2005 DFE resource thread

[colbyjack]

The 2005 DFE preview feature has been posted on the homepage. I figured it would be nice to have one thread that contained links, pictures and updates of all of the Brewers DFE prospects to make it easier to follow them over the course of the spring.

 

Here's the story:

 

www.brewerfan.net/ViewArt...icleId=202

 

And the DFE page as part of the Brewerfan.net draft coverage:

 

Brewerfan.net 2005 DFE page

 

Lorenzo Cain-OF-Tallahassee CC (FL)

 

http://www.tcc.fl.edu/dept/studentserv/athletics/mens/baseball/images/09.jpg

 

Tallahassee CC Baseball Page

NJCAA page

 

Darren Ford-OF-Chipola College (FL)

 

Chipola Baseball Page

NJCAA page

 

Jose Garcia-RHP-Indian Hills CC (IA)

 

Indian Hills Baseball page

NJCAA page

 

Matthew Kretzschmar-RHP-Rio Hondo CC (CA)

 

http://www.riohondo.edu/pe/athletics/mens/baseball/2005%20roster/DSC04914.JPG

 

Rio Hondo Baseball page

 

Jose Delgado-RHP-Broward CC (FL)

 

Broward Athletics team rosters

NJCAA page

 

Dustin Timm-RHP-Nebraska

 

http://huskers.nmn.speedera.net/pics23/200/ZY/ZYUXTKXLTRLSIQF.20050203052135.jpg

 

Nebraska player profile

Nebraska statistics

 

Ryan Patterson-RHP-Lethbridge CC/Prairie Baseball Academy (Alberta, Canada)

 

Prairie Baseball Academy

 

Brian Johnson-RHP-Manatee CC (FL)

 

Manatee Baseball page

NJCAA page

 

Kanekoa Texeira-RHP-Saddleback College (CA)

 

Saddleback Baseball page

 

Chris Copot-C-Lethbridge CC/Prairie Baseball Academy (Alberta, Canada)

 

Prairie Baseball Academy

 

Stephen Barnes-RHP-Lake City CC (FL)

 

Lake City Baseball page

Lake City statistics

NJCAA page

 

Sean McCraw-C-San Jacinto College (TX)

 

San Jacinto Baseball page

NJCAA page

 

Donald Jordat-RHP-Broward CC (FL)

 

Broward Athletics team rosters

NJCAA page

 

Jeremy Bloor-LHP-Grand Rapids CC (MI)

 

Grand Rapids Baseball page

Grand Rapids statistics

NJCAA page

 

Jimmy Coker-LHP-Spartanburg Methodist College (SC)

 

http://www.smcsc.edu/athletics/men/baseball/player23.gif

 

Spartanburg Baseball page

NJCAA page

 

Joshua Louis-RHP-Temple College (TX)

 

Temple Baseball page

NJCAA page

 

Brandon Jasper-3B-Orange Coast College (CA)

 

http://www.occsports.com/photos/baseball/2005/jasper.jpg

 

Orange Coast Baseball page

Orange Coast statistics

 

Jon Mungle-OF-Mississippi State

 

http://www.mstateathletics.com/images/munglejon-h_125w_2004.jpg

 

Mississippi State player profile

Mississippi State statistics

 

Deik Scram-OF-Cowley College (KS)

 

http://www.cowleytigers.com/images/baseballimages/deikscram2.jpg

 

Cowley player profile

Cowley Baseball page

NJCAA page

 

Jamie Metzner-RHP-Central Arizona College

 

Central Arizona Baseball page

NJCAA page

 

Derek Miller-LHP-Vermont

 

http://www.uvm.edu/athletics/baseball/players/millerhead.jpg

 

Vermont roster

Vermont Baseball page

 

Shane Buriff-LHP-Polk CC (FL)

 

Polk Baseball page

Polk statistics

NJCAA page

 

Chad Miller-1B-Chandler-Gilbert CC (AZ)

 

http://www.cgc.maricopa.edu/athletics/pictures/20052/base/miller.21808.P.jpg

 

