Your 2008 Huntsville Stars -- Latest: Jersey Sale; Omar Aguilar; Angel Salome

[twobrewers]

That is pretty big news. (Plus a nice new picture of Gamel)

 

I like the decision. There isn't that big of a difference between AA and AAA. As long as he is happy working with Money at AA and showing improvement - let him get his work in where he is comfortable.

 

It certainly seems like the Brewers are going out of their way to keep Huntsville together. I wonder if they are already looking at 2010 and thinking it would be good to have those players use to play (and winning) with each other.

[BrewCrewForever]

I have always been under the impression that AA seems to be the hardest level to adjust to in the minors. From what I understand A to AA is a huge difference but AA to AAA not all that much and the competition in AA may be better then in AAA. Anyone else agree or am I way off?

[yoda knows all]

I beg to differ. AAA has far superior pitching to AA. It often takes a competent hitter a season + to get dialed in. For reference, look at Katin, Chavez, Sollman and Heether. Good BA's in Huntsville, but growing pains in AAA.

[battlekow]

Katin, Chavez, Sollmann, and Heether are nowhere near Gamel's caliber as hitters.

[Mass Haas]

Link while active, text follows:

 

The makings of a Star

By GENE FRENETTE

The Florida (Jacksonville) Times-Union

 

Mat Gamel's first appearance Wednesday night as a professional ballplayer in his hometown of Jacksonville comes at a time when everything is close to perfect in his baseball world.

 

The Huntsville Stars third baseman and Bishop Kenny High graduate is a rising star in the Milwaukee Brewers' farm system. Gamel, after putting together a 33-game hitting streak last year in the pitcher-friendly Class A Florida State League, is now tearing up the Southern League with a top-two standing in every Triple Crown category.

 

He's on the fast track to becoming Jacksonville's next big-leaguer, an amazing feat considering that Gamel almost gave up baseball four years ago. You'd never know looking at Gamel's current statistics with Huntsville (.376 batting average, 14 home runs, 60 RBI) that he almost resigned himself to never picking up a bat after a nightmarish 2004 season at Daytona Beach Community College.

 

Gamel, who went 1-for-3 in Huntsville's 5-0 win over the Jacksonville Suns on Wednesday, was unexpectedly released from the DBCC program midway through 2004 by coach Tim Touma, leaving a dismayed bench-warmer to wonder if he had a future in the sport. Gamel says his mother, Ceri, called his high school coach, Tommy Edwards, to ask about the rule about when Mat could start talking to other schools about a transfer.

 

The Gamel family claims it was an innocent inquiry to prepare him for a possible change. But when Touma found out that Gamel was thinking about leaving, the coach immediately dismissed him from the team.

 

"I was ready to quit baseball after that. I'm glad I didn't," Gamel said while seated in his parents' Neptune Beach home Tuesday night. "I could tell going through that season they probably weren't going to renew my scholarship. It definitely made me a stronger person, to overcome the worst baseball year of my life."

 

Touma verified Gamel's account of his dismissal in a Wednesday phone interview, but he says despite the tough circumstances over Gamel's departure, Touma admires his ex-player for orchestrating one of baseball's stunning turnarounds.

 

"I have no ill will toward [Gamel]," Touma said. "While I'm not happy with the way things ended here, Mat has taken advantage of every opportunity given him since he left. It's a great story."

 

Here's the remarkable part: In just 14 months, Gamel went from having minimal playing time and being kicked off his junior college team to being handed a $200,000 signing bonus as the Brewers' fourth-round draft pick.

 

"The [baseball] draft wasn't even a thought in our minds at that point [after Gamel's dismissal from DBCC]," Ceri said.

 

But one thing Gamel knew about his game is he could always hit. It was just a matter of finding the right situation, which turned out to be a one-year stop at Chipola Junior College. The same third baseman who was stuck behind DBCC's Marquez Smith, a future Clemson star now in Class A ball with the Peoria Chiefs (Cubs), became the state's Junior College Player of the Year in 2005. Gamel's redemption included hitting a home run against his former team to help Chipola reach the state championship game.

 

"I'm not a power hitter, but I've got power if pitchers don't make a good pitch," Gamel said. "In Double-A, I'm seeing a lot more pitches around the strike zone and it's easier for me to hit."

