colbyjack

I completely spaced that Thursday coincides with Bon Jovi's performance here at Summerfest. Every year we have a performer that goes on our Wall of Fame, and I'm the one that coordinates getting the plaque that is made, presented and installed on the Marcus Amphitheater. Which means, I won't be able to make it to this Thursday's game. Which means last Thursday's game was my last of the year. Sorry for the late notice. It was great hanging out and playing softball with you guys this year. I really look forward to next season, and would even be up for a fall league if anyone else in interested (or even a flag football team if anyone would be up for that). I'm pretty impressed that I made it to every game up until this point. Are there any plans for a postseason get together at a bar, for a cookout, etc.?

That's exactly my point X. If the Brewers made scouting and drafting players from Wisconsin as big of a deal as Goldstein implied, they probably would have taken Butler (even if it meant as a 2nd round pick) and Cordier. I have it on pretty good record that the war room was split on Gallardo and Cordier in '04, and as much as I like Erik Cordier and his family, obviously the team made the right choice (please no comments about their first-round pick). And yes, as you noted, the team reportedly was prepared to take Tony Butler with their 3rd round pick, but really, other than guys like Seidel, unsigned Wes Munson, Mike Goetz and UDFA Ben Stancyzk, which notable Wisconsin born and bred players does the team have in their system (system, meaning not Miller and Counsell)? They took Daryl Maday and Ryan Zink late in the '03 draft, but pretty much knew they had no chance to sign either one of them away from Arkansas and UIC respectively. Jason Jaramillo is another guy they could have taken with Wisconsin ties in recent years. Bottom line is that the team just doesn't make it's own state a priority to the point where they over-draft players to make sure they stay with the in-state team (like the Red Sox have done on occasion in recent years). That's not a bad thing, since Wisconsin isn't exactly a hot-bed for talent.

It's an interesting point, and Braun's selection was especially interesting since the team did reportedly reach out to Troy Tulowitzki and asked him if he would be willing to slide to 3B upon being drafted. Tulo balked at the idea, and the team drafted Braun. Both players have obviously turned out pretty well, although the '05 draft may eventually go down as one of the better ones in history at the top given the college hitters taken early, especially at third base (which includes Alex Gordon and Ryan Zimmerman). I guess when the idea of drafting for need is brought up it usually implies that a team is over-drafting talent to fill such a need. Now, if the Brewers hadn't drafted Braun where they did he may just have fallen a good 5-10 slots, as there weren't too many other teams connected to Braun that year. Fielder is somewhat similar in that only the Tigers (who drafted right after the Brewers, and there are obvious Detroit-Fielder connections) were the only other team in the early part of the first round in 2002 that was reportedly seriously considering drafting Fielder. Braun and Fielder obviously turned out to be great picks, and while Braun seemed to be an obvious pick for need, Fielder was quite the opposite. What both have (and had) in common is that they were very good hitters when the Brewers drafted them. I've harped before when it comes to the draft that teams should always draft a player for his bat more than any other tool. While you can't teach speed and arm strength, I have found that teaching one to hit is the most difficult aspect to whether or not a young positional player makes it or not. We've seen with Prince, Braun and Rickie Weeks that their defense certainly doesn't hold them back. Was LaPorta a pick for such obvious need as Braun? I'm not so sure. Yes, the team is convinced he can play LF, but I think the organizational need for power was their biggest need, not necessarily their need to find a left-fielder. I'm not sure if that makes sense, but Braun was taken as a third baseman, when third base was clearly the most glaring need in the system (and quickly became an organizational strength). Left field isn't necessasrily a need, but power is. And that brings me to tools. Jack Z. has always claimed that he likes to get the best of something in a draft, or at least one of the best of something. LaPorta was one of the best available power hitters available this past year, and I was clamoring for several weeks that the organization needed to find a way to add more power to the system since they were clearly lacking power since they promoted Braun (although I also noted a left-handed slugger, such as Beau Mills, would be a better pure fit). And since I brought up Mills, if the team was truly drafting for need, he may have been a better fit, since the system, and big-league team, is somewhat lacking in lefty sluggers. There's Prince, Jenkins, and Gamel...and that's about it. Jack Z. came out and said the organization changed its approach somewhat this year by taking some players earlier that they felt were closer to the big leagues, not necessarily to get those player to the big leagues faster, but also to use their value as prospects more quickly when it comes to having valuable chips on the farm for trades. This is something I actually advocated several years ago in my draft retrospect series, (www.brewerfan.net/ViewArt...icleId=196), so you know I'm happy they (finally) took the same approach. One more point on this issue, going back to my point earlier about drafting for specific need. I remember all to well when the 1992 Brewers were painfully lacking power and over-drafted Ken Felder to try and remedy that problem. They had Jaha and Nilsson (and Jim Tatum) slugging their way towards Milwaukee (and I believe Jaha and Nilsson had cups of coffee with the '92 Brewers), yet they over-drafted for a player that few considered worthy of their pick. Same goes for Chad Green in 1996. The organization was lacking the prototypical leadoff hitting CF and over-drafted for a player that they felt could fill that immediate, glaring need at the big-league level. You might as well draft for a pinch-hitting or LOOGY specialist. Going back to LaPorta, I was thinking last night that it is interesting how a few people (myself included) had teams like the Tigers and Yankees taking LaPorta for a couple of reasons: One, neither team has been shy about taking players that are expected to be relatively tough signs in recent years, and two, both have, or will have, a glaring need for a power-hitting first baseman, if not this year, then in the not-so-distant future. That implies that I, and other prognosticators, seemed to think that LaPorta had a pretty good chance of being successful, even if his upside (overall tool-set) isn't as great as some other players (Heyward, any of the prep pitchers) on the board. Sorry, that's probably longer than it needs to be, but I haven't been around much lately http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

