Link Report for Mon. 5/11 -- Strong Nights for Cody, Butler

[Mass Haas]

http://www.brewerfan.net/images/store/dailylinkreport.jpg

[Mass Haas]

Monday's Daily Menu:

All times Central; pitchers subject to change --

Link here for the live audio choices - audio will no longer archive.

Sorry, no audio for this Brevard County series.

Nashville: LHP Lindsay Gulin at Omaha (Royals), 10:50 AM pre-game; 11:05 gametime

Huntsville: TBD (likely LHP Chris Cody) at home vs. Chattanooga (Dodgers), 6:45 PM pre-game; 7:00 PM gametime

Brevard County: TBD (likely RHP Josh Butler) at home vs. Clearwater (Phillies), 6:05 PM gametime

Wisconsin: Idle

[Mass Haas]

Follow Monday's action as it happens:

Here's what you do, right click on each of the links below and choose "Open in New Tab or New Window". Choose "Recap". While you're listening to your minor league game of choice (or watching/listening to the big league Crew when they are playing), simply refresh your game log browsers every so often.

 

MiLB.com now has Gameday available for AA as well as AAA this season.

 

Nashville:

 

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2009_05_11_nasaaa_omaaaa_1

 

Huntsville:

 

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t559&t=g_box&gid=2009_05_11_cngaax_hunaax_1

 

Brevard County:

 

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t503&t=g_box&gid=2009_05_11_clrafa_breafa_1

[Mass Haas]

This link will be included in each daily report when the Nashville Sounds are scheduled to play. Normally it is updated a few hours prior to gametime.

 

Nashville Media Notes (Adobe .pdf format):

 

[Mass Haas]

Midwest League Standings

[Mass Haas]

 Pacific Coast League (AAA) - PCL American North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Memphis 17 11 .607 - 9-4 8-7 L1 Omaha 17 13 .567 1.0 8-7 9-6 L1 Iowa 16 13 .552 1.5 9-6 7-7 W1 Nashville 16 15 .516 2.5 6-9 10-6 W1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

 Southern League (AA) - SOU North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Huntsville 14 12 .538 - 5-7 9-5 W4 Tennessee 14 12 .538 - 5-4 9-8 W1 Carolina 12 18 .400 4.0 6-9 6-9 L1 Chattanooga 12 18 .400 4.0 7-8 5-10 L1 West Tenn 10 17 .370 4.5 5-8 5-9 L5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

 Florida State League (A+) - FSL North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brevard County 22 8 .733 - 10-3 12-5 L1 Clearwater 16 14 .533 6.0 7-9 9-5 W3 Daytona 13 16 .448 8.5 6-8 7-8 L2 Dunedin 13 16 .448 8.5 4-9 9-7 L2 Lakeland 12 17 .414 9.5 9-8 3-9 L2 Tampa 12 17 .414 9.5 5-10 7-7 W2 

[Mass Haas]

Link Report Bonus

Link while active, text follows:

 

Sounds aren't hitting at gate

Team disputes drop from '08 attendance

By Maurice Patton

THE TENNESSEAN

 

A month into the 2009 baseball season, announced attendance for the Sounds is off by a third compared with last season, mirroring a trend seen in virtually every ballpark of the Pacific Coast League.

 

The Sounds' announced average attendance of 3,463 per game for the first two homestands of the season is one-third less than the announced average attendance of 5,283 over the same period last year.

 

But Sounds officials insist that the news is not all bad.

 

Methods for compiling announced attendance can vary from team to team. Some count tickets collected at the gates while others offer estimates based on the appearance of the crowd in the stands. Some teams count all their season tickets sold then add single game sales on top of that to arrive at an attendance figure.

 

Sounds officials say their actual attendance figures actually show an increase over last year, though the organization refused to provide those numbers.

 

"We cannot assess how business was done with the previous ownership, but based on the numbers we've been provided, the number of people in the park to this point is up from last year," the team said in a statement.

 

Only one PCL team - New Orleans - is averaging better announced attendance this season than it did last year.

 

And, in the midst of challenging economic times, the PCL is taking note.

