Link Report for Thursday 8/8 - Mudcats Win Two

[Mass Haas]

http://www.brewerfan.net/images/store/dailylinkreport.jpg

 

Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores

 

Dominican Summer League Scoreboard (includes DSL Brewers/Indians game)

 

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Links for affiliate audio

 

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Standings and sortable stat pages

 

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MiLB.TV options: Only two feeds - San Antonio and Biloxi road. Carolina, Wisconsin and Rocky Mountain unavailable.

[Mass Haas]

Rookie Venezuelan Dominican Summer League RHP Rafael Camacho turns all of 17 years old today.

 

http://www.milb.com/images/683722/t607/180x270/683722.jpg

[folly412]

Lutz is on a really nice run. 4-6 with a walk and a homer in the double header. Ups and downs including this hot streak, but a YTD .760 OPS in the Carolina League at age 20 is no joke.

[Mass Haas]

Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes

 

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Frosty Microbrew: Ethan Small Settles In

Kyle Lobner, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

***

 

Box: Wisconsin 1, Burlington 0

 

Rattlers Hold On for a 1-0 Win at Burlington

Shutout victory allows Wisconsin to close gap in playoff chase

By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

 

Enjoy the write-up, Chris really captures a lot for a 1-0 game and fully details LHP Nick Bennett's Rattler debut. Twenty-three game "on base" streak for Thomas Dillard despite the .211 batting average.

[CheeseheadInQC]

I'm not sure what the future holds for Brady Schanuel, but I'll give him this: He is interesting in a way college pitchers who repeat rookie ball almost never are.

[Brew crew 92]

Freitas with 4 MORE hits again last night including a home run.

 

Hitting.377-.461 now.

 

Honestly trying to understand why he’s not at a minimum in the brewers lineup crushing LHP?

 

With the crew’s obvious WEAKNESS vs lefty’s, to have a hitter that destroys them wasting away down below when he could be helping the big league club is absolutely ridiculous, just my opinion.

 

What does he have to do to get a call? How much better can he perform? His teammates have to be rolling their eyes at this organization’s obvious error ALL year with roster decisions, especially with regards to this player.

[Mass Haas]

AUDIO via the "Locked On Brewers" Podcast: A look at the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers with Play by Play voice Chris Mehring (8:25 minute mark, taped last Friday night)

 

More --

 

AUDIO via the "Locked On Brewers" Podcast: "Host Ben Larson talks with Greg Young, the Play by Play broadcaster of the Carolina Mudcats. They discuss top prospects and life in the minor leagues for the Brewers high - A Carolina League Affiliate." (6:40 minute mark, taped late last week)

 

AUDIO via the "Locked On Brewers" Podcast: "Garrett Greene, the Play by Play voice of the Biloxi Shuckers" (6:00 minute mark, taped late last week)

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Freitas with 4 MORE hits again last night including a home run.

 

Hitting.377-.461 now.

 

Honestly trying to understand why he’s not at a minimum in the brewers lineup crushing LHP?

 

With the crew’s obvious WEAKNESS vs lefty’s, to have a hitter that destroys them wasting away down below when he could be helping the big league club is absolutely ridiculous, just my opinion.

 

What does he have to do to get a call? How much better can he perform? His teammates have to be rolling their eyes at this organization’s obvious error ALL year with roster decisions, especially with regards to this player.

 

Hire Jeff Gillooly to take out Yasmani's knee?

 

Seriously, though, I'm as skeptical of offensive production as anyone with that league, but it's time to give this guy some starts to see if he can help at the ML level ... although the combo of Pina at C and Grandal at 1B against lefties hasn't been bad.

[Mass Haas]

AUDIO via Brewers.com: "Episode 164 features Trent Grisham, Drew Pomeranz and Minor League Hitting Coordinator Kenny Graham."

 

For the focus of this specific forum, the Graham interview begins at the 15:55 minute mark.

 

***

 

Via the 'Biloxi Shuckers Sounds' Soundcloud: The Shuckin Around Podcast Episode 4: Drew Rasmussen - enjoy the intro and news and notes as well, but the actual Rasmussen extended interview begins at the 11:05 minute mark.

