Arizona Fall League / Winter League Thread -- Full Brewers Details for Each Game

[Mass Haas]

The Saguaros of Surprise lost a nailbiter, 10-9, on Thursday. Given the score, nice to report no Brewers' pitchers saw action (box score).

 

Somewhat lost in the early-season excellence of OF Mitch Haniger (.959 OPS in 45 AB's with a day off here), has been a fine start for Brewers' Minor League Player of the Year Jason Rogers. Batting 2nd and playing left field, Rogers hit a solo home run, singled, and walked twice in a 2-for-4 day with two runs scored. Rogers is 8-for-25 with seven walks, batting .320/.485/.520 (1.005 OPS). Good stuff...

 

A bit of a rough day for catcher Adam Weisenburger, 0-for-4 with a walk, and saw basestealers successful in all four attempts (there was one double steal).

 

On Friday night at 7:35 CT, RHP Taylor Jungmann gets the start, his 2nd AFL appearance, and first in 11 days. You can follow the Gameday at this link.

[Mass Haas]

In Winter League action Thursday, it was an uneven Thursday evening for RHP Arcenio Leon in Venezuela. He was charged with only one run in a game that was tied 5-5 after just one inning, an eventual 7-6 loss for his club in 11 innings (box). Leon would allow as many hits (four) as he recorded outs.

 

Caribes Bottom of the 7th

 

Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Silvino Bracho.

Gorkys Hernandez singles on a ground ball to shortstop Freddy Galvis.

With Leslie Anderson batting, Gorkys Hernandez steals (2) 2nd base.

Leslie Anderson strikes out swinging.

Jose Castillo singles on a ground ball to third baseman Jose Flores. Gorkys Hernandez to 3rd.

Cory Aldridge singles on a fly ball to left fielder Jose Pirela. Gorkys Hernandez scores. Jose Castillo to 2nd.

Luis Nunez grounds into a double play, shortstop Freddy Galvis to second baseman Ali Castillo to first baseman Francisco Arcia. Cory Aldridge out at 2nd.

 

Caribes Bottom of the 8th

 

Oscar Salazar singles on a fly ball to left fielder Jose Pirela.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Carlos Duran replaces Oscar Salazar.

Jose Gil out on a sacrifice bunt, third baseman Jose Flores to second baseman Ali Castillo. Carlos Duran to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Daryl Maday replaces Arcenio Leon.

Eduardo Escobar grounds out, first baseman Luis Ugueto to pitcher Daryl Maday. Carlos Duran to 3rd.

Niuman Romero strikes out swinging.

 

***

 

In the Dominican, three Brewers saw action in this game (box), as Juan Francisco and Sean Halton's Licey club defeated Robinzon Diaz' Gigantes squad, 6-4, despite Diaz' nice game.

 

Diaz, behind the plate here and batting 3rd, hit a two-run home run in the 1st and later singled.

 

Francisco, again batting cleanup and playing error-free first base, singled and walked twice, along with two K's, and Halton, batting 5th and playing right field, doubled and scored a run in four trips (three K's). With his team up in the 7th, Halton was pulled as part of a defensive switch. The box score provides up-to-date batting averages. The links provided by clicking on the players' names here are usually not updated through the latest game until mid-afternoon most days.

[JohnBriggs12]

What exactly is a "1st division type player"?

 

I already answered that above, he's above average. No Yuni B wasn't even average and that's ridiculous comparison to make. Since you apparently don't like the definition, here's the explanation as laid out by wikipedia. Certainly someone such as yourself would have been capable of finding that on your own.

 

I think you need to realize there's a razor thin line between a 90 win team and a 70 win team.

 

Yes you are correct, I obviously haven't put any time or thought into baseball and I just run around repeating what I read elsewhere... Then again, maybe I'm talking about building something special and you're talking about trying to win as many games as possible in any given year. 2 completely different concepts, yet you somehow think that I don't understand the razor thin margins between success and failure in baseball? Even when I constantly post about it from a pitching perspective?

 

Seriously, this coversation is exactly why it's largely pointless to discuss these issues... It doesn't matter how many times it is written, or from how many different angles, people still tell me what I see or don't see and in both cases are completely off the mark nearly every time.

