Link Report for Sun. 6/13 -- From MLB to A-Ball, Worst Record in Baseball, Our Discussion Ensues

[wibadgers23]

That's what bothers me most Mass. You mention we haven't had any breakouts. I agree. We haven't had one player really dominate yet. You could make an argument for Odorizzi I guess. It's been a very disappointing season all around so far.

[jwill535]

to add to what Wi just said, if a player does start to dominate, then they have tended to get hurt.

 

Lucroy would be the only break out player this year, or you could also add Braddock.

[biedergb]

This may be a year for 'comeback'/redemption. Cain, Green have put miserable '09 year behind them. Capuano (not a prospect, but did sign a minor league deal) has come back. Jeffress made his first start. Maybe Mr. Rogers and Mr. Jones can be healthy for a second year in a row. We have had some relief pitching emerge in Axford, Kintzler and Lamontagne. Also Gennett has had a solid first half. And Lawrie has emerged as a real top prospect. And now maybe Gamel can regain his spot. So there are some bright spots. Remember it's not about producing a Braun or Gallardo. If we could have two of these in our system every year we'd be the D-rays by now.

[brewmann04]

I agree with Mass and not only Player Dev and the Scouting staff. I think a complete change of the whole system is in order

[Tedaldtada]

Idk guys, I think you are taking for granted some really great, 'breakout' years. Gennett, Davis, Heckathorne, and Odorizzi at WI. Komatsu and Fiers at BC. Cain, Lawrie and Wheeler at Huntsville. Plus there are guys like Kinzler who have really put their name on the map.

 

Idk if those are 'breakout' years, or just really good years, but Cain especially is having the most success he's had since he was a league MVP in rookie ball. Lawrie is outproducing what he did last year at low-A. Komatsu is having a very nice bounceback. And the WI guys are all in their first full season of pro ball.

 

I realize the results are not there record-wise, but the season has been far from an utter disaster.

 

The dissappointing seasons thus far by Arnett, Peralta, and Scarpetta make it all seem worse because those guys are top 10 pitchers in our system. I get that. Still, they all have half a season to bounce back yet. Maybe as Prince heats up, some of these guys will too. Long season.

 

And, we now have all the draft picks to root for!

 

I can't really comment on the coaching situation.

[battlekow]

We know it's not just about wins and losses, but with an 0-3 mark Sunday and the Sounds now only four games over .500, the four full-season affiliates are now a combined 107-141, a .431 winning percentage. Someone else can do the homework, but you'd be hardpressed to think that's not 30th and dead last in all of MLB.

 

Certainly if you were to throw in MLB records, the Brewers 26-37 mark drops the overall percentage to .428 (133 - 178). I'd bet my house that's 30th.

For just cumulative AAA-A records, the Brewers' .431 winning percentage is only third-worst, ahead of Atlanta (.416) and Minnesota (.413). Throw in the big league club, and the organization is indeed dead last, at .428; Houston's .434 is second-worst.

[Mass Haas]

Check out the link --

 

Insightful comments and as always, fine photography from Brad Krause -- recognize this guy?

 

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AvXObne-YHg/TBXBLtbhKqI/AAAAAAAAAoo/x4qKaD9SITE/s320/20100613_438_filtered.jpg

[Mass Haas]

The Post-Crescent's Mike Woods:

 

The question was easy for Timber Rattlers manager Jeff Isom.

 

It's the answer that remains the difficult part.

 

"I keep saying, are we just good enough to be a club that's one run short or are we playing well enough that we're right there. I don't know. I don't have that answer,'' said Isom after the Rattlers dropped an 8-7 decision to Dayton on Sunday at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium, dropping their record to 3-18 in one-run games this season.

 

"But I like the way our guys go about their business on a daily basis. Everyday is a new day and they don't sit and dwell on what's happened in the past. They continue to go out and work their tails off every day. Without record the way it is (22-41), I continue to be optimistic as well as the players.''

[Mass Haas]

Link while active, text follows:

 

Jeffress knocks off rust with Rattlers

By Mike Woods, Post-Crescent staff writer

 

GRAND CHUTE — The story had an all-too familiar ending at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Sunday, but at least there was an exciting new chapter to pique your interest.

 

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers dropped an 8-7 decision to Dayton in Midwest League play, sending their record in one-run games on the season to 3-18.

 

But amid the dreariness was a ray of sunshine, provided by former No. 1 pick Jeremy Jeffress, who made his first appearance and pitched one perfect inning.

 

"Relief," Jeffress, who hadn't pitched in a game since June 22, 2009, said of his feelings once his one inning was over. "My heart stopped pounding. I just felt good. I'm so happy to be back out on the mound. All the people that helped me. God bless them. I'm glad just to be back and have another shot at it."

 

Jeffress, coming off a 100-game suspension for violating the Minor League Drug Treatment and Prevention program a second time, threw 17 pitches. Six topped 90 mph and he topped out at 96 mph. He allowed no hits, no walks and struck out two.

 

"I thought he did a good job," said Rattlers manager Jeff Isom. "He still needs to work on locating his fastball. He's still knocking some rust off, if you will. But he was running his fastball up there. His velocity is there. He still has a little bit more in the tank. The organization has seen him up to 100 mph but he's just trying to feel his way through."

 

Jeffress came on in the eighth inning of a 7-7 game and gave his team a chance to pull it out.

 

And there were no problems, physically.

 

"It felt good coming out of my hand, my shoulder and my arm," he said. "No pain. I felt good out there."

 

Isom said the plan is to take things slow with this prized arm.

 

"He'll sit down a couple of days and then he'll be back in action," said Isom.

[Mass Haas]

A reminder as you plan your Monday at home or the office -- Huntsville game audio at 10:45 AM Central time -- a new Link Report will kick off shortly before game time.