The last time there was this much interest in the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers , Alex Rodriguez came through Appleton for a short stint the the Seattle Mariners Class "A" affiliate.
The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are now the Class "A" affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and the Brewers organization has loaded the Timber Rattlers with talent. It starts with the organization's top draft pick, Brett Lawrie. The Canadian star is moving from catcher to second base and will start there for the Timber Rattlers in their home opener tonight against Quad Cities. Lawrie is rated by Baseball America as the 3rd best prospect in the Brewers organization.
Outfielder Cutter Dykstra, the son of former Major Leaguer Lenny Dykstra, was a second round pick of the Brewers in 2008. He's rated as the 7th best prospect in the Brewers organization.
The pitching staff features eight players drafted in the top twelve rounds of the Major League Draft. That group includes 2008 Supplemental 1st round left handed pitcher Evan Frederickson and 2008 second round choice, right hander Cody Adams.
With all that talent, Northeastern Wisconsin Sports fans want to find out just how good these future Brewers are. Tonight's season opener is sold out. Around 5,500 fans will pack Fox Cities Stadium, which smashes the old opening day attendance record by more than 2,000 fans.
Jeff Isom (pictured) will manage this young group of stars. The fans will want to see these players stick around all season, but it'll be Isom's job to see them move up as quickly as possible.
Listen / Download – Bill Scott on the Timber Rattlers opening their season tonight. 1:15
Listen / Download – Mgr. Jeff Isom talks with reporters 6:48