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

Flying leap twice as nice for Brewers prospects

Catcher Robinzon Diaz was having his best game in a while, singling in his first two AB's before leaving the game for a pinchrunner after being hit by a pitch in the 4th.

***

Light night schedule-wise, Diaz the only Brewer to see the field.

Mass Haas · November 19, 2013

Fun article from Adam --

Shackelford, Cravy, Goforth celebrate AFL title year after winning Midwest League

Mass Haas · November 20, 2013

Winter League Activity - Tuesday 11/19

Juan Francisco, batting cleanup and playing first base, singled twice and drove in a run in six at-bats (13-inning game), batting .287 after 101 at-bats (13 walks). That's reasonable.

Francisco also did this in his other four at-bats -

Juan Francisco strikes out swinging.

That's 30 strikeouts in 101 AB's against the equivalent of, let's say to be kind, AAA pitching.

Meanwhile, an old friend about to turn 38 has posted a 1.449 OPS after 11 games in Mexico.

Russell the Muscle. Same number of walks as Francisco in 65 fewer AB's (36 AB's).

If it could only be one or the other, who would you rather see facing right-handed pitching in a platoon/bench role, in person at Miller Park, or all season on TV, in 2014? Please, Brewers, please.

Newest Brewer Elian Herrera had a big game, 4-for-6 (all singles, two K's). He played LF in this one.

***

In that same game, RHP Alfredo Figaro was dealing, fanning five in three scoreles innings --

Estrellas Bottom of the 7th

Pitching Change: Alfredo Figaro replaces Greg Aquino.

Alex Valdez strikes out swinging.

Junior Lake singles on a line drive to center fielder Yordany Ramirez.

Audy Ciriaco singles on a line drive to center fielder Yordany Ramirez. Junior Lake to 2nd.

With Ed Rogers batting, Junior Lake caught stealing 3rd base, catcher Christian Bethancourt to third baseman Juan Francisco, Audy Ciriaco to 2nd.

Ed Rogers flies out to left fielder Julio Borbon.

Estrellas Bottom of the 8th

Jackson Williams strikes out swinging.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Nelson Perez replaces Brian Barden.

Nelson Perez grounds out, shortstop Wilson Valdez to first baseman Yamaico Navarro.

Michael Martinez called out on strikes.

Estrellas Bottom of the 9th

Elian Herrera strikes out swinging.

Denis Phipps grounds out, third baseman Juan Francisco to first baseman Yamaico Navarro.

Alex Valdez strikes out swinging.

***

Adam McCalvy (via Gord Ash) explains Hunter Morris' abbreviated winter season in his 40-man article:

SS Hector Gomez 0-for-3 (two K's), his 5th error in 21 games.

***

LHP Zach Kroenke made his first Dominican start Tuesday, the Brewers made him an offer to return in 2014, but thus far, Kroenke did not accept the deal.

Mass Haas · November 21, 2013

Officially, Morris is one of the Brewers' 2014 options for first base, a position that is at the moment unfilled.

"It's going to depend what the need is at the time," said assistant general manager Gord Ash, who referred to Morris' Triple-A season as a learning experience.

"I think he understood there are adjustments to be made," Ash said. "I think he made good progress defensively. Obviously, he still hit with decent power, but he didn't have some of the peripherals that surrounded that like he did the year before. So it was a good learning experience for him, and I was hopeful that winter ball would allow him to take that next step."

But Morris suffered a twisted right knee after three games in the Venezuelan Winter League and was unable to play after Nov. 8. When the issue did not improve, the Brewers brought Morris home to the U.S. for an examination on Tuesday by head team physician William Raasch, who detected no structural damage.

Mass Haas · November 21, 2013

Wednesday's Winter League action --

RHP Hiram Burgos made a very strong scoreless three-inning start (one H, one BB, four K's). Only one run allowed in seven innings over four appearances for Burgos thus far. Burgos may be a bit of a forgotten man in fans' discussions of big league-capable pieces, but when he's healthy and on, he's proven to be tantalizingly interesting.

Ponce Top of the 1st

Reymond Fuentes strikes out swinging.

Ivan De Jesus called out on strikes.

