Off-Season Link Report: Latest -- Huntsville News

[MassBrew]

Time to kick off a new thread to replace what had become the somewhat cumbersome initial off-season link report thread -- mainly Brewerfan's catch-all thread of notes and stories pertaining to the minor leaguers. This format also allows for easy archiving in the future.

 

Most of you are all caught up on it, but here's the initial, and now locked, off-season link report thread:

 

pub123.ezboard.com/fbrewe...mp;stop=40

 

Adam McCalvy of the Brewers' mlb.com site updates us on Luis Martinez:

 

milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com...p;c_id=mil

 

We'll also create a new, and thus, more manageable, off-season transaction thread at one of the next opportunites.

[RyDogg66]

Without doing too much research I am going to wonder if it is a good idea for Luis to be doing a lot pitching this winter. even though if it said he has only thrown 3 innings I wonder if he will be pitching any more, I assume he will be. I know he threw a lot of innings last season and was hurting a bit.

 

I hope he uses the winter wisely and proves that last year was no fluke. His MLB outings were less than stellar. I like this kid, I hope he can help us at some time next season.

[baseballfan101]

His girlfriend said he is really just training hard everyday, trying to get back into great shape for the season. He is not planning to pitch a lot and when he does pitch he is working on improving certain aspects of his pitching game. She said he is pretty motivated to earn a spot out of Spring Training, which I feel he could if he is lights out during Spring Training. Also she said that she keeps telling him he needs to work on his hitting because she is sick of him striking out every single time!

[MassBrew]

Via Jamey Newberg's Texas Ranger fansite:

 

Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports that the Rangers have lost scout John Poloni to the Brewers, who hired him as a national crosschecker. Poloni was the scout who, when with Oakland, recommended that Grady Fuson draft Tim Hudson. He was also once a lefthander in the Ranger system, traded to Boston to get Fergie Jenkins back in Texas in 1978. Among the players that Poloni recommended as a Ranger scout was Florida State righthander Marc LaMacchia, the interesting 21st-rounder that Texas signed this summer.

[MassBrew]

Just kind of an interesting FYI as minor league baseball meets reality TV. Jim Rushford played for this team during one of his independent league stops:

 

www.northernleague.com/news.asp?id=357

[MassBrew]

Where does Corey Hart place within SportsTicker's Top Third Baseman list? Also a reminder about that walk ratio...

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...p/?id=1534

[lend d money]

I think Luis is pretty much a lost cause at the plate. Just focus on chucking the ball big guy!! Your bat will not be what determines if you make or stay in the big leagues.

[MassBrew]

David Krynzel among "Others To Watch" on the SportsTicker Top Outfielder List:

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.c...s/?id=1542

[MassBrew]

Drew Olson on Mike Jones:

 

The Brewers recently received some encouraging news on right-hander Mike Jones, one of their top pitching prospects who was shut down for much of the second half of the season at Class AA Huntsville with an ailing elbow. Jones went for a second opinion from Anaheim Angels orthopedic specialist Lewis Yocum, who agreed that the former first-round draft pick has a sprained elbow ligament.

 

When Jones, 20, first was injured, there was some concern that the ligament was torn, which would necessitate "Tommy John" reconstructive surgery, forcing him to miss at least a year of action. Now, with Yocum's blessing, Jones has resumed a throwing program in Phoenix with hopes of being ready for spring training.

 

"Dr. Yocum agreed with what we'd been saying all along," said Brewers farm director Reid Nichols. "Mike wanted the second opinion for his own peace of mind.

 

"He was throwing from 120 feet with no pain but the elbow didn't feel completely 100% yet, so he wanted to make sure. He'll stay on his throwing program and should be OK by spring training."

 

Jones made 17 starts before being sidelined at Huntsville and went 7-2 with a 2.40 ERA. He was selected to the Southern League midseason all-star team.

[RyDogg66]

I wonder how many doctors they had to do to before they heard what they wanted to hear?

[squarepusher]

http://www.dohh.com/otherimages/Dr%20Nick.gif

[PeaveyFury]

I wonder how many doctors they had to do to before they heard what they wanted to hear?