I'm not complaining about the pub for the young man, but it's hard to take him too seriously when he hasn't exactly done his homework.

The Brewers like taking players from Wisconsin, and that?s not a bad thing, although there is rarely much to choose from. That wasn?t the case in 2006, as Seidel was easily the best player in the state Easily? Maybe arguably, although I still think most would argue that Tony Butler is still the better prospect. And the Brewers haven't exactly gone out of their way to take players from within the state, otherwise Butler and Erik Cordier would probably be in the organization instead of players such as Cole Gillespie and Yovani Gallardo.

I couldn't find the post, but I believe I compared (noting how unfair it was) Gindl to Giles on draft day. After that, it prompted me to check out Brian Giles minor league statistics, courtesy of waymoresports... tsf.waymoresports.thestar...er.cgi?386 Brian Giles power really didn't develop until he reached AAA. He was always known as a good all around hitter, but with more singles and doubles before he reached the upper levels of the system. Now take that how you want, but Gindl profiles as almost the exact kind of player at a very similar point in their careers. I don't think there is any better comparison really, although with any comparison it's important to realize that Giles was one of the best hitters in all of baseball for a few years. If Gindl maxes out as a 5th OF we should still be very happy with that kind of return. The steroid debate is secondary IMO. I think Craig Biggio is (or at least was) one of the biggest users there is out there, however no one ever thinks to target him because he too is on the smaller side, and like Giles, it's hard to single him out because his numbers have been sliding with age. Getting back to the original point of the thread, his success so far has been very exciting, as he's generating the type of excitement it seems that players like Palmisano, Iribarren, Salome and Gillespie have early in their careers in recent years. For a few of them, it's important to remember that success in rookie ball may not mean a dang thing.

