http://www.sportsnipe.com Milwaukee Brewers, Team News, Updates, and Stats from all sports sources, updated continually. http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1047165/brewers-want-to-lock-up-fielder-off-record-blog.html Off the Record (blog)Brewers want to lock up Fielder?Off the Record (blog)According to SI's Jon Heyman, the Milwaukee Brewers will attempt to lock up Prince Fielder with a long-term deal this offseason. Talks aren't expected to ...and more » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045070/fallwinter-league-update-for-11202009.html In Arizona: When it rains, it pours for Zach Braddock. After not allowing an earned run for six innings (and only allowing three in 11.2 IP overall), Braddock allowed six earned runs on four hits and four walks while recording just one out in the Javelinas 17-9 loss to Scottsdale yesterday. Braddock was the only Brewer to appear in the game. The Javelinas have lost six of seven games and play their final regular season game tonight. In Venezuela: Alcides Escobar went 4-for-4 with a solo home run, two runs scored and two RBI for Lara. Escobar has a hit in eight straight games. In Puerto Rico: Hiram Burgos made his second start for Mayaguez yesterday, allowing five runs (two earned) on six hits in 4.2 innings. Burgos did not walk a batter, but struck out four. Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042813/brewers-to-distribute-500-thanksgiving-food-baskets-wkowtvcom.html Brewers to distribute 500 Thanksgiving food basketsWKOW-TV.comMILWAUKEE ? Milwaukee Brewers third-base coach Brad Fischer and his wife Mary, bullpen catcher Marcus Hanel and his wife Jill, TV play-by-play announcer ... Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042812/brewers-making-improvements-to-miller-park-wkowtvcom.html Brewers making improvements to Miller ParkWKOW-TV.comTwelve lots around Miller Park will be adorned with names of former Milwaukee Brewers and Braves players, with banners and other artwork notating the new ...Brewers plan several upgrades to Miller ParkThe Business JournalMiller Park gets a freshening up for 2010 baseball seasonFOX6Now.com MilwaukeeMiller Park to get upgrades this winterMilwaukee Journal Sentinelall 5 news articles » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040590/bucks-jennings-starts-career-flourish-usa-today.html New York Daily NewsBucks' Jennings starts career with flourishUSA TodayIn this blue-collar town, the NBA plays third fiddle behind the NFL's Green Bay Packers and the MLB's Milwaukee Brewers, who are having their own ...Bucks home attendance a little troublingMVN.comSCHMIDT: No bang from its BucksMarquette Tribuneall 262 news articles » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040589/bucks-jennings-starts-career-flourish-usa-today.html New York Daily NewsBucks' Jennings starts career with flourishUSA TodayIn this blue-collar town, the NBA plays third fiddle behind the NFL's Green Bay Packers and the MLB's Milwaukee Brewers, who are having their own ...Bucks home attendance a little troublingMVN.comSCHMIDT: No bang from its BucksMarquette Tribuneall 262 news articles » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040588/brewers-plan-several-upgrades-to-miller-park-business-journal.html Brewers plan several upgrades to Miller ParkThe Business JournalThe Milwaukee Brewers are planning several improvements to Miller Park during the off-season, including the addition of a pavilion area outside the stadium ...Miller Park gets a freshening up for 2010 baseball seasonFOX6Now.com Milwaukeeall 3 news articles » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040587/brewers-plan-several-upgrades-to-miller-park-business-journal.html Brewers plan several upgrades to Miller ParkThe Business JournalThe Milwaukee Brewers are planning several improvements to Miller Park during the off-season, including the addition of a pavilion area outside the stadium ...Miller Park gets a freshening up for 2010 baseball seasonFOX6Now.com Milwaukeeall 3 news articles » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1039647/brewers-protect-prospects-cain-pitcher-rivas-on-40man-roster-american-chronicle.html Brewers protect prospects Cain, pitcher Rivas on 40-man rosterAmerican ChronicleBy ANTHONY WITRADO Unwilling to lose two of their prospects, the Milwaukee Brewers added outfielder Lorenzo Cain and right-hander Amaury ... Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1039040/thursday-thinker-opening-day-starters.html More photos » by Darren Hauck - AP Yovani Gallardo will make his first Opening Day start in 2010. How many Brewer Opening Day starters can you name? Browse more photos » Barring something unforeseen, Yovani Gallardo will take the ball for the Brewers on Opening Day 2010, his first Opening Day assignment. When he does, he'll become the 26th Opening Day starter in the Brewer franchise's 41 year history. Of the previous 25 starters, fifteen pitchers only received the honor one time, seven did it twice, two pitchers did it three times and one Brewer started on Opening Day six times. Of the 25, how many can you name in eight minutes? Again, here are the rules: Post your score in the comments, but do not comment on any specific answer until after 6 pm Central time, so everyone gets a chance to try it out without having it spoiled for them. And, of course, there's no reason to cheat here, because there's no prizes. There will probably be a wide variety of scores on this one, as most of the names aren't exceptionally obscure, but require some knowledge of Brewer history. Of 41 possible, I wouldn't be surprised to see someone score in the mid 30's. If you somehow manage to get them all, though, post your time along with your score in the comments. If you have a cursory knowledge of Brewer pitchers, you should be able to get at least ten. Have fun, and don't forget to post your score in the comments! Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1038262/brewers-on-lookout-for-starting-pitching-mlbcom.html Brewers on lookout for starting pitchingMLB.comMILWAUKEE -- Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said he's been working the phones all week to express interest in free agents, ...Brewers eyeing Mulder, could pursue WashburnSportingNews.comJarrod Washburn considering Twins and BrewersYahoo! SportsMorning Ramble 11/19Right Field BleachersRotoworld.comall 9 news articles » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1037437/brewers-eyeing-mulder-could-pursue-washburn-sportingnewscom.html Brewers eyeing Mulder, could pursue WashburnSportingNews.comThe Milwaukee Journal Sentinel speculates the Milwaukee Brewers will sign free-agent lefthander Mark Mulder this offseason. And free agent lefthander Jarrod ...Jarrod Washburn considering Twins and BrewersYahoo! SportsMorning Ramble 11/19Right Field Bleachersall 7 news articles » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1037436/fallwinter-league-update-for-11192009.html In Arizona: Rob Wooten allowed two runs on three hits in .1 innings and was credited with a blown save as Phoenix rallied for six runs in the eighth to beat the Javelinas, 7-6. Jonathan Lucroy went 1-for-4 with a walk in the game, and Taylor Green entered the game as a pinch hitter and remained in as the DH, going 0-for-2 with a strikeout. The Javelinas have lost five of six games, and have two regular season games remaining before Saturday's championship game. In Venezuela: Alcides Escobar and Hernan Iribarren each went 2-for-3 for Lara last night, doubling and driving in a run. Iribarren also walked and scored twice. Escobar has a seven game hit streak going. In the Dominican Republic: Carlos Gomez went 1-for-4 with a double, driving in a run and scoring one on Tuesday. Last night, he went 0-for-2 with two HBP. Erick Almonte went 0-for-2 with two walks and a strikeout last night. He's now reached base safely in 13 straight games. In Puerto Rico: Martin Maldonado went 1-for-3 on Tuesday, picking up his first PWL hit, and 0-for-1 yesterday. Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1034763/brewers-protect-prospects-milwaukee-journal-sentinel.html MLB.comBrewers protect prospectsMilwaukee Journal SentinelUnwilling to lose two of their prospects, the Milwaukee Brewers added outfielder Lorenzo Cain and right-hander Amaury Rivas to the 40-man roster Wednesday ...Brewers add Cain, Rivas to 40-man rosterMLB.comall 3 news articles » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1034762/red-sox-release-kottaras-espn.html TSN.caRed Sox release KottarasESPNThe Red Sox have released backup catcher George Kottaras, and hours later he was picked up by the Milwaukee Brewers, according to the Milwaukee Journal ...Brewers claim C Kottaras off waiversFresno Bee (subscription)Canadian catcher Kottaras claimed by the BrewersTSN.caBrewers claim C Kottaras off waiversCBS42Providence Journal -MLB.comall 24 news articles » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1032157/brewers-claim-c-kottaras-off-waivers-belleville-news-democrat.html TSN.caBrewers claim C Kottaras off waiversBelleville News DemocratBy Sports Network - The Sports Network The Milwaukee Brewers claimed catcher George Kottaras off waivers from the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday. ...Canadian catcher Kottaras claimed by the BrewersTSN.caBrewers claim C Kottaras off waiversCBS42Full Count » UPDATE: Kottaras Claimed by Brewers, Cabrera Elects Free AgencyWEEI.comall 19 news articles » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1032156/brewers-claim-george-kottaras-off-waivers-from-boston.html Brewers claim George Kottaras off waivers from Boston Via Anthony Witrado: The Brewers also claimed catcher George Kottaras off waivers from the Boston Red Sox. Kottaras, 26, batted .237 with one homer and 10 RBI in 45 games with the Red Sox last season. The 40-man roster stands at 36. Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1031104/brewers-make-their-free-agent-pitch-newsradio-620.html The Brewers Make Their Free Agent PitchNewsradio 620By Dan O'Donnell One of the worst-kept secrets in Major League Baseball (other than steroids) is that the Milwaukee Brewers need starting ... Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1031103/lorenzo-cain-amaury-rivas-added-to-40man-roster.html Lorenzo Cain, Amaury Rivas added to 40-man roster Apparently Chris Cody and Mike Jones are going to be left off. The 40-man roster now stands at 35. Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1029433/twins-addition-hardy-could-help-keep-mauer-yahoo-sports.html The Minnesota Twins did themselves two favors the other day when the team traded outfielder Carlos Gomez for... Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1029432/fallwinter-league-update-for-11182009.html In Arizona: Jonathan Lucroy went 2-for-6 with a double and scored two runs as the Javelinas won a wild one over the Saguaros, 24-15. Taylor Green entered the game as a pinch runner and ended up going 2-for-3 with a walk, a double and a home run, his first AFL extra base hits. He scored three times and drove in four runs. Thankfully, no Brewer pitchers were involved in the game, which was tied 10-10 after three innings and was 15-13 after five. In Venezuela: Alcides Escobar went 1-for-4 with a walk for Lara. Also for Lara, Hernan Iribarren went 2-for-5 with two RBI. In the Dominican Republic: Erick Almonte went 0-for-2 with a walk, and has now reached base safely in 12 straight games. Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1027170/deserved-farewell-for-gomez-scsu-university-chronicle.html Deserved farewell for GomezSCSU University ChronicleAfter being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for shortstop JJ Hardy on Friday, let's examine the Gomez era. The headaches: sliding over the ... Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1026176/bucks-home-attendance-little-troubling-mvncom.html Bucks home attendance a little troublingMVN.comI would note that the Milwaukee Brewers drew over 3 million fans this summer, so? maybe the market for NBA ball just isn't that strong in Beer City. ... Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1026175/adam-heether-news.html Adam Heether News! Okay, so it's a week old and vague. Still, it's better than nothing. The link is from the Leones del Caracas official site, so it's in Spanish. An online translation of the relevant part says: "Given the details of the out of action Adam Heether, [Caracas] team president [Luis Avila] said that one can not dismiss a player while injured. "You have to wait until you are 100% healthy to release the team." He further explained that the only players who have set a departure date are: pitcher Lance Broadway, outfielders Jon Jay and Jordan Brown and catcher Josh Thole. In the case of third base, Mr. Avila said Heether does not have a predetermined release date in his contract." Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1025391/milwaukee-brewers-what-trade-market-for-mat-gamel-bleacher-report.html Bleacher ReportMilwaukee Brewers: What Is The Trade Market For Mat Gamel?Bleacher ReportWhen the Brewers traded JJ Hardy for Carlos Gomez, they sealed their fate as to how they will acquire starting pitching this winter. Other than John Lackey, ...Mat Gamel: Brewers hesitant to deal GamelRotoworld.comall 2 news articles » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1023280/brewers-rule-5-draft-eligible-players.html As noted in my FanPost of Sunday night, the deadline for filing major league and minor league reserve lists is fast approaching.  Eligible players not added to the major league 40-man roster by November 20 can be selected in the Rule 5 draft. What does it take to be eligible? If 19 or older on the June 5th before he signed his first contract, a player is eligible for the fourth Rule 5 draft after signing (usually after four years in the minors). If 18 or younger on the June 5th before he signed his first contract, a player is eligible for the fifth Rule 5 draft after signing (usually after five years in the minors). Any player who is eligible for one Rule 5 draft is eligible for all subsequent Rule 5 drafts. (see ESPN Transactions Primer, Baseball America Rule 5 Draft column, MLB Rules summaries) You may recall some Brewers being added to the 40-man roster last offseason to protect them from the Rule 5 draft.  Omar Aguilar, Alexandre Periard, Mark Rogers, and Cody Scarpetta were the fantastic four.  At the risk of undermining the above statements, Scarpetta actually became eligible for the draft through a little-known technicality: the Brewers voided his original contract because of an injury and later re-signed him, making him immediately eligible (link).  That comes up probably once in a February blue moon. I have attempted to make a comprehensive list of Brewers farmhands who are eligible for the Rule 5 draft.  Obviously not all (or even most) of these players are realistic candidates to be selected. In addition, some of these guys may be minor league free agents. If you think I've made a mistake or missed someone, post a comment. Notable names are above the jump while you must click and scroll for the rest. Ages listed are for the 2010 season and levels listed are where the player spent the bulk of 2009: Zach Braddock (22, LHP, A+/AA - one of the last draft-and-follow players, he did not sign until the spring of 2006 at the age of 18. This gives him one more year before becoming eligible.) Lorenzo Cain (24, CF, AA) Chris Cody (26, LHP, AA/AAA) Nick Green (25, RHP, AA/AAA) Taylor Green (23, 3B, AA - another draft-and-follow guy, brewerfan has him signing June 1, 2006. Since he did not turn 19 until November 2005, I think that puts him in the 18 and younger category and means he is not eligible until next offseason. Lorenzo Cain was in a similar situation last year.) Dave Johnson (27, RHP, AAA) Mike Jones (27, RHP, A+/AA/AAA - former #1 pick finally reached AAA, did not do well) Brendan Katin (27, RF, AAA) Mike Ramlow (24, LHP, Inj/A - yet another draft-and-follow, injured most of this season) Amaury Rivas (24, RHP, A+) The Brewers currently have 33 of 40 roster spots filled.  