 

At every minor-league stop, the 6-foot, 205-pound Gamel has continued to put up impressive offensive statistics, so much so that left-handed slugger and teammate Matt LaPorta, an ex-University of Florida standout, are considered two of the best prospects in the Brewers' organization. They're part of a Stars lineup that features the top four hitters in the Southern League and the leading home run hitter in LaPorta (18).

 

"The man [Gamel] can hit. He can hit left-handers as good as righties because he stays on the ball. He's got a great approach," Stars manager Don Money said. "The one spot the Brewers have is the third-base spot. If he keeps hitting like that, he's next in line."

 

What Gamel hasn't had until this season is much confidence in his fielding, which had been a weakness because of a propensity to make errant throws to first base. Last year, Gamel made 53 errors at Class A Brevard County, but has cut that total to 12 near the midway point this season. Gamel credits Money, a former Brewers third baseman, with helping him to improve his defensive mechanics.

 

"It got to the point warming up [on the field before an inning] where I couldn't throw a ball to first base," Gamel said. "It got crazy. I'd get the yips. My fielding is night-and-day better from what it was."

 

It's hard to look at Gamel's game now and see a lot of flaws. The kid whose baseball career appeared to be going nowhere at age 18 just might be the Milwaukee Brewers' third baseman of the future.

 

Mat Gamel still carries a chip on his shoulder from being cut from his first junior college team. In retrospect, the worst year of his baseball life might be the best thing that ever happened to him.

 

Photo by JON M. FLETCHER/The Times-Union

Huntsville's Mat Gamel, a former Bishop Kenny standout, has a chance to win the Southern League triple crown.

http://www.jacksonville.com/images/mdControlled/cms/2008/06/12/289392567.jpg

[Postseason2006]

Mass,

 

Another excellent story! You always find these great articles!

[battlekow]

Reid Nichols' quotes in the J-S give the idea that LaPorta might be staying in Huntsville all year, too:

"This is our next crew coming (through the system). It's sort of the way we split up the system. We knew this group was special."

So special that the Brewers might resist the urge to promote players such as LaPorta and Gamel to Class AAA Nashville at midseason.

When Nashville needed another outfielder for a short period, Nichols bumped Lorenzo Cain up from Class A Brevard County to avoid ruining the chemistry at Huntsville, which is vying for a first-half title.

"The general feeling is to let the guys stay together and have a good year, let them continue to have success together," said Nichols.

"We kept that bunch together that's with the big club now and we'd like to do the same with this bunch."

[Mass Haas]

Unusual feature article from an opponent's media --

 

Link while active, text follows:

 

Gamel, teammates likely staying put for now

By Jeff Elliott,

The Florida Times-Union

 

It isn't often when a Double-A team can field a roster full of top prospects at the same time. The Jacksonville Suns had such a rarity in 2005, when they won the Southern League pennant and were picked as the minor league team of the year by Baseball America.

 

Fifteen players who played for the Suns that season have since gone on to play in the major leagues. Nine have played with the parent Los Angeles Dodgers this season.

 

The Huntsville Stars probably won't send that many players to the Milwaukee Brewers in the next couple of years, but five Huntsville players currently rank among the Brewers' top 10 prospects, according to Baseball America. The list includes former University of Florida outfielder Matt LaPorta (No. 1); shortstop Alcides Escobar (third); third baseman Mat Gamel, a Bishop Kenny graduate (fifth); outfielder Cole Gillispie (sixth); and catcher Angel Salome (eighth). Add in outfielder Michael Brantley (24th) and it's easy to see why the Stars are tied for the North Division lead with West Tenn with one game remaining in the first half.

 

Huntsville manager Don Money says the best thing about his top prospects is that they are not only talented, but young.

 

"All of our position players are very young, between 21 and 23 years old, and most of them are first-time Double-A players," said Money, a former major-league infielder.

 

The Stars have an imposing lineup with their first four batters - Brantley, Escobar, Gamel and Salome - ranking third, fourth, first and second, respectively, among the Southern League batting leaders entering Saturday's game. The fifth man in the lineup, LaPorta, leads the league in home runs (18) and is second to Gamel in RBI with 56.

 

Despite their lofty numbers, Money doesn't see a fast exit out of Double-A for any of them, at least not in the foreseeable future. Escobar and Brantley played the second half of 2007 in Huntsville, and the other four position players are in their first season in Double-A.