 

If you found the last two years "terribly disappointing", then I suggest you need to take a wider view.

 

I don't think I'm the one who needs to take a "wider view" when I'm looking at the state of the entire organization vs the rest of the division, league, and MLB. Say what you want, (and you will), but the Brewers were never in the race and I have a huge problem spending money and giving up draft picks on aging retreads to not accomplish anything.

 

2011 was a very special year. Those special years are usually followed by lesser years... It is the nature of the game...

 

Says whom? Where is it written in stone? I say again that somehow the Rays whom have 1/3 of our payroll manage to contend every single year. This isn't about what the Brewers have or haven't done historically, why would I want to revisit that past for anything other than a "what not to do?". This is about moving the organization forward in completely different era, where payroll potential is completely unbalanced across MLB, and how to remain truly competitive on a yearly basis. None of that other fluff matters... it may matter to you on a personal level, but it has nothing to do with operating a baseball franchise in 2014. You're only doomed to repeat history if you haven't learned from it... which should tell you everything you need to know about DM and MA right there.

 

As for your lesser talent analogies.... well the football comments are completely off the mark, because there's nothing similar between developing football players whom you can red shirt if they aren't ready, coach 6 out of the 7 days per week, give daily individual instruction on the field, weight room, and in film review. Baseball doesn't operate in that manner at all, it's still largely trial by fire. I firmly believe that strong character trumps talent, but what happens when players of similar character have dissimilar talent? Casey McGehee was never going to be a career 800+ OPS player, nor will the players I previously mentioned. Prospects can and will fail for many reasons, but so do established MLB players. Kyle Lohse is a fine pitcher, but in the post season who are you going to bet on the better line-ups in the league getting to first... someone like him or someone like Verlander? My end game isn't winning games in the regular season, it's about winning the World Series. You can win games with an average rotation but you aren't winning anything in the post season with average pitching.

 

In truth this is actually very simple, the Brewers cannot afford to buy significant talent in FA, as such the organization must operate in a manner that regularly supplies impact talent to the MLB club through other means. As we've seen, there are only so many trades you can make for CY pitching before the cupboard is completely barren, so a better strategy would seem to be one that focuses on locking up key players early and focuses on cycling as much impact talent back onto itself as possible. 1st division players, impact talent, which ever phrase you choose, the Brewers have it in short supply. A system full of depth (role players) isn't a good system, it's not being underrated, every system has that kind of talent, the farm systems that stand are the ones who have potential talent to make a significant impact at MLB.

 

You talked earlier about history... well historically what leads you to believe that Brewers can turn system of role players into a team that can win 90 games? Where's that magic formula been hiding all these years? The Brewers system has turned out offensively talented and defensively deficient players for years, had 2 players with hall of fame potential in the line-up together, and couldn't get it done. Now you want to replace those kind of players with players whom are 2 or 3 steps down and expect a resurgance in the win column? You can give away wins at 1 position if you pick them up another, but how is that going to happen? How is the pitching going to get better? What prospect at any position can we pencil in for a .900+ OPS?

 

Finally none of that has anything to do with the rest of the division ascending talent wise while we regress? That's your wider view right there... 1982 is ancient history, I enjoyed that run, but I'm sick of hearing about it, I'm sick of people talking about it, and what happened in the 80s and even in the 90s has nothing to do with the realities of the modern game.

 

 

Ryan Braun is an impact player. Carlos Gomez is too. So is Jonathon Lucroy. It's a little early to proclaim Segura as one but the signs point to him being one. Aramis Ramirez has been one and is still solid when healthy. How many impact players does Pittsburgh have? One for sure in McCutchen. Alvarez? A .770 OPS doesn't spell impact to me.

 

Brewers have plenty of ascending talent. Lucroy, Gomez and Segura are all still ascending. Gennett looked like an ascending player to me as did Davis. Of course both could be a bit of a mirage, but what if they just scratched the surface? Peralta hits 97 mph with sink. He's not ascending? Really?? Thornburg? Nelson?

