Free Stuff - Diamond Hunting (Independent Leagues)

[MassBrew]

As indicated in July's transaction thread today, the Brewers have been very active in the Independent League player search, plucking several for the 2003 season. This may not be the absolute complete list, but it's pretty darn close. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

 

Is there a Jim Rushford story in the making here, even for a cup of coffee in the majors?

 

In alphabetical order, with Brewer stats and 2003 independent league stats linked:

 

High Desert RHP Justin Backsmeyer: Two weeks ago, the 23-year-old former Texas Ranger farmhand seemed to be the most logical choice for a Huntsville call-up; he's had a rough couple of weeks, but still seems to show promise.

 

www.baseballamerica.com/c...backsmeyer

 

Beloit RHP Tim Bausher: 26 K's in 17.1 IP; we've seen it in print from Snapper pitching coach Rich Sauveur and we're hearing things via the Brewerfan grapevine -- keep your eye on this 24-year-old, who probably should now be assigned higher in the food chain.

 

www.baseballamerica.com/c...usher%2C+t

 

Huntsville OF Chris Cosbey: sold to Philadelphia's organization, where the 28-year-old has struggled

 

www.baseballamerica.com/c...yer=cosbey

 

Indianapolis C Alex Delgado: has stabilized that position

 

www.baseballamerica.com/c...lgado%2C+a

 

Huntsville RHP Matt Hammons: since released, was sidelined for a bit with a minor arm injury

 

www.baseballamerica.com/c...er=hammons

 

Beloit RHP Jon Huizinga: The 23-year-old is plugging along in the Snapper bullpen.

 

www.baseballamerica.com/c...r=huizinga

 

Indianapolis OF/1B Doug Jennings: The 38-year-old made for a human interest story and a level of professionalism, we guess...

 

www.baseballamerica.com/c...ings%2C+do

 

High Desert LHP Tommy Marx: It's been a huge struggle for the 6'7" 23-year-old

 

www.baseballamerica.com/c...marx%2C+to

 

High Desert LHP Brian Mazone: Since released, well, let's just say that if you can't say anything nice...

 

www.baseballamerica.com/c...yer=mazone

 

Huntsville RHP Jason Shelley: A debut for the ages -- well, in Huntsville, at least...

 

www.baseballamerica.com/c...ley%2C+jas

 

High Desert RHP Dan Stout: Just inked on Sunday 7/20

 

www.baseballamerica.com/c...stout%2C+d

 

Beloit SS Chas Terni: The 24-year-old has seen plenty of time because of the injury issues surrounding 2002 2nd round SS Josh Murray; results have been pretty middling, but he's plugged a hole

 

www.baseballamerica.com/c...ayer=terni

 

While not independent leaguers, these players with former affiliated pro experience were sitting idly by when the Brewers came calling in 2003:

 

High Desert LHP Jeff Hundley, Huntsville RHP Ken Ray, Huntsville C Mike Kremblas

 

And finally, these youngsters are new to pro ball, undrafted free agent signings this summer:

 

Helena 1B Barrett Whitney and 3B/UT Vinnie Rottino, Arizona RHP's Nick Bates, Brian Rauch, and Forrest Martin

[MassBrew]

Well, I guess these players aren't really "free stuff" as the subject states, as their independent league contracts need to be purchased, but you get the idea http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif