battlekow

DSL Crew postponed.

Stan Kyles, via McCalvy, makes it sound like the demotion is indeed related to the sleep disorder and isn't disciplinary:

Braddock was "still having sleep issues" according to Haudricourt, but I think he's just assuming ("had been reporting late to the park, presumably from oversleeping").

Per Tyler Barnes. That's...discouraging. Braddock had pitched well since coming off the DL but had only tossed 0.2 innings since the 8th. Herrara is a smurf with an 83 mph fastball who can never, under any circumstances, face right-handed batters. This can't be a purely performance-based decision.

Texas ace Taylor Jungmann falls into slump at worst possible timeAssociated Press AUSTIN, Texas — For nearly four months, Texas pitcher Taylor Jungmann was simply unbeatable. And then he lost two games in a row. The Longhorns need their junior right-hander to find his dominating form again heading into the College World Series. Texas (49-17) plays Florida (50-17) on Saturday. Jungmann went 13-0 before those two losses in the postseason. Kent State jumped on him for seven earned runs in the first game of the Austin regional, including a grand slam that popped Jungmann's aura of invincibility. He came back stronger in a 3-1 loss to Arizona State a week later, giving up just one earned run on three hits in a 7 1/3 innings. "I'm the same pitcher," Jungmann said. "(Arizona State) was one of the better games I've thrown. I just didn't get the win." A return to Omaha, Neb., might help him turn things around. Jungmann dominated the CWS as a freshman in 2009, going 3-0 in four appearances, including a masterful five-hit complete game against top-seeded LSU. Jungmann said he's not looking back and expecting the same thing to happen. "It's nice to know we've been there before, but it's a whole new ball game, new teams," Jungmann said. Texas coach Augie Garrido, who has won five national championships, puts Jungmann "at the top of the list" of the pitchers he's mentored over 43 years, the last 15 at Texas.Jungmann's 32 career wins currently rank ninth in Texas history. "We've had a lot of guys do a lot of things," Garrido said. "He's 24-7 a pitcher and he treats it like being a world-class athlete. There aren't many baseball players who do that. "And he's gotten better every year he's been here," Garrido said. "Typically, a guy who does as well as a freshman as he did, they are all filled with expectations and perceptions. He doesn't take on any of that." Jungmann put in the work to get better. At 6-foot-6, Jungmann filled out from 180 pounds as a freshman to 220 pounds this year. After his sophomore season, Jungmann skipped summer baseball to stay in Austin to work on his conditioning, technique and approach to pitching. Jungmann's fastball hits the high 90s, but instead of trying to overpower every hitter for a strikeout, Jungmann has become more methodical in trying to earn outs with ground balls. "I've matured a lot. Gotten a lot stronger mentally and physically," Jungmann said. If Jungmann faces the Gators, he'll need to be on top of his game early. Florida has outscored its opponents 13-0 in the first inning and 39-1 in the first three innings overall during the NCAA tournament. They are also averaging 13.2 hits per game, up from 9.2 in the 16 games before the tourney. Garrido knew he had something special in Jungmann in 2009 after the freshman beat TCU to earn the Longhorns' first trip to the CWS in four years. Jungmann was asked how he handled the pressure of being in such a big game at such a young age. "Fear? I'm a pitcher," Jungmann said. "You can't be afraid and be a pitcher."

Jeffress was sent to AAA and is pitching a lot like Jeremy Jeffress.

Final: Round Rock 4, @Nashville 3 Round Rock Edges Sounds, 4-3 In 10 InningsNashville Sounds NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Round Rock Express plated a run in the top of the tenth inning to hang a 4-3 loss on the Nashville Sounds on a misty Wednesday evening at Greer Stadium. It was the second straight extra-inning contest between the teams. In the decisive Round Rock tenth, Julio Borbon reached on a well-executed drag bunt single with one out, moved to second on a Sean Green wild pitch, and stole third. After Matt Kata drew a walk to put runners on the corners, Chris Davis slapped a high chopper to first that bounded over the head of Mat Gamel for an RBI single to plate Borbon with the go-ahead run. In the bottom of the tenth, Express reliever Cody Eppley (2-1) worked around a leadoff walk to Brett Carroll to blank the Sounds and secure the win. The sidearmer earned the victory after working 1 2/3 hitless frames. Green (0-2) took the loss for Nashville after giving up the game-winning run in his two innings of work. Round Rock catcher Kevin Cash broke up a scoreless deadlock in the top of the sixth when he slugged Narron's first pitch of the inning to deep left for his third home run of the year. Mike Rivera, the Sounds' backstop, responded in the bottom of the frame by giving Nashville a 2-1 lead with a two-out, two-run single to left off Round Rock starter and former Sound Seth McClung. After McClung retired the first two batters of the inning, the Sounds loaded the bases as Carroll and Gamel drew a pair of walks sandwiched around an Erick Almonte single. Rivera followed with his go-ahead knock. Round Rock reclaimed the lead a half-inning later, plating a pair of runs off Narron to take a 3-2 advantage. Just as the Sounds had done in the previous frame, the Express did all of their damage after the first two batters were retired. Barden hammered a 2-0 Narron offering over the right field wall to knot the score at 2-2. It was the infielder's fifth homer of the year. Butler and ex-Sound Luis Cruz followed with back-to-back doubles to put the visitors in front. Narron took a no-decision for the Sounds after authoring his fourth quality start of the season. He allowed three runs on six hits while striking out a season-high seven batters and walking none in his seven frames of action. The left-hander retired 14 consecutive Express batters at one point, matching the longest such stretch by any Sounds hurler this season. Brewers right-hander Takashi Saito made a rehabilitation appearance for the Sounds and worked a hitless inning of relief, striking out one batter. He threw 17 pitches (12 for strikes). Carroll evened the game at 3-3 in the home half of the eighth when he led off with an opposite field solo homer to right off Express reliever Ryan Tucker. The line drive shot, which curled just inside the right field foul pole, was the outfielder's eighth roundtripper of the season. Taylor Green led off the Nashville ninth with a double into the right field corner, the infielder's 10th straight game with an extra-base hit. He extended his overall hitting streak to 13 games. Gamel went 2-for-4 with a double for the Sounds to extend his hit streak to seven games; he has recorded multiple hits in six of those outings. Sounds third baseman Zelous Wheeler doubled in the third inning to extend his season-best hitting streak to five games. The teams wrap up the series with a 7:05 p.m. finale on Thursday evening. Right-hander Amaury Rivas (4-6, 4.45) will make the start for the Sounds to face right-hander Scott Feldman (1-0, 5.40), who will make a rehab start for Round Rock. Nashville box scoreA Saito sait-ing! I wonder what muscle he strained this time. Nice to see Wheeler hitting well, and nice to see Green get promoted all the way to seventh in the batting order [trumpets blare]. Eric Farris was 0-5 with two strikeouts. Jordan Brown (hitting eighth) was 0-3 with a sac bunt. Caleb Gindl did not play; George Kottaras didn't either and is positively thrilled about it.Nashville play-by-play

