Pre-Draft Minor League Transactions

[Mass Haas]

The Brewers have filled the two open roster spots (Morris, Seidel) at Brevard County by activating C/DH/OF Mike Roberts from the disabled list and sending RHP Rolando Pascual from extended spring training and the Helena roster to Brevard.

 

Signed with some fanfare in September of 2005 out of the Dominican Republic, Pascual has pitched only in the Dominican Summer League for the past two years. Prior to that, he struggled at the rookie ball level. This will be his first action on a full-season team, while in his 6th pro season (career stats). Note those walk totals over the years. The 6'6" Pascual is now 22 years old, remarkably age-appropriate for the level.

 

Obviously the Brewers didn't want to mess with the Rattler staff at this point -- they have enough turnover in progress given their recent very heavy game schedule. Also consider the Brewers may not tinker with that Rattler roster much in the coming weeks while they attempt to secure a first-half opportunity for a postseason berth.

[battlekow]

RHP Brooks Hall transferred back to Wisconsin, with RHP Matt Miller going on the DL. We still haven't heard what happened to Miller when he left Thursday's start after two batters, but Michael Woods speculates that Miller injured his oblique.

[battlekow]

1B Cody Hawn hits the DL at Wisconsin, with SS Carlos George activated from the DL in Hawn's stead. As with Miller, still no official word on what's ailing Hawn.

[DHonks]

We should be hearing some Arnett news soon I would think

[Mass Haas]

It's rare when we get injury specifics, but the Post-Crescent does the job here --

Starting pitcher Matt Miller suffered a strained left oblique muscle during the first inning of his start on Thursday and was immediately pulled from the game.

Also, first baseman Cody Hawn, who had appeared in every game this season, was injured in Thursday's game, suffering a strained piriformis muscle. It's a condition where the muscle irritates the sciatic nerve, causing pain in the buttocks and referring pain along the course of the sciatic nerve.

[battlekow]

It's rare when we get injury specifics, but the Post-Crescent does the job here

From the link:

Rattlers manager Matt Erickson indicated that [Matt] Miller will be out for more than two weeks. Erickson expects [Cody] Hawn to be out of action 10 to 14 days.

[battlekow]

CF D'Vontrey Richardson goes back on the DL at Brevard County. Richardson opened the year on the DL with a hip problem. He left yesterday's game after one at-bat (a strikeout). OF Scott Krieger activated from the DL to take Richardson's spot.

[battlekow]

At Wisconsin, RHP Jimmy Nelson returns to the team from "Helena", while RHP Tyler Cravy goes on the DL, retroactive to yesterday.

[And That]

Four pitcher transactions this morning:

1. RHP Mark Rogers has been placed on the Brevard County DL (HT to Jim Breen.)

2. RHP Corey Frerichs has been transferred from Huntsville to Brevard County.
3. RHP Mike Fiers has been transferred from Nashville to Huntsville.
4. LHP Daniel Ray Herrera, recent waiver claim, has been activated on the Nashville roster.

[battlekow]

Haudricourt:

But after giving up four hits, three walks and three runs in 1 2/3 innings in his first start with Brevard, [Mark] Rogers complained of continued numbness in his fingers and the decision was made to put him on the DL.

"It has resurfaced again," said assistant general manager Gord Ash. "He's coming into Milwaukee later in the week for a full (medical) work-up."

[TheCrew07]

So now numbness in both hands, lingering in one, isn't carpal tunnel after all and requires another look? How shocking... It's getting really old, this phantom diagnosis, mess around for a month, then get a real diagnosis type thing. This happens way too often, as does players returning from injury too soon, or trying to play through injuries, only to get re-injured or injure something else.

 

If this was an isolated case... well anyone can make a mistake... but this has been going on for years at every level in the organization. I asked our trainer last night about Rogers' diagnosis and he laughed out loud, I really wish the players in the Brewers organization got the same care as even the college kids playing for UW do.

[DHonks]

TheCrew07, I think you're right. It's about time we hire House to properly diagnose (or accidentally kill) our players! Just kidding...couldn't help but go there

[battlekow]

Hunter Morris will stay with the Stars awhile longer; from the team:

Chattanooga, TN – The Milwaukee Brewers have made a few roster moves that will impact their Double-A affiliate Huntsville Stars prior to tonight’s game at Chattanooga.

INF Sean Halton has been activated from the disabled list. Halton was placed on the DL back on May 20, retroactive to May 18. In 32 games with the Stars this season, the first baseman is batting .304 (38-125) with eight doubles and five home runs. He started every game at first base until May 11.

In a related move, outfielder Chuckie Caufield has been placed on the disabled list, retroactive to May 24. Caufield is currently batting .265 (27-102) in 33 games with Huntsville. He’s belted three home runs and seven doubles with 16 RBI.

With these moves, the Stars active roster sits at 24, the Southern League limit.

[battlekow]

Spoke too soon about 1B Hunter Morris staying with Huntsville; he was sent back to the Brevard County, with CF Logan Schafer getting the bump up.

[CheezWizHed]

with CF Logan Schafer getting the bump up.