I thought the pitching was pretty good. The scoring rally we had was pretty nice as well. That came right after I commented to Matt how our bats seemed to go silent the past couple of weeks, at least to the point that we couldn't put together sustained drives like we were early in the season. I was impressed how Bay Street was going to RC and RF as much as they were. They hardly pulled any pitches at all. I missed the Bay Street games last year, so I never got to see how bad they were, as I thought they were fine both times we played them. That had to be my worst game of the year. A pop out and a foul out, both of which ended innings, misplaying an easy foul ball and getting thrown out at second trying to stretch a single. All I have to show for it is a nasty skid mark on my leg. Boo-urns. Kenny, how many positions are you away from playing them all? RC and P? We've got to make that happen.

Seidel rights his ship in his second game, as does Anundsen tonight, who is a groundball machine. While Gindl was my sleeper, or at least my pick to click, for this year's draft, Anundsen was my sleeper from last year's draft, and I hope this is the first of many similar appearances.

Thanks for finding us, and I'm happy you didn't take the criticism too hard. I think what you're doing is interesting, I just think there are some things you can do to make it better. That small sample size thing is tough, and I do realize that you're working with limited material, but there are other ways to expand your work, in ways that rluzinski alluded to just above. Having a little bit of history to work with and refer to would be helpful. I'm curious, are you trying to find your way in scouting, or coaching? If it's scouting, if you don't mind, there are two key things to remember: One should never be blinded by one player's performance when you only have the chance to see that player once, especially when it isn't even in person (breaking down video and seeing a player live are two completely different things from personal experience), and one also has to try their best to project future performance, not necessarily current production. Meaning for instance, do you see Kozma's swing getting better with the proper instruction? Does he have the tools, work ethnic and other necessary qualities to learn to hit for more power? Would you be confident with your player development staff to teach him how to draw his hands in more, and does he have the aptitude to make the necessary adjustments to succeed? I guess I just don't like discounting a player because his swing right now isn't perfect, especially when he's 18 years old. Few player's swings are, as I noted with JJ Hardy above, and I know a few scouts that told me a few years ago that they were concerned with the holes in Prince Fielder's swing. Those concerns obviously have been erased because those two players have made the necessary adjustments. In that context, even though LaPorta isn't a very good comparison since he and Kozma are two completely different players, but it would be nice to see where LaPorta was at Kozma's stage in his career. I know that video isn't easily available, if it even exists, but that is the type of stuff I would want to see to be convinced, or at least satisfied. I will say that I agree 100% with your assessment of scouting reports that are available on the web such as those on Baseball America that makes every player sound like a future star. I'm guilty of this as well, although there are quite a few players that I'm not fond of that I can't share the reasons as to why (or why not) for a variety of reasons. Mainly, it's not my job to sell players short.

What a nice surprise that was listening to the Brewers game tonight when Jim Powell mentioned the perfecto to Ueck. We've been talking about Parra quite a bit this spring, noting that we've heard reports of his velocity returning to the mid-90s and how his status as a prospect should receive an equally impressive boost. This cements that, and definitely puts his name back in the minds of even those that casually follow the minors. Congrats Manny Parra!

Just a reminder that I will be out for the last game as well, as of right now it doesn't look as though there will be many people sitting on the bench for that game. I still intend to make the next two games, despite the fact that they are during Summerfest, which opens on Thursday. I may show up at the last minute to both games, and if I know in advance that I won't be able to make it I'll try to give everyone enough of a head's up, but quite often I am not afforded that luxury during the fest. Hope to see you all on Thursday.

