There has been some discussion regarding the Brewers and their expenditures for Latin talent. 

As Adam McCalvy pointed out in 2010 pointed out in 2010, from late 2003 to early 2009 the Brewers were the only team the Brewers were the only Major League team without a permanent academy in Latin America.  However, during this time they did sign several latin players, including some notable signings including:

2002 - Hernan Iribarren
2003 - Alcides Escobar ($30,000 bonus)
2004 - Roque Mercedes
2005 - Wily Peralta ($450,000 bonus)
2005 - Rolando Pascual ($750,000 bonus)
2005 - Hitaniel Arias ($450,000 bonus)
2009 - Santo Aybar (rated as 18th best Dominican prospect, signing fell through when he failed the MLB age verification)
2009 - Jose Pena ($400,000 bonus)
2009 - Jean Capellan (5-figure bonus)
2010 - Raul Mondesi, Jr. (son of former Dodger Raul Mondesi)
2011 - Elvis Rubio ($95,000 bonus)

Click on links in the names above for indivudal signing stories. 

• Iribarren had a successful minor league career, and did appear in 26 games for the Brewers prior to being claimed by the Rangers in 2010.
• Escobar we all know about and was part of the package that landed Greinke.
• Mercedes has made it to AA.  Was part of the deal that brought Felipe Lopez to the Brewers several years ago and is now back with the Brewers in Brevard County.
• Peralta is currenlty pitching in AA and was the #3 rated prospect in the system last season per Baseball America.
• Pascual has pitched 179 innings over 6 minor league seasons...and has 176 walks and a career era of 7.88.  He's currently at Brevard County.
• Arias has a career line of .209/.310/.327 over four seasons.
• The Aybar signing fell through.
• Jose Pena is currently hitting .184/.283/.301 in his second Dominican Summer League (DSL) season.
• Capellan pitched in the DSL in 2010 and had an ERA over 6 and walked more than a batter per inning.
• Mondesi is currently hitting .226/.327/.333 in his second DSL season. 
• Rubio is just starting his first DSL season.

Obviously there are some othere signings over that time as the Brewers now fill out a full Dominican Summer team and there are some latin players who are starting to show up in Arizona and Helena, but these are some of the highlights.

Even with some of the large signing bonuses noted above, the Brewers are no where near the top when it comes to handing out some major bonuses.  In 2009, Patrick Clark from Beyone the Box Score had an interesting article listing the top 30 latin signing bonuses of all time.  I realize this is somewhat dated, but it is still interesting to see some of the names on the list. 

So has the latin spending the Brewers have done paid off?  Its obviously to early to tell as many of these guys sign quite young and take awhile to develop, but the players above have been a bit of a mixed bag.  I guess I'm ultimately just glad they are now actively scouting and looking at players in that market and hopefully some will pan out.

As talk heats up with the Brewers as possible sellers come trading deadline, here's a look back at the moves the Brewers have made as "sellers" over the last 15 years. 

To qualify for this list, the trade had to be completed in June, July, August or early September when the Brewers were out of the race.

September 2, 2004 - Milwaukee trades Dave Burba to the Giants for Josh Habel
Burba went 1-0 with and ERA over 5 in six games for the Giants who would finish second.  This was Burba's last season in the majors. 

Habel, a starting pitcher, spent 2005 between Brevard County and Huntsville with a composite 8-11, 4.13 ERA line with 107 K's in 128 IP.  He was subsequently released and pitched in the independent leagues in 2006 and 2007

August 31, 2004 - Milwaukee trades Ben Grieve to the Cubs for Andy Pratt
Grieve hits .250 as a pinch hitter for the Cubs who finish third.  Ben then returned to the Cubs in 2004. 

Pratt, who at one time was a highly regarding pitching prospect for the Braves, spends 2005 and 2006 between AA and AAA with the Brewers and posted an ERA in the upper 5's.

August 27, 2003 - Milwaukee trades Mike DeJean to the Cardinals for Mike Crudale and John Novinsky.
DeJean pitched in 18 games for the Cardinals who finished third.  DeJean then signed with the Orioles in 2004. 

Crudale pitched in 9 games for the Brewers in '03 with an ERA under 3, but had 6 walks in his 9 innings.  He was released during spring training in 2004. 

Novinsky, a relief pitcher, spent one season in the Brewers minor leagues mostly as the closer for Huntsville.  He had 17 saves and a 2.93 ERA with 60K/15BB in 61 IP.

August 19, 2003 - Milwaukee trades Eric Young to the Giants for Greg Bruso
E.Y. hit .197 for the Giants who went  on to lose to the Angels in the World Series.  Unfortunately for Young, he was left off the post season roster.  Young would sign with the Rangers after the season. 

Bruso spent the remainder of 2003 at AA for the Brewers.  He split 2004 between the Arizona Brewers and High Desert where he didn't fair to well.  Bruso was subsequently released and pitched in the independent leagues in 2005.

July 10, 2003 - Milwaukee trades Curtis Leskanic to the Royals for Alejandro Machado and Wes Obermueller
Leskanic was pitching well at the time of the trade (2.70 ERA) and pitched even better for the Royals (1.73 ERA).  He would re-sign with the Royals after the season, but would be released in June 2004.

Machado was a speedy infielder who was hitting .287 with 19 SB for the Royals AA team at the time of the trade.  Alejandro went on to hit only .226 in AA (but added 11 SB) for the Brewers and was out of the organization after the season.  Machado managed a cup of coffey for the Red Sox in 2005.

Obermueller would pitch in 48 games (28 starts) in 2004 and 2005 for the Brewers but had an ERA of 5.47.  Wes was traded to the Braves after the 2005 season when the Brewers re-acquired Dan Kolb.  Obermueller did put up one of the better hitting seasons by a Brewer pitcher when he hit .385 in 2004.