 

Look, I'm not saying Brewers are sure fire contenders in 2014, but they are certainly no worse than dark horses with a legit shot at a wild card. There's been times to be down on this franchise, but this is not it.

[Roderick]

Look, I'm not saying Brewers are sure fire contenders in 2014, but they are certainly no worse than dark horses with a legit shot at a wild card.

 

Well it took an 87 win season to be the wildcard this year. I don't think the roster as currently comprised can be considered a legit shot at a wildcard. I think there are too many ifs. If this person performs like he did or if this person stays healthy, if this player plays like he did for those XX number of games. Can we really think that Gallardo turns it around, ARam is healthy, Braun is at least 90% of the old Braun, Gomez/Segura are as strong as last year, etc. There doesn't seem to be a lot of guys like Lucroy and Lohse where you know basically what you are going to get.

[Mass Haas]

Taylor Jungmann made only one Arizona Fall League appearance, a three-inning outing 11 days ago. Originally listed as tonight's starter for his Surprise squad, that honor now goes to lefty Tim Berry of the Orioles.

 

Jungmann might pitch in relief tonight, but if he doesn't, we'll need the beat guys to go to the Gord Ash text-o-meter to get us an answer.

 

EDIT: Jungmann did not pitch at all.

 

Mitch Haniger is starting tonight in right field (box).

[Mass Haas]

Surprise moved to 9-6 and continues to lead their West Division after a 3-1 win (box).

 

RHP David Goforth allowed his first run in six appearances but earned the save --

 

Scottsdale Bottom of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: David Goforth replaces Jason Gurka.

Andrew Susac walks.

Jarrett Parker lines out to left fielder Henry Urrutia.

With Angel Villalona batting, passed ball by Jorge Alfaro, Andrew Susac to 2nd.

Angel Villalona singles on a ground ball to left fielder Henry Urrutia. Andrew Susac scores.

Peter O'Brien singles on a line drive to left fielder Henry Urrutia. Angel Villalona to 2nd.

Gift Ngoepe grounds into a force out, shortstop Jonathan Schoop to second baseman Mookie Betts. Angel Villalona to 3rd. Peter O'Brien out at 2nd. Gift Ngoepe to 1st.

Mason Williams strikes out swinging.

 

This early in the AFL season, a cold stretch can knock a gaudy start down real quick -- Mitch Haniger is 0-for-his-last-10 to see his average fall to .306 (still sporting a nice .886 OPS in 49 AB's).

 

It's a Saturday afternoon start (1:35 Central) for the Saguaros, at the other division leader, Mesa. Here's a box link you can check.

[Mass Haas]

Brewers 24-year-old RHP and Arizona Fall League participant Tyler Cravy, with 7.1 scoreless innings thus far, is being watched closely by his local Napa, California newspaper staff. They interviewed him as part of an Arizona Fall League story, read the full article here. Here's the interview portion with writer Harrell Miller:

 

***

 

Meanwhile, back at the Arizona Fall League, make no mistake about it — players who have been selected to play in this league know how important it is.

 

For example, last week I had a chance to talk with 2009 Napa Valley College pitching phenom Tyler Cravy.

 

He is in Arizona this fall pitching for the Surprise Saguaros. Tyler is in the Milwaukee Brewers organization. He just finished his fifth year in professional baseball and has yet to pitch in a major league game.

 

I asked if he was perhaps just a tad discouraged. He said that he had been, but, his invitation to fall ball in Arizona was a real morale booster.

 

“I feel really good about being invited here,” he explained. “Things are looking on the up side. This is definitely a big step.”

 

The Saguaros were getting ready to play their 10th game of the season when Tyler and I talked.

 

“So far,” he said, “I’ve pitched in four games for a total of five or six innings. I usually get in a game for an inning or two every couple of days. I don’t want to jinx myself,” he said with a laugh, “but so far I haven’t allowed a run.”

 

He went on to explain that that was good for a pitcher down here and that he was very pleased with the way things have gone so far. I asked about whether he had been invited to big league spring training next year (that’s usually the next really big step).

 

He told me that if that happens, it will not be until after the first of the year.