[Mass Haas]

Box: Biloxi 7, Tennessee 4

 

Lots of contributions, Cooper Hummel on base four times including his 15th home run...

 

Shuckers Tack On Late For Second Win Over Smokies

Offense Strikes for 14 Hits on Thursday

By Andrew Chapman / Biloxi Shuckers

[Mass Haas]

San Antonio Pre-Game Media Notes

 

***

 

Box: Albuquerque 9, San Antonio 8, ten innings

 

Missions Lose in Extras to the 'Topes

 

Bad line, decent outing in Albuquerque's altitude for Trey Supak, one run allowed through five, and although all six 6th inning runs were earned, as you just read, the inning could have gone differently if the twilight didn't mess with Corey Ray.

 

***

 

Joe Alexander Galleries of now-big leaguers:

 

Devin Williams

 

Jake Faria

[Mass Haas]

Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes

 

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Box, Game One: Carolina 9, Down East 5

 

So pretty for the top six in the order...

 

Box, Game Two: Carolina 1, Down East 0

 

Mudcats Slug Their Way to Twin-Bill Sweep in Kinston

Carolina hit four homers over both games while sweeping Thursday's doubleheader in Kinston

 

Another sweet write-up...

 

***

 

VIDEO via WNCT: Fantastic infield defense and the 2nd of Payton Henry's home runs

 

***

 

VIDEO Tweets via the Mudcats:

 

Mario Feliciano's tater

 

Payton Henry's first HR

 

Peter Strzelecki ends the frame

 

RHP Matt Hardy flashing the leather

 

Phil Bickford pumped

[Mass Haas]

Box: Billings 4, Rocky Mountain 2

 

Alternative box includes inning-by-inning linescore

 

Brief summary from the Mustangs' site

 

***

 

Nice to see first baseman Ernesto Martinez back after his July 26th collision exit, He struck out as a pinch-hitter here.

 

***

 

AUDIO Tweet: RHP Brady Schanuel highlight

[JohnBriggs12]

Freitas with 4 MORE hits again last night including a home run.

 

Hitting.377-.461 now.

 

Honestly trying to understand why he’s not at a minimum in the brewers lineup crushing LHP?

 

With the crew’s obvious WEAKNESS vs lefty’s, to have a hitter that destroys them wasting away down below when he could be helping the big league club is absolutely ridiculous, just my opinion.

 

What does he have to do to get a call? How much better can he perform? His teammates have to be rolling their eyes at this organization’s obvious error ALL year with roster decisions, especially with regards to this player.

 

Hire Jeff Gillooly to take out Yasmani's knee?

 

Seriously, though, I'm as skeptical of offensive production as anyone with that league, but it's time to give this guy some starts to see if he can help at the ML level ... although the combo of Pina at C and Grandal at 1B against lefties hasn't been bad.

 

Why not Freitas at 1B and Pina catching vs. LH pitching? Or Freitas catching and Grandal at 1B? Grandal simply is not the hitter from the right side he is from the left side and Pina is a good backup. The other issue is having a RH bat available to pinch hit late in games. Freitas has earned a call up. He's already on the 40 man. Freitas hasn't had a hot month at AAA. He's been raking all season. He's got 102 hits. I bet a good percentage of those are off of pitchers who've seen time in the majors this year. Why hasn't he?

[Mass Haas]

Maryvale details by mid-day:

 

Blue falls while fanning 16 times

 

Gold falls while fanning 15 times

 

Despite the losses piling up, the Maryvale box scores normally include positive individual performances, and that was the case Thursday as well. Season-long positives tougher to find.

[Mass Haas]

Box: DSL Cubs #1 Squad 9, DSL Brewers/Indians 3

 

Making only his third start at 3rd base (normally at 1st), Francisco Gonzalez committed three throwing errors.

 

Seven of the team's eight singles came from Brewers, four of the six walks.