 

"For a lot of guys, this is their first [time] facing some quality pitching," Money said. "A couple of them have gone into mild slumps and we want to see if they can get out of it.

 

"But I can see four or five of these guys playing in the big leagues in a couple of years. I just don't think it will happen as fast as some of those Suns players from that 2005 team. If you look at our major-league roster right now, you see a lot of guys between 23 and 26 years of age. So the thinking may be to give our guys here another half-year here with this club and then see what happens."

 

Around the bases: Gamel's latest honor was Southern League Player of the Month for May. ... Gamel's total of 103 hits is the best in all of minor-league baseball.

[Mass Haas]

Link while active, text follows:

 

Stars at the half: Runs galore for team of heavy-hitting prospects

Heavy-hitting prospects generating runs galore

By BRAD SHEPARD

For The Huntsville Times

 

Entering this season with five of the Milwaukee Brewers' top 10 prospects, the Huntsville Stars figured to boast a barrel of offensive talent.

 

At the season's midpoint - and with the Southern League North Division's first-half title pending tonight's outcome - the lineup has been as potent as billed.

 

Here is a look at the Stars' top prospects and how each player's stock has fared this season:

 

Matt LaPorta, right field

Baseball America ranking: No. 1 in the Brewers organization.

 

In his first full season of professional baseball, the former Florida Gator has impressed offensively. He's around a .300 hitter, and he's leading the league in home runs (18) and second in most run-production categories to teammate Mat Gamel. One longtime scout is impressed with LaPorta's plate discipline and adjustments during an at-bat. He projects LaPorta as a major league left fielder because of average arm strength. As excellent as he has been, his season is somewhat overshadowed by Gamel and Alcides Escobar.

 

Scout's take: "They've got to find a position for him because he's an average defensive player. He'll go as far as his offense takes him."

 

Alcides Escobar, shortstop

Baseball America ranking: No. 3

 

Nobody has done more to boost his status in the eyes of the organization than Escobar. Though he has a high number of errors for him (13), he makes all the flashy plays and, at 21 years old, is already a polished defensive player with the potential to be one of the best. Along with his .322 average and slick fielding, the biggest head-turner has been Escobar's surprising power - six home runs.

 

Scout's take: "He's No. 1 on my list. He'll be an above-average hitter, score some runs, steal some bases and he is an excellent fielder."

 

Mat Gamel, third base

Baseball America ranking: No. 5

 

Gamel is the talk of the minors. He is leading the league in batting average, runs, hits, doubles, triples, RBIs, total bases, slugging percentage and is second in home runs. Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash told MLB.com Gamel would remain in Double-A for the summer: "We're probably going to leave him there and let him have an outstanding year there - let him dominate."

 

Ash said it has been beneficial having former Gold Glove 3B and Stars manager Don Money tutor Gamel, who has trimmed his 53 errors last season to 15 so far. His throwing mechanics are improving, and he already hits the ball to all fields with authority.

 

Scout's take: "Wade Boggs," the scout said. "That's who he reminds me the most of when he hits."

 

Cole Gillespie, left field

Baseball America ranking: No. 6

 

On any other team, Gillespie's numbers would look pretty potent. He is nearing double-digits in home runs and staying around .270 while ranking third in the league in doubles and RBIs. The only reason why he isn't rising is because his ranking was a little high to start with. He has average speed and defensive abilities, and it has taken him a little longer to adjust to Double-A, though he's putting together a very nice season.

 

Scout's take: "He's the clear sixth-best prospect on the team," the scout said. "I think he's got a chance to play in the big leagues as an extra outfielder and may work his way into being a starter. He's going to be a contributor on a major league team."

 

Angel Salome, catcher

Baseball America ranking: No. 8

 

Everybody knew he could hit, but the bowling-ball backstop is surprisingly second in the league in hitting and sixth in RBIs. His defense is improving though he's only thrown out 25 percent (15-of-60) of base runners and is still working on calling games. Though he doesn't always look mechanically-sound at bat, he has incredible plate coverage and hits the ball to all fields. With Milwaukee's lack of catching prospects, Salome is in a prime position to escalate in a hurry.

 

Scout's take: "He can really hit, and he's got all the tools to be an above-average defensive catcher."

