Link Report for Mon. 5/21 - LHP Will West debuts on TV in Rattlers matinee

[Mass Haas]

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[Mass Haas]

Monday's Daily Menu:

 

All times are Central

 

Nashville: RHP Mark Rogers at Las Vegas (Blue Jays), 8:50 PM pre-game, 9:05 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link

 

Jeff Hem is the new play-by-play voice of the Sounds; follow him on Twitter @jeffhempbp; we'll link to his blog updates at On the Air…and Off

 

MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; all Nashville games, home and away, will be available to watch via MiLB.TV's $39.99 season-long package ($9.99 to pay for a single month). We imagine the audio feed is from the home team. All MiLB.TV details available at the link.

 

**********

 

Huntsville: RHP Hiram Burgos at Chattanooga (Dodgers), 6:00 PM pre-game, 6:15 gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link -- Select the Huntsville feed from the MiLB main audio page

 

I-Phone friendly audio link

 

Alex Cohen is the new play-by-play voice of the Stars; follow him on Twitter @alexmcohen. It's fantastic that Huntsville is returning to what will be a traditional broadcast format this year. All games, home and away, are scheduled to be broadcast.

 

MiLB.TV subsciption note: A total of 24 Stars' games (in Jacksonville and Tennessee) will be broadcast.

 

**********

 

Brevard County: RHP Brooks Hall at Charlotte (Rays), 5:30 PM gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link -- Select the Charlotte feed from the MiLB main audio page

 

Once again this season, Brevard does not have its own audio coverage. It appears two teams in the Manatees North Division (within which the majority of games are played) have audio, and all six teams in the South Division have audio (at least for their home games), so there will be opportunities to listen to approx. 70% or Brevard's games this season, just all from the opponent's perspective. There are no Florida State League games on MiLB.TV this year.

 

***

 

Wisconsin: LHP Will West makes his full-season debut at home vs. Kane County (Royals), 11:45 AM pre-game, 12:05 PM gametime

 

Free Live Audio Link - 1280 AM WNAM

 

Chris Mehring is back to do his customary fantastic work as the Voice of the Rattlers. Follow him on Twitter @CMehring; we'll link to Chris' infamous blog often -- Rattler Radio.

 

MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; Wisconsin is one of only two (Great Lakes) Midwest League clubs that have all their home games available via MiLB.TV; Chris' call provides the audio. So for the $39.95 season-long package, fans in Brewer Nation can watch all Sounds games, all Timber Rattlers home games, and 24 Stars' road games (one Helena series this summer, too).

[Mass Haas]

If you're reading this in the office and didn't set your DVR to tape LHP Will West's noon debut start on TWC Sports 32, it will be re-played at 9:00 AM Tuesday.

 

Also Timber Rattlers Field Pass is on at 11:30 AM and 9:00 PM Monday, with other airings later in the week (listings).

 

***

 

Literally all day Sunday (even in church! ), I was racking my brain because I knew I had made a mental reminder to tag something on the up-front posts Sunday morning. Turns out it was the reminder about today's TV game and a DVR alert. Sorry...

[Mass Haas]

Follow Monday's action as it happens with box score / game log links:

 

Nashville

 

Huntsville

 

Brevard County

 

Wisconsin

[Mass Haas]

STANDINGS:

 

AAA - Pacific Coast League American Northern Division

 

AA - Southern League North Division

 

High-A - Florida State League North Division

 

A - Midwest League Western Division

[Mass Haas]

To see tweets as to when the Link Report has been technically "completed" with available links, as well as to know when the new day's Report has been posted, please follow @Mass_Haas on Twitter

[Mass Haas]

Audio from Tucson — “The Stuff from (hitting coach Al) LeBoeuf”

 

Jeff Hem's note: Tonight’s pregame interview is with Sounds hitting coach Al LeBoeuf, who is in his third season in the Brewers organization and 24th overall as a coach in the minor leagues. He’s spent time as a coach for the Mets, Phillies, Royals and Blue Jays in addition to The Crew.

 

***

 

Very worthwhile interview, opens up discussing Caleb Gindl's troubles thus far...

[Mass Haas]

Wisconsin Media Notes

[Tedaldtada]

Attention Aspiring Link Reporters:

 

I am heading back up north this upcoming weekend. I could really use some help filing Link Reports for Brevard County and Nashville on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.

