka guy treat you guys? A: "There have been a couple of times where they've asked us not to throw water because they have somebody on there with them. And then we don't throw water, but then see there is nobody on there, then we really get them the next day. "It was funny when (Dennis Haskins from 'Saved by the Bell') Mr. Belding was here and we got Mr. Belding. It was hilarious. We got him soaked and then we come into the clubhouse and (reliever) Greg Holle's shirt is soaked and there was a little note on his chair 'Don't mess with the principal, Mr. Belding.' It was funny." Q: What's your most prized sports possession? A: "I have a lot. I'd probably say, when I was 12 years old, I got a Team Canada jersey. We didn't win. We came in like sixth place in the Cal Ripken World Series. But that is probably one of my most prized baseball memorabilia I have. My parents got it framed and it's sitting in my room. Something to remember the awesome year I had playing with my friends and my dad." Q: What's the best advice you've ever received? A: "Don't think. When you're on the mound, if you starting thinking too much, it just turns into chaos. So I just get up there on the mound and just throw the ball." The Tool Box Timber Rattlers pitching coach Chris Hook breaks down Stosh Wawrzasek: "He has an average major-league fastball with good tilt. He works kind of up and down in the zone, not so much side to side. He's got a curveball that's in development and he throws a changeup as well. "I'm really looking for consistency out of him. He's a young guy, a young guy who's basically 20 years old. He's been a starter most of his career. Has thrown a lot of innings. This is kind of new to him. The routine of a reliever, being able to come back on back-to-back days. I'm just looking for him to let his stuff play in the strike zone. And when he does that, he does a pretty good job. "He seems to do better when he comes into pressure situations. Sometimes the concentration lapse will happen. He does better when there are guys on base — he's locked in and does a good job. I want to see him improve his concentration pitch to pitch. I think he's got a good curveball, probably an average major-league curveball, but I don't see that consistently. He's got a lot a stuff to work on and, as a young guy, that's what he should be doing here in A ball."

The unnatural naturalTom Haudricourt/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Ryan Braun knows how difficult it is to hit home runs at Class A Brevard County. In 59 games there in 2006, he hit seven homers, only to move up to Class AA Huntsville and sock 15 in an equal number of games. "It's a terrible place to hit," the Brewers leftfielder said. "I hated it there. The wind blows in every day." That condition hasn't stopped Manatees outfielder Brock Kjeldgaard, who entered Saturday with 17 home runs in 58 games. How impressive is 17 homers at this stage? The club record for an entire season is 18, set by Jose Santos in 2001. Last week, Kjeldgaard (pronounced kel-gard) was honored for the third consecutive time as Florida State League player of the week. So, he has to be one of the Brewers' top prospects, right? Not so fast. The native Canadian was drafted in the 34th round in 2005 out of Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa, as - get this - a right-handed pitcher. But after spinning his wheels for two seasons with the rookie Helena club, Kjeldgaard was converted to a first baseman. Since then, because of other first-base prospects in the system, he was moved to the outfield. At 6 feet 5 inches and 215 pounds, he is a big man with big power. He also strikes out a lot, including a league-high 175 times in 2010 during his first season with Brevard. At 25, Kjeldgaard also is a bit old for Class A ball. But he is a good athlete (12 steals in 14 attempts) with a strong arm who has been a bit better at making contact this season (66 strikeouts in 209 at-bats). "He was suspect, but he has above-average power (and) has become a decent outfielder," Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash said. "We know he can play first base, so if he can play the outfield it adds to his versatility. "He's worth keeping an eye on because he has the one above-average tool that isn't easy to find." When apprised of Kjeldgaard's home run total before the midway point of the season, Braun smiled and shook his head. "That's impressive," he said. "It really is."

