colbyjack

Yup. Thanks, and thanks Mass. I only had time to go back to see how some of our fave prospects actually fared in the box scores and didn't read the nitty-gritty details. Mercedes is getting torched.

molitor fan makes a good point, the Pioneer League has been known as one that fields quite a few college players, so you can't just simply expect a college hitter to dominate assuming that the talent is sub-standard. I do agree that you can't get too excited about one's success until they continue to prove themselves as they move up, but you can say that about just about anyone in any league at any level. As for Gillespie hitting in the leadoff spot, he's back in the 3-hole tonight, where he has hit for most of the season. While he does have decent wheels, his speed probably isn't ideal for the leadoff spot, and if he keeps hitting as he has as he moves up, I think we're going to want to see him stay in that 3-hole as he's likely going to be the most complete hitter on any team he plays for unless he somehow finds himself in the same lineup as Ryan Braun next year. I agree that his patience makes him an interesting option in that role.

Gallardo and Hammond have few innings left before reaching their maximum as prescribed by the Brewers. Have we heard this before? We've speculated that this may be the case as the season winds down, but I don't recall reading it. Either way, I like seeing that, even in the midst of the playoffs. The H-Crew is facing Jason Neighborgall this evening. He throws very hard, but he rarely knows where he's throw it. I believe he leads the Pioneer League in both walks and wild pitches. Note to the Helena hitters: Take.

Gillespie's was already out of my range by the second day when jackalope and someone else were pushing the price towards $100. Thanks a heap http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

The Brewers were under .500 at the two clubs below the Power in the organization, but Nichols indicated Tuesday that more than a few ?06 Power players would repeat the low Class A step to begin next April. An interesting comment from Nichols. I suppose Salome could head back there given his ankle situation, but his bat sure could be bumped up. Maybe pogo (I think it was pogo) is right and Brantley spends another year in low-A so Gillespie can join Cain & Ford in BC. Some of the young pitchers? I don't know, most of the hitters at that level certainly hit and deserve a bump up. Since I mentioned pogo, sorry, as the story above notes, the Pirates are expected to re-up with Hickory. Has anyone explored how much the cost is to get a small BF.net ad in our affilaites programs? Has that been done before? I'd be willing to chip in. It helps the atmosphere when we have first-hand views. That's actually a really good idea. I think we talked about it a little bit with the Snappers a while back, but we didn't have the resources to make it happen. We also didn't have the number of users back then either, so I'm sure one of our annual pledge drives could make a meager marketing budget effective. wvpowerblkwel, thanks for your comments this season. Ever since the Power started their affiliation with the Brewers I've been wanting to get out to see the team. It seems we always have a few people make the trek to Nashville or even Huntsville, but BC and WV don't get many looks, other than from pogo who gets to see them in Greensboro a few times a year. The first-hand observations are definitely appreciated and we love having locals hang out around these parts! Put in a good word for the Brewers.

Dillard has been mentioned as a set-up guy by Nichols before (probably last year at this time). Just a few big points for me... Nichols mentioned that Hammond could be a #2 behind Gallardo in the not-so-distant future. That's pretty high praise. Nichols also praised Hammond's overall work ethic. He mentioned that Parra will always be a guy that will need to battle injury problems & stay in tune with his conditioning. The organization wants Alcides Escobar to shrink his strike zone and focus more on drawing walks. Jones is back to about 95% and has been commanding his pitches pretty well. He probably will be pitching somewhere in Mexico this winter.

Ugh. A very, very bad week has caused the Brewers to plummet in the standings, and unfortunately improve their draft status for next year. Here are the updated standings (standings assume Rockies hold on to beat the Mets this evening, the only game still in progress...if not, the Rockies would have the 7th slot and the Brewers would have the 8th slot). Games through the end of August: 1. Royals (.363) 2. D-Rays (.396) 3. Pirates (.396) 4. Cubs (.406) 5. Nats (.421) 6. O's (.451) 7. Brewers (.463) 8. Rockies (.466) 9. M's (.474) 10. Braves (.477) 11. Indians (.477) 12. D-Backs (.481) 13. Marlins (.489) 14. Giants (.493) 15. Astros (.493) 16. Reds (.500) 17. Phillies (.504) 18. Rangers (.511) 19. Padres (.511) 20. Blue Jays (.515) 21. Angels (.522) 22. Dodgers (.534) 23. Red Sox (.537) 24. Cardinals (.538) 25. A's (.579) 26. Twins (.583) 27. White Sox (.586) 28. Yankees (.598) 29. Tigers (.619) 30. Mets (.621) Brewer fans can take some solace in the fact that the Brewers took Prince Fielder 7th overall. It is really, really weird to see the Braves that high (low).

