Link Report for Monday 6/26 -- Timber Rattlers on Local TV

[Mass Haas]

Final: Colorado Springs 14, Omaha 3

 

Offense Erupts In 14-3 Series Opener

Sky Sox club four home runs to take first game of homestand

By Robby Veronesi / Colorado Springs Sky Sox

 

 

Ivan De Jesus had a 5-for-5 night Monday, becoming the second Sox batter in 2017 to record a five hit night after Garrett Cooper on May 22. (Paat Kelly photo)

 

Seven different Sky Sox drove in at least one run as Colorado Springs defeated the Omaha Storm Chasers, 14-3, in front of 2,204 Monday night at Security Service Field.

 

That's the lead line of the summary, and based on the score, you'll want to read on at the link above.

 

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Also this --

 

Brinson returns in style for Sky Sox

Top Brewers prospect goes 4-for-4, reaches base five times

By Tyler Maun / MiLB.com

 

 

Lewis Brinson posted a .312/.397/.503 slash line in 45 games before his first big league call. (Bobby Stevens photo / MiLB.com)

 

 

Inches away from a cycle --

 

 

Fantastic quotes from Manager Rick Sweet throughout that linked feature article.

 

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Colorado Springs Box Score

 

Mauricio Dubon bumps Kyle Wren to the 9-hole and Wren goes 0-for-5, but otherwise what a glorious box score, mountain effects or not; if Ivan De Jesus, Jr.'s agent didn't negotiate a July 1st opt-out, shame on him, a dozen teams would gladly pick him up.

 

Colorado Springs Game Log

 

Welcome back, Tyler Cravy.

 

Ryan Cordell pinch-hit for in the 5th -- he was the designated hitter here, something to watch, as he exited after being caught stealing.

[Mass Haas]

Final: Helena 4, Billings 2

 

Walk Free Night Delivers Brewers Second Win

Hernandez, File and Rose allow two runs in 4-2 win

By Garrett Greene / Helena Brewers

 

 

Franly Mallen

 

It was an outstanding debut pro game for a 29th round pick fortunate enough to begin his career in the mountain air and not the Arizona desert, as you'll read at the link above.

 

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VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: With an odd fascination on Brewer batters fanning (they won, guys)

 

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Helena Independent Record - Write-up and photos (no quotes)

 

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Helena Box Score

 

20-year-old Venezuelan RHP Nelson Hernandez has always been a strike-thrower, even in his debut season at age 17 in the DSL. Almost to the extreme, with a 1.43 career WHIP (231 H in 181.2 IP).

 

Helena Game Log

[JohnBriggs12]

Lets not overlook Ivan De Jesus Jr.'s night. 5 for 5, 3 RBI, 2 Runs scored. As if this franchise doesn't already have infield depth, De Jesus has posted .347/.410/.463 and actually his career major league numbers are comparable to Sogard's. Might there be a team out there looking for a versatile bench player?

[And That]

AZL Brewers 15, AZL Padres #1 6

 

AZL Brewers Boxscore

 

This team is certainly not lacking for offensive firepower. They've scored the most runs in the league, and have a league-best OPS of 1.024. They have twice as many walks as all but one other team. They have the most stolen bases in the league. Most home runs, most doubles.

 

And the team ERA of 6.33 is only the sixth worst!

 

I can't get into detail on each and every baserunner - the team got on base 25 more times today - but here are the highlights:

 

• *Keston Huira continued his AZL onslaught with a 3-4, 2 triple, 4 RBI, 1 BB night. At an 1.875 OPS, it seems the first rounder is overmatching his competition at the plate, but he still has not thrown in a game yet.
  *On the other end of the draft spectrum, 36th round pick Kenny Corey had three hits as well, including 2 doubles. After playing outfield his first few games, Corey started at shortstop (though he did commit the team's only error there). That's the kind of versatility the Brewers love to see.
  *Tyrone Taylor, who seems to be closing in on a return to Biloxi, had another two hits including his second home run in as many days. Taylor also nabbed his first stolen base, a good sign for a guy returning from a hamstring injury.
  *Also had two hits: debuting NDFA Tyler Lawrence, recently returned from Helena Julio Mendez, and 18 year old Francisco Thomas, who also already has four walks this young season.
  *Speaking of NDFAs, Pat McInerney walked for the sixth and seventh times, and had a double in four official at-bats.
  *39th round pick Robert Henry, one of two outfielders on the active roster (not including the rehabbing Taylor), is the only batter not playing well to kick off the season, as he's started his pro career 0-14. But, being only one of two outfielders on the roster, he'll have plenty of opportunity to start hitting.