 

It is really quite fun and a great platform to express your thoughts on some of the youngsters.

 

Last time up there (Iron Mountain, MI) we discovered my wife, via Verizon, gets some 3G service. The problem is that I would be writing with her iPhone, making the process a bit more tedious.

 

So if there is anyone who could help me out some of those nights, please let me know.

 

Thanks!

[Tedaldtada]

Pretty sweet pitching line-up tonight. Very much looking forward to it.

[Mass Haas]

RHP Mark Williams is the Midwest League Pitcher of the Week -- congrats!

[Mass Haas]

Nashville Media Notes

[TheCrew07]

Final: Wisconsin 7, Kane County 4

 

Rattlers win 7-4 to sweep three game set from Cougars

McMahan homers and drives in three

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers did something on Monday afternoon that they had never done at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium. The Rattlers beat the Kane County Cougars 7-4 to complete their first ever home series sweep of the Cougars. Ben McMahan led the way with a homer and three RBI.

 

Wisconsin (28-17) started the game with three runs in the bottom of the first. Max Walla reached on an error with one out. Jason Rogers followed with an RBI triple. Nick Ramirez got Rogers home with a double. Later in the inning, McMahan drove in his first run with a sacrifice fly.

 

Rattlers starting pitcher Will West made his Midwest League debut on Monday afternoon. He worked a scoreless first, but allowed a run in the second and an unearned run in the third to let the Cougars (23-22) get to within a run.

 

Rogers and McMahan responded in the bottom of the third. Rogers doubled to start the inning. McMahan drove in Rogers with a two-out single to pad the Rattlers lead to a pair of runs.

 

West looked like he would work clean through the fifth inning. But, a string of three straight two-out singles - with Daniel Mateo coming up with the final one - let Kane County get a run to cut Wisconsin's lead back to one.

 

Rafael Neda drew a leadoff walk in the bottom of the seventh inning and was at second base with two outs. Walla drove in Neda with a single for a 5-3 lead.

 

McMahan provided a little more insurance with a long leadoff home run to left in the eighth inning. Brandon tacked on a run with an RBI single later in the eighth and the Rattlers had a 7-3 lead.

 

West worked a total of five innings, walked one, and struck out three before turning over the game to Jacob Barnes. Barnes pitched three scoreless innings and allowed just one hit with three strikeouts.

 

The Cougars would score a run off Stephen Peterson in the ninth on a sacrifice fly by Edul Escobar, but they would get no closer.

 

Kane County has been coming to Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium since the ballpark opened for the 1995 season. But, this three game sweep marked the first time the Rattlers had swept any home series from the Cougars. The last time Wisconsin won every game in a series against Kane County was a four game set in Geneva, Illinois from May 23-26, 2005.

 

The 2005 season also marks the last time Wisconsin was eleven games over the .500. The Rattlers reached eleven over .500 with their win on Monday.

 

The Timber Rattlers are off on Tuesday. The team returns to action on Wednesday night to begin a 13-game road trip. The Rattlers road odyssey begins at Quad Cities against the defending Midwest League champion River Bandits. Wisconsin will send Matt Miller (2-4, 4.50) to the hill as their scheduled starting pitcher. Quad Cities counters with lefty Kyle Hald (0-2, 3.86). Game time is 7:00pm. Tune in for the action on AM1280, WNAM or timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:40pm.

 

WP: Will West (1-0)

LP: Aaron Brooks (3-5)

 

TIME: 2:48

ATTN: 4,778

 

Wisconsin Box Score

I completely forgot about the game this morning so I didn't set my DVR, shame on me. On the bright side Break Out the Brooms! Good attendance, a nice pitching debut, a victory, and a sweep, quite the day. Will West wasn't eye poppingly good, but I'll take it from a 19 year old his first shot at full season ball. I wasn't around much last summer so I admittedly don't know anything about him, I'm not even able to find a scouting report. It looked like he had a pretty solid commitment to Georgia Tech, I wonder what happened with that which led him to the undrafted route? It's highly probably that Sessile or Mass posted his story last year and I just missed it because they don't miss anything. At 6'4" 170lbs it appears he'd have a ton of projection left, and one can never go wrong with a projectable LHP unless they are drafted in the supplemental round and have an established history of not throwing strikes, but I digress. Jacob Barnes pitched 3 very good innings and is looking like solid relief prospect, he allowed 1 hit against 3 strike outs during his time on the bump. This was only Stephen Peterson's 2nd appearance since may 8th and he hadn't pitched since the 16th. I hope he's made some good progress in the bullpen as his workload has be reduced.

