Minor League Spring Training Game Thread

[alorrigan]

Does anyone have information on minor league spring training?

[SenatorShriv]

What kind of info are you looking for?

[alorrigan]

like where it is, when it is, maybe a schedule

[MassBrew]

Here's Nashville's, from a prior thread:

 

www.nashvillesounds.com/n...ewsId=1451

 

 Saturday, March 19 Sacramento River Cats (A?s Maryvale Baseball Park (Phoenix) Sunday, March 20 Oklahoma RedHawks (Rangers) Surprise Sports Complex (Surprise) Monday, March 21 Salt Lake Stingers (Angels Maryvale Baseball Park (Phoenix) Tuesday, March 22 Iowa Cubs (Cubs) Maryvale Baseball Park (Phoenix) Wed., March 23 Fresno Grizzlies (Giants) Indian School Park (Scottsdale) Thursday, March 24 Intrasquad Game Maryvale Baseball Park (Phoenix) Friday, March 25 Camp Saturday, March 26 Sacramento River Cats Papago Park (Phoenix) Sunday, March 27 Iowa Cubs Fitch Park (Mesa) Monday, March 28 Tacoma Rainiers (Mariners) Maryvale Baseball Park (Phoenix) Tuesday, March 29 Salt Lake Stingers Gene Autry Park (Mesa) Wed., March 30 Fresno Grizzlies Maryvale Baseball Park (Phoenix) Thursday, March 31 Sacramento River Cats Papago Park (Phoenix) Friday, April 1 Camp Saturday, April 2 Salt Lake Stingers Maryvale Baseball Park (Phoenix) Sunday, April 3 Intrasquad Game Maryvale Baseball Park (Phoenix)

[SenatorShriv]

Along the same lines, does anyone have any idea of who may be on the AAA training camp team. I would imagine that most of the top upper level prospects will be with the big league club. But what about Eveland, Sarafate, Cruz, Woolard, Vandenburg, Gwynn Jr., Ford, Hurricane, etc...

 

I always have a tough time tracking guys down on the first day or two.

[Dennisfrancis]

As far as different squads go, last year players were moved without it mattering (I think) about where they would eventually wind up. It depends on many factors (again, I believe) sore muscles, pulls, where a player needs to fill a spot for the day. For example, at an A's game last year I saw a player play in two games at the same time, hitting in each inning for three innings. Who goes where during split squads are decided that morning, pitchers from different levels on the same team bus. I'm sure that all said, the people who decide what will eventually be, want to see a lower level guy on a higher level. The other factor is that naturally this is all done according to the Brewers spread sheet on their prospect lists, if they have them, or their rosters, who they think is AAA or AA or MLB.

[MassBrew]

Huntsville has released its AA pre-season schedule:

 

www.huntsvillestars.com/s...newsId=539

 

With Spring Training already under way for all Major League Baseball teams, the schedule is set for the Huntsville Stars spring preparation. Double-A games are scheduled to begin March 19 at the Stars' spring home in Phoenix, Arizona.

 

Double-A teams will play 12 games this spring. Six at home and six on the road. All games begin at 1 p.m. Arizona time. The schedule is as follows:

 

Sat. March 19 - Stars vs. Oakland AA team, Maryvale Baseball Park, Phoenix

Sun. March 20 - Stars vs. Texas AA team, Surprise Sports Complex, Surprise

Mon. March 21 - Stars vs. LA/Anaheim AA team, Maryvale Baseball Park, Phoenix

Tues. March 22 - Stars vs. Cubs AA team, Maryvale Baseball Park, Phoenix

Wed. March 23 - Stars vs. San Francisco AA team, Indian School Park, Scottsdale

Thurs. March 24 - Intrasquad Game (no umpires), Maryvale Baseball Park, Phoenix

Fri. March 25 - Camp Day

Sat. March 26 - Stars vs. Oakland AA team, Papago Park, Phoenix

Sun. March 27 - Stars vs. Cubs AA team, Fitch Park, Mesa

Mon. March 28 - Stars vs. Seattle AA team, Maryvale Baseball Park, Phoenix

Tues. March 29 - Stars vs. LA/Anaheim AA team, Gene Autry Park, Mesa

Wed. March 30 - Stars vs. San Francisco AA team, Maryvale Baseball Park, Phoenix

Thurs. March 31 - Stars vs. Oakland AA team, Papago Park, Phoenix

Fri. April 1 - Camp Day

Sat. April 2 - Stars vs. LA/Anaheim AA team, Maryvale Baseball Park, Phoenix

Sun. April 3 - Intrasquad Games

Mon. April 4 - Travel Day

[MassBrew]

Folks in Maryvale Saturday (today) will get to choose between watching the AAA Nashville club and the AA Huntsville team play the A's respective squads, all games 1:00 Arizona time. It's the beginning of minor league game play, and we'll probably get some minimal reports which we'd like to contain within this one thread, please.

