Your 2012 Brevard County Manatees -- Latest: OF Reggie Keen to pursue non-baseball career

[Mass Haas]

Indications are that we will begin to see some formal minor league roster announcements as early as Saturday 3/31.

 

Feel free to link to any formal notices you see here.

 

As you might know, we use the "Your 2012" threads to post and link to feature stories that are outside the scope of game activity covered in the Daily Link Report.

 

One thing folks will notice this year is that we'll be providing less of the "link PLUS copy-and-paste" and just going with links in many of our threads. While in the long-term, this will impact the archive aspect of the site as some of those links go dead down the road, it will also make it much easier for all providing the news, as formatting the copy-and-paste was among the more tedious and time-consuming aspects of the forum each day.

 

These threads have become among the most popular for viewing here, and we look forward to kicking them off formally.

[Mass Haas]

Brevard County’s 2012 Opening Day roster announced

2011 first round picks Jungmann and Bradley highlight ‘Tees squad

 

VIERA, Fla. – The Milwaukee Brewers announced on Monday the 2012 Opening Day roster for the 19th season of the Brevard County Manatees.

 

The roster is highlighted by right-handed pitcher Taylor Jungmann and left-handed pitcher Jed Bradley who were the Brewers’ two first round picks in the 2011 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft at picks 12 and 15 respectively.

 

Jungmann attended the University of Texas and won the Dick Howser Trophy for the nation’s best collegiate baseball player as awarded by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association. The 6-foot-6, 22 year old had a record of 32-9 with a 1.85 earned run average in his three seasons with the Longhorns. He is listed as Milwaukee’s second-best prospect heading into the 2012 season by Baseball America.

 

Bradley attended Georgia Tech and went 7-3 with a 3.49 ERA in his final season with the Yellow Jackets in 2011. He earned Second-Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors in both 2010 and 2011. The 6-foot-4, 21 year old ranks third in the Brewers’ top 30 prospects list, according to Baseball America.

 

Jungmann and Bradley will be the third and fourth players respectively to make their professional debuts with the Manatees after being drafted in the first round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft. Both right-handed pitcher Chad Cordero (drafted 20th overall in 2003) and left-handed pitcher Bill Bray (drafted third overall in 2004) made their pro debuts in a Manatees uniform.

 

Another first round pick will be joining the Manatees this season as right-handed pitcher Eric Arnett, the 26th overall pick of the 2009 MLB First-Year Player Draft, will join Brevard County in 2012. In the 19-year history of the Brevard County Manatees, 15 first round selections have taken the field for the ‘Tees.

 

Right-handed pitchers Jimmy Nelson and Brooks Hall are the other two top 30 prospects will be joining the Manatees this season. Nelson ranks tenth and Hall ranks 25th. Both were starting pitchers at Class-A Wisconsin in 2011.

 

Eight players are returning from last season’s Brevard County squad. Those players are Austin Ross, Hiram Burgos, Eric Marzec, Shawn Zarraga, Brent Dean, Shea Vucinich, Juan Sanchez and Scott Krieger.

 

Manager Joe Ayrault will lead Brevard County for the first time on Thursday, April 5 at 6:35 p.m. (5:35 Central) as the Manatees host the 2011 Florida State League Champion Daytona Cubs.

 

Admission is FREE for all and there will be a post-game fireworks show presented by Creative Pyrotechnics. It is also Thirsty Thursday™, so fans can enjoy 20 ounce Coca-Cola products and 18 ounce Budweiser products for just $2.00 all night long! The first 2,000 fans will also receive a 2012 Brevard County Manatees magnet schedule courtesy of Tyson® Any’tizers® snacks!

 

For more information on the Brevard County Manatees, call (321) 633-9200 or go online to ManateesBaseball.com. You can also visit the Manatees at facebook.com/manateesbaseball or twitter.com/bcmanatees.

 

Pitchers (14)

ARNETT, Eric

BRADLEY, Jed

BURGOS, Hiram

GARMAN, Brian

HALL, Brooks

HOLLE, Greg

JUNGMANN, Taylor

KEELING, Thomas

MARZEC, Eric

MEDLEN, Casey

NELSON, Jimmy

ROSS, Austin

WHALEN, Connor

WILLIAMS, Alan

 

Catchers (3)

DEAN, Brent

WEISENBURGER, Adam

ZARRAGA, Shawn

 

Infielders (6)

HAWN, Cody

MITTELSTAEDT, T.J.