Quad Cities wins with a four-run 9th, so the Rattlers are 1.5 games back with four to play.

Final (game two): Wisconsin 6, @Peoria 2 (7 innings) Fast start in game two gives Rattlers a doubleheader sweepChris Mehring/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers PEORIA, IL – The first five Wisconsin Timber Rattlers to bat in game two of Wednesday’s doubleheader at O’Brien Field scored. The Rattlers cruised to a 6-2 victory over the Peoria Chiefs. Wisconsin also won game one 2-1 and picked up a doubleheader sweep over the Chiefs. Peoria starting pitcher Cam Greathouse entered game two as the Midwest League leader in walks issued with 49. He started the game by walking Reggie Keen, hitting Nick Shaw, and walking Greg Hopkins. Mike Walker, the Rattlers leader in RBI, smacked a 2-1 pitch from Greathouse to center for a two run single. That single gave Walker 48 RBI this season. Chris Dennis was next and he crushed a 3-1 pitch from Greathouse over the fence in right for a three-run homer. The long ball was the sixth home run of the season for Dennis and it put the Rattlers (36-30) up 5-0. TJ Mittelstaedt doubled in a run with two outs in the top of the third inning and Wisconsin went up 6-0. Rattlers starting pitcher Dan Britt took the hill with that big lead and retired the first eight batters he faced. But a single and a walk with two out in the third inning was followed by a double by Pierre LaPage into the corner in right. The first run scored, but Franklin Romero hit Walker with a strong throw. Walker turned and fired to the plate to cut down the second run at the plate and Wisconsin’s lead was 6-1. Peoria (33-33) scored again in the sixth inning off Britt. Matt Szczur tripled to start the frame and LePage’s grounder to short got Szczur home to make the score 6-2. Britt allowed two runs on four hits with a walk and five strikeouts to pick up his fourth win of the season. Stosh Wawrzasek worked around a two-out error and a double in the bottom of the seventh inning to close out the sweep. The final game of the series is Thursday night at 7:00pm. Wisconsin has Brooks Hall (2-1, 4.39) as their scheduled starting pitcher. Peoria has Eric Jokisch (7-0, 3.20) heading to the hill. Jokisch has made 14 relief appearances in 2011. Thursday will be his first start of the season. Tune in for the broadcast from O’Brien Field on AM1280, WNAM starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:40pm. NOTE: As this story is being sent Quad Cities and Clinton are tied 5-5 in the ninth inning. If Clinton wins, the Rattlers will be .5 games behind Quad Cities for the first half Wild Card playoff spot in the Western Division of the Midwest League. If Quad Cities wins, they will be up 1.5 games on the Rattlers for the Wild Card spot. After tonight, both Wisconsin and Quad Cities have four games remaining in the first half. Wisconsin box score (game two)Doubleheader sweeps to get you back into playoff contention are pretty awesome. Apart from what Chris mentioned, Mike Brownstein had a perfect night, 1-1 with two walks. Shaw also walked in addition to being plunked and has quietly been very hot in June. The outfield kill was Romero's seventh and the team's 27th. No Chad Stang today, I guess. Wisconsin play-by-play (game two)