Sanford resident a call away from majorsJonathan Owens/Sanford Herald SANFORD - Sanford resident Rob Wooten knows a thing or two about pitching in the College World Series. As a junior at the University of North Carolina, Wooten set an NCAA record in 2007 by pitching in six different games in the CWS as the Tar Heels advanced to their second-consecutive championship series. That season, Wooten posted a 6-1 record and a 2.35 ERA over 53 2/3 innings, striking out 58 as the Heels' closer. He allowed just one home run and nine extra-base hits all season, and was dominant in the postseason with a 1.56 ERA and a 3-0 record over 12 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, striking out 22 in the postseason alone. Unfortunately for Wooten, that season ended just as the one before did - with the Tar Heels losing in the championship series to Oregon State. On Saturday, Wooten told The Herald before his minor league game as a member of the Huntsville Stars, the Double-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, that it will take a lot more than talent for the 2011 Tar Heels (where his cousin Garrett Davis now pitches) to get over the hump and come home from Omaha with championship rings this time around. The Tar Heels had very little luck on Saturday, losing to Vanderbilt 7-3 in the opening game of the CWS, and must fight back from the loser's bracket if they are to win it all this year. "They've made a nice run, but winning the national championship is tough," he said of his alma mater's chances. "Obviously you have to avoid errors, but honestly, you have to have a lot of luck on your side. Both years we went, we thought we were a much better team than Oregon State, but obviously everyone else remembers otherwise." After college, Wooten and his wife, Sanford native Katie Thomas Wooten, moved to Sanford, and recently purchased their first home together in town. A native of Fremont and a graduate of Charles B. Aycock High School in Pikeville, he said he played a few games in Sanford as a youth and in high school, but never spent a lot of time there until he got married. "I love it there," he said of living in Sanford. "It's got that small-town feel like the town I grew up in. It's feels like home to me." But you'd be hard-pressed to run into Wooten at the Fairview Dairy Bar or at the grocery store these days. Wooten was drafted by the Brewers in the 13th round of the 2008 MLB June Amateur Draft, and is hard at work in the team's farm system trying to make it to the big league. His pursuit of that dream hasn't come without major hurdles in the last four years in the minors. After a solid first two seasons in 2008 and 2009, where he moved from the rookie league all the way to Double-A, he suffered an elbow injury while playing in the Arizona Fall League and had to have his ulnar collateral ligament reconstructed in a procedure commonly known as "Tommy John surgery," named for the major league pitcher who first had it done and recovered to pitch again in the majors. It was the second Tommy John surgery of Wooten's career. He also redshirted his first year at UNC in 2004 for the same injury. But that didn't make it any easier to sit out the entire 2010 season while recovering. "It was a rough summer last year," he said of sitting out a season. "I felt I was so close to making the major league. Fortunately, I haven't had any major setbacks and my rehab is going well. It's been about 15 months since the surgery, and I'm close to where I was before. "I felt like I had a good chance of being there before," he added about being called up, "but everything happens for a reason." Now back in Double-A with the Stars, he's hoping to make an impression on the Brewers quickly. "In Double-A you're only one phone call away from the majors," he said. "But so is everyone else so the competition is tough. It's hard for me to say if they'll call me up. They're not asking me to win the World Series pitching in the minors. I'm just focusing on getting better." The Stars come to North Carolina this week for a five-game series with the Carolina Mudcats in Zebulon. It will be the first time he has pitched in his home state since leaving UNC, and he said he expects a big crowd to be on hand. "I know my mom and Katie will spread the word around this week," he said. "It'll be good to see all my old friends. But hopefully not everyone. Hopefully the Tar Heels will still be in Omaha then."