Chandler-Gilbert player profile

Chandler-Gilbert Baseball page

Chandler-Gilbert statistics

NJCAA page

[colbyjack]

DFE player updates as of 3/2/05:

 

Dustin Timm

1-0, 1,86 ERA, 2 G/0 GS, 9.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 3 K, 3 BB, .194 BAA

 

Stephen Barnes

3-2, 1.09 ERA, 6 G/5 GS, 33 IP, 16 H, 11 R (4 ER), 19 K, 11 BB, 1 HR, .129 BAA

 

Brandon Jasper

.281/.378/.500 in 32 AB, 6 R, 9 H (3 2B, 2 3B), 5 RBI, 4 BB:10 K, 4 Es

 

Shane Buriff

3-0, 1.93 ERA, 7 G/5 GS, 2 saves, 23.3 IP, 5 ER, 15 H, 16 K, 13 BB

 

Chad Miller

.373/.375/.542 in 59 AB, 10 R, 22 H (1 2B, 3 HR), 11 RBI, 1 BB:2 K

[BrewerMike]

I thought in order to be elgible for the DFE process you must go to a community college, or no school at all. Here it has Dustin Timm as going to Nebraska. Isn't Nebraska a four year school? (I know I opened the door here for multiple Nebraska jokes)

 

Thanks

[EdgarDiazRocks]

I thought in order to be elgible for the DFE process you must go to a community college, or no school at all. Here it has Dustin Timm as going to Nebraska. Isn't Nebraska a four year school? (I know I opened the door here for multiple Nebraska jokes)

 

Timm is a Senior.

 

The four year school rule appllies to underclassmen only.

[BrewerMike]

Thanks.

[foamboy1]

Patrick....

 

Thanks for the updates. While I know it's too early for truly accurate predictions, do you believe there is a Parra, Eveland or something equivalent on the hitting side in this group? Any thoughts yet?

[colbyjack]

Timm is a Senior.

 

The four year school rule appllies to underclassmen only.

 

Actually, the DFE rule only applies to fifth-year seniors. Timm, Miller & Mungle were all granted an extra year of eligibility through a medical reshirt, similar to how the Brewers controlled the rights to Jared Theodorakos through last spring. The DFE rule does not apply to juniors, and unsigned seniors that run out of eligibility become free agents, so saying that it doesn't apply to underclassmen isn't entirely correct.

 

While I know it's too early for truly accurate predictions, do you believe there is a Parra, Eveland or something equivalent on the hitting side in this group? Any thoughts yet?

 

It's really tough to say at this point in time. We all knew about Eveland heading into the spring of 2003, and no one really knew much about Parra until BA mentioned his spike in velocity I believe in late April of 2002.

 

But what's the fun in that? I know the Brewers already really like both Cain & Ford, which is why they drafted them as high as they did. Both of those guys are raw athletes at this point in time, but both have turned a lot of heads so far with Tallahassee CC & Chipola respectively.

 

I like Matthew Kretzschmar. When I was researching him, he reminded me of Robbie Wooley. He has the right mindset to go along with solid size & stuff.

 

Jose Delgado, Brian Johnson and Stephen Barnes are all solid pitchers with good combo's of size & stuff. Johnson was well known of coming out of HS, but his velo slipped and therefore his draft stock slipped (entering the season, Johnson was ranked the #1 HS prospect in NY).

 

The Brewers have two intriguing potential lefty specialists in Derek Miller & Jeremy Bloor. If Shane Buriff adds a few extra ticks to his fastball he could very well be the next Parra given his current polish.

 

For a hitter I'm going to take Scram. He plays in a very competetive league, and led Cowley College in pretty much every offensive category last year. Too bad he isn't staying on the IF, but his frame allows for plenty of added strength.

 

So, Kretzschmar & Scram are my sleeper choices. Sounds like a bad 70s cop show.