Rubi Silva strikes out swinging.

Ponce Top of the 2nd

Jordan Lennerton grounds out, third baseman Chris Curley to first baseman Kennys Vargas.

Henry Ramos grounds out to first baseman Kennys Vargas.

Christian Colon singles on a line drive to left fielder Daniel Ortiz.

With Jonathan Mota batting, Christian Colon steals (3) 2nd base.

Jonathan Mota walks.

Kevin Torres flies out to center fielder Michael Taylor.

Ponce Top of the 3rd

Jesmuel Valentin strikes out swinging.

Reymond Fuentes grounds out, second baseman Eddie Rosario to first baseman Kennys Vargas.

Ivan De Jesus lines out to shortstop Luis Figueroa.

***

RHP Mike Fiers made his second appearance, tossing a perfect 9th in his club's 8-2 win.

Aragua Bottom of the 9th

Pitching Change: Mike Fiers replaces Jonathan Ortiz.

Guillermo Quiroz flies out to left fielder Daniel Mayora.

Jose Martinez grounds out, second baseman Hernan Perez to first baseman Jesus Aguilar.

Ronny Cedeno grounds out, third baseman Alex Gonzalez to first baseman Jesus Aguilar.

***

Mexico Box Score

The Brewers finally have a Mexican League representative, as native son catcher Rafael Neda (.488 2013 OPS in 143 Brevard AB's) made his debut. Entering the game in the 5th inning, Neda finished 0-for-3 (two K's).

***

SS Hector Gomez (.261, one BB in 69 AB's) singled and drove in a run in four AB's.

***

Switch-hitting 40-man roster waiver claim Elian Herrera, leading off and playing LF here, singled in four AB's, scored a run, added a sacrifice bunt.

Finally, isn't this in a way a good thing that's happening (below)? Front office reality check?

Juan Francisco, playing third base and batting cleanup, was 0-for-4 with two K's.

Down to .276 after 105 AB's, Francisco has now fanned 36 times. He is 4-for-his-last-36 with 17 K's.

DHonks · November 22, 2013

would be huge to get Burgos and Fiers back as options for the rotation/pen. I've got my fingers crossed

Mass Haas · November 22, 2013

No Brewers took part in winter league action Thursday.

Mass Haas · November 23, 2013

Friday's Winter activity --

Sixteen appearances under his belt, the last six scoreless, 27-year-old RHP Arcenio Leon is turning in a fine winter. He pitched well enough Friday that he extended to three scoreless --

La Guaira Bottom of the 4th

Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Virgil Vasquez.

Rene Reyes flies out to center fielder Ender Inciarte.

Ehire Adrianza grounds out, second baseman Jose Flores to first baseman Ernesto Mejia.

Miguel Rojas grounds out, shortstop Freddy Galvis to first baseman Ernesto Mejia.

La Guaira Bottom of the 5th

Rafael Ortega singles on a line drive to center fielder Ender Inciarte.

Jamie Romak pops out to pitcher Arcenio Leon.

Salvador Perez grounds out, pitcher Arcenio Leon to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Rafael Ortega to 2nd.

Alex Cabrera grounds out, shortstop Freddy Galvis to first baseman Ernesto Mejia.

La Guaira Bottom of the 6th

Hector Sanchez strikes out swinging.

C. J. Retherford hit by pitch.

Rene Reyes grounds out, second baseman Jose Flores to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. C. Retherford to 2nd.

Ehire Adrianza grounds out, shortstop Freddy Galvis to first baseman Ernesto Mejia

***

Martin Maldonado, batting 7th as the DH in the second game of a doubleheader, was 0-for-2 (struck out swinging, lined to first). Maldy now 1-for-9 with five K's.

***

Juan Francisco, batting cleanup and playing third base (error #8 in 28 games), had a positive game at the plate, 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Teammate RHP Alfredo Figaro allowed six hits in three innings, but only one ER (two overall). It was his 3rd winter outing. As per his 2013, no walks to hurt his cause --

Gigantes Bottom of the 3rd

Pitching Change: Alfredo Figaro replaces Pedro Figueroa.