Final: Brevard County 5, @Daytona 1 (5 innings) Brevard County box scorePresumably called because of rain after the bottom of the 5th. Exciting lines atop the order as Scooter Gennett, Kentrail Davis, Hunter Morris, and Khris Davis all had nice games. Scooter was 3-3 with a double, Kentrail was also 3-3, Hunter smacked his eighth homer, and Khris singled, doubled, and stole his ninth base. Brock Kjeldgaard cooled off with another 0-3 night, D'Vontrey Richardson joined him (though he picked up another outfield assist), and Shawn Zarraga did not play. Maverick Lasker started and went four innings, allowing a run on three hits, a walk, and a hit batter, with two strikeouts. Evan Anundsen worked a scoreless 5th. Brevard County play-by-playA four-run 4th was the big inning: Brevard County Top of the 3rdJuan Sanchez reaches on fielding error by third baseman Matthew Cerda.Scooter Gennett singles on a ground ball to right fielder Rubi Silva. Juan Sanchez to 3rd.Kentrail Davis singles on a line drive to center fielder Jae-Hoon Ha. Juan Sanchez scores. Scooter Gennett to 2nd.With Hunter Morris batting, wild pitch by Dae-Eun Rhee, Scooter Gennett to 3rd. Kentrail Davis to 2nd.Hunter Morris homers (8) on a fly ball to center field. Scooter Gennett scores. Kentrail Davis scores.Khristopher Davis doubles (14) on a fly ball to right fielder Rubi Silva.Brock Kjeldgaard grounds out, shortstop Rafael Valdes to first baseman Justin Bour.With Shea Vucinich batting, Khristopher Davis steals (9) 3rd base.Shea Vucinich strikes out swinging, catcher Michael Brenly to first baseman Justin Bour.D' Vontrey Richardson grounds out, second baseman Logan Watkins to first baseman Justin Bour.

Thornburg is a year and a half older than Odorizzi, which means Odorizzi was two and a half years ahead of him developmentally last year. Not the same at all.

Final: DSL Brewers 2, @DSL Cardinals 1 DSL Brewers box scoreI think I have a new man-crush. 17-year-old righty Gian Rizzo made his first start and went five shutout innings, allowing five hits, walking three, and striking out six. He now has 18 whiffs in his first 15 pro innings. Juan Francisco allowed a run in the 6th, but the Brewers already had a two-run lead, and Francisco and Carlos Sosa, who picked up his sixth save and kept his triple-zero ERA, kept the Cardenalitos off the board the rest of the way. #DSLCardinalsEatDSLBabies. After missing yesterday's doubleheader, 16-year-old shortstop/heartthrob Orlando Arcia was back in the lineup and went 2-4. Dionis Hinojosa also had two hits. Jose Pena was 0-4 with two strikeouts, and Elvis Rubio again was MIA. I'm toying with creative a DSL Craziness Index, which would be something like errors + caught stealing + hit by pitch. This game rates a 6 + 2 + 2 = 10, or "standard-issue crazy". DSL Brewers play-by-playLittle-known fact: at least one inning a game in the DSL is contractually required to end on an out at home: DSL Cardinals Bottom of the 2ndFernando Baez triples (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Yonki Hernandez.Rafael Medina lines out to first baseman Deivi Mejia.George Araujo walks.Domingo Diaz called out on strikes.Amaury Capellan walks. George Araujo to 2nd.Fernando Baez out at home, catcher Natanael Mejia to pitcher Gian Rizzo. The Brewers retuned the squandering in the next half inning: DSL Brewers Top of the 3rdNatanael Mejia doubles (2) on a line drive to left fielder George Araujo.Dionis Hinojosa grounds out, shortstop Daniel Barbuena to first baseman Domingo Diaz. Natanael Mejia to 3rd.Yonki Hernandez pops out to first baseman Domingo Diaz.Francisco Castillo strikes out swinging. And Pena tried hard to continue it in the 4th before Deivi Mejia ruined it: DSL Brewers Top of the 4thOrlando Arcia singles on a fly ball to left fielder George Araujo.With Jose Pena batting, throwing error by Silfredo Garcia on the pickoff attempt, Orlando Arcia to 3rd.Jose Pena strikes out swinging.Deivi Mejia singles on a line drive to center fielder Jhohan Acevedo. Orlando Arcia scores.Juan De Leon lines out to center fielder Jhohan Acevedo.Raul Mondesi strikes out swinging. Not to be outdone, the Cards fought back: DSL Cardinals Bottom of the 4thFernando Baez singles on a fly ball to center fielder Yonki Hernandez.Rafael Medina singles on a fly ball to right fielder Jose Pena. Fernando Baez to 3rd.George Araujo strikes out swinging.Domingo Diaz strikes out swinging.Amaury Capellan strikes out swinging. The D-Crew again had an answer: DSL Brewers Top of the 5thNatanael Mejia grounds out, third baseman Rafael Medina to first baseman Domingo Diaz.Dionis Hinojosa singles on a ground ball to left fielder George Araujo.Yonki Hernandez hit by pitch. Dionis Hinojosa to 2nd.With Francisco Castillo batting, wild pitch by Silfredo Garcia, Dionis Hinojosa to 3rd. Yonki Hernandez to 2nd.Francisco Castillo strikes out swinging.Orlando Arcia flies out to left fielder George Araujo. Another Cardinals riposte: DSL Cardinals Bottom of the 5thJhohan Acevedo singles on a ground ball to center fielder Yonki Hernandez.With Robelys Reyes batting, Jhohan Acevedo steals (1) 2nd base.Robelys Reyes grounds out to first baseman Deivi Mejia. Jhohan Acevedo to 3rd.Daniel Barbuena pops out to first baseman Deivi Mejia.Ronnierd Garcia pops out to shortstop Orlando Arcia. ...before they finally blew it by blowing blowing it: DSL Cardinals Bottom of the 6thPitcher Change: Juan Francisco replaces Gian Rizzo.Fernando Baez triples (2) on a fly ball to left fielder Raul Mondesi.Rafael Medina strikes out swinging.George Araujo grounds out, shortstop Orlando Arcia to first baseman Deivi Mejia.Eduardo Celestino singles on a ground ball to right fielder Jose Pena. Fernando Baez scores.Amaury Capellan hit by pitch. Eduardo Celestino to 2nd.Jhohan Acevedo pops out to first baseman Deivi Mejia in foul territory. The Brewers put the game to bed with a true tour de force: DSL Brewers Top of the 8thOrlando Arcia singles on a fly ball to left fielder George Araujo.With Jose Pena batting, throwing error by John De Aguas on the pickoff attempt, Orlando Arcia to 3rd.Jose Pena flies out to center fielder Jhohan Acevedo.John De Aguas intentionally walks Deivi Mejia.Juan De Leon strikes out swinging.John De Aguas intentionally walks Raul Mondesi. Deivi Mejia to 2nd.Natanael Mejia grounds into a force out, shortstop Daniel Barbuena to second baseman Robelys Reyes. Raul Mondesi out at 2nd. If you're keeping track (and I obviously am), the two teams were 1-13 with a runner on third and less than two outs, with no productive outs of any kind and seven strikeouts. I love this league.

