Offseason Trivia: Final Round Answers, How'd You Do?

[Mass Haas]

Have you become a true Brewer Minor League Diehard since Brewerfan's 2001 inception? Let's find out how much incidental knowledge has seeped into your cranium from the myriad of affiliate articles, hometown newspaper stories, and miscellaneous link report items we've passed along over the years.

 

And just think -- no pressure of winning prizes whatsoever! Please don't post your responses to let us know how you did until after we've posted answers. We'll post answers to these particular questions around this time Friday night, and we'll try to "play" at least a couple of nights each week through January, with a five-pack of questions each time out.

 

And let's face it -- if you have to resort to any resource material, you didn't know the answer . And we honestly don't plan on asking any gimme's, except on our "pre-game warmup" level.

 

Do you have a good idea for a trivia question? Please pass it along to me via EZ-Board or at jgoulart@brewerfan.net.

 

While many of our questions will have some basis in statistics, tonight's opening set isn't numerical in nature, so toss those calculators --

 

Pre-Game Warmup Question:

 

What's shortstop Ozzie Chavez's middle name?

 

Level One: Sacrifice Bunt

 

What's the name of the Brewers 2002 5th round pick, currently a contributing member of the Kansas City Chiefs secondary?

 

Level Two: Ground Rule Double

 

Listed below are twelve player names and twelve four-year colleges. Taking it easy on you, only current Brewer farmhands are listed (all drafted between 2001 and 2004). Match the player to his school -- we'll give you a break and consider you correct if you get ten out of twelve --

 1. Jeff Eure A. Indiana St. 2. Khalid Ballouli B. Nebraska 3. Bo Hall C. Old Dominion 4. Jeff Housman D. Notre Dame 5. Adam Heether E. Vermont 6. Mitch Stetter F. UC-Riverside 7. Drew Anderson G. UCLA 8, Steve Sollman H. Cal State ? Fullerton 9. Grant Richardson I. Texas A&M 10. Dave Johnson J. Central Florida 11. Tony Festa K. Long Beach St. 12. Derek Miller L. Washington St.

Level Three: Bases-Clearing Triple

 

For which professional sports team is Lou Palmisano's girlfriend a member of the cheer / dance squad?

 

Level Four: Turning an Unassisted Triple Play while Hitting for the Cycle

 

What was the name of the Brewer farmhand (again, post-2001) who was deaf and communicated via American Sign Language? Hint -- he was a pitcher.

[And That]

I know I have the first four right, but the fifth one is bothering me... it rings a bell, but I don't know who it is offhand.

[Team Canada]

I dunno, I think the Cap'n Lou question is far easier than the ones before it. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Mass Haas]

Here's your first batch of answers. The next set of questions will be posted some time Saturday the 30th.

 

What's shortstop Ozzie Chavez's middle name?

 

Smith http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

 

What's the name of the Brewers 2002 5th round pick, currently a contributing member of the Kansas City Chiefs secondary?

 

Jarrad Page (Chiefs Site Link)

 

Listed below are twelve player names and twelve four-year colleges. Taking it easy on you, only current Brewer farmhands are listed (all drafted between 2001 and 2004). Match the player to his school -- we'll give you a break and consider you correct if you get ten out of twelve --

 

Jeff Eure, Old Dominion

Khalid Ballouli, Texas A & M

Bo Hall, Central Florida

Jeff Housman, Cal State-Fullerton

Adam Heether, Long Beach St.

Mitch Stetter, Indiana St.

Drew Anderson, Nebraska

Steve Sollman, Notre Dame

Grant Richardson, Washington St.

Dave Johnson, UCLA

Tony Festa, UC-Riverside

Derek Miller, Vermont

 

For which professional sports team is Lou Palmisano's girlfriend a member of the cheer / dance squad?

 

The NBA's Miami Heat (Link)

 

What was the name of the Brewer farmhand (again, post-2001) who was deaf and communicated via American Sign Language? Hint -- he was a pitcher.

 

Lefty Justin Wilson made seven appearances for Helena without allowing an earned run. He was injured (a couple of years earlier he had undergone Tommy John surgery), and that was the extent of his pro career -- ERA 0.00.