 

Michael Brantley, center field

Baseball America ranking: No. 24

 

The biggest jumper in the rankings may be Huntsville's leadoff hitter. The 21-year-old center fielder is the catalyst for the entire offense, and he's done a perfect job of setting the table for the bombers. He steals bases and does most of the little things that makes him a manager's dream. Of late, he has shown some pop in his bat and is fourth in the league in hitting at .325. His 19 steals lead the league by one over Escobar. Brantley is the kind of player who can develop into a steal for the Brewers.

 

Scout's take: "He's the third-best prospect on the team on my list (behind Escobar and Gamel). He just knows how to play the game and has a great approach. Really, he's just a baseball player."

 

- SP Steve Hammond, Baseball America ranking (27): Rising. Hammond was one of the organization's top pitching prospects before a tough 2007, but the Stars' big game pitcher has found his groove again. He's 7-3 with a 3.25 earned run average and leads the league with 76 strikeouts.

 

- 1B Chris Errecart, Baseball America ranking (29): Staying steady. Errecart is having a solid season, hitting about what the organization would expect and also third on the team with 10 home runs. He is also playing solid defense.

 

- RP Robert Hinton, (NR): Falling. Hinton is thought to have a major league slider, but with his recent struggles, he needs a strong second half of the year. Lately, he is having difficulty getting anybody out and has 27 walks in 39 innings and a 5.26 ERA.

 

- SP David Welch, (NR): Rising. The Aussie was a virtual unknown prior to the season, but he's thrown a no-hitter and is 8-1 with a 3.11 ERA, following the lead of Mark DiFelice, Lindsay Gulin and Sam Narron as successful, effective lefties without a lot of velocity.

 

- RP Juan Sandoval (NR): Falling. He's righted the ship lately, but he blew several critical saves when he held the closer's role. Perhaps the most live arm on the team has found his control and old form as of late, but he needs to do it consistently.

[Mass Haas]

Link while active, text follows:

 

ERAU's Ryan Express shines in Double-A

By MICHAEL LEWIS
Daytona News-Journal Staff Writer

Of course there's never any guarantee that a professional pitcher will ever make the major leagues.

But if Patrick Ryan does crack the show, there's a minor league baseball player named Kevin Roberts who might be due a big-time piece of his first big contract.

Ryan, an Embry-Riddle graduate, was a teammate of Roberts' in Class A ball a few years ago. And it was there that Roberts taught Ryan a new way to throw his changeup.

Three years later, Ryan is throwing his changeup more than he ever has, and the results have been terrific.

Throwing for the Double-A Huntsville Stars, the Milwaukee Brewers farmhand has gone 2-3 with a 2.53 ERA in 22 games.

The 6-foot right-hander has allowed just 26 hits in 32 innings, and issued only 14 walks.

"I think I definitely owe Kevin Roberts something," Ryan said in a recent interview. "My curveball has always been there, but now I'm throwing the changeup for strikes, which makes things so much easier."

Note: Roberts was traded to Pittsburgh with RHP Marino Salas in the Salomon Torres deal. -- Jim

The 25-year-old Ryan has continued his upward ascent in the Brewers' organization as a middle reliever, following a strong 2007 that saw Ryan pitch well both in Brevard County in the Florida State League and with West Virginia in the South Atlantic League.

Combined Ryan went 5-3 in 50 games last year.

This year Ryan has been even better; before a loss on June 13, his ERA was 1.13.

"He's been a staff saver for us, and we always thought he could do it," Brewers director of player development Reid Nichols said. "He's been having success at every level for us recently, so we're real happy with him."

Ryan said one of his goals is to keep his ERA under 3.50. After a few rough outings at the start of the season he's rebounded.

"I was walking more guys than I should have early, but I had the confidence in myself to turn it around," Ryan said. "(Pitching coach Chris Hook) has been great in helping me."

Ryan said the Stars' success is a direct result of continuity; he said he looks around the clubhouse and sees teammates he's been with for years.

"It's just a real close bunch of guys who have gotten to know each other, and we like each other," Ryan said. "We're winning because a lot of these guys are talented, and we have good chemistry."

As well as Ryan has pitched, Nichols said he didn't think the Florida native would be promoted to Triple-A this year.

"We like for guys to get a full year at this level, and this is his first year (at Double-A)," Nichols said. "But you never know when an opportunity will come up."

ONE ON ONE

News-Journal sports writer Michael Lewis talks with Patrick Ryan about life in Huntsville, stupid bullpen rules, and the joy of Will Ferrell movies.