Per Jason Collins, the Windy City Thunderbolts' official scorer, the Brewers have signed the Thunderbolts' closer, RHP Bradley Blanks (great name), and assigned him to Brevard County. Blanks is 26; we'll see if he can be the next John Axford or Brandon Kintzler. Collins reports that Blanks tops out around 90 with his fastball.

Final (game one): Wisconsin 2, @Peoria 1 (7 innings) Thornburg strikes out nine in complete game victory at PeoriaChris Mehring/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers PEORIA, IL – Tyler Thornburg continued his season long hot streak in game one of Wednesday’s doubleheader at O’Brien Field. The Milwaukee Brewers pitching prospect tossed a seven inning complete game and struck out nine as the Timber Rattlers topped Peoria 2-1. Tyler Roberts, Thornburg’s batterymate, broke a 1-1 tie with a two-out RBI single in the top of the sixth inning. Greg Hopkins gave the Timber Rattlers (34-30) a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Nick Shaw and Cody Hawn collected consecutive singles to put runners on the corners with one out. Hopkins lined a pitch deep to left. Chiefs outfielder Greg Rohan made a diving catch to rob Hopkins of extra bases, but Shaw tagged and scored easily from third base for the first run of the game. Peoria tied the game in the bottom of the third inning. The Chiefs (33-32) had runners at the corners with one out and Pierre LaPage knocked in the tying run with a sacrifice fly. The Rattlers kept putting base runners on through the middle innings, but could not cash in the go ahead run. Thornburg got into a jam in the fifth inning. A one out double by Sergio Burrell was followed by a walk to Kyung-Min Na. The walk, one of four issued by Thornburg on the evening, put runners at first and second with the top of the order coming to the plate. But, Thornburg dispatched Matt Szczur with a pop fly to center and LaPage looking to end the inning. TJ Mittelstaedt was at first with two outs in the top of the sixth and took off early with left-handed pitcher Brent Ebinger on the mound. Ebinger threw to first and it looked like Mittelstaedt would be out easily at second base. But, Ebinger had been called for a balk to allow Mittelstaedt to move freely to second base. Roberts smacked a 2-1 pitch from Ebinger to right-center and Mittelstaedt scored the go-ahead run easily. The hit was the ninth and final hit of the game for the Rattlers. Thornburg struck out three – working around an error with two outs – in the sixth inning. He went back out for the seventh and got the first out, but walked Burrell. Na was out trying to bunt his way aboard. But, the tying run was now at second base with two outs. Thornburg got Szczur to fly out to right to end the game. This was Thornburg’s second complete game of the season as he moved his record to 7-0, lowered his ERA to 1.57, and ran his season strikeout total to 76 in 68-2/3 innings. Game two is starting soon. Wisconsin box score (game one)Thornburg, at 93 pitches after six innings, needed just nine pitches to complete the 7th; he threw 67 strikes in total. This could easily have been his last game as a Timber Rattler. Shaw, Hawn, and Mittelstaedt each had two hits, Roberts singled and walked, and Mike Walker doubled. Chad Stang did not play.Wisconsin play-by-play (game one) Thornburg's overwhelming stuff kept him from giving up a run in the 1st: Peoria Bottom of the 1stMatthew Szczur walks.With Pierre LePage batting, Matthew Szczur steals (15) 2nd base.Pierre LePage grounds out, shortstop Mike Brownstein to first baseman Cody Hawn. Matthew Szczur to 3rd.Ryan Cuneo strikes out swinging.Greg Rohan strikes out swinging. The run he did allow: Peoria Bottom of the 3rdSergio Burruel walks.Kyung-Min Na strikes out swinging.With Matthew Szczur batting, wild pitch by Tyler Thornburg, Sergio Burruel to 2nd.Matthew Szczur singles on a fly ball to right fielder Franklin Romero. Sergio Burruel to 3rd.Pierre LePage out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Reggie Keen. Sergio Burruel scores.Ryan Cuneo grounds out, shortstop Mike Brownstein to first baseman Cody Hawn. The T-Rats missed a chance in the 4th: Wisconsin Top of the 4thMichael Walker doubles (11) on a fly ball to left fielder Greg Rohan.T. J. Mittelstaedt singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Brandon May. Michael Walker to 3rd.Mike Brownstein reaches on a fielder's choice out, third baseman Brandon May to catcher Sergio Burruel. Michael Walker out at home. T. J. Mittelstaedt to 2nd.Tyler Roberts strikes out swinging.With Franklin Romero batting, T. J. Mittelstaedt steals (11) 3rd base.Franklin Romero flies out to left fielder Greg Rohan.