 

Jason Rogers and Ben McMahan had the only multi-hit days and also the only XBHs. Rogers went 2-3 with a double and a triple, McMahan 2-3 with the HR. Yadiel Rivera stole his 2nd base of the season while McMahan and Brandon Macias each committed errors. I described a pretty sloppy play from McMahan in Friday's LR, his fielding error today was already his 4th of the season as an OF, he has work to do out there. Rafael Neda also had a passed ball so the Rattlers played some poor defense today but these days have been few and far between this season, plus they got the win anyway so it's all good. On the positive side Chadwin Stang picked up another OF assist and no Cougars attempted to steal a base.

 

Wisconsin Play By Play

Go get em young man!

Kane County Top of the 1st

• Justin Trapp walks.
  Daniel Mateo grounds into double play, shortstop Yadiel Rivera to second baseman Gregory Hopkins to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Justin Trapp out at 2nd.
  Jorge Bonifacio flies out to center fielder Chadwin Stang.
  

 

Kane County Top of the 2nd

• Lane Adams strikes out swinging.
  Michael Antonio singles on a line drive to center fielder Chadwin Stang.
  Orlando Calixte doubles (8) on a line drive to left fielder Ben McMahan. Michael Antonio scores. Fielding error by left fielder Ben McMahan.
  Dean Espy grounds out, second baseman Gregory Hopkins to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Orlando Calixte to 3rd.
  Edul Escobar flies out to center fielder Chadwin Stang.

 

Kane County Top of the 3rd

• Tim Ferguson strikes out swinging.
  Justin Trapp singles on a ground ball to third baseman Brandon Macias.
  With Daniel Mateo batting, Justin Trapp steals (7) 2nd base.
  With Daniel Mateo batting, passed ball by Rafael Neda, Justin Trapp to 3rd.
  Daniel Mateo grounds out, pitcher Will West to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Justin Trapp scores.
  Jorge Bonifacio flies out to center fielder Chadwin Stang.

 

Kane County Top of the 4th

• Lane Adams singles on a ground ball to center fielder Chadwin Stang.
  Michael Antonio flies into double play, center fielder Chadwin Stang to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Lane Adams doubled off 1st.
  Orlando Calixte grounds out, third baseman Brandon Macias to first baseman Nick Ramirez.

 

Kane County Top of the 5th

• Dean Espy grounds out, second baseman Gregory Hopkins to first baseman Nick Ramirez.
  Edul Escobar grounds out, third baseman Brandon Macias to first baseman Nick Ramirez.
  Tim Ferguson singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Brandon Macias.
  Justin Trapp singles on a ground ball to shortstop Yadiel Rivera. Tim Ferguson to 2nd.
  Daniel Mateo singles on a ground ball to left fielder Ben McMahan. Tim Ferguson scores. Justin Trapp to 2nd.
  Jorge Bonifacio called out on strikes.
  

[Mass Haas]

For those wondering, the Dominican Summer League opened last year on May 28th.

 

This year, MiLB's statement recently has been that the DSL schedule has not been released because it had not been finalized.

 

Still nothing yet online, but we imagine the Cerveceritos are about a week away from seeing action.

[And That]

Will West wasn't eye poppingly good, but I'll take it from a 19 year old his first shot at full season ball. I wasn't around much last summer so I admittedly don't know anything about him, I'm not even able to find a scouting report.

 

West throws in the mid 80's, primarily with a 2-seam fastball, touching the low 90's. Also throws a 4-seamer. Obviously, there's considerable upside projection there with his frame though his fastball doesn't have an abundance of natural movement. His curve is really, really good at times and is his best pitch. As with all Brewers pitchers, throws a change-up, but he's still working on it. Pounds the zone with an easy motion, delivers from the 3/4 arm slot.

 

I like him a lot... youngest player on the Rattlers, too. A few months younger than Rivera.

[TheCrew07]

Thanks, I figured that was the deal given his size, he just needs to pickup a mph or 2 per year and he'll be fine.