 

For now he simply plans to go home to Vallejo when he’s done here. He’ll relax, play a little golf — he lives with his dad on Mare Island, where golf can be a bit foggy at times — stay in shape and let his arm get a good rest.

 

Tyler Cravy is one of more than 200 excellent players who are deadly serious about their afternoons — and sometimes, evenings — in the somewhat coolish ballparks in the Valley of the Sun.

 

Time has shown that 60 percent of them will have a big league number on their backs before they hang it up, and nobody wants to be in the 40 percent that got “this close” but didn’t make it.

 

For that reason, when you go to an AFL game, you’re going to see excellent baseball played by young men who want nothing more than to be the best that they can be.

[Mass Haas]

Friday Winter League action in the Dominican for Brewers' farmhands under contract for 2014 --

 

Box

 

Licey lost, 4-1, so it was a relatively light day for cleanup 3B Juan Francisco and 5th spot 1B Sean Halton.

 

Francisco did double in four AB's, fanning twice. He's 8-for-27 (.296) with three XBH's, three walks, and seven K's.

 

Halton was 0-for-3 with two K's (and another HBP - he played a full game), and is now 9-for-24 (.375) with six XBH's and sporting an OBP just shy of .500.

 

***

 

Box

 

Veteran Eugenio Velez is versatile, but all his DWL action has been in left field. In this game, 2-for-4 with a triple, run scored, and his 4th stolen base (one K). He's still batting .500 (10-for-20, three XBH's, three BB's, three K's).

 

***

 

Box

 

Robinzon Diaz was back at DH after a night behind the plate, went 0-for-4, now 7-for-27 (.259, three XBH's, three K's, and in true Robinzon Diaz tradition, zero BB's).

[TigerUppercut]

Ryan Braun is an impact player. Carlos Gomez is too. So is Jonathon Lucroy. It's a little early to proclaim Segura as one but the signs point to him being one. Aramis Ramirez has been one and is still solid when healthy. How many impact players does Pittsburgh have? One for sure in McCutchen. Alvarez? A .770 OPS doesn't spell impact to me.

 

Brewers have plenty of ascending talent. Lucroy, Gomez and Segura are all still ascending. Gennett looked like an ascending player to me as did Davis. Of course both could be a bit of a mirage, but what if they just scratched the surface? Peralta hits 97 mph with sink. He's not ascending? Really?? Thornburg? Nelson?

 

Look, I'm not saying Brewers are sure fire contenders in 2014, but they are certainly no worse than dark horses with a legit shot at a wild card. There's been times to be down on this franchise, but this is not it.

 

 

You keep missing the point that TheCrew is making. You're looking at next season and season's past. He's looking at next season AND 3,4,5,10 years from now. He's talking about organization and championship building, you're concerned about what helps us win games next year. Yes, in the some cases, the Brewers have done a decent job of putting pieces together for the long term. Problem is, there just aren't enough of them for long term, sustained success. By and large, while you may have surprises as you point out, the scouts don't miss on most of these guys' long term potential. The bottom line is the Brewers have failed and failed big in the past 5-6 drafts and in their signings in the Dominican. In this market, it's not enough to have a Peralta here and a Segura there. Every 3-5 years, we need a pipeline full of guys like Hart, Weeks, Hardy, Braun, Fielder, Yo, Parra, Gamel, LaPorta, LuCroy to sustain. The lack of prospects has led to DM and MA's patchwork approach, one that is using future resources now in a resource strapped market. To finish the point, 5 years from now when the Brewers very well may be looking at 7 years from their last post-season berth, you will only have to reference TheCrew's posts to find your answer as to why.

[nate82]

 

 

Every 3-5 years, we need a pipeline full of guys like Hart, Weeks, Hardy, Braun, Fielder, Yo, Parra, Gamel, LaPorta, LuCroy to sustain. The lack of prospects has led to DM and MA's patchwork approach, one that is using future resources now in a resource strapped market.

 

Not to take this thread even more off topic but the Brewers are not missing Hardy, Parra, Gamel, LaPorta, Lucroy, or Hart type of prospects the Brewers actual have plenty of those type of prospects in the minors. The type of prospects that the Brewers are missing are the Weeks, Gallardo, Braun, and Fielder types. The Brewers have the B and C type prospects Hart, Hardy, Gamel, etc. but they are missing any type of A type prospects Braun and Fielder.