Balbino Fuenmayor, one of the top Dominican sluggers available, has signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. He reportedly had already signed with the Indians, but those reports were false: www.baseballamerica.com/t...62346.html As the story notes, Carlos Truinfel, a big, athletic switch-hitting shortstop who is represented by Scott Boras, is still available. I belive the international free agent signing period ends today, so we should be hearing about the last few big names in the next few days. Keep in mind, the Brewers reportedly worked out several of the top players. If I had to guess, the Brewers scouting staff found that the Latin players were asking for too much money, which is possibly why they were able to re-direct their attention and sign RJ Seidel. Then again, they may be completely unrelated http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

Tonight's West Virginia game vs. Greensboro has been cancelled. According to the Power's site, fans can exchange their ticket for tonight's game for two tickets to any game next year. That's a very generous and smart move on their part. Mass, just was curious who won the 1st half title in the SAL, to see if W. Va has any chance. Mass has talked about this a few times in the past week, but due to Lexington's great first half and Lakewood's great second half, the Power will be unable to win either half and their overall record, despite being pretty good, won't matter when it comes to the playoffs. Mike Jones is your starter for Brevard County tonight, as the Manatees are actually playing for a change.

Tonight's West Virginia game vs. Greensboro has been cancelled. According to the Power's site, fans can exchange their ticket for tonight's game for two tickets to any game next year. That's a very generous and smart move on their part. Mass, just was curious who won the 1st half title in the SAL, to see if W. Va has any chance. Mass has talked about this a few times in the past week, but due to Lexington's great first half and Lakewood's great second half, the Power will be unable to win either half and their overall record, despite being pretty good, won't matter when it comes to the playoffs. Mike Jones is your starter for Brevard County tonight, as the Manatees are actually playing for a change.

Speed is definitely part of Gillespie's game, which is why he's able to play CF as well as LF. He's not going to swipe 50 over the course of the season, so that rate is definitely chalked up to running on rookie league catchers, but as he moves up he could be someone that could steal 20-25 over the course of the season. Here's his profile from draft day: Gillespie is a great example that hard work eventually pays off. He is an extremely versatile player that has played just about every position for the Beavers. Gillespie exploded this season emerging as the Beavers' best hitter for a team heading to the NCAA Super Regionals while filling in for the injured Tyler Graham and the departed Jacoby Ellsbury, a first-round pick from a year ago. Gillespie has a little bit of everything. In addition to having the ability to play numerous positions, he can hit for both average and power while showing a very good eye at the plate, and has decent wheels that helps him leg out doubles and triples while also allowing him to be a threat on the basepaths while covering a respectable amount of ground in the outfield. A shoulder injury and persistent problems in his throwing shoulder probably limits him to left field as he moves up the ladder.

Speed is definitely part of Gillespie's game, which is why he's able to play CF as well as LF. He's not going to swipe 50 over the course of the season, so that rate is definitely chalked up to running on rookie league catchers, but as he moves up he could be someone that could steal 20-25 over the course of the season. Here's his profile from draft day: Gillespie is a great example that hard work eventually pays off. He is an extremely versatile player that has played just about every position for the Beavers. Gillespie exploded this season emerging as the Beavers' best hitter for a team heading to the NCAA Super Regionals while filling in for the injured Tyler Graham and the departed Jacoby Ellsbury, a first-round pick from a year ago. Gillespie has a little bit of everything. In addition to having the ability to play numerous positions, he can hit for both average and power while showing a very good eye at the plate, and has decent wheels that helps him leg out doubles and triples while also allowing him to be a threat on the basepaths while covering a respectable amount of ground in the outfield. A shoulder injury and persistent problems in his throwing shoulder probably limits him to left field as he moves up the ladder.

