colbyjack

Here is my Crack of the Bat column from this week, focusing on the players from South Carolina/Pepperdine game last Friday: www.perfectgame.org/2005/...lassic.cfm The Andy Hunter interview is also complete and should also be up at some point today (hopefully).

1. I would never wish for any player to get hurt. 2. A team has to receive permission from a player to draft them again. If Weaver goes unsigned by the Angels, I'm sure Weaver would decline permission unless the Angels magically offer more than what they currently are. As much as I dislike what Boras does to the sport, more than anything else I want to see players healthy & contribuing. For the love of the game I really want to see what Weaver will do at the pro level.

BA's college weekend preview: www.baseballamerica.com/t...eview.html Interesting note, Vanderbilt has suspended LHP Ryan Mullins indefinitely for violating team rules. It's a little early, but today's college baseball chat at BA reminded me of an outstanding matchup coming up this weekend: #3 Cal State Fullerton vs. #1 Tulane. Friday's game should be a classic matchup between lefties Ricky Romero & Brian Bogusevic, who is off to a great start for the Tide: 3-0, 0.90 ERA, 30 IP, 20 H, 31 K, 7 BB. Cal State Fullerton's audio is always available online for free, check it out here: www.titansports.org/audio/ontheair.html http://ftp.baseballamerica.com/images2005/bogurom449350lg2.jpg The entire series should be fun to listen to, as Saturday's matchup could pit LHP Ryan Shreppel against RHP Micah Owings. A few more interesting games have been brought to my attention, as part of a tournament that USC is hosting this weekend, which includes Wichita State, Texas Tech and UC Irvine. On Friday, RHP Mike Pelfrey will take the mound for Wichita State vs. UC Irvine's RHP Chris Nicoll, one of CarolinaTommy's underrated draft eligible players to watch. The game is to be played at 4:00 CST. I did find a radio station that reportedly covers most of UC Irvine's games, I'm sure I or someone else will find out tomorrow if it actually works: http://www.kuci.uci.edu/

You really think Hochevar is better than Weaver, colby? Is it because of the lay-off, or just overall he's the better pitcher? Yes, I do like Hochevar better than Weaver at similar stages of their careers. I've seen Hochevar pitch a couple of times and am impressed not only with his measurables (size + stuff), but his ability to change speeds and command the strike zone. His secondary offerings are much better than Weaver's, who really didn't have plus pitch past his fastball, and his fastball velocity was really eractic. I had Weaver rated #1 all last spring, but that had a lot to do with the question marks that surrounded so many of the other draft-eligible players. Verlander had no control, Humber wasn't viewed as a true #1, Niemann couldn't stay healthy, Townsend had makeup & other issues, etc. Weaver was the one guy that simply produced. The lay-off doesn't help Weaver, as I view Wade Townsend in a similar fashion. For me though, Hochevar has less questions than Weaver does at this stage, and he is backing his size & stuff with his good start, even if it isn't against the best teams in the nation. We'll see how Hochevar fares once he starts playing against the rest of the SEC. And if you haven't noticed yet, I also like Ricky Romero, a lot. He doesn't have great size, and his listed height of 6'1" may be a stretch, but he throws consistently in the low-90s with a killer curve and solid changeup. On top of that, he's a fierce competitor. When dollar value is gauged to get the best value, I probably would take Romero over both Weaver & Hochevar.