I am not 100% sure of Green's exemption from the draft but the Brewers certainly have roster room if I'm wrong.  We'll all find out together on Friday.  Assuming Green does not need to be protected, I think only Lorenzo Cain and Amaury Rivas really need to be added to the roster.  I don't think the other guys are tempting enough for any team to commit a 25-man roster spot in December.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but the current talent and/or upside just aren't there. As promised, the rest of the Rule 5 eligible farmhands. Erick Almonte (32 in 2010, 1B, spent 2009 in AAA) Patrick Arlis (29, C, AAA) Mike Burns (31, RHP, AAA/MLB) Chuck Caufield (26, LF/RF, AA) Anderson de la Rosa (25, C, A+) Ryan Delaughter (23, RHP, R - converted outfielder threw 5 innings in Arizona rookie ball.) Chris Errecart (25, 1B, A+) Jim Henderson (27, RHP, A/A+ - Canadian added veteran presence to low-minors bullpens.) Robert Hinton (25, RHP, AA) Mark Holliman (26, RHP, AA) JR Hopf (27, C, AA) Shane Justis (27, 2B, AA - was selected in minor league portion of last year's Rule 5 draft.) Brandon Kintzler (25, RHP, AA - not sure how it works for these indy-league guys. Not sure it matters.) Brock Kjeldgaard (24, 1B, A - converted pitcher known for power, strikeouts.) Joe Koshansky (28, 1B, AAA) Rafael Lluberes (25, LHP, A+) Martin Maldonado (23, C, A+) Michael McClendon (25, RHP, AA) Sean McCraw (24, C, A) Johnny Raburn (31, 2B/SS, AA/AAA) Tike Redman (33, OF, AAA - former Pirate spent about as much time in Nashville as Jon Knott.) Jose Romero (24, LHP, R - injury-marred career, presumably.) Ivan Rusova (23, RHP, R - who? The Giants somehow drafted this Cuban in the in 26th round in 2005.) Juan Sandoval (29, RHP, AA) Adam Stern (30, OF, AA - O Canada!) David Welch (27, LHP, AA - the lone representative from Australia.) The following players would have been Rule 5 eligible but are already minor league free agents according to Brewerfan. A few names from the above list (i.e., Redman) probably belong down here, too: Drew Anderson (29, LF, AA - he actually spent September 2006 in the majors.) Chris Capuano (31, LHP, Inj/R) Carlos Corporan (26, C, AAA - hitting only 1.000 in major league play.) Ruben Flores (26, RHP, A - acquired for Bill Hall.) Lindsay Gulin (33, LHP, AAA) Ryan Houston (30, RHP, AAA) Jon Knott (31, RF, AAA - spent about two weeks in a Nashville uniform.) Wes Littleton (27, RHP, AA/AAA - best known for "saving" a 27-run game with the Rangers.) Kevin Melillo (28, 1B/3B, AA) Sam Narron (28, LHP, AAA) Freddy Parejo (25, RF, AA) Josh Wahpepah (25, RHP, AA) Chase Wright (27, RHP, AAA - outrighted off 40-man roster on August 26.) That's a lot of links about a bunch of guys no one will remember a few weeks from now. :) Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1021656/fallwinter-league-update-for-11172009.html In Arizona: Taylor Green busted out of his slump, going 2-for-3 with a couple of RBI, but it was not enough as the Javelinas lost to Surprise, 6-4. Josh Butler started for the Javelinas and got rocked again, allowing three runs on four hits and four walks in 1.2 innings of work. Omar Aguilar followed him to the mound and allowed one run on a hit and two walks in 1.1 innings. Zach Braddock pitched the final inning and allowed two hits, but kept his scoreless streak alive (six innings), striking out one. In the Dominican Republic: Carlos Gomez made his debut Sunday for Escogito, going 2-for-3 with an HBP and getting caught stealing. Erick Almonte went 2-for-3 with a walk and three RBI for Cibao Sunday. His .429 OBP is now the fifth highest in the DWL*. Juan Sandoval retired the only batter he faced on Sunday for Oriente. * - Former Brewer Kevin Barker, who is also spending the winter in the DR, is third at .439. Conor Jackson leads all batters at .561. In Mexico: David Welch, pitching on eight days rest, started for Guasave on Saturday and allowed four runs on nine hits and a walk in six innings. He did strike out three. Several Brewer farmhands in the winter leagues have become minor league free agents, so they will no longer appear in these reports. Ryan Houston and Sam Narron are the two I noticed this morning, but there's probably more. Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1019983/gery-woelfel-jennings-answer-to-bucks-fans-prayers-journal-times.html GERY WOELFEL: Jennings answer to Bucks fans prayersJournal TimesNEWS: Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin jettisons JJ Hardy, watches Mike Cameron file for free agency and declines to pick up the option years ...and more » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1018064/brewers-duo-have-sights-set-on-mvp.html Brewers duo have sights set on MVP Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1017372/mcgehee-comes-up-short-in-roy-race-mlbcom.html McGehee comes up short in ROY raceMLB.comMILWAUKEE -- Brewers third baseman Casey McGehee finished fifth in National League Rookie of the Year balloting, ...Coghlan and Bailey Win ROY Awards; mcgehee Gets