2014 Arizona Fall League / Caribbean Winter League Thread

[Mass Haas]

Saturday tweets from MLB Pipeline's scout Bernie Pleskoff--

 

#Brewers lefty Wang put on a quick move to 1B and picked off #Rockies Casteel. Nicely done. Very good mechanics on the pick.

 

#Brewers Wang looked much more composed in his second inning of work. We'll see more of him this fall.

 

#Brewers Wang done after two innings. Yielded a run on two hits. Now on to pitch is #Orioles righty Parker Bridwell.

 

So far, he's shown a solid line drive bat. Makes good contact. Has some pop in his bat as well. I like what I see so far. (Taylor)

 

Nicely done. #Brewers Taylor drops a beautiful bunt down the first base line to score Anderson. Scored a fielder's choice. Great execution.

 

Another comment on #Brewers Tyrone Taylor. Just took an excellent route on a deep drive to left center. Played it perfectly after long run.

 

#Brewers Gomez comes to the plate in the bottom of the 9th w/ bases loaded and one out after a single by #Brewers Zarraga.

 

#Brewers Gomez takes a called 3rd strike and the Desert Dogs are down to their last out.

[Mass Haas]

Wei-Chung Wang's night --

 

Salt River Top of the 1st

 

Byron Buxton flies out to center fielder Tyrone Taylor.

Eddie Rosario singles on a ground ball to shortstop Tim Anderson.

With Rio Ruiz batting, Eddie Rosario steals (3) 2nd base.

Rio Ruiz grounds out, second baseman Domingo Leyba to first baseman Nick Basto. Eddie Rosario to 3rd.

Ryan Casteel singles on a line drive to center fielder Tyrone Taylor. Eddie Rosario scores.

With Chad Wallach batting, Wei-Chung Wang picks off Ryan Casteel at 1st on throw to Nick Basto.

 

Salt River Top of the 2nd

 

Chad Wallach strikes out swinging.

Trevor Story grounds out, second baseman Domingo Leyba to first baseman Nick Basto.

Joe Sclafani grounds out, second baseman Domingo Leyba to first baseman Nick Basto.

 

***

 

Salt River Top of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: LHP Michael Strong replaces Joe Mantiply.

Ryan Casteel grounds out, second baseman Domingo Leyba to first baseman Nick Basto.

Chad Wallach strikes out swinging.

Trevor Story flies out to right fielder Daniel Fields.

[Mass Haas]

Thus far, no pitch speeds or types in Fall League Gameday.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Score

 

SS Orlando Arcia was 0-for-2 but walked three times, nice to see.

 

***

 

Just a reminder that we only report winter league stats for players due to be in the Brewer organization in 2015. Example - RHP's Tim Dillard, Arcenio Leon, and Manny Barreda all pitched Saturday. Should any of those types of players re-sign, we'll catch you up on their winter numbers.

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box Score

 

RHP Eric Marzec stranded an inherited runner, and then pitched an additional scoreless inning.

 

Magallanes Top of the 5th

 

Francisco Martinez called out on strikes.

Lew Ford lines out to second baseman Reegie Corona.

Jose Rondon singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jorge Cortes.

Pitching Change: Eric Marzec replaces Sergio Perez.

Adonis Garcia singles on a fly ball to left fielder Jorge Cortes. Jose Rondon to 3rd.

Mario Lisson called out on strikes.

 

Magallanes Top of the 6th

 

Frank Diaz pops out to second baseman Reegie Corona.

Carlos Maldonado called out on strikes.

Renny Osuna doubles (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Aaron Altherr.

Luis Domoromo called out on strikes.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Score

 

Orlando Arcia continues to excel through four games (1.086 OPS), a single and a walk in five trips.

 

***

 

Fall League idle Sunday, night game Monday.

[Jenkins5]

Friday Winter League --

 

Venezuela Box Score

 

Home run and double for 20-year-old SS Orlando Arcia - he and Tyrone Taylor are easily prospects 1 and 1A (take your pick) in this system.

 

Arcia (#5) after his HR:

 

http://www.correodelcaroni.com/media/k2/items/cache/983512d34eec98ca5769fd1875d71656_L.jpg

 

Maybe he is still a year away but I think Coulter is very close to being in the conversation with Aria and Taylor. With him now just being able to focus on his bat finally I think they all are right there together. 1, 1A, 1B.

