Official AFL Thread - Latest: Photos (Hart/Escobar)

[Mass Haas]

RHP Brian Wolfe gave up one run in his inning Wednesday (the Javelinas had their seven-game winning streak snapped by the 8-5 loss):

 

-- Brandon Sing doubles (5) on a line drive to left fielder Val Majewski.

-- Kevin Howard singles on a ground ball to shortstop Brandon Fahey. Brandon Sing to 3rd.

-- Don Kelly grounds into double play, second baseman Dan Uggla to shortstop Brandon Fahey to first baseman Michael Johnson. Brandon Sing scores. Kevin Howard out at 2nd.

-- Kevin Frandsen strikes out swinging.

 

Nashville's Gary Pettis is among those highlighted in this article on AFL managers:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p;sid=l119

[Mass Haas]

The Javelinas (12-7) visit Mesa (9-10) Thursday, 3:05 PM Central, there is audio available today.

 

Audio link:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p?sid=milb

 

Hart (3B), Rottino (1B) and Escobar (SS) all in the starting lineup. No Dana Eveland again, wouldn't be surprised if he's been shut down for the season, we'll keep an eye out for a formal announcement.

 

The updating box score / game log is here:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...n_msswin_1

 

Go to the AFL site home page to make use of the Advanced Gameday Feature:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p?sid=l119

[Mass Haas]

Corey Hart pinch-hit for in the 4th, unusual even for an AFL game. Hopefully he's not hurting; Vinny Rottino shuffled over to third base defensively.

[Mass Haas]

Javelinas win, 8-3.

 

Corey Hart flied out to right field in his only AB.

 

Vinny Rottino hit a two-run double, walked (and scored on an RBI single by Alcides Escobar), was called out on strikes, and grounded into a force out.

 

Escobar flew out to right, hit a line drive single to left, singled on a bunt to third base (later scored), and grounded out to third base. Alcides is 16-for-48 (.333), no walks, but only seven strikeouts.

 

LHP Steve Hammond is your starting pitcher Friday night -- links later on...

[Mass Haas]

LHP Dana Eveland has officially been removed from the AFL roster:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...mp;cid=490

 

First J.J., then Prince, now Dana -- talk about the best-laid plans going awry...

 

MILB named the mid-season AFL All-Star team today - no Brewers named, no surprise there.

 

The Javelinas (13-7) visit Peoria's other club, the Seguaros (5-15) Friday night, 8:05 PM Central, no audio.

 

The updating box score / game log is here:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...n_peswin_1

 

Go to the AFL site home page to make use of the Advanced Gameday Feature:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p?sid=l119

[colbyjack]

A tip of the cap to Steve Hammond for a very good debut in the AFL. Maybe he should have been there all along.

 

I'm sorry, I can't get overly down on the Brewers for what they have done in the AFL. It's a developmental league, not life or death, much like winter leagues. I think a lot of people want to see the top prospects from each team there, and while I agree guys like Eveland, Hardy and Fielder were bad choices to begin with, focusing on that is taking something away from the success guys like Corey Hart, Alcides Escobar, Vinnie Rottino and even Brian Wolfe are currently having in the AFL. For every closed door there's a window of opportunity, right?

[Mass Haas]

No Corey Hart Friday, after leaving Thursday's game in the 4th. We'll have to keep an eye on that.

 

A tip of the cap to Steve Hammond for a very good debut in the AFL. Maybe he should have been there all along.

 

Wow, great outing for Hammond. Actually colbyjack, Steve debuted last week with a 2.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 BB, 1 K line. So while he pitched out of trouble that game, Friday's line looks very smooth, as he faced the minimum amount of batters through four! Here's the game log for the 2005 6th rounder:

 

Peo Saguaros Bottom 1st

-- Chris Young flies out to left fielder Nick Markakis.

-- Brendan Harris flies out to center fielder Jeff Salazar.

-- Larry Broadway grounds out to first baseman Michael Johnson.

 

Peo Saguaros Bottom 2nd

-- Brad Eldred singles on a fly ball to center fielder Jeff Salazar.

-- Adam Lind grounds into double play, second baseman Dan Uggla to shortstop Alcides Escobar to first baseman Michael Johnson. Brad Eldred out at 2nd.

-- Ryan Zimmerman flies out to right fielder Gary Harris.

 

Peo Saguaros Bottom 3rd

-- Neil Walker grounds out, shortstop Alcides Escobar to first baseman Michael Johnson.