 

"We've had a number of conference calls, because of the economy this year and because of the amount of energy and effort that is having to go into all aspects of selling, relative to our franchises," PCL President Branch Rickey III said.

 

Although the struggles are league-wide, each team faces unique problems. Advertising and sponsorship sales are down with some franchises, while season- and group-ticket sales are down with others.

 

"That's not to say we're not all being affected," Rickey said. "But I think it's been surprising to our clubs to hear that not everybody's being affected in the same way."

 

The Memphis Redbirds, one of the PCL's perennial attendance leaders, have lost about 25 percent of their season-ticket base from 2008 - mostly because of a drop in corporate sales, General Manager Dave Chase said.

 

"I think sports tickets are an easy item to cut from the budget," he said. "There's probably a significant number of those tickets that aren't being used anyway, so it's an easy cut to make.

 

"One of the biggest factors, though, is what is that base. Our base is one of the biggest in the league. We were at about 5,300 season tickets last year. So there's more room for us to lose."

 

Although a number of PCL teams would not address season ticket sales, variances among those reporting went from Memphis' 25 percent loss to a 10 percent gain for Portland.

 

"But almost every one of our clubs is anticipating that this year's walk-up is going to be increased over previous years," Rickey said, referring to tickets sold on the day of a game.

 

Nashville's total season ticket sales for 2008 were not available, but more than 500 packages have been sold for '09. Nearly half were sold since the team's purchase from Chicago-based AmeriSports by MFP Baseball was finalized in late February, and after stadium enhancements costing upward of $2 million.

 

"Is it where I'd like it to be yet? No," Sounds co-owner Frank Ward said. "Do I take it as a positive sign we're getting the fans back? Yes.

 

"I'm encouraged. Everyone I talk to is comfortable with the ballpark, happy with the improvements. We've gotten a lot of positive feedback. I think they've been happy with what we've been able to accomplish in a short period of time. But I'd like it to be a lot better."

[Mass Haas]

Adam McCalvy:

 

Catcher Mike Rivera, on the DL with a sprained left ankle, will begin a three-game rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Nashville on Monday. The Sounds are in Omaha on Monday, then play home games on Tuesday and Wednesday. If all goes well, Rivera will re-join the Brewers in time to start Thursday's game against the Marlins at Miller Park.

[Mass Haas]

Also from Adam:

For the first time, the team also named a baserunner of the month at each affiliate, as selected by the coaching staff. The winners were Alcides Escobar (Nashville), Adam Stern (Double-A Huntsville), Logan Schafer (Brevard County) and Brett Lawrie (Class A Wisconsin).

[Mass Haas]

Jim over at Bernie's Crew with a feature highlighting hot players from the past week.

[Mass Haas]

Tony Gwynn with a leadoff home run (yes, over the fence, not inside-the-park), he's really played well.

 

And would it be another day without the audio link not working for another affilaite broadcast -- sigh...

[TheCrew07]

The multimedia side of MiLB has really taken a step back this season, it's too bad.

[Mass Haas]

The Nashville site's audio link is working now (wasn't earlier).

 

Lindsay Gulin playing Houdini after his two-run first inning in a 2-2 game thus far. Escaped a 2nd and 3rd, no-out jam in the 2nd and a 2nd and 3rd, one-out jam in the 3rd.

 

Omaha Bottom 2nd

• Brian Buchanan doubles (2) on a line drive to left fielder Cole Gillespie.
• Tommy Murphy singles on a line drive to left fielder Cole Gillespie. Brian Buchanan to 3rd.
• With Ed Lucas batting, Tommy Murphy steals (9) 2nd base.
• Ed Lucas strikes out swinging.
• Irving Falu pops out to first baseman Erick Almonte.
• Tug Hulett flies out to left fielder Cole Gillespie.

Omaha Bottom 3rd

• Brayan Pena grounds out, third baseman Mat Gamel to first baseman Erick Almonte.
• Kila Ka'aihue walks.
• J. R. House singles on a line drive to center fielder Tony Gwynn. Kila Ka'aihue to 2nd.
• With Travis Metcalf batting, wild pitch by Lindsay Gulin, Kila Ka'aihue to 3rd. J. R. House to 2nd.
• Travis Metcalf pops out to third baseman Mat Gamel in foul territory.
• Brian Buchanan flies out to left fielder Cole Gillespie.