Brewers preview: Business as usual for reigning champsAmber Kuehn/Helena Independent Record Helena Brewers manager Joe Ayrault doesn’t feel any added pressure coming into this season, doesn’t sense a target on the Brewers’ backs after ending a 14-year title drought last September. It’s just business as usual for the defending Pioneer League champions, who will try to win back-to-back trophies for the first time since doing so in 1995 and ’96. And while a handful of players are back from last year’s championship-winning squad, Ayrault and crew will have to put the puzzle together with several new pieces when the 76-game season begins Monday. “I look at it as a new year with new faces, but the same basic mentality,” said Ayrault, in his second season with Milwaukee’s Advanced Rookie league affiliate. “That is to teach these guys the ropes, teach them how to be professionals not only on the field but off. My big thing is to develop these players into professionals and win ball games.” The Brewers won plenty of games in Ayrault’s first season last year, going 41-34 during the regular season and sweeping Ogden in two games for the hardware. They did so with a solid pitching staff and timely hitting, and Ayrault expects this year to be no different. Pitching coach Elvin Nina hasn’t had the opportunity to watch all of his pitchers throw yet, with just a week of practice under their belts and players continuing to trickle in as late as today. It’s been low-intensity workouts thus far, but Nina said he likes what he sees. “The way some of the arms work, I’m excited to see what it is at a higher effort level,” he said. Pitchers back from last season include Alex Jones and Seth Lintz, who is on rehab assignment. Fans may also remember right-hander Eric Arnett, a first-round draft pick in 2009 who struggled in his first two seasons. “His delivery is a little bit cleaner than it has been,” Nina said of Arnett. “His consistency is a little better as far as being in the zone.” Still, the Brewers will need to find replacements for a pair of big arms from a year ago in Matt Miller — a starter who went 7-2 with a 4.06 ERA in 71 innings of work — and closer Brian Garman, who compiled a team-high nine saves. “Those arms you can’t really replace,” Nina admitted. “When I was in school we didn’t really replace anybody, we just reloaded. That’s how it is this year. It’s just a matter of making sure these guys believe in themselves and know that they are here because of the talent level that they have.” In 2010, Helena’s pitchers were only middle of the pack in terms of ERA (4.54), but they recorded more strikeouts (677) than any other team. They were backed by a Brewers’ offense that was third in the league in home runs and walks and fourth in team batting average (.275). Helena’s parent club placed an emphasis on pitching in this month’s draft — 11 of Milwaukee’s top 20 picks were hurlers — and six recently drafted pitchers have signed and will begin their careers in the Capital City. “It’s a big part of every level,” Nina said. “You look all around baseball and there’s not a team out there who says ‘we’ve got a surplus of pitching.’ We fall into the same bracket — we’re always looking for more pitchers.” The team held its first simulated game Wednesday, and Ayrault was impressed with what he saw from pitchers and position players alike. “I really like the way the guys swung the bats and the way pitchers found the zone,” he said. “I really like the way these guys are going about their business and showing good effort. It seems like another good group of guys.” Six players on the current roster were with the Arizona League Brewers last season, a team that also captured it’s league championship. Coupled with players who helped win the Pioneer Leauge crown — like catcher Brent Dean and outfielder John Dishon — this year’s crew is heavy on big-game experience. The Brewers hope that translates into offensive production as well, since the team will be feeling the loss of noteable hitters Mike Walker and Cody Hawn, who have seen early season success in Class A Wisconsin. Hawn’s bat was a big contribution to last season’s title, as he homered twice and drove in eight runs in the final game. When asked how this year’s team will fill the void, Ayrault responded, “We’ll see.” While he hasn’t had much time to get a feel for the recent signees (a handful of players still have yet to arrive), the manager said the organization and scouting department has provided plenty of background on the new guys — everything from where they are from to tendencies, strengths and weaknesses. Players such as Oregon State catcher Parker Berberet have been on Ayrault’s radar for a while now, with Super Regional and College World Series games being televised. For others, the team has been sent film of their college at-bats and pitchers’ mechanics. A few have already turned heads in just the short time they have been here. Ayrault said outfielder Max Walla, shortstop Yadiel Rivera and infielder-turned-catcher Joey Paciorek have impressed early on. “With Max Walla, it’s just the way he carries himself,” Ayrault said of the 2009 second-rounder. “Yadiel Rivera is a real good defensive player, so those two have really stuck out so far.” Paciorek is only in Helena for a maximum of 20 games while on injury assignment, but Ayrault said he has made the position transition nearly flawlessly. “He’s got soft hands, he’s throwing the ball well and he’s getting acclimated as far as calling the game,” Ayrault said. “He’s a smart kid, so he picks up on stuff and retains the information.” Dean, in his second year as a catcher in Helena, said he hasn’t had to offer much advice to Paciorek. “The guy’s a pure athlete and also a hard worker with attention to detail,” said Dean, who batted .272 a year ago. “I’m trying to learn from him as much as he’s trying to learn from me, to be honest.” Dean has tried to help make the transition as smooth as possible for new players, many of which find themselves a long way from home — like pitcher Sean Albury, a Nassau, Bahamas, native beginning his pro career more than 2,400 miles from where he grew up. “It’s a different change of weather, a little cool, but I gotta adjust to it,” said Albury, drafted in the 31st round out of Nova Southeastern. “I’m enjoying myself so far.” Albury, whose team advanced to its first Regional in school history this year, said being drafted by the MLB fulfilled a lifelong dream and that he’ll do whatever it takes to get to the big leagues. His good friend Michael Fiers, playing just one level shy of the majors for Triple A Huntsville, got his start in Helena and Albury hopes to follow in his footsteps. “I have some goals I expect to meet,” the 22-year-old said. So do the Brewers. “Everyone has high expectations coming in,” Dean said. “I think everyone’s excited to get out and compete.” The new season begins Monday at 7:05 p.m., when the Brewers host the Missoula Osprey at Kindrick Legion Field. Missoula has not won a season opener since 2002. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/2/7b/147/27b1478c-9a3b-11e0-82c1-001cc4c002e0-revisions/4dfd93651bfd5.image.jpg Infielder Adrian Williams (Dylan Brown/Helena Independent Record) http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/5/19/3f0/5193f0cc-9a3b-11e0-a6c5-001cc4c002e0-revisions/4dfd93ab3eefb.image.jpg John Dishon (Dylan Brown/Helena Independent Record) http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/7/b6/431/7b6431e6-9a3b-11e0-a7aa-001cc4c002e0-revisions/4dfd93f173e7f.image.jpg Pitcher Andrew Moye, right, warms up with Brent Dean (Dylan Brown/Helena Independent Record)

To make room for newly signed RHP Bradley Blanks at Brevard County, RHP Corey Frerichs was released. Frerichs was a 30th-round pick in 2007 and made it as high as AA this year.

I had a great time at Fenway on Friday and Saturday (well, Saturday at least). Thanks again to MH for hooking me up with great seats.

Haudricourt confirms that it's DiFelice coming up.

