Off-Season Transactions -- Latest: Miscellaneous Updates

[colbyjack]

Thanks for sharing the stories on Sandoval Mass. Like you I knew the name sounded familiar for some reason, as I definitely remember that story when it surfaced.

 

Which reminded me that he was one of quite a few minor leaguers during the spring of 2003 of which it was revealed that not only was he much older, but he was also using a false name. Juan Sandaval prior to the spring of '03 was known as Luis Espinal, at least as a baseball player. He went from 19 to 22, and is going to turn 27 in January.

 

There wasn't much to find other than that, other than the stories you already provided, but I dig up some info on the other two pitchers the Brewers drafted in the AAA portion of the Rule 5 draft.

 

Joe Bateman

Has significant closing experience in the minors with pretty good overall results. A 32nd round pick in 2002, Bateman is a side-armer that was drafted relatively old out (22) out of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. He's had some impressive seasons, winning the Giants organization's ERA title in 2004 (2.30) and posting 21 saves in 56 games with a 1.91 ERA for San Jose (Cal League mind you) at the high A-level in 2005. After 2005 he has kind of stalled at the AA level, not necessarily because of poor results, but seemingly because he hasn't been given much of a chance given his stuff and overall profile.

 

He's a side-armer, and interesting one at that in that he doesn't really bring his arm from the side but more because he has a low release point (if that makes sense). His fastball, which can run up to 93 on occasion but sits in the upper-80s with more frequency, does have very good natural, late movement to it, and that along with his good slider pretty much neutralizes right-handed hitters.

 

Lefties are another story. Just take a peak at his splits from this past year:

 

vs. RHP: 1.85 ERA, 34 IP, 32 H, 29:12 K:BB, .252 BAA, 2.85 groundball to flyball, 0 home runs allowed

vs. LHP: 4.43 ERA, 22.1 IP, 20 H, 18:9 K:BB, .235 BAA, 0.92 groundball to flyball, 5 home runs allowed

 

The numbers are pretty even until you get to the groundball-flyball ratio and the number of home runs allowed. It seems as though his delivery doesn't have much of an effect vs. lefty hitters despite being pretty good at getting them out for the most part, he just seems to be more likely to get hit hard by them when he is in fact hit.

 

He's athletic and confident, with a quote from Baseball America that I found calling his stuff "dirty."

 

Brett Campbell

As noted in the story above, Campbell is a converted shortstop/infielder, drafted in the 34th round as a senior out of Kennesaw State. He was actually ranked the 17th best prospect coming out of Georgia as a high schooler in 2000 in a class that included Dustin McGowan, Adam Wainwright and Blaine Boyer.

 

Not as detailed of a scouting report on Campbell, although he, like Bateman, has some experience closing in the minors. His FB is in the low-90s with his slider in the low-80s. Nothing particularly nasty about his stuff, with a few reports suggesting that there isn't much movement to his heater, not surprising since he gives up more flyballs than groundballs.

[Mass Haas]

According to Baseball America, the Brewers have signed more AAA pitching depth.

 

LHP Lindsay Gulin has re-signed with the Brewers after a very successful 2007 season, spent mostly at Huntsville. The ultra soft-tossing yet effective 31-year-old will certainly be hoping for a AA, and not AAA stay, in 2008.

 

Also 31, RHP Jason Shiell has appeared in 24 games with San Diego, Boston, and Atlanta since 2002. He pitched in the Royals' system last season, with some less-than-impressive peripherals.

 

When the Sounds' site eventually updates its Signings page, a few additional details will be included. We'll have Brewerfan Player Pages built in the coming days. The Player Index Pages are pretty much just indicators of roster spots right now, and not so much career statistics. Until notified otherwise, the links above are the best source for career stats.

[dadofandrew]

Gulin should be used solely as a 1 IP reliever, as he's K'd just under one per frame in his career. He certainly is not going to ever be a major league starter.

[Mass Haas]

Officially not a transaction, but if we see this name in the coming weeks, we'll know the origin of how. Clink on the name link for career stats. I'd imagine it'd be for a AAA/AA 4th/5th outfield slot, as the player is already 26 years old.