Goforth drafted by BrewersSteve Swogetinsky/Neshoba Democrat Former Neshoba Central standout David Goforth was selected in the seventh round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. Goforth, a pitcher, was taken on the second day of the draft last Tuesday. For the past four years, Goforth has been part of the Ole Miss baseball team. He was drafted last year by the Cleveland Indians in the 31st round but decided to come back for his redshirt junior year at Ole Miss. Now, he feels ready to take the next step. "I had family and friends at the house while the draft was going on," Goforth said. "I had been talking to several teams but then it came over the computer that the Brewers had drafted me. They called a little later and I met with them on Thursday." Goforth said the Brewers' regional scout has come to see him at his home in Oxford and made an offer. "I told him that really wasn't what I was looking for," Goforth said. "But we are still negotiating. "Right now, I'm in Oxford, working out every day. I need to be in shape and ready to go when I sign," Goforth said. Ole Miss had five players to be drafted by Major League Baseball teams. Goforth was the first player from Ole Miss selected. This past season, Goforth was the Saturday starter for the Rebels, making 14 starts with a 4-8 record, including a complete-game performance at No. 16 Arkansas and a combined shutout against Lipscomb, according to a Rebel press release. Goforth struck out 63 batters, the second most on the team, in 83.0 innings of work while posting a 4.88 earned-run average. He walked only 27 batters while holding opponents to a .274 batting average against. Goforth snagged wins at LSU, at Auburn, over Kentucky and over South Carolina to give the Rebels a series win over the defending national champion Gamecocks. His win over the Wildcats helped push the Rebels to a series sweep of Kentucky. "I enjoyed playing at Ole Miss and pitching in the SEC," Goforth said. "It's a great league and has great tradition. I got to pitch in every SEC stadium." The Rebels didn't make it to the SEC tournament this year, which is something Goforth had hoped would happen. "It came down to the series with Arkansas," Goforth said. "We had to win one of two games on Sunday and didn't get it done. But it should have never come to that. We had opportunities all year." When he signs, Goforth said he will be sent to the Brewers' training camp in Arizona. Afterwards, he will most likely go to a minor-league, Class A team in Montana. "I hope we can get this done quick," Goforth said. "I'm ready to start my professional career. This has been my goal." Looking back, Goforth said he got a good baseball foundation while growing up and playing baseball in Neshoba County. "I have always played baseball," Goforth said. "When I was 3 or 4, I had a bat and a plastic ball. I was always hitting it. "I learned a lot from coach Brian Jones at Neshoba Central, both on and off the fields. He helped me a lot. I also learned a lot playing at the park and on traveling teams. I remember playing for Allen Crosswhite. He taught me a lot." When he signs, Goforth will be the second Neshoba Central player to be drafted and sign to play in as many years. Last year, Donnie Tabb was drafted and was signed by the New York Mets. Of course, signing with the Brewers and playing off in Montana will mean that Goforth would miss the Neshoba County Fair this year. Surely, he will be excused. "I haven't missed the Fair since I was 8 or 9," Goforth said. "I'll be on the phone, checking in with my friends."

Yes, Jungmann is pitching on Saturday. It's at 6 pm CT on ESPN.

Seahawks Cain, Brewers at impasseChuck Carree/Wilmington Star News Andrew Cain's negotiations with the Milwaukee Brewers are at a standstill, he told me Wednesday. It does not mean he is for certain returning for his senior season with the Seahawks, but it would not upset him if he came back to school and moved a step closer to graduation as a business major. “There is not much going on, we are at a stalemate,” he said. The Brewers selected him in the 12th round of the annual Major League Baseball Draft last week. “We are pretty far apart,” he said, making it clear he does not want to reveal the team’s proposal and his counter off. “I just don’t want to sell myself short. If they really want me bad enough, they will really come up on the offer.” He plans to wait out the Brewers for several more weeks, expecting them to contact him with another proposal. Milwaukee has until Aug. 15 to continue negotiations and Cain has set no timetable to end talks. In the meantime, he is working out at UNCW in the weight room and is pondering whether to take courses the second semester of summer school or try to join a summer league team. As for returning to the Seahawks, he reiterated, with nearly everyone back from a year ago, plus some fine recruits, they have high hopes. He also hopes drafted recruits Tyler Molinaro, a left-handed hitting outfielder from Pitt Community College, and right-handed prep pitcher Jordan Ramsey, join the Seahawks instead of the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals organizations, respectively. “They may not realize Division I baseball is a great experience,” Cain said.

Keith Law has an (Insider-only) look at the names to watch for the 2012 draft.