 

Lewis Yocum is the absolute best in the business, and almost all athletes from all sports go to him for this type of thing. I highly doubt it's a case of getting told 'what they wanted to hear.'

[MattFlair]

Good call peavy Yocum is suposed to be one of the best there is no doubt. I'm much happier having his seal of approval.

 

Matt

[filthyfrog]

How about a congrats to Mike Jones for apparently taking it upon himself to get another opinion! I'm sure he's well aware of this organization's mismanagement (or "bad luck") of young pitchers. The fact that he wasn't afraid to ask for a second opinion is a promising sign.

[xisxisxis]

The fact that he wasn't afraid to ask for a second opinion is a promising sign.

 

Well it seems that Reid Nichols might have been making a comment on that by stressing that was the original diagnosis of the Brewers. Maybe Reid should be taught the history of the Brewers plight with pitchers. If I was a player in the Brewers organization I wouldn't have a lot of faith in the medical staff and I would want a second opinion. I also might question the nature of Nichols comment. F*** the Brewers diagnosis Reid. I would want a real doctor to look at it.

[MassBrew]

Is it OK to come out and post now http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif ?

 

Obviously a quiet time, as I believe the MLB offices are closed until at least January 5th. Don't expect a lot of transactions to be formally announced anywhere until at least that time.

 

Rotoworld's Top 10 Prospect analysis is out, and the names match those on the Power 50, but are jumbled up some. If we asked Rotoworld to extend it by two, they most likely would also add Ben Hendrickson and Lou Palmisano, as did Toby.

 

1. Prince Fielder - 1B - Age 19 - ETA: 2006

.313/.409/.526, 27 HR, 112 RBI, 80/71 K/BB, 2 SB in 502 AB for Low Single-A Beloit

 

Maybe Richie Sexson is someone the Brewers should have tried to build around, but here?s the big reason why they were so willing to let him go. Fielder, the son of the former Tigers first baseman Cecil and a 2002 first-round pick, destroyed Midwest League pitching last season, taking home MVP honors. With his power, ability to make consistent contact and plate discipline, there?s every reason to believe that Fielder will develop into an All-Star. Defensively, he?s subpar but not terrible and he might even become average someday if he can keep his weight down. Since he has only Lyle Overbay left ahead of him at first base, Fielder could reach Milwaukee in the second half of 2005.

 

2. Rickie Weeks - 2B - Age 21 - ETA: Aug. 2004

.500/.600/.500, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 2/0 K/BB, 1 SB in 4 AB for Rookie AZL Brewers

.349/.494/.556, 1 HR, 16 RBI, 9/15 K/BB, 2 SB in 63 AB for Low Single-A Beloit

.167/.286/.250, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 6/1 K/BB, 0 SB in 12 AB for Milwaukee

.319/.440/.431, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 19/12 K/BB, 9 SB in 72 AB for Peoria Saguaros (AFL)

 

With strong showings in the Midwest League and in the AFL, Weeks, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2003 draft, quickly emerged as one of baseball?s best prospects after signing a major league contract with the Brewers. A product of Southern University, Weeks might already be able to hold his own in the majors offensively. He projects as a .310-.320 hitter, and since he?s patient at the plate and could develop 15-homer power, he should be one of baseball?s better all-around second baseman. Since Weeks lacks polish defensively, another three to five months in the minors would do him some good. He has the tools to be a quality defensive second baseman, so expect it to happen with experience. Because he has 30-40 steal potential, Weeks is an excellent fantasy prospect.

 

3. J.J. Hardy - SS - Age 21 - ETA: July 2004

.279/.368/.428, 12 HR, 62 RBI, 54/58 K/BB, 6 SB in 416 AB for Double-A Huntsville

 

Although he cooled off in the second half of the season, Hardy?s 2003 has to be considered a huge success. Already a quality defensive shortstop, the 2001 second-round pick dramatically increased his offensive production as a 20-year-old in Double-A. The Brewers were giving serious thought to making him their starting shortstop in 2004 before acquiring Craig Counsell in November. It?s now expected to be Counsell?s job on Opening Day, but Hardy should get his chance by the All-Star break. He could turn into a Rich Aurilia-type player.