SANCHEZ, Juan

SHAW, Nick

WALKER, Mike

VUCINICH, Shea

 

Outfielders (4)

KEEN, Reggie

KRIEGER, Scott

ROMERO, Franklin

VELAZQUEZ, Miguel

[Mass Haas]

NOTE: There are 27 players listed (not 25), so there may be some DL juggling before Opening Day.

[TooLiveBrew]

Are MiLB rosters allowed to go to 26? I don't know why I have that in my head, but for some reason I thought they were allowed to be bigger.

[YoungGeezy]

Really exciting pitching this season in BC, offense isn't too great but we'll see what Velazquez can do and see if Hawn or Walker can become a prospect

[DHonks]

Interesting to see Arnett mentioned. Are they hoping other first rounders can take the pressure off him? I was sort of expecting him to get released. It's been a while since we've had a first rounder flame out because of lack of performance...normally its injury-related. Here's hoping he can find some magic

[paul253]

Yeah scoring runs looks like it may be a problem here.

[YoungGeezy]

Interesting to see Arnett mentioned. Are they hoping other first rounders can take the pressure off him? I was sort of expecting him to get released. It's been a while since we've had a first rounder flame out because of lack of performance...normally its injury-related. Here's hoping he can find some magic

 

He actually made a really impressive come back last year consider what he had all been through over the previous couple of years. It was very encouraging. Hope he keeps his confidence going, all pressure is off in that loaded pitching staff. He just needs to be confident in what he does, that has been his biggest issue I think

[YoungGeezy]

Yeah scoring runs looks like it may be a problem here.

 

The nice thing though is while they are not big prospects, they are all fisty guys who want to win. Guys like Keen, Middlestadt, Vuchinich, Shaw. I think there style of play with walking, slap hitting, liner and etc fair very well for the league. Hopefully Kreiger will give a punch (guy kills the ball) Velazquez I will follow closely. Walker and Hawn have to perform well though. They are the heart of the lineup that will make it work

[DHonks]

I guess I didn't consider last year a comeback for Arnett. Yes, he'd had shoulder troubles, but his ERA was awful and his WHIP uninspiring.

[jjfanec]

Jungmann, Bradley, Hall and Nelson will be a fun rotation to watch. Some nice upside with that group. I dont have much hope for Arnett or this offense.

[Mass Haas]

Brevard County Manatees enjoy well-armed pitching staff

Starters have given up few runs

by Michael Parsons, FLORIDA TODAY

 

VIERA — Coming into the season, the starting pitchers were the talk of the Brevard County Manatees.

 

After nine games, they have not disappointed. In fact, they may be better than advertised.

 

Brevard pitchers have logged 50 2/3 innings this season and have given up just nine earned runs. Yes, nine.

 

“This is a great group of guys,” Manatees manager Joe Ayrault said before a recent game. “I just hope we can keep them here all season and develop these guys.”

 

That could be tough the way they are throwing.

 

First-round draft pick Jed Bradley has yet to give up an earned run after two starts with the Manatees. Over 13 innings, the left-hander has given up just six hits.

 

“There are always some things you need to work on, but I am happy with my start,” Bradley said. “We’ve got arms. Starters and relievers, we are deep. It’s exciting to go out not only the day you are pitching, but the day you are charting and watch and see our staff work.

 

“It is a pretty special thing to have guys like this around you.”

 

Another one of the special starters in this rotation is Jimmy Nelson. The second-round pick in the 2010 draft has also gotten off to a fast start, allowing just one earned run in 10 innings of work. He has been pitching between the Brewers’ two first-round picks in 2011 — Taylor Jungmann and Bradley. And been doing it well.

 

“He has always had the stuff,” Ayrault said. “His confidence is up and he is learning to pitch.”

 

Nelson has struck out 14 while walking just four in two starts. He is scheduled to start tonight at Space Coast Stadium against Lakeland.

 

“We have five guys who could be No. 1 starters,” Jungmann said.

 

But Jungmann has been that guy this season. The first pick for the Milwaukee Brewers in last year’s draft, Jungmann has logged the most innings this season.