Holle thrives as relieverMark Singelais/Times Union (Albany) CBA graduate Greg Holle might have been calmer on the mound on Sunday in Wisconsin than his father was while listening to the game from 1,000 miles away. Holle, a 6-foot-8, 240-pound closer for the Class A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, entered Sunday's contest with a 2-1 lead and the bases loaded with none out in the eighth inning. "I don't know how (Greg) does it,'' said Gary Holle, director of sales for Times Union Center, who followed the radio play-by-play over the computer. "My heart was pounding through my chest." Greg Holle calmly extricated himself from the difficult situation without allowing a run, then pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for a 4-1 victory over Fort Wayne. It was the 14th save for Holle, in his second year pitching in the Milwaukee Brewers' system. The franchise took him in the 11th round of last year's draft. He ranked second in the Midwest League in saves entering Tuesday's action, impressive for someone who hadn't been a closer at CBA or in his three years at Texas Christian University. With the Horned Frogs, Holle began his career as a starter before turning into a middle reliever. "I like (the closer role) a lot," Greg Holle said. "It's pretty cut and dried what you've got to do. You've got to get those three outs, or six outs. That's basically it." He has converted all 14 of his save attempts, closing in on the club record of 19. Holle has struck out 23 in 25 innings this season. His earned-run average is 4.32, high for a closer, but skewed by relatively few bad outings. Gary Holle, who made it to the majors as a Texas Rangers first baseman in 1979, said he isn't surprised his son is thriving in the pressure-filled life of a closer. "He's not a starter," Gary Holle said. "He's a very short innings kind of guy. I've seen him perform great when he comes in when there's damage all over the place. He's, 'Just give me the ball.'" That's exactly what he did on Sunday in that risky eighth inning. With the bases packed, Holle used a split-fingered fastball to induce his first batter to ground back to Holle for the force at home. Then came a fastball and a grounder to third for another force at home and the second out. Finally, Holle struck out a Fort Wayne batter on an inside fastball to get out of the jam. "I was pretty fired up," Greg Holle said. "Once you get done flipping out and getting all excited, there are really three more outs you have to get (in the ninth)." Holle said that being ready to pitch every night is a bigger adjustment than the tension that goes with finishing a game. "The biggest part people don't realize is how much throwing you do," he said. "You're expected to be ready in like a second's notice. The big thing is keeping your arm in shape and being ready every day." Along with a fastball that tops out in the low 90s, Holle is developing an effective splitter to go with his slider. He said he wants to make it to the big leagues like his dad and figures being a closer is the fastest route. "I like it, honestly," he said. "Whatever you've got to do to move up."

Final: Wisconsin 12, @Peoria 5 Wisconsin rallies to keep playoff hopes aliveChris Mehring/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers PEORIA, IL - The Peoria Chiefs got a grand slam as part of a five run third inning to build a 5-1 lead over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Tuesday night at O'Brien Field. But, the Rattlers rallied for eleven unanswered runs and picked up a 12-5 win over their division rivals. Austin Ross struck out a professional career high eleven opposing batters for the win while Mike Walker countered the Peoria grand slam with one of his own. Reggie Keen gave the Rattlers (34-30) a 1-0 lead with a sacrifice fly in the top of the third. But that was just the warmup act. Ross got the first two outs in the bottom of the third inning, but the Chiefs loaded the bases on an infield single, a walk, and a dropped third strike. Ross walked Greg Rohan to force in the tying run. Rohan had been at the plate waiting on a 2-2 pitch from the Rattlers starting pitcher, but the count was moved to 3-2 when an automatic ball was given for Ross going to his mouth with his pitching hand while on the rubber. Ross just missed on the 3-2 pitch to let in the run that tied the game. At that point, Rattlers pitching coach Chris Hook headed to the mound to talk with Ross, but a conversation with the plate umpire ensued and Hook was ejected from the game. Two pitches later Richard Jones lined an 0-1 pitch over the wall in left for a grand slam and the Chiefs (33-31) had a 5-1 lead. The Rattlers hitters came right back in the top of the fourth. Mike Brownstein, who had just joined the team earlier in the day, stepped up with two on and two out. Brownstein cracked a 3-2 pitch over the wall in left for his first professional home run to cut Peoria's lead to 5-4. Walker singled in the tying run in the top of the fifth. After a walk to Chris Dennis loaded the bases, Tony Pechek singled in a pair of runs and the Rattlers were up 7-5. Ross worked around a one out single in the bottom of the fifth inning by retiring the other three Chiefs hitters in the frame. Ross picked up his sixth win of the season, but walked four and gave up five hits to go along with his eleven-strikeout performance. Cody Hawn, who had three hits on the night, doubled in TJ Mittelstaedt with two outs in the top of the sixth and the Rattlers went up 8-5. Walker put the game out of reach in the top of the eighth inning. The Rattlers had loaded the bases with two outs. Mittelstaedt singled against reliever Alvaro Sosa to drive him from the game. Larry Suarez entered the game and walked Hawn. Greg Hopkins reached on an error to load the bases. Walker unloaded them. The Rattlers leader in home runs sent a towering fly to deep right for a grand slam and a 12-5 Rattlers lead. The five RBI in the game gives Walker 46 on the season. Tyler Cravy pitched a scoreless sixth and seventh innings out of the Wisconsin bullpen. Eric Marzec pitched the final two innings to nail down the win for the Rattlers. The Timber Rattlers remain two games behind Quad Cities for the first half Western Division Wild Card. Quad Cities defeated Clinton 5-0 at Clinton on Tuesday night. The Timber Rattlers have six games remaining in the first half. Quad Cities has five left in the half. Wisconsin has a doubleheader on Wednesday at Peoria. Game one starts at 5:00pm. Tyler Thornburg (6-0, 1.61) is the scheduled game one starter for the Rattlers. Dan Britt (3-2, 3-2, 4.81) was the probable starter in game two for Wisconsin. Peoria is countering with Angel Guzman (0-0, 0.00) in game one and Cam Greathouse (4-4, 3.69) in game two. Tune in for the broadcast of both games on AM1280, WNAM or timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 4:40pm. Wisconsin box score"Walker unloaded them." I love it. Weird line from Ross, who despite throwing 65 strikes in 95 pitches walked four. Walker, Hawn, and Mittelstaedt each had three hits and drew a walk; maybe Hawn's luck is finally turning around. Mittelstaedt also stole two bases. Hopkins' cleanup luck didn't pay off today, as he went 0-5 amidst of all the carnage. Chad Stang played right field and hit ninth in his first game action since 2009; he had one hit in five trips, a triple. Cravy struck out three and walked one, Marzec two and none. Wisconsin play-by-playThe Rattlers missed a chance to extend their three-run lead in the 7th: Wisconsin Top of the 7thMichael Walker grounds out, first baseman Ryan Cuneo to pitcher Alvaro Sosa.Chris Dennis doubles (8) on a fly ball to right fielder Anthony Giansanti.Tony Pechek strikes out swinging.Mike Brownstein singles on a ground ball to right fielder Anthony Giansanti. Chris Dennis out at home on the throw, right fielder Anthony Giansanti to catcher Micah Gibbs.