So, how do you like living in Huntsville, Ala.?

"Huntsville's good. I have my wife with me, Christy, so that's a lot more fun. She's a big sports fan. There are some nice golf courses here, and some good restaurants. It's a little more of the Deep South than I'm used to. It's a little more Southern."

Have you been to the Space and Rocket Center there? It was pretty cool when I went there years ago.

"I haven't gone to it yet. Honestly, I had enough of that space and rocket stuff at Embry-Riddle. We drive by it when we go to the mall; I'd rather do that."

What kind of stuff do you and the other Stars relievers talk about in the bullpen?

"I don't know if we have one set topic; we have a rule of the day we have to obey. Like, one day you can't refer to anybody except for by their number. Sometimes you can only say their last name.

"Then there's the rule where the first guy to talk to one of the kids asking for autographs, he has to take the ball-bag in every day.We also play 20 questions, and the six degrees of Kevin Bacon game."

What do you think is going on with the Brewers this year? They've been a little disappointing.

"I honestly couldn't tell you what's going on with them. It's hard to say; I haven't been watching too closely. I haven't been watching too much 'SportsCenter;' I've been playing my new Nintendo Wii a lot."

Who's the best hitter you've faced this year?

"I don't know, I have to think about it. I think from last year and this year, I've had a hard time with (Marlins outfield prospect) Cameron Maybin, he got a couple of hits off me. They didn't give him all that (high-draft pick) money for nothing."

What's the road trip DVD that gets you through the long rides?

"I like 'Old School,' and then I like 'Wedding Crashers.' Pretty much all Will Ferrell on our bus."

 

Former Embry-Riddle standout pitcher Patrick Ryan now pitches for the Huntsville Stars, the AA affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Huntsville Stars Photo

 

http://www.news-journalonline.com/downloads/ryan061708.jpg

[uwisfan]

the BA rankings listed..those are preseason, correct?

[Bambis Bombers]

Thanks Mass for the article, the scout's perspective on the Star's roster was very enlightening. That Brantley is rated higher than LaPorta and Salome comes as a mild, but pleasant surprise.

[igor67]

I find it interesting that a scout rated Brantley higher, but I suspect there might be some personal preference there, in terms of how they profile. Which is to say this particular scout might like athleticism, speed, and the contact rate over a prototypical lumberjack type first basemen. That said it really is a testament that to Brantely that anybody could remotely justify the statement.

[jjfanec]

I am surprised with Brantley being considered better than LaPorta but it goes to show how one prospects view can differ from others. Obviously, Brantley has upped his stock but almost every top ten list I have seen put out this year as to top prospects has had LaPorta in it. I am a huge Brantley fan but i wonder how many other scouts would put him ahead of LaPorta. I can see Salome in some ways because if he can't stick at catcher where do you put him? But LaPorta will be able to play OF or 1B so he will be able to find the field.

[twobrewers]

I am surprised with Brantley being considered better than LaPorta but it goes to show how one prospects view can differ from others.

I think it is pretty obvious the scout works for San Diego.

[Mass Haas]

Brew-ing Stardom

 

SHANNON McCARTHY , Alligator Staff Writer

 

When the Milwaukee Brewers took former UF slugger Matt LaPorta with the seventh overall pick of last year's draft, the move was described as "shocking" and "stunning" by many draft analysts.

 

One year later, LaPorta is making Jack Zduriencik, Milwaukee's director of scouting, look like a genius.

 

The Port Charlotte native has moved rapidly through the minor-league ranks and is rated the organization's top prospect by Baseball America. He is currently playing for Double-A Huntsville in the Southern League, where he has been named the player of the week twice so far this season, and he leads the league with 19 home runs and is second to teammate Mat Gamel in RBIs with 58.

 

LaPorta returned to Florida for the first time since his playing days with the Orange and Blue last week when his Huntsville Stars visited the Jacksonville Suns at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville for a five-game series.

 

It was a homestand for the Suns, but you wouldn't have known it every time LaPorta and Gamel, a Jacksonville native and Bishop Kenny High alum, came to the plate or made a play in the field. The LaPorta supporters were vocal and made themselves known.

 

"It's been a great feeling," LaPorta said. "To see all of my friends and family come into town, just to know that I have that kind of support, it's nice to know."