August 31, 2002 - Milwaukee trades Mark Loretta to the Astros for Wayne Franklin and Keith Ginter
Loretta hit .424 in 77 PA for the Astros who finished second.  He signed with the Padres after the season.

Franklin pitches well in 4 starts for the Brewers in 2002, and spent all of 2003 in the starting rotation managing to give up 36 home runs in 194 IP.  He was traded (along with Leo Estrella) for Carlos Villanueva and a minor leaguer. 

Ginter had two solid seasons for the Brewers prior to being shipped to the A's for Nelson Cruz (yes, that Nelson Cruz) and Justin Lehr. 

August 29, 2002 - Milwaukee trades Jamey Wright to the Cardinals for Chris Morris and Mike Matthews.
Wright when 2-0 with a 4.80 ERA for the Cardinals who finished first.  Jamey didn't appear in the postseason and moved on to the Royals the following season. 

Morris was a speedy outfielder who had stolen 111 bases the previous year in A.  He spent 2003 and 2004 with the Brewers in High Desert and moved on to the Angels organization the following season. 

Matthews had been a decent relief pitcher with the Cardinals, he had a 3.89 ERA with STL in 43 games that season.  Mike pitched in 4 games with the Brewers in 2002 and was picked up on waivers by the Padres during spring training in 2003.

July 31, 2002 - Milwaukee trades Alex Ochoa and Sal Fasano to the Angels for Jorge Fabregas, John Raburn and Pedro Liriano.
Ochoa played well as a reserve OF for the World Series winning Angels.  He got into 12 games (albiet 5 AB) during their post season run. 

Fasano had been at AAA for the Brewers and appeared in 2 games for the Angels in September. 

Fabregas hit .164 in 30 games for the Brewers and signed with Tampa after the season. 

Raburn, a utility player, spent 2003 and 2004 in the Brewers system with High Desert and Huntsville.  John then spent time in the Rays and Marlins organizations before resigning with the Brewers in 2009.  He is currently playing with AAA Nashville.

Lirano was coming off a very good season for the Angels in High A (176K in 167 IP, 3.60 ERA in the California League).  He pitched reasonably well in AA for the Brewers in 2003 (3.79 ERA, 116K/62BB in 143 IP).  Pedro appeared in 11 games for the Brewers in 2004 and was claimed on waivers by the Phillies after the season.  Liriano is currenlty pitching in the Mexican League.

July 23, 2002 - Milwaukee trades Tyler Houston and Brian Mallette to the Dodgers for Ben Diggins and Shane Nance
Houston hit .200 with 0 HR as a utility player for the Dodgers who finished third.  He signed with the Phillies after the season. 

Mallette was the closer at AAA for the Brewers that season and was included as a player to be named later.  He would pitch one game at AAA for the Dogers in 2003 before being released.

Diggins was the Dogers 1st round pick in 2000 and was pitching well at A at the time of the trade.  After making 7 starts with Huntsville, the Brewers called him up in September where he made 5 starts (going 0-4 with an ERA over 8).  Ben began 2003 back in AA and was pitching well when injuries struck and he only made 16 appearance over the next two seasons prior to retiring.

Nance was a lefty relief pitcher who would appear in 30 games with the Brewers in 2002 and 2003.  He was traded, along with Richie Sexson to the Diamondbacks in December of 2003.

July 30, 2001 - Milwaukee trades Dave Weathers to the Cubs for Rueben Quevedo and Pete Zoccolillo
Weathers put up a 3.18 ERA in 28 games for the Cubs who finished third.  Dave would sign with the Mets after the season.

For all you need to know about Ruben Quevedo, go here .

Zoccolillo, an outfielder,  had several decent years in the minors.  He got a cup of coffee with the Brewers in 2003, but hit .108 in 39 PA.  He was drafted by the Rangers in the minor league Rule 5 draft after the season.

July 28, 2000 - Milwaukee trades Jason Bere, Bob Wickman, and Steve Woodard to the Indians for Paul Rigdon, Kane Davis, Richie Sexson, and a player to be named later (Marco Scutaro)
Bere would go 6-3 (with a 6.63 ERA)  for the Indians who finished second.  Bere signed with the Cubs after the season.

Wickman stabilized a suspect Indians bullpen for the remainder of 2000 and remainded their closer until 2006 when he was traded to the Braves.

Woodard would go 6-6 with an ERA over 5 in 2000 and 2001 for the Indians.  Steve was released by the Indians after the 2001 season.

Rigdon went 7-9 with an ERA of 5.19 for the Brewers over 27 starts in 2000 and 2001 prior to injuries setting in.  He was released by the Brewers after the 2002 season.

Davis pitched in 3 games for the Brewers in 2000.  Kane was then traded to the Rocked along with Juan Acevedo and Jose Flores for Mark Leiter, Mike DeJean and Elvis Pena in April of 2001.  Kane would resurface with the Brewers in 2005 when he put up an ERA of 2.70 in 15 games.

Sexson would be the Brewers starting first baseman for the next three seasons.  In that time Richie hit 133 HR, good for 12th on the all-time Brewers list.  Sexson was traded to the Diamondbacks along with Shane Nance for Junior Spivey, Craig Counsell, Chad Moeller, Chris Capuano, Jorge Dela Rosa, and Lyle Overbay - a trade that not only acquired the immortal cycle-hitting Moeller, but is still helping the Brewers. (Capuano in still on the team, Dave Bush and current AA pitcher Josh Butler were acquired either directly or indirectly for Lyle Overbay).

The Brewers (and a host of other teams) never gave Scutaro, the current starting shortstop for the Red Sox, much of a chance.  Marco had a solid AAA season for the Brewers in 2001 in which he hit .295 with an OBP of .375 and 11 HR and 11 SB.  The Brewers put him on waivers after the season and he was claimed by the Mets.

