madbad2000

Wow Drama Don, right again as usual. In the future, before you call people out in "public" like this, please attempt to get your facts correct. So my icon wasn't enabled. Does that mean I don't support the site. If you really want to get into costs and how much each has spent to support the site I'm sure Brian could come up with a list of the top donors. I'm 100% positive you'd be top 5 correct? While it seems kind of like a childish statement, remember that when you point your finger at others there are 4 more pointing back at you. Covering the costs of this site are something that Brian doesn't really push. Everyone here is thankful for what he does and how much time he spends on this site. I encourage anyone interested to chip in a few bucks if they enjoy the site. Contact any staff member or moderator and they'll direct you to the proper place to help out. Don, if you have a problem with a poster in particular like you seem to have with me and my comments...please take it private with a private message or email. Mine is mclifton@brewerfan.net if interested. Michael

I think the thing with the substantive/informative comment wasn't to be taken 100% literally. A better comment could have been new and debatable. How does that sound? Any way you slice it, that thread was going to go downhill faster then Bode Miller. The message boards provide people of all backgrounds an opportunity to express their ideas and to debate them. To most they are not informative, but that is why they are here. The whole point of the message boards is dialogue and 100 people all chiming in that Drew Olsen sucks does nothing for anyone. Those chiming in don't look any better, Drew Olsen doesn't look any better and quite frankly any worse and those reading have wasted x amount of time. A nice thing to remember is that Brian pays for most of this site out of his pocket. We accept donations to help defray the costs of the message boards, but the cost is quite high. We pay by per page view and something of that sort really does waste money. Locking of that thread didn't shoot down anyone's ideas/thoughts, nothing was edited/cut out. All that was ended was a snowball effect of a bad thread. As I suggested earlier, if people wanted to debate the thread...start a new one. Looking outside the box I don't see Jamie's actions as too brash. I think most look at this as an almost Nazi-ish tactic and believe me...Brewerfan.net is not going to become a totalitarian, one-sided website. Life does move on...pitchers and catchers have reported.

Greg, You make good points once again, but I would argue that your Doug Melvin example is a little off base. If Doug reads BF.net message boards, he should realize that people who make comments like your example are simply users stating their opinion. When a question like Don's shows up with a BF.net moniker, then that reflects on this whole site. First and foremost starting with Brian and working down through all staff and even users too. It hurts our credibility immensely. We strive to be on good terms with everyone who has a stake in the Milwaukee Brewers. Without our very important contacts, this site would not be as great as it currently is. It's also important to keep in mind that BF.net would not be great without the quality of posters we have here and we're not trying to scare away anyone from posting because of possible repercussions. We also need to keep in mind that people like Doug Melvin and even Drew Olsen are public figures. They are open to criticism and I'm sure they receive it daily. So seeing a statement like your example is nothing new to these guys. What needs to be done is to do it properly. I hope everyone can see the difference between Greg's example and asking a man flat out if he smokes opium. All I ask is that people try to use respect when posting and to keep their opinions their own. We're not saying there can't be any negative feelings/ideas on this site. Something about do unto others...

Just so Jamie doesn't feel like he is alone in his decision. What was done wasn't Jamie acting alone and the action was supported by others behind the scenes. The thread was to the point of providing no substantial dialogue/information and was closed. If people wished to talk about the chat in a manner better suited for discussion, then start a new thread. Closing of threads is a serious issue here and not done lightly by any means. It's important to remember that censorship is a necessary evil, but we don't censor viewpoints/ideas. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and BF.net would suck without differing viewpoints/discussion. We try to maintain the highest level of discussion and range, but a pet peeve of most is the way threads/topics can quickly degenerate to the low levels that other boards may possess. The Olsen thread is a pretty volatile topic because most dislike his coverage of the Brewers. I think he could do a better job, sure. He's a public figure and is open to criticism for his ideas. Having 100 posts saying "Olsen sucks" does nothing for anyone. The two biggest problems that most had with that thread was that BF.net was used by a non-staff member in a derogatory fashion. We attempt to have nice relationships with all media factions and that was some pretty bad pr. The nice/bad thing about the internet is that anyone can read this information. Places like Brewerfan can get their info out to anyone. The bad is that you don't know who is reading. What if: Doug Melvin reads the chat and sees someone from BF.net asking a question like what was asked? Secondly, the thread was degrading fast. Debating a chat is fun and interesting, just repeating that the "chatter" sucks and does a bad job brings nothing to the table. Especially when most agree. Also the level of some of the questions asked was pretty low. Greg makes a valid point and one that is often brought up by posters. My suggestion is that someone start up a new thread discussing the chat in the manner it deserves. Michael