It's apples and oranges though. They're two different hitters. Kozma wasn't drafted for his power, and even if he went to college, where LaPorta clearly has established himself over the last four years, he probably wouldn't be on the same level. Keep in mind that JJ Hardy, a name that was already brought up by X, was scrutinized coming out of high school for his lack of power and overall hitting prowess. He obviously has overcome those doubts, but the same things that drew scouts to Hardy drew scouts to Kozma over the last year. I can see the analysis comparing Kozma to a hitter at a similar stage to talk about the problems in his swing, but again, Kozma has pretty much been a gap to gap hitter, and yet that didn't deter the hordes of scouts that went to see him play this spring. LaPorta is all about power, and you don't have to break down his swing to figure that out. I have seen few hitters at the college level flick their wrists so quickly to swat balls out of the park from left to right field so effortlessly, and that is power you just can't teach. Just for the record, I'm not a huge fan of Kozma either, but I just don't understand the point of the analysis. EDIT: I just realized that this analysis came from the same guy that said confusing things about Jefferss a year ago, of which I commented about in a thread just before this one. I went over to THT to read this guy's thoughts and I still can't believe he's making concrete assessments based on video that is provided by MLB.com. If this guy wants a job with a big-league club, like the comment towards the end of each of his stories suggests, he needs to do more than break-down the MLB scouting bureau video. If he's looking to replace Steve Phillips as one of the ESPN draft-day personalities, he may be in the running.

I remember reading that report on Jeffress a year ago from Carlos Gomez, and at the time I was somewhat shocked that somewhat went out of their way to say the things they did in the manner they did after watching the guy via MLB's draft preview video footage. I just can't see how anyone can take those comments seriously. A tip: Go watch the guy in person if you're going to even try to claim to be any kind of professional, or even an amateur, when it comes to such analysis. I saw Jeffress two summers ago and his athleticism and his arm speed was obvious, as there has never been any question by anyone about how or why the young man can throw as hard as he can despite the fact that he is 6' tall. I am able to combine my own observations of Jeffress from the summer after his junior year with a few scouts that have seen him since as well as pogo's first-hand analysis to know that the above comments really can't be taken with any ounce of validity. Also, if the stadium gun at West Virginia is that far off, it should be thrown out, or at least ignored completely. You can't make adjustments on the fly like that to determine what a pitcher is throwing. I've seen this with stadium guns in the past versus stalkers that I was either holding or sitting next to, and the readings are just to inconsistent to try and find a pattern and/or differential. Meaning, 89 could have easily been 94 on one pitch and 99 on another if the readings are that far off.

Thanks for the responses. And thanks for the PMs as well. I will respond to them when I have more time to work out a transaction, shipping, etc.

I apologize for not checking into this thread for quite some time. Unfortunately I'm not going to be able to handle these requests at this point in time. When time becomes less of a commodity for me I will be sure to make designs for those looking for a shirt. In the meantime, if you have responded that you would be interested in a shirt without giving a name and number on the back, please make it very clear what name and number you want on the back of your shirt. Saying you would be interested in a shirt doesn't help me much.

I enjoy Steve Wendt quite a bit, and it is a draw for me to listen to the games. I enjoy the approach of many to most of the minor league guys, as they clearly are trying to bring some of their own style to the game, but Wendt definitely has an appreciation for the old-school style of calling a ballgame mixed in with his style. He actually reminds me of quite a few of the college broadcasters I listen to during the spring before the MLB season starts, as the energy level is high which increases the interest level. Keep the first-hand observations coming MTBrew. I can't tell you how much I would love to be out in Helena this summer watching these kids play.

Any time a pitcher's arm is involved, elbow or shoulder, and the diagnosis is a return in August, or a couple of months, knowing the organization is going to be extremely careful and patient with these young arms, I find it to be somewhat relieving. At this point in time there is no scheduled visit to Dr. Lewis Yocum or any of the other catch phrases that generally cause me to worry. So while I wish I could watch Braddock's and Ramirez' names in the Link Report the next two months, I'm happy to know that for now the organization only expects them to be out those two months. That could change, but again, the dangerous phrases haven't been tossed out regarding these two as of yet.

It should still happen within the next day or two. It seems as though a few details are being worked out, but the signing should happen during the Giants series, and by the end of the week for sure.

Just curious, do mini-bobbles have any value, or are they more for kicks? Through work I have recently acquired a large amount of Ned Yost, Doug Davis and Damian Miller mini-bobbleheads, and I'm trying to determine what I should do with them. Any help would be appreciated.