[Tedaldtada]

Brevard drops 11-7 slugfest to Charlotte

05/21/2012 10:01 PM ET

By Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees

 

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - The Brevard County Manatees opened up their seven-game road trip with an 11-7 loss on Monday night to the Charlotte Stone Crabs at Charlotte Sports Park.

 

The 'Tees (17-26) fell into a big hole early as starter Brooks Hall (0-2, 5.40) allowed eight runs (seven earned) in just 1 1/3 innings of work. He gave up five hits - three of them homers - while walking four and striking out two.

 

Down 8-0 after two innings, the Manatees slowly started cutting the deficit in the fourth as Mike Walker drove in two with a two-out double to make it an 8-2 game. Brevard made it an 8-4 game in the sixth as both Nick Shaw and Shawn Zarraga hit solo homers in the inning.

 

Eric Marzec did a good job keeping the Stone Crabs (22-21) off the board after Hall's early departure, as he threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings and allowed just one hit.

 

After the Stone Crabs scored once in the bottom of the sixth, Brevard County made it a 9-7 game with a three-run seventh. Shea Vucinich led the inning off with a triple and was brought home two batters later on a ground out by Scott Krieger.

 

Franklin Romero Jr. then singled and Shaw walked to put two on with two outs. T.J. Mittelstaedt then tripled down the right field line to clear the bases and make it just a two run game. The rally ended with Cody Hawn striking out to end the seventh.

 

Charlotte would pull away with the game in the bottom of the eighth as they scored two insurance runs as Derek Dietrich hit a ground-rule double off of Casey Medlen with the runs being charged to the line of Greg Holle.

 

Though it was too little, too late, Brevard continued their recent clutch hitting as six of their seven RBI came with two outs. Also of the eight hits the Manatees had on Monday night, six of them went for extra bases.

 

Mittelstaedt and Walker both drove in two runs each, while Zarraga was the only Manatee with a multi-hit night as he had two hits. The Manatees didn't help their cause in the field though as they committed four errors, including two by Vucinich.

 

Brevard County will look to rebound on Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. against Charlotte in the second game of their four-game set.

 

2011 first round draft pick Taylor Jungmann (2-3, 3.15) will take the ball for the 'Tees as he is still looking for his first win since April 10. In four road starts this season, Jungmann is 1-2 with a 3.91 ERA.

 

Braulio Lara (3-2, 6.00) will toe the rubber for the Stone Crabs. In three starts so far in May, Lara is 1-2 with a 10.80 ERA.

 

Box Score

 

21 year old pitcher Brooks Hall blew his season line all to heck as he was charged with 8 runs (7 earned) while recording just four outs. Hall was homer prone giving up three. BC actually made it 9-7 at one point but Greg Holle could not hold it close giving up two big runs in the 8th.

 

Perhaps the Manatees are starting to awaken on offense. They scored 7 runs on just 8 hits and 2 walks. Shawn Zarraga (2-4 2B HR) was the only multi-hit man. Nick Shaw slugged his first homer. Mike Walker hit a double and Shea Vucinich hit a triple. T.J. Mittelstaedt also tripled but he struck out three times.

 

This Charlotte squad boasts some impressive young hitters and they lived up to the billing tonight. SS Derek Dietrich, a 2010 2nd rounder, hit 22 homers in the Midwest League as a 21 year old. Then there is OF Mikie Mahtook, a 2011 1st rounder, who is starting his full season career in the FSL, much like Bradley and Jungmann. There were many who thought the Brewers would select Mahtook with the 15th pick last season. Both Dietrich and Mahtook hit 3-run bombs off of Brooks Hall tonight.

 

Game Log

 

The hope is that this is the worst line for Brooks this season.

 

Charlotte Bottom of the 1st

 

Brett Nommensen walks.

With Brandon Allen batting, throwing error by Brooks Hall on the pickoff attempt, Brett Nommensen to 2nd.

Brandon Allen walks.

Mikie Mahtook homers (1) on a fly ball to right field. Brett Nommensen scores. Brandon Allen scores.

Derek Dietrich doubles (10) on a line drive to center fielder Franklin Romero Jr.

Riccio Torrez called out on strikes.

Robby Price strikes out swinging.

With Hector Guevara batting, Derek Dietrich steals (2) 3rd base, Derek Dietrich scores. Throwing error by catcher Shawn Zarraga.

Hector Guevara walks.

Alejandro Torres grounds into a force out, shortstop Nick Shaw to second baseman Shea Vucinich. Hector Guevara out at 2nd.

