West Virginia to Appleton? Updated: It's official! Latest: Ten TV Games

[panama74]

Rumors around Appleton are that, as soon as next year, the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers will cut ties with Seattle and become the new Brewers low A affiliate. Any information about that circulating? Appleton has an excellent facility and the Timber Rattlers draw very well in spite of very, very poor teams the past few years.

[TheCrew07]

I would absolutely love that, but I'm not sure I see that happening.

[Mass Haas]

I think the Brewers would love to stay in Charleston for as long as that ownership would have them -- as it was two years ago, it'll be up to the Power ownership group. Last time around, they tested the waters before deciding to offer a re-up.

[pogokat]

Supposedly Columbus, Ga will be needing a new affiliate...thought this could be the end of the line down her...even with a nice facility, the lack of fans good end it this season..

[sbrylski]

Where did you hear this rumor? And if so, excellent!

[SenatorShriv]

Didn't the Brewer's make a concious effort to move out of the north to avoid forcing the young pitchers to throw in cold weather? Wasn't that one of the big reason's they left Beloit? I would love to see them move to Appelton or Beloit but it seems to run counter to recent history.

 

Not to mention, I'm a hippie and it is painful for me to route for a team that glorifies coal, so heading elsewhere would help me sleep a little better at night. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Mass Haas]

Link while active, text follows:

 

Brewers as good as gone from Charleston

Milwaukee's contract with Power is up at season's end; Brewers eyeing a home state move to Appleton

Column by Jacob Messer

Charleston Daily Mail sportswriter

 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Are the Milwaukee Brewers pulling the plug on the West Virginia Power?

 

The low Class A player development contract between Milwaukee and West Virginia ends in September.

 

However, Milwaukee baseball officials still haven't sat down with Power executives to discuss the organizations' future together.

 

Milwaukee Director of Player Development Reid Nichols says it is simply a matter of policy.

 

"We have kind of taken the policy of waiting until the season is over and not letting it be a distraction during the season," Nichols said.

 

If that indeed is the Brewers' policy, it is a new one, according to Palisades Baseball Executive Vice President Andy Milovich.

 

"Two years ago (when the organizations agreed to their second two-year contract), all summer long, all we heard from them was, 'We want to re-up, we want to re-up, we want to re-up,' but we haven't heard that once this year," Milovich said. "The absence of that conversation by now is conspicuous."

 

West Virginia was the one stalling the talks that year, Nichols and Milovich agree.

 

"When we got to the point where we wanted to talk, they wanted to wait," Nichols said.

 

"We had some concerns we wanted to address before we made a decision," Milovich said.

 

Milwaukee is one of 17 Major League teams whose player development contracts with their low Class A affiliates will expire in the fall.

 

Rumor has it, the Brewers want to move their Class A franchise to nearby Appleton, Wis. That would end the affiliation between the Seattle Mariners and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

 

Never mind the fact that Milwaukee officials previously left Beloit because they didn't want their pitchers throwing in Wisconsin's winter weather.

 

Hey, Brew Crew, global warming won't make Wisconsin any hotter than West Virginia, especially during those April showers that consist of snowflakes rather than raindrops.

 

"I have heard the rumor just like you have and everybody else has," Milovich said. "It will be interesting to see how it plays out. Only time will tell."

 

Let me save you the wait: The Brewers are going, going, gone.

 

Nichols' comments might suggest otherwise, but what else could he say given the damage it would do to the organizations' soon-to-be-over relationship, not to mention Major League Baseball's strict tampering guidelines and costly penalties for breaking them.

 

"It's a great city and a great ballpark," Nichols said. "It has been a great relationship for us, and it has been a great relationship for them."

 

Nichols couldn't be more correct, which is why it is so frustrating to know Milwaukee and West Virginia aren't likely to team up again.

 

The Brewers promised to send their most talented prospects to Charleston and, boy, did they deliver.

 

Milwaukee has provided Kanawha Valley baseball fans with the pleasure of watching Ryan Braun, Yovani Gallardo, Alcides Escobar, Hernan Iribarren, Will Inman, Mat Gamel, Angel Salome, Michael Brantley, Matt LaPorta and Jeremy Jeffress, among others.

 

Today, 2008 first-round draft pick Evan Frederickson is scheduled to make his first Power start.

 

The Power has had a .500 or better record in five of the seven halves it has played since 2005, its first season with the Brewers.

 

"Milwaukee has been a solid affiliate," Milovich said. "They have sent some good clubs and outstanding talent here. We have been happy with that, and the fans have been happy with that."

 

The Brewers also deserve credit for sending top-notch managers (Ramon Aviles, Mike Guerrero, Jeff Isom) and coaches (John Curtis, Corey Hart, Jim Lett) here.