 

Yeah! Now where is the corresponding transaction that bumps Komatsu to AAA?

[battlekow]

Chris Mehring reports that 1B Cody Hawn has been activated off the DL for tonight's game, with OF/IF TJ Mittelstaedt headed to the DL in return.

[Mass Haas]

We know that Nashville is going to need to make some room this weekend with Brandon Boggs' return and the likely acceptance by Mike Rivera of his outright assignment. Yet the first move and subsequent beginning of the chain reaction involves pitchers --

 

Stars GM Buck Rogers:

 

RHP Jim Henderson has been transferred from Nashville to Huntsville. Henderson will join the Stars on Saturday at Chattanooga.

 

RHP R.J. Seidel has been transferred from Huntsville to Brevard County. Seidel will join the Manatees on Saturday when they host Jupiter.

[Mass Haas]

To make room for a returning R.J. Seidel on the Manatee roster, Brevard RHP Trey Watten, the 24-year-old ground ball inducer who was the Brewers' 7th round pick out of Abilene Christian in 2008, was released.

 

Watten had really struggled in a relief roll (career stats) in 2011 -- prior to this season, 44 of his career 77 appearances had been starts, including 24 with Wisconsin in 2009.

[Mass Haas]

Nashville Media Notes:

 

ALMONTE, BRADDOCK JOIN SOUNDS FOR REHAB STINTS: Utilityman Erick Almonte, who has been sidelined since April 26 with a concussion, joins the Sounds today to begin a rehabilitation assignment. He is currently on Milwaukee’s 15-day D.L. after opening the year by hitting .103 (3-for-29) in 16 games for the Brewers. Almonte sustained the concussion on April 26 when he was struck in the face by a thrown ball from Craig Counsell during batting practice prior to the team’s game at Miller Park. Left-handed reliever Zach Braddock joins Nashville today to continue his current rehabilitation assignment, which began on May 12 at Low-A Wisconsin (4.2 scoreless IP in two starts). The hard-throwing southpaw was placed on Milwaukee’s 15-day D.L. on May 3rd due to a sleep disorder.

 

BOGGS RETURNS, JAMES ACTIVATED FROM D.L.: Outfielder Brandon Boggs returns to the Nashville roster today for the first time since April 21, following a five-week stint with the Brewers during which he batted .158 (3-for-19) with two homer runs and two RBIs. Boggs opened the year with the Sounds and hit .302 (13-for-43) in 15 games to earn an April 22 promotion to Milwaukee. Right-handed reliever Justin James has been activated from the D.L. after missing the past 14 days of action. To make room for the new additions, reliever Jim Henderson was re-assigned to Double-A Huntsville and outfielder Brendan Katin was placed on the D.L.

[Mass Haas]

So far in 2011, we have three players to add to our pre-season special feature : Dipping into the independent ranks -- the Brewers' history in the Melvin eraMilwaukee purchased two middle infielders, Angel "Andy" Gonzalez and Hainley Statia, in late April, when it became apparent that injuries and a lack of depth required action at the middle levels of the system.

 

Now we can add one of our favorite types of indy league signings, the young kid who will make his affiliated debut with Milwaukee.

 

WILD THING ALAN WILLIAMS SIGNED BY MILWAUKEE BREWERS

Frontier League Press Release

 

The Washington (PA) Wild Things, presented by Washington Financial, today announced that left-handed pitcher Alan Williams signed with the Milwaukee Brewers organization. He will report to Maryvale, Ariz., for a physical and will then be assigned to a Single-A club in the Brewers minor league system.

 

Williams, a first-year rookie with the Wild Things, had appeared in three games this season, earning one save while allowing no runs, three hits and three walks and striking out eight batters in 7.2 innings pitched. In Saturday night’s game against Windy City, he threw four scoreless frames with one hit and four strikeouts.

 

Darin Everson, director of baseball operations and field manager for the Wild Things, said, “We are very excited for Alan to move forward in his career and chase his dream to become a Major League player. There were a couple of teams interested in his services, and with his effectiveness this season, he has definitely warranted that interest.”

 

“When we saw Alan for the first time in spring training, we knew he had a unique package with his age (Williams just turned 21 years old in March) and his power arm,” Everson continued. “We are thrilled that the Milwaukee Brewers picked up his contract today, and we wish him the best in the future.”

 

A 2008 (41st round) and 2009 (49th round) draft pick of the Florida Marlins, Williams played two seasons of college baseball at Meridian Community College in Mississippi. In 2010, he struck out 25 batters in 24.1 innings pitched with a 5.55 ERA. In 2009, he collected 32 strikeouts in 28.1 innings pitched with 8.26 ERA in 20 games. The Rayville, La., native also played outfield, batting .367 with 11 RBIs, 11 hits and four homeruns in 2010.

 

***

 

Wild Things enjoy major achievement

By Chris Dugan, Sports Editor, Washington (PA) Observer-Reporter

 

It seemed as if everyone in the Wild Things organization had a little extra bounce in their step Sunday afternoon. That's because it was a landmark day for the Frontier League team.

