Getting to know them

MiLB.com has their Brewer Minor League flashback and recap of their 2008 preview posted.

First, FLASHBACK! For the purposes of this post, I will focus on the highlights of the Helena Brewers. That is the team that -- most likely -- had the most Future Rattlers on it.

July 1 -- Mike Roberts made a seamless transition from college as he homered and drove in five runs in his professional debut to power the Helena Brewers past the Missoula Osprey, 15-8.

Aug. 13 -- Erik Komatsu homered twice and collected a career-high six RBIs, powering Helena to a 10-4 triumph over the Ogden Raptors.

Aug. 25 -- Efrain Nieves and Garrett Sherrill combined on a one-hitter and Cutter Dykstra hit a two-run homer as Helena blanked the Great Falls Voyagers, 2-0.

The plan is to have a more in-depth look at the Helena Brewers at some point before April 9, 2009. We'll see how that goes.

To the RECAP of their PREVIEW, which at the end has a 2008 draft RECAP! which mainly has a focus on (possible) future Rattlers.

1. Brett Lawrie, C: Lawrie signed his first pro contract then promptly jetted off to China to play for the Canadian Olympic team. He went 0-for-10 and drove in a pair of runs. He also participated in Milwaukee's instructional league program in Arizona.

2. Jacob Odorizzi, RHP: Odorizzi was 1-2 with a 3.48 ERA in 11 Arizona League appearances (four starts). He struck out 19 over 20 2/3 innings.

3. Evan Frederickson, LHP: Frederickson was 0-1 with a 5.06 ERA while splitting time between the Pioneer and Sally Leagues. He appeared in 12 games, started seven of them and pitched a total of 32 innings, striking out 34 and walking 31.

Others of note: RHP Seth Lintz (53rd overall selection) was 0-3 with a 6.87 ERA in nine games (six starts), striking out 26 over 18 1/3 innings. ... OF Cutter Dykstra (54th selection), son of former Major League Lenny Dykstra, hit .271 while splitting 48 games between the Arizona League and Helena of the Pioneer League. He had five homers, 17 RBIs and four steals while dealing with a minor groin issue. ... RHP Trey Watten (218th selection) was 3-2 with a 5.40 ERA over 15 games (10 starts) for Helena. He had a 2.25 ERA in 12 innings of relief. ... RHP Robert Wooten (398th selection) was 1-0 with a 1.71 ERA in 14 games split between Helena and West Virginia. He struck out 44 and walked six in 31 2/3 innings.

This review page shows a few things. Like the records of Helena (35-41) and the Arizona League Brewers (12-42). Plus, the various players of the week in the respective leagues. No Helena Brewer hitters were Offensive Players of the Week. BUT, Efraim Nieves won the Pioneer League Pitcher of the Week award twice and Lucas Luetge won it once.