If the Angels keep their deal on the table, I think Weaver will still eventually sign with the Angels. Unless some other team jumps in (even though that would constitute tampering) and promises Weaver bigger and better money in this upcoming draft. You never know... I think Stephen Drew is going to re-enter the draft. He was selected when Colangelo was still the owner. With a completely new owernership group I think the Drew negotiations are going to get lost. The D-Backs will take the money they will save by not signing Drew & use it on the #1 overall pick, the first pick in the supplemental round and the first pick in the 2nd round, not to mention an additional supplemental first rounder for losing Drew. With the first overall pick in every round, the D-Backs naturally are in a position to spend more than any other team. Oh yeah, they also have an additional early 3rd rounder (from the Mariners for Sexson). The D-Backs are poised to have a big, big draft as long as they have the money to sign the picks they have, and I'm sure they will. Drew re-entering the draft certainly would make things interesting (as would Weaver). With the Kendry Morales signing, and the Nick Adenhart signing, do the Angels truly NEED another bonafide prospect? Don't forget about Mark Trumbo. But yes, any team could use another bonafide prospect, now matter how many good prospects they already have. They're not going to base their decision on the other players they have already signed. I would, however, love to see the Brewers find a way, OUTSIDE OF USING #5 ON THE GUY, to insert the guy into the Huntsville rotation. He's a cool-demeanored dominator, who is almost major-league ready, though he wouldn't have pitched collegiately in over a year. And with the extra money we'll save from not having a 2nd rounder OR a highly-inflated payroll, you know we're on Boras's radar. And with Attanasio feeling a bit transplanted in the Midwest, you can bet Attanasio would jump at bringing a bit of California to Milwaukee. Not having a 2nd round pick doesn't mean the Brewers have an extra $5 million + to play with. If you don't want to use the fifth overall selection on Weaver, then selecting & signing him just isn't going to happen. If the Brewers are going to deal with Boras, personally I'd rather have Luke Hochevar from Tennessee with the #5 overall pick than Weaver. And it's not like the Brewers were cheap when it came to the draft before Attanasio bought the team. The Brewers have already been one of the bigger spending teams the past couple of years when it comes to their draftees. I agree they may not be scared off by a Boras client come June, and may be able to roll over some money since they don't have a 2nd round pick into the bonus they offer their first-rounder, but I doubt they're going to drastically overpay any pick. Also, how much would the threat of not signing Jered scare Boras? Scott Boras scared? It's not going to happen. Scott Boras is never the first one to blink.

There are already a few, quick updates. Ryan Patterson & Donald Jordat didn't appear on Prairie Baseball Academy's & Broward's rosters respectively. I have found out that Patterson is now at University College of the Cariboo: UCC Baseball page UCC Statistics UCC has a decent website, and any CC/JC that updates their stats are welcomed with open arms. Donald Jordat is academically ineligible to play for Broward this spring. Both remain under the rights of the Brewers. Ryan Patterson http://www.ballcharts.com/teams/SunDemons/players/Paterson46.jpg

Romero & Hochevar keep on dealing against Oklahoma & Morehead State respectively, with almost identical lines. Pelfrey hits a bump in the road vs. Louisiana LaFayette. Romero: 7 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 13 K, 1 BB Hochevar: 7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 13 K, 0 BB Pelfrey: 5 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 6 K, 2 BB Onto the hitters. Clement hit his first two home runs of the season over the weekend, including a big, go-ahead 2-run HR vs. Nebraska yesterday. Clement: .235/.447/.500 in 34 AB, 2 HR, 3 2B, 10:6 BB:K, 1 error Greene: .375/.464/.688 in 48 AB, 5 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 7:10 BB:K, 7 for 7 in stolen bases, 2 errors Braun: .485/.494/.894 in 66 AB, 6 2B, 7 HR, 5:12 BB:K, 8 for 11 in stolen bases, 7 errors, 6 sac flies Gordon: .265/.468/.529 in 34 ABs, 1 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 11:8 BB:K, 7 for 7 in stolen bases, 2 errors Pennington: .404/.500/.596 in 57 AB, 1 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 12:4 BB:K, 7 for 10 in stolen bases, 1 error

Yeah, no kidding. I just noticed that too.