August 18, 1999 - Milwaukee trades Rich Becker to Athletics for Carl Dale
Becker would become the A's everday centerfielder and hit .264 as the A's finished second.  Becker opened the 2000 season with the A's before being released in May.

Dale would post an ERA of 20.25 in 4 games for the Brewers.  He was released following the end of the season.

July 23, 1998 - Milwaukee trades Doug Jones to Cleveland for Eric Plunk
This was more just a trade of struggling releivers than anything else.  Both Jones and Plunk pitched well for their teams the remainder of 1998.  Jones moved on to the Athletics in 1999 with good results.  1999 was Plunk's last season and he posted an ERA just over 5 for the Brewers.

July 31, 1996 - Milwaukee trades Greg Vaughn and Gerald Parent to the Padres for Marc Newfield, Ron Villone and Bryce Florie.
Vaughn was having a huge season for the Brewers at the time of the trade (.280, 31 HR in 102 games).  He would hit .206 with 10 HR for the Padres who lost to St. Louis in the first round of the playoffs.  Greg re-signed with the Padres after the season and would play one more year in San Diego before being traded to the Reds.

Parent would spend the next two seasons in low A for the Padres, one as an outfielder, one as a pitcher.

Newfield, a former 1st round pick of the Mariners, would hit .307 and SLG .508 for the remainder of the season for the Brewers.  He would spend '97 and '98 with the Brewers as well and put up a composite .259/.319/.379 line in 522 AB before being released after the 1998 season.

Villone, another former 1st round pick of the Mariners (he and Newfield had previously been traded together from Seattle to San Diego for Andy Benes) would post and ERA of 3.38 in 75 games for the Brewers in '96 and '97.  The Brewers traded Villone, along with Ben McDonald and Mike Fetters, to the Indians for Marquis Grissom and Jeff Juden during the offseason.  Villone pitched with 10 more teams, including the Nationals in 2009.

Florie pitched in 47 games for the Brewers in '96 and '97 compliling and ERA of 4.79 and with 65 K/55BB in 94 IP.  He was traded to the Tigers for Mike Myers, Santiago Perez, and Rick Greene (a former first round pick) in November of 1997.

August 23, 1996 - Milwauke trades Pat Listach , Gabby Martinez, Ricky Bones, and Graeme Lloyd to the Yankees for Bob Wickman and Gerald Williams
Listach had suffered what was believed to be a bruise two days before the trade, but it was determined later he actually had a broken bone in his foot.  Listach was returned to the Brewers and the Yankees acquired Gabby Martinez, a minor league shortstop instead.  Listach would end up signing with the Astros as a free agent after the season.

Bones was added as a player to be named later in this trade, had been the Brewers opening day starter in '96.  Ricky's ERA was at 5.83 at the time of the trade and he raised that to 14.14 in his four games as a Yankee.  Ricky signed with the Reds as a free agent following the season.

Lloyd had pitched well for the Brewers up to the point of the trade compiling an ERA of 2.82 in 52 games.  He completely imploded for the Yankees, posting a 17.47 ERA in 13 games (albiet only 5 IP).  Graeme would recover to pitch 5.1 scoreless innings in the Yankees post season run and even won a game in the World Series.  Lloyd would spent to more successful seasons in New York prior to being traded to the Blue Jays as part of the package for Roger Clemens.

Wickman had been mediocre as a relief pitcher for the Yankees up to this point and after a successful end to the '96 season and a very good '97 as the set up man to Doug Jones, Bob became the Brewers closer until being traded to the Indians in 2000.  Wickman is tied for third on the Brewers all-time saves list.

Williams would spend the following season in 1997 playing everyday in the Brewers outfield.  Gerald hit .283/.282/.369 with 10 HR and 23 SB and was traded to the Braves for Chad Fox following the season.

August 31, 1996 - Milwaukee trades Kevin Seitzer to Cleveland for Jeromy Burnitz
Seitzer would hit .386 in 98 PA for the Indians who lost to the Orioles in the first round of the playoffs.  Kevin would spend one more year in Cleveland prior to retiring.

Burnitz would go on to spend 5 years in Milwaukee and is 8th on the Brewers all-time home run list.  Jeromy was traded to the Mets as part of a 3-team trade along with Jeff D'Amico when the Brewers acquired Glendon Rusch.

Summary

Overall, the it seems the Brewers have done reaonably well in these trades.  The biggest flop was the Vaughn trade, although at the time two-former first round picks and a hard throwing relief pitcher didn't seem so bad.  The acquisitions of Sexson, Burnitz and Wickman all turned out for the best.  Unfortunately, most of these better moves happened in the early part of this list.

2000 - 2009 - Walk Leaders

Here's a list of the top five walk (bottom five?) seasons for Brewer minor leaguer pitchers over the last 10 years:

134 - Nick Neugebauer, 2000 (Mudville 87/ Huntsville 47)
93 - Carlos Chantres, 2001 (Indianapolis)
84 - Jerry Oakes, 2002 (Beloit)
82 - Evan Fredrickson, 2009 (Wisconsin)
80 - Roberto Maysonet, 2002 (High Desert...in 81 IP)


A little more about the leader, Nick Neugebauer

(Photo from onmilwaukee.com)

Drafted:                                  Drafted in 2nd Round by Brewers in 1998 from Arlington HS (CA)
How Acquired:                      Drafted by Brewers.  One of only two Brewer draft picks in 1998 to make it to the majors.
Years with Brewers:            5
Best Season:                        In the minors 2001 - went 7-7 with a 3.10 ERA and a 175/61 strikeout to walk ratio and a 1.263 WHIP in 130 IP.
Last Professional Season:  Pitches one game for High Desert in 2004
Major League Stats:             2-8 with a 4.99 ERA in 14 career starts.  Also had 58 SO and 50 BB in 61 IP.
Other Notes of Interset:       

Brandon Inge was selected immediately after Nick in the draft.

