TheCrew07

Stetson Allie who was featured by MiLB over the weekend discussed here. Monday Minor League Prospect Notebook

As most everyone should know Colby is affiliated with PG, and since he rarely pimps their work here I'll do it for them. Again since I spend my time on the developmental side of professional baseball the draft and following prospects pre-draft is definitely not one of my strong suits so I lean a great deal on PG and BA draft pick analysis. PG Main Site PG's Draft Extensive Draft Section PG's College Section PG's HS section I would highly recommend a PG Crosschecker subscription as it is very reasonably priced, offers variable pricing (can go monthly if you wish), and scalable (you choose the level of information you'd like access to).

For those of you highly interested in the draft and college baseball. Chat starts at 13:30 Central. College Top 25 Chat With Aaron Fitt BA has many weekly features on college players and teams such as: College Draft Prospects Stat Roundup: Week 9 Of course they also have a draft section which covers all draft prospects: Draft Coverage I spend the majority of my time on prospects/MLB and not so much on the draft but for this should be a good start for those looking to expand their horizons if they are new to the baseball draft.

Arcia's older brother got the call for the Twins, subscriber piece. It's been a slow last couple of days from a divisional perspective and BA still doesn't have their top weekend performances up (if they'll do that again this year) The Call-Up: What To Expect From Minnesota OF Oswaldo Arcia

I spend quite a bit of time linking my company's software to various ERP, accounting, and warehousing systems. The vast majority of small to medium businesses I deal with run QuickBooks, it's so popular that many other programs are built specifically to interface with it. The other software I see quite a bit of in NE Wisconsin is MAS 90/200 which I believe became Sage Peachtree. I haven't used either, I work in the fulfillment side of business, so I don't have anything to offer to from a cost/ease of use standpoint, but QuickBooks is far and away the most popular small business package I see in the field. Once companies grow beyond the small to midrange solution they usually move to any industry specific software package or something like Microsoft Dynamics (formerly Great Plains) or SAP. Hope that helps.

Thornburg gave up 2 in the 1st, with nothing positive to hang my hat on thus far I'm done with baseball for the day, going to rent a movie. The IF single was tough, but he always seems to give up an XBH at the worst time. Omaha Bottom of the 1st David Lough strikes out swinging. Christian Colon singles on a ground ball to third baseman Stephen Parker. Johnny Giavotella singles on a line drive to center fielder Caleb Gindl. Christian Colon to 3rd. Xavier Nady reaches on a fielder's choice out, third baseman Stephen Parker to catcher Dayton Buller to third baseman Stephen Parker to pitcher Tyler Thornburg. Christian Colon out at home. Johnny Giavotella to 3rd. Xavier Nady to 2nd. Brett Hayes doubles (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Caleb Gindl. Johnny Giavotella scores. Xavier Nady scores. Irving Falu flies out to right fielder Cole Garner.

For the most part they draft and develop them. Adams was a 23rd round pick for St. Louis in 2009. He's been in their top 10 prospect lists since 2011. He's the kind of guy like a Kris Davis that many people on bf.net would have wanted to trade for impact veteran type. Here's what BA had to say about him this off-season:

Well there was plenty of evidence that K-Rod was pretty much washed up, he wasn't able to hit spots anymore and basically got by on good fortune at the end of 2011. When was the last time a catcher setup in a spot and K-Rod actually put the ball there? Guys like him who torque so much their momentum pulls them off violently towards 1B as they finish their delivery to home plate scare me. There's way too much garbage when your body, elbow, and shoulder are all working in different planes. Some younger great athletes can make the muscle adjustments necessary to locate with that kind of delivery but must of those guys are just "effectively wild" and get by on pure stuff. K-Rod's breaking stuff is still plus, but his FB isn't, and I wouldn't take him back regardless of cost. There were plenty of posters that didn't want him back at any price, myself being one.

