TheCrew07

I'm hoping someone can help me out. I need coverage the following the days, most of which are weekends. July 6th - I have a family party to attend July 19th and 20th - The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-Star Games are the 20th and I go down a night early and volunteer my time. July 27th - I have a server migration at work during the day and a golf outing that night. I would greatly appreciate any help covering those 4 days.

No Strasburg, but Carlos Rodon is roughly comparable to David Price as college sophomores. Rodon would have to take a big jump consistency wise to be at Price's level, but the raw stuff is good enough to be in the conversation.

I like the Pirates pitching much more than the Giants, I'd take Glasnow and Kingham in a heartbeat for Aoki. Heck I'd take one of them.

updated with more scouting information. Top 30 International Prospects For July 2

It's funny because I was at my niece's birthday party but snuck a minute to check the MLB app and saw Gallardo gave up 8 runs in 3 innings and my first thought was, "he just keeps tanking his trade value". We can't win with any of these guys, they get hurt or are completely ineffective by the time Melvin gets around to trading them or looking to get some kind of return like a comp pick from them. I guess that's what happens when you wait till the last minute all the time, but damn if it's not frustrating to continually have so few options available.

Andrew Lambo of the Pirates, Anthony Garcia of the Cards, Yasiel Balaguert of the Cubs, and Phil Erin of the Reds were this weeks divisional winners. Yasiel looks like one bitter dude in his profile pic. Offensive Players of the Week

MH already noted Brent Suter's fine week and award in an earlier post, that was it for the division. Pitchers of the Week

No complaints here.

Team-By-Team International Forecasts

Price had injury problems out of the gate... If I remember correctly he didn't pitch until late May in 2008, started the season in A+, the game which Gamel took him deep was one of Price's last starts in AA sometime in mid summer I want to say in July as it was right before football practice, and from there he rocketed all the way up to the Rays' BP for the WS run. Then I believe they took it easy with him at the start of the 2009 season as well, he started the year with low innings in AAA and then came up and pitch 120-130 innings for the Rays. He exploded in 2010 and was a stud until his injury problems again this year.

I will start a new thread tomorrow when the actual signings take place. The Brewers are linked to one player in the top 30. Signing Predictions For Top 30 International Prospects

No divisional talk but a Tyler Skaggs mention for those interested in a possible pitcher swap with AZ. Prospect Notebook: Decent Stuff Leads To Awful Results For James Paxton

If you can get an everyday position player or a starting pitcher you should trade the reliever every single time as the organization becomes stronger.

I second this, please take the time to listen.

I like Rodon, but I worry about his college workload, he's one of those guys that gets ridden into the ground every time it's a big game. I don't know that the Brewers could be bad enough to get a top 3 pick. There's just too much talent on the MLB roster for that, it wouldn't surprise me at all if the Brewers went on a run and we ended up with a pick in the low teens. We could sell off many pieces but will DM and MA be willing to do so? I'm just skeptical that there will be a sell off and that the Brewers would draft high enough to grab him. I would love an impact lefty, I've been moaning about the lack of impact LH pitching for a handful of years now.

Cubs' LF prospect Yasiel Balaguert Hawks' Balaguert drives in three more

Geez last time I saw him pitch everything was 94-96... well that stinks. I had high hopes for him at one time. 92 wouldn't be bad if it was the low end... like 92-94. That's kind of a bummer actually.

His FB was really down to 92?

What we could become – Postgame post for June 30, 2013

I forget where I read it, but I think I linked it in the draft forum, it was an interesting correlation between age and MLB impact... essentially the younger a player is when he breaks in, the more likely he is to make an a significant impact. Young players can be frustrating with the ups and downs, especially in A ball and on down, but I'd rather have 3-4 legit prospects on each team and lose than a bunch of guys too old for the league and win. I'll go looking for the article and link it if I find it with an edit in this post.

