Link Report Wrap-Up for 2005 -- Thoughts and Thanks

[Mass Haas]

How fitting that the final photo in the year's final Link Report is of Steve Scarborough, the 27-year-old 18th round pick of the Brewers back in 1999. Seven years a Milwaukee Brewer farmhand, always the class guy. Farm directors are always on the lookout for guys who can handle multiple infield positions as well as Steve does, and there's no doubt Scar will be active somewhere in 2006 and beyond. While there's always a chance Scarborough could re-sign with the Crew, Steve, you and your agent choose wisely, and if so, you'll be on a big league field before you know it. And a special hello to Brewerfan poster BrewMoon (you know who you are) -- we enjoyed having you with us all these years.

 

Similarly, the Brewers have another "seven-year graduate" and another first-class guy off the championship Nashville squad in outfielder Ryan Knox (1999, 24th round). Knoxie has made fans in every Brewer outpost along the way with his attitude, effort, and production. Here's a wink to Ryan http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif , who is "aware" of what we do here at Brewerfan. By all accounts, a fantastic teammate, hopefully we'll see Ryan on a baseball field again in 2006, although we believe he's hinted at spending more time with his band, HighwayJ.

 

www.highwayj.com/

 

Later today, Toby and I will release the list of 2005 Brewer farmhands who are free agents as of this off-season, including several members of this Nashville squad. Brett Evert and Alec Zumwalt, two of the bullpen heroes down the stretch, unfortunately won't be Brewer property in 2006 unless they reach new deals with Milwaukee. There are many others many of you would like to see back based on their production, and we'll detail the complete list and kick off discussion before Saturday night's out.

 

On a personal note, 3400 individual posts from me this summer - I think all except 50 or so dedicated to the Link Report and Transaction updates. A labor of love, but it's always a bit of a relief to call it a season. Thanks to everyone who has acknowledged my efforts this season, whether you did so here on the forum or in the several private messages I've received. The acknowledgement is not something I need or seek out, but it is appreciated. While I'll keep busy working with the rest of the "staff" here to keep you posted on all the off-season moves, another season's daily grind is complete, and there's several months to rest up now for 2006. I'm looking forward to catching up on the Major League side of things, it's my understanding they've been doing OK this season. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

 

Here's to a fantastic off-season for everyone, and thanks again for visiting and reading.

[madbad2000]

Great job as always Jim...Hip Hip!!

[plowjockey]

Hooray

[biedergb]

Cheers Mass.

I'm not sure what I'll do to supplement for my daily wake-up routine until next spring.

Thanks again Jim and to whole Brewerfan.net staff who chipped in and added the unrivaled insight and perspective all season long!

[ja002h]

Now you can crawl out of your hole and return to your family. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

 

An offseason well deserved.

[foamboy1]

Thank you Jim....your dedication enhances the overall Brewer baseball experience. I appreciate your great work.

[Mass Haas]

Oh my, I'm completely remiss in not thanking a few more folks -- after all, without them, there's nothing to link to:

 

The affiliate broadcasters and staff responsible for putting together the game summaries on the team websites -- we had game summaries within minutes of completion just about all around, awesome. In a couple of weeks, we're going to present our annual "Behind the Microphone" series of interviews -- all four play-by-play men are on board.

 

All the local sportswriters, particularly those in Nashville (Mo Patton and Nate Rau), Huntsville (the wonderful Mark McCarter and the Times Staff), West Virginia (how cool was it to have two daily newspapers on the scene at the low-A level), and the guys at the Helena Independent Record -- thanks again.

 

It was also very cool to have Michael (madbad2000) kick off his "Farm Hops" series this season -- it really added to our minor league coverage. And there's no denying the king of all Brewerfan favorites, the ol' Power 50, a cherished staple here thanks to And That (Toby).

[brettac1]

Thanks, Jim.

[Frisbee Slider]

Thank you Jim.

 

Very few of my mornings begin without the Link Report.

[UndraftedFA]

Thanks, I have listened to many minor league games this year thanks to you. I probably wouldn't have known it was possible without the links!

[pogokat]

hooray!!!

 

The link report is great....i think i'll celebrate by beeing bored for the next few months http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/frown.gif

[DHonks]

the Link Report has long been a favorite feature of mine. I was drawn to this site initially because of my interest in the minor leagues. Thanks Jim, I always appreciate it. You make it extremely easy for the rest of us to find out all we need on the players and teams, and it also gives us a location where we can share our ideas and thoughts, along with a few first-hand scouting reports

[brewers4eric]

Thanks for all of your efforts, Mass Hass. You've made me a better Brewers fan.

[SheetsCyYoung04]

Thanks Mass,

Your efforts are apreciated. It is going to be too long until the next link report. Keep up the exceptional work.

[BrewMoon]

To Mass and the entire Brewerfan.net gang:

 

Thanks for all your hard work, your kind words and your even-handed management of the site. Talk about a class act - you guys are THE BEST!

 

You've been a lifeline for me! I know you will keep up the good work for all those who come next.

 

Thanks more than these few words can convey.

 

Leslie (BrewMoon)

Steve's #1 fan

[Katuluu]

Once again I'd like to thank MassBrew's wife for graciouslly allowing us to monopolize her husbands time for ~6 months out of the year. You're a saint for putting up with all of us.

[JoeHova]

thanks for doing all that work again Mass. You make the daily link report a daily must read.

[reillymcshane]

As everyone said, thanks.

[BillScottCanRake]

In addtion to all the hard work Jim puts in to the Link Reports, I want to thank him for suggesting I e-mail Mark Rogers' MLB diary. That e-mail got the ball rolling on the interview, and I wouldn't have thought of sending the e-mail without the suggestion.

 

Thanks Jim!

[Brian the Automator]

I can't say enough about one of the most vital features of the site. I know many people have turned into big minor league fans BECAUSE of the link reports. May you enjoy all your newfound time with the family. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

[homer]

My annual thanks to Jim and Co for their hard work during the season. Before I read the morning paper with my cup o' joe, I pop open the lap top and read the Link Report.

[colbyjack]

Thanks Jim. We all know how dedicated you are to your labor of love, and it has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. Have a great offseason.

[bball123h2]

Simply scrumtralescent. Thanks for the updates during the year, making me feel as though I have a clue about MILB!