*sigh*

Not that I'm rooting against him but this recent uptick in his production has me nervous... the last thing the Pirates need is another top 100 prospect and Allie has all the physical tools you'd want in a player. Click his stats link in the story and share my concern, he's currently in the midst of an 8 game hitting streak. You know, I still have a big soft spot for WV as a franchise for some reason, they are the only old affiliate that I check in on. I guess it helps that they are under the Pirates umbrella so still fall within my sphere of interest. Opposites attract for Power's Allie

Obviously this team isn't as bad as its record since getting a line-up constructed of something other than CF/MI types will help tremendously. The problem is that this wasn't a playoff team to begin with unless everything broke the Brewers away, and that certainly hasn't happened to this point. The question is at what point do they bottom out and start a recovery? There's still plenty of time to be at least a .500 ball club and I can see where people who thought this was a contending team would be disappointed in what has transpired thus far. I wouldn't mind seeing Melvin get fired if that meant bringing in some new blood from outside of the organization and not promoting one of his cronies to take his place just to maintain some semblance of continuity for the remainder of the season. I've felt for a long time the organization needed to change direction and the Brewers won't do that if they replace Melvin with someone of similar mindset from within. I'd prefer a younger guy with a good mix of scouting/sabermetrics who sees value the same way that I tend to, but I don't think Mark A. would hire a guy like that. Hell I'd like him to take a run at Friedman who could employ the same strategy he's been using in Tampa but he'd have more resources financially to plug holes in Milwaukee but that's a pipe dream. As for RR, he's par for the managerial course... way too many of these guys get worked up over short term production samples and have too quick a hook with young players. I wanted Davey Johnson the last time the Brewers went hiring as he's an excellent teacher of the game, is patient with young players, but still has that gritty old baseball guy quality that Melvin seems to like. I haven't given much thought to a replacement manager but looking at the organization the only guy I would want for that "interim" position would Erickson who's coaching all the way down in A ball with the T-Rats... The rest of the guys appear to be the same as the old, but I highly doubt they'd pluck a manager from A ball so what would we really gain from sending RR packing now?

It's depressing that 2 weeks into the season our CF of the future is already being temporarily benched, new Gomez same as the old Gomez... At least 1/3 of his hits have been doubles so far, though predictably his regular season walk rate hasn't improved yet. He's been a 1/20 (BB/PA) guy over the course of his career and is currently 0/37. I'm mostly just posting this so I know where to go find the first link (if it's still active) later. Carlos Gomez sits out as Roenicke searches for answers