[Mass Haas]

Brooks Hall's 2nd appearance since April also scoreless --

 

Peoria Top of the 4th

 

Pitching Change: Brooks Hall replaces Zach Davies.

Justin O'Conner pops out to second baseman Hector Gomez.

Jordan Smith singles on a line drive to left fielder Scott Schebler.

Bubba Starling strikes out swinging.

With Patrick Leonard batting, wild pitch by Brooks Hall, Jordan Smith to 2nd.

Patrick Leonard called out on strikes.

 

Peoria Top of the 5th

 

C. J. McElroy bunt grounds out, third baseman Jason Esposito to first baseman Nick Ramirez.

Francisco Lindor hits a ground-rule double (2) on a fly ball to left field.

Francisco Lindor out at 3rd, catcher Mike Ohlman to third baseman Jason Esposito.

Daniel Castro grounds out, third baseman Jason Esposito to first baseman Nick Ramirez.

[Mass Haas]

Declared a tie after 11 innings--

 

Tyrone Taylor 0-for-5 (four K's, ouch, shrug that night off), Hector Gomez doubled and walked in five trips, and Nick Ramirez pulled a deep fly ball to right-center for a game-tying two-run HR in the 8th. Ramirez also singled.

[Mass Haas]

Glendale cruised 9-0 Tuesday (box score), and RHP Tyler Wagner contributed two innings --

 

Peoria Bottom of the 4th

 

Pitching Change: Tyler Wagner replaces Matt Magill.

Cody Stanley flies out to left fielder Garabez Rosa.

Edward Salcedo flies out to center fielder Daniel Fields.

Jordan Smith singles on a line drive to left fielder Garabez Rosa.

Patrick Leonard grounds out, shortstop Tim Anderson to first baseman Nick Ramirez.

 

Peoria Bottom of the 5th

 

Jacob Wilson grounds out, shortstop Tim Anderson to first baseman Nick Ramirez.

Raul Mondesi strikes out swinging.

Francisco Lindor grounds out to first baseman Nick Ramirez.

 

The Gameday for this one included pitch speed/choice data, Wagner topped out at 94 (generally 91-93), was fastball/slider in his first frame, broke out the curveball/change in inning #2.

 

Nick Ramirez was the only other Brewer to take part. He doubled in five trips.

[Mass Haas]

Game underway --

 

Clint Coulter makes his AFL debut tonight, in RF, batting 9th; Zarraga, H.Gomez, and Taylor also in lineup

[Mass Haas]

Now this is a Fall League debut!

 

Glendale Bottom of the 2nd

 

Hector Gomez flies out to center fielder Eddie Rosario.

Tyrone Taylor singles on a ground ball to center fielder Eddie Rosario.

With Nick Basto batting, Tyrone Taylor steals (1) 2nd base, . Tyrone Taylor advances to 3rd, on a throwing error by catcher Peter O'Brien.

Nick Basto called out on strikes.

Clint Coulter homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. Tyrone Taylor scores.

Darnell Sweeney grounds out, first baseman Ryan Casteel to pitcher Vincent Velasquez.

 

Tweet: Clint Coulter jumped on a bad VV curve for a HR. Bad pitch but he crushed it. Moved to RF, Nbr 2 in system

[Mass Haas]

Glendale Bottom of the 3rd

 

Tim Anderson lines out to left fielder Joe Sclafani.

Corey Seager singles on a line drive to right fielder Max Kepler.

Scott Schebler grounds into a force out, second baseman Taylor Featherston to shortstop Trevor Story. Corey Seager out at 2nd. Scott Schebler to 1st.

Shawn Zarraga singles on a line drive to center fielder Eddie Rosario. Scott Schebler to 2nd.

Hector Gomez homers (1) on a line drive to left field. Scott Schebler scores. Shawn Zarraga scores.

Tyrone Taylor grounds out, third baseman Brandon Drury to first baseman Ryan Casteel.

 

***

 

Brief Gomez twitter conversation

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box Score

 

RHP Eric Marzec only faced one batter -- they don't mess around in Venezuela...

 

Caracas Bottom of the 6th

 

Luis Antonio Rodriguez singles on a line drive to center fielder Aaron Altherr.