 

Justin Wilson Career Numbers

 

Longtime readers will remember a planned Helena Brewer film documentary that never came to fruition. We made mention of our discussions with the filmmaker at that time, which included his thoughts on Justin, with whom he was very impressed. It's our understanding there was also a one-time unfortunate incident that involved Justin and family members in the stands with others at a game, that never received any real public notation. Whether his deafness contributed to that one situation, we don't know, but for myself, as a parent of a deaf child, he was certainly my "favorite" Brewer for seven tidy rookie league appearances. Our own colbyjack wrote in his 2003 draft analysis:

 

Justin is a player the Brewers have been watching for quite some time. They selected him out of Chandler High School in Arizona in the 17th round of the 2001 draft. They decided to follow him as a DFE candidate through the next year while at Chandler-Gilbert CC, a school the Brewers have ties with Heach Coach Doyle Wilson (brother of West Crosschecker Ric, and also Justin's uncle). Justin did not add the velocity the Brewers were looking for, but that likely was due to an arm injury that led to Tommy John surgery. Coach Wilson has been pleased with his progress so far, and thinks that Justin could throw in the low-90s with good life on his fastball when he is fully recovered, and he already has shown an advanced feel for a pretty impressive curveball & changeup. The Brewers will monitor Justin's progress as a DFE candidate once again through next spring, and their patience could be rewarded if he fully recovers and starts to show what he can do when healthy.

[Mass Haas]

Round Two, Same "Rules", answers by Wednesday night the 3rd:

 

Pre-Game Warmup Question:

 

Which player or players were not originally drafted by the Brewers organization? There could or could not be multiple answers, which combined, total the correct answer.

 

A. Nomar Garciaparra

B. Mike Adams

C. Matt Morris

D. Angel Salome

E. Hernan Iribarren

F. All five were Brewer draft picks.

G. None were Brewer draft picks.

 

Level One: Sacrifice Bunt

 

Which city was the home of the Brewers' Pioneer League team in 2001-2002, breaking up a long stretch, since resumed, of Helena Brewer baseball? Bonus point if you can name the minor league team (the town) which relocated to Helena in 2003 to re-incarnate the Helena franchise.

 

Level Two: Ground Rule Double

 

You might think that Alec Zumwalt was the alphabetically last-on-the-list Brewer famhand this century. But he wasn't, who was? Hint: it wasn't some obscure rookie leaguer.

 

Level Three: Bases-Clearing Triple

 

Trade nuggets, who am I -- must get them all:

 

I was the player acquired in a Jamey Wright trade and I once stole 111 bases in a season.

 

How soon we forget -- I had a pretty good minor league stretch of my own, and was acquired along with Carlos Villanueva in the Wayne Franklin / Leo Estrella deal.

 

I was the nugget coming to the Brewers organization along with Ruben Quevedo from the Cubs. Made it to big leagues, too -- who am I?

 

I was acquired by the Brewers via trade in June of '04, left as a minor league free agent that fall, and posted a 3.43 ERA in 54 big league relief appearances in 2006, my rookie year.

 

I was included in a 2001 trade away from the Brewers when I had just turned 21. In 2006, I posted a 3.81 ERA in 64 appearances in my rookie year, pretty similar to my counterpart just listed above.

 

I was a 1997 Brewer draft pick, actually had a cup of coffee with Milwaukee, was then traded, and have subsequently been nailed twice for performance-enhancing drug use.

 

Level Four: Turning an Unassisted Triple Play while Hitting for the Cycle

 

What was the name of the San Diego Padre prospect, claimed by the Brewers in '03 off waivers, who it was then learned, all his Padre farmhand teammates refused to room with because he wasn't "master of his domain" -- not in the clubhouse, the showers, the living room, etc. Fortunately, the Brewers seemingly claimed him for the Boston Red Sox, to whom he was immediately traded. This player, despite all his tools, was out of baseball after that same 2003 season. By the way, you haven't answered this question unless you know who was acquired from the Red Sox as well.

 

Toby, be honest like the last time http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif .

[Mass Haas]

Oh, and let me know if you guys are enjoying this, even if they're pretty tough -- an education for you, perhaps?

 

I'm still at jgoulart@brewerfan.net should you have a trivia question idea for me to include next time.