Kane County outlasts Rattlers to take nightcap in eleven innings Cougars win 3-1 on 11th inning blast by Contreras By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers GRAND CHUTE, WI - A chilly Saturday afternoon at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium turned in a cruel extra inning loss for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in game two of a doubleheader. Willson Contreras hit a two-run home run in the top of the eleventh inning to provide Kane County with the winning margin of a 3-1 decision over the Timber Rattlers. Wisconsin had won game one of the doubleheader 7-6 and were four outs from victory in game two, but could not complete the sweep. The Timber Rattlers (3-4) took advantage of a Kane County error in the fourth inning to get on the board. Chris McFarland reached on an error with two outs and stood at second base. Brent Dean made the Cougars pay by lining an RBI single to left to drive in McFarland for a 1-0 lead. Rattlers starting pitcher Mike Strong left the game with two outs and runners on first and second in the top of the sixth inning. Austin Blaski entered the game and issued a walk to load the bases. Rock Shoulders was at the plate when a passed ball eluded Dean to let the tying run score for Kane County (3-6). The nightcap of the doubleheader was scheduled for seven innings, but the teams played well past that. Neither team could break the deadlock until the top of the eleventh. Willson Contreras, who was 0-for-3 with three strikeouts in game one, entered the game in the bottom of the seventh after Kane County sent in a pinch runner for their starting catcher in the top of that inning. Contreras stepped to the plate in the eleventh with a runner at first and cracked a one-out home run off the scoreboard beyond the wall in left-center to put the Cougars up 3-1 against reliever Taylor Wall. Wisconsin did get a one out single from Parker Berberet in the bottom of the eleventh, but the Rattlers could not rally in game two. The teams are scheduled for another doubleheader - weather permitting - on Sunday afternoon. Game one is set for a first pitch at 1:05pm. The Rattlers will send Damien Magnifico and Leonard Lorenzo to the mound as the respective starters in game one and game two. Kane County has scheduled Michael Heesch for game one and Jose Arias for game two. Sunday is a Brewers Sunday with 107.5FM, The Fan. Timber Rattlers players will wear Milwaukee Brewers themed jerseys during the game. Brewers mascot Bernie Brewer will also be on hand to meet and greet fans! Fans may play catch on the field before Sunday's game. There is also a post-game autograph session scheduled and Time Warner Cable subscribers may purchase up to four reserved bleacher seat tickets for half price when they show their Time Warner Cable bill on Sunday. If you can't make it out to the game, tune in to the radio broadcast on AM1280, WNAM beginning with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 12:45pm. Sunday's game is also available to subscribers of MiLB.tv. HOME RUN: Willson Contreras (1st, 1 on in 11th inning off Taylor Wall, 1 out) WP: Justin Amlung (2-0) LP: Taylor Wall (0-1) SAVE: Eddie Orozzco (1) TIME: 2:45 ATTN: 2,187 Wisconsin Game 2 Boxscore Well it was a split... and both teams gave away their runs during the regularly scheduled contest, it's just too bad a walk and passed ball near the end sent the game to extras. On the plus of side of things Orlando Arcia extended his season long hitting streak to 7. Brent Dean had been hitless for the season prior to his 2 hit effort in Game 2. Wisconsin Game 2 Recap The Rattlers had a runner in scoring position in both the 1st and 2nd but couldn't push any across until the error extended their inning in the 4th. They never threatened after the 4th. Wisconsin Bottom of the 1st Tyrone Taylor grounds out, third baseman Jeimer Candelario to first baseman Rock Shoulders. Orlando Arcia grounds out, shortstop Wes Darvill to first baseman Rock Shoulders. Mitch Haniger singles on a line drive to right fielder Oliver Zapata. Parker Berberet singles on a ground ball to second baseman Gioskar Amaya. Mitch Haniger to 2nd. Clint Coulter flies out to center fielder Trey Martin. Wisconsin Bottom of the 2nd Alfredo Rodriguez lines out to third baseman Jeimer Candelario. Christopher McFarland singles on a line drive to left fielder Pin-Chieh Chen. Brent Dean strikes out swinging. Christopher McFarland steals (1) 2nd base. Michael Reed pops out to first baseman Rock Shoulders. The T-Rats rolled through the meat of order to attempt a comeback in the 11th but came up empty. Wisconsin Bottom of the 11th Pitching Change: Eduardo Orozco replaces Justin Amlung. Mitch Haniger grounds out, third baseman Jeimer Candelario to first baseman Rock Shoulders. Parker Berberet singles on a line drive to left fielder Pin-Chieh Chen. Clint Coulter strikes out swinging. Alfredo Rodriguez grounds into a force out, shortstop Wes Darvill to second baseman Gioskar Amaya. Parker Berberet out at 2nd. Wisconsin Game 2 Gameday

This is a nice story, I'll give an ex-Cub prospect some love for a movie debut. Balcom proud to stand in for Robinson

Tallion is starting to take off for the Pirates, if Cole puts it together that top of the rotation is going to stink to face well. Video included at the link. Taillon notches career-best 10 K's

Hooray and stuff, Taveras returns from bereavement leave... man I hate the Cards so much right now. Especially considering Miller appears to have bounced back from a horrible 2012, he looked every bit the top 5 prospect he was before his struggles last season after limiting an admittedly horrible Brewers line-up to 1 hit last night... Taveras back on track with four hits

