Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011
Stellar effort:

Dragons starter Chen Wei-yin fans 11 batters in eight innings and holds the Hawks to four hits in Game 1 of the Japan Series on Saturday. KYODO

Dragons' Koike smacks game-winning blast in 10th

By JASON COSKREY Staff writer

FUKUOKA —

Masaaki Koike didn't get all of Takahiro Mahara's forkball in the 10th inning, but he got enough it. And that's all the Chunichi Dragons needed.
Decisive play:

The Dragons' Masaaki Koike hits a 10th-inning solo home run in Game 1 of the Japan Series on Saturday at Yahoo Dome. Chunichi beat Fukuoka Softbank 2-1. KYODO

Dragons starter Chen Wei-yin had one of his best outings of the year, Kazuhiro Wada backed him with a game-tying solo homer in the fourth, and Koike provided the difference in the 10th to give the Dragons a 2-1 win over the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks in Game 1 of the Japan Series on Saturday at Yahoo Dome.

"It was a very intense game to watch from the bench," Dragons manager Hiromitsu Ochiai said. "I knew the players did not want to lose, and I told them to enjoy themselves."

The win gives the Dragons a 1-0 lead in the series. They put themselves in the driver's seat by winning without using their top pitcher, Kazuki Yoshimi. Instead, Yoshimi will be pitching to give Chunichi 2-0 series lead if he starts Sunday's Game 2.

The Dragons can thank Chen for helping to put them in this position.

After an up-and-down year to this point, Chen saved his best for the biggest stage. He survived a shaky start to throw eight innings of one-run ball, allowing four hits and striking out 11. He held the Hawks hitless after giving up an RBI single to Yuya Hasegawa with two outs in the fourth.

"I wasn't particularly good early in the game, but got gradually better," Chen said.

"My fastball, in particular, got better. (Catcher Motonobu) Tanishige-san helped me a lot as well. I was focusing on every single pitch, every single batter I faced. Even if I allowed a hit, I was able to retire the next batter."

Chen didn't factor into the decision.

"Both pitchers were throwing well and deserved to win," Kazuhiro Wada said, referring to Chen and Hawks starter Tsuyoshi Wada. "We really wanted to win it for Chen. It's too bad he could not get the victory."

For awhile it looked like he would get the loss. Softbank's Wada was on top his game as well, taking a 1-0 lead and a no-hitter into the seventh. In that frame, however, he gave up a tying homer to the Dragons' Wada that let Chen off the hook.

The Hawks left-hander, who also didn't get a decision, allowed one run on two hits and struck out eight over eight innings.

"They haven't changed since the interleague season, so I don't have any special impression of them," Wada said of the Chunichi offense. "Chen was good as well, so I expected it would be a one-run game."

Dragons reliever Takuya Asao worked the ninth then recorded the first two outs of the 10th earn the win. Hitoki Iwase struck out Munenori Kawasaki for the final out and the save.

"This was a season for the pitcher, and we played our game today with great pitching from the starters to the relievers," Ochiai said.

Mahara was charged with the loss after allowing Koike's blast in the 10th.

"It was a 2-1 count, right?" Hawks manager Koji Akiyama asked after the game. "I don't think he (Mahara) was loose though. But we don't make any excuses.

"We predicted the game would be like this since their pitchers are also good."

Softbank, Japan' second highest scoring offense during the regular season, had an off day at the plate. The Hawks were held to just four singles, none coming after the fourth. They scored their only run in the fourth, when Hasegawa stepped to the plate with runners on first and second and delivered an RBI single.

"I was thinking of being patient and didn't mind if I was walked," Hasegawa said. "The ball went in a good direction."

The lead held up until Chunichi's Wada tied the score with his home run to left.

"I only tried to swing the bat hard," the veteran slugger said.

Three innings later, Koike put his team on top with his go-ahead blast.

"I hit a forkball," Koike said. "On a previous at-bat, I swung and missed on that pitch. It came in low, and I was able to lift it."