 

4. Brad Nelson - OF/1B - Age 21 - ETA: July 2005

.311/.363/.395, 1 HR, 18 RBI, 22/12 K/BB, 2 SB in 167 AB for Single-A High Desert

.210/.274/.315, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 34/11 K/BB, 2 SB in 143 AB for Double-A Huntsville

.220/.304/.232, 0 HR, 8 RBI, 23/9 K/BB, 0 SB in 82 AB for Peoria Saguaros (AFL)

 

Ignore his 2003 numbers. Nelson, who hit .289 with 20 HR and 116 RBI in 2002, suffered a broken hamate bone at the end of April and never recovered his power. He should be back at 100 percent in 2004, so expect a big season in Double-A. Nelson, a natural first baseman, made the switch to left field last season and is expected to stay there, even though Richie Sexson is now gone. He could probably use two more years in the minors, but the Brewers could give him a job in 2005 if Geoff Jenkins leaves. As of right now, Nelson looks like an average regular. However, he?ll be something more than that if he becomes more patient at the plate and does a better job of hitting -- or at least laying off -- breaking balls.

 

5. Mike Jones - RHP - Age 20 - ETA: June 2005

7-2, 2.40 ERA, 87 H, 63/47 K/BB in 97 2/3 IP for Double-A Huntsville

 

Jones, a 2001 first-round pick out of an Arizona high school, bypassed the California League and went right to Double-A last season. Despite a disappointing strikeout rate, he was very successful for Huntsville until an elbow injury shut him down. It?s possible that he?ll end up needing Tommy John surgery, but the Brewers hope it can be avoided. If they?re right and Jones resumes throwing low-90s fastballs and quality curves next season, then he?s a top prospect who could arrive in the majors before the end of the year. More likely is that he?ll continue to have arm problems.

 

6. Manny Parra - LHP - Age 21 - ETA: 2006

11-2, 2.73 ERA, 127 H, 117/24 K/BB in 138 2/3 IP for Low Single-A Beloit

 

Featuring a junkballer?s mentality along with legit stuff, Parra was one of the Midwest League?s top pitchers until hurting a pectoral muscle in August. He displays impressive control of a low-90s fastball, curve and changeup, but it?s his cutter that might be his best pitch. Once he starts doing a better job of handling left-handed hitters, he should move up quickly.

 

7. Corey Hart - 3B - Age 22 - ETA: May 2005

.302/.340/.467, 13 HR, 94 RBI, 101/28 K/BB, 25 SB in 493 AB for Double-A Huntsville

 

One would think winning Southern League MVP honors at age 21 would send a player?s stock soaring. Hart didn?t deserve the hardware, though. The 2000 11th-round pick is a solid prospect, but he actually had a disappointing 2003, posting an OPS 50 points lower than his career total and making 32 errors at third base. Hart is really a first baseman and may never make the adjustment to third, which could lead to him being switched to left field. He might have a difficult time becoming a solid regular as a corner outfielder.

 

8. Dave Krynzel - OF - Age 22 - ETA: April 2005

.267/.357/.357, 2 HR, 34 RBI, 119/60 K/BB, 43 SB in 457 AB for Double-A Huntsville

.233/.295/.314, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 14/3 K/BB, 3 SB in 86 AB for Peoria Saguaros (AFL)

 

Krynzel?s stock was as high as it?s ever been after a strong first half in 2003 (he came in at No. 49 on the midseason top 100 list), but the 2000 first-round pick struggled in August and September, ruining what chance he had of making an impact in the majors in 2004. The Brewers still think he?s their center fielder and leadoff hitter of the future, but that could change if Scott Podsednik can prove his rookie season was no fluke. If Krynzel takes better advantage of his speed and bounces back in Triple-A, he?ll probably push Podsednik to right field in 2005.