 

Through three starts, Jungmann has thrown 17 2/3 innings with an ERA of 3.06.

 

“I am getting in a routine, so far it is just about getting comfortable,” Jungmann said. “Just getting in a routine and used to everything.”

 

But this is where the Manatees differ from other teams. Because it is not just the top three starters who have been throwing well.

 

It actually seems like whoever the team starts, they give them five great innings.

Austin Ross has made two starts and given up just one run and Hiram Burgos made his first start of the season Friday against first-place Dunedin and shut them out over six innings, allowing just three hits.

 

But Aryault is not surprised by the start.

 

“I have been around the core of this group and knew they had this kind of talent,” Aryault said. “I am not surprised at all.”

[HiAndTight]

Yeah scoring runs looks like it may be a problem here.

 

The nice thing though is while they are not big prospects, they are all fisty guys who want to win. Guys like Keen, Middlestadt, Vuchinich, Shaw. I think there style of play with walking, slap hitting, liner and etc fair very well for the league. Hopefully Kreiger will give a punch (guy kills the ball) Velazquez I will follow closely. Walker and Hawn have to perform well though. They are the heart of the lineup that will make it work

 

I'm not too concerned with the offensive exploits of a team that could have two potential frontline starters and a third potential #4 as well as a number of relievers.

 

More than anything though, I'm just waiting for these guys to get past BC and get up to Huntsville because as we all know, while it's awesome to see the dominance in Brevard, you don't really know what you've got until you get up to 'Bama...which is why the best part of the season for me so far has been 3 starts from Mr. Thornburg.

[Mass Haas]

Manatees' Jungmann settling into pros

By Sam Dykstra / Special to MLB.com

 

Despite coming in as the Brewers' first-round pick -- the 12th overall -- from last year's Draft, Taylor Jungmann didn't feel any pressure coming into the 2012 season.

 

"Not at all," Jungmann said. "I always say pressure's something you put on yourself. If you don't worry about it, it won't become an issue."

 

Instead, the adjustment from his college days at the University of Texas to his professional career in the Milwaukee system made the right-handed pitcher uncomfortable in the early going. The day-to-day schedule of the professional ranks. The travel, the facilities, the list goes on and on.

 

But after Thursday's outing -- Jungmann's fourth of the season -- it appears that the 22-year-old right-hander is finally over that phase of his Minor League career. The Brewers' No. 3 prospect allowed three hits and a walk and struck out five over 6 2/3 shutout frames in Class A Advanced Brevard County's 2-1 win over Tampa in 11 innings. Except for the innings totals, each of those numbers represented career bests.

 

The 2011 Big 12 Conference Pitcher of the Year dominated mostly by getting ground balls. Of the 20 outs Jungmann recorded, 10 came on the ground. Five were via the strikeout and four through the air. He contributed that to the effectiveness of his running two-seam fastball.

 

"It's my bread and butter," Jungmann said. "For sure, it's my go-to pitch. Whether I'm trying to lead off an at-bat or trying to come back after being behind in the count, it's what I use. I just let it work, let it move across the plate. It's basically my whole game plan."

 

Jungmann was 2-2 with a 3.18 ERA over his first four outings -- his ERA stands at 2.45 after Thursday -- and had allowed only between one and three earned runs in each of those outings. However, his strikeout-to-walk ratio was not spectacular at 14-9, and he was holding opponents to a .244 batting average. Numbers like the latter two had the former Longhorn not pleased with his early performance.

 

"I've struggled the first few starts," Jungmann said. "I know the stats don't look bad, but I've had a tough time getting comfortable. I'm still trying to settle into the lifestyle of the Minors, to be honest. It's not any one thing. There's not too big of a difference [to college], but there's some different things."

 

One variation that may work to Jungmann's favor, however, harkens back to his ability to handle any perceived stress.

 

"Back [in Texas], I was pitching in front of 9,000 people a night," he said. "Here, it's like 500 or 600 maybe. They are different pressure situations, that's for sure."

 

Taylor Jungmann has 19 strikeouts in 29 1/3 innings in his first pro season. (Cliff Welch/MiLB.com)

 

http://www.milb.com/images/2012/04/26/9t2mnkcO.jpg

[Mass Haas]

We have a Manatee sighting on the Baseball America Prospect Hot Sheet this week.