 

Charlotte Bottom of the 2nd

 

Cody Rogers homers (2) on a fly ball to right field.

Brett Nommensen flies out to left fielder Scott Krieger.

Brandon Allen walks.

With Mikie Mahtook batting, passed ball by Shawn Zarraga, Brandon Allen to 2nd.

Mikie Mahtook singles on a line drive to left fielder Scott Krieger. Brandon Allen to 3rd.

Derek Dietrich homers (4) on a fly ball to right field. Brandon Allen scores. Mikie Mahtook scores.

Pitcher Change: Eric Marzec replaces Brooks Hall.

Riccio Torrez grounds out, second baseman Shea Vucinich to first baseman Michael Walker.

Robby Price flies out to center fielder Franklin Romero Jr.

 

Two 2B's.

 

Brevard County Top of the 4th

 

Nick Shaw flies out to left fielder Cody Rogers.

T. J. Mittelstaedt called out on strikes.

Cody Hawn walks.

Shawn Zarraga doubles (5) on a ground ball to right fielder Brett Nommensen. Cody Hawn to 3rd.

Michael Walker doubles (7) on a line drive to right fielder Brett Nommensen. Cody Hawn scores. Shawn Zarraga scores.

Shea Vucinich flies out to right fielder Brett Nommensen.

 

Two 3B's.

 

Brevard County Top of the 7th

 

Shea Vucinich triples (1) on a line drive to center fielder Mikie Mahtook.

Miguel Velazquez strikes out swinging.

Scott Krieger grounds out, third baseman Riccio Torrez to first baseman Brandon Allen. Shea Vucinich scores.

Franklin Romero Jr. singles on a ground ball to right fielder Brett Nommensen.

Nick Shaw walks. Franklin Romero Jr. to 2nd.

T. J. Mittelstaedt triples (5) on a line drive to right fielder Brett Nommensen. Franklin Romero Jr. scores. Nick Shaw scores.

Pitcher Change: Chris Rearick replaces Victor Mateo.

Cody Hawn strikes out swinging.

 

Two homeruns.

 

Brevard County Top of the 6th

 

Nick Shaw homers (1) on a fly ball to right field.

T. J. Mittelstaedt flies out to left fielder Cody Rogers.

Pitcher Change: Victor Mateo replaces Albert Suarez.

Cody Hawn grounds out, third baseman Riccio Torrez to first baseman Brandon Allen.

Shawn Zarraga homers (1) on a fly ball to right field.

Michael Walker flies out to center fielder Mikie Mahtook.

[TheCrew07]

Nine after 9 for May 21, 2012

[TheCrew07]

Another extra inning game tonight, the Stars and Lookouts going to the 10th tied at 2.

[Mass Haas]

Brad Krause's Rattlers commentary and photos

 

***

 

You'll really enjoy the detailed report and audio Kyle from BrewCrewBall provides from the Wisconsin game today.

[TheCrew07]

Final: Chattanooga 3, Huntsville 2 (12 Innings)

 

Huntsville Box Score

Pardon my french but that was a pretty craptastic way to the end night with both the big club and the Stars losing in extras. After scoring in both the 8th and 9th innings to tie the game the Stars literally pissed it away in the 12th. Hiram Burgos pitched pretty well until the 6th when he gave up a double and single back to back, struck out the next batter, and was then lifted because he had already thrown 96 pitches with only 57 being strikes. Not his most efficient effort of the season, but solid none the less. He went the 5.1 innings allowing 6 hits and 3 walks but only 2 earned runs against 8 strike outs. Daniel Meadows went 1.2 with 2BB, 1WP, and 2SO. R.J. Seidel pitched a scoreless 8th and Jesus Sanchez pitched the next 3 scoreless innings allowing 3H, 1BB, but striking out 4. Sanchez has now extended his scoreless appearance streak to 13 or 14, I've actually lost count. Bradley Blanks gave up the run in the 12th without a base hit, I'll copy that inning later in the post.