Gee, the OMGZ UR SO LAME response... you got really got me there. I'm many things, but short sighted is not one. I have no idea what that means, I wanted to trade Greinke. Futhermore, when have I ever said the sky is falling? You're comparing Yo to hall of fame pitchers, which he clearly is not. He doesn't have the control and his physical skills are declining. I don't have any problem with people who think Melvin has made all the right moves, but I'd don't like those same people complaining about the state of the organization. It's not all sunshine and rainbows, operating in the manner the Brewers have had a cost, the last 2 seasons and 2009 and 2010 were part of that cost. Yes clearly I'm the one who dropped 4 cliches into a single sentence. I watched his last start, I didn't see him throw a FB over 92 MPH. I was also clearly talking about his career. Sorry for bringing numbers into the discussion so I could compare the pitcher Yo was to the pitcher Yo is now. When did I say he was? I was speaking to his overall arm strength. Good idea, I was caught up in fantasy land and I always joke about organization building and pitching in general. No that's not what I said, clearly it's not a positive that his average FB velocity is basically exactly average, and I said he has more value this year than he will next year if his average innings per start continues to fall the way it has the last 3 years in combination with declining stuff. Get real kid? The "kid" crack aside, Who's comparing Yo to hall of fame pitchers? When has he ever demonstrated the level of control those hall of fame pitchers you used as examples exhibited during their careers? "Wins" has nothing to do with projecting how a player will perform over the remainder of his contract. You are right, I don't understand sport or pitching because I believe in projecting a pitcher's future based on his stuff and his control. Not hyperbole, but then you go and make another blanket statement about prospects. If you'll discuss a MLB player on his individual merits then why don't prospects deserve the same consideration? The vast majority of minor league players will never amount to a "hill of beans", but we aren't talking random minor leaguers, we're talking about acquiring some of the best prospects in baseball. I'd happily talk about and debate the strengths and weaknesses of the particular prospects posters are suggesting we acquire, I enjoy doing my homework so I can participate in an informed debate regarding prospects. I'm sorry I've had it wrong all these years, thanks for correcting me. Neither is Yo a sure bet to be a solid #2 for the remainder of his contract. That's your opinion, and no one has suggested "just giving him away", you obviously haven't read any of the trade proposals that I've put out there. You're right, that's the bottom line because Stone Cold said so!