[Mass Haas]

Friends and family of LHP Jed Bradley and RHP Brooks Hall will appreciate all the photos this Associated Press photographer posted.

[Mass Haas]

Jimmy Nelson making most of baseball experience

Prospect making impact in Brevard County

[Mass Haas]

Congrats!

 

Jimmy Nelson selected to 2012 FSL All-Star Game

Niceville, Fla. native is second in league in ERA and K's

[bobbledude25]

Do you know when the Midwest League All Star game voting is? The game is 18 days from now and no roster has been announced

[TheCrew07]

Do you know when the Midwest League All Star game voting is? The game is 18 days from now and no roster has been announced

 

Chris mentioned yesterday during the broadcast that the voting is complete and they are waiting on announcement, he didn't know exactly when it was going to come.

[HiAndTight]

Hopefully that'll be his last outing in A ball.

It's time for him to see AA. He's a college arm a few years out of college now who throws in the upper 90's at times and is suppose to have a plus slider.

 

If that's the case, he should be right along Thornburg in AA.

[Mass Haas]

Williamson getting used to life in pro ball

By Oscar LeRoy | Sports Writer Midland (TX) Reporter-Telegram

 

In his first full season of professional baseball, Lee grad Brandon Williamson is getting to experience everything that comes with it, and that includes the constant moving from team to team that is sometimes life in the minor leagues.

 

This season Williamson, a 20th round pick by the Milwaukee Brewers out of Dallas Baptist in 2011, has gone from playing Single-A ball with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, to a Double-A stint with the Huntsville Stars in Alabama and currently he’s with the Advanced-A Brevard County Manatees in Viera, Fla.

 

“Early on, I was moving quite a bit but I got to experience different things and get a taste of what it’s like at each level of pro ball,” said Williamson, who also had two stellar seasons at Midland College before moving on to DBU. “What I have found out is that nothing can surprise you. You just have to go in and go to work because people are always watching. You’ve just got to prepare for your next outing, which is every five days. And every day is important.”

 

So far this season with the Manatees, Williamson is 1-4 with a 6.21 earned run average. Other than one bad outing, which ballooned his ERA, Williamson has had a solid season and he doesn’t try to think too much about wins and losses.

 

“I had a pretty bad outing two outings ago, but you’ve really got to look at the whole picture,” said Williamson, whose next start is next Thursday against Dunedin after the Florida State League All-Star break. “It’s definitely a process you have to go through and it’s a long season. Your season usually depends on how you respond to each challenge. You have to remember that this game is based around failure. If a hitter gets a hit three out of 10 times, they’re successful.”

 

Another thing the 6-foot-2, 180-pound right-hander has learned from playing pro ball is that a pitcher just can’t rely on his fastball to get hitters out.

 

“My command with my off-speed pitches has really improved,” Williamson said. “Having the ability to throw a breaking ball or a changeup when you’re behind in the counts is really important.”

 

And like many others in pro ball, Williamson has learned playing at that level takes a lot of work and it’s a constant grind. When he’s not pitching every fifth day, he’s either doing some light running, playing catch, lifting weights, working on pickoffs or throwing pitches.

 

“It’s a different type of grind in pro ball,” Williamson said. “Here you practice and you play all the time before you have to throw that fifth day. I’ve been learning the ins and outs on how to prepare because what may work for you may not be working for someone else. I’ve definitely progressed faster than I thought. I just need to keep working and need to put together a good year. Nothing is ever certain but I’m definitely excited about where I’m at and pleased where I’ve come from.”

 

Williamson is also proud to see several of his former Lee and Midland College teammates, as well as some of his former buddies from Midland in pro ball. As well as fellow 2007 Lee grad Conrad Flynn and fellow MC alum Chadwin Stang, Williamson said he’s either played with or against Midland Christian products Carson Smith, Reid Redman and Chris Withrow.

 

“To me it’s not really surprising that they’re playing pro ball,” Williamson said. “I’ve played countless games with or against them and I know their work ethic is unbelievable. It just kind of shows the baseball talent that Midland has.”