Cleuluis Rondon singles on a ground ball to left fielder Wilmer Oberto. Luis Antonio Rodriguez to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Eric Marzec replaces Wilfredo Boscan.

Tommy Pham singles on a ground ball to left fielder Wilmer Oberto, deflected by shortstop Ali Castillo. Luis Antonio Rodriguez to 3rd. Cleuluis Rondon to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Ryan O'Rourke replaces Eric Marzec.

Felix Perez strikes out swinging.

Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Ryan O'Rourke.

Daniel Mayora reaches on a fielder's choice, fielded by catcher Francisco Arcia. Luis Antonio Rodriguez scores. Cleuluis Rondon to 3rd. Tommy Pham to 2nd.

Josh Whitesell walks. Cleuluis Rondon scores. Tommy Pham to 3rd. Daniel Mayora to 2nd.

Carlos Perez out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Aaron Altherr. Tommy Pham scores. Daniel Mayora to 3rd.

With Henry Alejandro Rodriguez batting, Josh Whitesell steals (1) 2nd base.

Henry Alejandro Rodriguez strikes out swinging.

[Mass Haas]

Back in 2009 as a 21-year-old coming off his High-A campaign, Hector Gomez, then the Rockies' #5 prospect, had an excellent Arizona Fall League season, 20-for-67 with ten extra-base hits (although not a single walk, .791 OPS). Now, five years, three minor league options used, multiple groin injuries, a hideous .494 2012 OPS in Huntsville and a scrumptious .808 2013 OPS in Nashville later, Gomez is back in the AFL.

 

The Brewers' Fall League position players in '09? Jonathan Lucroy, Taylor Green, and Lorenzo Cain.

 

Pitchers -- Josh Butler, Omar Aguilar, Zach Braddock, Mark Rogers, and Rob Wooten -- yikes.

[Mass Haas]

Converted Coulter goes yard for Glendale

By Josh Jackson / MiLB.com

 

Clint Coulter knows he may not get many at-bats in the Arizona Fall League, so the Brewers' No. 7 prospect didn't waste any time in his debut Wednesday.

 

Coulter smacked a two-run homer in his first autumn outing, setting the tone in Glendale's 7-5 win over Salt River. The Desert Dogs' victory put an end to a six-game winning streak for the Rafters, who had only lost their Fall League opener. Coulter finished 1-for-4.

 

The 21-year-old native of Camas, Washington is converting from catcher to right field after a season in which he posted a .410 on-base percentage and slugged 22 homers (tied for the Midwest League lead as well as the Class A Wisconsin franchise record) and 28 doubles while notching 89 RBIs.

 

Milwaukee moved Coulter out from behind the plate to emphasize his offensive development, but the process requires a transition -- he worked out at right field, third base and first base in the Brewers' instructional league before coming to Glendale (3-3) as a taxi squad player. He'll continue to concentrate on learning to play right field in the AFL.

 

"I'm open to the move. It's definitely going to free up my legs a bit as far as the grind of the whole season, so I can focus on hitting," Coulter said.

 

In his first time facing competitive pitching since a Midwest League playoff game on Sept. 4, Coulter showed off his bat's potential. Against eighth-ranked Astros prospect Vincent Velasquez with two outs and a runner on second in the second inning, the right-handed hitter swatted the fifth pitch of the at-bat over the fence in left field.

 

"First pitch, he busted me inside, then I got three sliders after that," Coulter said. "I thought he might come in again, so I was looking in and luckily he didn't throw another slider. I would have been in trouble."

 

Coulter struck out in the fourth and the eighth, and he flew out in the sixth. He played a clean defensive game, fielding three singles and making two catches, and he feels "good" about his progress at the new position.

 

"[i'm] just working in BP, getting my breaks and jumps, staying back on balls and my territory with the center fielder. It's been fun," he said.

 

The hardest part of adjusting to his new position hasn't been the extra running or judging fly balls off the bat, but the new view.

 

"Just looking in that way on the field instead of being a catcher and looking the other way," Coulter said.

 

No. 2 White Sox prospect Tim Anderson also lofted a two-run shot, going 2-for-4 with a stolen base. Hector Gomez (Brewers) smacked a three-run homer.