[MassBrew]

Huntsville site link (Corey Hart pictured), actual text follows:

 

www.huntsvillestars.com/s...newsId=545

 

Stars Win One Then Drop One

 

The Stars spring season got off to a great start Saturday defeating the also-owned-by Miles Prentice Midland Rockhounds 7-1 in their spring opener. The Stars were quickly humbled on Sunday as they lost a close game to the Frisco RoughRiders 7-6.

 

Huntsville 7 Midland 1 - Saturday, March 19 Maryvale Park

 

Right Fielder Ben Van Iderstine and catcher C.J. Medlin each hit two-run homers for the Stars in the team's first spring exhibition game. Designated hitter Vinny Rottino added a run on a double. Second baseman Steve Sollmann and center fielder Steve Moss drove in a run each.

 

Pitcher Dana Eveland started and threw three scoreless innings in a no-decision. Eveland had four strikeouts on the day. Greg Bruso yielded Midland's lone run in the fourth inning and earned the win. Pitchers David Bradley, Ryan Miller and Mitch Slack (evidently, a morph of Mitch Stetter and Nick Slack http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif ) combined for six strikeouts over four innings of relief for the Stars.

 

Frisco 7 Huntsville 6 - Sunday, March 20 @ Surprise Sports Complex, Surprise, AZ

 

Frisco scored seven runs off seven hits allowed by Stars pitchers en route to a 7-6 victory. Deuces were wild for Stars starter Manny Parra who allowed two runs off two hits with two strikeouts through two innings of work. Reliever Landon Stockman took the loss for the Stars giving up two runs in the eighth inning.

 

Offensively, Moss and catcher John Vanden Berg carried the big bat for the Stars collecting their first home runs of the spring season. Vandenberg had two RBI for the Stars off two hits. Rottino doubled twice and also drove in a run. Third baseman Jeff Eure, 2-for-3 on the day and designated hitter Charlie Lozada also drove in a run each in the loss.

 

Don't mind my comment about "Mitch Slack" -- we appreciate the updates -- keep 'em coming! - MB

[MassBrew]

Not sure if the folks in Nashville plan on providing any spring training game updates on their site. The following is from the Oklahoma (Rangers' AAA) site, obviously written from a Texas perspective:

 

March 20:

Pedro Astacio, a veteran right-hander considered a strong candidate to join the Rangers' rotation this season, pitched a strong 4 2/3 innings for the RedHawks on Sunday in Oklahoma's 4-3 win over Nashville (Milwaukee Brewers) at Surprise, Ariz.

 

Will Smith and Rashad Eldridge homered for the RedHawks, who improved to 5-0-1 in Cactus League play.

 

Right-hander Jose Veras, a candidate to be with the RedHawks this season, pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings on Sunday.

 

A few AAA clubs, including Oklahoma, began their spring training schedule several days earlier than the Nashville squad -- MB.

[igor67]

I'm usually more level headed than this but is Rottino not the position player equivalent to Mike Adams? The undrafted guy who not only makes, but actually looks to be a more than fringe player? If he sticks at third or catcher he's our best bat at either position. There is just something exciting about a guy who justs hits the ball.

[DHonks]

I like your point Igor. I think what is intriguing about Rottino is that he'll be in A+ or AA, and nobody has yet come out and said "he's not a 3b or C." There's that glimmer that we may have someone at those positions in AA who isn't a 6year free agent

[MassBrew]

Report from the Sounds' site:

 

www.nashvillesounds.com/n...ewsId=1473

 

Spring Update - Sounds Fall To Salt Lake, 3-1

 

PHOENIX -- The Nashville Sounds took their first loss of the spring campaign on Monday afternoon, falling 3-1 to rehabbing right-hander Bartolo Colon and the Salt Lake Stingers (AAA-Angels). With the defeat, the Sounds sit at 1-1-1 in early action.