Final: @Nashville 5, Round Rock 4 (10 innings) Farris Sends Sounds Home Happy With 5-4 Extra-Inning WinNashville Sounds NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Sounds second baseman Eric Farris hit a game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the 10th inning [audio] to give the Nashville Sounds a 5-4 victory over Round Rock Express on Tuesday night at Greer Stadium. Extending his extra-base hit streak to nine straight contests, Taylor Green smoked a one-out double to left field in the 10th inning to begin the rally. After Brandon Boggs was intentionally walked, Farris singled to the right field to plate Green from second base for the winning run. It was Nashville's (29-35) sixth last at-bat win and second straight one-run victory, which also moved 1-4 in extra-inning play this season. Green went 3-for-4 with a double to extend his hitting streak to 12 games. Green is now hitting .400 (44-for-110) in his last 32 games. Caleb Gindl also went 1-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to a team-best 14 games. Mat Gamel went 3-for-5 with a double, marking the second straight game with three hits for the slugger. Round Rock quickly jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. After Omar Quintanilla singled to reach base, Chris Davis hammered a towering home run down the right field line. The long ball was Davis' 10th of the season. Nashville knotted the contest at 2-2 in the bottom of the second inning. After Tommy Hunter allowed three consecutive singles to Gindl, Edwin Maysonet, and Green, outfielder Boggs hit an RBI groundout to first base for the first run. During the next at-bat to Farris, Maysonet scored the tying run from third base on a pass ball by catcher Robinzon Diaz. The Sounds went ahead, 3-2, in the bottom of the fourth frame. With two outs in the inning Green recorded his second hit of the game, moved to second on a Boggs walk, and scored on a Farris RBI single. Nashville extended the lead to 4-2 in the bottom of the seventh. Erick Almonte singled and scored as Gamel smoked his team-leading 19th double high off the centerfield wall. The RBI was Gamel's 46th of the season. Round Rock tied the contest at 4-4 in the top of the ninth inning with another two-run homer. After Joey Butler doubled, Vanderbilt graduate Matt Kata belted a game-tying two run homer off the guitar-shaped scoreboard. In his third start of the season for Nashville, Mark DiFelice gave up two runs on six hits with four strikeouts on 67 pitches (46 strikes). DiFelice has allowed two runs or less in all three of his starts. Mike McClendon tossed 2 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out two. Daniel Herrera allowed two runs on three hits in two innings. The runs given up by Herrera were his first since joining the Sounds on May 23. Zack Segovia (2-2) pitched a perfect frame to earn the win. In his fourth rehab start for Texas, Hunter allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits in 3 2/3 innings. Pedro Strop (4-3) took the loss. The Sounds and Express will continue their series at 7:05 pm on Wednesday evening at Greer Stadium. Nashville left-hander Sam Narron (4-2, 3.56) will face Express right-hander and former Sound Seth McClung (2-2, 5.14).Nashville box score DiFelice went 4.1 innings. Pretty solid start considering it was just his third. The Brewers want him to demonstrate he can go multiple innings, and it certainly appears that he can--as long as he doesn't have to face Major-League lefties. Great to see Gamel and Green continue to tear it up; Gindl struck out three times, though. Nashville play-by-play

'Tees drop tenth game to CubsFrank Longobardo/Brevard County Manatees VIERA, Fla. -- The Brevard County Manatees fell to 1-10 against the Daytona Cubs this season with a 3-1 loss on Tuesday night at Space Coast Stadium. Manatees starting pitcher Adrian Rosario had a quality start as he gave up just three runs - two of them earned - in six innings of work, but received little offensive support as Brevard County hitters struck out 13 times. Brevard County had a chance early on, when they loaded the bases with one out in the first inning, but Brock Kjeldgaard struck out swinging then Shea Vucinich flied out to right to end the early threat. That would be all the offense that the Manatees could muster early on as they had just one baserunner from the second to the fifth inning. The Cubs scratched the scoreboard first with two outs in the third as Evan Crawford singled and then scored on a fielding error by D'Vontrey Richardson who could pull down the third out as the whipping wind carried the ball over his head. Daytona added two more runs in the fifth on a Logan Watkins RBI double and a Justin Bour RBI single, to make it a 3-0 game. The Manatees managed to get on the board in the sixth, thanks to a bases-loaded walk, drawn by Kjeldgaard, but for the second time in the game, the 'Tees left the bases loaded. Kentrail Davis led the eighth inning off with a double, but again the Manatees left another runner in scoring position stranded. Brevard County was 0-for-8 on the night with runners in scoring position. Jon Pokorny relieved Rosario and didn't allow any more damage as he threw three shutout innings. The 'Tees managed just five hits with all of them coming from the top four hitters in the order. Kentrail Davis was 2-for-4 with a double. The Manatees and Cubs will continue their three-game series on Wednesday night at Daytona. Hiram Burgos (3-3, 3.48) will take the mound for Brevard County, while the Cubs will counter with Dae-Eun Rhee (2-2, 4.38). The two teams will then conclude the series on Thursday night in Brevard County, with Maverick Lasker (2-7, 6.18) scheduled to pitch for the Manatees and Jeffrey Lorick slated to take the hill for the Cubs (4-1, 1.91). http://brevardcounty.manatees.milb.com/images/2011/06/14/CIgCINlG.jpg Adrian Rosario (Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography)