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Monday, Nov. 14, 2011

Dragons take Game 2, halfway to the series title

By JASON COSKREY Staff writer

The Chunichi Dragons just don't know how to do anything the easy way. Which is a bit ironic, since their path to the Japan Series title just got a whole lot clearer.


Deja vu:

Dragons third baseman Masahiko Morino hits a go-ahead RBI single in the 10th inning off Hawks reliever Takahiro Mahara on Sunday during Game 2 of the Japan Series in Fukuoka. The Dragons won 2-1 to take a 2-0 series lead. KYODO PHOTO

Masahiko Morino lined a go-ahead single into left during the 10th inning and the Dragons victimized reliever Takahiro Mahara for the second straight night on their way to edging the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks 2-1 in Game 2 of the Japan Series on Sunday at Yahoo Dome.

"These are tough games, especially for us as the visiting team, but we got it done last night and again tonight," Morino said.

After beating the Hawks 2-1 in extra innings in consecutive games, the Dragons are halfway to the title. They lead the series 2-0 and are scheduled to play the next three games at home in Nagoya Dome.

"I'm just happy we won," Dragons manager Hiromitsu Ochiai said. "We played similar games last year in the Japan Series and lost."

In Game 1, it was Masaaki Koike's homer in the 10th against Mahara that propelled Chunichi to the win. Things were a little harder on Sunday.

Mahara began the 10th by retiring the first two batters he faced. Masahiro Araki kept the Dragons alive with an infield single and Hirokazu Ibata drew a walk to extend the inning. That brought Morino to the plate, and his hit was enough to score Araki from second.

"Our number one and two hitters set the table and, with two outs, I was just trying to punch a ball through the infield," Morino said. "It did not matter where I hit it."

Offense was hard to come by for much of the night, with Dragons pitcher Kazuki Yoshimi and Hawks starter Toshiya Sugiuchi both working on shutouts entering the seventh.

Morino led off Chunichi's half of the inning with a double. Sugiuchi then struck out Tony Blanco, walked Kazuhiro Wada and fanned Koike. The next batter, Ryosuke Hirata, broke the deadlock with an RBI double that just missed landing in the seats in left field and put the Dragons ahead 1-0.

"I was anxious to come through in that situation, so I went for the first pitch," Hirata said. "Luckily, I hit it well."

Singles by Yuya Hasegawa and Hitoshi Tamura got the Hawks going in the bottom half. Shuhei Fukuda moved the runners over with a sacrifice bunt and pinch hitter Nobuhiko Matsunaka drew a walk to load the bases.

That spelled the end for Yoshimi. He was relieved by Takuya Asao, who stepped into a volatile situation with Munenori Kawasaki at the plate.

The Softbank shortstop won the battle, tying the game with an RBI single.

"It didn't matter what kind of pitch he threw, I was going to make contact by any means," Kawasaki said. "It was a chance that the guys, starting with Matsunaka-san, created, so there was no way I wanted to waste it."

Asao retired the next two batters to leave the bases loaded and keep his team in the game.

Asao worked a hitless eighth before being relieved by Masafumi Hirai in the ninth. Hirai retired all three batters he faced and Hitoki Iwase closed out the game in the 10th. Hirai was credited with the win while Iwase picked up his second save of the series.

"In tight games like this, the difference for us is Asao and Iwase, and that's how it played out," Ochiai said.

Yoshimi went 6 1/3 innings, allowing one run on seven hits and striking out four. Sugiuchi threw 7 2/3 innings of one-run ball, giving up five hits and striking out five. Neither starter factored into the decision. Mahara took the loss for Softbank.

Winning both games in Fukuoka gives the Dragons a chance to clinch the series at home in Nagoya. That would be extra special considering Ochiai is in his final days as the team's manager.

The club announced earlier in the year Ochiai would not be retained after his contract expires this season.