[Mass Haas]

3-3 after six innings, and Lindsay Gulin can thank David Johnson for stranding two of his three baserunners in what was a no-out jam.

 

Omaha Bottom 5th

• Kila Ka'aihue walks.
• J. R. House singles on a line drive to center fielder Tony Gwynn. Kila Ka'aihue to 2nd.
• Travis Metcalf walks. Kila Ka'aihue to 3rd. J. R. House to 2nd.
• Coaching visit to mound.
• Pitcher Change: Dave Johnson replaces Lindsay Gulin.
• Brian Buchanan singles on a ground ball to left fielder Cole Gillespie. Kila Ka'aihue scores. J. R. House to 3rd. Travis Metcalf to 2nd.
• Tommy Murphy strikes out swinging.
• Ed Lucas strikes out swinging.
• Irving Falu grounds out to first baseman Erick Almonte.

[Mass Haas]

Wow, continuing today's theme with the Sounds now up 5-3 after seven -- another escape act, this time when R.J. Swindle came on for David Johnson:

 

Omaha Bottom 7th

• Defensive Substitution: Angel Salome replaces catcher Mike Rivera, batting 4th, playing catcher.
• J. R. House flies out to center fielder Tony Gwynn.
• Travis Metcalf singles on a line drive to left fielder Cole Gillespie.
• Brian Buchanan doubles (3) on a fly ball to left fielder Cole Gillespie. Travis Metcalf to 3rd.
• Pitching change: LHP R.J. Swindle in for RHP David Johnson.
• Tommy Murphy hit by pitch.
• Ed Lucas grounds into a force out, third baseman Mat Gamel to catcher Angel Salome. Travis Metcalf out at home. Brian Buchanan to 3rd. Tommy Murphy to 2nd. Ed Lucas to 1st.
• Irving Falu grounds into a force out, fielded by third baseman Mat Gamel. Tommy Murphy out at 3rd.

[Mass Haas]

Final: Nashville 5, Omaha (Royals) 3

 

Turns out the Tony Gwynn home run hit the foul pole, so it may or may not have actually "left the yard". http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

Full details from the Sounds' site later this afternoon...

 

[Mass Haas]

Nashville Site Game Summary:

Link for Tony Gwynn photo, text follows --

 

Sounds Take Series Finale, 5-3

OMAHA , Neb. - The Nashville Sounds won the final game of a five-game series, 5-3, on Monday afternoon at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha. Outfielder Tony Gwynn led the way for the Sounds, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored and his first home run of the season.

 

The Royals on the day stranded 14 men on-base and went a combined 3-for-18 with runners in scoring position.

 

The Sounds jumped out to a 1-0 lead when Gwynn homered to right field on the second pitch of the game from Bruce Chen. Gwynn's leadoff shot was his first home run in 167 at-bats, leading back to August of last year, and was the first game opening home run since Callix Crabbe on July 27, 2007 vs. Fresno.

 

AUDIO: Tony Gwynn Leadoff Home Run

 

Joe Koshanksy's sacrifice fly scored Alcides Escobar, giving the Sounds a 2-0 lead after the top of the first inning.

 

Kila Ka'aihue knotted the score at 2-2 with his double in the bottom of the first inning that scored Irving Falu and Brayan Pena.

 

The Royals rallied in the bottom of the fifth inning to load the bases off starter Lindsay Gulin. Reliever David Johnson came in with no outs and allowed Brian Buchanan to single home Ka'aihie for a Royals 3-2 lead. Johnson was able to get out of the inning only surrendering one run and striking out two in the process. Nashville was able to tie the game at 3-3 in the next frame with Jason Bourgeois' two-out RBI single, scoring Erick Almonte.

 

Leading off the top of the seventh, Gwynn singled to centerfield, collecting his third hit of the afternoon. Gwynn then stole second base on the first pitch to Escobar. Newly activated Mike Rivera, on Major League rehab from Milwaukee with a sprained left ankle, knocked in Gwynn for a Sounds 4-3 lead. Koshanksy extended the lead to 5-3 with his two-out RBI single that scored Escobar. All of Koshanksy's 20 RBIs have come on the road this season.