Omir Santos grounds out, pitcher Alfredo Figaro to first baseman Yamaico Navarro.

Jonathan Diaz reaches on a fielding error by third baseman Juan Francisco.

Alexi Casilla singles on a ground ball to right fielder Alex Hassan. Jonathan Diaz to 3rd.

Leury Garcia singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jordany Valdespin. Jonathan Diaz scores. Alexi Casilla to 2nd.

Wilson Betemit singles on a line drive to center fielder Julio Borbon. Alexi Casilla scores. Leury Garcia to 2nd.

Moises Sierra singles on a line drive to left fielder Jordany Valdespin. Leury Garcia to 3rd. Wilson Betemit to 2nd.

Oscar Tejeda grounds into a double play, second baseman Anderson Hernandez to shortstop Carlos Triunfel to first baseman Yamaico Navarro. Moises Sierra out at 2nd.

Gigantes Bottom of the 4th

Francisco Peguero grounds out, third baseman Juan Francisco to first baseman Yamaico Navarro.

Hanser Alberto pops out to catcher Christian Bethancourt in foul territory.

Omir Santos flies out to right fielder Alex Hassan.

Gigantes Bottom of the 5th

Jonathan Diaz grounds out, shortstop Carlos Triunfel to first baseman Yamaico Navarro.

Alexi Casilla singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jordany Valdespin.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Maikel Franco replaces Alexi Casilla.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Ronny Gil replaces Leury Garcia.

Ronny Gil grounds into a force out, second baseman Anderson Hernandez to shortstop Carlos Triunfel. Maikel Franco out at 2nd. Ronny Gil to 1st.

Wilson Betemit singles on a ground ball. Ronny Gil out at 2nd, hit by batted ball, first baseman Yamaico Navarro unassisted.

***

Elian Herrera, playing LF, was 1-for-4 with a double and sacrifice bunt (one K).

***

The 2011 big league Colorado Rockie (two games), SS Hector Gomez was 1-for-3 with a caught stealing (now 0-for-2 in that category).

Mass Haas · November 24, 2013

Saturday's Winter League action --

New 40-man roster utilityman Elian Herrera played 2B and batted leadoff, he was 0-for-3 but did draw his first walk (29 AB's), and drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.

***

Juan Francisco, batting cleanup and playing first base, singled in four trips (one RBI, one K). Francisco is up to 113 winter AB's, about one-third of his 2013 MLB at-bat total.

***

Starting on the road in front of over 5,600 on an 88-degree Venezuelan night, RHP Mike Fiers had a rough go of things, allowing four runs in 2+ innings (59 pitches / 36 strikes) --

Caribes Bottom of the 1st

Niuman Romero flies out to left fielder J. D. Martinez.

Gorkys Hernandez walks.

Leslie Anderson singles on a ground ball to right fielder Bobby Abreu. Gorkys Hernandez to 3rd.

Jose Castillo homers (6) on a fly ball to left field. Gorkys Hernandez scores. Leslie Anderson scores.

Cory Aldridge strikes out swinging.

Oscar Salazar strikes out swinging.

Caribes Bottom of the 2nd

Alexi Amarista strikes out swinging.

Jose Gil singles on a line drive to left fielder J. D. Martinez.

Eduardo Escobar singles on a soft fly ball to center fielder Gerardo Parra. Jose Gil to 3rd.

Niuman Romero strikes out swinging.

Gorkys Hernandez flies out to center fielder Gerardo Parra.

Caribes Bottom of the 3rd

Leslie Anderson walks.

Jose Castillo singles on a line drive to left fielder J. D. Martinez. Leslie Anderson to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Felipe Rivero replaces Mike Fiers.

Cory Aldridge called out on strikes.

Oscar Salazar grounds out, catcher Ramon Cabrera to first baseman Danny Dorn. Leslie Anderson to 3rd. Jose Castillo to 2nd.

With Alexi Amarista batting, wild pitch by Felipe Rivero, Leslie Anderson scores. Jose Castillo to 3rd.

Alexi Amarista grounds out sharply, shortstop Gregorio Petit to first baseman Danny Dorn.