Mass, thanks again and as always for the work you do to keep the rest of us informed. I think I take the most pleasure following the H-Crew squad, as there is something to be said for following/listening to the youngsters, most of which who have been added within the last week or two via the draft. Looking at the roster, I think this could be a pesky bunch that could mirror the current Power team. There isn't much thump, but there's a lot of speed on this roster. Plus, it's a nice mix of proven college talent and high-ceiling high school/JC talent in a league that always seems to be heavy with recent college draftees. Farris and Fonseca could form a fun middle IF tandem to follow similar to Iribarren and Escobar. Haydel and Goetz are going to add to the peskiness, giving the team four legit stolen base threats, as you could see any four of these players batting leadoff for the Helena team this year. I personally feel Gindl could be the steal of this year's draft, and I will be following his pro debut with as much excitment as I will be Seidel's, Robinson's, Haydel's and Bryson's. Anundsen may have not have gotten off to as fast of a start, but I still think he has some Inman-esque potential to him. Look for Fryer to play all over the field, and Lucroy should be the team's best hitter, possibly as good as Palmisano was in '03. Just a few thoughts. It's always nice switching over to the Helena broadcast given the later start times after Brewers games, since most of my baseball enjoyment over the next month or so is late at night.

I forgot to mention that tomorrow could be a very exciting day for the organization, more for than just the anticipated MLB debut of Gallardo, but I'm guessing the Brewers are planning on making a splash by announcing the signing of Matt LaPorta (as discussed on the draft forum), which will probably include him taking BP with the club. Plus, I think Weeks it has been rumored that Weeks may re-join the team early this week, so the orgnaization may have three relatively large transaction-related news items to report tomorrow (even though we know Gallardo is already with the club). I have never felt more compelled to arrange my schedule to make it a point to be at Miller Park...other than opening day http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

It's hard to say even in hindsight, but I'm going to say this year has been more fun to watch, just because we can now see the fruits of the efforts from the Brewers scouting and player devleopment departments. In '04 we were anxiously waiting for so many players to make their way to the big-leagues, and now we are watching a lineup that is almost entirely homegrown. Seeing that success lends to even more hope, having a sense of confidence that the organization is truly doing the right things to put themselves in a position to be successful for a long, long time. Plus, you have three teams that are on the top of their respective divisions. 2003 was probably more fun to watch just because the organization had three teams in the playoffs IIRC (Huntsville, Beloit and Helena) with three respective league MVPs (Hart, Fielder and Palmisano). I seem to remember the '03 AA playoffs and playoff chase being particularly exciting since both Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera were once facing the Stars at the beginning of the season, only to be helping the Florida Marlins win the World Series later that year. That gave a glimpse on the kind of immediate impact a farm system can have, and for all we know could have been somewhat of a preview to this season if Braun and Gallardo can have the impact many are hoping they will. In addition, I don't remember being as excited about any pitching prospects as I am about Gallardo, and Inman might be a close second. Garnering top rankings by Baseball America is nice, but it's a lot better to actually see the results.

We weren't kidding when we said the signing would be bumped back to early next week.

Peavey is dead on, as I've heard this is more likely to take place early next week. I'm sure the team wants to have LaPorta work out with the team and take BP on Monday just like they did with Braun two years ago.

I'm guilty of this as much as anyone, but I think Parra's name slips through the cracks as far as his prospect status is concerned given his injury history, but given how well he has been throwing this year (up to 97 based on recent reports, and other posters have confirmed him throwing the ball hard about a month ago), it's hard not to be excited about him once again. Not just luke-warm excitement, but his name should be in the same breath as Gallardo and Inman when talking about top prospects. Here's his AA career: 15-10, 3.28 ERA, 38 games (all starts), 208.2 IP, 212 H, 206 K, 55 BB, 6 HR The 6 HR allowed is pretty impressive, as are the low walks totals, and the stats are somewhat skewed by a mediocre 2005 season that was cut short due to his previously recurring shoulder problems. Oh yeah, he is still only 24 years old (25 in October).