"I have nothing to say about that yet but will comment when the time comes," Ochiai said.

The way his team is playing, that time may be approaching sooner than expected.

"The doage (victory toss) in front of the home fans would be a good send-off present for our manager," Morino said.

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Panamanian Winter League
Wright had his worst start of the wnter barely able to escape the first inning. Otherwise, he's been doing a nice job.

Marlins' manager, Ozzie Guillen drew up his Christmas list of gifts and at the top is the name of a Cuban slugger: Yoenis Céspedes.

Guillen, new manager of Miami, traveled Thursday to the Dominican Republic to observe a training Cuban defector, whose name sounds like a major free agent in the coming months.

"It's a very complete guy has a pretty big future. I hope he comes and stays with the Marlins," Guillen said to reporters after the end of Dominican presentation of Cuban outfielder.

With Guillen went to the city of Santiago, about 150 kilometers north of the Dominican capital, team president David Samson, general manager Larry Beinfest, Cuban Tony Perez and other executives of the organization.

"We're going through a process that many people are going thru(to compete for his services). We hope to resolve the problems to be solved in order to improve their lives," he said.

Cespedes, 26, defected from Cuba in mid-July and settled in the Dominican Republic, where he has his residence before being declared a free agent by Major League Baseball.

Who remembers Céspedes to Guillen?

"He's much better than many who are there in the big leagues. I like to compare, and I can compare to what was (outfielder) Raul Mondesi" he said.

Céspedes has generated the attention of the baseball world and has already been noted by New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Giants and Marlins.

His coach and advisor, Edgar Mercedes, told The Associated Press that next week he will be observed by personnel in Philadelphia, Boston and Washington

Guillen also talked about the utility Dominican Emilio Bonifacio, who excelled last season with the Marlins.

"Bonifacio has a secure job, even if the receiver. This guy is very versatile," he said.

Also commented on the visit of the free agent shortstop Jose Reyes on Wednesday the new Marlins stadium.

"I've always liked Reyes as a player. I hope the business with the Marlins is good for him in the team, but Hanley Ramirez is the leading figure in the team. He is the man the Marlins franchise." said.

Reyes hiring, the Marlins could move from shortstop Ramirez to third base next season

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Garcia sparks Tigres to sixth straight win

Cardinals infield prospect collects four hits, scores twice

Venezuelan Winter League

Aragua 10, La Guaira 3

Cardinals prospect Jose Garcia went 4-for-5 and scored twice to lead the Tigres to their sixth straight win. Former Minor Leaguer Ramon Castro also had four hits, including a pair of doubles, scored three runs and drove in one for Aragua, while Vinny Rottino collected three RBIs. White Sox farmhand Jose Martinez had two hits and scored a run for the Tiburones.

Magallanes 2, Caracas 1

Angels right-hander Jerome Williams allowed a run on four hits over seven innings for his league-leading fifth win as the Navegantes remained atop the standings. Nationals catcher Jesus Flores had two hits and an RBI for Magallanes, while Padres outfielder Jesus Guzman drove in the lone run for the Leones.
Jose Garcia hit .320 with five homers, 43 RBIs and 21 stolen bases at two Minor League levels this season. (Shawn E. Davis/MiLB.com)

Caribes 4, Zulia 3

Angels prospect Alexi Amarista drew three walks and scored on an error in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Caribes ended the Aguilas' four-game winning streak. Jose Gil went 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored for Anzoategui, while fellow Yankees prospect Jose Pirela homered in a losing cause.

Margarita 3, Lara 1

Major League veteran Yusmeiro Petit pitched a six-hitter for the league's second complete game of the season as the Bravos shut down the Cardenales. Diamondbacks catcher Henry Blanco went 2-for-3 with an RBI for Margarita, while former big leaguer Robert Perez doubled home the lone run for Lara.