Timm is a Senior. The four year school rule appllies to underclassmen only. Actually, the DFE rule only applies to fifth-year seniors. Timm, Miller & Mungle were all granted an extra year of eligibility through a medical reshirt, similar to how the Brewers controlled the rights to Jared Theodorakos through last spring. The DFE rule does not apply to juniors, and unsigned seniors that run out of eligibility become free agents, so saying that it doesn't apply to underclassmen isn't entirely correct. While I know it's too early for truly accurate predictions, do you believe there is a Parra, Eveland or something equivalent on the hitting side in this group? Any thoughts yet? It's really tough to say at this point in time. We all knew about Eveland heading into the spring of 2003, and no one really knew much about Parra until BA mentioned his spike in velocity I believe in late April of 2002. But what's the fun in that? I know the Brewers already really like both Cain & Ford, which is why they drafted them as high as they did. Both of those guys are raw athletes at this point in time, but both have turned a lot of heads so far with Tallahassee CC & Chipola respectively. I like Matthew Kretzschmar. When I was researching him, he reminded me of Robbie Wooley. He has the right mindset to go along with solid size & stuff. Jose Delgado, Brian Johnson and Stephen Barnes are all solid pitchers with good combo's of size & stuff. Johnson was well known of coming out of HS, but his velo slipped and therefore his draft stock slipped (entering the season, Johnson was ranked the #1 HS prospect in NY). The Brewers have two intriguing potential lefty specialists in Derek Miller & Jeremy Bloor. If Shane Buriff adds a few extra ticks to his fastball he could very well be the next Parra given his current polish. For a hitter I'm going to take Scram. He plays in a very competetive league, and led Cowley College in pretty much every offensive category last year. Too bad he isn't staying on the IF, but his frame allows for plenty of added strength. So, Kretzschmar & Scram are my sleeper choices. Sounds like a bad 70s cop show. ***To fix title...

I made it to the first game (South Carolina vs. Pepperdine) of Friday's Dairy Queen Classic, and spoke with Minnesota's Andy Hunter after that game. I will be posting that interview along with a game recap over at PG at some point this week. I'll be sure to add a link when I do (sorry I missed you Kat, I had to leave MN by about 3:30, and was away from my computer since last Wednesday). According to the site, another WI native Ryan Zink who throws for Illinois-Chicago will get the start on Friday against the Hogs. Maybe there will be a WI tandem on the mound during that game. Yup, both Zink & Maday were drafted by the Brewers in 2003, and they also both played for the Madison Mallards in the Northwoods League last summer. In fact, I believe Zink has already committed to the Mallards for this summer.

DFE player updates as of 3/2/05: Dustin Timm 1-0, 1,86 ERA, 2 G/0 GS, 9.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 3 K, 3 BB, .194 BAA Stephen Barnes 3-2, 1.09 ERA, 6 G/5 GS, 33 IP, 16 H, 11 R (4 ER), 19 K, 11 BB, 1 HR, .129 BAA Brandon Jasper .281/.378/.500 in 32 AB, 6 R, 9 H (3 2B, 2 3B), 5 RBI, 4 BB:10 K, 4 Es Shane Buriff 3-0, 1.93 ERA, 7 G/5 GS, 2 saves, 23.3 IP, 5 ER, 15 H, 16 K, 13 BB Chad Miller .373/.375/.542 in 59 AB, 10 R, 22 H (1 2B, 3 HR), 11 RBI, 1 BB:2 K

I've been giving Ricky Romero props all spring as one of the more exciting players to tune in for in all of the radio broadcasts. Cal State Fullerton is one of the few schools that offers free online audio webcasts, and Romero is a lock to be starting every Friday (or Saturday) game. Anyway, I bring that up because he received some more props from BA's Will Kimmey today: Q: Louie from Chico, CA asks: Who's the most underrated prospect in college baseball? A: Will Kimmey: I absolutely love Ricky Romero at Fullerton. He throws three pitches for strikes and has the heart of a lion. Scouts have him as a fringe first-rounder now, but I don't see how he can't slide up into the top half of that round. I have Romero as my #13 overall draft prospect at this point in time, and the way he is pitching, I probably wouldn't take Wade Townsend or any of the prep pitchers ahead of him. I've noted before that with Hochevar & Pelfrey being associated with Boras, it's not a big stretch to think that Romero might just be the first college pitcher selected. And yes, he's left-handed http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