 

http://laredobroncos.com/news/?id=10925

 

LAREDO, TX- The Laredo Broncos of the independent United League announced today the re acquisition of All Star Outfielder Juan Senreiso from the Reno Silver Sox of the Golden League. General Manager Jose Melendez has announced. Senreiso played briefly for the Laredo Broncos in 2007 and hit .325 with 3 homeruns and 17 RBIS and 10 Stolen Bases in only 22 games.

 

Senreiso was then traded to the Reno Silver Sox in late July. In total between Reno and Laredo, Senreiso (26) hit .326, 10 HR's, 71 RBI's and 30 stolen bases. This numbers earned him All Star status in the Golden League as well as team MVP in Reno.

 

"I am ecstatic of the reacquisition of Senreiso. He is one of the better outfielders in the game and to have his rights is just an amazing piece of the puzzle for us." Melendez beamed.

 

Melendez cautioned that Senreiso will be participating in a tryout with the Milwaukee Brewers next month and Melendez hopes he sticks with the Brewers. "Senreiso was a top prospect for the Rangers and Padres at one time and for some reason, he was released last year. I kind of scratched my head because he has all the tools to succeed. The Brewers realized this and I really think he might catch on with them." Melendez added. If Senreiso does not break camp with the Brewers, he will call Laredo his new home this season.

"We are about providing additional opportunities for talented prospects and sometimes it gives me more joy to see an individual succeed with an MLB organization. However, having them here in Laredo is better for me since they usually contribute to our success of winning ballgames." Melendez added.

 

The Broncos and the other five ball clubs in the ULB - Amarillo Dillas, Edinburg Coyotes, Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings (Harlingen) the Colts and the Alexandria, La. Aces - will begin their third year of independent baseball in mid-May. Each club will play 90 games this year.

[Mass Haas]

The latest minor league signee is a bit intriguing, it's LHP Erasmo Ramirez, who has posted fairly impressive relief numbers throughout his minor league career and in 114 innings of major league work with Texas (and in brief 2007 stints with Oakland and Florida).

 

Here's Rotoworld's transaction history on the 31-year-old (the Baseball Cube mistakenly lists him at 28); apparently his splits don't qualify him as a LOOGY, which has held him back despite decent numbers (strikeout levels OK in the minors, but poor in those 114 innings).

 

Here's his career statistics and a detailed biography.

[JohnBriggs12]

It never hurts to have another lefty with major league experience in the system.

[Mass Haas]

Independent league signings are always fun, and it's more interesting when a player gets his first chance at an affiliated contract. This young man looks primed to start the season in the Manatee rotation:

 

Milwaukee Brewers acquire Reed Dickert from Orange County Flyers

 

Golden Baseball League All-Star Slated for High-A Florida State League

 

(Dublin, CA. January 15, 2008) The Golden Baseball League (GBL) announced today that the Milwaukee Brewers have purchased the contract of RHP Reed Dickert of the Orange County Flyers. Dickert will report to Milwaukee's spring training next month and is slated for the High-A Brevard County Manatees in the Florida State League. The big right-hander has two years in the Golden Baseball League and this will be his first opportunity with a major league organization.

 

Dickert, 23, a right-handed starting pitcher for the Orange County Flyers, was one of the top pitchers in the Golden Baseball League in 2007. He finished 2nd in strikeouts and in the top five in games started, wins, and shutouts as he posted a 6-3 record while striking out 112 batters in 85 innings pitched. The second year Flyer, out of Oklahoma City University, was used primarily in relief in 2006 but moved into the starting rotation early in 2007.

 

Dickert is the first GBL player in 2008 to be acquired by a major league organization followng the 17 players sold in 2007. He is the second pitcher off the 2007 Orange County Flyers staff to be acquired as teammate Alex McRobbie went to the Los Angeles Angles last July during the season.

 

 

PITCHER W-L ERA G GS CG SHO SV IP H R ER HR HB BB SO WP AVG

Dickert, Reed 6- 3 4.62 17 15 0 0 0 5.2 75 47 44 7 6 46 112 9 .233

 

After his GBL season, Dickert was acquired by Rockford in the Frontier League for two games. In his first start, he got off the plane, and tossed a complete-game shutout, striking out 14.