Alonso grad Toledo hopes to cap Florida career with crownJoe Henderson/Tampa Tribune TAMPA -- It is possible to process many thoughts in the time it takes a fly ball to leave the bat and settle into an outfielder's glove. Pitcher Tommy Toledo of the University of Florida can tell you all about that. The situation was the NCAA Super Regional final Sunday against Mississippi State. He had just thrown the pitch that would lead to the final out in the win to put the Gators back in the College World Series. In those seconds before victory was secured, Toledo experienced emotions of elation, reflection, perhaps even a little satisfaction. Then he had to duck. His teammates came stampeding toward him as he stood on the mound at McKethan Stadium in Gainesville. Moments later, he was buried under joyous teammates. Even that celebration triggered yet another thought. "Unbelievable," he said. Athletes tend to use that word a lot, but in this case it might really apply. It's not a stretch to say it was unbelievable for the former Alonso High pitcher and Saladino Award winner to be in that position at all. He lost the 2009 season at UF after surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right arm. After he returned from a lengthy rehab, calamity struck again — although actually it was a line drive that struck him in the face while he pitched against Charleston Southern. The labrum operation was a church picnic compared to this. He needed 11 hours of reconstructive surgery on his face. Doctors used eight metal plates and 36 screws during the operation. "It was bad," said Pete Toledo, Tommy's father. "His mother couldn't stop crying, but I never doubted he'd be back, never. You know the first thing he said to me after he came out of surgery? He goes, 'Dad, I never should have hung the curveball.' " Compared to the 12 months he needed to come back after labrum surgery, his recovery from the facial operation was lightning fast. He was back on the mound after eight weeks. Pete still gets a lump in his throat telling the story how everyone stood and cheered when Tommy came in against Florida Atlantic in Gainesville. The box score says he threw one scoreless inning that night. The reality is, he accomplished much more than that. "You could tell the fire was still there," Pete said. "He was banging his hand against his glove as he got ready to pitch, which is what he does when he's really competing. "But what he did still amazes me, and I'm his dad. I'm not easily amazed." Neither is Tommy, apparently. He shrugged off the line drive as "bad luck" and the torn labrum as a "shoulder thing." No big deal. "I just tried to get back out there after that and get after it," he said. "I never doubted I'd be back, not at all." Tommy Toledo, you may have guessed by now, lives a life without regrets. He never second-guessed his decision to sign with Florida coming out of Alonso, even after the San Diego Padres took him in the third round of the 2007 amateur draft. "It was a tough four years but my teammates and coaches have been so supportive," said Toledo, who posted a 6-3 record in 27 appearances this season. Now he is just one class short of earning his degree at Florida, and he is in Omaha, Neb., for the second time in as many years. The Gators open play at 7 tonight against Texas. These almost certainly will be Tommy's final days in a Gators uniform. He has a redshirt season available if he wants it, but the Milwaukee Brewers took him in the 11th round of the draft last week and it's time to go. That thought hit him right around the same time his onrushing teammates did after the final out to secure the trip to Omaha. "I had never been at the bottom of a dog pile before," he said. "I was thinking, 'You know, this is a pretty good way to end my last game at McKethan.' " Oh, there was one more thing. "I'm not going to lie to you, I was very nervous watching that," Pete said. "He got cleated on his foot in that pile-up. He's got a slice on his right foot from his toe to the tongue of his shoe. You know what he tells me? 'Dad, I'm gonna keep that shoe forever.' " It's just one more souvenir in a journey filled with memories. http://www2.tbo.com/mgmedia/image/604/354/123580/0618-toledo-18870067jpg/ (Associated Press)