I think I've been leaning towards taking a hitter as well. While it is definately a pitching year (college especially) that may leave us with an intriguing choice at 16. I prefer hitting to pitching in round 1 and if it has to be an arm please go college....although with our track record. Should be fun following the draft this spring as we'll have to study a lot more people who could potentially drop to us instead of the top 5-10 players.

Great job as always Jim...Hip Hip!!

Also isn't it true that Rogers has been "forced" to work on other pitches other then his fastball? I mean if he wanted straight success he could throw fastballs the majority of the time. I believe I read that Mark was distinctly being asked to work on his secondary pitches at the expense of throwing more fastballs. So if you are throwing mostly changeups and curves and learning on the job....do you think the results will be very good? Not to mention that he's very young for the league. I'm not worried about Rogers yet. Lets see how he does with a year or two more of development and once me moves up to where successful numbers actually matter. Also I agree with Patrick that this is a dead horse for some posters.

This should be fun to watch. I want both guys to sign but if I had to choose between the two I think I may go with Babineau. I liked his scouting report but also really liked him in the High School All-Star game.

Well just got back from my trip and I'll give some of what I saw from the Saturday game in Greensboro. Derek Miller reminds me a lot of Dana Evelend. It was really weird...both are stocky lefties. He was pitching high 80's low 90's and looked pretty good. Josh Wahpepah was off for sure. He has a funky delivery like pogokat said but he got huge bite on his pitches. He was complaining about the mound and his plant foot slipping. The manager Aviles and the ump inspected and had some words to say about it. Justin Barnes looked very very good. Impressed me for sure as he came in and got two k's. Ryan Braun's shot was a no doubter. I'll post a separate thread of my trip and also of the Power game/impressions on Tuesday when I get situated.

Chris....you da man!!!!! Jeanette you rascal you! http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif

CaliBrewer hit it on the head. Adam's best asset is his personality. He was not fazed at all by fans coming up and asking questions and for autographs. Top notch guy and hands down one of the top 2 or 3 players I have met in person. Class act.

That's a tough call on the ceiling. I might be tempted to say his ceiling would be somewhere between. With more power then Cirillo but not quite Koskie power. That is ceiling alone and I'm not saying he'll turn into those players, but possibly could. I'm not sure how good Koskie is at defense, but Heether is good. He won't be a liability there.

Has anyone seen Heether play? I'd be interested in knowing what type of approach he has and also how he handles third. He's starting to compile some impressive numbers. I have seen him play a lot and he is very fun to watch at third base. One of the better defensive third basemen I've seen in person. His approach at the plate is pretty good too. While in Beloit, he would have bad stretches where he seemed to be pushing too hard and would strikeout a lot. He has pretty good power but not great power. He's more of a doubles with occasional dingers kind of hitter. I like him quite a bit, but he's not going to be a star. He could be very useful and has a decent shot at making the majors. Which is better then 90% of all minor leaguers.

Absolutely fabulous news to hear! Now on to Babineau. If he gets away, I'll be disappointed to say the least. He's the catcher that we need in the system.

I liked the pick on draft day, love the pick now! Will Inman...gotta love that article.