Thanks for the link, although I would like to point out that we already discovered that both Chad Robinson and Lee Haydel were going the DFE route over a week ago: p092.ezboard.com/fbrewers...=922.topic

Awesome way for young RHP's Evan Anundsen and Alexandre Periard to enter the offseason; It seems every year the baby Brewers are pretty hard to watch, at least in the standings. Probably due to the makeup of the team, as they're not really made for winning, but at least they seem to have a little more talent sprinkled in from year to year. Talent that is rough around the edges, to be sure, and it's good to see a few of the guys end strong as Jim noted. Brewer finishes by hitting .333 in the month of August. Too bad he missed a few games in the middle of the month. As for the Stars, it's times like this that I really miss huntsvillestarsfan's, or whatever his board handle was, first-hand observations. If you're still out there, please come back. I seem to remember a self-imposed leave of absence due to an argument with another poster, but please allow me to say that you shouldn't take any comments around here that seriously. Anyway, the Stars' games over the next few days should be extremely interesting to follow. Given that pitching staff, I like their chances.

Awesome way for young RHP's Evan Anundsen and Alexandre Periard to enter the offseason; It seems every year the baby Brewers are pretty hard to watch, at least in the standings. Probably due to the makeup of the team, as they're not really made for winning, but at least they seem to have a little more talent sprinkled in from year to year. Talent that is rough around the edges, to be sure, and it's good to see a few of the guys end strong as Jim noted. Brewer finishes by hitting .333 in the month of August. Too bad he missed a few games in the middle of the month. As for the Stars, it's times like this that I really miss huntsvillestarsfan's, or whatever his board handle was, first-hand observations. If you're still out there, please come back. I seem to remember a self-imposed leave of absence due to an argument with another poster, but please allow me to say that you shouldn't take any comments around here that seriously. Anyway, the Stars' games over the next few days should be extremely interesting to follow. Given that pitching staff, I like their chances.

Omar Aguilar is the starter for the baby Brewers. Nice to see his name in the box scores. Mike Bell stays red-hot, with a walk-off RBI single to push the Power past Greensboro this evening in the bottom of the 9th. EDIT: Just noticed Bell's hit was a ruled a double according to the game log. Interesting how they score games in the minors, as he didn't have to move past 1B for Cain to score the winning run.

102 innings under Inman's belt this year before he gives up his first dinger. Very impressive, congrats young man. Although of the 3 hits he gave up tonight, one was a double, one was a triple and one was that home run.

Why don't you go back to the issues forum and rip on the draft forum some more.

I just wanted to point out that Inman is going up against Chris Volstad, one of the Marlins top prospects. EDIT: Yowza, Toby, are you listening to this one as well or following the box score? Inman's got it going on tonight, tune in if you can.

I received an excel document from Travis Brower of the H-Crew. Sorry about the formatting, but I think you can read it enough to figure it out. Player&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Jersey #&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Size Andy Bouchie&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 76&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Bill Rowe&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 79&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Brad Miller&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 6&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Brae Wright&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 82&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Brandon Parillo&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 40&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Brian Logan&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 72&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Brock Kjeldgaard&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 53&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Carlos De La Cruz&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 50&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Chris Errecart&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Chris Jean&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 30&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Chris Toneguzzi&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 13&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 50 Chuckie Caufield&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 73&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Cole Gillespie&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 78&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 David Parker&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 10&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 DJ Neyens&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 7&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Eddie Sedar&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 49&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 50 Eric Newton/ Luis Rivas&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 77&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Fredy De La Cruz&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 52&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Garry Savas&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 16&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Jhonny Narron&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 56&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Jordan Swaydan&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 57&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Jose Beltre&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 51&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Jose Romero&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 95&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 JR Hopf&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 59&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 JT King&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 71&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Luis Ramirez&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 75&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 50 Mark Littell&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 27&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 50 Mike McClendon&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 39&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Mike Ramlow&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 15&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Roque Mercedes&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 47&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Shawn Ferguson&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 68&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Stephen Chapman&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 24&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Steve Palazzolo&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 31&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 50 Stuart Sutherland&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 63&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Taylor Green&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 67&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Travis Wendte&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 64&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Zach Braddock&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 37&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 48 Zach Clem&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 9&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp 46