Final: Kane County (Cubs) 4, Wisconsin 3 Rattlers can't comeback on Sunday Wisconsin's bid for back-to-back comeback wins falls short By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers GRAND CHUTE, WI - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers had opportunities to rally for a second straight walkoff win against the Kane County Cougars. But, Kane County held on for a 4-3 win at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Reggie Golden hit a homer in the eighth inning to break a 3-3 tie in favor of the visitors. The teams traded runs in the first inning. Kane County (32-44 overall, 2-8 second half) tallied an unearned run as Wisconsin pitcher Leonard Lorenzo mishandled a grounder back to the mound with two outs to allow a runner from third base to score. Michael Reed started the bottom of the first with a single and was sacrificed to second base by Alfredo Rodriguez. Tyrone Taylor continued his hot hitting with an RBI double to knock in Rodriguez and tie the game. Taylor's hit moved his current hitting streak to 14 games. Kane County went back in front with a run in the top of the third. Oliver Zapata singled with one out and the bases loaded to drive in a run for a 2-1 lead. A quirky hit gave the Timber Rattlers (31-44, 2-8) a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Wisconsin had the bases loaded with two outs and Parker Berberet at the plate. He sent a bouncer back through the middle and the ball hit the second base bag to carom away from the Kane County infielders to score two runs. But, Wisconsin could not hold the lead. The Cougars loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the seventh against reliever Harvey Martin, who was making his Timber Rattlers debut. Then, Wilson Contreras singled to left on a 1-2 pitch to drive in the tying run. Golden gave the Cougars the lead with a leadoff home run in the top of the eighth. The Timber Rattlers had chances in the eighth and ninth innings. In the eighth, Mike Garza singled with one out and Tyler Roberts drew a walk with two outs. But, Michael Hamann came out of the Cougars bullpen to get the final out, a line drive off the bat of Orlando Arcia that carried right to Zapata in center. In the ninth, Reed drew a walk to start the inning. Rodriguez went to bunt him to second base and an ill-advised throw to second was very late to give Wisconsin the tying run on second and the winning run on first with no outs. Taylor was asked to sacrifice both runners into scoring position. But, he popped the bunt up and it was caught in foul territory. Victor Roache, who had been robbed on chances for RBI in the first and seventh innings, popped out to left field on the next pitch. That brought Berberet back to the plate. Berberet and Hamann battled to a full count and beyond as Berberet fouled off three straight 3-2 pitches. But, Hamann prevailed by getting Berberet to chase a high fastball for strike three to end the game. Rodriguez entered the Midwest League record books with three sacrifice bunts on the day. Several players have had three sacrifice bunts in a Midwest League game, but the last time it happened was when Anthony Sylvestri of Kane County did it on June 29, 1993. Rodriguez had five plate appearances on Sunday with no official at bats. He also walked and was hit by a pitch in the game. Game three of the five game series is Monday night. Eric Semmelhack (1-4, 4.50) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Kane County will counter with Jose Rosario (0-4, 6.00). Game time is 7:05pm. Monday is Military Appreciation Night presented by American National Bank - Fox Cities and the Timber Rattlers would like to thank all of the current and former military personnel. Show your military ID and receive a free reserve bleacher seat. Friends and family of military personnel will get a $1 off their ticket as well. The first 1,000 fans to attend the game will receive a Jonathan Lucroy Bobblehead. The bobblehead features Lucroy wearing the camouflage jersey from the 2012 Military Appreciation game. Timber Rattlers players will wear special "Stars & Stripes" caps during the game. Those caps will be available in a silent auction during the game. Monday is also a Qdoba Q*Monday with 106.7, The KRUZ. Stop by either Qdoba location in Appleton, purchase a lunch entrée, and receive a free ticket to any Monday Timber Rattlers home game for the remainder of the regular season. If you can't make it out to the ballpark, My NEW32's Sports Showdown will televise the game beginning with the pregame show at 6:30pm. The radio broadcast can be heard on AM1280, WNAM or timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:45pm. Monday's game is also available to subscribers of MiLB.TV. HOME RUN: KC: Reggie Golden (3rd, 0 on in 8th inning off WP: Lendy Castillo (1-5) LP: Harvey Martin (0-1) SAVE: Michael Hamman (1) TIME: 3:19 ATTN: 3,812 Wisconsin Boxscore Leonard Lorenzo hit 94 in today's game, that's a couple more MPH than I thought he had. He was still working low 90s like usual and as Chris mentioned his own error cost him a run. Lorenzo threw 89 pitches in just 4 innings, only 49 for strikes. Wisconsin managed just 7 hits, Michael Reed and Matt Garza both tallied a pair of hits. Wisconsin Recap This was a sweet pick and throw by Garza and a good heads-up play by Berberet and Acria. Kane County Top of the 4th Kevin Encarnacion doubles (1) on a ground ball to right fielder Michael Reed. Gioskar Amaya grounds into a double play, third baseman Mike Garza to first baseman Parker Berberet to shortstop Orlando Arcia. Kevin Encarnacion out at 3rd. Dan Vogelbach flies out to left fielder Victor Roache. Runners on 1st and 2nd with no out in the 9th... Wisconsin Bottom of the 9th Michael Reed walks. Alfredo Rodriguez hits a sacrifice bunt. Michael Reed to 2nd. Alfredo Rodriguez to 1st. Tyrone Taylor bunt pops out to third baseman Brad Zapenas in foul territory. Victor Roache flies out to left fielder Reggie Golden. Parker Berberet strikes out swinging. Wisconsin Gameday