Dominican Winter League

Licey 10, Escogido 5

Big league veteran Wily Mo Peña went 2-for-3 with three RBIs and two runs scored as the Tigres took sole possession of first place. Indians farmhand Jerad Head also had two hits and scored twice for Licey, which got six solid innings from Royals prospect Mario Santiago. Nationals prospect Eury Perez collected three hits, including a two-run triple, for Escogido.

Estrellas 9, Toros 3

Major League free agent Felix Pie fell a homer shy of the cycle, drove in three runs and scored three times as the Estrellas pulled away for their second straight win. Astros right-hander Henry Sosa got the win, limiting the Toros to an unearned run on three hits over 5 2/3 innings. Pirates infielder Pedro Ciriaco had two hits and scored twice in a losing effort.

Gigantes 8, Aguilas 4

Phillies infielder Wilson Valdez and Rays prospect Nevin Ashley slugged three-run homers, powering the last-place Gigantes to their second win in a row. Rays infielder Elliot Johnson scored twice for Cibao, while Hector Luna and Mets catching prospect Francisco Peña went deep for the Aguilas.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Carolina 8, Caguas 7

Marlins farmhand Jeff Dominguez hit a grand slam and drove in five runs as the last-place Gigantes avoided a third straight loss. Former Major Leaguer Hiram Bocachica added a pair of RBIs for Carolina, while big league veteran Carlos Rivera and Royals prospect Rey Navarro homered for the Criollos.

Ponce 5, Mayaguez 4

Brewers prospect Sergio Miranda went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, an RBI and a run scored as the Leones edged the Indios. Minor League veteran Orlando Mercado snapped an eighth-inning tie with a sacrifice fly and former Major Leaguer Luis Matos also had three hits for Ponce. Rangers prospect Jose Ruiz smacked his third homer for Mayaguez.

Mexican Pacific League

Hermosillo 8, Los Mochis 4

Former Major Leaguer Erubiel Durazo homered and drove in four runs to help the Naranjeros end the Cañeros' five-game winning streak. Nationals Minor Leaguer Zech Zinicola tossed two scoreless innings out of the bullpen for Hermosillo, while Mets prospect Juan Carlos Gamboa homered, doubled and scored twice for Los Mochis.

Mexicali 2, Obregon 1

Angels prospect Ricky Alvarez drew a bases-loaded walk in the seventh inning as the first-place Aguilas held on for their third straight win. Former big leaguer Chris Roberson provide the rest of Mexicali's offense with a leadoff homer in the fourth. Ex-Braves farmhand Iker Franco went 2-for-2 with an RBI single and a walk for the Yaquis.

Culiacan 7, Navojoa 5

Former Minor Leaguer Jesus Cota hit a pinch grand slam in the eighth inning to keep the Tomateros tied for first place. Major League veteran Alexis Gomez contributed two hits and two RBIs for Culiacan, while ex-Brewers farmhand Steve Moss homered and drove in three runs for Navojoa.

Mazatlan 9, Guasave 4

Blue Jays Minor Leaguer Kevin Howard went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored as the Venados handed the Algodoñeros their 10th consecutive loss. Former Major Leaguer Ruben Rivera hit a three-run homer and Jose Orozco added a solo shot in Mazatlan's third straight win. Former Padres prospect Jesus Lopez smacked a two-run homer for Guasave.

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Australian Baseball League

•Andrew Campbell (DH, Brisbane Bandits): 1-for-3, 2B. The Australian Baseball League kicked off play a week ago and the Indians have one player in their farm system playing out there….Andrew Campbell. The 19-year old infielder is not a well known prospect as he has been in the Indians organization for almost 3 years since being signed in December of 2008, but he finally got a chance to play stateside this year at rookie level Arizona and played in 29 games and hit .265/.363/.306.

Dominican Winter League

•Jerad Head (RF, Tigres del Licey): 2-for-4, 2 R, 3B, RBI. The Indians have a lot of outfield depth at the big league and Triple-A level, so even though there is mutual respect between player and team it would be a surprise if Head – who is a minor league free agent - resigns with the Indians this offseason.