[Mass Haas]

Lengthy Casey Medlen print interview at baseballlife365.com

[Mass Haas]

Trio joins 'Tees from Timber Rattlers

Dishon, Harvey, Rogers promoted to Brevard to start second half

By Tim Uryasz / Brevard County Manatees

 

A recent sweep of the Florida State League first half North Division champion Dunedin Blue Jays and taking two out of three from the Charlotte Stone Crabs was a great way to start the second half of the season for the Manatees. It was even a better welcoming for newcomers John Dishon, Seth Harvey and Jason Rogers. The trio was promoted from Class A Wisconsin to Brevard County on June 21 and is just some of the hundreds of players making their way through Minor League Baseball in hopes of making it big, to see the lights, sounds, and glory of Major League Baseball.

 

Dishon, an outfielder from Beaumont, Texas, has played in four games with Brevard County since his promotion. In 11 at bats, he has three hits, including one double and a RBI. A 42nd round selection in the 2010 MLB draft, John was assigned to the Rookie League Helena Brewers, where he met current Manatees' skipper Joe Ayrault.

 

As an avid and talented football player in high school, baseball came second. After breaking his neck in high school, Dishon switched paths to baseball and went to play at Louisiana State University.

 

"I didn't get a lot of playing time while in college, but the Brewers decided to take a chance on me," Dishon said.

 

After two seasons in Helena, John spent the first half of 2012 with the Timber Rattlers, before being promoted to Brevard County.

 

"Honestly, it was an unexpected call up," Dishon said. "I am excited though. It is a good opportunity to show my stuff and skills. It was kind of make or break for me. I love it here though. It feels good to sweat. I have met a lot of great people and formed great relationships."

 

Dishon, who spent quite a bit of time on a plane after getting the promotion phone call from Wisconsin manager Matt Erickson, has had great support from his family, wife Kristy and two-year-old daughter Parker.

 

"It felt like I was on a plane three out of the four days of our All-Star break," Dishon said. "It's a good thing though. I feel like I am going somewhere when getting promoted. My family has been great. They support me so much."

 

Rogers, a left fielder and first baseman, has put his bat to work in his first few games in the Florida State League. In six games, he is 7-for-17 with six RBI. Rogers, a native of Riverside, Ga., has been more than anxious to join the Manatees after one and a half seasons with Wisconsin.

 

"During the All-Star break we were talking with the coaches and when I was heading back for the second half with the Timber Rattlers I received a call from Matt Erickson," Rogers said. "I was really relieved and ready."

 

Jason, an All-Star with the Rattlers in the Midwest League this year, was more than ready to make the next step towards the majors.

 

"It felt good (coming to Brevard)," Rogers said. "I thought I was going to be promoted last year, but there were certain circumstances so I didn't. It was definitely the best thing for me. It's another obstacle course. I am comfortable with my teammates and excited."

 

Joining Dishon and Rogers is Seth Harvey, the only pitcher in the trio promoted to Brevard. Harvey, who grew up in the bright sun of southern California and a graduate of Washington State University, had pitched in 22 games with Class A Wisconsin. In 23.2 innings pitched, Harvey compiled 13 saves, 32 strikeouts and a 4-0 record.

 

"I grew up in southern California and I always played baseball with the guys there in the summer," Harvey said. "I just took a liking to baseball. My dad was always coaching me."

 

Harvey, drafted in the 37th round of the 2010 MLB draft by Milwaukee, spent three months in the Arizona League before being assigned to Helena in 2011. Seth joined Class A Wisconsin in the beginning of 2012 season. Although it was tough to leave Wisconsin, Harvey is excited for the chances he will get in Brevard County.

 

"I also received the call from Matt Erickson the day after the All-Star game in Kane County," Harvey said. "I guess what I had done earned me a promotion to Brevard. It was tough to leave Wisconsin, but it is bittersweet. I am excited to make another move in my career."

 

The many paths taking hundreds of players through Minor League Baseball ending in an ultimate ending of playing for the big leagues clubs can be both daunting and intimidating. Many paths come with injuries. Many come with disappointment, and many come with a road that never reaches the majors. Players take many paths, but everyone wants to make it big. Being able to take a path of promotion is one that many players never reach, but for Dishon, Harvey and Rogers, it's another large leap on the path.

 

"From an outside standpoint it is a big leap," Harvey said. "It's a difficult concept, but the game doesn't change. You are always expected to do what you always do. It can be overwhelming making the leap, but you just have to stay focused and stay within yourself."