-- Brandon Moss grounds out, second baseman Dan Uggla to first baseman Michael Johnson.

-- Ryan Roberts grounds out, pitcher Steven Hammond to first baseman Michael Johnson.

 

Peo Saguaros Bottom 4th

-- Chris Young strikes out swinging.

-- Brendan Harris grounds out, third baseman Vinny Rottino to first baseman Michael Johnson.

-- Larry Broadway lines out to second baseman Dan Uggla.

 

RHP Brian Wolfe finished up again (Javelinas win, 7-0):

 

Peo Saguaros Bottom 9th

-- Chris Young singles on a line drive to left fielder Nick Markakis.

-- Brendan Harris grounds into double play, shortstop Alcides Escobar to second baseman Dan Uggla to first baseman Michael Johnson. Chris Young out at 2nd.

-- Larry Broadway called out on strikes.

 

Alcides Escobar 2-for-4, now 18-for-52 (.346), no walks, 7 K

-- singles on a ground ball to left field, steals 2nd base, then advances to 3rd on throwing error by catcher Neil Walker.

-- grounds out to shortstop

-- singles on a fly ball to right field

-- commits a fielding error, his fifth of the fall

-- flies out to right field

 

Vinny Rottino played third base (handled several chances cleanly), went 0-for-4 with a walk, now 5-for-20, four walks, three K

-- walks, later scores on a wild pitch

-- pops out to catcher in foul territory.

-- flies out to center field

-- called out on strikes

-- grounds out to pitcher

 

I'm sorry, I can't get overly down on the Brewers for what they have done in the AFL. It's a developmental league, not life or death, much like winter leagues. I think a lot of people want to see the top prospects from each team there, and while I agree guys like Eveland, Hardy and Fielder were bad choices to begin with, focusing on that is taking something away from the success guys like Corey Hart, Alcides Escobar, Vinny Rottino and even Brian Wolfe are currently having in the AFL. For every closed door there's a window of opportunity, right?

 

I agree to a point. I don't think we've been so focused on the departures that we haven't given the other guys their proper due. But we're going to make note when roster changes are made, and let's face it, the major league status of the players mentioned makes it news, along with their earlier public statements. Escobar, Rottino, and Hammond's seasons were supposed to end with instructionals. They've helped the Brewers save face, actually.

 

These stats are a couple of days old:

 

All-time batting average record: .292 (2004)

2005 average: .301

 

All-time worst ERA: 5.32 (2004)

2005 ERA: 5.68

 

All-time homers: 243 (1997)

2005 homers: 130 (on pace for 219)

 

Note on homers: The record for homers per game is 1.82, set in 2001. This year, balls are going out at the rate of 2.28 per game.

 

All-time runs per game: 12.07 (2004)

2005 RPG: 12.93

[Mass Haas]

The Javelinas (14-7) visit Phoenix (14-7) in a battle for first place Saturday afternoon, 3:05 PM Central, no audio.

 

The updating box score / game log is here:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...n_pddwin_1

 

Go to the AFL site home page to make use of the Advanced Gameday Feature:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p?sid=l119

[pogokat]

Just in case no one saw this, but rotoworld reports that Eveland was shut down because of a knee injury

[dadofandrew]

I don't think there's a player who needs reps on defense more than Fielder in the game. Considering he lost a lot of time sitting on the bench, he didn't even get his full AAA season of D in.

[DHonks]

word has it that nobody is really certain why Fielder left. They don't think he, Hardy, and Eveland ever wanted to be there, so they all have now gotten their wishes. the report on Fielder wearing tennis shoes is true, but it's because he wears tennis shoes that have cleats in them, as opposed to normal baseball shoes.

 

As for Eveland, his leaving left the team a bit short-staffed this week, especially w/the DH on Tuesday.

 

All in all, sounds like the Crew tried to send guys who didn't want to be a part of this thing. Hardy had already been here twice, and the others were big leaguers. I'm not going to have these affect my opinions of either. It's been a long year for them. and guys like Hammond and Rottino are thriving in their place

[Mass Haas]

SS Alcides Escobar the only Brewer to see action Saturday (0-for-3), struck out swinging, flied out to center, bunt ground out to the pitcher, handled several fielding chances cleanly.