 

On a different day, that the pitching staff allowed six runs wouldn't be looked upon favorably, but they won by 9 runs, so who cares? Personal favorite Joaquin De La Cruz made his first stateside appearance and start, and struck out 7 while walking none in his 4 innings of work. He allowed 2 earned runs, and continued to induce opposing batters to clobber the ball into the ground. NDFA Branden Nunn made his pro debut, and allowed 2 runs in 2 innings. 2016 NDFA Jake Smith was impressive again, striking out four and allowing only a walk in his 2 innings. I'd look for him to move up soon, except there isn't any room in Helena. Finally, Landon Holifield closed things out, allowing only a run on a passed ball (which is unearned, for those scoring along at home).

 

AZL Brewers Game Log

 

Five run third:

 

AZL Brewers Top of the 3rd

Pitching Change: Jose Cabrera replaces Dan Dallas.

Robert Henry reaches on a fielding error by shortstop Jordy Barley.

With Tyler Lawrence batting, Robert Henry steals (1) 2nd base.

Tyler Lawrence triples (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Jeisson Rosario. Robert Henry scores.

Julio Mendez walks.

With Francisco Thomas batting, throwing error by Blake Hunt on the pickoff attempt, Tyler Lawrence scores.

Francisco Thomas singles on a ground ball to second baseman Matthew Batten. Julio Mendez to 2nd.

With Tyrone Taylor batting, Julio Mendez steals (1) 3rd base. Francisco Thomas steals (2) 2nd base.

Tyrone Taylor pops out to second baseman Matthew Batten in foul territory.

Jesus Lujano triples (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Agustin Ruiz. Julio Mendez scores. Francisco Thomas scores.

Keston Hiura out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Agustin Ruiz. Jesus Lujano scores.

Pat McInerney walks.

Kenny Corey singles on a ground ball to right fielder Agustin Ruiz, deflected by first baseman Jaquez Williams. Pat McInerney to 3rd.

Pitching Change: Thomas Cosgrove replaces Jose Cabrera.

Robert Henry grounds out, second baseman Matthew Batten to first baseman Jaquez Williams.

 

Five run eighth:

 

AZL Brewers Top of the 8th

Pitching Change: Caleb Boushley replaces Trevor Megill.

Kenny Corey grounds out, shortstop Jordy Barley to first baseman Jaquez Williams.

Robert Henry hit by pitch.

Tyler Lawrence singles on a ground ball to center fielder Jeisson Rosario. Robert Henry to 2nd.

Julio Mendez doubles (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Angel Santos. Robert Henry scores. Tyler Lawrence to 3rd.

Francisco Thomas singles on a fly ball to center fielder Jeisson Rosario. Tyler Lawrence scores. Julio Mendez scores. Fielding error by center fielder Jeisson Rosario.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Moises Perez replaces Tyrone Taylor.

With Moises Perez batting, wild pitch by Caleb Boushley, Francisco Thomas to 2nd.

Moises Perez walks.

Jesus Lujano reaches on a throwing error by shortstop Jordy Barley. Francisco Thomas scores. Moises Perez to 3rd. Jesus Lujano to 2nd.

Keston Hiura reaches on a throwing error by shortstop Jordy Barley. Moises Perez scores. Jesus Lujano to 3rd.

Pat McInerney walks. Keston Hiura to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Cole Rutherford replaces Caleb Boushley.

Kenny Corey strikes out swinging.

Robert Henry strikes out swinging.

[Mass Haas]

The Timber Rattlers are on radio air at 12:45 PM Tuesday for a 1:05 game. We'll effort a Link Report kickoff by then.

 

-- Jim

[Mass Haas]

VIDEO TWEETS: @BrewerProspect timeline

 

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EEPHUS!

[LouisEly]

Nick Ramirez is settling in as a pitcher just fine. Walks were a little high in April and May, but in June has a line of 17.1 IP, 15 H, 1 BB, 12 K. Not surprising, as he was the closer at Cal-Fullerton, and in 2011 put up a line of 25.1 IP, 15 H, 10 BB, 33 K.

 

It would be tough to be a 2-way player as a starter, but what about as a closer? Might be tough warming up, but if you know you're coming in for the 9th you could run out to the bullpen between innings and warm up during the prior half-inning... as long as your spot in the order doesn't come up.

 

I think you are getting a little too caught up in a grand 14 ABs this year. He couldn't make it past AA as a hitter and was converted to a pitcher. I don't think he will ever be seriously considered as a hitter if he gets to the MLB level.

I wasn't referring to Ramirez. I was wondering, in general terms, if it is possible for somebody to be a 2-way player as a closer. This comes off of a debate in the draft forum about McKay, and if it is possible to be a 2-way player anymore.

[CheezWizHed]

Brooks Kieschnick says hi!