[Mass Haas]

Tom H. followed up with Gord Ash on our behalf (as did Adam McCalvy). Tom sent these tweets:

 

Taylor Jungmann only pitched once in AFL, he has groin strain and team being very cautious. Asst. GM Gord Ash said Jungmann might not pitch again in AFL but it is not considered a serious issue.

 

***

 

FYI - Good first inning for Rogers / Haniger:

 

Surprise Top of the 1st

 

Mookie Betts strikes out on a foul tip.

Garin Cecchini singles on a ground ball to center fielder Albert Almora.

Jason Rogers singles on a fly ball to left fielder Steven Souza Jr. Garin Cecchini to 2nd.

Mitch Haniger doubles (4) on a ground ball to left fielder Steven Souza Jr. Garin Cecchini scores. Jason Rogers to 3rd.

Jorge Alfaro singles on a ground ball to center fielder Albert Almora. Jason Rogers scores. Mitch Haniger scores. Jorge Alfaro to 2nd on the throw.

Michael Ohlman walks.

Brett Nicholas grounds into a double play, second baseman Taylor Lindsey to first baseman Matt Skole. Michael Ohlman out at 2nd.

[TigerUppercut]

 

 

Every 3-5 years, we need a pipeline full of guys like Hart, Weeks, Hardy, Braun, Fielder, Yo, Parra, Gamel, LaPorta, LuCroy to sustain. The lack of prospects has led to DM and MA's patchwork approach, one that is using future resources now in a resource strapped market.

 

Not to take this thread even more off topic but the Brewers are not missing Hardy, Parra, Gamel, LaPorta, Lucroy, or Hart type of prospects the Brewers actual have plenty of those type of prospects in the minors. The type of prospects that the Brewers are missing are the Weeks, Gallardo, Braun, and Fielder types. The Brewers have the B and C type prospects Hart, Hardy, Gamel, etc. but they are missing any type of A type prospects Braun and Fielder.

 

 

Wrong. All that you list there, with the exception of Lucroy, were top 100 BA prospects at one time or another. Hardy, Gamel, and LaPorta were top 20-30 if I'm not mistaken. That means they all were A, A- prospects at worst. Obviously, some are going to flame out. But the fact that they are in OUR organization should give us a leg up on determining which ones will and which ones don't. DM, on numerous occasions, said Gamel was "untouchable." That should tell you all you need to know about DM's understanding of prospects.

[Mass Haas]

Surprise rolls, 6-1 (box), and the Brewers farmhands continue to play especially well --

 

Jason Rogers, batting 3rd and playing LF, two singles followed by a solo HR, finished 3-for-5. Rogers is rocking a 1.133 OPS after his first ten AFL games.

 

Mitch Haniger played CF and batted cleanup, a unique and valuable combination. Haniger was 2-for-5 with a double, RBI, and two runs scored.

 

On the mound, RHP Tyler Cravy, interviewed a few posts above, tossed two scoreless innings and now has 9.1 AFL relief innings under his belt and an ERA of 0.00. Remember that Cravy's first few outings he minimized inherited rallies or snuffed them out all together, so he's had a fantastic run thus far in this offense-friendly environment. You may remember that Cravy was the last man added to the Brevard County roster in April, as he was originally set to repeat at Wisconsin. Fewer farmhands made bigger runs this season than Cravy (take another peek at those Manatee numbers via the link above).

 

Mesa Bottom of the 5th

 

Pitching Change: Tyler Cravy replaces Miguel Pena.

Wes Darvill lines out to right fielder Dariel Alvarez.

Jett Bandy lines out to left fielder Jason Rogers.

Brian Goodwin singles on a ground ball to second baseman Mookie Betts.

Addison Russell strikes out swinging.

 

Mesa Bottom of the 6th

 

Albert Almora strikes out swinging.

Taylor Lindsey strikes out on a foul tip.

Jorge Soler pops out to second baseman Mookie Betts.