Reed’s career gets Brewin’Habeab Kurdi/Cedar Park Citizen Michael Reed’s path to the pros seems to be coming full circle. Reed’s life changed with a few words June 7, as the Leander graduate heard his name called on TV when the Milwaukee Brewers selected him in the fifth round (161st overall) of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft last week. Surrounded by about 20 family and friends at home in Leander, Reed couldn’t stop smiling as he heard the news fill the quiet room. “I’m so excited,” Reed said shortly after he was drafted. “It was just like a weight lifted off my shoulders.” Nearly every MLB club had visited the 18-year-old prospect since November —with the first team to visit being the Milwaukee Brewers. He also worked out for several clubs this spring, but he declined the Brewers invitation (among others) because of travel and time constraints during the end of his senior year and baseball season. When the team that first paid him a visit took him in the fifth round, Reed could see the dots of his dream connecting. “It was pretty cool, it was the very first one and it was kind of the start of my dream of this really happening (when Milwaukee visited),” he said. “Yeah, I was somewhat surprised, but you know I really didn’t know who was going to pick me … they were the very first ones to come into my house in the fall.” Waiting for the pick During the earlier rounds of the draft, several teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres, called Reed to gauge what it would take to sign him but made too low an offer, he said. Then the Brewers called shortly before their pick in the fourth round, and though he wasn’t assured of being picked, Reed had a feeling it was about to be his time. As the 161st pick, the Brewers next pick, approached, Reed and the room around him fell mostly silent. Then the announcement came: “Reed, Michael,” was all he heard before everyone broke out into loud cheers. “I was pretty quiet and so was everybody else in my house,” Reed said. “I was nervous too. Once they called that 161st, I got real quiet. Then they said Reed and then I knew. It was pretty cool.” Play in minors or college Reed has some time to negotiate with the Brewers before he is eligible to officially sign starting Aug. 15. Though a verbal agreement can be reached, Reed will be deciding whether to fulfill his scholarship to Ole Miss University or head to the minor leagues to play in the Brewers farm system. Reed said it would take an offer above his scholarship from Ole Miss to get him to sign. “A few teams called me and wanted to know if I would sign for X amount and I told them it probably wasn’t going to cut it, it was a little low,” he said. “Then I had a few teams call me telling me they were going to try and give me what I wanted in the later rounds, and that’s what happened.” Brewers amateur scouting director Bruce Seid said Reed was drafted as “the best talent available,” though he could not comment further on the center fielder because contract negotiations are ongoing. Austin-area scout Jeremy Booth identified Reed’s abilities and a national cross-checker, Joe Ferrone, also saw Reed play and recommended him as a solid pick for the Brewers, Seid said. A few days after he got the call in the draft, Reed finally had a moment to step back and unwind, as he headed to California for a short vacation with close friends. In the week since, Reed has caught a few more Brewers games on TV as the club has climbed into first place in the National League Central Division. “I can’t wait until I’m actually wearing one of those uniforms. Hopefully, that’s coming up soon,” Reed said. “There have been a lot of emotions, but really good emotions.” http://cedarparkcitizen.com/files/2011/06/TopstoryReedMLBDRAFT.jpg

Losses, shmosses: Horns ace Taylor Jungmann is pitching just fineKirk Bohls/Austin American-Statesman OMAHA, NEB. — Here are a few things all Florida Gators might be amused to know about Taylor Jungmann, Texas' dominant pitcher they will face in tonight's College World Series opener. Jungmann hates cheese. On nachos, pizza, hamburgers, you name it. But he does throw the high cheese, hitting 96 mph on occasion. He loves soccer. Never played the sport, but is entranced by World Cup action and plays it on video games along with roommates Cohl Walla and Hunter Wilcox late into the night. He hates country-western music. "I can't stand it," Jungmann says, preferring what he calls old-school music, with some hip-hop. He takes the mound with the old dance song, "What Is Love" blaring out of the UFCU Disch-Falk Field speakers, and catches a lot of abuse for it from his teammates. He loves college baseball's new pitcher-friendly bats. Go figure. "The new bats have something to do with the (1.38) ERA," he modestly says. Oh, and this: He's not really in a slump, and he loves pitching in Omaha or any big stage, for that matter. But you probably already knew that. Those last two trivia items aren't the least bit trivial as they relate to the outcome of tonight's game, and had a ton to do with the Milwaukee Brewers drafting the 6-foot-6 right-hander with the 12th overall pick. But the stoic junior from Georgetown might not mind others thinking his 0-2 NCAA tournament record (along with a 5.14 ERA, inexplicably the highest on the team) in his last two starts — on the heels of a 13-0 start to this season — means he's wearing down and has his mind on a fast track to the major leagues. You can forget that. For one, he's totally locked in to the job at hand. He didn't even return a phone call from Brewers general manager Doug Melvin for two days after Milwaukee drafted him. Here's the more likely reasons that Jungmann has slightly been off his game: Kent State was stealing his pitches, and he had one bad, six-run inning against the Golden Flashes. Next time out, he allowed one earned run in seven innings, in a super regional loss to Arizona State. Texas has scored four runs in his two June losses. "We haven't helped him much," first baseman Tant Shepherd said. "He'll be fine." The Gators can think Jungmann's fading in the June heat all they want — at their own peril. But Florida coach Kevin O'Sullivan isn't buying into talk of a Jungmann slump or a poor-hitting Texas team, even though its .272 team batting average is the lowest among the eight CWS teams. "I know we need to get some leadoff men on and try to get to one of the best pitchers in college baseball," O'Sullivan said. "Our players know Texas' history and Texas' pride. They know they're going to have their hands full." Jungmann, remember, is a guy who tied a College World Series record here, with three wins in 2009. As a freshman. Before he really knew what he was doing on the mound. Ask LSU about that coming-of-age moment when he threw a complete-game, five-hit jewel in the best-of-three national championship series to give the Longhorns life. Texas couldn't finish that success in 2009, but returns here tonight with a suspect offense but a superior pitching staff. That includes Mr. Jungmann. Taylor's mind-set? "My confidence is as good as it ever is," he said. "I'm not worried about any of that." He spent a short session in the bullpen with pitching coach Skip Johnson on Wednesday, and concentrated on finishing his pitches better. He may not be able to duplicate his breakout performances from 2009, but he has more experience this go-around; a new, bigger ballpark at TD Ameritrade, with broader dimensions and a southerly wind blowing in from the outfield; and maybe even the role of an underdog, as a national No. 7 seed facing a Florida team that was ranked No. 1 for much of the season. But that's academic. As he always has, Jungmann's just going to concentrate on Jacob Felts' mitt and nothing else. Texas has to like its chances because it's gotten this far without a single Jungmann win in this NCAA tournament. Should he return to form, there may just be a party coming, hold the cheese.

