Your 2010 Huntsville Stars

[Mass Haas]

Last night the MLB Extra Innings TV package carried the Rockies' broadcast. I actually like their TV crew quite a bit. Regardless, they mistakenly referrred to Stars GM Buck Rogers, thinking it was the former Brewer manager of the same name now toiling as the Stars' manager (not their GM -- so wrong guy, wrong position).

[battlekow]

Well, at least one baseball professional thinks Lawrie can stick at second:

• [tt][/tt]

• [tt]Norb (Queens): Where do you think Brett Lawrie
  ends up on defense?[/tt]

John Manuel: 2B if he wants, RF if he doesn't because

he does have arm strength and he can run.

[TooLiveBrew]

"2B if he wants" ... that's certainly not the first comment that appears to question Lawrie's desire to work at becoming a good 2B. I certainly could be reading into something that isn't there, though.

[battlekow]

"2B if he wants" ... that's certainly not the first comment that appears to question Lawrie's desire to work at becoming a good 2B. I certainly could be reading into something that isn't there, though.

No, I took it that was as well, but I guess it's better than "He couldn't play second even if he wanted to." I guess. Maybe.

[battlekow]

I'm posting this because I was unaware of the connection between Rogers and Flaherty, a Cubs supplemental first rounder in 2008, and found it interesting:

Minors a Major deal in Maine

Travis Lazarczyk/Waterville Morning Sentinel

 

Players with Maine ties can be found all over the minor leagues, and

their careers are worth following.

The best place to start is the Double-A Southern League, where three

Mainers -- Mark Rogers of Orr's Island, and Ryan Reid and Ryan Flaherty,

both of Portland -- chase their big league goals.

Remember, Rogers was the fifth overall pick in the 2004 draft. The

Milwaukee Brewers plucked Rogers and his 90 mile per hour plus fastball

out of Mt. Ararat High School. Shoulder surgery washed away most of the

last three years of Rogers' career, but now he appears ready to train

his path back on Milwaukee, beginning this season with the Brewers'

Double-A team, the Huntsville (Ala.) Stars.

Rogers made his 2010 season debut Saturday night against the

Chattanooga Lookouts. He started for the Stars and struck out the first

batter he faced. And the second. He doubled in his first at bat. Rogers

allowed one run on one hit in 4 2/3 innings, striking out three and

walking four. He didn't pitch long enough to earn the win, but it was a

solid debut.

Deering High graduate Ryan Flaherty is an infielder for the Tennessee

Smokies, the Chicago Cubs' Southern League club. Flaherty's high school

teammate, Ryan Reid, is a pitcher for the Montgomery (Ala.) Biscuits,

the Tampa Bay Rays Southern League team. There's an excellent chance the

former teammates will face either other this season, and face Rogers,

too.

Rogers, Reid and Flaherty are already forever linked by the 2004

Class A high school baseball championship game. Rogers and Mt. Ararat

played Reid, Flaherty and Deering in a game that was moved from Saturday

afternoon at Gorham High School to Monday night at Portland's Hadlock

Field to accommodate the expected huge crowd.

Approximately 7,000 fans showed up at Hadlock that night and saw

Deering take a 6-1 win. To have three players from one state

championship game reach AA ball, is impressive no matter what state it

is. When that state is Maine, where the baseball season sometimes

doesn't begin until May, it's downright unheard of.

[battlekow]

Stars opt to extend lease with Huntsville for five years

Mark McCarter/Huntsville Times

 

HUNTSVILLE, Al. -- Despite dwindling attendance and playing in the

oldest stadium in the Southern League, the ownership of the Huntsville

Stars has exercised the option to extend its lease with the city of

Huntsville for five years, through the 2015 season.

 

Miles Prentice, the team's majority owner, made the announcement

prior to the Stars' home season opener Wednesday night.

Prentice said that in reassuring the city he would not move the club

he hoped for "a recognition that baseball is important (to Huntsville)

and they want to keep it."

The "recognition" would involve a financial investment in the

city-owned Joe Davis Stadium.

"Probably fairly significant, but I haven't put a number on it,"

Prentice said.

Mayor Tommy Battle expressed interest earlier this week in

renegotiating the lease, but noted it was one of the most generous

agreements among Southern League clubs, partially due to the stadium's

age.

Battle said he "wants to hear while Miles has to say" regarding the

lease extension. However, because of travel conflicts they were not able

to meet during Prentice's vist Wednesday.

"It's time to sit down and talk constructively about what can get

done and what will be done," Prentice said.