 

Dickert was clocked at 92 MPH in his tryout this past weekend in Maryvale, impressing Brewer scouts.

 

Reed Dickert

 

Remember, Joe Thatcher was an independent league signee who got his first shot at an affiliated contract as well. Good luck to Mr. Dickert.

[Mass Haas]

The Brewers have reached into the independent ranks again, this time acquiring former Cub farmhand RHP Tom Atlee from the New Jersey Jackals of the American Association:

 

ATLEE SOLD TO BREWERS

Little Falls, NJ - The New Jersey Jackals have announced that pitcher Tom Atlee has been sold to the Milwaukee Brewers organization.

 

Atlee, acquired near the end of the 2007 season, played in three games for the New Jersey Jackals recording one save and five strikeouts in 2.1 innings of work. Prior to being traded to the Jackals, Atlee played for the Coastal Bend Pelicans of the American Association. In 36 games, Atlee recorded 17 saves and 53 strikeouts in only 37 innings of work.

 

Originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs organization in the 19th round of the 2002 draft, Atlee started his career with the Cubs' Single-A affiliate Boise Hawks of the Northwest League. In 19 games, he recorded 5 saves with 21 strikeouts in 27.1 innings of work. In 2006, Atlee reached his highest level playing for the Cubs' Triple-A affiliate Iowa Cubs of the Pacific Coast League. Atlee played 10 games for the Iowa Cubs with seven strikeouts in 13.1 innings of work.

 

"We are very excited for Tom." Manager Joe Calfapietra commented. "He is another great example of what the Can-Am League is all about."

 

With the purchase of Atlee, the Jackals have now had 13 players sign with a major league organization since the beginning of the 2006 season. Guillermo Reyes will be reporting in February to spring training with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Brad Voyles (Florida), Jaime Cerda (Seattle), and John Lindsey (Los Angeles) are all playing at the Triple-A level. Alex Fernandez (Pittsburgh) and Raul Valdes (New York Mets) are playing at the Double-A level. Rusty Tucker (Milwaukee), Hunter Davis (Tampa Bay) and Jason Wylie (Philadelphia) are playing at the High Single-A level. Michael Vicaro (Arizona) is playing at the Rookie league level. Randy Rapp (Oakland) and Isaac Pavlik (Chicago Cubs) have returned to the Independent Leagues after playing part of the 2006 season in High Single-A and Double-A levels respectively.

 

"We are very proud as an organization to help players get their first or second chance with a major league organization. The success of players that have moved on shows the value of independent baseball as a whole."

 

The Jackals wish Tom Atlee the best of luck for the 2008 season.

Career statistics in affiliated ball for the 5'10" 28-year-old

 

More often than not, it appears, Atlee goes by "Thomas". His page from his youth instructional camp, which he owns. Click on the photos at the link for close-ups.

 

Atlee has plenty of Southern League experience, and we've seen it documented that the Brewer regime wants top closer candidates at each level, even if it means a closer is pitching in a league that might technically be "below" him. You'd think we might see Atlee in Huntsville to begin 2008 (perhaps Nashville, we'll see).

[agent39]

Anyone want to guess who atlee's agent is?

[Mass Haas]

As noted in the Major League Forum here, Cincinnati claimed OF Drew Anderson off waivers.

 

There's no doubt that the Brewers are going to have to troll the minor league free agent list for outfield help. Brendan Katin and Steve Moss, two right-handed hitters, along with perhaps Mel Stocker, a switch-hitter, will probably be in Nashville. Brad Nelson, a left-handed bat, will be on-hand, and it remains to be seen if Vinny Rottino will be at AAA to start the season.

 

Say what you will about Anderson, but he was at least a LH bat that was slotted to certainly see significant time in Nashville's staring lineup in 2008.

 

During Anderson's AA time in Huntsville, the Times' Mark McCarter would often write about the Drew Anderson / Drew Anderson meetings when the Stars played the Reds' AA affiliate, Chattanooga.