Ha!

Final: Wisconsin 2, @Peoria 0 Rattlers win 5th in a row, 1/2 game out of Wild CardChris Mehring/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers PEORIA, IL - Brooks Hall picked a great time for 7-1/3 shutout innings. The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers right-hander allowed three hits and picked up the win in a 2-0 victory over the Peoria Chiefs Thursday night at O'Brien Field. Wisconsin won their fifth game in a row and moved to within a ½ game of the Quad Cities River Bandits for the First Half Western Division Wild Card. The Rattlers (37-30) grabbed an early lead with a second inning run. Chris Dennis was at third with two outs. Tony Pechek's grounder behind second base was bobbled for an error. That allowed Pechek to reach and Dennis to score the unearned run. Peoria (33-34) threatened to tie the game in the bottom of the fifth. Micah Gibbs doubled off the wall in right to start the inning. A grounder to the right side moved Gibbs to third with one out. But, Wisconsin third baseman Greg Hopkins stopped a hard grounder to left off the bat of Anthony Giansanti with a diving stop. Hopkins looked Gibbs back to third and threw to first in time for the second out. Then, Reggie Keen tracked down a deep fly ball to right-center to retire Brandon May and end the inning. After that double by Gibbs, Hall retired ten straight Chiefs to protect that lead. Wisconsin got an insurance run in the top of the eighth inning. Nick Shaw tripled to right-center with two outs. Cody Hawn followed with a line drive single to right on a 1-2 pitch. The single sent Shaw home for a 2-0 lead. Hall went back out for the eighth inning and got the first out. But, he streak of consecutive batters stopped at ten when Anthony Giansanti reached on an infield single. Hall walked one and struck out two for his third win of the season. Reliever Eric Marzec answered the call to the bullpen and came in to get the second out of the inning. But, Hyung-Min Na reached on another infield single to put the tying runs on base and bring the go ahead run to the plate. But, Marzec got Matt Szczur, who entered the game second in the Midwest League batting race, to pop out to Hawn in foul territory behind first base for the final out. Wisconsin closer Greg Holle worked a 1-2-3 ninth inning by getting three ground outs to end the game. Holle is 15-for-15 in save opportunities this season. He is also tied for the Midwest League lead in the save category with Steve Turnbull of Lansing. The Rattlers completed their first four game sweep at O'Brien Field since July 11-14, 2003. Wisconsin also got help from the Clinton LumberKings on Thursday night. Clinton defeated Quad Cities 5-1 to knock the River Bandits record to 37-29. The River Bandits head home to wrap up the first half with a three game series against the Chiefs. The Rattlers begin their final series of the first half on Friday night at Perfect Game Field in Cedar Rapids, Iowa against the Kernels. Jimmy Nelson (2-6, 5.09) is the scheduled starting pitcher for Wisconsin. The Kernels have scheduled Baudilio Lopez (0-1, 15.00) as their starting pitcher. Game time on Friday night is 6:35pm. Tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:15pm. Wisconsin box scoreHow about three shutouts by the affiliates tonight? If only the big club could have gotten in on the act... Hall needed only 87 pitches (63 strikes) to work into the 8th inning; however, I too would prefer to see more strikeouts from him. Hawn was the only Rattler with multiple hits; Keen walked twice and was caught stealing for the ninth time. After playing in his first game since 2009 after being transferred from extended spring, Chad Stang hasn't played in any of the last three. Wisconsin play-by-play

Clinton beat Quad Cities, so the Rattlers are just a half game back of the Wild Card now.

Final: Birmingham 7, @Huntsville 3 Huntsville box scoreDan Merklinger had a good start going, shutting out the Barons through four innings, but things took a turn for the worse and he ended up giving up five runs and not getting through the 6th inning. Still, he struck out six, though he also walked three and allowed six hits. Darren Byrd, in his first action since the 4th, worked a perfect 8th with a strikeout, and Rob Wooten turned in a scoreless 9th. Logan Schafer, Sean Halton, and Lee Haydel each had one hit, Halton's being a double. Martin Maldonado also singled and was hit by a pitch. Erik Komatsu went hitless to drop his average to .296, but he did draw a walk. Hainley Statia, who had six walks in 117 PA entering tonight, took three free passes. Go figure. Huntsville play-by-playNow, Maldonado did steal a base (his first), so maybe he was feeling fast tonight, but I don't know about catchers bunting for hits: Huntsville Bottom of the 6thBrandon Jones walks.Angel Gonzalez strikes out swinging.Martin Maldonado bunt grounds out, third baseman Kyle Shelton to first baseman Christian Marrero. Brandon Jones to 2nd.Lee Haydel grounds out to first baseman Christian Marrero.