 

RHP Kevin Shackelford finished up with another strong outing, fanning two in a perfect 9th --

 

Mesa Bottom of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Kevin Shackelford replaces Shawn Armstrong.

Albert Almora grounds out to first baseman Brett Nicholas.

Taylor Lindsey strikes out swinging, catcher Jorge Alfaro to first baseman Brett Nicholas.

Jorge Soler strikes out swinging.

 

Saturday's "Gameday" did not include pitch type and pitch speed info.

 

***

 

Rogers, Cravy, and Shackelford all have to be added to the 40-man roster by November 20th or be exposed in December's Rule 5 draft, as discussed in this thread. Haniger does not need to be added this fall.

 

***

 

AFL off on Sunday, back at it again Monday afternoon.

[nate82]

 

 

Every 3-5 years, we need a pipeline full of guys like Hart, Weeks, Hardy, Braun, Fielder, Yo, Parra, Gamel, LaPorta, LuCroy to sustain. The lack of prospects has led to DM and MA's patchwork approach, one that is using future resources now in a resource strapped market.

 

Not to take this thread even more off topic but the Brewers are not missing Hardy, Parra, Gamel, LaPorta, Lucroy, or Hart type of prospects the Brewers actual have plenty of those type of prospects in the minors. The type of prospects that the Brewers are missing are the Weeks, Gallardo, Braun, and Fielder types. The Brewers have the B and C type prospects Hart, Hardy, Gamel, etc. but they are missing any type of A type prospects Braun and Fielder.

 

 

Wrong. All that you list there, with the exception of Lucroy, were top 100 BA prospects at one time or another. Hardy, Gamel, and LaPorta were top 20-30 if I'm not mistaken. That means they all were A, A- prospects at worst. Obviously, some are going to flame out. But the fact that they are in OUR organization should give us a leg up on determining which ones will and which ones don't. DM, on numerous occasions, said Gamel was "untouchable." That should tell you all you need to know about DM's understanding of prospects.

 

The highest ranking I would have every given Hardy would have been a B+ grade which means he is a possible All Star level player but won't be a Super star level player. I don't think any rankings ever had Hardy higher than a B+ grade. You don't have to be an A or an A- grade prospect to be ranked in the top 100 or in the top 25 eihter. Peralta was ranked in the top 30ish player and he is not an A grade prospect he is more of a B leaning towards a B- prospect at that time there were a lot of question marks about how he would transition to the majors and a lot of those question marks have come true. Gamel was never an A grade prospect either as he had a lot of question marks concerning him. The A type prospects are reserved for players like Braun, Fielder, Trout, Harper, etc. There is no way Hardy would ever be given a grade of an A as a prospect he just is not any where close to those type of players talent wise. There are a lot of players that are B and B+ grade prospects that make it into the top 20-30 prospect lists. It all depends on what these guys are looking at. For example I wouldn't rate Billy Hamilton any higher than a B and yet he still gets his name in the top 20-30 prospect lists. Actually when it comes down to it there are very few A or even A- type prospects in the top 10 let alone in the top 30. I believe the highest rated prospect in the last 10 years for the Brewers has been Weeks at the 5th spot no other Brewer prospect has finished any higher. These lists are not all that accurate and are actually a poor way to measure a teams farm system. I am not sure exactly what would make a better review of a teams farm system but looking at a list that is very subjective and stating it is the be all end all of a teams farm system

 

Gamel was untouchable because at times that was the Brewers best prospect and for awhile their only good prospect. I believe some of the posters on here had Gamel as labeled as an untouchable prospect so I don't really get at what you are saying here.

[Mass Haas]

Saturday's Winter League action --

 

Dominican Republic - Box

 

LF Eugenio Velez 0-for-4 with a run scored (one K; one run, reached on error) to see his early average "tumble" to .417. Velez' teammate, light-hitting SS Hector Gomez, was idle for a second consecutive night.

 

Robinzon Diaz, playing first base for just the 2nd time in all of 2013, was 2-for-5 with an RBI and run scored.