 

On top of that, Milwaukee's roving instructors (Garth Iorg, Mike Lum, Jim Rooney) and high-level executives (Nichols, Dan O'Brien) are here so often, Power officials and Charleston media members have developed first-name relationships with them.

 

"They have a strong staff and a strong player development system," said Milovich, who specifically praised Nichols and Milwaukee Assistant Director of Player Development Tony Diggs. "At this level of baseball, you don't see the roving instructors as often as the Brewers seem to send theirs. That is a sign of their commitment to developing players.

 

"Look at the way our team started this season and the way they are playing now," Milovich added.

 

The Power started the season 19-32 but now is 42-41 after winning 23 of its last 32 games, including six in a row.

 

"That is a testament to the focus and energy the Brewers put into developing these guys," Milovich said.

 

Praise also should be heaped upon West Virginia, which backed up its guarantee to give Milwaukee a franchise with a new stadium and loyal following.

 

Appalachian Power Park has been home to an average crowd of 3,619 (846,826 fans in 234 openings) in its four seasons.

 

Credit Milovich, West Virginia General Manager Ryan Gates and their staff for constantly improving the Power product.

 

"Overall, they have been really happy from everything they indicated to us," Milovich said. "We would prefer to continue the relationship."

 

Too bad it won't happen.

 

The most likely candidates to fill the Brewers' spot in Charleston? The Rangers, Mariners, Rays and Mets are the best bets.

 

Tampa Bay is especially intriguing because its rookie league team is in Princeton, which is 90 minutes away from Charleston.

 

Cincinnati and Pittsburgh would be welcomed into Charleston because they have so many local fans, but both are staying put. Cincinnati owns half of the Dayton franchise. Don Beaver owns the Hickory franchise and also is one of Pittsburgh's minority owners.

 

Kanawha Valley baseball junkies also wouldn't mind having the Cleveland Indians here, but they have a deal with the Lake County Captains through 2010. More importantly, Cleveland owns half of the neighboring Lake County franchise.

 

Like the Reds and Pirates, the Indians aren't going anywhere.

 

No matter which team signs with Milovich and his franchise in October, the Power surge will continue.

 

"There is no chance of us not having a Major League affiliate," Milovich said, "because the number of teams and affiliates are equal.

 

"Our preference would be Milwaukee. Absent a regional affiliate that our fans have a strong attachment to (the Reds, Pirates or Indians), the Brewers are as strong as anybody. But if the rumors are true, we certainly would land on our feet."

 

Contact sportswriter Jacob Messer at jacobmesser@dailymail.com.

[Mass Haas]

One can only imagine, given the very serious tampering repercussions, the incredible dance that Brewers and Timber Rattlers officials will have to do for the next three months on this subject, as all sorts of Wisconsin media types are going to approach them.

 

To be honest, it's an un-needed distraction for all involved.

 

That being said, nice work by Jacob at the Daily Mail.

[TheCrew07]

Well if they moved to Appleton there'd be a ton of video from me, obviously I'd be thrilled.

[dadofandrew]

This sounds like a handshake agreement may already be in place.

[Mass Haas]

Also from the Daily Mail:

 

Midwest League

Beloit Snappers - Minnesota Twins (signed through 2010)

Burlington Bees - Kansas City Royals (signed through 2010)

Cedar Rapids Kernels - Los Angeles Angels (signed through 2010)

Clinton Lumber Kings - Texas Rangers (signed through 2008)

Dayton Dragons - Cincinnati Reds (signed through 2008)

Fort Wayne Wizards - San Diego Padres (signed through 2008)

Great Lakes Loons - Los Angeles Dodgers (signed though 2008)

Kane County Cougars - Oakland Athletics (signed through 2008)

Lansing Lugnuts - Toronto Blue Jays (signed through 2010)

Peoria Chiefs - Chicago Cubs (signed through 2012)

Quad Cities River Bandits - St. Louis Cardinals (signed through 2010)

South Bend Silver Hawks - Arizona Diamondbacks (signed through 2008)

West Michigan Whitecaps - Detroit Tigers (signed through 2010)

Wisconsin Timber Rattlers - Seattle Mariners (signed through 2008)

 

South Atlantic League

Asheville Tourists - Colorado Rockies (signed through 2008)

Augusta GreenJackets - San Francisco Giants (signed through 2008)

Charleston Riverdogs - New York Yankees (signed through 2008)

Columbus Catfish - Tampa Bay Rays (signed through 2008)

Delmarva Shorebirds - Baltimore Orioles (signed through 2010)

Greensboro Grasshoppers - Florida Marlins (signed through 2010)

Greenville Drive - Boston Red Sox (signed through 2012)

Hagerstown Suns - Washington Nationals (signed through 2008)

Hickory Crawdads - Pittsburgh Pirates (signed through 2008)

Kannapolis Intimidators - Chicago White Sox (signed through 2010)

Lake County Captains - Cleveland Indians (signed through 2010)

Lakewood Blue Claws - Philadelphia Phillies (signed through 2008)

Lexington Legends - Houston Astros (signed through 2008)

Rome Braves - Atlanta Braves (owned by Atlanta)

Savannah Sand Gnats - New York Mets (signed through 2008)

West Virginia Power - Milwaukee Brewers (signed through 2008)

[twobrewers]

That would be awesome.