 

Box Score

 

LHP Mike Strong saved the 7-5 victory, as Brewers pitchers continue their strong fall season thus far.

 

Salt River Top of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Michael Strong replaces Scott Snodgress.

Brandon Drury flies out to right fielder Clint Coulter.

Peter O'Brien grounds out, shortstop Corey Seager to first baseman Nick Basto.

Ryan Casteel strikes out swinging.

 

***

 

Coulter, Gomez, and Tyrone Taylor each finished 1-for-4.

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box Score

 

SS Orlando Arcia went 1-for-6 with a walk in a five-hour, 28-minute, 14-inning affair that saw 24 pitchers. Fun.

[reillymcshane]

Mass, thanks for posting all this info. I love seeing it. It gives me my Brewers fix every day.

[Mass Haas]

You can watch a live feed of Thursday night's Glendale (Brewers) AFL game here at 8:35 CT.

 

See how the game-shortening rules impact things.

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box Score

 

25-year-old RHP Tyler Cravy, who missed most of 2014 with a severe left oblique strain, made his first start. Cravy was very good, facing the minimum through three innings, before a leadoff walk followed by an error on a (potential) double-play ball eventually led to Cravy's only hit allowed, a three-run home run. Cravy was saddled with the decision in the 9-5 loss.

 

Caracas Top of the 1st

 

Tommy Pham grounds out, third baseman Andy Burns to first baseman Eliezer Alfonzo.

Henry Alejandro Rodriguez walks.

Daniel Mayora grounds into a double play, second baseman Carlos Garcia to shortstop Wilfredo Tovar to first baseman Eliezer Alfonzo. Henry Alejandro Rodriguez out at 2nd.

 

Caracas Top of the 2nd

 

Josh Whitesell called out on strikes.

Ramon Cabrera flies out to center fielder Aaron Hicks.

Felix Perez grounds out to first baseman Eliezer Alfonzo.

 

Caracas Top of the 3rd

 

Yorvit Torrealba lines out to shortstop Wilfredo Tovar.

Danry Vasquez grounds out, shortstop Wilfredo Tovar to first baseman Eliezer Alfonzo.

Cleuluis Rondon grounds out to first baseman Eliezer Alfonzo.

 

Caracas Top of the 4th

 

Tommy Pham walks.

Henry Alejandro Rodriguez reaches on a force attempt, fielding error by second baseman Carlos Garcia. Tommy Pham to 2nd.

Daniel Mayora strikes out swinging.

Josh Whitesell homers (1) on a fly ball to right field. Tommy Pham scores. Henry Alejandro Rodriguez scores.

Ramon Cabrera grounds out, second baseman Carlos Garcia to first baseman Eliezer Alfonzo.

Felix Perez flies out to center fielder Aaron Hicks.

[Mass Haas]

Arizona Fall League Box Score

 

Both Hector Gomez and Nick Ramirez went 0-for-3 with a walk in Glendale's 5-1 loss. Each fanned once as well.

 

With runners on 2nd and 3rd in the 1st, but with two outs, Ramirez grounded out. Gomez fanned with a man on 3rd but two outs in the 8th.

[Mass Haas]

Wei-Chung Wang gets the start for Glendale Friday night, with Brooks Hall slated for relief. They'll face Giants LHP Steven Okert who was twice drafted out of junior college by the Brewers but did not sign either year.

 

Box Score Link

[Mass Haas]

Glendale hangs on as Wei-Chung Wang (3 IP, 1 R) and Brooks Hall (1 IP, 1 R) combined to toss the first four innings --

 

Scottsdale Bottom of the 1st

 

Roman Quinn singles on a line drive to left fielder Scott Schebler.

With Brandon Nimmo batting, Roman Quinn steals (7) 2nd base.

Brandon Nimmo hit by pitch.

Aaron Judge grounds into a double play, shortstop Darnell Sweeney to second baseman Domingo Leyba to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Roman Quinn to 3rd. Brandon Nimmo out at 2nd.

Greg Bird grounds out, third baseman Jason Esposito to first baseman Nick Ramirez.

 

Scottsdale Bottom of the 2nd

 

Josh Bell flies out to right fielder Steven Moya.

Dan Gamache singles on a ground ball to center fielder Tyrone Taylor.

Elias Diaz grounds into a double play, second baseman Domingo Leyba to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Dan Gamache out at 2nd.