 

Friends and family weren't the only ones who made the trip to see the former Gators star. UF fans flocked to the games as well, serenading LaPorta with the same chant of his last name that used to ring out through McKethan Stadium, as well as a few Gator cheers.

 

"I heard them (Saturday) night," LaPorta said with a grin. "It was good to hear that again."

 

When he came to the plate in the ninth inning on Saturday and belted a two-run shot into the right-field bleachers, he heard the cheers again, echoing those from the past.

 

REWRITING THE RECORD BOOKS

 

The records, awards and achievements read like a veritable laundry list.

 

Two-time Southeastern Conference Player of the Year (and the only UF player to ever receive the honor).

 

Two-time First-Team All-American.

 

Two-time First-Team All-SEC selection.

 

Brooks Wallace National Player of the Year Award finalist.

 

Dick Howser Trophy finalist.

 

USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award finalist.

 

And the list goes on.

 

He left UF as the school's career home run leader with 74, third in SEC history and ninth in NCAA history. He also has the school record for single-season homers (26) and rates in the top ten in nearly every offensive category.

 

LaPorta was also the first UF player to be drafted in the first round since the Montreal Expos took Brad Wilkerson with the 33rd pick in 1998.

 

It took three tries for him to get there, though.

 

Drafted by the Chicago Cubs, his favorite childhood team, in the 14th round out of high school, LaPorta opted to become a Gator and put his major-league dreams on hold. He broke out with a sensational sophomore season and led the 2005 squad to the College World Series, where he ended his season as the nation's home run leader.

 

Big things were expected of LaPorta and the rest of the Gators in 2006, but injuries cut those expectations short. The slugger missed most of his junior season after straining his oblique, and his numbers suffered once he returned to the lineup. As a result, he plummeted to the Boston Red Sox in the 14th round - as many expected him to be a first-rounder - of the 2006 draft. When Boston could not meet his bonus demands, he returned to UF for one more season.

 

As LaPorta put it, "The third time, I guess, was a charm."

 

A GOOD GOODBYE

 

Returning to school and proving that his sophomore year was no fluke paid off tremendously.

 

LaPorta enjoyed a remarkable senior campaign, belting 20 home runs, driving in 52 runs and finishing the year with a .402 batting average, only the ninth player in UF history to finish over the .400 mark. The former UF standout did all of this while battling ankle and quadriceps injuries, and he was intentionally walked an astounding 30 times. He also served as the leader for a young team filled with freshmen.

 

"It was a good goodbye, I think," LaPorta said. "I just know that I went back to school, and I accomplished the things that I wanted to accomplish."

 

After signing with the Brewers and rehabbing his right quadriceps, LaPorta was sent to Milwaukee's rookie club in Helena for a brief stop before moving on to low Class-A West Virginia. The hot hitting carried over from the end of his college career to the start of his minor-league career, and he finished the season batting .304 with 12 home runs and 31 RBIs in his 115-at-bat debut.

 

That earned LaPorta a trip to the Arizona Fall League, a league where teams send their best prospects to get some extra work in after the minor-league season. LaPorta was then invited to big-league camp for spring training.

 

"That was a great learning experience," he said. "I got to meet a lot of the guys in the big-league club and just interact with them. They taught me a lot. It was a great time. It's kind of like a big family up there."

 

OUT IN RIGHT FIELD

 

The main reason some scratched their heads when Milwaukee took LaPorta last year was because of his defensive position. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound slugger came in as a catcher at UF but manned first base for the majority of his career.

 

The only problem? One Prince Fielder, who currently holds that position for Milwaukee.

 

So the Brewers drafted LaPorta as an outfielder, which drew skepticism from scouts and analysts, who regarded his defense as suspect and even something of a liability.

 

While that perception is puzzling to many coaches and players who watched LaPorta for four years at UF, he doesn't mind hearing the criticism.

 

"Everybody's got their own opinion," he said. "It doesn't bother me, it just makes me want to work harder and prove to people that I'm not just a hitter, I'm also a good defender, and I can play the game of baseball."

 

He paused, then slowly grinned. "Anyway, I enjoy hearing negative things about myself."

 

If the negative comments only serve as motivation for their star prospect, the Brewers might want to keep telling LaPorta that his outfield defense needs some major improvement.

 

While the organization first had him playing left field, he has now been shifted to right field after Ryan Braun took over the opposite-corner outfield position for the major-league club this season.

 

Though he knows he still has much to learn, LaPorta is having fun with his new role.