***

Catcher Martin Maldonado singled in three AB's before exiting in the 7th for a pinch-hitter. No stolen base attempts against Maldy in this one.

***

Rough night for 40-man roster RHP Jose De La Torre, making his 5th winter appearance but first in ten days, got two outs in the 7th, but didn't retire any of his four 8th inning batters (former Brewer farmhand RHP Saul Rivera stranded two of De La Torre's three baserunners) --

Ponce Top of the 7th

Ivan De Jesus singles on a line drive to center fielder Jorge Padilla.

Jordan Lennerton homers (4) on a line drive to right field. Ivan De Jesus scores.

Henry Ramos homers (3) on a line drive to right field.

Christian Colon flies out to center fielder Jorge Padilla.

Pitching Change: Jose De La Torre replaces Derek Blacksher.

Jose Ruiz strikes out swinging.

Jonathan Mota flies out to left fielder Luis Montanez.

Ponce Top of the 8th

Jan Vazquez walks.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Jose Lozada replaces Jan Vazquez.

Defensive Substitution: Johnny Monell replaces catcher Ramon Castro, batting 5th, playing catcher.

Reymond Fuentes walks. Jose Lozada to 2nd.

Rubi Silva singles on a bunt ground ball to pitcher Jose De La Torre. Jose Lozada scores. Reymond Fuentes to 3rd. Throwing error by pitcher Jose De La Torre.

Ivan De Jesus singles on a line drive to left fielder Luis Montanez. Reymond Fuentes scores. Rubi Silva to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Ryan O'Rourke replaces Jose De La Torre.

With Jordan Lennerton batting, wild pitch by Ryan O'Rourke, Rubi Silva to 3rd. Ivan De Jesus to 2nd.

Jordan Lennerton walks.

Pitching Change: Saul Rivera replaces Ryan O'Rourke.

Henry Ramos lines out to right fielder Edgardo Baez.

Christian Colon flies out to center fielder Jorge Padilla.

Jose Ruiz singles on a ground ball to second baseman Miguel Abreu. Rubi Silva scores. Ivan De Jesus to 3rd. Jordan Lennerton to 2nd.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Jesmuel Valentin replaces Jose Ruiz.

Jonathan Mota strikes out swinging.

Mass Haas · November 25, 2013

Former Brewer and current minor league free agent RHP Mark Rogers made his winter league debut in Venezuela Sunday, and he pitched a hitless first inning, walking one. Unfortunately he walked the first three batters he faced in the 2nd inning, left the game, and his successor allowed all three inherited runners to score.

Box Score / Recap

Certainly for all his promise, we certainly saw many similar outings through the years.

Mass Haas · November 25, 2013

Sunday's Winter League action --

Catcher Martin Maldonado threw out the lone attempted basestealer, but a slow start at the plate continued, 0-for-3 with two K's, now 2-for-15 (seven K's, zero BB's).

***

3B Juan Francisco, 0-for-3 (one BB, one K).

dacbrewers · November 25, 2013

Does anyone know what team Jason Rogers is playing for in the Dominican League?

Mass Haas · November 25, 2013

Does anyone know what team Jason Rogers is playing for in the Dominican League?

The Brewers indicated that Rogers would get work in at their own Dominican Academy, and if possible and a spot opened up, try to get Rogers on a formal Dominican Winter league squad. As of this time, that has not occurred, at least not in a formal game.

JohnBriggs12 · November 25, 2013

would be huge to get Burgos and Fiers back as options for the rotation/pen. I've got my fingers crossed

I have faith in Burgos. I'm convinced he was injured in that 3 inning stint where he was left in to allow 12 runs (10 earned) in 3 innings. That wasn't the same guy that dominated hitters in the WBC.

Mass Haas · November 26, 2013

Monday's Winter League action --

Elian Herrera played LF, went 1-for-4 with a run scored (one K).

Brewer free agent LHP Zach Kroenke had a nice start in the game.

***

RHP Jose De La Torre had a second consecutive uneven effort, escaped his first jam but not the second...

Ponce Top of the 8th

Pitching Change: Jose De La Torre replaces Luis Gonzalez.

Rubi Silva singles on a line drive to center fielder Jorge Padilla.