 

The Stars only had only had 3 hits through the first 7 innings for good reason, opposing pitcher Ethan Martin has legitimate gas. He's been steadily falling on the Dodgers' prospect list debuting at #3 after he was drafted but coming in at #17 this year, however it's not for a lack of talent, here's the scouting report from over the winter:

When Martin's high school senior season began in 2008, some teams wanted him for his power and athleticism as a third baseman, while others were attracted to his big arm on the mound. By June, most clubs preferred him as a pitcher and the Dodgers made him the first prep arm taken. The 15th overall choice, he signed for $1.73 million. Martin was raw even by the standards of a high school draft pick and got shelled in high Class A for most of the last two years, but his potential still sticks out. He still throws a mid-90s fastball with life in the zone, and he has an extra gear to get it up to 98 mph. He has a curveball that shows flashes of becoming a plus pitch with good rotation, but it's inconsistent. Last season, he added an 82-84 mph slider that shows occasional tilt and grades as an average offering at times, though it also tends to break too early. He has shown some feel a fading 84-86 mph changeup, which has a chance to be average. Martin's lack of pitchability and command have been his downfall. He rushes his delivery and struggles to repeat it despite efforts to improve his direction and timing. Los Angeles wanted to get Martin out of the unforgiving California League and did so by sending him to Double-A as a reliever late last June. He had a 3.29 ERA in that role for Chattanooga, though he still had trouble finding the zone. Because he has an array of promising pitches, the Dodgers will return him to the rotation in Double-A this year. He maintains the ceiling of a No. 2 starter but has a long way to go.

 

Jay Gibbons led the way for the stars going 2-4 with 2 doubles and 2 walks. Scooter Gennett and Hunter Morris each added doubles and Kentrail Davis smacked the huge game tying triple with 2 outs in the top of the 9th. Burgos picked off a base runner, whatever the Brewers have done with pickoff moves is certainly paying dividends up and down the entire system this year. Gibbons and Gennett each stole a base, Josh Prince stole 2, and Anderson De La Rosa ended a threat picking off a runner at 3rd to end the 7th. Domnit Boliver committed his 6th error (throwing) and R.J. Seidel his 2nd (pickoff).

 

Huntsville Play By Play

The Lookouts got 1 in the 3rd on back to back doubles and 1 in the 6th but wouldn't score again until the 12th.

Chattanooga Bottom of the 3rd

• Ethan Martin grounds out, second baseman Scooter Gennett to first baseman Hunter Morris.
  Nick Buss grounds out, second baseman Scooter Gennett to first baseman Hunter Morris.
  Luis Nunez doubles (7) on a line drive to left fielder Jay Gibbons.
  J. T. Wise doubles (15) on a fly ball to right fielder Kentrail Davis. Luis Nunez scores.
  Blake Smith strikes out swinging, catcher Anderson De La Rosa to first baseman Hunter Morris.

 

 

Chattanooga Bottom of the 6th

• Blake Smith doubles (8) on a fly ball to left fielder Jay Gibbons.
  Pedro Baez singles on a ground ball to right fielder Kentrail Davis. Blake Smith scores. Pedro Baez to 2nd on the throw.
  Travis Denker strikes out swinging.
  Pitcher Change: Daniel Meadows replaces Hiram Burgos, batting 9th.
  With Jake Lemmerman batting, wild pitch by Daniel Meadows, Pedro Baez to 3rd.
  Jake Lemmerman strikes out swinging.
  Angelo Ponte grounds out softly, second baseman Scooter Gennett to first baseman Hunter Morris.

 

The comeback!

Huntsville Top of the 8th

• Pitcher Change: Luis Vasquez replaces Allen Webster, batting 9th.
  Kentrail Davis lines out sharply to third baseman Pedro Baez.
  Domnit Bolivar grounds out, second baseman Travis Denker to first baseman J. Wise.
  Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Lee Haydel replaces Daniel Meadows.
  Lee Haydel singles on a fly ball to left fielder Luis Nunez.
  Josh Prince walks. Lee Haydel to 2nd.
  Tommy Manzella singles on a sharp line drive to center fielder Nick Buss. Lee Haydel scores. Josh Prince advances to 3rd, on fielding error by center fielder Nick Buss.
  Scooter Gennett flies out sharply to center fielder Nick Buss.

 

Huntsville Top of the 9th

• Pitcher Change: Logan Bawcom replaces Luis Vasquez, batting 9th.
  Hunter Morris doubles (19) on a fly ball to center fielder Nick Buss.
  Jay Gibbons strikes out swinging.
  Anderson De La Rosa grounds out softly, second baseman Travis Denker to first baseman J. Wise. Hunter Morris to 3rd.
  Kentrail Davis triples (1) on a sharp line drive to center fielder Nick Buss. Hunter Morris scores.
  Domnit Bolivar strikes out swinging.