 

***

 

Box

 

Juan Francisco's nice winter season continued, he now has a seven-game hitting streak and is hitting .323. Batting cleanup and playing third base, Francisco was 2-for-4 with a double and run scored. Night off for Sean Halton.

 

***

 

Venezuela - Box

 

RHP Arcenio Leon made his 7th appearance and, despite decent numbers, was charged with his third blown save in a game which his team eventually won 11-10 in ten innings.

 

Caracas Bottom of the 8th

 

Jesus Aguilar singles on a ground ball to center fielder Ender Inciarte.

Pitching Change: Jesus Yepez replaces Yorman Mayora.

Danny Dorn hit by pitch. Jesus Aguilar to 2nd.

Luis Rodriguez walks. Jesus Aguilar to 3rd. Danny Dorn to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Jesus Yepez.

Casper Wells doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Felix Perez. Jesus Aguilar scores. Danny Dorn scores. Luis Rodriguez to 3rd.

Carlos Rivero grounds out, shortstop Freddy Galvis to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Luis Rodriguez scores. Casper Wells to 3rd.

Ramon Cabrera singles on a line drive to right fielder Felix Perez. Casper Wells scores.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Raul Padron replaces Rico Noel.

Pitching Change: Daryl Maday replaces Arcenio Leon.

Raul Padron strikes out swinging.

Bobby Abreu walks. Ramon Cabrera to 2nd.

Daniel Mayora strikes out swinging.

[Mass Haas]

Via thedynastyguru.com on October 16th, interesting --

 

Tyler Cravy, RHP, MIL. This may be the longest shot I’ve yet written about, but hear me out. Cravy was a 17th round JuCo pick in 2009, and has spent his career to date shuttling back and forth between the rotation and bullpen. 2011 saw him move from Rk ball to full season A ball in the Midwest League, and while his surface stats of a 4.98 ERA and 1.40 WHIP over 90 1/3 innings looked like nothing worth shaking even a store-bought stick at, those numbers were fueled by a horrifying .373 BABIP and there was some legitimate intrigue if you looked under the hood. He whiffed 11.0-per-9, posted a walk rate under 3-per-9, and induced groundballs at a robust 44% clip.

 

Moved to fulltime relief duty for a full season return engagement in the Midwest League in 2012 he was solid if unspectacular. His BABIP regressed to a more normal range, bringing his ERA and WHIP with it, but his K rate dropped and he was now a middle reliever in A ball. So for fantasy baseball purposes…yeah, whatever.

 

But after kicking off 2013 in the bullpen once again he was given another crack at starting in the season’s second half. Beginning with a spot start at the end of June, he started 9 of his final 11 games of the season and flat-out dominated to the tune of a 1.28 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 8.8 K/9, 4.36 K:BB, and 41% GB% over 49 innings. He unfortunately appears ticketed for relief work in Surprise, but it’s hard to believe the Brewers won’t give him a shot at their AA rotation next spring. He’s one to watch this fall, but even moreso next spring as a potential late-bloomer.

[Mass Haas]

Sunday's action -

 

Dominican Box Score

 

Robinzon Diaz, 0-for-3 with an HBP, batted 3rd, played first base

 

***

 

Dominican Box Score

 

Juan Francisco, batting cleanup as the DH, managed to drive in two runs on groundouts despite an 0-for-5 night (one K), now 9-for-36 (.250, three walks, eight K's).

 

Sean Halton idle a second night, but could appreciate Big Papi's performance.

 

Eugenio Velez, LF and batting 3rd, 1-for-4 (one K)

 

SS Hector Gomez returned to action, 1-for-3 (one K)

[dacbrewers]

Tom H. followed up with Gord Ash on our behalf (as did Adam McCalvy). Tom sent these tweets:

 

Taylor Jungmann only pitched once in AFL, he has groin strain and team being very cautious. Asst. GM Gord Ash said Jungmann might not pitch again in AFL but it is not considered a serious issue.

 

***

 

FYI - Good first inning for Rogers / Haniger:

 

Surprise Top of the 1st

 

Mookie Betts strikes out on a foul tip.

Garin Cecchini singles on a ground ball to center fielder Albert Almora.