 

Left-hander Jeff Housman started and took the loss for Nashville, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits in four innings of work. The southpaw, who is slated to open the 2005 season in the Sounds rotation, struck out three batters and walked none in his outing.

 

Veteran right-hander Clint Weibl followed by allowing one run in two innings of work before Kane Davis, Jeff Farnsworth, and Mike Meyers each tossed a scoreless frame to complete the contest.

 

On the offensive side, Nashville was limited to five hits and was led by third baseman Kevin Orie's 2-for-4 effort. Colon made the start for Salt Lake in the Class AAA contest while working through a back injury and limited the Sounds to one unearned run on two hits over five innings, fanning six.

 

Orie scored the lone Nashville run and was driven in by first baseman Tony Zuniga. Other Sounds with hits in the contest include second baseman Matt Erickson (1-for-2), major-league outfielder Carlos Lee (1-for-5), and outfielder Kennard Bibbs (1-for-2), who is ticketed for Single-A High Desert or Double-A Huntsville to open the year.

 

Oops -- Brevard County, not High Desert! -- MB

 

Nashville continues its spring slate with a Tuesday afternoon contest against the Iowa Cubs.

 

Jeff Farnsworth's back? Really? We'll work on firming up some recent moves if so -- MB...

[MassBrew]

Report from the Sounds' Site:

 

www.nashvillesounds.com/n...ewsId=1474

 

PHOENIX -- Major league starter Doug Davis tossed five solid innings and the Nashville offense produced a four-run first inning in posting a 5-1 victory over the Iowa Cubs on Tuesday afternoon at Maryvale Baseball Park.

 

With the win, the Sounds improved to 2-1-1 in spring action.

 

Davis allowed one run on three hits and struck out five batters to pick up the victory in the Class AAA game before giving way to Dennis Sarfate, who hurled three hitless innings against the Cubs' top affiliate. Veteran reliever Chad Paronto wrapped up the game with a scoreless ninth for Nashville.

 

Third baseman Matt Erickson and first baseman Brandon Gemoll both turned in 2-for-4 efforts, scoring a run and driving in a run each, to pace the Nashville offense. Leftfielder Brad Nelson doubled in a run and scored for the Sounds, and designated hitter Nelson Cruz also racked up an RBI in the victory.

 

Other Brewers regulars participating in the Triple-A contest included catcher Chad Moeller (1-for-3, R) and second baseman Junior Spivey (1-for-3, R).

 

The Sounds travel to Scottsdale on Wednesday afternoon to take on the Fresno Grizzlies, the Class AAA affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, in a 1 p.m. MT matchup.

[MassBrew]

Monday's Huntsville game, courtesy of the Stars' site:

 

Stars Pour on Runs vs. Arkansas

 

The Stars picked up their second win of the spring exhibition season Monday against the Arkansas Travelers, the AA team of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim lighting up the scoreboard in a 15-5 victory.

 

Huntsville 15 Arkansas 5 - Monday, March 21 Maryvale Park

 

Center fielder Jake Serfass belted a three-run homer, his first of the spring season, on a day which the Stars' bats were the big story. The Stars pounded out 15 runs on 16 hits in the win. Desginated hitter Lou Palmisano had a triple on the day and drove in three runs. Left fielder Mario Mendez also drove in three. Catcher C.J. Medlin (2), left fielder Chris Morris, second baseman Steve Sollmann and first baseman Josh Brady (4-for-5 with a double) each provided runs.

 

The main beneficiary of the high-powered Stars offense was starter Matt Ford. The righty (actually lefty) struggled in the first two innings of his four-inning stint giving up three runs. Ford had two strikeouts on the day. Stars relievers Josh Habel and David Bradley kept the Trav's bats silent until Brian Adams gave up two runs off four hits in the ninth inning.

 

Not sure about the pitching report -- Ford's seeing a lot of action, based on these accounts -- oh, well... -- MB

[DHonks]

wasn't Bradley out for the year with Tommy John surgery?

 

or was I thinking of Harper

[MassBrew]

From the Stars' official site and other sources...