Jonathan Mota out on a sacrifice bunt to first baseman Aaron Bates. Rubi Silva to 2nd.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Jose Ruiz replaces Geraldo Valentin.

Jose De La Torre intentionally walks Jose Ruiz.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Jan Vazquez replaces Yovan Gonzalez.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Jon Garcia replaces Jose Ruiz.

Jan Vazquez strikes out swinging.

Reymond Fuentes strikes out swinging.

Ponce Top of the 9th

Christian Colon hits a ground-rule double (6) on a line drive to right field.

Ivan De Jesus singles on a line drive to left fielder Miguel Abreu. Christian Colon to 3rd.

Jordan Lennerton grounds out to first baseman Aaron Bates. Ivan De Jesus to 2nd.

Henry Ramos grounds out to first baseman Aaron Bates.

Jose De La Torre intentionally walks Rubi Silva.

Jonathan Mota doubles (3) on a line drive to left fielder Miguel Abreu. Christian Colon scores. Ivan De Jesus scores. Rubi Silva to 3rd.

Jon Garcia grounds out, third baseman Andy Gonzalez to first baseman Aaron Bates.

Mass Haas · November 27, 2013

Tuesday's Winter League action --

There's really no explanation for such an early exit for Juan Francisco except that he may have tweaked something on the play at the plate.

Licey Bottom of the 2nd

Juan Francisco walks.

Luis Terrero singles on a ground ball to left fielder Zoilo Almonte. Juan Francisco to 2nd.

Chris Marrero pops out to shortstop Danny Santana on the infield fly rule.

Victor Diaz singles on a soft pop up to second baseman Jermaine Curtis. Juan Francisco scores. Luis Terrero to 3rd. Victor Diaz to 2nd on the throw.

Engel Beltre out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Zoilo Almonte. Luis Terrero scores. Victor Diaz advances to 3rd, on a throwing error by left fielder Zoilo Almonte.

Dan Rohlfing flies out to center fielder Juan Lagares.

Aguilas Top of the 3rd

Defensive Substitution: Wilson Valdez replaces third baseman Juan Francisco, batting 4th, playing third base.

EDIT/UPDATE: Translated tweet from his team --

Juan Francisco went out of play as a precaution after a slight pull in his left leg on the play in which he scored.

***

Elian Herrera, playing second base, singled in three AB's (scored a run).

What the heck is going on here? Was Herrera forced to leave the game on this play at second base?

Gigantes Bottom of the 7th

Pitching Change: Rommie Lewis replaces Eury De La Rosa.

Jonathan Diaz singles on a bunt ground ball to second baseman Elian Herrera.

Ronny Gil singles on a bunt ground ball to first baseman Josh Whitesell. Jonathan Diaz to 2nd.

Francisco Soriano out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Rommie Lewis to second baseman Elian Herrera. Jonathan Diaz to 3rd. Ronny Gil to 2nd.

Defensive Substitution: Juan Diaz replaces second baseman Elian Herrera, batting 1st, playing shortstop.

Defensive switch from shortstop to second base for Michael Martinez.

Marcell Ozuna pops out to first baseman Josh Whitesell in foul territory.

Jailen Peguero intentionally walks Wilson Betemit.

Francisco Peguero singles on a line drive to center fielder Junior Lake. Jonathan Diaz scores. Ronny Gil scores. Wilson Betemit to 2nd.

Hanser Alberto pops out to second baseman Michael Martinez

***

C Martin Maldonado was 1-for-3 with one K, and another HBP (at least his 3rd this winter in just seven games). No runner attempted to steal. Even with the HBP, he played the whole game, breaking last night's theme.

Maldonado's batterymate, RHP Hiram Burgos, made the start -- 3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 2 K.

Santurce Top of the 1st

Austin Wates walks.

Jack Lopez singles on a fly ball to right fielder Jerry Sands. Austin Wates to 3rd.

Jonathan Singleton grounds into a double play, second baseman Eddie Rosario to shortstop Irving Falu to first baseman Randy Ruiz. Austin Wates scores. Jack Lopez out at 2nd.

Neftali Soto flies out to right fielder Jerry Sands.