Jason Rogers singles on a fly ball to left fielder Steven Souza Jr. Garin Cecchini to 2nd.

Mitch Haniger doubles (4) on a ground ball to left fielder Steven Souza Jr. Garin Cecchini scores. Jason Rogers to 3rd.

Jorge Alfaro singles on a ground ball to center fielder Albert Almora. Jason Rogers scores. Mitch Haniger scores. Jorge Alfaro to 2nd on the throw.

Michael Ohlman walks.

Brett Nicholas grounds into a double play, second baseman Taylor Lindsey to first baseman Matt Skole. Michael Ohlman out at 2nd.

 

Just a note...Rogers single in the first was a routine fly lost in sun by left fielder. Was at the game and love Rogers approach at the plate and surprised how well he played outfield...gets a great jump on balls hit to him.

[yoshii8]

Thanks for the first hand report dacbrewers. How did Haniger and Cravy look?

[Mass Haas]

Via Mr. Haudricourt:

 

RHP David Goforth will represent #Brewers in Arizona Fall League "Stars Game" Saturday at Surprise. MLB Network will televise game.

[Mass Haas]

Monday's Arizona Fall League Game (box)

 

Surprise wins 8-7.

 

Mitch Haniger, batting 3rd and playing RF, reached base three times, via double, walk and HBP. He sports a .316/.412/.509 line over 57 AB's.

 

RHP David Goforth was given an "easy" save situation, asked to preserve a three-run lead. He did, but the numbers took a hit:

 

Glendale Top of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: David Goforth replaces Keith Couch.

Brian Cavazos-Galvez flies out to left fielder Henry Urrutia.

Tucker Barnhart singles on a line drive to right fielder Mitch Haniger.

Byron Buxton strikes out swinging.

Marcus Semien homers (2) on a fly ball to left center field. Tucker Barnhart scores.

Colin Moran strikes out on a foul tip.

 

Gameday tells us it was a 95 MPH fastball on the home run. Goforth would feature the fastball, touching 96, to begin each AB. Should be fun to see him on MLB Network Saturday (6:00 PM Central).

 

On Tuesday, it's a 1:35 Central rematch, this time in Glendale. You'll find that box here.

[Mass Haas]

Looks like someone's off to winter ball.

[Mass Haas]

All three active leagues (Venezuela, Dominican, and Mexico -- no Brewers participating in Mexico, at least not yet), were idle on Monday.

 

The Puerto Rican League, which often sees quite a bit of Brewer activity, opens Friday 11/1.

[dacbrewers]

Thanks for the first hand report dacbrewers. How did Haniger and Cravy look?

 

Haniger has cooled off a bit since his hot start but overall looks good to me. He took advantage of a 3rd baseman playing way off the line by lacing one over the bag. Overall good plate selection. I think when he bulks up a little more...you may see more power from him. Cravy looked great as did Shackleford. Cravy was pounding the strike zone 25 pitches, 21 for strikes. So far the Brewers are representing the AFL pretty well. The Orioles have a couple players that stood out.

[Mass Haas]

In front of 303 fans in Glendale, Surprise played to a 5-5 tie (AFL games do not go past 11 innings).

 

Box

 

Mitch Haniger had the day off, but Jason Rogers (1.077 after 34 AB's) played LF and batted 5th, he was 1-for-4 with a walk and run scored (one K).

 

Catcher Adam Weisenburger was 2-for-5 with an RBI (one K), and was 1-for-3 on throwing out baserunners. His RBI tied the game in the 8th.

 

RHP Kevin Shackelford preserved the tie perfectly -- after allowing a single earned run in each of his first three AFL appearances, Shackelford has four scoreless games (4 IP) under his belt:

 

Glendale Bottom of the 11th

 

Pitching Change: Kevin Shackelford replaces Keone Kela.

Travis Mattair grounds out, third baseman Garin Cecchini to first baseman Brett Nicholas.

Chris O'Brien grounds out, third baseman Garin Cecchini to first baseman Brett Nicholas.

Danny Black lines out to left fielder Jason Rogers.

 

***

 

It's another 1:35 Central start on Wednesday, hosting Salt River. You'll find a box score here.