As noted above, only two of the Brewers draft picks in 1998 made it to the majors.  Nick and 6th round draft pick Bill Hall.  The first and third round picks that year (J.M. Gold and Derry Hammond) never made it out of single A.

When he made is major league debut in 2001, he became the youngerst starging pitcher in the NL that season and was only 6 days older than the youngest in the AL (CC Sabathia)

While he didn't show it in the majors during his short time, Nick was a decent hitter putting with a batting average of 0.304 and a slugging percentage of 0.413 in 46 AB including a home run and 8 RBI's.

Neugebauer made 14 starts with the Brewers and had two game scores over 60.  His first major league start (when he got one of his two career wins) and a start against the Marlins in 2002.

Nick had rotator cuff surgery in 2001, then again in 2003.  When it was decided that he would miss the 2003 season it was hailed as the first setback in Ned Yost's managing career.

After posting walk rates of 8.9 (per 9 IP) in 1999 and 9.4 in 2000, Nick turned things around in 2001 and lowered his rate to 4.2.

He has three of the highest strikeout rates in the minors his first three seasons (13.9 in 1999, 12.2 in 2000, and 12.1 in 2001).  In 1999 and 2000 he allowed less than 6 hits per 9 IP.

Was a AA All-Star in 2001.  Also ranked as the Brewers #1 prospect in 2000, #2 prospect in 2001, and #1 prospect in 2002.  Ranked as the #83 overall prospect in baseball in 2001 and #17 in 2002.  Participated in the futures game in 2001.

2009 Leaders  

82 - Fredrickson (Wisconsin)
77 - Lindsay Gulin (Nashville)
58 - Trey Watten (Wisconsin)

2000 - 2009 - Strikeout Leaders

Here's a list of the top five strikeout seasons for Brewer minor leaguer pitchers over the last 10 years:

188 - Yovani Gallardo, 2006 (Brevard County 103 / Huntsville 85)
177 - Jason Childers, 2000 (Mudville)
175 - Nick Neugebauer, 2001 (Huntsville 149 / Indianapolis 26)
174 - Nick Neugebauer, 2000 (Mudville 117 / Huntsville 57)
172 - Jose Mieses, 2000 (Beloit 132 / Mudville 40)

A little more about the leader, Yovani Gallardo

(Photo from Yahoo!)

Drafted:                                  Drafted in 2nd Round by Brewers in 2004 from Trible Technical HS (TX)
How Acquired:                      Drafted by Brewers.  Got a signing bonus of $725,000.  The first four picks that season pitchers (Roger, Gallardo, Josh Wahpepah and Josh Baker). 
Years with Brewers:             6
Best Season:                        In the minors 2006 - went 11-5 with a 1.76 ERA and a 188/51 strikeout to walk ratio and a 1.000 WHIP in 155 IP.
Last Professional Season:  Pitched for the Brewers in 2009
Major League Stats:             22-17 with a 3.57 ERA in 51 career starts.  Also has 325 SO in 320 IP
Other Notes of Interset:       

The only players remaining in the Brewers system from the 2004 draft are Roger, Gallardo, Salome, David Johnson, Alex Periard and Lorenzo Cain.  They also drafted my favorite minor league name of all time Deik Scram, but he did not sign.

Had a no-hitter thru 8 1/3 in Brevard County in 2006 before surronding a triple.

His 188 strikeouts in 2006 lead all of the minor leagues.

Was the 2006 Brewers Minor League Player of the Year.  Also selected as a AA All-star that season and was part of the Baseball America 1st Team All-Star Team as the SP.

Rated by Baseball America as the #16 overall prospect in 2007.  Was the Brewers #4 prospect in 2006 and #1 prospect in 2007.  Rated to have the best curveball in 2007

2009 Leaders

123 - Amaury Rivas (Brevard County)
118 - Evan Anundsen (Brevard County)
118 - Wily Peralta (Wisconsin)

2000 - 2009 - Save Leaders

Here's a list of the top five save seasons for Brewer minor leaguers over the last 10 years:

35 - Bob Scanlan (yes, Bob Scanlan) 2000 (Indianapolis)
29 - Rob Wooten, 2009 (Brevard County 18 / Huntsville 11)
22 - Brian Mallette, 2002 (Indianapolis)
22 - Mike Rossiter, 2000  (Huntsville)
21 - Fontella Jones, 2001 (Beloit 18 / Mudville 3)
21 - Jim Henderson, 2009 (Wisconsin 17 / Brevard County 4 / Huntsville 0) 

This really shows how overvalued saves are in the minors as other than Wooten, this is far from a prospect laden group.  Consider this:

• Scanlan was 33, on his second tour with the Brewers and was released after the season. 
• Mallette was 27 and was traded after the season as a player to be named later for Ben Diggins
• Rossiter was 27, on his second tour in the Brewers minor leagues and was released after the season.  He had a 6.15 ERA along with those 22 saves.
• Jones was 25 and was released after the season.
• Henderson was 26 and was assigned to low A dispite spending parts of the previous two years with the Cubs AAA team.

A little more about the leader, Bob Scanlan

(Photo from tigerscentral.com

Drafted:                                  Drafted in 25th Round by Phillies 1984 from Harvard-Westlake HS in California.  He was one of three players drafted in that round to make it to the majors
How Acquired:                      The Brewers acquired him twice.  First in 1994 as part of a trade in which Mike Carter and Rafael Novoa were sent to the Cubs.  Signed as a free agent prior to the 2000 season
Years with Brewers:             3.  After 2000, Scanlan signed as a free agent with the Expos
Best Season:                         1992 - had a 2.89 ERA and 14 saves in 69 games for the Cubs.  In 2000 with the Brewers AAA team he posted a 1.79 ERA and the aforementioned 35 saves.
Last Professional Season:  2003 - Played in AA and AAA for Houston.  Posted a 1-9 record witha 3.75 ERA in AAA.
Major League Stats:             9 seasons, composite 20-34 record, 4.63 ERA in 290 games (39 starts). 
Other Notes of Interset:       

Scanlan was traded from the Phillies to the Cubs as part of the Mitch Williams trade in 1991.