Wisconsin native Daryl Maday attends Arkansas. I just thought I'd throw that one in there... For example, it would be more fair to have Minnesota and Ohio State match up in February, rather than Minnesota and Florida State. The two geographic entities are at different points in their seasons. It's not really fair, but unfortunately there is not much that can be done about it. Actually, college baseball is seriously investigating ways to help level the playing field between the southern and northern schools. They're talking about a uniform start date to the college season, such as March 1st, and pushing back the CWS by a week. Northern teams still have to play in the cold weather, but they can still make their annual trips down south to play under the sun.

Dave Cameron, a big supporter and occasional lurker, who is also a writer for U.S.S. Mariner, wrote the Brewers report. He assured me a month or two ago that he wanted to get a Brewerfan.net reference somewhere. I'm happy to hear that it did indeed make it in.

I'm heading up to the Metrodome on Friday to take in the first day of the Dairy Queen Classic. The Minnesota Golden Gophers have hosted this 4-team weekend tourney the past several years, as Kat was able to check out Glen Perkins & Minny vs. Alex Gordon & Nebraska last year. Unfortunately, Minnesota doesn't have anyone of Perkins' caliber this year, and the teams invited don't exactly have that one can't-miss prospect like Nebraska (Gordon) & Florida State (Stephen Drew & Eddy Martinez-Esteve) had last year and Wake Forest (Kyle Sleeth) had two years ago. The three other team to participate are South Carolina (perenially a solid program, they're just lacking a top draft eligible prospect), Pepperdine & New Orleans. Pepperdine has some solid '06 & '07 talent. Anyway, I just thought I'd throw it out there in case anyone is interested (Kat?). I hope to be interviewing at least one player in attendance (possibly Michael Campbell of SC and/or Andy Hunter of Minnesota), while making some contacts with my new PG gig.

Sorry Brian, I hope I didn't offend you with my comments. Personally, I don't think this is big enough of an issue to change anything, to be completely honest with you. While it would be nice for links to show up better within posts, to me it doesn't change the content or quality of this site to be able to recognize such links. The above request would be one of those things that I would just chalk up to the users responsibility since ezboard doesn't allow you to decide what links are bold, blue, maroon, etc. However, if you believe this is important enough to make such a change, go for it. If you want to try maroon, go for it. I prefer the way everything was before, but if it needs to be changed, change it in any way you see fit. You know me, the little things disturb just as big as the big things http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

The bold is less distracting than the underlining, but still pretty annoying. Can you try it just in the navy color it currently is, unbolded? I think with a good monitor, assuming you're not color blind, you'll see enough of a difference.

Savvy ezBoard users can always manually add an underline, bold, or color to their links. Exactly. And if someone is savvy enough to figure out how to include such a link, we can just encourage them to add an underline. I'm glad the underlining is bugging others as well. They need to go. People that want a hidden link checked out will take the time to bring it to people's attention in one form or another. If changing the color means changing the color of ALL of the linkable items, I would be against doing that as well.

I agree with Bill, in that I would use a different color if possible. It sounds as though the only problem really is the links hidden within text. Are there other links that are difficult to determine whether or not they are indeed a link? I think rolling over everything in a message is too much work and user-unfriendly. I don't expect everyone to run over their screens with their cursor as if they were reading cyber-braille, but as I mentioned, most people will say something like "read think link," with the word "link" linked to a different story/page. I often see people ask "what link?" when such a link is hidden, but to me it's pretty obvious (and not too long ago, it wasn't, as I'm not the most savvy of users). Again, I don't think we should adjust everything because of one small problem, and users could also be more cognizant of this. Then again, I am a visual person, and little things often do disturb what I believe are pleasing aesthetic values.