Santurce Top of the 2nd

John Rodriguez strikes out swinging.

Edwin Maysonet doubles (3) on a line drive to left fielder Noel Cuevas.

Jeff Dominguez singles on a line drive to left fielder Noel Cuevas. Edwin Maysonet scores.

Christian Vazquez grounds into a double play, second baseman Eddie Rosario to shortstop Irving Falu to first baseman Randy Ruiz. Jeff Dominguez out at 2nd.

Santurce Top of the 3rd

Luis Rivera lines out to first baseman Randy Ruiz.

Austin Wates called out on strikes.

Jack Lopez grounds out, shortstop Irving Falu to first baseman Randy Ruiz.

***

RHP Arcenio Leon's 17th appearance broke a string of six scoreless ones, as he allowed four runs in just 2/3 of an inning --

Magallanes Top of the 6th

Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Cesar Valdez.

Robinson Chirinos singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jose Pirela.

Endy Chavez grounds out, first baseman Ernesto Mejia to pitcher Arcenio Leon. Robinson Chirinos to 2nd.

Ramon Hernandez walks.

Renny Osuna singles on a ground ball to right fielder Felix Perez. Robinson Chirinos scores. Ramon Hernandez to 3rd.

Argenis Diaz grounds out, third baseman Marwin Gonzalez to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Renny Osuna to 2nd.

Ezequiel Carrera walks.

Lew Ford triples (3) on a fly ball to right fielder Felix Perez. Ramon Hernandez scores. Renny Osuna scores. Ezequiel Carrera scores.

Pitching Change: Daryl Maday replaces Arcenio Leon.

Adonis Garcia pops out to catcher Francisco Arcia in foul territory.

***

Remember OF Steve Moss? He's playing in Mexico, where he's also spent the past three summers. He'll turn 30 in January.

Mass Haas · November 28, 2013

Wednesday's Winter League action --

As expected, Juan Francisco (leg strain, see prior post) was idle for his Licey club.

Teammate RHP Alfredo Figaro allowed a run in one inning of work. He stranded one of two inherited runners.

Gigantes Top of the 6th

Marcell Ozuna grounds out, shortstop Carlos Triunfel to first baseman Yamaico Navarro.

Wilson Betemit triples (1) on a soft line drive to right fielder Luis Terrero.

Moises Sierra singles on a soft ground ball to second baseman Arismendy Alcantara. Wilson Betemit scores.

Francisco Peguero reaches on a fielding error by pitcher Yunesky Maya. Moises Sierra to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Alfredo Figaro replaces Yunesky Maya.

Maikel Franco singles on a line drive to left fielder Julio Borbon. Moises Sierra scores. Francisco Peguero to 2nd.

Omir Santos strikes out swinging.

Jonathan Diaz strikes out swinging.

Gigantes Top of the 7th

Ronny Gil walks.

Francisco Soriano out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Alfredo Figaro to first baseman Yamaico Navarro. Ronny Gil to 2nd.

Marcell Ozuna doubles (6) on a fly ball to center fielder Engel Beltre. Ronny Gil scores.

Pitching Change: Braulio Lara replaces Alfredo Figaro.

Hanser Alberto grounds out, shortstop Carlos Triunfel to first baseman Yamaico Navarro. Marcell Ozuna to 3rd.

Pitching Change: Jose Dominguez replaces Braulio Lara.

Moises Sierra pops out to second baseman Arismendy Alcantara.

***

So much for Elian Herrera's injury concerns (again, see prior post), although he was limited to designated hitter duties Wednesday. Herrera was 2-for-4 with a triple, double, and run scored.

***

Martin Maldonado saw time behind the dish and at first base, but was 0-for-5, and is now at .130 (3-for-23, no XBH's, eight K's, zero BB's, .361 OPS).

Mass Haas · November 29, 2013

No Brewers took part Thursday.

Mass Haas · November 30, 2013

Friday's Winter League action --

Two weeks ago, MLB.com's Adam McCalvy wrote in his Jason Rogers feature article --

"Is Jason Rogers the Brewers' 2013 version of 2012's Josh Prince?