Battle and Prentice met last July 24, after which Prentice said, "I

guess the basic issue (now) is the recognition that we in Huntsville

need a new ballpark" and Battle said both parties were "wide open to any

idea that will improve baseball here."

Prentice has enlisted architectural firms to study Joe Davis Stadium

to "re-do what is here, because you do have some things you could build

around," an alternative to a new park that "is significantly less."

The average cost of a new stadium for teams at the Double-A level is

estimated at $25 million. Prentice said he and his group would be

willing to discuss a private-public partnership, much as his $2 million

investment in the stadium at Midland, Tex., where he owns another team.

He also spoke of the stadium's "great location" in Huntsville and the

potential for developing land surrounding it for commercial purposes.

Part of the reason for the announcement and long extension is because

"there is no pressure. You don't have to make a decision today or

tomorrow," Prentice said. "This takes time. You need to plan. ... The

real goal in my mind is to ensure baseball is here 50 more years, not

just five more."

He acknowledged that he has had discussion "with five or six other

cities" about potentially moving the team, and acknowledged the Stars

had approached city officials in Madison about a stadium there.

The Stars' player-development contract with the Milwaukee Brewers

expires at season's end and Prentice said they have "been patient" with

Huntsville. It is expected that Milwaukee will investigate opportunities

with another affiliate in September when baseball rules permit a brief

"shopping period" for teams looking to make a switch, especially if no

significant changes are made to the stadium.

Wednesday's announcement assures that Prentice's ownership group

would still have a team here next season, working with another major

league club should the Brewers decide to look elsewhere.

http://media.al.com/breaking/photo/prentice-3jpg-fec6c7b471bcf00d_large.jpg

Stars owner Miles Prentice

 

[battlekow]

This tweet from Kevin Goldstein pretty well sums up Gindl's scouting reports: "Talked to two scouts about Brewers OF Caleb Gindl

today. One really liked him, one really didn't."

 

I asked Goldstein if there was any consensus on Gindl's defense, and he said: "[They] agreed that he was average at best with a

decent arm."

[battlekow]

Caleb Gindl's "in the team photo" on Baseball America's first Prospect Hot Sheet of the year:

You can wonder where the 5-foot-9 Caleb

Gindl (Brewers) will play in the big leagues, but don't question

his ability to hit. The 21-year-old Double-A Huntsville outfielder hit

.333/.412/.633 this week with five extra base hits. That's not a big

surprise when you remember that has has a .309 career average and an

on-base percentage near .400.

[logan82]

"2B if he wants" ... that's certainly not the first comment that appears to question Lawrie's desire to work at becoming a good 2B. I certainly could be reading into something that isn't there, though.

No, I took it that was as well, but I guess it's better than "He couldn't play second even if he wanted to." I guess. Maybe.

How big of a problem is Lawrie's attitude? I have heard many different things about his attitude and most are not good. I would ignore it for the most part but it seems to come up more and more often. I am hoping it is just some immaturity because of his age.

[Tedaldtada]

I'm not positive, but most reports commenting on his attitude seem to suggest he is egotistical or cocky. I have also seen the 'all he cares about is hitting' label thrown at him.

[Mass Haas]

Link while active, text follows:

 

Jones remains a Stars mainstay

By Brad Shepard, For The Huntsville Times

 

Mike Jones is polite but pointed in his feelings about Huntsville.

 

"I'll be honest with you, I'm tired of it," the Stars pitcher said with a laugh. "From a career standpoint, I'm sick of seeing Huntsville, Alabama. I don't want to set records here."

 

Who can blame him? The 26-year-old former 2001 first-round draft pick has spent a portion of each of his past seven professional seasons - excluding injury-erased 2005 - in a Stars uniform. He is as much a part of spring in the city as pollen and Panoply.

 

But this year, the role is different, though the surroundings are the same. Jones - a long-time starter - is pitching in relief where he has a 2.45 earned run average in three appearances.

 

It's his latest attempt to revive a once-promising career, and he's embracing it even though he originally expected to compete for a starting job in Triple-A Nashville. Several offseason acquisitions changed the Brewers' plans for Jones as they wanted more pitchers with major league experience in Nashville.

 

"I consider myself somebody who's going to take advantage of the opportunity given to me, and right now, the organization sees me in a relief role," Jones said. "At the end of the day, you have to swallow your pride and move forward.

 

"The days of prospect status and potential have faded, and now, it has turned into whatever it takes to get to the show."

 

That he is still kicking around the minors speaks volumes for his work ethic and perseverance, Stars pitching coach John Curtis said.