By fixed does that mean every single linkable thing on the forums is now underlined? I'm not sure if I'm the only one seeing this, given my internet problems lately, but I for one am not a big fan of underlining everything, it's very distracting. I don't mean to complain, since I realize you can't please everyone, but I'm curious to learn how other people feel about this. Usually when people provide a hidden link you can always try rolling over the text with your cursor to see if it's a link or not.

I know its early, but any prediction for where he could go right now? No predictions, but he's definitely soaring back up the draft charts with his improved control. That's been the bugaboo with him all along, and really the only thing holding him back from being a top 5-10 pick overall given his stuff. Too bad he's a Boras fella.

The 2005 DFE preview feature has been posted on the homepage. I figured it would be nice to have one thread that contained links, pictures and updates of all of the Brewers DFE prospects to make it easier to follow them over the course of the spring. Here's the story: www.brewerfan.net/ViewArt...icleId=202 And the DFE page as part of the Brewerfan.net draft coverage: Brewerfan.net 2005 DFE page Lorenzo Cain-OF-Tallahassee CC (FL) http://www.tcc.fl.edu/dept/studentserv/athletics/mens/baseball/images/09.jpg Tallahassee CC Baseball Page NJCAA page Darren Ford-OF-Chipola College (FL) Chipola Baseball Page NJCAA page Jose Garcia-RHP-Indian Hills CC (IA) Indian Hills Baseball page NJCAA page Matthew Kretzschmar-RHP-Rio Hondo CC (CA) http://www.riohondo.edu/pe/athletics/mens/baseball/2005%20roster/DSC04914.JPG Rio Hondo Baseball page Jose Delgado-RHP-Broward CC (FL) Broward Athletics team rosters NJCAA page Dustin Timm-RHP-Nebraska http://huskers.nmn.speedera.net/pics23/200/ZY/ZYUXTKXLTRLSIQF.20050203052135.jpg Nebraska player profile Nebraska statistics Ryan Patterson-RHP-Lethbridge CC/Prairie Baseball Academy (Alberta, Canada) Prairie Baseball Academy Brian Johnson-RHP-Manatee CC (FL) Manatee Baseball page NJCAA page Kanekoa Texeira-RHP-Saddleback College (CA) Saddleback Baseball page Chris Copot-C-Lethbridge CC/Prairie Baseball Academy (Alberta, Canada) Prairie Baseball Academy Stephen Barnes-RHP-Lake City CC (FL) Lake City Baseball page Lake City statistics NJCAA page Sean McCraw-C-San Jacinto College (TX) San Jacinto Baseball page NJCAA page Donald Jordat-RHP-Broward CC (FL) Broward Athletics team rosters NJCAA page Jeremy Bloor-LHP-Grand Rapids CC (MI) Grand Rapids Baseball page Grand Rapids statistics NJCAA page Jimmy Coker-LHP-Spartanburg Methodist College (SC) http://www.smcsc.edu/athletics/men/baseball/player23.gif Spartanburg Baseball page NJCAA page Joshua Louis-RHP-Temple College (TX) Temple Baseball page NJCAA page Brandon Jasper-3B-Orange Coast College (CA) http://www.occsports.com/photos/baseball/2005/jasper.jpg Orange Coast Baseball page Orange Coast statistics Jon Mungle-OF-Mississippi State http://www.mstateathletics.com/images/munglejon-h_125w_2004.jpg Mississippi State player profile Mississippi State statistics Deik Scram-OF-Cowley College (KS) http://www.cowleytigers.com/images/baseballimages/deikscram2.jpg Cowley player profile Cowley Baseball page NJCAA page Jamie Metzner-RHP-Central Arizona College Central Arizona Baseball page NJCAA page Derek Miller-LHP-Vermont http://www.uvm.edu/athletics/baseball/players/millerhead.jpg Vermont roster Vermont Baseball page Shane Buriff-LHP-Polk CC (FL) Polk Baseball page Polk statistics NJCAA page Chad Miller-1B-Chandler-Gilbert CC (AZ) http://www.cgc.maricopa.edu/athletics/pictures/20052/base/miller.21808.P.jpg Chandler-Gilbert player profile Chandler-Gilbert Baseball page Chandler-Gilbert statistics NJCAA page