 

***To fix title...

[colbyjack]

There are already a few, quick updates. Ryan Patterson & Donald Jordat didn't appear on Prairie Baseball Academy's & Broward's rosters respectively. I have found out that Patterson is now at University College of the Cariboo:

 

UCC Baseball page

UCC Statistics

 

UCC has a decent website, and any CC/JC that updates their stats are welcomed with open arms.

 

Donald Jordat is academically ineligible to play for Broward this spring. Both remain under the rights of the Brewers.

 

Ryan Patterson

 

http://www.ballcharts.com/teams/SunDemons/players/Paterson46.jpg

[colbyjack]

DFE player updates as of 3/14/05

 

Dustin Timm

1-0, 3.09 ERA, 5 G/0 GS, 11.2 IP, 9 H, 6 K, 4 BB, 0 HR, .231 BAA

 

Ryan Patterson

0-1, 7.00 ERA, 3 G/1 GS, 9 IP, 5 H, 9 K, 5 BB, 4 HBP

 

Stephen Barnes

3-2, 2.44 ERA, 8 G/7 GS, 44 IP, 31 H, 32 K, 19 BB, 2 HR, .182 BAA

 

Brandon Jasper

.257/.350/.457 in 35 AB, 3 2B, 2 3B, 4:13 BB:K, 5 Es

 

Jon Mungle

2 strikeouts in his only 2 ABs of the season, played in only 1 game

 

Derek Miller

0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 G/1 GS, 5 IP, 2 H, 6 K, 3 BB

 

Shane Buriff

3-1, 2.92 ERA, 8 G/5 GS, 2 saves, 24.2 IP, 16 H, 17 K, 14 BB, 0 HR

 

Chad Miller

.337/.354/.500 in 86 AB, 5 2B, 3 HR, 3:6 BB:K

[colbyjack]

DFE player updates as of 3/29/05

 

Let's start with a nice game story on LHP Derek Miller after his dominant performance over Dartmouth last week:

 

www.uvm.edu/athletics/bas...oryID=6173

 

Lorenzo Cain

.319 BA in 116 AB, 3 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 26 RBI in 35 G, 10 SB

 

Nice to see a stat line on Cain finally.

 

Dustin Timm

1-0, 3.12 ERA, 9 games (all relief), 1 save, 17.1 IP, 13 H, 8 K, 4 BB

 

Stephen Barnes

4-2, 2.91 ERA, 10 games (8 starts), 53 IP, 42 H, 36 K, 20 BB, 2 HR, .208 BAA

 

He seems to be getting more control as the season wears on, although he is giving up more hits in the process.[/b]

 

Brandon Jasper

.350/.327/.396 in 48 AB, 3 2B, 2 3B, 5:16 BB:K, 6 Es

 

His numbers are dwindling as his playing time is redu

 

Deik Scram

.455 BA in 66 AB, 8 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 5 SB in 20 games

 

One of my picks to watch this spring, Scram is off to another great start playing RF full-time.[/b]

 

Derek Miller

1-0, 1.06 ERA, 3 games (all starts), 1 CG SHO, 17 IP, 10 H, 16 K, 6 BB

 

What's not to l

 

Shane Buriff

3-1, 2.56 ERA, 10 games (6 starts), 2 saves, 31.2 IP, 19 H, 20 K, 18 BB, 0 HR

 

He's still walking far too many batters.

 

Chad Miller

.327/.339/.465 in 101 AB, 5 2B, 3 HR, 3:11 BB:K

 

The batting average looks good, and he's not striking out much for a big fella, but he's not walking much either, and there's not as much power as you would like to see.

 

Jon Mungle still only has 2 AB on the season. I haven't looked in greater detail, but you have to wonder if there are lingering injury issues with him.

[H0FFY]

go go go to the top of the queue, thread.

 

After following our minor for a week I need a fix of the 'other minors', the DFE guys. Are there any with Bondsie OPSs or Clemens's ERA?

[colbyjack]

Well, since you asked http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

 

I'm only going to include stats that seem to be on the up. There haven't been updated stats for Lorenzo Cain, while Brandon Jasper and Chad Miller haven't really improved upon their previous numbers. Jon Mungle still sits on 2 ABs.

