Sounds of the Farm

In attempts to make this a legitimately followed Brewer's Blog, we have begun to add authors. The first is Shawn Gorman, a University of Iowa Colleague of mine spending his summer around the Nashville area. This will give Shawn the ability to follow the Nashville Sounds, Milwaukee's current AAA affiliate. He needs your help! Read his article and please respond.

Sounds of the Farm - Nashville vs. Round Rock (Astros) June 17, 2009
By: Shawn Gorman

First off, thanks Nate for giving me the opportunity to update Brewer fans on their Triple-A affiliate, the Nashville Sounds. Being a White Sox fan, I can safely say I share a similar passion with Brewer fans…I think it goes without explanation. I’ll be in Nashville this summer - and while working here - attending a bunch of Sound games. I have a good eye for talent, so hopefully I can provide some insight on the progress of soon-to-be Brewers.

I understand many of you are wondering how Manny Parra fared after his disastrous three weeks (32 earned runs, 0-4), his last coming against the White Sox. (Sorry, but giving up 6 runs against my Sox is a difficult feat). He came out firing, getting 4 K’s in the first two frames, including Reggie Abercrombie swinging twice, but managed to walk two and load the bases in the first…eventually giving up a two out RBI single. Parra settled down in the third and fourth, keeping Michael Garciaparra busy as four of the six batters were retired on 4-3 putouts. In the fifth, Parra gave up a two out single with a man on third and put his glove up to his mouth to let out some frustration, and seemed rattled for his remaining time on the mound. He walked two of the next three batters and threw a lazy pickoff attempt past first, allowing a runner to advance into scoring position in a close game. His anxiety was understandable, even at a minor league level, considering what he had just been through at the pro level. At times he looked in control against a fair Round Rock lineup, especially with his off-speed pitches. His fastball was hit hard when elevated, as one would expect, but it was elevated too much for my liking. Ultimately, baseball is a numbers game, and maybe Parra (6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER) just needed a quality start to regain some confidence.

My other observation from the afternoon involves 2B/OF Jason Bourgeois. Drafted in the 2nd round in 2000, he made his major league debut last season for the White Sox. (My endorsement has nothing to do with being a south side homer. In fact, I had to do some research to find out he was a journeyman that first made it with the Sox). Bourgeois was named the Pacific Coast League player of the week this June after hitting .530 (13-25) with six runs and four steals. He continued to impress by going 3 for 5 Wednesday, including a walk-off single in the 11th. The ball looks like a hot air balloon to him right now, so if the Brewers are looking for a multi-position speedster with a high OBP to spell Craig Counsell or Cory Hart as the dog days approach, don’t be surprised to see Bourgeois being that guy.

What I need from you, Brewer faithful, is some feedback. What players do you want progress on? What tendencies should I focus on for pitchers? Hitters? I am unfamiliar with the Brewers farm system, and not as qualified as many of you (let alone a scout) to write about these players, so your suggestions are invaluable. I’ll do the best I can to provide accurate updates throughout the summer. Hope you enjoy.