Final: @Nashville 1, Round Rock 0 Carroll Homers For Nashville's Only Hit In 1-0 VictoryNashville Sounds NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Sounds were held to only one hit on Thursday night at Greer Stadium, but it was a big one. Outfielder Brett Carroll crushed a home run [audio] in the bottom of the seventh inning for a 1-0 victory over the Round Rock Express in the finale of a four-game set. On the second pitch from Derek Hankins, Carroll blasted his ninth home run down the left field line to end the no-hit bid. The homer was Carroll's second straight game with a homer. With the win, Nashville (30-36) took three of four games from Round Rock in the series. All four games of the series were decided by one run. Nashville's win marked the first time the club shut out the opposition this season. It was the also first 1-0 game since June 12, 2010 at Omaha, which the Sounds lost. Sounds right-hander Amaury Rivas (5-6) threw his best effort on the year. The 25-year-old right-hander struck out a season-best eight batters while matching a season-high seven scoreless frames. Rivas is now recording a 1.57 ERA (3er/17.1ip) through his three June starts. Donovan Hand threw a perfect eighth inning in relief. Zack Segovia picked up his first save of the year with a perfect ninth. Recording the club's only hit in the contest, Carroll was the only Sound to continue his hitting streak, which moved to a season-high to six games. Caleb Gindl ended his season-best 13 game hitting streak, which was the third-longest active streak in the PCL. Taylor Green also failed to record a hit to stop his season-best 13-game hit streak. Before tonight, Green was riding a 10-game extra-base hitting streak, which was the second-longest streak in the PCL since 2005 behind Scott Seabol's 11-game effort from May 1-15, 2005 for Memphis. Round Rock's Joey Butler snapped his 16-game hitting streak with an 0-for-2 performance. His streak was Round Rock's longest of the season and the second-longest active streak in the PCL. In a rehab for start for Texas, Round Rock pitcher Scott Feldman did not allow a hit in his five innings of work. The right-hander fanned five and walked two for his only baserunners on the night. Hankins (5-5) took the loss. The Sounds travel west to begin a quick four-game road trip with the cross-state rival Memphis Redbirds (AAA-Cardinals) beginning at 7:05 pm CT on Friday night at AutoZone Park. Nashville right-hander Frankie De La Cruz (1-4, 4.61) makes the start against Memphis righty Brandon Dickson (3-7, 4.52). Nashville box scoreWell, this game is easy to summarize. Wonderful start from Rivas, who allowed just three hits and two walks; he threw 106 pitches and 61 strikes. Unusually, he posted a 2/7 GO/FO, but hey, it worked. Apart from Carroll's homer, the Sounds had only two other baserunners, coming on walks by Mike Rivera and Zelous Wheeler. Nashville play-by-playGotta be a busted hit-and-run here: Nashville Bottom of the 5thMike Rivera walks.Caleb Gindl called out on strikes.With Taylor Green batting, Mike Rivera caught stealing 2nd base, pitcher Scott Feldman to shortstop Omar Quintanilla.Taylor Green strikes out swinging.

Bob Elliott: The SandlotsBob Elliott/Toronto Sun TORONTO - When Brock Kjeldgaard was drafted in the 34th round by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2005, we were missing his height and weight. So, we emailed his father working at the London Free Press. “Six-foot-five, 215 lbs. of sinewy, taught muscle,” came the reply. Kjeldgaard looks 10 feet tall to class-A Florida State League pitchers this season. The Brevard County Manatees outfielder has 17 homers in 241 plate appearances — the same number as at Brevard in 539 appearances a year ago. He’s one shy of the franchise record and has won three straight player-of-the-week awards. Home runs and the Florida State loop are not always in the same sentence. Shawn Green hit one in 114 games at Dunedin in 1992. Current Brewers slugger Ryan Braun hit seven in 59 games at Space Coast Stadium in 2006: The ocean breeze blows in while most parks in the league are pitcher-friendly. Pronounced “KILL-guard,” Brock’s hitting .282 with 46 RBIs. Not bad for someone bad who began his pro career on the mound. Since converting at the start of the 2008, he has hit 68 home runs with 258 RBIs in three-plus seasons. The big swing, tinkered with by former Jays and Brevard coach Darnell Coles, has some holes ... 525 strikeouts. Brewers scouts Dick (The Legend) Groch and Jay Lapp drafted him from the London Badgers. They were at the Major League Scouting Bureau camp in Welland when Lapp compared Kjeldgaard to Cleveland Indians slugger Richie Sexson. At the 2007 Canada Cup in Quebec City, Tony Blengino, assistant scouting director, told Lapp that the right-hander would likely be released at the end of the season. Lapp told Blengino the Sexson story. “I have no idea if our conversation went further,” Lapp said, “but instead of getting released Brock was told to show in the spring with a bat.” http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/suns-prod-images/1307836468608_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80&size=650x