 

The two biggest names to watch are probably my preseason favorites, Deik Scram and Derek Miller. I'm going to update their stats, and try to show what they have done, along with a few others, since my last update.

 

Dustin Timm

3-1, 2.70 ERA, 12 appearance (all relief), 26.2 IP, 18 H, 18 K, 5 BB

 

3 appearances, 9.1 IP since last update, 5 H, 10 K, 1 BB

 

Stephen Barnes

6-2, 2.74 ERA, 12 appearances (10 starts), 66 IP, 52 H, 50 K, 20 BB

 

2 appearances (both starts), 13 IP since last update, 10 H, 14 K, 0 BB

 

Deik Scram

.456 batting average in 114 AB, 11 2B, 2 3B, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 16 SB

 

3 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 11 SB in last 48 ABs

 

Derek Miller

3-0, 1.09 ERA, 5 appearances (all starts), 2 CG, 33 IP, 22 H, 41 K, 8 BB

 

2 games (both starts) in last 16 IP (you do the math), 12 H, 25 K,

 

Shane Buriff

5-1, 2.42 ERA, 14 appearances (8 starts), 2 saves, 48.1 IP, 36 H, 41 K, 23 BB

 

4 appearances (2 starts) in last 16.2 IP, 17 H, 21 K, 5 BB

 

Derek Miller has been fun to follow since the Catamounts season began. A pitcher that has missed significant time due to arm troubles, the Brewers really did their homework with Miller using the DFE process perfectly. He's relatively old, but could move quickly if the Brewers decide to plug him into a lefty specialist role.

 

Buriff, another LHP, has given up more hits lately, but the reduced walks are well-welcomed.

 

Barnes has been pretty steady all year, and like Buriff, it's especially great to see the control numbers coming down.

 

Timm appears to be getting more dominant in recent weeks. His arm may finally be getting back to full strength.

 

And Deik Scram hasn't missed a beat since last year. He is an offensive machine, with strong if not spectacular numbers across the board.

 

With the way so many of our DFEs are performing, the Brewers may be able to fill the empty half of Helena's squad with a slew of signings, and this doesn't even include the people we have absolutely zero stats for.

[H0FFY]

Thanks much Colby. Your work is so much appreciated. You are the bringer of hope. Well, you are the MESSENGER of hope.

[Mass Haas]

For the second time this season University of Vermont LHP Derek Miller was named America East Pitcher of the Week, the conference announced.

 

A senior , Miller was dominating last Saturday against Hartford for his fourth win in his last four starts. He allowed just two singles and one walk while striking out 11 over seven innings in a 12-0 blanking of the Hawks. He is now 4-0 on the season (six starts) with a conference best 0.90 ERA. He has struck out 52 hitters and walked only nine in 40 innings pitched. Miller also won the award on March 28th.

 

Gotta love those New Englanders...

 

This is the way to do it, get them after re-establishing themselves post-Tommy John surgery.

 

Colby, at what point, if any, does Miller convince himself he should re-enter the draft if the Brewers don't pony up? Where would he fall in June if he keeps this pace up and fails to sign as a draft-and-follow? I realize this isn't a Manny Parra-type DFE, but could he be looking at 5th-10th round money? He's somebody who could debut at West Virginia upon signing...

 

And Deik Scram (what a great name) is still raking -- similarly, he has to be earning himself some bonus money as well...

[batman]

From the MLB.com Notes:

 

Brewers sign draft pick: On Monday, the Brewers announced the signing of outfielder Lorenzo Cain, who was the team's 17th-round draft pick in 2004.

 

Cain, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound right-handed hitter, graduated from Madison County (Fla.) High School last spring and recently completed his first year at Tallahassee Community College.

 

Cain will report to Phoenix for extended Spring Training.

 

Good news!

 

~Bill

[colbyjack]

I kind of figued that Cain would sign, but I never thought it would happen this quickly. Thanks for sharing that Bill!