[Mass Haas]

Marzec learns lessons during roller-coaster baseball season

By Josh Weir, CantonRep.com (Ohio) staff writer

 

Baseball provides hard lessons. Failure is frequent. Supposed consistency often proves fleeting.

 

For Eric Marzec, his 2012 season has provided an important — as well as humbling and sometimes maddening — study in the psychology of baseball.

 

The Central Catholic High School graduate feels better for it.

 

A right-handed pitcher in the Milwaukee Brewers system, Marzec, 24, has endured a roller-coaster season of high expectations, surprising struggles and adversity conquered.

 

Right as he gained traction, Marzec learned he had mononucleosis. He is back in Stark County to rest and get well until fall ball begins in September in Arizona. His 2012 minor league season likely is over.

 

If so, what a revealing season it was for Marzec.

 

“The entire first part of the season — with promotions and demotions — kind of went haywire,” he said. “I think I learned a really great lesson. I would say this season has taught me a lot more than last season.

 

“Last year was great statistically. But what I learned this year will help me along the way and blow through the rest of my obstacles and get to the majors.”

 

Marzec’s 2011 opened eyes. In his second year of pro ball after the Brewers drafted him in the 30th round out of Youngstown State, Marzec went 4-2 with a 1.69 ERA and four saves in 42 appearances (all but one out of the bullpen). Most of the season was spent with low Single-A Wisconsin, but he also pitched for high Single-A Brevard County (Fla.) and registered two scoreless appearances for Triple-A Nashville (Tenn.).

 

A meticulous worker and organized person, Marzec had his 2012 season planned in his mind before it started. He would start at Double-A Huntsville (Ala.), earn a promotion to Nashville at some point, then get a September call-up to the Brewers and make his Major League Baseball debut.

 

But after struggling to a 7.53 ERA in 10 appearances for Huntsville to begin this season, Marzec found himself back in Brevard County and fighting serious doubts for the first time as a pro.

 

“It’s strictly confidence,” he said. “Had nothing to do with the physical and ability as far as pitching mechanics and things like that. It’s simply trust in yourself.

 

“Everyone is trying to change you and put their mark on you. ‘You can be better if you do this.’ Then when something doesn’t work, you start questioning yourself and not trusting your stuff. You start thinking irrationally. As a pitcher, you’re digging yourself a hole.”

 

A midseason talk with coaches offered Marzec reassurance that the organization believed in him.

 

He started turning the corner toward the end of June, and returned to his old self in July. In seven July appearances, covering 15 innings, Marzec did not allow an earned run. During that stretch he made two spot starts and flourished to the tune of no runs, four hits, 11 strikeouts and four walks in nine combined innings.

 

“There’s a lot you can’t control in baseball,” said Marzec, who was 2-3 with a 3.88 ERA in 33 combined 2012 appearances. “Learning what I can control, especially as a pitcher, I’m fully confident that some good things are going to happen pretty soon. I feel like I’ve put in enough hard work.”

 

The Brewers planned to promote him back to Huntsville, Marzec said. But mono intervened.

 

Marzec began noticing increased fatigue during workouts about three weeks ago. Then strep throat hit.

 

Marzec didn’t eat for four straight days because of throat pain, he said. He lost about 15 pounds overall. With only about a month left of the minor league season, the Brewers decided to shut him down.

 

Marzec has rebounded enough to start light workouts. He already has recruited Central alumni Taylore Baker and Alex Grove to throw with him.

 

After the Brewers minicamp in September, he hopes to get an invite to the highly competitive Arizona Fall League. He also is considering playing winter ball in Latin America.

 

Marzec wants to get back on the mound. Stoking his fire is seeing two friends — Tyler Thornburg (Brewers) and Dan Straily (Athletics) — make their major league debuts. Straily, who played summer league baseball with Marzec in college, allowed one run in six innings against Toronto on Friday.

 

“I was like, ‘Wow, that’s my dude and he’s starting in the Show,’ ” Marzec said. “It’s not really that much of a dream any more. It makes you realize you can definitely do this.”

 

Maybe the hardest lesson already has been learned.

 

http://www.milb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_594916.jpg

 

Eric Marzec Season / Career Stats