Prince was a fringy but versatile prospect who rode a breakthrough performance in last year's Arizona Fall League to a spot on Milwaukee's 40-man roster. Prince was rewarded in 2013 with a brief appearance in the Major Leagues, though he was removed from the roster last month.

Now comes Rogers, who has hit himself into prospect status with back-to-back solid seasons, including a 2013 spent at Double-A Huntsville that earned Rogers the Brewers' Minor League Player of the Year honor and a spot in the prestigious AFL. Like Prince, Rogers is 25. Like Prince, Rogers is improving his versatility by playing multiple positions in the AFL, a project that will continue at the Brewers' complex in the Dominican Republic following Saturday's AFL Championship Game.

Brewers farm director Reid Nichols said the plan called for Rogers, a first baseman by trade who manned left field in the AFL, to play third base every day for two weeks in the Dominican as part of the team's instructional program there. And if one of the Dominican Winter League teams needs a third baseman, the Brewers would try to get Rogers a shot."

Jason Rogers has landed a job, with the same club that UT Eugenio Velez and SS Hector Gomez appeared earlier in the winter season, with Toros del Este. Rogers started on Friday and batted cleanup, but he played first base, not third (oh well, Brewers management, more chances to come). Rogers was 0-for-4 (one K).

Within that same box score, switch-hitting 40-man utilityman Elian Herrera returned to second base action after an injury scare three days ago, and was 2-for-5 with a triple.

***

Juan Francisco is still idle after a leg strain on Tuesday, but Alec Dopp wrote a nice piece of analysis that may have many of us hoping for a non-tender by the Brewers when the deadline for offering arbitration comes next Monday. (Expect an arbitration offer.)

***

Catcher Martin Maldonado saw no one try to steal on him (again), finished 1-for-3 (a two-run single), and was hit by a pitch for at least the 4th time in ten games this winter. In 459 MLB plate appearances, Maldy had only been HBP five times.

TooLiveBrew · November 30, 2013

The Brewers are so frustrating with player development. If, at any point, they thought Rogers could handle 3B, why didn't they try him there as a younger player when he'd have tons of playing time to try to learn the position?

TheCrew07 · December 1, 2013

The Brewers are so frustrating with player development. If, at any point, they thought Rogers could handle 3B, why didn't they try him there as a younger player when he'd have tons of playing time to try to learn the position?

I'm still trying to figure why they think he could be a 3B to begin with? Having watched him play extensively, and as a fan of his, I just don't see it. I understand the need for some kind of legitimate 3B prospect as I do the need for a legitimate LHP, but to continually place square pegs (guys who profile as 1B) as 3B just to fill an organizational need doesn't really make any sense.

I get that Ramirez will hopefully be done as a Brewer after this season, unless of course they pick up the option, but that's why a couple of trades for young pitching and both 3B and SS prospects would have made sense. We have a 1000 outfielders and 1B but not much else, we got the SS and maybe a bullpen arm for Greinke, but as I proposed multiple times over the last 2 years it would have been nice to go after a prospect like Corey Seager from the Dodgers as well and a young pitcher in a separate deal. I don't mean to suggest that Seager was available in 2012 as he was drafted and couldn't have been acquired until this last deadline, I just mean to target a power hitting SS who profiles best as 3B, or a true 3B prospect. I realize the Brewers eventually kind of did that with Nick Delmonico, but that was very light version of what I had in mind initially.

The Rangers wouldn't deal Olt so then you fill the need as best as you can. Oddly the situation turned out the worst possible way for Mike as he got hit in the head playing winter ball (what an incredible waste of time) with a pitch and developed a vision problem which started him off on a horrible year. I hope for his sake he gets his career back on track, but it will suck if he turns into something good for the Cubs.

I still think is pretty simple... If we don't have the player in house, and we aren't going to be able to sign him in FA to fill that hole, then we need to trade for him. End. Of. Story.

I have a very hard time with Melvin's veteran obsession given the financial realities and limitations of a fielding a MLB team in Milwaukee.

edited to further clarify some thoughts.