 

EDIT: I thought it was odd that he signed so quickly, but sure enough, Cain's season ended Saturday. The Brewers certainly didn't waste any time getting him in the organization.

[colbyjack]

Sorry I missed this before:

 

Colby, at what point, if any, does Miller convince himself he should re-enter the draft if the Brewers don't pony up? Where would he fall in June if he keeps this pace up and fails to sign as a draft-and-follow? I realize this isn't a Manny Parra-type DFE, but could he be looking at 5th-10th round money? He's somebody who could debut at West Virginia upon signing...

 

I think you called it Jim. Rounds 5-10 are realistic given the way he's pitching, and he has the 1-2 fastball-curveball combo to draw that interest. He's relatively old, so he will have to most fast, and his status also affects his leverage. I can't imagine Miller not signing with the Brewers, as I'm sure there is some loyalty there with the Brewers following him through the year after surgery the year before.

 

Anyway, the bi-weekly updates of the DFEs that we can follow through stats (note, Brandon Jasper, Jon Mungle, and Chad Miller still have not done much-Mungle and Jasper haven't done anything-and therefore I'm not mentioning their numbers):

 

Dustin Timm

3-1, 2.37 ERA, 15 games (all in relief), 1 save, 30.1 IP, 21 H, 19 K, 8 BB, .202 BAA

 

3 appearances, 4 innings, since the last update. 3 H, 1 K & 3 BB in that time, but his ERA dropped.

 

Stephen Barnes

6-3, 3.33 ERA, 14 games (12 starts), 2 CG, 76 IP, 62 H, 58 K, 24 BB, .215 BAA, 6 HR allowed

 

Barnes has been used strictly as a starter in recent weeks. 10 IP since last update, 10 H, 8 K, 4 BB in that time. ERA continues to climb despite decent peripheral numbers.

 

Deik Scram

.475 BA in 139 AB (44 games), 54 R, 66 H, 13 2B, 4 3B, 8 HR, 36 RBI, 21 SB

 

Scram continues to do it all offensively. He raised his average 21 points in last 25 ABs, 2 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 5 SB in that time.

 

Shane Buriff

7-1, 2.10 ERA, 16 games (10 starts), 64.1 IP, 45 H, 58 K, 26 BB, 1 HR

 

Like Barnes, Buriff is starting exclusively recently. Unlike Barnes, Buriff's ERA is dropping and his peripheral numbers are dropping. 2-0 over his last two starts, 16 innings over that span, 9 H, 17 K, 3 BB. Oh yeah, he's left-handed. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

 

Ryan Patterson

3-2, 4.24 ERA, 34 IP, 27 H, 15 K, 17 BB

 

I didn't update Patterson last night, so I thought I would provide his numbers this time. Not very impressive, so maybe I shouldn't have.

 

Derek Miller

4-1, 1.31 ERA, 7 games (all starts), 3 CG, 48 IP, 33 H, 60 K, 12 BB

 

Miller has been fun to follow all season, but he got roughed up a little in his last start. 1-1 in his last two starts, 15 IP, 11 H, 19 K, 4 BB in that time.

 

I'm guessing Miller (Derek), Scram and Buriff are locks to sign at this point in time. Timm & Barnes could be strong possibilities. Patterson & Jasper seem to need more time, Chad Miller hasn't developed the power while Jon Mungle has been injured or something. There are far too many other players in which I haven't been able to receive updates that it's hard to tell on the others. Tough year with 23 DFE candidates.

[colbyjack]

Updates, 5/9/05

Thanks to Chris Mouradian for helping me locate some stats and even a picture of players that I previously could not find information on.

 

Lorenzo Cain-SIGNED

 

'Nuf said.

 

Darren Ford

No stats online for Chipola, but Chipola did win their conference, and according to the schedule the JC state championship is taking place May 6-10.