One 1st Place VoteMVN.comNeedles Notes: Random ThoughtsWISN.comall 4 news articles » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1016374/happ-falls-just-shy-top-nl-rookie-philliescom.html CBC.caHapp falls just shy of top NL rookiePhillies.comMilwaukee Brewers third baseman Ryan Braun beat Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki by two votes, 128-126, in 2007. Florida Marlins shortstop Hanley ...Marlins' Coghlan, A's Bailey win rookie of the year honorsUSA TodayMarlins' Coghlan Rookie Winner in NLMLB.comall 412 news articles » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1016373/report-12-clubs-interested-in-counsell.html Report: 12 clubs interested in Counsell Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1016372/chris-coghlan-first-casey-mcgehee-fifth-in-roty-voting.html Chris Coghlan first, Casey McGehee fifth in ROTY voting I'm linking to the BBWAA site on this, as it's the only place I can get to with the vote totals. In any case, Casey McGehee was in fifth place with 1 first place vote, 3 second place votes, and 4 third place votes. Editor's Note: I switched the link to Adam McCalvy, who has the full vote. -KL Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1015407/arizona-fall-league-pitch-fx.html The Arizona Fall League has given us an opportunity to get an extended look at three of the most interesting pitching prospects in the Brewer system. I'm just generalizing about their stuff here and not making any specific conclusions about their velocity based on one outing. I just wanted to give everyone a general idea of what these guys are throwing when we discuss them this offseason.  Zach Braddock He's a lefty who has had a lot of injury trouble in his career so far but is loaded with potential. He threw 42 innings in the minor league season, working on a schedule by throwing short outings every third day. 13.7 K/ 1.5 BB per 9 in the regular season. With that kind of ratio it's not hard to see why he's an exciting prospect. 64 strikeouts, 7 walks. In the AFL he's thrown 10 2/3 innings with 7 Ks, 4 BBs, and 1 run allowed. I'll look at his outing on November 6th, in which he got a save, throwing a clean inning with 1 strikeout. It took 10 pitches-- 9 fastballs and a slider. His fastball average was 93.7 with a maximum of 94.6. That's impressive velocity and consistency for a guy with this kind of command of the strike zone. He also showed very good consistency in his release point for the fastball, and only dipped down a little bit on the slider. The slider was 83 and had some pretty good break of 4.5 inches towards a righty hitter. As far as I know, he also throws a changeup-- but probably hasn't needed to use it working in relief. Throwing 94 with good command is plenty for him right now.  The Brewers will face a bit of a dilemma next year as they decide what to do with Braddock. He's probably ready to pitch in the MLB right now as a reliever, but sticking him in that role will limit his upside. If Braddock could stretch out and solidify his role as a starting pitcher down the road, we could be looking at a remarkably valuable player. There are only about 5 left-handed starters in the majors that are capable of averaging 92-93+ with the fastball, and Manny Parra is one of them. I know many people are down on Parra, but remember that Parra once was an injury-plagued lefty but had good stuff and control. He didn't make it to the majors until age 25. As exciting as it would be to have Braddock in the 2010 bullpen, the Brewers should weigh the benefits against what they could have down the road if they are patient.  Mark Rogers We all know the story here. He's even more of an underdog than Braddock considering he didn't even throw a pitch in a minor league game in 2007 or 2008 following 75 innings back in 2006. No one really expected anything from Rogers at this point, but the velocity is still there. In 63 innings at High-A Brevard County, he put up a K/BB ratio of 8.7: 4.7. He has really struggled in the AFL, but we can still learn plenty about his stuff.  Rogers was roughed up in 27 pitches on November 13th, but it's the best sample of his stuff available. His average fastball was 93.6, and he hit 95.4. Rogers is continuing to work on a starter's repitoire, throwing 4 changeups, 8 sliders, and a curve along with 14 fastballs. The change averaged 84.2, a very nice complement to the fastball-- the approximate 9 mile per hour gap is close to ideal. The slider is also hard, at about 84, and seems to have tight break on it. The curve he threw came in at 78-- which qualifies as a pretty hard curve. The stuff he has shown indicates that with health and time he easily has the upside of a high-quality major league starter. It's going to be a while, but he'll probably start next year with a cautious schedule in AA and the Brewers will have to see how things go from there. Josh Butler He was one of the fastest risers in the Brewers system this year, starting as a pitcher too old for high A. He had an interesting progression-- I was very skeptical of his promotion to AA because his A+ peripherals did not support his low ERA. But after being promoted to AA and then AAA, he was an entirely different pitcher: he had a K:BB ratio of about 5: 4 in high A and improved that to about 7: 2 in AA and