True, and his max FB velocity has already fallen from 97 all the way to 93 already, his ave FB velocity is only 90 MPH, very mediocre for a RHP. Hyperbole, what value does that actually provide? Does it somehow make him pitch longer into games? Make him more effective? He is pitching less than 6 innings per outing this year, in fact exactly 5.76 innings per outing. In 2012 he was at 6.18 and in 2011 6.27.. what's the trend here? He had the potential be "the guy", but never got there and now his skills are declining. More hyperbole. He could do that all by himself? Even more hyperbole. So do MLB players, except they come and go at a much greater cost. You certainly don't look to give Gallardo away for nothing but we also don't want to hang onto him until he has no value. At this point Yovani doesn't have the control to be one of those guys who's going to be super effective into his mid 30s. He has always nibbled too much even when he had a plus FB. He's certainly our #1, but he's also not a guy who you can count on to even give the team 6 innings per start. He's leaving 3+ innings for the bullpen every time out on average. That's #3/4 type IP/start numbers, not to mention his declining K/9. I was initially not in favor of moving Yo, but as the season progressed it's become very clear that his skills have continued to slip, and I don't want to be left with no top of the rotation starter as he continues to fade. I've previously posted the type of return I'd be interested in and firmly believe that now is the time to strike. This season is lost but there might be a team out there who thinks that Yo has a couple of good years left in him and if so we need to take advantage of the situation. If his career trend continues next year he's going to have little trade value, who is going to want to trade for an figure salary starting pitcher who only goes 5.5 innings per start?

Chris' post-game blog entry for the T-Rats game tonight. Insane on proper occasions – Postgame Post for June 29, 2013