Updates for games for the week of 2/21-2/27 Mark Romanczuk-LHP-Stanford Romanczuk isn't considered a top, top prospect, meaning top 10-15 picks overall, at least not at this point in time, but he shut down USC last night with a complete game shutout: 9 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 12 K, 2 BB Jeff Clement went 0-3 with a BB and a K, and he made 2 errors. So far this season the left-handed slugger has had a slow start, and he has faced three of the most dominating lefties in the nation in Romanczuk, Ricky Romero and Cesar Ramos, all with poor results. It would be nice to see him have more success against these tough lefties, since that is one of the knocks on him (I guess as a catcher, facing a left-handed starter would give a team a good reason to sit him that day). Speaking of Cesar Ramos, he tossed a very good game against San Diego State: 8 IP, 1 ER, 8 H, 10 K, 1 BB Still no signs of Long Beach State SS Troy Tulowitzki. Mike Pelfrey pitched Thursday vs. Hawaii-Hilo: 8 IP, 2 H, 1 R (0 ER), 6 K, 4 BB Brian Bogusevic-LHP-Tulane Entering the season, Bogusevic was thought more as a RF with his bat, but given his pitching performances so far this season scouts have to be thinking if his value might be greater on the mound. He pitched his second complete game shutout of the season against Pepperdine last night: 9 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 8 K, 2 BB Jason Neighborgall-RHP-Georgia Tech Neighborgall continues to pitch well, as he has harnessed his control considerably so far this season. He pitched last night vs. Rutgers: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 6 K, 2 BB Tyler Greene reappeared in the box score, going 1 for 4 with a run and an RBI. With Ricky Romero pitching today against UNLV, LHP Ryan Schreppel pitched last night. Schreppel is a sleeper name to watch, as he had a great freshman season followed by a disappointing sophomore campaign. He didn't pitch that great last night given the high walk total, but he is having a good season so far. Here's his line vs. UNLV last night: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 K, 5 BB Cesar Carrillo-RHP-Miami Carrillo had a very good game last night vs. George Washington: 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 9 K, 0 BB Miami 3B Ryan Braun also had a very good night, with two hits, 3 runs scored and 4 RBIs. Those 4 RBIs came on Braun's first collegiate grand slam. He also made an error to round out his evening. Speaking of grand slams, ASU RF Travis Buck also slugged a grand salami last night vs. Baylor. Loyola Marymount RHP Steve Kahn, Cal State Fullerton LHP Ricky Romero, Baylor RHP Mark McCormick, and Tennessee RHP Luke Hochevar all pitch on Saturday. LHP Ricky Romero took the mound Saturday vs. UNLV. He gave up 4 ER in 8 IP, but he only allowed 6 H and 2 BB in that time, striking out 12. Luke Hochevar had a great game today vs. UNC Wilmington, tossing a complete game shutout. His total line: 9 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 6 K, 0 BB Steve Kahn tossed 6.2 innings vs. Utah, allowing 4 runs (3 ER) on 7 H and 3 BB while striking out 7. Season statistics, as of 2/27/05: Every few weeks or so, if not more frequently as we get closer to draft time, I will provide season stats for some of draft eligible prospects that factor heavily into the 5th overall pick. I'm not including guys like Jed Lowrie at this time of year, because despite his 7 HRs, as a 2B he just isn't a likely candidate to be taken by the Brewers. Alex Gordon .308/.471/.615 in 26 AB, 2 HR, 7:5 BB:K, 7 for 7 SBs, 1 E Hit a big 3-run HR vs. Rice on Sunday. Jeff Clement .217/.379/.348 in 23 AB, 3 2B, 4:4 BB:K, 1 E Went 2 for 3 with 2 doubles on Sunday. Tyler Greene .393/.500/.679 in 28 AB, 4 2B, 2 3B, 2 Es Ryan Braun .469/.475/.898 in 49 AB, 6 HR, 7 for 10 SBs, 6 Es Cliff Pennington .351/.479/.432 in 37 AB, 10 BB vs. 3 K, 1 E Ryan Zimmerman .400/.490/.500 in 45 AB, 4 2B, 6:1 BB:K ratio, 5 for 5 SBs, 1 E Troy Tulowitzki .526/.609/.632 in 19 AB, 2 2B (injured) Luke Hochevar 2-1, 0.43 ERA, 3 games (all starts), 1 CG, 1 SHO, 21 IP, 9 H, 5 R (1 ER), 21 K, 4 BB, .127 BAA Mike Pelfrey 2-0, 0.90 ERA, 3 games (all starts), 20 IP, 9 H, 4 R (2 ER), 18 K, 6 BB, .143 BAA Ricky Romero 3-0, 2.57 ERA, 3 games (all starts), 21 IP, 10 H, 7 R (6 ER), 26 K, 9 BB, .141 BAA