Bob is currently a broadcaster for the Padres flag station.   

He was part of the January 2008 issue of San Diego Magazins as one of the "50 People to Watch in 2008"

Scanlan was a AAA and International League All-Star in 2000.

Scanlan is also a free-lance writer.  If you are interested in how he felt the 2006 Hall of Fame Ballot should have looked, click here.

Scanlan played for the Brewers in '94 and '95.  He pitched well in '94 after moving to the starting rotation posting a 3.68 ERA as a starter in 12 games.  In his last game as a Brewer in 1995, he surrendered 9 ER in 1.2 IP against the Red Sox and Roger Clemens.

2009 Leaders

29 - Wooten (Brevard County/Huntsville)
21 - Henderson (Wisconsin/Brevard County/Huntsville)
17 - Chris Smith (Nashville)

Honorable Mention:  Michael Fiers also put up 11 saves (in 22 games) between Helena, Wisconsin and Brevard County after being drafted in 2009.  He also had a 1.33 ERA and a 59/5 strikeout to walk ratio in 40 IP.

2000 - 2009 - ERA Leaders

Here's a list of the top five ERA seasons for Brewer minor leaguers over the last 10 years:

1.71 - Will Inman, 2006 (West Virginia)
1.81 - Chris Cody, 2008 (Brevard County 1.83 in 83 IP / West Virginia 1.74 in 31 IP)
1.86 - Yovani Gallardo, 2006 (Brevard County 2.09 in 77 IP / Huntsville 1.63 in 77 IP)
2.02 - Ben Hendrickson, 2004 (Indianapolis)
2.13 - Luis Martinez, 2003 (Huntsville 2.58 in 115 IP / Indianapolis 0.99 in 45 IP)

(minimum 100 IP)

A little more about the leader, Will Inman

(Photo from Jamie from LA's fickr site)Drafted:                                  Drafted in 3rd Round by Brewers in 2005 fron Tunstall HS in Virginia, the two prior picks, Micah Owings and Brian Duensing have spent time in the majors
How Acquired:                      Drafted by Brewers.  The first three picks that season were Braun, Inman and Gamel.  They also drafted (but did not sign) A's closer Andrew Bailey in teh 16th Round.
Years with Brewers:             3.  Traded to Padres along with Joe Thatcher and Steve Garrison for Scott Linebrink in July of 2007
Best Season:                         2006 - went 10-2 with a 1.71 ERA and a 134/24 strikeout to walk ratio and a 0.895 WHIP in 110.2 IP.
Last Professional Season:  Pitched in AA and AAA for the Padres in 2009.  Posted a line 7-9 record with a 4.79 ERA and 100/45 strikeout to walk ratio in 150 IP
Major League Stats:             None.  
Other Notes of Interset:       

Battlekow posted five fun facts about Will Inman on this site in 2007.

Inman was the #91 overall prospect in 2007, and was ranked as the Brewers #10 prospect in 2006 and #3 prospect in 2007.  Also noted as having the "best control" for the Brewers in 2007 and envisioned as being the future No. 4 starter.  Ranked as the Padres #7 prospect in 2008.

Participated in the Futures game in 2008.

Was a South Atlantic League and Low-A All-Star in 2006 and a Texas League All-Star in 2008.

2009 Leaders (min 100 IP)

2.60 - Michael Bowman (Wisconsin / Brevard County)
2.69 - Evan Anundsen (Brevard County)
2.97 - Josh Butler (Nashville, Huntsville, Brevard County, Arizona)

2000 - 2009 - Loss Leaders

Here's a list of the top loss seasons for Brewer minor leaguers over the last 10 years:

19 - Greg Kloosterman, 2005 (West Virginia)
14 - Khalid Ballouli, 2004 (High Desert)
13 - Chris Narveson, 2008 (Nashville)
13 - Matt Childers, 2001 (High Desert 11 / Huntsville 2)
12 - Dennis Sarfate, 2004 (Huntsville)
12 - Ben Hendrickson, 2005 (Nashville)
12 - Jeff Housman, 2005 (Nashville)

A little more about the leader, Greg Kloosterman 

Drafted:                                  Drafted in 9th Round by Brewers in 2003, two rounds prior to their pick of Adam Heather
How Acquired:                      Signed after being drafted.  Received a $85K signing bonus.
Years with Brewers:             3, before being released after the 2005 season.
Best Season:                         2003 - went 6-1 with a 3.28 ERA and a 76/23 strikeout to walk ratio in 68.2 IP.
Last Professional Season:  2005
Major League Stats:             None.  Kloosterman played in Beloit in 2004 and West Virginia in 2005.
Other Notes of Interset:       Greg was stabbed in an off the field altercation in Peoria in 2004.

Kloosterman was a small college All-American twice at Bethel College in Indiana.

Greg is currently part of the coaching staff at Illinois Slammers baseball and softball academy.  The staff also includes, among others, former Brewers minor leaguer Steve Sollman and catcher Gary Bennett.