 

Now there's an excellent chance that each will not only be in the same organization, but on the same team in Louisville next season. A Media Relations Director's nightmare...

 

Good luck to Drew with the Reds...

[dadofandrew]

I think Dave Krynzel is available.http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

 

I bet Doug can find a carbon copy of Drew on the minor league FA lists (or maybe Reid can), as 5th OF types are readily available. I still do not see the appeal for 2 MLB teams to think Drew is worth a 40 man spot.

[Mass Haas]

Among all major league organizations, only San Diego is more active than Milwaukee scouting and signing players from the independent ranks:

 

Brewers Enthused With Tryout Results

 

Milwaukee signed two Independent Baseball players out of their recent invitation only tryout camp in Arizona, but that seems to be only the tip of the iceberg.

 

"We absolutely will follow at least 10 others (from among the 80 at the event)," said Garrett Ball, the one scout among five the Brewers had on hand who spends a huge amount of his time scouring the Independent leagues. He must await openings on the minor league rosters before offering anyone else a contract although he was spending this week calling every one of the players-mostly from Independent leagues-to give them an evaluation.

 

The two signees were strikeout pitchers Thomas Atlee and Reed Dickert, both right-handed. Atlee, 28, is likely to start in Double-A, Ball said, with Dickert, 23, probably in a Class A league. Atlee was signed off the roster of the New Jersey Jackals in the Can-Am League even though he spent most of 2007 in the American Association. He struck out 53 hitters while allowing only 30 hits and eight walks in 37 innings and saving 17 games (2-1 record) for Coastal Bend (Robstown, TX). Dickert has fanned 150 hitters in 116 innings and won eight of 11 decisions in his two seasons of pro baseball. He spent nearly all of that time in Fullerton, CA (Orange County Flyers) of the Golden League although he did pitch twice last summer (one win) for Rockford, IL of the Frontier League.

[dadofandrew]

You can't teach velocity.

[Mass Haas]

Veteran infielder Abraham Nunez signed to a minor league deal with a spring training big league camp invite -- discussed on the Major League Forum here, thanks.

[Mass Haas]

Earlier in this thread we posted the following:

 

Melendez cautioned that outfielder Juan Senreiso will be participating in a tryout with the Milwaukee Brewers next month and Melendez hopes he sticks with the Brewers. "Senreiso was a top prospect for the Rangers and Padres at one time and for some reason, he was released last year. I kind of scratched my head because he has all the tools to succeed. The Brewers realized this and I really think he might catch on with them." Melendez added. If Senreiso does not break camp with the Brewers, he will call Laredo his new home this season.

Turns out Senreiso signed with the Nationals today.

[Mass Haas]

The Brewers have signed RHP Melquicedec (Melqui) Torres to a minor league contract. He is 30 years old, and is the younger brother of current Brewer reliever Salomon Torres.

 

His career stats show that he spent time in the Mariner, Pirate, and Oriole systems, last pitching in affiliated ball in 2005. It appears he pitched in Mexico after that, including last season. He also took a detour in 2002 to pitch in the Korean League.

 

Primarily a reliever at this point in his career, nothing about his numbers would prompt excitement. If we see him at AAA or AA to start the season, it'd hopefully not be at the expense of a younger arm on the "bubble".

[And That]

Melquicedec instantly becomes the best first name in the system.

[JJHardy7]

The Brewers have signed RHP Melquicedec (Melqui) Torres to a minor league contract. He is 30 years old, and is the younger brother of current Brewer reliever Salomon Torres.

 

Is this maybe part of the reason the older Torres didn't retire?

[DrWood]

why no mention of Spurling signing? I assume he signed a minor league contract, since there was no room on the 40.

[Mass Haas]

Yeah, I added it to the Home Page and Player Index last Thursday, but apparently failed to include further info here. You are correct -- minor league deal, no big league spring training invite.

[Mass Haas]

Also, not really transactions, but many of you have seen the following in various reports from the Brewers' major league camp, the text here is from Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.

 

C Lou Palmisano will undergo an MRI tomorrow in Arizona to confirm a lateral meniscus tear in the left knee.

