June 2010
Edmonds returns to Anaheim
McGehee at DH for opener in Anaheim
Casey McGehee is the Brewers’ designated hitter for the start of a three-game Interleague series against the Angels, Milwaukee’s first visit here since taking two of three games from June 8-10, 2004.
Craig Counsell 3B
Brewers announce signing of 23 draft picks
MILWAUKEE — The Brewers announced on Sunday that they had signed 23 players from the 2010 First-Year Player Draft, as well well as one undrafted player.
Right-handers Tyler Thornburg and Matthew Miller, as well as third baseman Cody Hawn, selected in the third, fifth and sixth rounds, highlight the first 24 signees for the Brewers.
Overall, the Brewers have signed 12 pitchers — one of which is Marques Kyles, son of bullpen coach Stan Kyles — and 12 position players through Sunday.
Players will be reporting to either Helena, Mont., or Phoenix — a mini-camp will be held in each location and it will begin Monday.
Both Helena and Arizona begin their respective seasons on Monday, June 21st.
Below is a list of all 24 signees:
Tyler Thornburg, RHP, Charleston Southern, Round 3
Matthew Miller, RHP, Michigan, Round 5
Cody Hawn, 1B, Tennessee, Round 6
John Bivens, RF, Virginia State, Round 12
Mike Walker, 3B, Pacific, Round 14
Brian Garman, LHP, U of Cincinnati, Round 17
Shea Vucinich, SS, Washington State, Round 20
Kevin Berard, C, Barbe High School, Round 22
Ryan Bernal, RHP, Florida Atlantic, Round 23
Gregory Hopkins, 3B, St. John’s, Round 24
Nick Shaw, SS, Barry University, Round 25
Alex Jones, RHP, Jacksonville State, Round 27
Dane Amedee, LHP, LSU Eunice, Round 28
Daniel Britt, RHP, Elon University, Round 29
Eric Marzec, RHP, Youngstown State, Round 30
Mike Melillo, C, Elon University, Round 31
Jason Rogers, OF, Columbus State, Round 32
Seth Harvey, RHP, Washington State, Round 37
Michael Schaub, RHP, Loara High School, Round 38
Kenneth Allison, CF, Angelina JC, Round 39
John Dishon, CF, Louisiana State, Round 42
Thomas Mittelstaedt, RF, Long Beach State, Round 44
Marques Kyles, LHP, Limestone College, Round 48
Dexter Bobo, LHP, Georgia Southern, Undrafted
– Jordan Schelling, Associate Reporter
*
Counsell, Kottaras in starting lineup
It’s Family Day at Miller Park, which means the infield is filled with the likes of Yovani Gallardo Jr. and Jaden and Haven Fielder, among others.
Lucroy getting his shot behind the plate
MILWAUKEE — He hasn’t been named the No. 1 catcher for the Brewers’ just yet, but rookie Jonathan Lucroy is certainly going to get a chance to earn the spot.
Lucroy, who was called up on May 21 in place of injured starter Gregg Zaun, started his third straight game behind the plate for the Brewers on Saturday. With three starts on the homestand, Lucroy has doubled his career total.
One thing that Lucroy brings to the table is something the Brewers haven’t had all season, a catcher who can consistently throw runners out. In seven games — one of which he entered late as a pinch hitter — Lucroy has thrown out two of five runners attempting to steal.
“We’re trying to address the stolen bases,” manager Ken Macha said, referring to his decision to start Lucroy. “He’s certainly done a nice job so far with that.”
While throwing out base runners is just one of many parts of his job as a catcher, Lucroy admits it’s one aspect in which he really strives for success.
“I take a lot of pride in doing that; I fully enjoy throwing people out,” Lucroy said. “I do my best every day to be perfect in that regard because that’s one part of the game I feel like I can control.
“You really can’t control a lot of parts of the game, so I feel like I can really contribute a lot by throwing runners out and keeping guys off base the best I can.”
With Kottaras 0-for-7 on the current homestand and 3-for-25 with just three walks this month, Lucroy is getting his chance to show what he can bring to the table.
According to Macha, since he’s joined the big league club, Lucroy has been the hardest worker in the clubhouse, routinely arriving at the ballpark six or seven hours before the first pitch.
But as with every other position, it all boils down to results for Macha.
“Everybody gets an opportunity,” Macha said. “It’s up to production. So, get some hits, throw out some runners, catch a winner, that’s all part of the formula.”
Jordan Schelling is an associate reporter for MLB.com
*
Hart provides pop in No. 2 spot for Brewers
MILWAUKEE — You don’t see too many guys leading the league in home runs batting second, but that’s what Corey Hart continued to do for the Brewers on Saturday.
Hart, whose 17 home runs are a National League best, also ranks third in the Majors behind Jose Bautista and Miguel Cabrera, who have belted 18 homers apiece.
With Hart swinging a hot bat over the last month, manager Ken Macha moved him to the No. 2 spot on Friday. Hart proceeded to go 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs.
“I kind of liked it last night,” Macha said of the move. “The guy’s swinging the bat, he’s on base a bunch. I want those guys to get on base for Prince [Fielder] and [Ryan Braun].”
Macha likes the power potential of Hart batting between leadoff hitter Rickie Weeks and Fielder.
If Weeks gets on base in front of Hart, it gives the Brewers the chance for a quick two runs before recording an out in the game offensively. Regardless of his spot in the lineup, Hart continues to hit home runs, totaling 14 since May 15.
“He’s a special hitter, he’s got some tools that not everybody has,” third baseman Casey McGehee said of Hart. “For him to be doing it as consistent as he is right now, is pretty impressive to watch.
“It just extends it so far. He’s hitting second, and that worked. He’s been hitting sixth and that’s been working. So when he’s going good it makes a huge difference.”
Jordan Schelling is an associate reporter for MLB.com
*
Edmonds, Lucroy start; Hart No. 2 again
Only one change in the Brewers’ lineup from last night as manager Ken Macha has veteran Jim Edmonds in center field and batting sixth in place of Carlos Gomez.
Hart bumped up to No. 2, Lucroy starts again
Brewers manager Ken Macha continues his search for the right combination at the top of the order, moving red hot slugger Corey Hart into the No. 2 hole behind Rickie Weeks.
Weather could affect Saturday block party
The club will host the first Brewers Block Party of 2010 tomorrow from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. CT at McCarty Park in West Allis. With the weather forecast a bit of a concern, the event will most likely still be happening but check Brewers.com/blockparty tomorrow morning for an update on the status.
Cardinals sign Suppan
According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals have picked-up right-hander Jeff Suppan, who was released by the Brewers on Monday. Suppan will earn a prorated portion of the Major League minimum, with the Brewers on the hook for the rest of his what’s left on his $12.5 million salary for 2010.
Adam McCalvy
Recent Comments