The Cape has the best collection of college players. Team USA tries to collect the best college players in the nation as well, but some players actually opt not to play for TUSA so they can play on the Cape. They do this for a couple of reasons. For one, they don't travel as much in the Cape. Jim can tell you how close the teams are better than I can, but I don't think any of them are more than an hour apart from one another, making it truly a unique atmosphere. Two, players know the Cape League is very heavily scouted, and one's ability to perform well on the Cape often draws a lot of interest & attention. For whatever reason, hitting well on the Cape is more impressive that hitting well for TUSA, despite the fact that both leagues use wood bats. The Northwoods and Alaskan summer college leagues probably have the next best collection of college talent. The leagues serve somewhat as a developmental league for college players so they get used to life as a minor leaguers somewhat. They don't get paid, so some of the players have to get jobs, and they typically live with host families. Leagues like the Northwoods League also is a developmental league for umpires, one of the few leagues to employ such a tactic for the umps. That's probably more than what you were asking for, either that or I answered everything but your question http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

do you think brantley should stay in front of errecart? or Gillespie? It seems to me that Gillespie and Errecart could be in AA by the end of the year, and there's little reason to think that Brantley could do the same...just my take though.. I personally don't think it's a matter of who should be ahead of who. Brantley deserves a promotion the way he has performed, and is a legitimate enough of a prospect that you don't want to stall him just to let a couple of other guys get ahead of him. I agree, Errecart and Gillespie if they keep up their recent production could (or should) be in AA by the end of next year, and I've been thinking out loud about ways to get Gillespie up a level or two this summer even. That isn't happening with the current OF at WV, unless you bump Gillespie and/or Errecart to BC, which may not be a bad idea, although a little late for that now. Now, if it's a situation like Ryan Braun vs. Adam Heether, then yes, I would "stall" the progress of someone like Heether to keep pushing a player that is clearly the better prospect in Braun. I think the easiest solution is to bump up Cain a level given how well he handled A-ball pitching this year. Just a guess at the OF squads from AA to low-A (from left to right): AA: Katin-Fermaint-Cain A+: Gillespie-Ford-Brantley A: Errecart-Chapman-Caufield Errecart needs to improve his K:BB ratio despite putting up big power numbers at Helena before I promote him too quickly. And sorry SoCal, I forgot you were on the Chapman bandwagon as well.

Brantley should repeat...he's only 18---and he needs to get a chance to play CF if he's going to have any value...cain and ford are certainly ready to be promoted... I think Brantley is just as deserving of a promotion as Ford is to open next year, if not more so. His batting average and strikeout to walk ratio is pretty impressive for an 18-year old. I think he's more than proven that he can handle low A-ball pitching, and I wouldn't hold him back just because he's more valuable playing CF. I agree that ideally Ford and Brantley play at two different levels so both can play CF, but I can't see slowing one's progress down to make that happen, and you can't rush either one with Fermaint ahead of them. Also, by keeping Brantley at low-A you have him playing with Chapman, whose value is also greater in CF. For Gillespie to get past low A to open next year I think he either starts at AA or Cain does as Kat suggested, and I don't think Gillespie and Cain will be in the same outfield together next year. Also, in your proposed high-A lineup, why do you have Cain in LF & Gillespie in RF? From what I understand, Cain is being groomed for right and Gillespie's arm limits him to left & center. A typo I'm assuming. The outfield situation is really turning into an exciting problem to have.

I intentionally did not mention Chapman because I think he's been getting too much attention... Too much attention? From who? Mass and I are the only two talking about the guy. You know I dig Gillespie, and I'm pretty excited about Errecart too, but Chapman isn't getting much love at all from anyone. I agree that he needs to worth his worth at A-ball, and I also agree that both Gillespie and Errecart deserve to be at high-A next year. However, on that note, who out of Brantley, Ford and Cain repeats WV for Errecart and/or Gillespie to be bumped to high-A? Or, does one of those guys gets the jump to AA? It's a good problem to have of course, and as I've commented on before the most interesting one to watch for next spring.

and he's your avatar, you trickster! Yeah, you got me, but I just like spreading the love http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif . Seriously though, Chapman has the counting stats that often makes or breaks an MVP candiate. Gillespie just recently qualified for the batting title, and his recent power surge has definitely made him a MVP candidate. If anything, the trio of Gillespie, Errecart and Chapman cancels each other out and allows someone else to win. My point is that you can't bring up the other two in MVP conversation without bringing up Chapman, who is the youngest of the 3 despite playing his third year in rookie ball. If they get bumped up together a la Brantley, Ford & Cain, you should have quite the OF trio to watch next year in WV (assuming the Brewers hold onto that affilaite).