 

The Royals loaded the bases again in the bottom of the eighth inning, but were unable to produce a run. R.J. Swindle relieved Johnson with the bases loaded, but got Ed Lucas and Falu to ground out, surrendering no runs.

 

Chris Smith came in the ninth and got the Royals out in order, picking up his seventh save of the season.

 

Johnson (1-0) earned his first win of the season, pitching 2.1 innings and striking out three. Greg Atencio received the loss for Omaha, allowing three runs over 1.1 innings.

 

The Sounds return to Nashville and open an eight-game homestand tomorrow at 7:00 PM at Greer Stadium by welcoming the Reno Aces (AAA-Diamondbacks) to town for the clubs' lone series of the year. Reno is a new PCL franchise in 2009, replacing the Tucson Sidewinders. Sounds starter Mike Burns (4.0, 2.63) takes the hill to face Reno's Billy Bucker (1-1, 5.29).

 

Nashville Box Score

Alcides Escobar three walks (not a misprint), and he stole his 16th base in 19 attempts (commented in his interview he'd like to steal 60-70 this season); Mike Rivera 0-for-4 with the RBI in his first rehab game...

 

Nashville Game Log

Mat Gamel handled three groundouts and a pop-up cleanly...

[WisconsinSportsRule]

TGJ having a nice year batting .328 thus far. If he could start hitting well, he could be in Milwaukee next year. He has an OBP of .393 and more BB's (16) than K's (15).

[Mass Haas]

Chris Cody is pitching well in a "you-should-start-to-listen-in" kind of way (wink, wink).

[trwi7]

Chris Cody is pitching well in a "you-should-start-to-listen-in" kind of way (wink, wink).

 

Funny. I was coming to post the same thing.

 

Butler with another very nice outing for the Manatees. 7 innings, 2 earned runs, 6 hits, 2 walks, 4 strikeouts and 13-4 ground outs/ fly outs. Unfortunately the Manatees trail 2-1 in the 8th.

[trwi7]

There goes the no-hitter for Cody. I blame Mass for mentioning it. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif

[TheCrew07]

It would make my month if Salome and Brewer could get their BAs over .240 respectively. It wouldn't hurt if young BB starting to flash some power again as well. His SLG is currently .1 over his OBP... not a good thing, nor is striking out 37 times out of 107 ABs. The good news for Angel is that 2 of his 3 2B and both HRs have come over his last 10 games, he may be on the upswing, but it's going to be a long climb to respectability.

 

Speaking of respectability, I wonder if Escobar read the off season comparisons between himself an some other top SS prospects, the only knock on him in the comparison was that while his speed was well above average, he wouldn't steal as many bases. I wonder if his campaign to steal bases is impacting him. His doubles total is drastically lower than it should be, only 2 in 32 games? Something is up. Someone should tell him that no one cares about SBs, bring back the power stroke! If he wants to steal bases, turn doubles into triples...

[uwisfan]

TGJ having a nice year batting .328 thus far. If he could start hitting well, he could be in Milwaukee next year. He has an OBP of .393 and more BB's (16) than K's (15).

yeah, but in spite his improved average, his OPS is still terrible

[twobrewers]

It's been a really good year for some of the Brewers' "lesser" pitching prospects.

 

So far, Rogers, Braddock, Jones, Wooten, Cody and Butler have all surpassed my expectations.

[BrewCrewWS2008]

TGJ having a nice year batting .328 thus far. If he could start hitting well, he could be in Milwaukee next year. He has an OBP of .393 and more BB's (16) than K's (15).

yeah, but in spite his improved average, his OPS is still terrible

 

Really???? I forgot OPS is all that matters! Wow he is a lead off hitter, in the major leagues, that means he is supose to get on base maybe steal some bases and score runs but I guess only hitting double and homers can do that. That whole next year comment is ridiculous. I'd still take him over Duffy. You can continue to think that OPS is the only stat that matters if you want but secret is that it truely doesn't make a player worthy of being in the major leagues. If he can start hitting well..... okay I forgot .328 is god aweful, maybe next kid!!!!