Wisconsin wins a wild one over Kane County Rattlers score two in eleventh to beat Cougars 10-9 By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers http://www.milb.com/assets/images/0/6/4/52245064/cuts/June29Walkoff_ggj8ljsf_wg3wrot1.jpg The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers celebrate their walkoff win over the Kane County Cougars (Ann Mollica/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers) GRAND CHUTE, WI - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and the Kane County Cougars traded comebacks in the late innings on Saturday night at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium. It was the home team that got the last comeback as Wisconsin scored two runs in the bottom of the eleventh inning to defeat the Cougars 10-9. Kane County (31-44 overall, 1-87 second half) went in front on a home run. Dan Vogelbach hit a 2-0 pitch from Rattlers starting pitcher Preston Gainey to the beach beyond the wall in right-center with two outs in the top of the third. Vogelbach's homer was his twelfth of the season. Wisconsin (31-43, 2-7) responded in the bottom of the third. Adam Giacalone and Chris McFarland each singled with one out. Michael Reed was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Orlando Arcia got ahead in the count and drilled a double to left-center. All three runners scored and the Rattlers were up 3-1. Mike Garza singled to start the Wisconsin fifth inning. He went to second on a grounder. A wild pitch sent him to third base. McFarland drove in Garza with a sacrifice fly. Gainey gave up a single and a double to the first two batters he faced in the top of the seventh. He got the first out of the inning with a popout to second. But, Oliver Zapata singled to drive in both runners to make the score 4-3. Taylor Wall relieved Gainey and got out of the inning with a pickoff and a strikeout to keep the Rattlers up by a run. Gainey made the longest start of his professional career with his 6-1/3 innings pitched on Saturday night. He walked one, struck out one and was in line for his third straight win. Wisconsin added to their lead in the seventh inning without the benefit of a hit. Kane County reliever Dillon Maples walked Max Walla and Tyler Roberts to start the inning. Mike Garza bunted to move both runners up a base. A wild pitch with Giacalone at the plate let Walla score. A passed ball with McFarland at the plate let Roberts score for a 6-3 lead. The Rattlers took that 6-3 lead to the top of the ninth inning, but could not hold it. Ryan Gibbard, who came on to work a scoreless eighth, hit the first batter of the ninth. The next two batters singled to load the bases. Zapata drew a walk on four pitches to force in a run. Kevin Encarnacion was next and his fly ball to left-center was deep enough to score the runner from third. However, Gioskar Amaya, the runner at second base, tagged to go to third. Tyrone Taylor's throw to third beat Amaya, but the tag appeared to be a bit high and the tying run made it to third base with one out. Albert Almora knocked a grounder off the leg of Gibbard that turned into a 1-4-3 putout, but Amaya scored on the play to even the score 6-6. Kane County went in front in the top of the tenth. Jeimer Candelario doubled and a fielder's choice on a sacrifice bunt by Marco Hernandez put runners on the corners with no outs. Carlos Escobar drove in Candelario with a sacrifice fly. Reggie Golden followed with a single. Then, Amaya drove in Hernandez with a single for an 8-6 advantage. But, Wisconsin stormed back in the bottom of the tenth against Nathan Dorris. McFarland drew a leadoff walk. Reed tripled to right-center to send McFarland across the plate. One out later, Tyrone Taylor tied the game with a single to left. The single pushed Taylor's current hitting streak to thirteen games. The Cougars took their turn in the top of the eleventh. Gibbard walked Encarnacion to start the inning. Almora sacrificed the go ahead run into scoring position with a bunt. Wisconsin went to the bullpen for lefty Mike Strong to face the left-handed hitting Vogelbach. A 2-2 pitch from Strong was lined to center by Vogelbach for an RBI single and a 9-8 lead for the Cougars. Strong struck out the next two batters to get the Wisconsin hitters back to the plate. Garza started the rally with a one out single. Giacalone followed with another single to put runners at first and second. Wisconsin sent pinch-runners in for both runners on base. Adrian Williams went to second to replace Garza and Alfredo Rodriguez went to first to take over for Giacalone. McFarland cracked the first pitch from Dorris inside the line at first base for a double that scored Williams with the tying run and sent Rodriguez to third with the winning run. Reed was walked intentionally to load the bases and set the stage for a finish that was appropriate for the game. Arcia stepped to the plate with the infield drawn in to cut down the run at the plate. He smacked a 2-2 pitch Amaya at second base. Amaya went home for the force on Rodriguez. Escobar caught the ball at the plate and tried for the double play with a throw to first. But, the throw was wild and went down the first base line. McFarland raced home with the winning run to end the game. Game two of the series is Sunday afternoon. Leonard Lorenzo (1-4, 6.04) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Kane County sends Brian Smith (2-3, 2.70) to the mound. Game time is 1:05pm. Sunday is Celebrate Faith Day at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium. There will be a non-denominational service with player testimonials and music at 10:30am. After the game, contemporary Christian recording artist Danen Kane will perform on the new club level. It's also a Brewers Sunday presented by 107.5, The Fan. Timber Rattlers players and coaches will be wearing Brewers-themed