 

This is an extremely disappointing way to end.

Chattanooga Bottom of the 12th

• Pitcher Change: Bradley Blanks replaces Jesus Sanchez, batting 8th.
  Blake Smith flies out to center fielder Josh Prince.
  Pedro Baez walks.
  Travis Denker hit by pitch. Pedro Baez to 2nd.
  Jake Lemmerman flies out to right fielder Kentrail Davis. Pedro Baez to 3rd.
  Angelo Ponte walks. Wild pitch by pitcher Bradley Blanks. Pedro Baez scores. Travis Denker to 2nd.

[TooLiveBrew]

"Before we went out there I walked by his locker and asked him 'Are you nervous?' and he said, 'Yeah, a little bit.' And that's to be expected, that's a good thing because it means he cares a little bit," Erickson said. "He was a little elevated at first, and I think the elements helped him out a bit on some of his fly balls. But ultimately he got the job done. He left the game in the fifth, was up by a run and had a chance to win the ball game."

So it sounds like West might have gotten tagged pretty well a few times. The wind was blowing pretty strongly again today in Appleton.

 

Oh well though, there's no reason to try & focus on the negative from this start. I just wanted to point out that the wind was probably a fairly significant factor today. I'm going to be really interested to see how he progresses. The Brewers might have mined a diamond in the rough here.

[Tedaldtada]

Las Vegas (Blue Jays) 10 Nashville 8

 

Box Score

 

In a bit of a back and forth game, the Sounds ended up falling short again. In a bit of good news, 2-hitter Caleb Gindl (2-2 3 BB) had one of those games that gives you hope. Logan Schafer (2-5 2B) continues to be solid. Brooks Conrad is the definition of AAAA as he homers promptly upon his return to AAA. Martin Maldonado (2-4 2B HR) went yard form the 9-hole.

 

Mark Rogers started, and although he was initially effective (2 IP 0 R), his final line ended up pretty ugly. 5 IP 10 H 6 R 6 ER 3 BB 3 K 1 HR 4:4 GO:FO. The only Sounds pitcher to not allow a run was Rob Wooten and he allowed a hit and 2 BB in his lone inning.

 

Las Vegas is the AAA affiliate of the Blue Jays. There are many legit major league caliber bats in their lineup. Las Vegas scored in 6 of 8 innings tonight. This will be a stiff challenge for the Sounds pitchers.

 

Game Log

 

Nashville's 5-spot.

 

Nashville Top of the 5th

 

Martin Maldonado doubles (6) on a fly ball to center fielder Anthony Gose.

Logan Schafer doubles (11) on a line drive to center fielder Anthony Gose. Martin Maldonado scores.

Caleb Gindl walks.

Brooks Conrad homers (6) on a fly ball to left center field. Logan Schafer scores. Caleb Gindl scores.

Pitcher Change: Bobby Korecky replaces Scott Richmond.

Sean Halton grounds out, shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria to first baseman David Cooper.

Corey Patterson doubles (7) on a line drive to right fielder Danny Perales.

Andy Gonzalez reaches on fielding error by center fielder Anthony Gose. Corey Patterson scores. Andy Gonzalez to 3rd.

Eric Farris grounds out, third baseman Chris Woodward to first baseman David Cooper.

Hainley Statia called out on strikes.

 

Wooten's magic act.

 

Las Vegas Bottom of the 8th

 

Pitcher Change: Robert Wooten replaces Victor Garate.

Anthony Gose singles on a ground ball to left fielder Caleb Gindl.

Adeiny Hechavarria out on a sacrifice bunt, catcher Martin Maldonado to first baseman Sean Halton. Anthony Gose to 2nd.

Robert Wooten intentionally walks David Cooper.

Travis d'Arnaud flies out to right fielder Corey Patterson.

Adam Lind walks. Anthony Gose to 3rd. David Cooper to 2nd.

Moises Sierra grounds into a force out, third baseman Andy Gonzalez to second baseman Eric Farris. Adam Lind out at 2nd.

 

Gameday

[TheCrew07]

BA covers Martin's start against the Stars on Monday.