 

West Tenn 10, Huntsville 1 - Tuesday, March 22 Maryvale Park

Game details unavailable

 

Norwich 3 Huntsville 0 - Wednesday, March 23 Indian School Park, Scottsdale, AZ

2004 Star Dana Eveland pitched five strong innings against the Navigators in spring action, but found no run support in Huntsville's loss. Eveland gave up just one earned run off four hits and struck out three in his second start for the Stars this spring. Reliever Alec Zumwalt, acquired by the Brewers as the player to be named from Atlanta in the deal that sent Dan Kolb to the Braves, gave up two more runs off three hits with four strikeouts through two innings of work.

 

The Stars compiled just four hits against the Navigators. Left fielder Drew Anderson went 2-for-3 on the day with a double.

[MassBrew]

Link while active, text follows:

 

www.huntsvillestars.com/s...newsId=545

 

"Old Stars" Edge "New Stars" 11-9

 

Stars catcher Lou Palmisano did something Thursday that could only seem possible in an intrasquad game. After going 2-for-2 with an RBI for Huntsville, he swapped jerseys and took an at bat with the opposing Nashville team.

 

For those trying to predict who will appear on the Stars 2005 Opening Day roster, Thursday's intrasquad game would have proven a brain buster. The game featured 2004 Stars: Manny Parra, Glenn Woolard, Tony Gwynn Jr., Ryan Knox, Brad Nelson, Ben Van Iderstine, Brandon Gemoll, Ryan Miller, Enrique Cruz, Ozzie Chavez and Chris Barnwell and an assortment of others who may not see Double-A for another season or two.

 

If Thursday's offensive showcase proved nothing else, it shows major roster changes are sure to come.

 

Nashville 11 Huntsville 9 - Intrasquad Game, Thursday, March 24, Maryvale Park

 

Nashville's 11 runs were powered by Iderstine's three-run homer and a two-run shot from Nelson Cruz. Designated hitter Kennard Bibbs also drove in two for the Sounds. Huntsville found power from third baseman Jeff Eure who had a two-run homer in his only plate appearance. Right fielder Vinny Rottino added two runs on a double and Enrique Cruz batted 4-for-4 on the day with two runs scored.

 

After appearing all spring with the Sounds, Woolard took the mound for the Stars and gave up four runs off three hits in three innings of work. Parra started for the Sounds and also gave up four runs off six hits with four strikeouts in three and one-third innings pitched. Former Star Ben Diggins made his first appearance with Huntsville this spring giving up two runs off two hits with a strikeout in one inning of work.

 

To say we don't know how the rosters are going to shake out at this time would be a huge understatement -- MB

[MassBrew]

From the Nashville site:

 

www.nashvillesounds.com/n...ewsId=1477

 

Spring Update: Sounds Come Back For 7-6 Win

 

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Nashville Sounds plated three runs in the top of the ninth inning to score a come-from-behind 7-6 victory over the Sacramento River Cats (AAA-A's) on Saturday afternoon.

 

Catcher Julio Mosquera went 2-for-3 with a game-best three RBIs to lead the offensive effort for Nashville. Third baseman Tony Zuniga plated a pair of runs for the Sounds, and first baseman Brandon Gemoll, leftfielder Brad Nelson, and rightfielder Ben Van Iderstine all turned in two-hit efforts in the win.

 

Reliever Ryan Miller picked up the victory with a scoreless inning of work. Starter Jeff Housman allowed two unearned runs on five hits in his four innings of work. Jason Ryan followed by surrendering four runs in his lone frame, before Clint Weibl tossed two scoreless frames for Nashville.

 

The Sounds open their final week of spring competition with a Monday afternoon meeting with the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA-Mariners) in Peoria, Ariz. It will be the clubs' only meeting of the spring season.

[MassBrew]

Courtesy of the Stars' site:

 

www.huntsvillestars.com/s...newsId=545

 

Stars Sweep Series with Rockhounds

 

Round two of the head-to-head match up between the Miles Prentice owned Stars and Midland Rockhounds, the AA-affiliate of the Oakland A's, went almost as well as the first round for Huntsville as the team edged Midland 5-3 on Saturday.

 

Huntsville 5 Midland 3 - Saturday, March 26, Papago Park, Phoenix

 

Designated hitter/shortstop Ozzie Chavez showed promise in the lead-off spot in the Stars batting order Saturday. Chavez went 2-for-4 on the day with an RBI. Left fielder Drew Anderson, catcher C.J. Medlin, shortstop Enrique Cruz each drove in runs and first baseman Josh Brady added a run on a triple.