jerseys during the game. Fans may play catch on the field before the game for thirty minutes starting at noon. Timber Rattlers players will be available for an autograph session on the third base concourse after the game. Time Warner Cable customers can receive up to four half-priced reserved bleacher tickets when showing their TWC bill at time of ticket purchase. If you can't make it out to the ballpark, tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 12:45pm. HOME RUN: KC: Dan Vogelbach (12th, 0 on in 3rd inning off Preston Gainey, 2 out) WP: Mike Strong (1-2) LP: Nathan Dorris (2-3) TIME: 3:22 ATTN: 4,409 Wisconsin Boxscore JUST BEAT THE CUBS! I admit that I was shocked when Ryan Gibbard was selected as an all-star ahead of Austin Blaski and Tyler Wagner. I've watched him pitch quite a few times and I've not been all that impressed. I admit to being a tough grader prospect wise but after giving up 3 in the 9th I was confused when he came out for the 10th, and then I was even more confused when he came out for the 11th. Maybe I just wanted a win against the Cubs' affiliate too badly. Preston Gainey had his best effort as a professional and pitched well but he wasn't dominant, Cubs' 1B prospect Dan Vogelbach reminds me of a white Prince Fielder. About this time last year I was 6' 240lbs, Vogelbach is listed at 6' 250lbs... and I say there's no way... more like 270. Regardless, he moves better than you would think for such a body type, and he absolutely crushed Gainey's pitch into the beach over the wall in right center. Mike Strong has earned a promotion, he's got nothing to prove in A ball, even though he let his inherited runner score. He tried to get up and out of the zone against Vogelbach but left it about letter high and Vogelbach crushed the pitch for the double. Victor Roache popped up 3 times that I remember, and I want to say he did for his 4th out as well, but I'm not going back to check the log. Somehow WI scored 10 runs on just 9 hits, and they actually left runs out on the bases. Michael Garza, Adam Giacalone, and Chris McFarland accounted for 6 of those hits, each getting 2 a piece. Wisconsin Recap The action packed end of the game. Kane County Top of the 9th Carlos Escobar hit by pitch. Reggie Golden singles on a ground ball to left fielder Michael Reed. Carlos Escobar to 2nd. Gioskar Amaya singles on a ground ball to left fielder Michael Reed. Carlos Escobar to 3rd. Reggie Golden to 2nd. Oliver Zapata walks. Carlos Escobar scores. Reggie Golden to 3rd. Gioskar Amaya to 2nd. Kevin Encarnacion out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Tyrone Taylor. Reggie Golden scores. Gioskar Amaya to 3rd. Albert Almora grounds out, pitcher Ryan Gibbard to second baseman Christopher McFarland to first baseman Adam Giacalone. Gioskar Amaya scores. Oliver Zapata to 2nd. Ryan Gibbard intentionally walks Dan Vogelbach. Oliver Zapata out at 3rd, catcher Tyler Roberts to third baseman Mike Garza. The ball squirted away from Roberts but not very far and for some reason Zapata went to third, he was out by 10 feet, it wasn't even close. Wisconsin Bottom of the 9th Tyler Roberts grounds out, third baseman Jeimer Candelario to first baseman Dan Vogelbach. Mike Garza lines out to center fielder Albert Almora. Adam Giacalone strikes out swinging, catcher Carlos Escobar to first baseman Dan Vogelbach. Kane County Top of the 10th Jeimer Candelario doubles (22) on a line drive to center fielder Tyrone Taylor. Marco Hernandez hits a sacrifice bunt. Jeimer Candelario to 3rd. Marco Hernandez to 1st. Carlos Escobar out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Tyrone Taylor. Jeimer Candelario scores. Reggie Golden singles on a ground ball to left fielder Michael Reed. Marco Hernandez to 3rd. Gioskar Amaya singles on a line drive to center fielder Tyrone Taylor. Marco Hernandez scores. Reggie Golden to 2nd. Oliver Zapata grounds into a double play, second baseman Christopher McFarland to shortstop Orlando Arcia to first baseman Adam Giacalone. Gioskar Amaya out at 2nd. Wisconsin Bottom of the 10th Pitching Change: Nathan Dorris replaces Dillon Maples. Christopher McFarland walks. Michael Reed triples (8) on a line drive to right fielder Kevin Encarnacion. Christopher McFarland scores. Orlando Arcia grounds out, second baseman Gioskar Amaya to first baseman Dan Vogelbach. Tyrone Taylor singles on a line drive to left fielder Reggie Golden. Michael Reed scores. Victor Roache flies out to center fielder Albert Almora. Max Walla flies out to right fielder Kevin Encarnacion. Kane County Top of the 11th Kevin Encarnacion walks. Albert Almora out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Ryan Gibbard to second baseman Christopher McFarland. Kevin Encarnacion to 2nd. Pitching Change: Michael Strong replaces Ryan Gibbard. Dan Vogelbach singles on a line drive to center fielder Tyrone Taylor. Kevin Encarnacion scores. Jeimer Candelario called out on strikes. Marco Hernandez called out on strikes. Wisconsin Bottom of the 11th Tyler Roberts called out on strikes. Mike Garza singles on a ground ball to right fielder Kevin Encarnacion. Adam Giacalone singles on a line drive to center fielder Albert Almora. Mike Garza to 2nd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Alfredo Rodriguez replaces Adam Giacalone. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Adrian Williams replaces Mike Garza. Christopher McFarland doubles (8) on a ground ball to right fielder Kevin Encarnacion. Adrian Williams scores. Alfredo Rodriguez to 3rd. Nathan Dorris intentionally walks Michael Reed. Orlando Arcia grounds into a force out, second baseman Gioskar Amaya to catcher Carlos Escobar. Alfredo Rodriguez out at home. Christopher McFarland scores. Michael Reed to 2nd. Orlando Arcia advances to 1st, on a throwing error by catcher Carlos Escobar. Wisconsin Gameday