Mass Haas · December 1, 2013

Saturday's Winter League action --

Hector Gomez homered twice, driving in five, in his first game since November 22nd, impressive. Gomez (26 in March) played third base here, at 6'2", he's played SS for most of his career. He'll be in big league camp on a minor league deal, and flashes just enough to keep the Brewers interested after a brutal 2013.

***

It took 15 innings, but Martin Maldonado's club won 5-4. Maldonado left in the 9th for a pinch-runner. Prior to, he was 2-for-4, now with six singles and no walks in 30 AB's (.494 OPS). No baserunning activity against.

***

Playing second base and again leading off, switch-hitting Elian Herrera was 2-for-3 with an RBI and run scored. He was pinch-hit for in the 6th.

***

RHP Arcenio Leon's 18th relief appearance (3.57 ERA, 24 H in 22.2 IP, 8 BB, 20 K) was a good one, two scoreless --

Margarita Bottom of the 8th

Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Silvino Bracho.

Max Ramirez grounds out, shortstop Freddy Galvis to first baseman Ernesto Mejia.

Junior Sosa strikes out swinging.

Henry Blanco strikes out swinging, catcher Sandy Leon to first baseman Ernesto Mejia.

Margarita Bottom of the 9th

Tyler Graham grounds out, second baseman Henry Rodriguez to first baseman Ernesto Mejia.

Breyvic Valera singles on a fly ball to left fielder Jose Pirela.

Wilmer Flores grounds into a force out, shortstop Freddy Galvis to second baseman Henry Rodriguez. Breyvic Valera out at 2nd. Wilmer Flores to 1st.

Carlos Rivero flies out to left fielder Jose Pirela

Leon's team lost in ten innings.

Mass Haas · December 2, 2013

Sunday's Winter League action --

Fun box score here.

As much as I'm a Tyler Thornburg fan (that "oh yeah, I'll show you" determination), and am definitely optimistic about Jimmy Nelson, I believe the Brewers will be glad there's a healthy Hiram Burgos around and in the mix for 2014. I realize that saying a 5'11" RHP has a chance for a positive Shaun Marcum season is almost as cliche' as a Jamie Moyer reference, but it is a blast to watch Burgos when he's on.

Four scoreless here, two hits, two walks, four strikeouts.

Caguas Bottom of the 1st

Juan Silva flies out to left fielder Daniel Ortiz.

Kristopher Negron called out on strikes.

Andy Gonzalez grounds out, shortstop Irving Falu to first baseman Martin Maldonado.

Caguas Bottom of the 2nd

Aaron Bates grounds out, first baseman Martin Maldonado to pitcher Hiram Burgos.

Johnny Monell walks.

Ramon Castro grounds into a double play, pitcher Hiram Burgos to shortstop Irving Falu to first baseman Martin Maldonado. Johnny Monell out at 2nd.

Caguas Bottom of the 3rd

Edgardo Baez walks.

Miguel Abreu singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Luis Figueroa. Edgardo Baez to 2nd.

Luis Mateo out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Hiram Burgos to second baseman Eddie Rosario. Edgardo Baez to 3rd. Miguel Abreu to 2nd.

Juan Silva called out on strikes.

Luis Montanez lines out to right fielder Jerry Sands.

Caguas Bottom of the 4th

Andy Gonzalez flies out to center fielder Michael Taylor.

Aaron Bates strikes out swinging.

Johnny Monell singles on a line drive to left fielder Daniel Ortiz.

With Ramon Castro batting, Johnny Monell steals (2) 2nd base, . Johnny Monell advances to 3rd, on a missed catch error by second baseman Eddie Rosario.

Ramon Castro strikes out swinging.

In that same game, but from the opposing bullpen, RHP Jose De La Torre, the 40-man roster waiver claim from the Red Sox, pitched a perfect inning for a hold --

Mayaguez Top of the 8th

Pitching Change: Jose De La Torre replaces Miguel Mejia.

Luis Figueroa grounds out, second baseman Miguel Abreu to first baseman Aaron Bates.

Eddie Rosario strikes out swinging.

Martin Maldonado flies out to center fielder Juan Silva.

Yes, that's Martin Maldonado, who had a nice game otherwise. Maldy had an RBI single in the 4th and lined a two-run HR to left in the 6th.

***