Rattlers rally, then hold on for game one win Wisconsin beats Kane County 7-6 By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers GRAND CHUTE, WI - It took a little bit for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers to warm up in game one of Saturday's home doubleheader against the Kane County Cougars. When they did get going, the Rattlers erased a 4-0 deficit on the way to a 7-6 victory. Tyrone Taylor had a pair of RBI doubles and Clint Coulter homered to pace the Wisconsin offense. Rattlers starting pitcher Tyler Wagner walked three batters in the top of the second inning to load the bases. A sacrifice fly by Oliver Zapata drove in the only run of the inning for Kane County (2-6). In the third inning, a single and two walks loaded the bases for the Cougars. Rock Shoulders drove in two runs with a double. Marco Hernandez made it 4-0 with a sacrifice fly. Wisconsin (3-3) started their comeback in the bottom of the third. Alfredo Rodriguez was hit by a pitch to start the inning and Michael Reed followed with a single. Taylor drove in Rodriguez with a double to put the Timber Rattlers on the scoreboard. Orlando Arcia and Mitch Haniger both plated runs with consecutive sacrifice flies to get Wisconsin to within 4-3. In the fourth, Jose Sermo tripled with one out. Rodriguez drove him in with a single through the drawn in infield to tie the game. One out later Taylor drove in Rodriguez with a double for a 5-4 Wisconsin lead. Arcia was next and he reached on an infield single up the middle. Taylor raced around third and beat the throw from the Kane County shortstop. Arcia's single extended his hitting streak to six games. Coulter made it a 7-4 Wisconsin advantage with a long home run to left-center. Coulter has homered in two consecutive games. Taylor Mangum came on in relief for Wisconsin in the top of the fourth inning and kept the Cougars from scoring until a passed ball with the bases loaded let in a run in the top of the sixth. Closer Martin Viramontes gave up a leadoff homer in the top of the seventh inning. Dan Vogelbach lined a home run to right field to cut Wisconsin's lead to a single run. Jeimer Candelario was next and he doubled. A walk to Shoulders put runners at first and second with no outs. Wilson Contreras fouled off a two-strike bunt attempt for the first out, but Viramontes hit the next batter to load the bases. The Rattlers closer calmed down and struck out the next two Kane County batters to leave the bases loaded and nail down Wisconsin's first home victory of 2013. HOME RUNS: KC: Dan Vogelbach (1st, 0 in in 7th inning off Martin Viramontes, 0 out) WIS: Clint Coulter (2nd, 0 on in 5th inning off Ian Dickson, 1 out) WP: Taylor Mangum (1-1) LP: Ian Dickson (0-1) SAVE: Martin Viramontes (1) TIME: 2:04 Wisconsin Game 1 Boxscore For those that don't remember since the Rattlers haven't played since Monday it indeed was Clint Coulter's 2nd HR in as many games, he started a bit slow last year in AZ as well before heating up in a similar fashion. Our young players in A ball have certainly hit the ground running... I'm lovin' it! The pitching was pretty mediocre here, but with 4 days off in a row I wouldn't read too much into that until all of the starters get back into a regular routine. The Cubs have a prospect named Rock Shoulders, now that's an awesome name, Cubs' player or not. Wisconsin Game 1 Recap Wisconsin Game 1 Gameday

I think you might be underestimating our management team...

I can't speak to the video quality this season because the only game the the T-Rats have played that would have been available was broadcast in HD by TWC 32. 2 years ago when I dabbled a bit the feed was SD, but wasn't poor quality. You won't get any of the extras like pitch speeds and all of the different angles like you do with a MLB broadcast, but you do get the CF look through the pitcher to home plate which is familiar and there were generally wide views of field during the action. And of course you get to listen to Chris and watch the game at the same time.

I knew this game thread would be comedic gold and you didn't disappoint, this has been an enjoyable read despite the outcome of the game.

We have a good 3 inches of snow on the ground yet but somehow the T-Rats are playing their doubleheader today, when I got out of bed this morning I thought there was no way.... Check out Chris' blog to see how far the field has come.

BA Hot Sheet Chat

Targeting Likely International Trade Partners

Geez the Twins were discussed all over this week's Hot Sheet, Cingrani was the only divisional mention. Prospect Hot Sheet: Tony Cingrani Leads The April 12 List Be sure to submit questions to the chat!

Friday's action for the T-Rats postponed yet again...