AAA. Butler described his stuff like this on his blog: I am a power sink pitcher that works in the 88-92 mph range with my fastball for the most part. I also throw a curve, slider and change-up. Looking at Butler's outing on October 22nd, when he faced Stephen Strasburg, it appears he undersold his fastball velocity a bit. 34 fastballs averaged 91.1 mph and he topped out at 93.4. And there's quite a lot of break on that fastball, 11 inches towards a righty on average is good stuff. He also seems to rely heavily on the curve and changeup, throwing 15 and 13 respectively to go with 3 sliders. The changes averaged 83.6, which is a little hard, and the curves were also power versions of that pitch, coming in around 79. The slider is pretty typical, about 84 without a whole lot of break. Butler will probably get a decent look at a bullpen spot come spring but I think the Brewers will decide to start him at AAA to develop him as a starter. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him up as a replacement at some point in 2010, especially if he can post some solid numbers there. I'll be intersted to see if he keeps up the peripheral success he started to achieve at AA and AAA last season. Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1013518/fallwinter-league-update-for-11162009.html In Arizona: On Friday, Mark Rogers allowed three earned runs on four hits in one inning of work as the Javelinas lost to Surprise, 5-4. Jonathan Lucroy entered the game as a pinch hitter and grounded out in the ninth. Rogers now has a 15.19 ERA in AFL play: He's appeared in eight games and allowed multiple runs in five of them. On Saturday, Lucroy went 0-for-2 with two walks as the Javelinas lost to Mesa, 4-2. Rob Wooten pitched two scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out two. Even with the losses, the Javelinas clinched the division title over the weekend, and by virtue of clinching first they'll be the home team in the AFL Championship game. As for the overall numbers: Lorenzo Cain has gone 10-for his last 31 to lift his line to .242/.375/.303 in 79 PAs. He's also 8-for-11 stealing bases. Taylor Green went 0-for-9 this week to drop his line to .159/.302/.159 in 52 PAs. Jonathan Lucroy is 0-for his last 7 but has drawn three walks, moving him to .313/.352/.500 in 52 PAs. Omar Aguilar pitched one scoreless inning this week. He has a 7.15 ERA in 11.1 innings, a 2.03 WHIP and a 11:8 K:BB ratio. Zach Braddock has a five inning hitless streak going, and has a 0.84 ERA in 10.2 IP, a 0.94 WHIP and a 7:4 K:BB ratio. Josh Butler got roughed up in his only appearance this week, and has a 11.37 ERA in 12.2 IP, a 2.76 WHIP and a 13:9 K:BB ratio. Rob Wooten hs a 6.2 inning scoreless streak going, and has a 3.12 ERA in 8.2 IP, a 0.92 WHIP and a 11:1 K:BB ratio. In Venezuela: Anderson De La Rosa got into a game yesterday for the first time since October 12, and struck out in his only plate appearance. Alcides Escobar went 6-for-10 over the weekend with two runs, two RBI and a stolen base. He's hitting .333/.362/.389 in 57 VWL PAs, and is 6-for-8 stealing bases. Hernan Iribarren went 4-for-4 on Friday and finished a home run short of the cycle, but is 0-for-10 since. He's hitting .298/.370/.447 in 126 PAs, and is 4-for-8 stealing bases. Brendan Katin has not appeared in a game since November 11, but is hitting .246/.373/.431 in 75 PAs. Freddy Parejo struck out in his only plate appearance Sunday. Juan Sanchez also appeared in two games over the weekend, going 0-for-1. Ryan Houston allowed two runs on four hits and blew his third save on Friday, but bounced back with a scoreless inning Saturday. He has a 11.57 ERA in 4.2 innings of work, with one save in four attempts, a 2.58 WHIP and a 5:2 K:BB ratio. In the Dominican Republic: Erick Almonte went 2-for-6 from Thursday-Saturday, with a walk and a run scored. He's reached base safely in each of his last ten games and is hitting .325/.429/.442 in 90 PAs. Juan Sandoval pitched a scoreless inning on Saturday, allowing one hit. He has a 3.48 ERA in 10.1 IP. In Puerto Rico: Martin Maldonado went 0-for-2 with a walk on Friday. He's now 0-for-5 with a walk and a HBP. Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1013113/adam-thompson-2-cents-worth-brewers-are-better-already-sheboygan-press.html WSAUAdam Thompson 2 Cents Worth: Brewers are better alreadySheboygan PressMilwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin has made his team much better with some moves early in this off-season. The trade of JJ Hardy to the Minnesota ...Brewers Buy Out LooperWSAUSource: Brewers Wanted Starter From Pirates For HardyRealGM.comall 6 news articles » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1012526/brewers-scour-freeagent-market-for-pitching-st-louis-postdispatch.html Brewers scour free-agent market for pitchingSt. Louis Post-DispatchCHICAGO ? As badly as the Milwaukee Brewers could use a top-of-the-rotation pitcher, it's unlikely they will be able to get into serious ...Mark Mulder: (Shoulder) Talking with BrewersRotowireAre The Brewers Just a Couple Of Moves Away?Bleacher Reportall 3 news articles » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1008593/give-one-our-sbn-neighbors-chance-this-afternoon.html Hey folks, So, FtJ is doing a great job filling in for me this weekend (even if the "Weekend Dad" motif is a little creepy), but it's a pretty big day in Wisconsin sports, and I wanted to make sure you don't miss out on the opportunity to join in on the fun with some of our SBN neighbors. Here's a look at what's going on today: I've heard a rumor the Packers are playing Celebrity Quarterback Tony Romo and the Cowboys this afternoon, at roughly 3:15. If you're looking for a place to complain about Mike McCarthy hang out while you watch that one, Acme Packing Company has a game thread for you. I'll be at the game, my first one ever at Lambeau. If that one gets ugly early, the Badger men's basketball team opens their season at 5 against IPFW, and Bucky's 5th Quarter has you covered for that one. I'm DVR'ing the game, but stop by their game thread if you're watching it live. And, of course, lots of people are talking about Brandon Jennings' 55 point performance last night, which stunningly turned the Bucks from a laughingstock to a topic of national conversation overnight. If you're still buzzing over it, Brew Hoop is the place to go. Enjoy your Sunday! I'll be back with a full Mug tomorrow. Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1008592/chone-projections-for-2010.html CHONE Projections for 2010 Best projection system out there. The link takes you to the Brewers, go back to the parent BaseballProjection.com link to see other team pages and the free agent page. Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1007246/mcgehee-proud-to-be-included-in-roy-talks.html McGehee proud to be included in ROY talks Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1005877/weekend-mug-1115.html by Pat Sullivan - AP This dude hates Spaghettio's, and hates that you love them. View full size photo » Hello Kids! I see your Regular Dad has dropped you off at your Weekend Dad's doorstep. Apparently Mr. Fancypants has better things to do, than keeping you kids up to date about the Milwaukee Brewers this weekend. I have no idea what happened to your Regular Dad, one can only guess... in any case, let me turn off the Carmen Electra workout tape, put on some fresh sweatpants, open up a can of Spaghettio's and tell you all about the Brewers. One thing my therapist encourages me to do every morning, is to google Ned Yost, and then reassure myself that Ned Yost, or his evil offspring, Ned Yost IV, can no longer hurt me. I thought it was interesting that this quote from Ned Yost, was produced by the google engine. The Atlanta Braves were in last place for years and years before I got there. The fact that Yost didn't make the finalist stage, and that the Astros eventually hired Brad Mills, is probably evidence that someone in Houston can muster up enough brain activity to fog a mirror, contrary to previous reports of a flatlining front office. Doug Melvin showed his own mirror fogging prowess by declining the option on Brewer souvenir generator Braden Looper. The Brewers will have to pay Looper $1M for the opportunity to decline his option, however they will save $5.5M in salary for 2010, and probably another $400K in lost baseballs. Looper is a type B free agent now, and while the Brewers could offer Looper arbitration, it is unlikely, since Looper stands to make as much money in the arbitration process as his declined option would have provided. Bleacher Report thinks Melvin did the right thing in declining Looper's option, however argues that unless the Brewers dump Jeff Suppan, the Brewers will still suck at pitching. Along the same lines, Rob Neyer snips TH, and rips Looper, and wonders why Melvin just can't DFA Bush, Parra and Suppan. (TH story) FireDougMelvin.com reminds us, that while we put new Hefty bags on the windows on our double-wide by releasing Looper, we are still living in the trailer park. Quick! Name the only 4 pitchers in the history of MLB that were able to give up 39 or more homeruns in under 200 IP. (Answer: Jose Lima 48/196.1; Eric Milton 40/186.1; Shawn Boskie 40/189.1; Braden Looper 39/194.2) Quote from Braden Looper: "I tried the best I can to get the ball down because that's my whole game" In other Brewer News: The Brewers passed on RyDo to get CarGo. Former Brewer draftpick Andrew Bailey, went from TJ surgery to potential ROY winner Is Edwin Jackson a good fit? Is he worth a Mat Gamel? I did not know Ken Macha was 1st cousins with Hal Newhouser, I am guessing through marriage. Deputy Braun is opening a grill, and scored his 2nd Silver Slugger award Ben Sheets is awaiting offers from all 30 MLB teams. Mark Mulder and Doug Melvin are talking Seth McClung was interviewed about Twittering, and is generous with his High School. Eric Gagne wants to pitch in MLB again... as a starter... he developed a cutter, which apparently is helping his batted balls adhere to the laws of physics.  