 

Matthew Kretzschmayor

I've seen this guy's name spelled about 5 different ways. Anyway, I found some stats on him:

 

3-1, 2.12 ERA, 14 games (0 starts), 3 saves, 29.2 IP, 25 H, 33 K, 12 BB

 

Kretzschmayor seemed to be his team's primary closer, leading the team in saves. Rio Hondo won the Foothill Conference Championship, so he was a big part of that. So idea if Rio Hondo's season continues to any kind of state championship.

 

Bonus player update, a teammate on Rio Hondo:

 

Kenny Maiques

8-2, 0.66 ERA, 14 games (13 starts), 7 CG, 82.1 IP, 37 H, 133 K, 16 BB

 

Unbelievable numbers. He also pitched well for the Alaska Goldpanners last summer after pitching his freshman year at Long Beach State:

 

Kenny Maiques-Alaska Goldpanners

 

Kenny Maiques-Long Beach State

 

Jose Delgado

Sorry, no info on Delgado of Broward CC in Florida. Broward's season ended 4/24.

 

Dustin Timm

4-1, 2.08 ERA, 17 games (all in relief), 1 save, 34.2 IP, 26 H, 20 K, 9 BB, 0 HR, .215 BAA

 

Nebraska is playing extremely well right now, and with the regionals set to start June 3rd, with the super regionals starting on June 10th, it would seem at this point in time we won't be able to sign him, as a DFE at least.

 

Ryan Patterson

4-3, 2.94 ERA, 9 games (7 starts), 1 CG, 49 IP, 37 H, 23 K, 18 BB

 

Patterson turned himself around quickly, allowing 10 hits and 1 BB in his last 15 innings of work, striking out 8 in that time. The league championships take place 5/12-5/15, so his season probably isn't over yet.

 

Brian Johnson

17 games, 5.26 ERA, 25.2 IP, 27 H, 25 K, 14 BB, 1 save

 

Not the greatest numbers for Johnson, who seemingly hasn't found the form that made him the #1 prep prospect in the state of NY entering his senior year.

 

Here's a pic of Johnson, it won't let me copy it into a new window:

 

Brian Johnson pic

 

Kanekoa Texeira

2-1, 1.69 ERA, 13 games (4 starts), 26.2 IP, 22 H, 14 K, 20 BB

 

Not much to talk about here. Those walk totals are ugly despite a good ERA.

 

Chris Copot

Sorry, no updates available for Copot.

 

Stephen Barnes

6-3, 3.33 ERA, 14 games (12 starts), 76 IP, 62 H, 58 K, 24 BB, 6 HR, .215 BAA

 

Barnes started off very hot, and then started to get knocked around a little bit as the season progressed. He still has a quality arm, and pitched quite a full season as a freshman at Lake City CC.

 

Bonus player profile, also from Lake City:

 

Brandon Hall

.386/.477/.527 in 184 AB, 20 2B, 2 HR, 21:20 BB:K

 

Hall was featured as part of my scouting Wisconsin feature last winter. A switch-hitting, slugging catcher from Brookfield Central, Hall had a very productive season at Lake City, leading his team in several offensive categories.

 

Sean McCraw

Sorry, no updates on McCraw, but his pic was brought to my attention, which led me to find his profile page on San Jacinto's site:

 

San Jacinto Sean McCraw player profile

 

Donald Jordat

Jordat was academically ineligible to play for Broward CC this year, but he is still eligible to sign with the Brewers.

 

Jeremy Bloor

2.08 ERA, 3 games, 4.1 IP, 3 H, 5 K, 2 BB

 

Not sure if Bloor got injured or what this season, but his lack of playing time isn't a good sign.

 

Jimmy Coker

Sorry, no updates on Coker.

 

Joshua Louis

2.27 ERA, 12 games, 63.1 IP, 66 H, 32 K, 11 BB

 

Good ERA, and while he doesn't strike out many batters, he certainly doesn't walk many either.

 

Brandon Jasper

.241/.311/.370 in 54 AB, 3 2B, 2 3B, 5:18 BB:K, 7 Es

 

These stats haven't changed in weeks, as Jasper either played himself out of playing time or he got injured.