 

After all, Jones' right arm has been a playground for surgeons. He blew out his shoulder in 2004, which led to surgery. He had another shoulder surgery in '05 and rehabbed during '06 only to come back, experience elbow troubles and have "Tommy John" reconstructive surgery.

 

"Yes, he's been in this league a number of times, but this is an amazing story what he's come through," Curtis said, "and where he's slotted now (as a reliever) opens up a future for him.

 

"He's as hard a working athlete as I've ever been around."

 

Regardless of what happens with baseball, the future is bright for Jones and wife Nicole, who welcomed son Michael in the offseason.

 

"Being a father is humbling, and it's a huge responsibility, but the reward is unbelievable," he said.

[paul253]

If I were Jones I'd be really disappointed with the organization. From starting in AAA to relieving in AA? I don't get it. Yeah his numbers weren't great last season, but it was his first healthy season in years. I think they should have given him a chance in the rotation in Nashville.

[Tedaldtada]

I agree Paul, he is more interesting then Waters at least.

[HiAndTight]

"2B if he wants" ... that's certainly not the first comment that appears to question Lawrie's desire to work at becoming a good 2B. I certainly could be reading into something that isn't there, though.

No, I took it that was as well, but I guess it's better than "He couldn't play second even if he wanted to." I guess. Maybe.

 

I took it as he's talented enough to stick there, and he will if he puts in the work.

[davego]

I'd think if Jones shows some up-side in Huntsville, he could jump all the way to the 'Crew w/o a AAA stop.

[Thurston Fluff]

Talent wise you could be right Davego but he has some pretty good guys in AAA ahead of him now. Although some are lefties so maybe it's one time being a righty is good for a reliever.

[TheCrew07]

I just want the Brewers to do the right thing and call him up, then let him pitch in a game. I don't care if it's September... 2 shoulder surgeries, TMJ surgery... he's worked so hard and stuck with it so long, he's earned that appearance. I would love it if Mike makes it on his talent and performance and earns a bullpen slot outright, but I really want him to pitch in a MLB game this year.

 

When he does it will be the first and only time I communicate TH, I won't be nasty, I just thought his comments regarding Mike were tasteless last year given what he's been through, and I want him to choke on those words.

[paul253]

I just don't understand the Brewer's thinking. Last year they rushed him all the way up to Nashville. But this season not only does he get demoted to the bullpen, but they move him down a level? Why?

[TheCrew07]

Well he's not really a prospect anymore, I guess they liked the other guys more than him. It's too bad for Mike.

[paul253]

I guess.....Chris Waters and Kameron Loe though? Even Chris Cody is getting starts ahead of him in Huntsville while Anundson is out.

[davego]

I don't recall what Tom wrote about Mike. Refresh me?

 

I've been under the impression that for the most part, the talent levels between AA and AAA have become small enough that it really isnt that much of a streach to skip a level. No question the 'Crew doesn't see Mike as a starter at this point, but if he does the job out of the pen I'd think he would still have a big league shot.

[paul253]

I'm just curious if they told him when he chose to resign with this organization that he was going to be moving to the pen. He has shown a lot of loyalty to Milwaukee as I am sure they are plenty of organizations that would have let him continue starting.

 

How is his velocity looking this year?

[Mass Haas]

I'm just curious if they told him when he chose to resign with this organization that he was going to be moving to the pen. He has shown a lot of loyalty to Milwaukee as I am sure they are plenty of organizations that would have let him continue starting.

Totally appreciate your commitment and interest in Mike throughout this thread, paul253, but I just think you're over-assessing where Mike should be in in his pro career right now. The Brewers were ready to say goodbye to him last spring, and he took them up on their offer of a slot at Brevard County. His AAA callup was a nice story, but was more a need of a body there than outstanding performance in Huntsville (career stats). I will say I'm surprised he just turned 27, I would have guessed a year or two older at this point.

[battlekow]

Lucroy Movin' Up

Jim Shonerd/Baseball America

One hitter [Mike] Minor won't have to worry about facing in the Southern

League is Jonathan

Lucroy, formerly of Huntsville. The Brewers promoted the

23-year-old catcher to Triple-A Nashville yesterday after he'd gotten

off to a .452/.500/.524 start through 42 at-bats for the Stars, leaving

the SL behind as its leading hitter.

Lucroy's manager with Huntsville, Mike Guerrero, had worked with him

previously as the manager at high Class A Brevard County in 2008 and

could see the difference in Lucroy's maturation level from then to now.