I hear the Timber Rattler's are always a good game & fun time - but since they are not Brewer affiliates (And I only really follow Brewer minor league players), I wouldn't know anyone on the team.

[dadofandrew]

Apple-ton is nicer than many AAA parks, and they do a nice job.

[TheCrew07]

Apple-ton is nicer than many AAA parks, and they do a nice job.

 

Thank the lord for Yuku and no more silly hyphenated words.

[giffted1]

I'd be absolutely thrilled if they moved to Appleton. It's a great facility but as others have mentioned, home to terrible teams in recent years.

[wvpowerblkwel]

Well, just to add the perspective of a guy from Charleston, I think this sucks! Charleston is a great place to watch baseball, and the players seem thrilled to be here. I think when you are talking young 19 -22 year old guys, Charleston is a good place for their development both on and off the field. I think the Brewers will be sorry and I don't see much sense in it.....of course there was the Linestink trade, and we'll hold our judgement on other Brew Crew decisions until after the CC trade is announced!

[berniebrewer4life]

Supposedly Columbus, Ga will be needing a new affiliate...thought this could be the end of the line down her...even with a nice facility, the lack of fans good end it this season..

I drive thru columbus every time i go to my farm in Sumter Co. I'd love to be able to catch a game every now and then.

[uwisfan]

wow, that would be AWESOME! As someone that lives in appleton and goes to the rattlers about once or twice a year, actually by my wife's pressing, this would really be amazing for me, especially if Z can be kept around in some capacity so we have great prospects to watch...

[BrewCrewForever]

My friends and I try to go to at least 1 or 2 T-Rats games a year. We never know any of the players since its a Seattle affiliate. But always have a great time at the games, very good stadium for A ball and have very good food and at good prices. Plus who can't get down with Fang shooting Brats into the stands with the "Bratzooka". If the Ratts became the Brewers A club I would probably go to even more games and follow much more closely being that it is less then a hour drive for me to Apple-ton.

[TuesdaysWithRillo]

I would be making the 90 mile drive to Appleton many times if the Brewers decided to put their A ball team there.

[Diggr14]

corey hart can coach too?

 

Damn, now that guy should be an all-star

[TheCrew07]

I might buy a season ticket package.. that's how excited I am. I'm trying to temper that excitement by reminding myself that I rarely get what I want.

[Mass Haas]

Link while active, text follows:

 

Brewers' impending exit leaves Power with lineup to fill

by Jack Bogaczyk

Charleston Daily Mail Sports Editor

 

The way this relationship began between the Brewers and West Virginia Power in 2005, it seemed Charleston was getting Milwaukee's baseball version of Laverne & Shirley.

 

In a South Atlantic League first-half season debut of 25-45, the Baby Brewers sent to Charleston were Lenny and Squiggy laughable.

 

Oh, well, at least we had a new ballpark then.

 

The Brewers, to their credit, did more than just get it right. That's why the revelation by the Daily Mail's Jacob Messer on these pages two weeks ago that Milwaukee's Class A affiliation is all but going, gone, gone from Appalachian Power Park is sad news.

 

Starting tonight, when the Power opens an eight-game homestand, you have 25 games (and maybe a playoff date or two) to see the Brewers as the home team provider. It's not that Charleston baseball will be only losing a first-place team this half.

 

The Power has been plugged into a first-rate organization.

 

Since that 20-games-under start, the Power is 48 games over .500. The Brew Crew sent through the capital city's farm will leave local and Major League memories for years to come.

 

Ryan Braun, Yovani Gallardo, Will Inman, Joe Thatcher, Alcides Escobar, Hernan Iribarren ...

 

Why this is happening is something of a mystery. You won't get an answer on the thinking from Milwaukee, at least none that is no more than speculation, at least not now. Try September.

 

Supposedly, the Brewers want to move their low Class A farm team about 90 miles from Miller Park to Appleton, Wis. -- where these days most sports fans are consumed by the Brett Favre Flu.

 

I can't believe the baseball people from the Brewers are thrilled about leaving Charleston, where they've enjoyed nice facilities and supportive crowds that on this homestand will surpass 900,000 in four years.