 

Jon Mungle

Mungle must be injured, as he got 2 early ABs and hasn't taken a swing since.

 

Deik Scram

.460 batting average in 150 AB, 47 games played, 55 runs, 69 hits, 14 2B, 4 3B, 8 HR, 39 RBI, 22 SB

 

Scram's been hitting all season long, and in fact hit all of last year as well. A right-fielder, Scram could fill a needed bat in the lower levels of the minor leagues. If he doesn't sign I'll be surprised.

 

Jamie Metzner

0-1, 8.15 ERA, 8 games, 17.2 IP, 28 H, 14 K, 5 BB, 3 HR

 

Metzner didn't get much playing time this year, and when he didn't, it seems as though he didn't make the most of his opportunities.

 

Derek Miller

5-2, 2.00 ERA, 9 games (all starts), 4 CG, 63 IP, 49 H, 79 K, 17 BB

 

Miller pitched another CG in his last outing. He along with Scram have been the two most exciting DFE candidates to follow this spring, and I expect Miller to be added to the system as soon as his season ends (America East Baseball Championship takes place May 26-28) .

 

Shane Buriff

7-1, 2.10 ERA, 16 games (10 starts), 2 saves, 64.3 IP, 45 H, 58 K, 26 BB, 1 HR

 

Buriff's stats haven't changed from the last update, or at least they haven't been updated. I do know he notched his 3rd save of the year in a game towards the end of April. Buriff got better & better as the season progressed.

 

Chad Miller

.328/.356/.452 in 177 AB, 13 2B, 3 HR, 8:20 BB:K

 

Good batting average, and not a bad strikeout rate, but the power and patience is a little on the thin side. Miller has good size and power potential, but I don't think he showed the Brewers enough in 2 seasons at CGCC to sign him to a pro deal.

[Mass Haas]

Colby, considering the Brewers only signed 19 of their draft picks last summer, this DFE class is pretty darn underwhelming.

 

The Brewers had better sign Deik Scram from Josh Wahpepah's school (Cowley), and take him away from his commitment to Oklahoma State. Athletic enough to play shortstop last year, and 26 extra-base hits with 22 stolen bases in RF in 2005, .460 average -- not too shabby. If Milwaukee doesn't ink Scram, then this DFE class looks miserable.

 

LHP Derek Miller is an obvious senior signing out of Vermont, and I wonder if the Brewers would be bold enough to start him at West Virginia rather than Helena. This regime hasn't done something like that yet, Miller could be an exception.

 

So, a toolsy, inexperienced Lorenzo Cain, and hopefully Scram and Miller. Don't know if the Brewers would sign others just to have warm bodies and hope they prosper with coaching, or rely more on this year's draft to fill out the rookie rosters.

 

I'm about a week away from adding a "Sign Deik Scram Now" tag line to my posts.

[colbyjack]

I think we've been spoiled by Parra and Eveland, and to a lesser extent, Tim Dillard. I know the Brewers feel a little better about this group than last's year's DFE group, but that's not saying much, as last year's group was a lot more underwhelming than this year's. I really can't get down on the team for not having a strong DFE class after they only signed 19 draftees from a year ago. They took a chance with some guys hoping they would turn out, and unfortunately they didn't. Those are the breaks in scouting.

 

I think the team will sign Scram, but he does have a commitment to Oklahoma State to contend with.

 

And I really liked following Shane Buriff's progression over the course of the season. I have no idea how hard he's throwing, but hopefully it's closer to 90 than the mid-80s.

 

Stephen Barnes started hot and then cooled off a little. He still is a pitcher to watch.

 

And I think Ford will be signed, as his coach seemed to think he would be entering the season. Welcome to Hasan Rasheed part 2.

 

Given how high they were drafted, you have to believe that Garcia, Kretschmayor & Delgado have a good chance to be signed.