Kloosterman was interviewed as part of a steroid story in 2007

2009 Leaders

14 - Trey Watten (Wisconsin)
11 - Cody Scarpetta (Wisconsin 11 / Huntsville 0)
10 - Lindsey Gulid (Nashville)
10 - Nick Green (Nashville 4 / Huntsville 6)
10 - Mark Holliman (Huntsville)

2000 - 2009 - Win Leaders

Here's a list of the top win seasons for Brewer minor leaguers over the last 10 years:

17 - Jose Mieses, 2000 (13 Beloit / 4 Mudville)
16 - Adam Pettyjohn, 2007 (4 Huntsville / 12 Nashville)
14 - Horacio Estrada, 2000 (Indianapolis)
13 - Derek Lee, 2000 (11 Huntsville / 2 Indianapolis)
13 - Travis Smith, 2000 (12 Huntsville / 1 Indianapolis)
13 - Matt Parker, 2001 (High Desert)
13 - Derek Lee, 2003 (11 Huntsville / 2 Indianapolis)
13 - RA Dickey, 2007 (Nashville)
13 - Chris Cody, 2009 (5 Huntsville / 8 Nashville)
13 - Amaury Rivas, 2009 (Brevard County)
13 - Dan Meadows, 2009 (Wisconsin)


A little more about the leader, Jose Mieses

 
Photo from Sportsplanet.com

Drafted:                                  Undrafted
How Acquired:                      Signed as an undrafted free agent by Brewers in 1996
Years with Brewers:             4, before being released in February 2003.  Played briefly with White Sox organization.
Best Season:                         2000 - went 17-7 with a 2.56 ERA and a 172/55 strikeout to walk ratio in 169 IP.
Last Professional Season:  2005 - Jose played with Nashua in the Independent League going 8-11 with a 5.89 ERA
Major League Stats:             None.  Mieses played parts of two seasons in AAA.
Other Notes of Interset:       Jose was rated by Baseball America as the Brewers #6 prospect in 2001 and #8 prospect in 2002.

Was a Pioneer League All-Star in 1999.

Jose got off to a fast start in 2001 with a 2.22 ERA and a 35/3 strikeout to walk ration in 24 IP for AA prior to being promoted to AAA.  Then injuries struck, first a fractured vertebre in his back, then had arm trouble and was never same again.

Jose's scouting report was as follows:

When healthy, Mieses is just plain tough. Though not armed with an overwhelming fastball, he mixes his pitches well and stays out of trouble with baserunners. Mieses has either a curveball or a palmball at his disposal on any given day and can work his low-90s fastball down and on the corners.

He was designated for assignment after the 2002 season when the Brewers claimed Scott Podsednik.

2009 Leaders

13 - Amaury Rivas (Brevard County)
13 - Chris Cody (Huntsville/Nashville)
13 - Dan Meadows (Wisconsin)

Before moving on to the pitching single season leaders, lets take one look back at the offensive leaders covered over the past few weeks:

AB               546     Steve Scarborough (High Desert - 2001)/Alcides Escobar (Huntsville 2008)
Runs          103     Jim Rushford (High Desert/Huntsville - 2001)
Hits             179     Alcides Escobar (Huntsville 2008)

Doubles      49      Brad Nelson (Beloit/High Desert - 2002)
Triples         15      Dave Krynzel (High Desert/Huntsville - 2002)
HR                32      Lance Burkhart (High Desert/Huntsville - 2001)

RBI              124     Vinny Rottino (Beloit - 2004)
Walks         104     Jon MacAlutas (Mudville - 2000)
Strikeouts  172     Brock Kjeldgaard (Wisconsin - 2009)

BA               0.360  Angel Salome (Huntsville - 2008)
OBP           0.442  Bobby Darula (Beloit/Huntsville - 2000)
SLG           0.605  Joe Dillon (Nashville - 2007)/Lance Burkhart (High Desert/Huntsville 2001)
SB               70      Eric Farris (Brevard County - 2009)

A couple of quick thoughts.  I found it surprising that almost every category had a different leader.  The teams from High Desert had quite a few of these leaders as one would have thought, but every level had at least one leader and other than West Virginia and Indianapolis, every team above rookie ball was represented at least once.

Also, along these lines Baseball America recently posted their 2009 minor league leaderboard.  Several Brewers were on that list:  Farris (tied for 3rd in steals) and Kjeldgaard (tied for 4th), Koshansky (10th) and Katin (tied for 11ths) were all in the top 15 in strikeouts.
 

2000 - 2009 - At Bat Leaders

Here's the last offensive list.  Admittedly, this list probably isn't the most interesting, but to make it you have to be a reasonably decent player to play everyday near the top of the lineup.  Oh yeah, and playing for a team that scores lots of runs doesn't hurt either.  Anyway, here's a list of the top 5 AB seasons for Brewer minor leaguers over the last 10 years:

546 - Steve Scarborough, 2001 (High Desert)
*546 - Alcides Escobar, 2008 (Huntsville)
540 - Callix Crabbe, 2004 (High Desert)
536 - Travis Hinton, 2004 (High Desert)
534 - Tony Gwynn Jr, 2004 (Huntsville)


* - Escobar also had 4 AB with the Brewers that season

Escobar was already profiled here, so here's  little more about the co-leader,Steve Scarborough

For a photo, see a picture of Steve, go to this story on the Nashville Sounds website

Drafted:                                  Drafted by the Rockies in the 19th round in 1996.  Did not sign. 
How Acquired:                      Drafted by the Brewers in teh 18th round in 1999 from Texas A&M after helping them to the college world series
Years with Brewers:              7 before leaving baseball after the 2005 season.
Best Season:                         2001 - Hit ..265/.358/.418 between AA and AAA.  In 2000 hit .255 but compiled 101 runs, 91 RBI, 36 2B and 14 HR while stealing 21 bases in High Desert.
Last Professional Season:  2005 - Scarborough played with Nashville in AAA
Major League Stats:             None.  Steve played parts of four seasons in AAA, hitting a composite .244/.315/.391
Other Notes of Interset:       Scarborough pitched in 7 games over two seasons in AAA.

Was second team All-Big 12 in 1999 when he hit .326 for Texax A&M.