 

APB out on Corey Hart -- DHonks, you're on the case! http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

[DHonks]

Mass, I saw Corey sitting in the corner of the locker room, having a good time w/his Fall League teammates. If he's hurt, it's probably something minor that's nagging. I know a number of guys in the league are being bothered by nagging injuries like groins, backs, etc. Hopefully he plays Friday, as the team's recent success seems to be at least partially attributed to his hot streak. Also, one problem with Wed and Sat is that they are Taxi Squad days, so the best players don't always play

[Mass Haas]

The Javelinas (14-8) host Phoenix (15-7) in a battle for first place Monday afternoon, 3:05 PM Central, no audio.

 

The updating box score / game log is here:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...n_perwin_1

 

Go to the AFL site home page to make use of the Advanced Gameday Feature:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p?sid=l119

[Mass Haas]

Read AFL Q&A columns on

 

RHP Brian Wolfe:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p;sid=l119

 

Corey Hart:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p;sid=l119

[molitor fan]

Some notable stuff in those two interviews....

 

First, Hart's nickname of Hee-Haw needs to catch on, secondly, a wife and two kids already for Hart? Wow.

 

Also, Wolfe's choice for one person to be with on a deserted island may be the LAST person I would want to be stranded with.

[dadofandrew]

If Wolfe is a single guy, his answer makes a lot of sense, as she'd keep him busy.

[EdgarDiazRocks]

Quote:

---

MiLB.com: Most people don't know this about me, but...

 

CH: I'm married with two kids.

---

 

He's right. I didn't know that.

 

Nice work Corey.

[Mass Haas]

Javelinas lose, 10-3.

 

Corey Hart 1-for-4 (single), 1 K, now at .333 (42 AB's). He was the DH.

 

Vinny Rottino played third base, 0-for-3, now at .217 (5-for-23).

 

RHP Brian Wolfe came on in the 8th, in a one-out, bases-loaded situation. Two of the runners came on to score (error, single, then double play ball). In the 9th, Wolfe pitched out of a bases-loaded jam (error, two singles) without allowing a run.

[Mass Haas]

The Javelinas (14-9) host the Peoria Saguaros (6-17) Tuesday, 2:05 PM Central, there is audio available today.

 

Note the new start time now that Daylight Savings Time has ended (most of Arizona does not adhere to savings time).

 

This is scheduled to be the last audio broadcast involving the Javelinas this fall, unless they come back to win their division (currently two games out) and make the AFL championship game in a week and a half.

 

Corey Hart is playing third base today, Alcides Escobar shortstop.

 

Audio link:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p?sid=milb

 

The updating box score / game log is here:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...n_perwin_1

 

Go to the AFL site home page to make use of the Advanced Gameday Feature:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p?sid=l119

[Mass Haas]

A rather uneventful combined 1-for-7 for Hart and Escobar Tuesday, except that Corey's base hit led off the ninth and led to a two-out, walk-off, two-run HR by the Padres' Dan Uggla in the 3-2 Javelinas win. Hart played third base, and handled a foul pop out and one ground ball.

 

I remember Mike Lindskog, the former voice of the High Desert Mavs (boy, was Mike fun for those late-night California League games), calling out Uggla's name, and me thinking what an awesome name it was.

[Mass Haas]

The Javelinas (15-9) visit Peoria's Saguaros (6-18) Wednesday night , 8:05 PM Central, no audio.

 

LHP Steve Hammond is scheduled to start Thursday (not Wednesday night).

 

The updating box score / game log is here:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...n_peswin_1

 

Go to the AFL site home page to make use of the Advanced Gameday Feature:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p?sid=l119

[Mass Haas]

Javelinas lose, 5-0.

 

RHP Brian Wolfe's fine fall season continues, with a 1-2-3 9th. He's setting himself up for a prominent role next spring, perhaps as a key set-up man / closer in Nashville.

 

18-year-old SS Alcides Escobar was 0-for-3, and is now at .295 (18-for-61), one extra-base hit, 11 K's, and no walks.

[Mass Haas]

From an MILB.com Q&A:

 

What's the status of Prince Fielder? I understand he left the AFL due to an illness to his wife and haven't heard anything since. -- John, Milwaukee

 

Jonathan Mayo: I don't know the exact status, John, and I don't want to speculate too much. I had heard that his wife was pregnant and I don't know if there were complications with that or what exactly happened. Frankly, it shouldn't be of concern to us. Some people who saw him in the Fall League thought he looked disinterested. Some thought he was just fatigued after a long season. I think maybe he was distracted because there were some issues with his wife and her pregnancy. This is pure conjecture on my part, but I know it would be hard to focus on any job if that kind of thing was going on at home.