 

I'm going to break it down into four lists, possible signees, unlikely signees, the unknowns and my predicted signees:

 

Possible DFE signees:

Lorenzo Cain (already signed)

Darren Ford

Matthew Kretschmayor

Ryan Patterson

Stephen Barnes

Joshua Louis

Deik Scram

Derek Miller

Shane Buriff

 

Unlikely DFE signees:

Dustin Timm (season won't end in time)

Brian Johnson

Kanekoa Texeira

Jeremy Bloor

Brandon Jasper

Jon Mungle

Jamie Metzner

Chad Miller

 

Unknowns:

Jose Garcia

Jose Delgado

Chris Copot

Sean McCraw

Donald Jordat

Jimmy Coker

 

My prediction:

Lorenzo Cain (already signed)

Darren Ford

Jose Garcia

Matthew Kretschmayor

Stephen Barnes

Deik Scram

Derek Miller

Shane Buriff

 

Last year they signed 6 of their DFEs from a pretty weak pool. I think 8 signees is reasonable, especially since they have 23 DFE candidates. While my draft predictions over the years haven't been very good, I have been rather decent at predicting the DFE signees. Of course now I've just jinxed myself http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

[nikip43]

The Dustin Timm story is one that I'll be watching, part of me wants the Brewers to get the kid because he pitched well for a major D1 baseball program and he's got a lot going for him as far as his frame and pitching ability. However, the other part of me wants him to throw the Brewer's money back in their face and play for the passion that is college baseball and sit on the money for a chance to make a post season run with his teamates.

[Mass Haas]

Just a reminder about 2004's DFE crop -- players who signed are in bold:

 

13. (round they were drafted in last June) Luke Cannon-OF

15. Joel Rivera-OF

25. Jared Theodorakos-LHP

26. Hasan Rasheed-OF

31. Sheldon Catchot-LHP

33. Chad Miller-1B

37. Justin Wilson-LHP (since released)

39. Wesley Yeary-RHP

40. Robert Hinton-RHP

41. Peter Baubles--C

44. Rayner Robles-Encarnacion-IF

45. Tim Grubbs-RHP

46. Clay Blevins-C

48. Calvin Thompson-OF

49. Michael Sarka-RHP

 

Yeah Colby, I'm definitely in a Manny Parra time warp...

[colbyjack]

Some good DFE tidbits from the most recent issue of BA...

 

Darren Ford was listed by Baseball America as one of the top 10 best DFE eligible players. Since we haven't heard much about his progress this spring statistically, it's good to see he's highly thought of as a prospect overall. No doubt, his unreal speed is hard to deny, but it also likely means he has progressed some with the bat. It's added good news given the need for outfielders at the lower levels of our minor league system.

 

Ronnie Prettyman is actually a 5th year senior, which makes him a DFE candidate, which is very surprising to me. While the Brewers retain the rights to sign Prettyman, it's unlikely that they will sign him since Cal State Fullerton looks like a lock to be playing deep into June.

 

It added the name of Rio Hondo RHP Kenny Maiques just above, and it turns out he is one of the most intriguing draft eligible players from the JUCO ranks that was not drafted last year, and are draft eligible this year. If you check the stats above you will see just how dominant Maiques was, in large part due to 94 mph velocity the he found going from last year to this season.

[nikip43]

Milwaukee Brewer Community College (aka, Cowley Community College, with products Junior Spivey, Clay Blevins, and Josh Wahpepah) is playing in the Region VI baseball tournament this weekend in Wichita, KS. Cowley CC lost Friday 13-10 to Golden City CC in the first round of the weekend playoff series.

 

The Brewers 45th round pick last year (Diek Scram) and one of the top hitting DFE's of this past years class for the club had a great effort in the teams loss.

 

Scram went 2-3 with 2 runs and 5 RBI (one hit was a triple).

 

impressive game from a kid who hit .460 this year with 8 long balls and 22 steals winning the Jayhawk East MVP award.

[Mass Haas]

Vermont LHP Derek Miller with a less than stellar outing Saturday, yet still striking out ten in the process:

 

www.uvm.edu/athletics/bas...514051.htm