Was an all-star shortstop in AA Huntsville in 2002.

Scarborough tied a California League record in 2001 with four doubles in one game.

To listen to an interview with Steve from the Nashville pregame show in 2005 focusing on Texas trivia and a little bit of baseball, go here.

If you're in the listening mode, here are the end of the season highlights from the Sounds broadcast including some from Scarborough, Fielder, Weeks and Trent Durrington stealing home.

After baseball, Steve went to work for an engineering company in the petroleum industry.

2009 Leaders

491 - Lee Haydel (Brevard County)
488 - Adam Stern (464 Huntsville / 84 Nashville)
480 - Logan Schafer (457 Brevard County / 23 Huntsville)

2000 - 2009 - On Base Percentage Leaders

Here's a list of the top 5 OBP seasons for Brewer minor leaguers over the last 10 years:

0.442 - Bobby Darula, 2000 (0.491 in 237 AB with Beloit / 0.333 in 117 AB with Huntsville)
0.438 - Jim Rushford, 2001 (0.449 in 259 AB with High Desert / 0.422 in 187 AB with Huntsville)
0.414 - Peter Zoccolillo, 2002 (0.436 in 161 AB with High Desert / 0.399 in 227 AB with Huntsville)
0.409 - Prince Fielder, 2003 (Beloit)
*0.405 - Joe Dillon, 2007 (Nashville)


* - Dillon had a OBP of 0.390 in 76 AB with the Brewers that season

A little more about the leader, Bobby Darula

 
Photo from Grenwich Post

Drafted:                                  Undrafted
How Acquired:                      Signed as an undrafted free agent by Brewers in 1996
Years with Brewers:              6, before being released after the 2001 season.  Signed by Reds.
Best Season:                         2000 - Hit .336/.442/.458 with 73 R and 19 SB between A and AA.  Also hit .304/.395/.422 with 75 RBI and 19 SB in 1999.
Last Professional Season:  2008 - Darula played with Bridgeport in the Independent League
Major League Stats:             None.  Darula played parts of four seasons in AAA, hitting a composite .303/.370/.403
Other Notes of Interset:       Darula had some thoughts of pursuing an acting career.

Bobby was part of post-season All Star team as a catcher in the Pioneer league in 1997 and as an outfielder in the Southern League in 2002.

Darula appeared at C, 1B, 2B, 3B, and all three outfield positions during his time with the Brewers in the minor leagues.

2009 Leaders

0.396 - Adam Heether (0.400 in 379 AB with Nashville / 0.356 in 40 AB with Huntsville)
0.380 - Jonathon Lucroy (Huntsville)
0.370 - Drew Anderson (0.376 in 389 AB with Huntsville / 0.222 in 16 AB with Nashville)

Honorable Mention:  0.364 - Corey Kemp had an OBP of 0.376 with Wisconsin before going 0-16 with Huntsville.

Here's a list of the top 5 slugging percentage seasons for Brewer minor leaguers over the last 10 years (min 350 PA):

*0.605 - Joe Dillon (Nashville 2007)
0.605 - Lance Burkhart (0.678 in 233 AB for High Desert / 0.506 in 170 AB for Huntsville - 2001)
0.594 - Jim Rushford (0.625 in 259 AB for High Desert / 0.455 in 187 AB for Huntsville - 2001)
**0.569 - Prince Fielder (Nashville 2005)
0.553 - Jeff Deardorff (0.554 in 260 AB for High Desert / 0.552 in 201 AB for Huntsville - 2001)

*Dillon also slugged 0.500 in 76 AB for Milwaukee that season.
**Fielder also slugged 0.458 in 59 AB with Milwaukee that season.

A little more about the leader, Joe Dillon

(photo from the mlb.com)

Drafted:                                   Drafted by the Royals in the 7th Round in 1997 from Texas Tech University
How Acquired:                       Signed by Brewers as a free agent during spring training after being released by the Marlins.
Years with Brewers:              2.  Claimed on waivers by Oakland after the 2008 season.
Best Season:                         2004 - Hit .329/.406/.669 with 46 doubles, 39 HR and 117 RBI between AA and AAA for the Marlins. 
Last Professional Season:  Traded by Oakland to Tampa for Adam Kennedy.  Split 2009 between Tampa Bay and Durham (AAA).  Hit .244/.340/.333 in AAA. 
Other Notes of Interset:        Dillon has spent time in the following organizations:  Kansas City, Minnesota, Florida, Yomuri Giants, Milwaukee, Oakland, and Tampa Bay.

Joe is the single season HR leader at Texas Tech with 33 in 1997.

Dillon started 21 games for the Brewers over two season at 5 different positions. (1B, 2B, 3B, LF and RF)

Dillon retired and did not play due to back problems in 2003 and 2004.  During that time he coached for Texas Tech University.

2009 Leaders (min 350 PA)

0.506 - Adam Heather (0.501 Nashville / 0.550 Huntsville)
0.499 - Brendan Katin (Nashville)
0.459 - Caleb Gindl (Brevard County)

Here's a list of the top 5 batting average seasons for Brewer minor leaguers over the last 10 years (min 350 PA):

*0.360 - Angel Salome (Huntsville 2008)
0.354 - Jim Rushford (0.363 in 259 AB in High Desert / 0.342 in 187 AB in Huntsville - 2001)
0.345 - Andrew Lefave (West Virginia 2007)
0.336 - Bobby Darula (0.384 in 237 AB in Beloit / 0.239 in 117 AB in Huntsville - 2000)
0.335 - Eric Fryer (West Virginia 2008)

*Salome went 0-3 for Milwaukee that season.

A little more about the leader, Angel Salome

(photo from the Yahoo!)