Venezuelan Winter League

•Ezequiel Carrera (CF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 0-for-3. Carrera is still having a solid fall so far in Venezuela, but his 3-for-20 stretch his last 4 games is leveling out some hot numbers he had at the outset.

•Luis Valbuena (2B, Cardenales de Lara): 0-for-2, BB, K. Valbuena is hitting just .242 (8-for-33) in his last 10 games, but thanks to 8 walks in those 10 games he has a very good .390 on-base percentage.

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Cubs to work out Cuban star Cespedes

By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com | 11/13/11 11:05 AM EST

If you haven't heard of Yoenis Cespedes, you will soon.

The Cubs will have a private workout with the 26-year-old outfielder, who is considered to be the best player in a generation to come out of Cuba. The Cubs will have plenty of competition if they decide to pursue the five-tool outfielder. The Red Sox, Phillies, Indians, Blue Jays, Pirates, Rangers, Tigers, Nationals, Athletics, Marlins and Yankees are reportedly interested in him as well, and he worked out for the Marlins front office on Thursday.

Cespedes (pronounced SES-peh-des) played on the Cuban national team and has been training in the Dominican Republic. A right-handed hitter, he set Cuba's single-season home run record this past season, with 33, his record-setting blast coming on a grand slam. The record was matched on the season's last day by Jose Dariel Abreu.

Stephen Wright is not a prospect. He pitched at nearly all levels of the farm system in 2011 not doing well anywhere. He's been trying to become a knuckleball pitcher since nothing else has worked.

He's also not a bad stand-up comic.

Chinese Taipei/Indians prospect Chun-Hsiu Chen under watchful eye of MLB in 2011 Taiwan Series

Performing slightly behind Chinese Taipei national teammate and Red Sox prospect Che-Hsuan Lin in the recently played five game 2011 Taiwan All-Star Series against the MLB All-Stars, Cleveland Indians top ten prospect Chun-Hsiu Chen hit .250 (4 for 16) with a double, RBI and two runs scored.

Switching off between duties behind the plate as catcher and designated hitter for the Chinese-Taipei national team, the Taiwanese-born 23-year old Chen was on a tight leash held cautiously by Cleveland Indians scouting operations assistant Jason Lynn, who monitored his use in the exhibition series and kept an eye out for emerging talent. Protecting his team’s prized jewel, Lynn explained: “He’s an important player for us. Certainly there’s some development left for him, but I think he’s got a pretty promising future ahead of him if he continues to get better.”

With the much publicized early 2011 season-ending injury to San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey and the similar fate suffered in 2010 to Indians backstop Carlos Santana after plummeting collisions at the plate, Cleveland had every right to be concerned about Chen’s safety. In fact, Chun-Hsiu Chen’s imminent rise to join the ranks in the Major Leagues is a form of protection for Cleveland Indians everyday catcher Carlos Santana, who also saw his share of appearances as designated hitter and first baseman this past season. Promoting Chen as Santana’s backup and MLB teammate would increase the longevity of both players over the course of their careers.

Signed by the Indians as a high-profile free agent in September 2007, Chen was originally a third baseman and pitcher in Taiwan. Converted to a catcher for his powerful arm since then, Chun-Hsiu Chen quickly took to the position as demonstrated by his 37% success rate in throwing out potential base stealers in 2010.

Ascending up the Single-A/Advanced ranks with an impressive .315 batting average, Chen fast became a breakout player in the Cleveland organization and finished second in batting in the Indians farm system. Named to the 2010 Futures All-Star Game, Chun-Hsiu Chen was promoted to Double-A Akron in 2011.

Driving in 70 runs and setting a record for an Indians catcher with his 16 home runs, Chen racked up enough power numbers to be selected to represent the West Division in the 2011 Eastern League All-Star Game.