 

9. Jorge De La Rosa - LHP - Age 22 - ETA: Sept. 2004

6-3, 2.80 ERA, 87 H, 102/36 K/BB in 99 2/3 IP for Double-A Portland

1-2, 3.75 ERA, 27 H, 17/12 K/BB in 24 IP for Triple-A Pawtucket

 

De La Rosa was Boston?s top pitching prospect before being sent to Arizona in the Curt Schilling trade. The Brewers then acquired him in the Richie Sexson deal. Once viewed as a reliever, De La Rosa now looks like a possible No. 3 starter. He has a 91-94 mph fastball, a hard curve and a decent changeup. Expect him to see time in the Milwaukee rotation before the end of the season.

 

10. Luis Martinez - LHP - Age 24 - ETA: Now

8-5, 2.58 ERA, 93 H, 116/54 K/BB in 115 IP for Double-A Huntsville

4-0, 0.99 ERA, 37 H, 46/19 K/BB in 45 2/3 IP for Triple-A Indianapolis

0-3, 9.92 ERA, 25 H, 10/15 K/BB in 16 1/3 IP for Milwaukee

 

Martinez, signed out of the Dominican Republic in 1996, finally had his breakthrough season in 2003. The left-hander entered the year with a 5.97 ERA in six seasons, but the Brewers never gave up on him because of his low-90s fastball and quality changeup. Although Martinez was dreadful in four starts for Milwaukee in September, he should be a part of the team?s plans for next year. He?ll probably be inconsistent throughout his career, but he has the talent to become a quality starter.

 

Last year?s top 10 - Corey Hart, Mike Jones, Brad Nelson, Prince Fielder, Dave Krynzel, J.J. Hardy, Ben Hendrickson, Manny Parra, Ben Diggins, Bill Hall

 

For Rotoworld's entire NL Central prospect analysis, follow here:

 

www.rotoworld.com/display...;column=14

[lend d money]

I am curious about the "more likely he will have arm problems" comments about Mike Jones. He didn't have any IIRC before the draft. This his only incident since then. I can't help but wonder if, like some of our posters, he feels all Brewer pitchers are doomed to arm troubles or if it is based on something physical or mechanical.

[slamotto]

Link

 

2 Brewer farmhands make the squad:

 

1B: Prince Fielder, Beloit Snappers (low A), Milwaukee Brewers. Just 19, the son of former AL home run champ Cecil Fielder was impressive in his full-season debut with the Snappers, vying for the Midwest League Triple Crown down to the final weekend of the season. The 2002 first-rounder batted .313 with 27 homers and a league-high 112 RBI, striking out just 80 times while drawing 71 walks. His slugging percentage was .526 and his on-base average .409.

 

 

LHP: Luis Martinez, Huntsville Stars (AA)/Indianapolis Indians (AAA), Milwaukee Brewers. Coming off of a season at Huntsville where he posted a 5.20 ERA, the 23-year-old Martinez was one of the most pleasant surprises in the minors in 2003. Returning to the Stars' rotation, Martinez didn't allow an earned run in his first four starts. Promoted to Indianapolis in late July, he began his Triple-A career with another shutout string. In seven starts for the Indians, five were scoreless. Overall, his 162 strikeouts between the two stops ranked him among the minor league leaders, and he finished at 12-5 with a 2.12 ERA.

[MassBrew]

A guy named Bill Mitchell does a nice job summarizing by organization the Arizona Fall League for the web site TopProspectAlert.com each year.

 

Here's his Brewer notes, along with a link to his divisional recaps.

 