"He's improved as you go through the ladder," Guerrero said. "As you

go higher, the game gets a little faster and you have to think within

the game a little quicker and recognize situations. And he has improved

in that area. I believe that as he goes to Triple-A, he'll grow up a lot

more. You're always learning in baseball. It's just a game where you're

always learning about everything."

After hitting a combined 20 home runs in 2008 between stints with

Brevard County and low Class A West Virginia, Lucroy hit just nine last

year with Huntsville. He still held his own with a .267/.380/.418 line

in 419 at-bats, but his average and slugging percentage were both easily

career lows.

His on-base skills weren't diminished though, as Lucroy walked more

than he struck out (78 walks, 66 whiffs), and he'd had picked up where

he left off to start this year, having struck out just three times in 10

games. He drew praise from Guerrero as a line-drive hitter who excels

at letting the ball travel deep in the zone and using the whole field.

Guererro also liked Lucroy's work behind the plate, saying he'd

improved his blocking and receiving, doing a better job of reading

pitches in the dirt and getting in position to keep the ball in front of

him. He had yet to allow a passed ball after giving up 12 last year,

second-most in the SL.

 

• Lucroy isn't the only Huntsville hitter to have gotten off to a

hot start. Outfielder Lorenzo

Cain, 24, missed most of 2009 with a left knee injury suffered in

spring training and hit just .214/.277/.338 in 42 games with Huntsville

after getting back on the field. Healthy to start 2010, Cain has opened

the year on a 12-game hitting streak and, after going 2-for-4 Tuesday

night at West Tenn, was sporting a .385/.458/.423 average through 52

at-bats. Another sign of Cain's return to health is his basestealing

proficiency, as he's gone 8-for-8 to lead the league after swiping just

three bases all of last year.

Cain didn't even start playing baseball until high school, where the

Brewers drafted him in the 17th round in 2004, then watched him play a

year at Tallahassee (Fla.) CC before signing him as a draft-and-follow.

As such, he was more raw then the typical prospect entering pro ball,

but it looks like his instincts might be starting to catch up to his

athleticism.

"His hitting approach has improved," Guerrero said. "He's letting

the ball travel. He's using his lower half to hit. I think he's going to

get better as the season goes along. It's only been a small part of the

season, but you can see the improvement these guys have done in 10

ballgames."

[Mass Haas]

Link while active, text follows:

 

Motor running fine for Wheeler

Stars like energy of their infielder, born in Alabama

By Mark McCarter, Huntsville Times Sports Staff

 

The old Childersburg High linebacker might have been too short to play college football. Especially at the University of Alabama, the program Zelous Wheeler grew up following.

 

It must be noted, though, in all modesty, "I had a pretty good nose for the football."

 

A stocky 5-foot-10, 215 pounds is a pretty good fit for baseball, though,

 

"His enthusiasm, all the energy he has in his body" is what appeals to Huntsville Stars manager Mike Guerrero. "He plays hard all the time."

 

There was plenty of evidence to that Monday night as Wheeler stood outside the Stars' dugout with some detergent-defying dirt caked all over his uniform and a grin on his face after Huntsville's 8-2 win over the error-plagued Chattanooga Lookouts.

 

Wheeler, a 23-year-old from Sylacauga by way of Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, socked his first Class AA homer, a three-run shot in the second that helped starter Alex Periard to his first Double-A win.

 

Wheeler finished 2-for-3 with four RBIs - after coming in with five RBIs for the season, and a .283 average in 14 games.

 

Wheeler's home run was hardly a fluke, even though he noted "I had the wind blowing out" as it sliced over the right-field wall. He's hit 23 in three pro seasons. Old stories about Wheeler frequently refer to him as "Wallace State slugger" in the days he was leading the team to third place in the National Junior College Athletic Association.

 

Despite growing up in Alabama, Wheeler wasn't intimately familiar with the Southern League.

 

"I knew about the Birmingham Barons. I didn't know what league they were in," he said. "I'd go down there to see Michael Jordan play a couple of times."

 

Even when Wheeler was drafted in the 19th round by Milwaukee, it never sunk in that he might be in Huntsville eventually.

 

"They said I was going to be in Montana two days after I signed. That's all I knew," he said.

 

It was a big adjustment, geographical and lifestyle, "being away from home. You had to be responsible, be a grown-up."

 

Not so far away from home now, he's beginning to look more at home at the plate - and even at shortstop, though his versatility might be his strong suit.

 

"I started off slow, but never give up," he said. "Just hard work. It's either hang it up or play hard. Things will come around."