So, is it still raining on the West Coast? No college games on TV this weekend. In fact, it could be a while before we see another one. Here's BA's college weekend preview: www.baseballamerica.com/t...eview.html The biggest matchup over the weekend is Stanford vs. USC. Unfortunately, there is no free broadcast that I could find. If you have a Yahoo A/V subscription you can listen to it. Here's Yahoo's college baseball broadcast page. The ones with the grey icon means they're free to all: sports.yahoo.com/top/coll...sport=base Minnesota and Arkansas actually is an intriguing matchup. Minnesota looks poised to take the Big Ten again, and Arkansas is one of the lesser known formidable teams in the SEC. Texas A&M, Florida State and Florida can all be accessed for free via the Yahoo page this weekend as well, although against inferior opponents. I did find one intriguing matchup in which you can access a free broadcast, Baylor vs. Arizona State: baylorbears.collegesports...media.html Cal State Fullerton's broadcasts are always free. They play UNLV this weekend: www.titansports.org/audio/ontheair.html Long Beach State vs. Tony Gwynn & San Diego State: www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/ There may be no TV this weekend, but Vanderbilt is offering free webcasts of their February home games. Vandy is a team on the rise in college baseball, so if you get the opportunity, check them out. LHP Ryan Mullins is probably the Friday starter: www.commodores.com/subpag...ame=DoreTV

Interesting little exercise Awild comparing Fielder & Murray to Dopirak & Greene. The power of hindsight! I'm not sure if you remember or not, but Khalil Greene's name was associated with the Brewers for a little while after they had signed Manny Parra to such a large deal. At one point the Brewers thought about taking a more signable pick given the money they had already invested. Although we wouldn't have saved $1 million since it would have taken more to sign Greene several slots higher, and the same goes for Dopriak. Also, in 2002, 10 out of Zduriencik's 42 draft picks were from the state of Florida. Isn't that an awfully high percentage of Florida kids? This is something we talked about back then, and I wondered if it was somewhat of a farewell gift to Florida area scout Tom McNamara, who left the Brewers after the 2002 scouting season. Otherwise, while it may seem odd, the Brewers might have determined that it was a good year to mine Florida harder than usual, which always produces a tremendous amount of athletic talent. And 10 out of 42 really isn't that much considering the best talent typically comes from Florida, Calfornia & Texas (the Brewers under Jack Z. have definitely kept a more watchful eye on Florida than California & Texas though, even with the Area Code California conneciton). The previous year the Brewers hit Arizona pretty hard, with three Arizona players selected within the top 10 rounds (Jones, Hardy & Sarfate).