 

"I'm pretty athletic," he said, "and I think I'm turning into a pretty good outfielder."

 

He certainly looked the part on Friday night against the Suns when he made a spectacular diving catch to save an extra-base hit. Though he didn't have many chances throughout the series, LaPorta played like he belonged in right field.

 

"There's still a lot of things I need to work on to get better, because it's fairly new to me," he said. "But I know with time and the way the Brewers' organization works, they're going to help me and show me how to do the right things."

 

CURRENT AND FUTURE STAR

 

A lot can happen in one year, and the past 12 months for LaPorta have been about as eventful as they could be.

 

"It's been kind of a whirlwind since I got drafted," he said. "There are a lot of new things in my life which are very exciting."

 

One of those exciting new things is a fiancee. LaPorta and Dara Altman, a former pole vaulter on the UF track and field team, were engaged in April and will be married in December.

 

LaPorta has taken another new role as a blog writer for Baseball Digest Daily and MiLB.com (Minor League baseball's official Web site) and said he loves giving insight into the life of a professional baseball player.

 

As for what lies ahead in LaPorta's baseball future, there is much speculation that he will almost certainly be called up to Milwaukee in September for a taste of the big leagues, but LaPorta is taking all of the talk with a grain of salt.

 

"There's nothing ever for sure in this game," he said. "If that happens, it's great, but if it doesn't, I'm not really concerned about it."

 

Nor is he concerned about when he will make the jump to Triple A.

 

"It's whatever the organization feels is best for me," LaPorta said. "I just have to go out there every day and get better and produce every game, do my job, and things are going to happen."

 

If he continues producing the way he has, it's only a matter of time before LaPorta just happens to be in Milwaukee's lineup for good.

[Mass Haas]

John Sickels discusses Mat Gamel

[Irish Brewer]

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080619&content_id=419726&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp

 

Found this while surfing around. Kinda a puff piece, but it seems like Matt has a good head on his shoulders. Can't wait from him to contribute on the major league level.

[Mass Haas]

Posted just two posts above...thanks, though.

[Tbadder]

Regarding Sickels report, Mat's defense is the reason why I think he'll evetually replace Fielder at 1B. I know the Brewers are hoping against hope that he'll be sufficient at 3rd but...

 

I understand that his range isn't the problem, which leads me to believe he could actually be an above average 1st sacker eventually. True or no?

[strawbossisevil]

It seems that it would make far more sense for the more athletic player (Gamel) to play outfield over the less athletic player (LaPorta - who already has a history at first base) would it not?

 

If we are going to stick anyone at 1st it would be LaPorta, not Gamel.

[battlekow]

HIs pro debut was successful: .327/.375/.497 in 50 games in the Pioneer League, though his plate discipline was weak with 12 walks against 49 strikeouts in 199 at-bats. I gave him a Grade C+ in the 2006 book. Interestingly, scouts rated his defense at third base ahead of his hitting at this point.

That is interesting.

[Mass Haas]

6/24 Jim Powell & Mark McCarter, reporter for the Huntsville Times, talk about the Brewers Huntsville Stars AA Club

Good stuff, enjoy...

[jhart05]

So what's the plan with Gamel? Isn't a .376 BA over 260+ Double-A ABs enough to warrant a promotion? Or is there a more subtle, salary-related plan with this? It seems both Mat & Matt (LaPorta) have nothing left to prove about their abilities to hit Double-A pitching.

 

I've heard Melvin say that AA League they are in is a very good pitching League. Better than what they would face in AAA right now.

 

So they are going to give them a full year at AA to rip up on that good pitching.

 

Plus I think they want to do with that AA group of players what they did with the young guys currently with the big club. Try to keep them all together thru their Minor League careers.

[twobrewers]

Huntsville has been getting some pretty big love lately from some national sources. (I can't remember the other one I read)

 

SI mentions Huntsville's lineup today in regards to the upcoming trading deadline...

 

One team in excellent position to trade for a starting pitcher should be the Brewers, who are stacked with prospects. Scouts have converged on their Double-A team at Huntsville, Ala., where several big-time prospects, including first baseman Matt LaPorta, catcher Salome Angel, third baseman Mat Gamel and shortstop Alcides Escobar, play. Kudos to scouting director Jack Zduriencik, whose picks also include Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun and many others who have made the Brewers a hot young contender.