[Mass Haas]

Box: DSL Cardinals "Red" Squad 5, DSL Brewers 4

 

Playoff chances slipping away, and this one was a walk-off loss yet.

 

Suddenly 18-year-old stat-studly rookie Fernando Olguin is scuffling -- inning pitch count reached here?

 

DSL Cardinals Red Bottom of the 1st

 

Smith Vargas reaches on a fielding error by right fielder Alejandro Marte.

Smith Vargas steals (20) 2nd base.

Sander Mora walks.

Albert Inoa out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Fernando Olguin to first baseman Jesus Parra. Smith Vargas to 3rd. Sander Mora to 2nd.

Luis Andujar walks.

Claudio Ramirez called out on strikes.

Fernando Brazoban triples (3) on a line drive to right fielder Alejandro Marte. Smith Vargas scores. Sander Mora scores. Luis Andujar scores.

Pitching Change: Wellington Nunez replaces Fernando Olguin.

Erick Thomas walks.

Diego Velasquez flies out to right fielder Alejandro Marte.

 

***

 

Five errors hurt, only the final Cardinal run was earned.

 

16-year-old 3B/2B Jesus Parra made his first pro appearance at first base, starting there. Hit his 6th home run, .824 OPS, will finally turn 17 later this month. Somebody wipe the drool from Toby's chin, please.

[JohnBriggs12]

Freitas with 4 MORE hits again last night including a home run.

 

Hitting.377-.461 now.

 

Honestly trying to understand why he’s not at a minimum in the brewers lineup crushing LHP?

 

With the crew’s obvious WEAKNESS vs lefty’s, to have a hitter that destroys them wasting away down below when he could be helping the big league club is absolutely ridiculous, just my opinion.

 

What does he have to do to get a call? How much better can he perform? His teammates have to be rolling their eyes at this organization’s obvious error ALL year with roster decisions, especially with regards to this player.

 

Hire Jeff Gillooly to take out Yasmani's knee?

 

Seriously, though, I'm as skeptical of offensive production as anyone with that league, but it's time to give this guy some starts to see if he can help at the ML level ... although the combo of Pina at C and Grandal at 1B against lefties hasn't been bad.

 

Why not Freitas at 1B and Pina catching vs. LH pitching? Or Freitas catching and Grandal at 1B? Grandal simply is not the hitter from the right side he is from the left side and Pina is a good backup. The other issue is having a RH bat available to pinch hit late in games. Freitas has earned a call up. He's already on the 40 man. Freitas hasn't had a hot month at AAA. He's been raking all season. He's got 102 hits. I bet a good percentage of those are off of pitchers who've seen time in the majors this year. Why hasn't he?

 

Update: Freitas now batting a cool .513 vs. LH (41 for 80). Lefties have only struck him out 9 times in those 80 ABs. His overall line: .513/.574/.838. That's simply ridiculous. I get it's off AAA pitching, but that would be good off any level of professional pitching.

[LouisEly]

Phil Bickford's last seven appearances:

 

12 IP, 5 H, 0 R/ER, 5 BB, 18 K

[ctmyers]

Freitas with 4 MORE hits again last night including a home run.

 

Hitting.377-.461 now.

 

Honestly trying to understand why he’s not at a minimum in the brewers lineup crushing LHP?

 

With the crew’s obvious WEAKNESS vs lefty’s, to have a hitter that destroys them wasting away down below when he could be helping the big league club is absolutely ridiculous, just my opinion.

 

What does he have to do to get a call? How much better can he perform? His teammates have to be rolling their eyes at this organization’s obvious error ALL year with roster decisions, especially with regards to this player.

 

It's not unprecedented how well he's hitting against minor leaguers. Last year he hit .349/.428/.527 in AAA. The truth of the matter is the Brewers don't want to carry three catchers right now and they likely won't send Pina down because he's out of options and he's much better defensively. Freitas has thrown out 5 out of a possible 45 base stealers this year, while Pina has thrown out 6 of 17. Unless the Brewers punt on Pina - and the remaining control on his contract - Freitas is likely not coming up until September.

[Brew crew 92]

Freitas with 4 MORE hits again last night including a home run.

 

Hitting.377-.461 now.

 

Honestly trying to understand why he’s not at a minimum in the brewers lineup crushing LHP?

 

With the crew’s obvious WEAKNESS vs lefty’s, to have a hitter that destroys them wasting away down below when he could be helping the big league club is absolutely ridiculous, just my opinion.

 

What does he have to do to get a call? How much better can he perform? His teammates have to be rolling their eyes at this organization’s obvious error ALL year with roster decisions, especially with regards to this player.

 

It's not unprecedented how well he's hitting against minor leaguers. Last year he hit .349/.428/.527 in AAA. The truth of the matter is the Brewers don't want to carry three catchers right now and they likely won't send Pina down because he's out of options and he's much better defensively. Freitas has thrown out 5 out of a possible 45 base stealers this year, while Pina has thrown out 6 of 17. Unless the Brewers punt on Pina - and the remaining control on his contract - Freitas is likely not coming up until September.

 

He shouldn’t be brought up for his defense at C, but to hit LHP, and play 1B. And it should be August 31st at the latest or Stearns should be fired.

[ctmyers]

Freitas with 4 MORE hits again last night including a home run.

 

Hitting.377-.461 now.

 

Honestly trying to understand why he’s not at a minimum in the brewers lineup crushing LHP?

 

With the crew’s obvious WEAKNESS vs lefty’s, to have a hitter that destroys them wasting away down below when he could be helping the big league club is absolutely ridiculous, just my opinion.

 

What does he have to do to get a call? How much better can he perform? His teammates have to be rolling their eyes at this organization’s obvious error ALL year with roster decisions, especially with regards to this player.

 

It's not unprecedented how well he's hitting against minor leaguers. Last year he hit .349/.428/.527 in AAA. The truth of the matter is the Brewers don't want to carry three catchers right now and they likely won't send Pina down because he's out of options and he's much better defensively. Freitas has thrown out 5 out of a possible 45 base stealers this year, while Pina has thrown out 6 of 17. Unless the Brewers punt on Pina - and the remaining control on his contract - Freitas is likely not coming up until September.

 

He shouldn’t be brought up for his defense at C, but to hit LHP, and play 1B. And it should be August 31st at the latest or Stearns should be fired.

 

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Attanasio knows enough to not let the promotion, or lack thereof, of a 30-year old journeyman catcher be the determinant in his general manager's tenure.

[Mass Haas]

Box: AZL Rangers 7, AZL Brewers Blue 2

 

HBP: Urbaez (by Serrano); Miller (by Richardson); Moss (by Baez); Hernandez, H (by Baez); Pena (by Baez).

 

That's two Brewers plunked, while RHP Jeyner Baez hit three (only one HBP prior to Thursday).

 

It's a wonder we don't read about more serious, like hospital-stay, HBP's at the lower levels. In this box score, all 18 players played the entire game.

 

***

 

Weather: 108 degrees, Partly Cloudy.

 

I've heard it's a dry heat.

 

***

 

Here were your two runs:

 

19-year-old 2nd-year-pro and Bahamian native Orveo Saint has seen all his action at second base this year. He hit his 3rd HR of the summer, but fanned in his other three AB's, that's been an issue as his linked page will attest.

 

18-year-old rookie LH bat YongKang Kou hit his first home run. It's been a tough season, so that must have felt really good.

 

I often check those home runs in the game log just to see if perhaps they were of the inside-the-park variety. Both of these cleared the fence. We've likely missed a couple from the Dominican or Maryvale in that regard this year.

[Mass Haas]

Box: AZL Indians Blue 9, AZL Brewers Gold 4

 

38th round RHP Eli Nabholz tossed four hitless innings in his 7th start (10th appearance). The only baserunner he allowed was via HBP.

 

Bullpen efforts were not as strong, and usually extra-reliable RHP Jose Parra (1.06 WHIP) was victimized the most.

 

20-year-old corner infielder Aaron Familia is showing improvement in his second year stateside, but not "let's take note" kind of stuff. He singled twice and walked here.