Recently chosen as Indians Prospect Insider.com Hitter of the Year, one could certainly make a case for Chen’s immediate promotion to AAA Columbus next year. However, should Chun-Hsiu Chen continue to pulverize Minor League pitching, it won’t be too long before we see him calling games for the likes of Ubaldo Jimenez and Justin Masterson at Progressive Field in Cleveland.

seagull wrote:He's also not a bad stand-up comic.

Back in the late 80's and early 90's, I used to laugh my arse off watching Steven Wright.

When my brother was married his first time back in I think '88 or '89, he invited everyone up into his wedding suite at the reception hotel to watch a Steven Wright special on cable.

That was my first clue, post marriage, he should not have gotten married.

I had many clues before .

I should have come up with a monotone delivery of my thoughts so he might consider my thoughts and opinions, pre-marriage.

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Navegantes' Butler makes debut in style
Rangers farmhand plates three runs in his first game of season

Venezuelan Winter League

Magallanes 6, La Guaira 4

Rangers prospect Joey Butler was 3-for-4 with three RBIs in his season debut for the first-place Navegantes.

Selected in the 15th round of the 2008 Draft, Butler got off to a quick start by doubling home a pair of runs in the first inning. The 25-year-old outfielder singled two frames later and smacked an RBI triple in the fifth. Butler struck out in the seventh, ending his bid for a cycle.

Joey Butler batted .313 with 14 homers and 15 stolen bases in 126 Minor League games in 2011. (Jamie Harms/MiLB.com)Butler had a productive season in 2011, batting .313 in 126 Minor League games with 14 homers and 61 RBIs. He was named to the Pacific Coast League Postseason All-Star team after posting an .881 OPS for the Triple-A Round Rock Express.

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve continued his red-hot Winter Ball campaign, going 4-for-4 with two runs scored. The 21-year-old Venezuelan is batting .412 and is currently riding a six-game hitting streak for the Navegantes.

Former Blue Jays prospect Gabriel Alfaro was credited with his first win, allowing two hits while fanning five over three scoreless innings.

Giants catching prospect Hector Sanchez doubled and scored a run for the Tiburones. Box score

Slow night for winter baseball as Monday is normally a scheduled day off and a day where most teams make up any rainout dates.

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Venezuelan Winter League

•Ezequiel Carrera (CF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 2-for-4, R, 3B, 1 K. After dipping below .300 for the first time this fall after his last game, Carrera responded with a 2-hit effort. He also ripped his third triple in 14 games.

HECTOR RONDON

Caracas, November 14 (Special) .-

Hector Rondon moved to Pensacola for a visit with renowned surgeon James Andrews.

The prospect of the Cleveland Indians and the Lions of Caracas went for a final review to determine if he has to have additional Tommy John surgery.

"I have a broken piece of bone of the elbow (right). "I do not know if Dr. (James) Andrews will bring me in again to have Tommy John surgery. For now only be fixed screws and will take place between Tuesday and Wednesday."

Rondon walked off the mound to the dugout and handed the ball to Tim Teufel, pilot of the Lions of Caracas, when he felt a severe strain on his right elbow, on 5 November against the Bravos de Margarita. That day appeared in three different innings fulfilling the terms of the plan of work for that day.

"I really only threw two innings because I took myself out in the third inning, then withdrew from a full fourth inning of work. "I was not overworked. This occurred because in previous outings I had a similar outing of three innings."

The medical staff of the lions had predicted the separation of the bone from the ligament that was repaired just over a year from the first Tommy John to which he was subjected. The diagnosis was confirmed by the Cleveland Indians but lack a final opinion of the physician who will evaluate it on Monday.

The execution of a second Tommy John may cause the absence of the Creole for another year. If the injury warrants only removal of bone deposition, perhaps, to say this right-handed pitcher would be ready by spring training because the Indian would only need two months to recover and a month of rehabilitation.

Either way it is a fact that fever for the Lions has been lowered.

"I'm a little sad but I went about doing what I like so I'm not discouraged."

Rondon----done