 

Scottsdale Bottom of the 3rd

 

L. J. Mazzilli singles on a line drive to left fielder Scott Schebler, deflected by shortstop Darnell Sweeney.

With Kelby Tomlinson batting, wild pitch by Wei-Chung Wang, L. J. Mazzilli to 2nd.

Kelby Tomlinson grounds out, third baseman Jason Esposito to first baseman Nick Ramirez. L. Mazzilli to 3rd.

Roman Quinn pops out to first baseman Nick Ramirez in foul territory.

Brandon Nimmo singles on a line drive to right fielder Steven Moya. L. J. Mazzilli scores.

Aaron Judge grounds out, third baseman Jason Esposito to first baseman Nick Ramirez.

 

Scottsdale Bottom of the 4th

 

Pitching Change: Brooks Hall replaces Wei-Chung Wang.

Greg Bird flies out to right fielder Steven Moya.

Josh Bell grounds out, second baseman Domingo Leyba to first baseman Nick Ramirez.

Dan Gamache walks.

Elias Diaz doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Scott Schebler. Dan Gamache scores. Elias Diaz to 3rd on the throw.

L. J. Mazzilli hit by pitch.

Kelby Tomlinson flies out to left fielder Scott Schebler.

 

***

 

Tyrone Taylor 0-for-4 with a walk, Nick Ramirez 0-for-3 with a walk.

 

RHP Tyler Wagner and LHP Mike Strong expected to pitch Saturday night.

[Mass Haas]

Speaking of Nick Ramirez, here's an audio interview with him from Arizona.

[Mass Haas]

Tweet on Wang from the game

 

#Brewers LHSP Wei-Chung Wang was effective & efficient living on black, showed pitchability & feel for 3 pitches, up to 92, solid SP profile

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box Score

 

SS Orlando Arcia 2-for-4, 1 R, 1 K.

 

Arcia was a pinch-runner who scored in Game two of the doubleheader.

[Mass Haas]

Glendale Box Score

 

Glendale wins 9-4, but RHP Tyler Wagner and LHP Mike Strong saw one-out walks lead to two-run innings.

 

Surprise Top of the 5th

 

Pitching Change: Tyler Wagner replaces Zach Davies.

Luke Maile flies out to center fielder Tyrone Taylor.

Sean Coyle walks.

With Deven Marrero batting, Sean Coyle steals (2) 2nd base.

Deven Marrero grounds out, shortstop Corey Seager to first baseman Nick Basto.

Rusney Castillo flies out to center fielder Tyrone Taylor.

 

Surprise Top of the 6th

 

Juan Perez called out on strikes.

Patrick Kivlehan walks.

Hunter Renfroe pops out to first baseman Nick Basto.

Jesse Winker singles on a ground ball to center fielder Tyrone Taylor. Patrick Kivlehan to 2nd.

D. J. Peterson doubles (3) on a sharp line drive to center fielder Tyrone Taylor. Patrick Kivlehan scores. Jesse Winker scores.

Luke Maile walks.

Sean Coyle called out on strikes.

 

Surprise Top of the 7th

 

Pitching Change: Michael Strong replaces Tyler Wagner.

Deven Marrero grounds out, third baseman Jason Esposito to first baseman Nick Basto.

Rusney Castillo walks.

Juan Perez strikes out swinging.

Patrick Kivlehan doubles (3) on a sharp line drive to center fielder Tyrone Taylor. Rusney Castillo scores.

Hunter Renfroe walks.

Jesse Winker singles on a line drive to left fielder Scott Schebler. Patrick Kivlehan scores. Hunter Renfroe to 3rd.

D. J. Peterson grounds into a force out, third baseman Jason Esposito to second baseman Garabez Rosa. Jesse Winker out at 2nd.

 

Surprise Top of the 8th

 

Luke Maile singles on a line drive to right fielder Steven Moya.

Sean Coyle flies out to center fielder Tyrone Taylor.

Deven Marrero singles on a line drive to right fielder Steven Moya. Luke Maile to 2nd.

Rusney Castillo flies out to center fielder Tyrone Taylor.

Juan Perez strikes out swinging

 

***

 

Tyrone Taylor singled in five trips, Shawn Zarraga 1-for-3 with a walk.