I think people need to settle down a bit. We're debating his initial spot on the Power 50 and trust me, only one person around here has control of that. And it's obvious no one has been able to persuade Toby over the years. How about we agree to disagree? Once Braun is in the system and performing, first hand accounts and minor league stats start coming around and everyone can better gauge him. I'd have no problem with Braun anywhere on the Power 50. Toby has a track record of making up for his mistakes and quickly adjusting the Power 50 to make up for it. So where he starts is nearly a moot point, now after one or two Power 50's, then a real debate can take place.

If I would guess I would say that when Braun signs he should be about 17...then when promotions happen to Rickie and JJ, Jorge De La Rosa soon??...he would be about 14. Everyone above him still has very good upside and has some combination of the following: younger, higher level, same level but younger (Rogers + Gallardo). Assuming Braun goes straight to West Virginia.

Well I believe a lot of it was that Canada is an underscouted area. So this is a way for the Brewers to hopefully get in and snag some very good talent cheap. With Ash and Melvin from there I'm sure that was an influence but not the deciding factor. I think it could be a good idea. Have to wait and see how the Canucks pan out.

"on your deathbed you shall receive total consciousness"

Round 21: Justin Stires - RHP 6'2", 195 lbs - Saddleback CC - California NOTES & INFO: NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

Round 20: David Welch - LHP 6'4", 200 lbs - Texarkana CC - Texas NOTES & INFO: - He is from Sydney, Australia. - He has committed to attend Texas Tech University. - He was a 38th round pick of the Yankees in 2003. NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