 

Ten years to the day of their initial game, the Wild Things finally had one of their former players make the major leagues.

 

The Cincinnati Reds announced early in the day that they added former Wild Things pitcher Tom Cochran to their 40-man roster. The Reds then placed Cochran on the major-league team prior to playing at Atlanta last night.

 

Cochran is the first former Wild Things player to make the major leagues. He's also the fourth Reds pitcher to be called up in the last four days.

 

A left-hander, Cochran spent the 2006 and 2007 seasons with Washington, posting records of 8-5 and 6-8. He played in the 2007 Frontier League All-Star game.

 

One of Cochran's best outings came in Game 2 of the 2007 championship series at Windy City when he took a no-hitter into the seventh inning of a Washington victory.

 

Since playing in Washington, Cochran spent one year in the independent Cam-Am League and part of the 2009 season in the independent Atlantic League, from which the Reds purchased his contract. Cochran moved his way up through the Reds' system and began this year at Class AAA Louisville. He won his first five decisions and had a 5-1 record in eight games (four starts) for the Bats at the time of his call-up.

 

Cochran wasn't the only Wild Things left-hander to get a call from a major league organization Sunday. Relief pitcher Alan Williams, who threw four scoreless innings and earned a save in Washington's 5-0 victory Saturday night over Windy City, had his contract purchased by the Milwaukee Brewers.

 

"This shows that if you perform and produce here, then you have a chance," Washington manager Darin Everson said.

 

Williams, 21, appeared in three games with Washington, throwing 7 2/3 scoreless innings. He allowed three hits and three walks with eight strikeouts.

 

Brewers scout Joe Kowal was at Consol Energy Park Saturday and liked what he saw of Williams, who also was receiving interest from the Florida Marlins, who twice drafted the lefty from Rayville, La., but did not sign him.

 

"What scouts like about Alan is he's athletic, he's young, he's got at least an average major-league fastball in terms of velocity and a curveball that most would grade as major-league average right now," Washington pitching coach Mark Dewey said.

 

According to Everson, Williams threw 15 fastballs of 91 mph Saturday and several others that hit 92 mph.

 

Williams was the youngest player on the Wild Things. He was signed after spending only two years playing college ball, at Meridian (Miss.) Community College.

 

"For Milwaukee, it's like getting a draft pick," Everson said. "Alan's a young guy who's not just a body filling a roster spot. He's going there as a prospect. He's a power-arm lefty and has a chance to be 93-94 mph when he gets to 23 years old, if not sooner."

 

***

 

Williams' last indy league gameBy Chris Dugan, Sports Editor, Washington (PA) Observer-Reporter

Throwing hard is what Alan Williams does best. The youngest player on the team at age 21, Williams has only junior college experience. He was often overpowering against Windy City, allowing only one infield hit and striking out four in earning a rare four-inning save.

 

Washington stretched its lead to 3-0 in the second inning when Eric Stephens tripled down the right-field line and scored on Emilio Ontiveros' sacrifice fly.

 

"When we got the two runs in the first inning, that helped me settle down," starting pitcher Casey Barnes admitted. "It was big relief seeing that go to 3-0 in the second and ... It's good knowing the team is going to hit."

 

Kevyn Feiner hit his second double in the third inning and scored on a single by Sidick. Washington made it 5-0 in the fourth when Blake Ochoa doubled into the left-field corner and scored on Doug Perren's second double. The Wild Things hit five doubles.

 

"The offense was good, but the key was the pitching," Everson said. "It always comes down to pitching and defense. I loved Barnes' tempo in his professional debut, and Williams was as good as he's ever been."

 

***

 

http://washingtonwildthings.com.ismmedia.com/ISM3/thumbcache/d8b412b48f56885b267591ffd8465cfe.200.jpg

[Mass Haas]

It would not be a surprise to see the 6'2", 200 lb. southpaw Williams debut with Helena, and not with Brevard or Wisconsin, as the local article hinted at.

 

Wow, he snubbed the Marlins three times.

 

You see, to me, this acquisition is much more exciting than the Evan Frederickson signing ever was.

 

As for the new Reds' lefty, Tom Cochran, that the Brewers will probably see in Cincinnati this week, well,

, the guy's crazy.

 

By the way, that song, so popular in advertisements and movies, nets the "real" Tom Cochrane approx. $300,000 - $400,000 a year in royalties.

[TheCrew07]

As for the new Reds' lefty, Tom Cochran, that the Brewers will probably see in Cincinnati this week, well, if this isn't his entrance music, the guy's crazy.

I think you accidentally linked Evan's stats twice there Mass... I bet you were trying to link

? I agree of course, but he probably gets it everywhere he goes and is tired of his more famous namesake.

[Mass Haas]

Thanks, fixed the first link!

[And That]

Not really a transaction yet, but RHP Jeffrey Saba is one of the young Latin American players who will make his stateside debut this summer.

[Mass Haas]

Chris tells us that SS Carlos George has landed back on the DL (retroactive to the 29th), and that LHP Del Howell has been activated to fill the Rattlers' roster spot.