Manatees blank CubsFrank Longobardo/Brevard County Manatees VIERA, Fla. -- The Brevard County Manatees will go into the All-Star break on a high note as they shut out the Daytona Cubs 2-0 on Thursday night at Space Coast Stadium. Kyle Heckathorn made his first start since June 1 and threw four innings, struck out four and retired all 12 batters that he faced. Mark Willinsky, Rolando Pascual, Efrain Nieves and Santo Manzanillo combined to go the remaining six innings, with Willinsky picking up his second win of the year and Manzanillo earning his sixth save of the season. The Manatees (26-41) provided offense early, when with two outs in the first inning, Hunter Morris hit a solo homer - his ninth of the season - to right as the 'Tees took an early 1-0 lead. Brevard County would add an insurance run in the eighth, when Josh Prince beat the throw home on a fielder's choice by Kentrail Davis. Brevard County's pitching staff limited the Cubs (46-21) to just five base runners all night. All-Star Khris Davis was 3-for-4 with a double and Morris was 2-for-4 with the first inning homer. Khris Davis is hitting .375 in June and heads into the All-Star break, tied for sixth in the Florida State League with a .327 average. After taking two of three from the first half champs of the North division, the 'Tees will be back in action on Monday, June 20 as they hit the road to take on the Dunedin Blue Jays. Adrian Rosario (4-5, 5.58) is scheduled to start that first game back from the All-Star break.

Final: @Brevard County 2, Daytona 0 Brevard County box score Quite a well-pitched game by the Manatees, which is why it was over in just two hours. Kyle Heckathorn pitched for the first time in over two weeks and went four perfect innings with four strikeouts and a 6/2 GO/FO. I assume his outing was rather abbreviated because of his long layoff. Mark Willinsky, Rolando Pascual, and Efrain Nieves each contributed a scoreless frame, and Santo Manzanillo worked the last two. The Daytona broadcast had Pascual hit 94 with his fastball and Manzanillo 93. At the plate, Hunter Morris had two hits, including his ninth homer, and Khris Davis continued his tear by going 3-4 with a double. Shawn Zarraga picked up a hit in three trips, while Scooter Gennett and Kentrail Davis went hitless. D'Vontrey Richardson started but was lifted for a pinch hitter before his first plate appearance; he didn't field a ball, so not sure what happened, but D'Vo's been injury-plagued this year. As Toby noted above, Brock Kjeldgaard did not play. Brevard County play-by-play The Sea Cows were unable to extend their one-run lead here: Brevard County Bottom of the 4th Hunter Morris grounds out, second baseman Matthew Cerda to first baseman Jake Opitz. Khristopher Davis singles on a ground ball to left fielder Rubi Silva. Shea Vucinich singles on a ground ball to left fielder Rubi Silva. Khristopher Davis to 2nd. Shawn Zarraga singles on a fly ball to center fielder Jae-Hoon Ha. Khristopher Davis out at home on the throw, center fielder Jae-Hoon Ha to catcher Michael Brenly. Shea Vucinich to 2nd. Juan Sanchez flies out to right fielder Michael Burgess. They finally got another run on a close play at the plate: Brevard County Bottom of the 8th Josh Prince walks. Scooter Gennett out on a sacrifice bunt, third baseman David Macias to second baseman Matthew Cerda. Josh Prince to 2nd. With Kentrail Davis batting, passed ball by Michael Brenly, Josh Prince to 3rd. Kentrail Davis reaches on a fielder's choice out, second baseman Matthew Cerda to catcher Michael Brenly to shortstop Rafael Valdes. Josh Prince scores. Kentrail Davis out at 2nd. Hunter Morris singles on a fly ball to center fielder Jae-Hoon Ha. Khristopher Davis strikes out swinging.

Neither here nor there, but I just wanted to point out that this is the second time in five years the Brewers have drafted a Texas high schooler named Michael Reed/Reid. Michael "Chase" Reid was their 42nd-round pick in 2007.

Former Brewers draftees taken in the most recent draft, with BA scouting reports when available: 2008 37th-rounder Kyle Winkler went to the Rays in the 10th round 2008 29th-rounder Tommy Collier went to the Tigers in the 22nd round 2010 40th-round Scott Matyas went to the Tigers in the 27th round (signed) 2008 43rd-rounder Dexter Price went to the Diamondbacks in the 30th round (signed) 2008 34th-rounder Calvin Drummond went to the Nationals in the 34th round