Drafted:                                   Drafted in the 5th Round in 2004
How Acquired:                       Drafted by Brewers
Years with Brewers:              5
Best Season:                         2008 - Hit .360/.451/.559 for Huntsville with 83 RBI. 
Last Professional Season:  Played in Nashville in 2009 hitting .286/.334/.413
Other Notes of Interset:        Salome was drafted two picks ahead of Paul Janish, the immortal pitcher/shortstop for the Reds.

For more interesting tidbits on Salome, see this post from 2007.

Ranked #5 prospect in the Brewers system by Baseball America after the 2008 season.
Ranked #8 prospect in the Brewers system by Baseball America after the 2007 season.
Noted as the "Best Defensive Catcher" in the Brewers system by Baseball America after the 2004 season.

2009 Leaders (min 350 PA)

0.316 - Jason Bourgeois (Nashville)
0.311 - Hernan Iribarren (Nashville)
0.308 - Logan Schafer (0.313 in 457 AB for Brevard County / 0.217 in 23 AB for Huntsville)

Honorable Mention: 0.345 by Sean Halton in just under 300 PA between Helena and Arizona

2000 - 2009 - Stolen Bases

Here's a list of the top 5 stolen base seasons for Brewer minor leaguers over the last 10 years:

70 - Eric Farris (Brevard County 2009)
69 - Darren Ford (West Virginia 2006)
67 - Darren Ford (West Virginia 31/Brevard County 36 - 2007)
67 - Chris Morris (High Desert 2003)
55 - Kenard Bibbs (Beloit 2005)

Also of note, Darren Ford had 48 steals for Brevard County at the time of his trade to the Giants in 2008.  He finished that season with a combined total of 92.

A little more about the leader, Eric Farris

(photo from the Loyola Marymount University website)

Drafted:                                   Originally drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 42nd Round in 2004 out of high school.  Did not sign
How Acquired:                       Drafted by Brewers in the 4th round in 2007
Years with Brewers:              3
Best Season:                          2007 - Hit .326/.369/.423 for Helena with 21 SB in 63 games.
Last Professional Season:  Played in Brevard County in 2009 hitting .298/.341/.385
Other Notes of Interset:        Farris played in the Cape Cod League in 2006 and was ranked the #54 overall prospect (#1 was Matt Weiters).  His scouting report was:

SCOUTING REPORT: The athletic Farris is your prototypical leadoff hitter. His 17 stolen bases tied for the league lead and he drove the ball all over the park while hitting .298, seventh-best in the league. He was selected the league’s all-star second baseman—as much for his defense as his offense. He projects as a leadoff hitter at the next level.

 2009 Leaders

70 - Farris (Brevard County)
*42 - Alcides Escobar (Nashville)     *Escobar has also stolen 2 for the Brewers
39 - Lee Haydel (Brevard County)

Honorable Mention: 38 - Josh Prince (Helena/Wisconsin) in 67 games.

2000 - 2009 - Strikeout Leaders (for hitters)

Here's a list of the top 5 strikeout seasons for Brewer minor leaguer hitters over the last 10 years:

173 - Brock Kjeldgaard (Wisconsin 2009)
170 - Brent Brewer (West Virginia 2007)
166 - Joe Koshansky (Nashville 2009)
164 - Brendan Katin (Nashville 2009)
163 - Brendan Katin (Huntsville 2007)

That's a whole lot of whiffs in 2007 and 2009.

A little more about the leader, Riley "Brock" Kjeldgaard

(photo from the Helena Independet Record)

Drafted:                                   Drafted as a P in the 34th Round of the 2005 draft (1015th overall) out of Indian Hills Community College in Iowa
How Acquired:                       Drafted by Brewers
Years with Brewers:              4, currently played in low-A in 2009.
Best Season:                          As a batter, 2009 - hit .250/.342/.458 with 30 doubles and 20 HR.
                                                  As a pitcher, 2006 - 5.29 ERA in 49.1 IP
Other Notes of Interset:        Kjeldgaard is originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Kjeldgaard spent three seasons in Helena (2 as a pitcher and 1 as a hitter).  If he would have combined his talents he could have been the Brooks Kieschniek of the Pioneer League (power hitting firstbaseman/outfielder with a lot of strikeouts and homeruns combined with so-so pitching)  His position switch is outlined here

2009 Leaders, all outlined above

173 - Kjeldgaard
166 - Koshansky
164 - Katin

2000 - 2009 - Walk Leaders

Here's a list of the top 5 walk seasons for Brewer minor leaguers over the last 10 years:

104 - Jon MacAlutas (Mudville 2000)
78 - Jonathan Lucroy (Huntsville 2009)
76 - Tony Gwynn Jr. (Huntsville 2005)
75 - Cole Gillespie (Huntsville 2008)
*73 - Brad Nelson (Nashville 2008)

*Nelson also had 1 walk for Milwaukee in 2008.

A little more about the leader, Jon MacAlutas 

(photo from the Chico Outlaws website)

Drafted:                                   Undrafted.  Brewers purchased his contract from the independent leagues in 1996 after playing only two games with Salina.
How Acquired:                       Purchased Contract 
Years with Brewers:              6, released by Brewers after 2000 season.  Signed by the Marlins, but released after spring training.  Played two more seasons in the independent leagues.  Reached AA during the 1999 season.
Best Season:                          1997 - Hit .293/.369/.483 with 14 HR and 71 RBI with Beloit and Stockton in 1997
Last Professional Season:  2002 with the Chico Heat in the Independent League
Other Notes of Interset:        MacAlutas has also been the hitting coach and was the manager of the Chico Outlaws in 2008 before resigning after the season.

Jon opened a baseball school in Chico California.

2009 Leaders

78 - Lucroy (Huntsville)
64 - Joe Koshansky (Nashville)
60 - Kevin Melillo (Huntsville)
60 - Zelous Wheeler (Brevard County)

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