 

Khalid Ballouli made his first spring start for the Stars Saturday allowing no runs and just one hit with three strikeouts over three innings pitched. 2004 Star Ryan Costello made his first appearance of the spring for the Stars allowing no runs with one hit and three strikeouts over two innings and earning the win in relief.

 

Does it seem pretty apparent Drew Anderson is going to bypass high-A Brevard County and start for Huntsville? -- MB

 

Drew Anderson Brewerfan Player Profile Page:

 

www.brewerfan.net/ViewPla...ayerId=557

[batman]

Does it seem pretty apparent Drew Anderson is going to bypass high-A Brevard County and start for Huntsville? -- MB

 

He's one of (if not the) biggest surprises of the spring, no? The organization really seems to dig him a lot. He's definitely somebody we should be watching closely this year... his numbers to this point are good but not great, so it'll be interesting to see if he turns a corner offensively.

 

~Bill

[MassBrew]

Nashville Site Update:

 

www.nashvillesounds.com/n...ewsId=1479

 

Spring Update - Sounds Fall To Iowa, 9-3

 

MESA, Ariz. - Highly-regarded pitching prospect Jose Capellan struggled in his first minor league outing of the spring as the Nashville Sounds dropped a 9-3 decision to the Iowa Cubs (AAA-Cubs) on Sunday afternoon.

 

None of the four Sounds pitchers who appeared in the game made it through unscathed. Capellan, who was optioned to the Nashville roster on Saturday, was tagged for five runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings of work and took the loss. Mike Meyers followed and was touched for one run in 2 1/3 frames. Chad Paronto and Jeff Bennett each allowed one run in one inning of work to close out the contest.

 

On the offensive side, first baseman Kevin Orie continued his strong spring with a 2-for-3 effort that included a home run and two RBIs. The only other Sound to post a multiple-hit game was catcher Jeff Winchester (2-for-3).

 

The Sounds open their final week of spring competition with a Monday afternoon meeting with the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA-Mariners) in Peoria, Ariz. It will be the clubs' only meeting of the spring season.

[MassBrew]

Sounds' site update:

 

www.nashvillesounds.com/n...ewsId=1480

 

Spring Update - Rainiers Topple Sounds, 8-5

 

PHOENIX - The Nashville offense rallied for five runs over the final three innings of play but it was too little, too late for the Sounds as the Brewers' Class AAA affiliate fell to the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA-Mariners), 8-5, on Monday afternoon.

 

Outfielder Nelson Cruz led the Nashville offense with a 2-for-4 effort that included a triple, two runs scored, and a pair of RBIs. First baseman Tony Zuniga added a 3-for-4 effort with two doubles and a pair of runs scored. Centerfielder Ryan Knox and catcher Julio Mosquera drove in the other two Nashville runs on the afternoon.

 

Left-hander Andy Pratt got the start for the Sounds and was tagged for four runs on five hits over 4 1/3 innings to take the loss. He fanned five but also walked four batters in the outing. Veteran right-hander Juan Cerros relieved Pratt and was touched for two runs in his 1 2/3 innings.

 

Matt Dewitt and Kane Davis followed with one scoreless inning each before Chad Paronto finished the contest by allowing two runs on three hits in just one-third of an inning.

 

The Sounds visit Gene Autry Park in Mesa, Ariz. on Tuesday afternoon for a showdown with the Salt Lake Stingers (AAA-Angels), the second of three spring meetings between the clubs.

[batman]

That would seem to indicate that LHP Andy Pratt cleared waivers and is still with the organization. That's very good news... he's pitched about as bad as a pitcher can pitch for the last year plus, but he also led the International League in strikeouts two years ago and is a hard-throwing left-hander. If gets rid of whatever ailment is plaguing him (mental or physical), I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him in Milwaukee before the end of the season.

 

Optimism, thy name is me.

 

http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif

 

~Bill

[SoCalBrewfan]

I'd say that's optimism. To me right now he seems more lost than Ankiel, not to mention a lot less good before he got lost. But it's still not hard to imagine him reinvented as a hard-throwing lefty reliever...so it's worth a shot I guess.