RHP Mark DiFelice, a non-roster invitee, continues to recover from right knee surgery in December. He is expected to miss two weeks before returning to on-field activity.

 

We may see another catcher formally invited to major league camp, joining Andy Bouchie, given Palmisano may be out four weeks, like Yovani Gallardo.

[Mass Haas]

Adam McCalvy's update on Lou:

Catcher Lou Palmisano underwent an MRI on Monday for what was believed to be an injury similar to Gallardo's. But the scan revealed no tears, and Palmisano instead was diagnosed with a subluxation of the patella tendon. He will be sidelined 5-7 days but won't need surgery, Ash said.

[Mass Haas]

Miaso Sent Packing to the Milwaukee Brewers

 

February 29, 2008 - Harlingen, TX - The Harlingen WhiteWings Baseball Club of the independent United Baseball League announced today that they have reached an agreement with the Milwaukee Brewers, allowing the Brewers to purchase outfielder Curt Miaso.

 

Originally drafted in the 42nd round (1261st overall) of the 2004 amateur draft, Miaso will make his return to affiliated baseball where he last played for the Phillies in the Rookie Level Gulf Coast League in 2005 and 2006, and most recently, in 2007, for the St. Joe Blake Snakes of the independent American Association and the New Jersey Jackals of the independent Can-Am League. The WhiteWings acquired Miaso from the Grand Prairie Airhogs, a new franchise in the independent American Association, for a player to be named later on February 22, 2008. Just some seven days later, the WhiteWings came to terms that will send Miaso to the Brewers' Spring Training Facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

 

Major League teams purchased 13 United League players in 2007. With the recent purchases of Juan Senreiso (Laredo), Gary Schneidmiller (Amarillo), and Richard Paz (Alexandria) respectively by the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, and Houston Astros, Curt Miaso becomes the 4th United League player to be sold to a Major League organization just 2 months into the 2008 campaign.

 

***

 

Notes on Miaso culled from the web --

 

TeamOneBaseball.com listed Miaso on their Top-100 High School Senior Outfielders in 2004, ranked at 43

 

***

 

Phillies.Scout.com, Fall 2004 --

 

One player deserves special mention even though he played not one game of professional ball in 2004. His name is Curt Miaso and he represents a quantum leap change in past Phillie signing practices. A five-tool high school outfielder, he was considered a "flyer" pick by the team, a player unlikely to sign.

 

Yet the Phils pursued Miaso vigorously and were pleased to announce his signing in early September. It was widely considered a Phillie coup with the signing. Miaso will open the 2005 season in extended spring training and will no doubt make his professional debut in the GCL in June.

 

Miaso is a typical power hitting right field candidate, who will go as far as his bat will take him.

***

 

Pre-draft report, PACIFIC COAST INVITATIONAL TOP PROSPECTS

 

A strong, well rounded athlete with a pro baseball body. He has some pop in his bat and throws and runs well enough to be a very good defensive right fielder. There really isn't a weakness in his overall game right now and he has the chance to get much stronger down the road.

 

***

 

The Phillies signed Miaso away from the legendary Arizona State program, where he had committed -- Stanford was runner-up for his services.

 

***

 

Miaso is listed at 6'3", 205. He turned 22 in September, so West Virginia seems a likely destination for 2008. He bats and throws right-handed.

 

***

 

His career stats include his line in two seasons in the GCL, the Phillies' equivcalent of the Brewers' Maryvale Rookie League team. Also included here are his independent league numbers from 2007, which were not overwhelming -- note the strikeout total as well.

 

***

 

So what happened with the Phillies? Phillies message board -- April 2007:

Q. I'm wondering if you know what the story is with Curt Miaso? I know he was let go by the team earlier this year, but I thought he was a 5 tool prospect. Was he injured and didn't fully recover?

 

A. Miaso had tools, but it just didn't pan out, and he was pretty awful in the GCL two seasons in a row, so they juts cut bait on him.

[TooLiveBrew]

Melquicedec instantly becomes the best first name in the system.

You can make so many awesome first names from that one name. Up to three at a time.

 

[DrWood]

anyone know what scott cassidy's story is? one HR to Holiday and he retires?