Final: Daytona 3, @Brevard County 1 Brevard County box scoreAdrian Rosario turned in a quality start--three runs (two earned) in six innings--but was far from dominant, striking out just one while walking two and allowing five hits. Three runs was way too much for the Sea Cows' offense to overcome tonight. Jon Pokorny had another outing that hints at his 2010 dominance at Wisconsin, striking out three and walking none over three scoreless frames to finish the game, though he did allow four hits and hit a batter. It's the fourth time in five games that Pokorny has fanned exactly four when facing enough batters to do so. Khris Davis was perfect, walking three times plus a single batting directing ahead of Brock Kjeldgaard, which lately should have been good for at least two runs, but Brock had an off night, going 0-3 with a walk. Kentrail Davis perked up with a single and a double, while Scooter Gennett and Hunter Morris each had a hit. Shawn Zarraga and D'Vontrey Richardson (hitting eighth) were each 0-4 with two strikeouts. D'Vo being D'Vo: he had a fielding error and an outfield assist.Brevard County play-by-play Shea Vucinich really needed to put the ball in play here: Brevard County Bottom of the 6thScooter Gennett reaches on throwing error by second baseman David Macias.Kentrail Davis singles on a ground ball to right fielder Michael Burgess. Scooter Gennett to 2nd.Hunter Morris lines out to right fielder Michael Burgess.Khristopher Davis walks. Scooter Gennett to 3rd. Kentrail Davis to 2nd.Brock Kjeldgaard walks. Scooter Gennett scores. Kentrail Davis to 3rd. Khristopher Davis to 2nd.Shea Vucinich strikes out swinging.Shawn Zarraga grounds out, second baseman David Macias to first baseman Jake Opitz. ...and someone other than the Davises had to do something here: Brevard County Bottom of the 8thKentrail Davis doubles (10) on a line drive to center fielder Evan Crawford.Hunter Morris strikes out swinging.Khristopher Davis walks.Brock Kjeldgaard grounds into a force out, third baseman Rafael Valdes to second baseman David Macias. Kentrail Davis to 3rd. Khristopher Davis out at 2nd. Brock Kjeldgaard to 1st.Shea Vucinich grounds into a force out, second baseman David Macias to shortstop Logan Watkins. Brock Kjeldgaard out at 2nd.

Final (game two): DSL Athletics 6, @DSL Brewers 4 (7 innings) DSL Brewers box score (game two)New player alert! Say hello to 19-year-old RHP Orlando Torrez, who at 6'3", 195 lbs fits the Brewers' height preference for their pitchers at least. Torrez's pro debut featured good results--three shutout innings--but the process was a little lacking, as he walked three and struck out none. Javier Belen and Doni Arias, perhaps emboldened by Torrez's backwards peripherals, then combined to walk six and strike out one over the next two innings, allowing five runs in the process and blowing 2-0 and 3-2 leads. Yonki Hernandez was unsurprisingly the big bat for the Cerveceritos, going 3-4 with a triple. Raul Mondesi contributed two hits. Jose Pena was 1-4 with two strikeouts. Ruben Ozuna did not start but pinch hit late and was hit by a pitch; I recall that--getting plunked in both halves of a doubleheader--happening at least once last year, and I think resulting in an injury to Ozuna. Speaking of possible injuries, Orlando Arcia again did not play, with Raphachel Colatosti going 0-1 with a walk in his stead. Usual DSL madness on the bases (Alejandro Mendoza stole two bases, but the Brewers were caught three times, plus a pick-off) and in the field (six errors combined). DSL Brewers play-by-play (game two)This could have gone better: DSL Brewers Bottom of the 1stYonki Hernandez triples (2) on a fly ball to center fielder Anderson De La Rosa.Alejandro Mendoza singles on a fly ball to left fielder Jose Sayegh. Yonki Hernandez scores.With Jose Pena batting, Alejandro Mendoza steals (2) 2nd base.With Jose Pena batting, Alejandro Mendoza steals (3) 3rd base.Jose Pena strikes out swinging.Deivi Mejia flies out to center fielder Anderson De La Rosa.Juan De Leon grounds out, pitcher Jose Torres to second baseman Rodolfo Penalo to first baseman Wilman Martinez. Not sure a double steal is what's called for down three in last inning: DSL Brewers Bottom of the 7thFrancisco Castillo reaches on fielding error by second baseman Rodolfo Penalo.Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Ruben Ozuna replaces Raphachel Colatosti.Ruben Ozuna hit by pitch. Francisco Castillo to 2nd.With Yonki Hernandez batting, Ruben Ozuna caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Diego Ledezma to shortstop Gabriel Santana, Francisco Castillo to 3rd.Yonki Hernandez singles on a fly ball to right fielder Luis Osorio. Francisco Castillo scores.Alejandro Mendoza grounds out, shortstop Gabriel Santana to first baseman Jose Rosario. Yonki Hernandez to 2nd.Jose Pena grounds out, third baseman Renato Nunez to first baseman Jose Rosario.

Talking about Callis's comments on the draft forum, I mentioned that I think it's possible to make the case that Jorge Lopez is a better prospect than either Jungmann or Bradley. I think the order I might take them is actually the reverse of their draft order: Lopez, Bradley, Jungmann.