 

However, some Cheesehead suits or bean counters in Beertown probably see the chance to sell a few more Milwaukee seats and caps and jerseys in Appleton, so they say to the baseball guys, "You can teach a right fielder to hit the cutoff man in Wisconsin as easily as you can in West Virginia, so ..."

 

Mat Gamel, Matt LaPorta, Angel Salome, Darren Ford, Taylor Green, Michael Brantley, Andrew Lefave ...

 

No one who cares about baseball here can be steamed about what the Brewers have produced in the East End ballpark. In fact, we have been spoiled recently.

 

If you go back into Toronto's final season (2004) as the Alley Cats' parent club, Charleston baseball has had eight half-seasons of at least .500 (out of 10). The city was 11-for-12 under .500 from 1998-2003.

 

After Milwaukee's poor debut half season when too many young prospects were overmatched, the Brewer teams here have finished lower than third in the division in only one half (sixth, 32-37 the first half of this season).

 

If the Power wins the second-half SAL Northern Division title, Charleston will be in the playoffs for the third time in five summers.

 

What's next after BrewerBall? It's a crapshoot. West Virginia Baseball LLC Executive Vice President Andy Milovich said playing the affiliation game "is like trading lottery tickets."

 

Even if the Power does its homework and studied a farm system's depth (as Milovich and General Manager Ryan Gates will), who's to say what the 2009 draft will or won't bring that organization, or what impact a trade involving multiple prospects may cost a club?

 

Jeremy Jeffress, Zelous Wheeler, Stephen Chapman, Carlos Corporan, Zach Braddock, Eric Farris ...

 

There are 17 clubs in the South Atlantic and Midwest leagues who have Player Development Contracts that end with the 2008 season.

Some affiliations just won't change because of ownership, regional ties or geographic sense (Cincinnati among them).

 

Contractually, Boston, Anaheim, Kansas City, Toronto, Detroit, Baltimore, Cleveland, Atlanta, St. Louis, Florida and both Chicago clubs are unavailable.

 

When Milwaukee re-upped with the Power for 2007 and '08, the other Major League clubs that expressed more than a passing interest in a Power plug-in were Tampa Bay, Texas, San Francisco and the New York Mets.

 

If you want to hold out hope for a "regional" affiliation, maybe the best bet is Pittsburgh -- although Hickory Crawdads owner Don Beaver is a part-owner of the parent Pirates. Still, the Wheeling-based Nutting family now guides the Pirates' management.

 

Maybe some Pittsburgh poobah might take a similar tack to what Milwaukee seems to be taking. Might the Bucs might sell a few more of the very available PNC Park tickets in the Kanawha Valley if the organization had team ties in a city where the storied Pirate-fueled Charlies remain a fond memory?

 

The likely time frame for the Power to land a new parent club is the second half of September, after Major League teams spend the first two weeks of the month in discussions and negotiations with potential farm stops.

 

Lorenzo Cain, Jonathan Lucroy, David Welch, Derek Miller, Chuck Caufield, Patrick Ryan ...

 

The prospects have been prominent, and the irony as the Power heads into the last 6 1/2 weeks of the season is that Charleston baseball fans will be rooting for their team to make the SAL playoffs for a second straight year ... and then watch that organization pack its bags.

 

They will still sell Anheuser-Busch products at the Power Park concession stands, but I'm here to tell you Milwaukee's best has tasted mighty fine to spectators, too.

[Chio151]

The Appleton stadium is really nice.

 

I remember watching Prince, Gwynn, & Parra at Beloit -- but that was basically a little league park.

 

I hope it happens.

[brewjihad]

For those that have never been to Appleton to see Fox Cities Stadium, here's a link with a few pictures of the field and seating areas. I haven't been to a whole lot of minor league parks, but I'm guessing that Fox Cities Stadium is one of the best around. It's so clean and the playing field is fantastic.

 

The T-Rats will almost certainly not renew with the Mariners this year- they've gotten the opposite treatment the Brewers have given WV, most decent prospects have skipped this stop. Jeff Clement only made a token stop here. The best guy they've had was Carlos Triunful, a 17 year old shortstop last year. They were terrible this year and last.

 

It would be bad for the folks in WV, but I'd make it to more T-Rats games if the Brewers were affiliated with them and I'd actually know/care about the players there. I think there are plenty of BF.net 'scouts' up here that would provide pictures, video, and scouting reports of the players if the Brewers were to move here.

 

And in regards to the weather, it's always bad for the T-Rats in early April but that's about the only issue. I think the Brewers would consider that issue, but I still think they would join with the T-Rats. It'd be a win-win situation- the T-Rats get a better organization and the Brewers grow awareness up in Appleton, where few seem to know that the Brewers exist because the top five stories on the news every day are about the Packers- and they have a near-by affiliate in case of rehab games or scouting.