Brewers - The Milwaukee farm system is on the rise, and it showed in the quality of players sent to the AFL. Most notable was Rickie Weeks (2B), one of the top prospects in all of professional baseball. The 2003 #1 draft pick (second overall) didn't disappoint, batting .319/.440/.431 with 12 walks and nine SBs in 72 ABs. His one homerun was a fierce line drive shot; that ability to turn on the ball and his doubles power indicates that the homerun totals should increase in time. The biggest question mark is his defense, as he made eight errors. Weeks may eventually change positions, but for now expect him to move up to the major league level fairly quickly. What's not to like about this guy? ... Ben Hendrickson (P) opened quite a few eyes with one of the AFL's top pitching performances (2.03 ERA, 21-2 K/BB, .229 OBA). The 22-year-old right-hander has one of the best curve balls in the minor leagues. If he keeps pitching this well, don't expect Hendrickson to spend much time in AAA ... Kade Johnson © didn't get much playing time for the AFL Saguaros but he made good use of his 38 ABs, batting .395/.452/.526. Johnson struggled in AA after a strong first half in High Class A, but he was a little old for that level at 24. Next season will be a key year for the former second round choice ... David Krynzel (OF) is becoming an enigma. The left-handed hitting center fielder had a strong first half in AA, then slumped badly in the latter months of the season. He showed the same inconsistency in Arizona, batting .233/.295/.314 in 86 ABs; he was successful in only three of his nine stolen base attempts. The kid's got a lot of talent and a good attitude on and off the field, so something isn't quite right. Krynzel just turned 22, so he's still got time to get it all together ... Brad Nelson (OF) was coming off a lost season after surgery to repair a broken hamate bone robbed the left-handed hitter of his bat speed and power . Nelson batted only .220/.304/.232 with one extra-base hit in 82 ABs, but he shouldn't be judged on these numbers. Wait and see how he does in AA next season ... Tim Bausher (P) pitched effectively out of the Peoria bullpen (1.98 ERA, 14-3 K/BB, 264 OBA, 13.2 IPs), especially considering he spent all of the regular season in Low Class A after sitting out 2002.

 

www.topprospectalert.com/AZFall/

[MassBrew]

It'll be interesting to see how this compares to BA's Top 100 list, which will come from a more diverse and more expert group of minor league reporters. First, a note from the author, Mike Gullo:

 

About the author of this list... I live in northeastern Ohio and earn my living as an electronics technician. I've always been a big baseball fan, however, in the past several years I've developed an intense love of Minor League baseball... even more so than Major League ball. That prompted me to (in August of 2000) start this website (www.theminorsfirst.com) to share my interest with others around the world that also have a passion for the Minors. I guess you could call me a wannabe baseball writer. Only seeing 40ish games a year means I usually only get to see a third of the players on this list tops. The rest of my evaluation comes via listening to netcast games, reading publications, weighing statistics, browsing the other Minor League baseball websites, exchanging e-mails with the many new friends I've made because of this website and even hunches. ...Mike Gullo

 

Seven Brewers among the top 100, with a notation at the bottom about Mike Jones' would-be status as well. As you browse the list, you'll find Weeks at 19, Hardy at 25, Fielder at 27, Hart at 46, de la Rosa at 74, Parra at 80, and Nelson at 83.

 

I've dropped Mike a line from Brewerfan. I'm sure he'll enjoy the several player Q&A interviews available via the home page.

 

www.theminorsfirst.com/tm...2004).html

[Al the Thinking Man]

I find it incredibly amusing that de la Rosa is listed 3 spots higher than Hanrahan, the guy we should have gladly taken from LA.

 

You know, Joel is a #1, and Jorge is a #3...um, yeah.

[colbyjack]

You know, Joel is a #1, and Jorge is a #3...um, yeah.

 

I'm not so sure that Hanrahan is a #1 pitching prospect. I think most of the love for Joel around these parts has to do with hype & name recognition. Plus, most scouting publications seem to think Hanrahan is a #3 starting pitcher as well.

 

I'd probably put Hanrahan ahead of de la Rosa as well, but I don't think it's that big of a stretch. Hard throwing lefties are always going to get some big bonus points.

[lend d money]

He states "the injury report on him is not good." I thought he basically received rehab clearance from a well-known doctor. Did I miss something?

[MassBrew]

Seeing Helena RHP Simon Beresford's name on the Brewerfan birthday list this week has me posting a link to a story that provides some insight into the Aussie's background. From last May, prior to signing as a draft-and-follow out of the 2002 draft this spring:

 

www.texarkanagazette.com/...orts01.txt

[SoCalBrewfan]

I realize that you don't actually read what other people write, but I am amused by your comment here, Al. Please do show us all one place where someone here called Hanrahan a #1 starter. See also strawman.com ...