Round 19: Patrick Ryan - RHP 6'0", 200 lbs - Embry-Riddle University - Florida http://daytona.embryriddlesports.com//images/bball/2005/1/13/ryan_p.jpg NOTES & INFO: - He hails from Brooksville, Florida and previously attended Lake Sumter CC. - His nickname is "Beef". NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: From Embry-Riddle Player Profile: Ryan is only the second FSC Player of the Year and first team All-American in ERAU history to return for his senior season?combines a low 90s fastball with an 82 mph, 12/6 curveball and a quality change-up? a very driven athlete who continues to make significant gains in the weight room and with overall fitness level?experience and leadership will be key factors in the team?s success in 2005. As a Junior in 2004: Led the ball club in appearances with 31, a new Embry-Riddle single season record?drew nine starts?posted an 8-2 record with a 3.18 ERA?tied for first in the league in saves (8) ?struck out a team high 94 batters in 85 innings pitched?12th in the nation in average strikeouts per nine inning game (9.95)?tossed a complete game two-hit shutout against Brewton-Parker (Feb 7) with 10 strikeouts and allowed only two base runners in six innings?posted another 10 strikeout game against Cumberland (Feb. 19)?struck out nine in a seven-inning, two-hit shutout against Florida Memorial (Feb. 24) to help the Eagles secure their third straight conference regular season title?first-team All-American?NAIA Region XIV and FSC Player of the Year?NAIA All-America Scholar Athlete. At Lake Sumter Community College: Played two seasons for Coach Mike Matulia?s Lakers?posted a 2.65 ERA with three complete games in 90 innings as a sophomore?named to the All-Mid-Florida Conference team in 2002?two-time academic All-Conference selection. High School: Graduated from Central High School in 2001?earned three letters playing for Coach Gary Buel?two-time All-Conference selection?also played three seasons for the Hernando Dixie All-Stars club team. Personal: Born in Chicago, Illinois on May 31, 1983?son of Nelson and Rene Snow?majoring in Aviation Business Management?volunteer at the 2003 Special Olympics Golf Tournament. Reason for Choosing Embry-Riddle: ?Because the baseball team wins? From EzCode Parsing Error:=]Hernando Today[, 06-17-2005 (Byline Marty Miller): With 30 major league teams and 50 rounds of a draft of amateur baseball players, it would seem that a person getting drafted by a Major League Baseball club is not such a big thing. But when you remember how many baseball players are out there, it takes on a different light when someone from Hernando County is picked by a major league club. For former Central High standout Patrick ?Beef? Ryan, this year's draft was an important one as he had to sit through 18 rounds of the draft on the first day before he was picked in the 19th round by the Milwaukee Brewers. Ryan, who helped pitch his college, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, to the national championship game of the NAIA Baseball World Series this year, signed a contract with the Brewers the same day he was drafted. Now after a five-day rookie camp in Arizona, Ryan believes he will be heading for Montana where he will join the Helena, Montana of the Pioneer League to begin his road that hopefully will lead to a spot in the majors. With 50 rounds of the major league draft as compared to the seven of the NFL and two of the NBA, the position of where a player gets picked does not make a lot of difference. "I know some people who were suppose to get picked in the early rounds and didn't get picked until the second day," Ryan said before he headed to Arizona. "So I wasn't too upset I wasn't picked on the first day. From all the indications, there were a couple of teams that thought about taking me on the first day." "But I wasn't sure, so I didn't get my hopes up too much. Anyway, after about the 15th round, it's all about the same anyway." Ryan sported an outstanding 13-3 record with a 1.60 earned run average this year for the Embry-Riddle Eagles and was named as the Florida Sun Conference Player of the Year and was an NAIA first-team All-American selection. The Daytona Beach-based Eagles won its conference and advanced to the NAIA Super Regional against Lee University of Cleveland, Tenn. The Eagles won that series 2-1 and Ryan won Game 2, 3-0, going 7.1 innings while giving up seven hits, no runs while walking none and striking out three. In the national tournament, ERU went in as the number one seed and in game three and on his 22nd birthday, Ryan was the starter and winning pitcher as he beat Biola, Cal. 6-3, going seven innings, giving up six hits, no walks and six strikeouts. The next day, ERU beat Oklahoma City 12-5 and followed that with a 3-0 win over Lewis and Clark State, Idaho as Ryan went 1.2 innings to earn the save. Then in the title game against Oklahoma City and with no days rest, Ryan started and lasted four innings as the Eagles lost 8-1. Something?s brewing Although Ryan's mother said that four teams had shown an interest in drafting Ryan, the Brewers finally were the ones who took him. "I had talked with their scout a couple of times earlier in the year." Ryan also has had a taste of pro ball during spring training; he pitched against a Chicago Cubs minor league team. "I went two innings and didn't give up a run and only one hit," Ryan said. "It was after that when the Brewers scout talked to me and told me I could make it in pro ball." Ryan's taste of the Brewers organization comes this week when he goes to Arizona for a five-day mini-camp. "After that, I'll probably be sent to their rookie-league team in Helena, Mont. in the Pioneer League." When asked what kind of advantages he might have over other pitchers drafted by the Brewers, Ryan was fairly clear. "I think it definitely was an advantage that I played college ball because a lot of those guys haven't had to go through all the things I have." While he still isn't sure what his place will be in their organization, Ryan said he got somewhat of an idea after talking with the Brewers scout who signed him. "He said they write down their recommendation and he had me more of a number five starter. Say if a staff goes with a five-man rotation, then I'll be the number five starter. But if they go with a four-man one, then I'll probably be in the bullpen and come out as the long man in relief." When asked what his best and worst traits were as a pitcher, Ryan thought he knew them. "My best trait is that I throw strikes and that I don't walk a lot of people. I also have to work on my change up some." He also said that while some in baseball look to the number on the radar gun, he doesn't think that is so important. "Most of the scouts I talked to say velocity doesn't mean all that much. I can get up to 88-90 mph on my fastball. But I have good movement on it and I have a good curve, but I get hitters out consistently. You have to get people out and if you do, they can't really deny you." Ryan isn't sure when his first appearance will come at Helena, but he does know the kind of reaction he got Wednesday when he was drafted. "The cell phone crashed twice on me," he said with a laugh. "The Brewers called me at 12:05 to tell me they picked me and by 12:40, my cell phone had gone dead. I charged it before I left home and then after I got back, I recharged it again and called everyone who had left a voice mail message. And then it crashed again."

I've seen as high as 203

Lehr could be getting stretched out like the Brewers did with Adams.

Brewers have no 2nd rounder...that sucks. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/frown.gif