[pogokat]

i think craig breslow is probably the answer to all of them..

 

the super hard one was hilarious...i briefly remember that guy..

[bretsky07]

I am definitely enjoying it, although i don't know a single one of the answers. Very educational and entertaining, all at the same time.

[bullox]

Answer edited out I think is the correct answer for #1. That's all I got off the top of my head.

 

What's this "Master of his Domain" stuff? What does that mean? I'm intrigued.

 

EDIT: No big deal, but please refrain from posting actual guesses (right or wrong -- by the way, you were right) -- thanks...Jim

[hawing]

What's this "Master of his Domain" stuff?

 

It's not entirely bf.net-friendly, but here:

 

LINK

[bullox]

Oh my... http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/embarassed.gif

[Mass Haas]

Here's your Round Two answers -- how did you do? Click the links for additional details where indicated:

 

Which player or players were not originally drafted by the Brewers organization? There could or could not be multiple answers, which combined, total the correct answer.

 

A. Nomar Garciaparra

B. Mike Adams

C. Matt Morris

D. Angel Salome

E. Hernan Iribarren

F. All five were Brewer draft picks.

G. None were Brewer draft picks.

 

Nomar (5th round, 1991), Morris (26th round, 1992) and Salome (5th round, 2004) were Brewer draft picks. Mike Adams was an undrafted free agent signee, and Iribarren is a native Venezuelan, not subject to the draft.

 

Which city was the home of the Brewers' Pioneer League team in 2001-2002, breaking up a long stretch, since resumed, of Helena Brewer baseball? Bonus point if you can name the minor league team (the town) which relocated to Helena in 2003 to re-incarnate the Helena franchise.

 

The Ogden (Utah) Raptors (2001-2002) are now a Dodgers affiliate, and the latest incarnation of the Helena Brewers were formerly the Medicine Hat (Alberta, Canada) Blue Jays.

 

You might think that Alec Zumwalt was the alphabetically last-on-the-list Brewer famhand this century. But he wasn't, who was? Hint: it wasn't some obscure rookie leaguer.

 

Infielder Tony Zuniga appeared in a combined 122 games for Huntsville and Nashville in 2005.

 

Trade nuggets, who am I -- must get them all:

 

I was the player acquired in a Jamey Wright trade and I once stole 111 bases in a season.

 

In August of 2002, the Brewers dealt Wright to the Cardinals for outfielder Chris Morris and a PTBNL (lefty Mike Matthews). Morris had stolen 111 bases in 135 attempts in 2001 in the low-A Midwest League. His career ended in the Angels system at AA in 2005.

 

How soon we forget -- I had a pretty good minor league stretch of my own, and was acquired along with Carlos Villanueva in the Wayne Franklin / Leo Estrella deal.

 

RHP Glenn Woolard had a scoreless inning streak of 29 in 2004, and went six scoreless innings in his only AAA appearance to end the season. He mostly struggled in 2005 and was released by the Brewers prior to the 2006 season.

 

I was the nugget coming to the Brewers organization along with Ruben Quevedo from the Cubs. Made it to big leagues, too -- who am I?

 

Outfielder Pete Zoccolillo was a non-descript name in the Quevedo deal, but proved to be a bit more than an organizational soldier, morphing into something of a Brewerfan cult hero. Zocco went 4-for-37 in a disappointing 2003 September callup. Lost to the Rangers in the minor league portion of Rule 5 that fall, he had a monster AAA season for Texas in 2004, but did not get back to the bigs. His career wrapped up in 2005 in the Cardinals organization.

 

I was acquired by the Brewers via trade in June of '04, left as a minor league free agent that fall, and posted a 3.43 ERA in 54 big league relief appearances in 2006, my rookie year.

 

If you remember this particular trade, then you know the answer is Nationals' RHP Saul Rivera. Rivera posted a 1.62 ERA in 26 Huntsville relief appearances in 2004, but it was his "walk" year, and he returned to the Washington organization following the season.

 

By the way, "catcher of the future" Jason Belcher's (5th round, 2000) career ended after the 2005 season. I seem to remember Jason's family members, particularly his dad, always supporting him to the extreme (as was his prerogative) here at Brewerfan, one of our first "family" connections with the kids on the farm within our forums.