What's dumber than signing Doug Davis? Answer: Getting into a bidding war for Doug Davis In other MLB news: Jack Wilson signed a 2 year deal with the Mariners. The Fielding Bible says Wilson is the best fielding SS in MLB. The Home & Garden Bible says Wilson is an above replacement yard gnome. RJ Swindle signed a minor league deal with the Rays. Justin Huber has a weekend dad in Japan Carl Crawford is pissed beyond belief Rafael Betancourt needs a new Regular Dad Your Regular Dad is always making you take quizzes, where you have to do math, and are required to spell names correctly. What is wrong with him? -- Weekend Daddy just wants you to match up these Weekend Grannies with the crimes they committed, isn't that more fun? This is generally the place in the Mug where Regular Dad generally wishes some (but usually not all) former Brewers a Happy Birthday. Instead of doing that, why don't we join the greatest Brewer of all-time, Sixto Lezcano, in wishing young Jimmy Salladay a happy birthday. A gathering of Angels appeared above my headThey sang to me this song of hope and this is what they said:Weekend Dad is greater than Regular Dad Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1002993/ceos-move-to-pkware-based-on-location-milwaukee-journal-sentinel.html CEO's move to PKWare based on locationMilwaukee Journal SentinelA personalized Milwaukee Brewers jersey has a prominent place in V. Miller Newton's office at PKWare Inc. in ...New Chief Executive Named CEO at pkwareTrading Markets (press release)all 3 news articles » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1002992/brewer-classic-game-thread-ben-sheets-fans-18.html More photos » by FRANK GUNN - AP Before Lyle Overbay (left) was a somewhat clumsy Blue Jay, he was a doubles machine as a Brewer. Tune in tonight to watch him hit one of his NL-leading 53 doubles in 2004. Browse more photos » Yeah, I'll make a Game Thread for pretty much anything. Tonight at 5:30, MLB Network is re-airing a classic Ben Sheets performance from May 16, 2004, when Sheets and the shadows at Miller Park combined to strike out 18 Atlanta Braves on May 16, 2004. Tune in to watch Sheets at his very best, or just to see cameos from Chad Moeller, Brady Clark, Lyle Overbay and Wes Helms.  Either way, Sheets and his agent, Casey Close, would love for you to take some time out of your weekend to watch this game and then write Doug Melvin a letter about how great it would be to sign Sheeter to a long term contract. And since the Badgers played this afternoon, the Bucks are off and the Packers don't play until tomorrow, you've got nothing else to do, right? Ok, actually, there is a Bucks game. Does that change anything? Didn't think so. Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1002221/would-edwin-jackson-be-good-fit-for-milwaukee-brewers-bleacher-report.html Bleacher ReportWould Edwin Jackson Be a Good Fit For The Milwaukee Brewers?Bleacher ReportRumors have surfaced in recent days that Milwaukee Brewers' GM Doug Melvin has talked with Tigers' GM Dave Dombrowski over the possibility of acquiring ...and more » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1001114/where-will-ben-sheets-head-for-2010-mlb-season-bleacher-report.html Bleacher ReportWhere Will Ben Sheets Head For The 2010 MLB Season?Bleacher ReportBen Sheets' the former Milwaukee Brewers ace, has not filed for free agency this year. He hasn't needed to. For the last year, Sheets, 31, sat on the free ...and more » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/999127/baseball-milwaukee-brewers-buy-out-pitcher-braden-looper-seattle-times.html Sportsnet.caBaseball | Milwaukee Brewers buy out pitcher Braden LooperSeattle Times"Financial flexibility" is the new catchphrase in the front offices of the Milwaukee Brewers. In a move Friday designed to clear money to. ...Melvin puts out feelers on Mulder, JacksonMLB.comBrewers decline $6.5 million option on LooperUSA TodayBrewers Decline Looper's Option, Counsell and Weathers File for Free AgencyNewsradio 620TSN.ca -MVN.com -WAOWall 105 news articles » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/997222/brewers-decline-65-million-option-on-looper-pa-sportsticker.html The Milwaukee Brewers declined their $6.5 million mutual option on Braden Looper, electing to pay the pitcher a $1 million buyout. Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/996610/melvin-puts-out-feelers-on-mulder-jackson-mlbcom.html CBC.caMelvin puts out feelers on Mulder, JacksonMLB.com(Tom Gannam/AP) By Adam McCalvy / MLB.com MILWAUKEE -- Brewers general manager Doug Melvin has spoken recently with the agent for rehabbing left-hander Mark ...Brewers decline $6.5 million option on LooperUSA TodayBrewers Decline Looper's OptionNewsradio 620Brewers decline Looper optionTSN.caMVN.com -WAOW -WKBTall 96 news articles » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/996210/brewers-outfielder-lending-his-name-to-lake-geneva-eatery-janesville-gazette.html Janesville GazetteBrewers outfielder lending his name to Lake Geneva eateryJanesville Gazette13, 2009 LAKE GENEVA ? Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun is part of an ownership group that plans to open a fine-dining restaurant in Lake Geneva?but ... Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/995727/brewers-decline-loopers-option-newsradio-620.html CBC.caBrewers Decline Looper's OptionNewsradio 620By Dan O'Donnell MILWAUKEE ? The Milwaukee Brewers today declined the 2010 mutual option on RHP Braden Looper. The announcement was made by Executive Vice ...Brewers decline $6.5 million option on LooperUSA TodayBrewers decline Looper optionTSN.caBrewers decline option on LooperWAOWWisconsin State Journal -AtlantaBraves.comall 83 news articles » Milwaukee Brewers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates