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Mass Haas

By Mass Haas,
in Brewers Minor League Talk

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Mass Haas GOAT

Mass Haas

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Former Brewer draft pick Steven White was released by the Yankees after a long minor league career that included on-and-off 40-man roster status. I had the opportunity to chat with him way back in '02.

 

Can't believe time has passed so quickly. My then-six-year-old, who joined me on the Cape that day, is already nearly as tall as my wife now.

 

See battlekow, you'll look back fondly on all your interviews some day http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif...

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Mass Haas GOAT

Mass Haas

Brewer Fanatic Staff
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Back in 2002, I followed closely the start of the pro career of 26th round LHP Craig Breslow out of Yale, mainly because of the time I had spent with then-Brewer northeast area scout Tommy Tanous. So any New England Brewer pick grabbed my attention.

Not only was Breslow's educational background unique, but so was the way Craig earned his way back into affiliated ball with the Padres after a stint in independent ball (San Diego purchased him for $1 after a tryout camp). Breslow used up his minor league options while with Boston on their 40-man, and was claimed on waivers twice in '08, back in March by Cleveland, and then early this season, when the Twins claimed him. Craig has been fantastic out of Minnsota's pen (2.13 ERA, only 26 baserunners in 25.1 innings).

I've been fortunate enough to have had a very casual (meaning I try not to bother him too often http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif) email association with Craig, which ironically, didn't begin until after his release from High Desert in '04. Being able to watch a big leaguer make Alex Rodriguez look silly, as Craig did earlier this season, then to shoot him a note and to get a brief reply from the big leaguer that same night has been cool to say the least. Check out # 3 on this list.

Craig is putting his good fortune to work via his charitable foundation. He asked if I would be kind enough to spread the word here, and I'm more than happy to oblige. He knows that Brewer fans from around the country, including the Northeast, read us here.

Craig's strike3foundation.org
The Strike 3 Foundation heightens awareness, mobilizes support, and raises funding for childhood cancer research.

First Pitch Celebrity Gala
Woodbridge Country Club -Woodbridge, CT
Inaugural Event, November 8, 2008 at 6:30 PM

I founded the Strike 3 Foundation in 2008 with a compelling inspiration to reciprocate my good fortune. Privileged by a healthy and prosperous upbringing, yet forever touched by the childhood cancer of my sister, I now seek to raise awareness and support for this devastating disease.

I grew up in Connecticut before graduating from Yale University. When I earned my degree in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, I intended to pursue a career in medicine. My plans to become a physician were delayed when I was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2002. In 2005, I made my Major League debut as a member of the San Diego Padres. I later moved on to the Boston Red Sox organization and was a member of the 2007 World Series Championship team.

Maintaining close ties to the community in which I was raised, I return to Connecticut each off season. This winter, when the impulse to give back became overwhelming, so too did the impetus. I recalled with a familiarity all too real, the morbidity that permeated our house when my sister, at age 14, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. But I remember with even more vivid clarity, the euphoric response to the declaration of her being cancer free after treatment.

The visionary in me sees the day when all cancers are eradicated. The realist understands that the first steps toward this feat are to heighten awareness, raise support, and encourage cancer research. To that end, I am excited by the prospects that our partnership with CureSearch offers. United in our goal, we hope to hasten the arrival of the day when no child with cancer goes uncured.

The Strike 3 Foundation is currently planning its inaugural fundraising event, The First Pitch Celebrity Gala scheduled for fall 2008 in Connecticut. Relying upon the charity of individuals, businesses, corporations, and institutions, the Strike 3 Foundation thrives through the generous donations of goods and services.

Let us begin today and continue working throughout the coming season to establish a strong financial foundation in advance of our first official event. The Strike 3 Foundation values every contribution and pledges to maximize the impact of each gift. On behalf of every child with cancer, cancer survivor, and their families, we offer our deepest gratitude for your generosity.

Sincerely,

Craig Breslow

Thanks for anything you can offer for Craig's site, and wish he and the Twins well for a Brewer-Twin showdown in the World Series. That would be mighty sweet, don't you think?


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mls4 Draft Eligible

mls4

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Kevin Mench was sent back to AAA Syracuse. His OPS was .670 and has not hit a HR in 112 PAs with Toronto this season.

Geoff Jenkins went on the DL. It is too bad that he has only managed a .698 OPS in 313 ABs with Philadelphia this season.

Scott Podsednik is back after 3 weeks on the DL. Another very mediocre season at .664 OPS in 161 PAs.

Robinson Cancel was sent back to AAA New Orleans. He only has 31 PAs with the Mets this season.

Dana Eveland is back with the A's after 3 starts at AAA Sacremento. He went 3-0, pitching 21 innings, with 6 ER and 21 strikeouts.

Al Reyes was signed to a minor-league contract by the Mets after refusing an outright assignment by the Rays. He had a 4.37 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in 22+ innings with Tampa Bay this season and saved 26 games in 2007 but after some injury problems, apparently there was no room for him in the bullpen.

Richie Sexson was released by the Yankees. His .764 OPS over 35 PAs with NY was a major improvement over his .696 OPS over 292 PAs with Seattle, but must not have been what they were hoping for.

Zach Jackson has been called up to the Indians and joined the starting rotation. In 3 starts so far, he has no decisions in 18+ innings with a 4.91 ERA and 1.31 WHIP.

Carlos Lee was having his best season yet with a .937 OPS through 115 games when he went on the DL with a season-ending finger injury.

35-year-old Valerio de los Santos only lasted 2 starts in his first major league action since 2005. He compiled a 5.63 ERA and 2.12 WHIP in 8 innings with Colorado. They were obviously desperate as his numbers with AAA Colorado Springs were not a whole lot better. Since leaving the Brewers, VDLS struggled in 6 games with Philly in 2003, 17 games with Toronto in 2004, and 27 games with Florida in 2005. He pitched well in 2006 with AAA Charlotte before spending 2007 pitching in the Mexican League.

Chad Moeller was outrighted to AAA Scranton after spending much of the summer as the Yankees' backup catcher. His .643 OPS in 84 PAs with NY is actually an improvement over his days with the Brewers.

Ruddy Lugo spent a few days in the Mets' bullpen but did not make an appearance. He is struggling as a starting pitcher with AAA New Orleans this year, with an ERA of 5.36 and a WHIP of 1.40.

Chad Paronto was DFA after pitching 10+ innings out of Houston's bullpen. His ERA was 4.35 and his WHIP was 1.26.

Jeff Bennett is back with the Braves. He has pitched 76+ innings this season, including 4 spot starts, with a 4.24 ERA and 1.45 WHIP.

Scott Linebrink has been on the DL the past month after a very good 39 innings as a key member of the White Sox' bullpen. He has a 2.31 ERA and .92 WHIP.

Jorge Sosa is with AAA Tacoma after signing a minor-league contract with Seattle. He has a 3.68 ERA and 1.84 WHIP in his first 14+ innings there.

Johnny Estrada only managed 55 PAs with Washington this year before being DFA. He had been injured much of the year.

Eliezer Alfonzo only lasted 3 weeks and 11 PAs as the Giants' backup catcher before being optioned back to AAA Fresno.

Marino Salas lasted only 11+ innings with the Pirates after a 9.26 ERA and 2.40 WHIP. He is back with AAA Indianapolis where he has pitched 54 innings this year with a 3.67 ERA and 1.28 WHIP.

Brian Wolfe was optioned back to AAA Syracuse despite a 3.00 ERA and 1.17 WHIP over 18 innings with Toronto. He has been a starter the last 5 games in AAA and has not been quite as good in that role.

Greg Aquino had a 12.54 ERA and 2.79 WHIP in 9+ innings with Baltimore before going on the DL and is now on a rehab assignment.

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mls4 Draft Eligible

mls4

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Adam Pettyjohn was called up by the Reds and made his first MLB appearance since 2001 with the Tigers. Interesting story behind it, here.

 

Other September call-ups include: Chad Moeller, Yankees; Marino Salas, Pirates; Nelson Figueroa and Robinson Cancel, Mets. All have been in the majors with their respective teams earlier in the year.

 

Greg Aquino was DFA by the Orioles.

 

Matt Stairs was traded from Toronto to Philadelphia.

 

Back from the DL: Scott Linebrink, White Sox; Geoff Jenkins, Phillies.

 

Released: Ty Taubenheim, Pirates; Al Reyes, Mets.

 

Ruddy Lugo sent outright to AAA Norfolk by the Mets.

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