 

I was included in a 2001 trade away from the Brewers when I had just turned 21. In 2006, I posted a 3.81 ERA in 64 appearances in my rookie year, pretty similar to my counterpart just listed above.

 

Devon White was actually pretty servicable for the Brewers in 2001 (remember the three grand slams in eleven days binge?), and it was RHP Ruddy Lugo, the Brewers 3rd round pick in 1999, who was shipped to the Dodgers along with Marquis Grissom for White. Lugo (Julio's brother and former teammate) found a major league home with Tampa Bay in 2006, his fifth pro organization.

 

I was a 1997 Brewer draft pick, actually had a cup of coffee with Milwaukee, was then traded, and have subsequently been nailed twice for performance-enhancing drug use.

 

Traded to the Dodgers along with Tyler Houston for RHP Ben Diggins and LHP Shane Nance in October 2002, RHP Brian Mallette threw five forgettable innings for Jerry Royster in September that year. L.A. sold his contract to Japan in 2003. He received his second suspension for performance-enhancing drugs in April 2005 while a member of the Pirates organization.

 

What was the name of the San Diego Padre prospect, claimed by the Brewers in '03 off waivers, who it was then learned, all his Padre farmhand teammates refused to room with because he wasn't "master of his domain" -- not in the clubhouse, the showers, the living room, etc. Fortunately, the Brewers seemingly claimed him for the Boston Red Sox, to whom he was immediately traded. This player, despite all his tools, was out of baseball after that same 2003 season. By the way, you haven't answered this question unless you know who was acquired from the Red Sox as well.

 

RHP Mike Nicolas also was charged with "inflicting corporal injury'' on his spouse earlier in 2003. Also known for answering the door for pizza delivery men in the nude (c'mon, who hasn't done that http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif ?), Nicolas was acquired for LH reliever Brian Adams, who made some nice contributions to the Huntsville bullpen in '03 and '04. Always reported to be a real class act, Adams has pitched in the independent Northern League for Fargo the past two seasons.

 

The Red Sox dumped Nicolas on the Montreal system's lap later in 2003, and he's now in "parts unknown", but will live forever in Brewerfan lore.

 

Questions for Round Three of Brewerfan's January Minor League Trivia Extravaganza will be posted by some time this weekend.

[Mass Haas]

Round Three, Same "Rules", answers by Wednesday night the 10th:

 

Pre-Game Warmup Question

 

What former big-league Brewer managed high-A High Desert to a 60-80 record in 2002?

 

Level One: Sacrifice Bunt

 

In 2003, the Brewers had three prospects win MVP awards, the first organization to do that since the Mets in 1995. Who were the MVP's, and in which league did each win? One of those MVP awards, while well-deserved, would not have been won if another organization hadn't called up a top prospect who was having an absolute monster season, with 59 RBI in 69 games. Bonus point if you can name this now-superstar major leaguer.

 

Level Two: Ground Rule Double

 

An oldie but a goodie -- name the six current Brewer farmhands (or big leaguers) who have dads that played in the big leagues. Bonus point if you name a separate player, another current farmhand, who had a grandfather play in the bigs. (Hint: the player and grandfather share the same name.)

 

Level Three: Bases-Clearing Triple

 

Which current Brewer farmhand was born in the U.S. Virgin Islands? Got it? OK, hotshot -- St. Croix, St. John, or St. Thomas?

 

Level Four: Turning an Unassisted Triple Play while Hitting for the Cycle

 

While the Brewers organization has given West Virginia Power fans three decent half-seasons, it's hard to overcome the "first impressions" a young Power squad gave West Virginia fans in a horrific first half-season with Milwaukee that included an 0-7 start. Which player, acquired in spring training of 2005 in the tiniest of trades (presumed cash), began his Power career 0-for-24 (no walks, OPS of .000) before being released as the first casualty of that club's shake-up?

 

My apologies to the player, still in pro ball (independent league), who certainly has accomplished more than 99.9 percent of us Brewerfan readers have in our "pro baseball" careers....