[TheCrew07]

fun little contest: T-Rats' Fang is in the Midwest bracket, BC's Manny the Manatee is the South Bracker, The Stars' homer didn't make the list, The Sounds' Ozzie is also in the south, it's a conspiracy!

 

Fans to vote on Minors' best mascot

'Mascot Mania' has fuzzy creatures battling for the crown

By Benjamin Hill / MLB.com

 

 

http://www.milb.com/images/2012/05/17/QylJJ7Iz.jpg.

Fans will vote in a 64-mascot bracket that offers facts and background on the unique creatures.

 

The players may get to take center stage every night, but anyone who's been to a Minor League ballgame knows that the mascot is the true star of the show. But which mascot is the star of stars, that shining example against which all other costumed characters should be judged?

 

Mascot Mania, a bracket-style tournament debuting today on MiLB.com, will, finally and definitively, answer this question once and for all. Voting for the first round of the tournament runs through May 29, and five more rounds will follow before the winner is declared on June 18.

 

Mascot Maina: Vote Now!

 

This winner (whomever he, she or it may be) will emerge from a talent-laden field of 64 contenders, one comprised of mascots representing all leagues, levels of play, regions of the country and Major League affiliations. This eminently furry squadron of three score and four have already gained elite status due to their mere presence in the tournament, and over the coming days and weeks they will engage in matchups without precedent in the annals of all recorded history.

 

For where else will you see a spicy Japanese condiment (Vancouver's Chef Wasabi) battle a dog dressed like a train engineer (Round Rock's Spike), or a party-loving sea cow (Brevard County's Manny the Manatee) take on a bug-eyed freshwater crustacean (Hickory's Conrad the Crawdad)?

 

Truly, we are in uncharted waters.

 

The teams involved will no doubt campaign vociferously on behalf of their mascot, and most fans will probably go to the virtual voting booth with a few favorites already in mind. But MiLB.com, like Thomas Jefferson, believes that an informed electorate is the bulwark of democracy. Go to the bracket and simply click on each mascot's name to read an accompanying informational blurb, one that sheds light on his, her or its core beliefs and reasons for being.

 

Ask the expert

 

Any competitive event worth its salt needs a color commentator to shine some light on the action taking place, and in this case who better to provide an opinion than an actual mascot performer? Dave Deas, aka "Phinley" of the Clearwater Threshers, took the time to break down some of the best first-round matches and give his picks. In doing so, he'll provides plenty of debate fodder for mascot enthusiasts.

 

Boomer (Trenton Thunder) vs. Boomer (Williamsport Crosscutters): "In this contest, you've got to go with the weird, but Boomer vs. Boomer is weird vs. weird. I'll go with the Crosscutters, because the team even made some fake leaves to put in his hair. He literally looks crazy ... someone who just stumbled in from the woods."

 

Thunder (Lake Elsinore Storm) vs. Tipper (Visalia Rawhide): "Thunder, he's green like the [Phillie] Phanatic, and he's got that same attitude. He's really popular with the fans, and not afraid to create some havoc. He recently had his four-wheeler stolen, and people actually cared. I don't know if any other mascot would get media coverage for something like that, but Thunder is a real well-known personality. In Visalia, with Tipper, I'm not sure that there's the same buzz."

 

Hornsby (Tulsa Drillers) vs. Fang (Wisconsin Timber Rattlers): "Hornsby, he's the kind of character who will create moments outside of the ballpark -- he'll even skydive! Fang, I think he might scare some kids. I thought I was scary as a shark [mascot], but a giant snake? It's like he's the devil's messenger, tempting you with the forbidden fruit."

 

Chopper (Gwinnett Braves) vs. Marty Marauder (Bradenton Mauraders): Chopper's a lot of fun for everybody. He's got a giant tooth in front and a head that can spin 360 degrees. Marty's good, too, but mascots that look like people are tough. Kids don't understand why they can't talk."

 

And, finally, Deas compares his Phinley character to opponent Bolt of the Winston-Salem Dash. A biased opinion, surely, but expressed diplomatically:

 

"I really like how the Dash went outside the box with Bolt ... because what is a "Dash," and how do you embody speed? He looks like [superhero] the Flash and has lightning bolt ears -- he's really a cool character. But Phinley? He's the most well-known mascot in the Florida State League and is always out doing crazy stuff like para-sailing and jet-skiing. And the look! There aren't many sharks or fish out there that look cool, but Phinley pulls it off. Phinley will prevail."