Well, people have been questioning this one for a while, and it finally happened. Brewers released Jorge Julio after an atrocious outing last night in which he lost the lead, did not record an out, and pushed he ERA way up over 7. I originally assumed that when Riske got better DiFelice would be optioned to AAA, but when DF pitched soo well I figured that we would simply let Julio go when Riske came off the DL, however, Riske is going to have season ending surgery now, and I don't think the team could wait any longer anyway. The Brewers will have to eat the remaining money on Julio's 950k dollar contract. The new guy they're bringing up has shown good numbers at AAA, going 6-2 with an ERA under three. His name is Burns, and he is a journeyman that has had a couple of brief MLB stints with his career ERA about 5.5. He's been starting so far this year so should be able to eat some innings out of the 'pen and spell some guys like McClung.
So on to Bullpen Talk. Today I'm just going to give a quick shout to a few names to watch in Low-A Wisconsin TimberRattlers.
Rigeborto Almonte
Almonte is a 22 year old Dominican righty. He pitched for the AZL Brewers last year for a brief stint. This season he started the year in Brevard County, but has since be dropped down. Walks have been a problem this season, especially at High-A. Throwing him in here because of some sick numbers last year along with a respectable ERA. In 19PA against lefties at Wisconsin this year he's walked 3 and not allowed a hit...
2008 Numbers:
8.1ip 4h 0bb 15s0 .133avg era 1.08
2009 Numbers:
Brevard:
10ip 8h 10bb 12so
Wisconsin:
11.1ip 7h 6bb 10so
Season:
ERA 2.53 BAA .200
Jim Henderson
The Rattlers closer this year is this 26 year old right handed Canadian. Split last year between AA and AAA in the Cubs organization. Has good numbers all around, and interesting note, his ground out rate has more than doubled from last season to this one.
2008 totals:
9.1ip 7h 6bb 8so 0.46 ground out/fly out
2009:
17.1ip 13h 8bb 16so 12sv era 1.56 .203 avg 1.19 GO/AO
Brandon Ritchie
A left handed Michigander aged 22 years. He had a simply awful season last year for the Pioneer League, like wow bad... But even in that bad year he didn't have terrible walk and strikeout numbers, and only gave up one homer about every 18 innings. Much better this year, with his bb, k, and hr/9 numbers all about the same.
2008 totals:
55ip 84h 21bb 49so avg .356
2009 numbers:
20.1 ip 15h 11bb 17so avg .203 era 2.21
So that's going to be it for this edition. I wanted to put more time into the upper levels and just don't have that time right now. Low-A ball is a pretty exciting place to watch baseball this year, featuring some big name prospects the likes of Taylor Green (although I don't think he's there currently), Cutter Dykstra and last year's first round pick 2B Brett Lawrie.
Once again I'd like to thank milb.com for some stats, and jsonline.com for some updates... apparently if I actually post links they get mad and think I'm spamming... no, just sighting my sources.
Listening to the game now, lamenting Gamel's bases loaded strikeout, but likeing Parra's striking out the side.
Brew Up, I'm Out!
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