 

Well, Doug Melvin had said he expected Prince back. With only a week remaining in the AFL season, I'd say chances of that are about nil.

 

The Javelinas (15-10 and now three games out of a division title) visit Grand Canyon (10-14) Thursday afternoon, 2:05 PM Central, no audio. LHP Steve Hammond gets another start.

 

The updating box score / game log is here:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...n_gcrwin_1

 

Go to the AFL site home page to make use of the Advanced Gameday Feature:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p?sid=l119

[Mass Haas]

The Javelinas came from behind to win Thursday afternoon, 12-6.

 

LHP Steve Hammond was cruising until back-to-back long balls in the third cost him a four-spot. Ground ball single, walk, then boom-boom -- a reminder how quickly an outing can turn. Hammond's day:

 

Grand Canyon Bottom 1st

-- Lastings Milledge strikes out swinging.

-- Robert Andino walks.

-- Eric Duncan flies out to left fielder Val Majewski.

-- Garrett Jones strikes out swinging.

 

Grand Canyon Bottom 2nd

-- Bronson Sardinha grounds out softly, shortstop Alcides Escobar to first baseman Corey Hart.

-- Kevin Mahar flies out to right fielder Gary Harris.

-- David Parrish reaches on fielding error by third baseman Vinny Rottino.

-- Mike Nickeas lines out to right fielder Gary Harris.

 

Grand Canyon Bottom 3rd

-- Chase Lambin singles on a ground ball to left fielder Val Majewski.

-- Lastings Milledge out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Steven Hammond to first baseman Corey Hart. Chase Lambin to 2nd.

-- Robert Andino walks.

-- Eric Duncan homers (8 ) on a fly ball to right center field. Chase Lambin scores. Robert Andino scores.

-- Garrett Jones homers (5) on a fly ball to right field.

-- Bronson Sardinha grounds out, third baseman Vinny Rottino to first baseman Corey Hart.

-- Kevin Mahar pops out to second baseman Dan Uggla.

 

Grand Canyon Bottom 4th

-- David Parrish singles on a soft ground ball to third baseman Vinny Rottino.

-- Mike Nickeas strikes out on foul tip.

-- Chase Lambin flies out to left fielder Val Majewski.

-- Lastings Milledge strikes out swinging.

 

Well, if you read Hammond's log above, you know where Corey Hart, Vinny Rottino, and Alcides Escobar played defensively...

 

1B Hart (now 16-for-51 for .314, four extra-base hits, two walks, seven K's, 2 SB's in as many attempts):

-- lines out to center field in the 1st, man on first, one out

-- flies out to right field with one out in the 3rd, man on second moved to third

-- flies out to center field in the 5th, man on first, no one out

-- grounds into 5-4-3 double play in the 7th, man on first, one out

-- singles on a sharp line drive to center field leading off the 9th, then stole second base (team led at the time only 8-6) and later scored

 

3B Rottino (now 8-for-27 for .296, five BB's, six K's -- Vinny's average went up 79 points today http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif )

-- strikes out swinging leading off the 2nd

-- committed a fielding error in the 2nd (no harm)

-- singles on a soft fly ball to right field leading off the 4th, immediately caught stealing

-- singles on a line drive to center field leading of the 6th, later scores

-- walks in the 8th, no one on, one out, later scores on an Alcides Escobar single

-- singles on a soft fly ball to center field in the 9th, men on 1st and 3rd, none out, RBI, later scores himself

 

SS Escobar (now 19-for-66 for .288, one extra-base hit, zero BB's -- time's running out for that walk, kid -- 11 K's, and five SB's in six attempts)

-- grounds into 4-6-3 double play in the 2nd, men on first and second, one out

-- grounds out softly to first base in the 4th, man on first, two out

-- reaches on a fielder's choice 5-2 out in the 6th, men on 1st and third, one out, later steals second base

-- singles on a line drive to right field in the 8th, men on 2nd and 3rd, two out, two runs score to tie the game, huge hit (one RBI -- error, catcher), moves to 2nd on the throw, later steals third base, later scores

-- grounds into a 6-4 force out in the 9th, bases loaded, one out, run scores

 

Keep in mind Nashville hitting coach Gary Pettis is the Javelinas' manager, so he's sure to have input as to where Rottino and Hart play.