[Mass Haas]

As a follow-up to one of our Round One questions, this is from Buck Rogers, Manatees GM:

 

Former Brevard County Manatees Catcher 'Sweet' Lou Palmisano's fiance, Katherine, is one of three finalists in the Miami Heat's Dance Contest. The winner will represent the Heat at the NBA's All-Star Game in Las Vegas this season. Many fans remember Katherine sitting in the stands cheering on the Manatees; now it's the 'Tees fans to cheer on Katherine...log onto the following web site and let's get Katherine some votes. If you forward this email off to family and friends and asked for a few additional votes, we won't tell! Go to:

 

www.nba.com/allstar2007/dance/mia.html

[Cyanogen5]

Wow, she's pretty http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Mass Haas]

Sorry guys, I've amended the wording of the Round Three trivia question about big league dads to include current Brewer farmhands or current Brewer big leaguers (to correctly allow for the most obvious combo, Cecil and Prince).

[Mass Haas]

Pre-Game Warmup Question

 

What former big-league Brewer managed high-A High Desert to a 60-80 record in 2002?

 

Mike Caldwell, better known coaching-wise for his pitching coach years in Huntsville

 

(And yes, I remember that 1978 season -- I was 15)

 

www.thebaseballcube.com/p...well.shtml

 

By the way, after the Brewers' kids went 91-189 in their last two seasons in the Desert, the Royals' farmhands have gone 148-132.

 

Level One: Sacrifice Bunt

 

In 2003, the Brewers had three prospects win MVP awards, the first organization to do that since the Mets in 1995. Who were the MVP's, and in which league did each win? One of those MVP awards, while well-deserved, would not have been won if another organization hadn't called up a top prospect who was having an absolute monster season, with 59 RBI in 69 games. Bonus point if you can name this now-superstar major leaguer.

 

Corey Hart (Southern), Prince Fielder (Midwest), and Lou Palmisano (Pioneer). The Marlins' call-up of Miguel Cabrera paved the way for Corey.

 

Level Two: Ground Rule Double

 

An oldie but a goodie -- name the six current Brewer farmhands (or big leaguers) who have dads that played in the big leagues. Bonus point if you name a separate player, another current farmhand, who had a grandfather play in the bigs. (Hint: the player and grandfather share the same name.)

 

The Fielders (Prince and Cecil)

The Gwynn's (Tony and Tony, Jr.)

The Yost's (Ned III and Ned IV)

The Dillard's (Tim and Steve)

The Brantley's (Michael and Mickey)

The Hinton's (Robert and Rich)

 

Bonus (Grandpa):

 

www.baseball-reference.co...sa01.shtml

 

Level Three: Bases-Clearing Triple

 

Which current Brewer farmhand was born in the U.S. Virgin Islands? Got it? OK, hotshot -- St. Croix, St. John, or St. Thomas?

 

The man with one of the best names in all of pro ball, Callix Crabbe, was born in lovely St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

 

Level Four: Turning an Unassisted Triple Play while Hitting for the Cycle

 

While the Brewers organization has given West Virginia Power fans three decent half-seasons, it's hard to overcome the "first impressions" a young Power squad gave West Virginia fans in a horrific first half-season with Milwaukee that included an 0-7 start. Which player, acquired in spring training of 2005 in the tiniest of trades (presumed cash), began his Power career 0-for-24 (no walks, OPS of .000) before being released as the first casualty of that club's shake-up?

 

My apologies to the player, still in pro ball (independent league), who certainly has accomplished more than 99.9 percent of us Brewerfan readers have in our "pro baseball" careers....

 

You need serious counseling if you pulled the name Jason Tuttle out of midair on this one.

 

www.thebaseballcube.com/p...ttle.shtml

 

Acquired from the Expos/Nationals, ironically he spent most of 2004, a level higher, at Brevard County, pre-Brewer days. His 0-for-24 even included a caught stealing. And yes, to add even more inane meaning to this bit of knowledge, he went to Elon University in North Carolina, same as Joe Winkelsas, who undoubtedly will be a trivia answer himself in future years.

 

***

Well, that will wrap up our farmhand trivia for at least ten days or so, as yours truly jets south to the Sunshine State for some family reunion time, rooting on those Patriots vs. LT and the Bolts while watching on my brother-in-law's big screen. I will have some online access over the next week or so, and others among "staff" will pick up on any major news about the minor leagues and will pass it on.

 

We'll sneak in one more round of trivia later this month, and then will revisit this next January, when things are pretty quiet otherwise.

[bretsky07]

Quote:

---

The man with one of the best names in all of pro ball, Callix Crabbe, was born in lovely St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

---

 

I've always wondered the right pronunciation of his name. In my head it's K-licks Crab. Is that right?

[Southern Leaguer]

Quote:

---

In my head it's K-licks Crab. Is that right?

---

 

That's right, with the accent on the 'K'. If he wasn't still in the system, he would have been on my list of favorite former farmhands.

[And That]

The Hinton's (Robert and Rich)

 

I guessed Narron for this... I had no idea Rob's dad played in the bigs. The Hinton legend grows.

[Nader Raider Tim]

I really hate Mass Hass, now, all of this newfound knowledge has just pushed out some really important info out of my brain. Or wait is it brian....brain..see this is what happens when usless, yet fun, info is put into my head.

[Mass Haas]

Earlier we posted:

 

Former Brevard County Manatees Catcher 'Sweet' Lou Palmisano's fiance, Katherine, is one of three finalists in the Miami Heat's Dance Contest. The winner will represent the Heat at the NBA's All-Star Game in Las Vegas this season. Many fans remember Katherine sitting in the stands cheering on the Manatees; now it's the 'Tees fans to cheer on Katherine...log onto the following web site and let's get Katherine some votes. If you forward this email off to family and friends and asked for a few additional votes, we won't tell! Go to:

 

www.nba.com/allstar2007/dance/mia.html

 

Now this, from Manatee GM Buck Rogers:

 

A message from former Manatees Catcher 'Sweet Lou' Palmisano's mother, Denise: Lou's fiancé Katherine, was voted to join the NBA All-Star Game Dance Team as a representative of the Miami Heat. Many of you voted to make that a reality and the Palmisano's send their thanks to Manatees fans everywhere. Congratulations, Katherine, enjoy the experience and we'll be watching you on TV! The Palmisano's send best wishes to the Manatees and Manatees fans this season!

 

So indirectly, thanks to Brewerfan readers, too!

[dikapalooza]

She and I have the same birthday! If only the stars had aligned a little better...

[endaround]

Yeah then she could have been posting at BFan and not you

 

 

Oh wait, pretty sure that wasn't what you meant...

[Mass Haas]

OK, pitchers and catchers report soon, so this will be our final trivia round for this offseason. As always, see how well you can do before you rush to the Brewerfan Player Index or other sources for research and answers.

 

Please don't post any of your guesses (uh, I mean answers http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif ) so that others reading over the next few days can play along. Official answers will be posted sometime Wednesday night the 7th.

 

Pre-Game Warmup Question:

 

Prince Fielder hit a home run in each of his very first games with four different Brewer affiliates -- name the teams.

 

Level One: Sacrifice Bunt

 

Which Brewer farmhand is the brother-in-law of the Astros' Lance Berkman? (The player's sister married Lance...)

 

Second chance on the bunt level:

 

Who was the starting pitcher for the Sounds in the Brewers' first game as a Nashville affiliate in April 2005?

 

Level Two: Ground Rule Double

 

There are nine native Canadians (born in Canada) in the Brewers organization (major and minor league) as of today. Six have never played above rookie ball, so it'll help if you're familiar with the kids and recent draftees. I'm feeling generous this time around, so I'll tell you seven of the nine are pitchers. Since it's only for a ground-rule double, you're OK if you can name at least seven.

 

Level Three: Bases-Clearing Triple

 

There's now an epidemic of current Brewers (major and minor league) who go primarily by some form of initials as their first name. This is a bases-clearing triple, so you're not correct unless you fill in all the last names below. If you don't get the first one right, you might as well stop right there:

 

J.J.

J.T.

E.J

D.J.

D.J. (again, there's two D.J.'s)

C.J.

R.J.

R.A.

J.D.

J.R.

 

Level Four: Turning an Unassisted Triple Play while Hitting for the Cycle

 

The Brewers have drafted six catchers in the first ten rounds of the June draft since the year 2000. Name them. Not as easy as you think, but if you think so, then add on this one:

 

Name the catcher drafted in the 15th round of the 2001 draft who is still in the organization today.

 

Until Wednesday then, good luck!