CARACAS .-


The improbable, to bet that few did. The Lions completed the sweep in Caracas Puerto La Cruz against the two best pitchers of Caribes of Anzoategui and perhaps of the entire championship. With the help of Stephen Vogt, the metropolitans managed beat Renyel Pinto, who seemingly was the most difficult hurdle for the entire series. Pinto was beaten in the very first episode. Corey Wimberly opened with a double, then came two straight walks to Jesus Guzman and Asdrubal Cabrera and came upon Stephen Vogt, a villain in the eyes of the Caracas fans until a week ago and now a hero. The American, who also singled, hit a Grand Slam off of Pinto to put the cats on top 4-0.
"Every time I put this uniform on I will give everything to make this team win. do not consider myself a hero, I think we all are heros here" said Vogt. The Caribes exploited Jay Jackson in that same first inning when the Caracas starter surrendered five runs. "It was a battle from start to finish. Since more than a week I have been saying that this moment would come, we wanted these two wins in Puerto La Cruz because we worked so hard for it, "said Rick Sweet. The Lions added two more runs, one in the fifth and another in the seventh. But it was not easy because the Caribes scored two in the ninth, but came up short, the Lions had won 8-7 and are now only half a game behind to qualify for the round robin tournament.

<

Vogt powers Caracas past Anzoategui

Rays farmhand hitting .545 with nine RBIs over last six games

Venezuelan Winter League

Caracas 8, Anzoategui 7

Rays farmhand Stephen Vogt stayed hot by going 3-for-4 with a homer, a double, four RBIs and three runs scored out of the cleanup spot for the Leones on Wednesday. The 27-year-old, who saw action as a catcher, first baseman and outfielder last year, is batting .545 (12-for-22) with nine extra-base hits and nine RBIs over his last six games. Corey Wimberly, who played in the Pirates system last year, went 3-for-5 with two runs out of the leadoff spot, while Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera drove in a pair. Eliezer Alfonzo (Rockies) and Alexi Amarista (Angels) led the way for the Caribes, both droving in two runs on one hit. Tigers prospect Victor Larez picked up the win after yielding four hits over 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief.

Zulia 6, Magallanes 0

D-backs outfielder Gerardo Parra smacked a pair of doubles and drove in a run, while Eduardo Perez went 2-for-3 with a triple, two RBIs and a run scored. Henry Rodriguez (Reds) and Jose Pirella (Yankees) also put together multi-hit performances, combining for five hits, an RBI and two runs scored. Aguilas starter Austin Bibens-Dirkx, who pitched in the Cubs organization last year, gave up just three hits and two walks over six scoreless innings. He fanned five as he improved to 7-2 and lowered his ERA to 2.02.
Stephen Vogt hit .298 with 17 homers and 105 RBIs in 128 games across two levels last year. (Tony Farlow/MiLB.com)

La Guaira 11, Margarita 9

Mexican Leaguer Cesar Suarez led a Tiburones squad that saw six players put together multi-hit performances. He went 3-for-5 with three doubles, three RBIs and two runs scored. Overall, all 10 players to bat for La Guaira got a hit, while all nine starters got on base at least twice. Jose Castillo (Mexican League) posted the best game for the Bravos, going 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored. Reliever Gregory Infante (White Sox) notched the win by tossing a perfect eighth inning.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Carolina 2, Ponce 0

Former Major Leaguer Matt DeSalvo turned in his best start of the winter, yielding just three hits over eight scoreless innings. The 31-year-old right-hander fanned seven and walked three as he lowered his ERA to 2.79 in eight starts. Marlins farmhand Jeff Dominguez drove in both of the Gigantes runs with a two-run double in the top of the ninth. White Sox prospect Hector Santiago tossed a perfect bottom of the frame to tally his fifth save.

Mayaguez 2, Caguas 0

Brewers prospect Hiram Burgos allowed four hits over five shutout innings, while three Indios relievers combined to surrender just two hits over the final four scoreless frames. Former Major Leaguer Randy Ruiz got on base in all four of his plate appearances for Mayaguez, collecting three singles and a walk. Irving Falu (Royals) drove in the first run of the game with a sacrifice bunt in the fifth, while Miguel Negron (formerly of the White Sox) knocked in the second with a sacrifice fly in the sixth.

Dominican Winter League

Este 4, Cibaenas 2

Tigers outfielder Andy Dirks went 2-for-4 with a triple, a stolen base and two runs scored. Toros starter Edinson Volquez (Padres) allowed one hit over two scoreless innings before turning the ball over to Major League veteran Raul Valdes, who notched the win despite giving up two runs on five hits in two frames. Brewers catcher Mike Rivera knocked in the Aguilas' two runs with a double in the fourth.

Escogido 6, Estrellas 2

Mariners prospect Leury Bonilla paced the Leones offense by going 3-for-5 with a double, a steal, an RBI and two runs scored in his first game. Teammate Willis Otanez (Mexican League) had the only other multi-hit game, recording two singles and an RBI. Eight pitchers combined to allowed two runs on five hits for Escogido, with reliever Robinson Lopez (Cubs) earning the win after tossing a perfect fifth.

Cibao 4, Licey 3 (10 innings)

Mets prospect Rafael Fernandez drove in what proved to be the winning run on a two-out single in the 10th, his second base hit of the day. Overall, Robinzon Diaz -- who played in the Rangers system last year -- enjoyed the best offensive day for the Gigantes, going 4-for-5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Major League veteran Ronny Paulino led the Tigres by collecting two doubles, a single and a run scored in his Winter debut.

Mexican Pacific League

Guasave 9, Obregon 4

Former Major Leaguer Daryle Ward and Rangers prospect Jose Felix both homered for the Algodoneros, driving in three runs apiece. Leonardo Heras (Mexican League) also went deep for Guasave, while Mario Valenzuela (Mexican League) recorded a game-high three hits. Mexican Leaguers Doug Clark and Albino Contreras carried the offensive load for the Yaquis, driving in a combined three runs and both went yard.

Hermosillo 5, Mochis 4

Four players enjoyed two-hit games for the Naranjeros, including Cardinals farmhand Mark Hamilton, who came through with a walk-off single in the ninth after Carlos Gastelum (Mexican League) hit a game-tying triple. Humberto Cota (Mexican League) also put together a strong performance, as he homered, singled and drove in a pair. Ramon Orantes (Mexican League) led the Caneros offense by going deep and knocking in three.

Navojoa 4, Mexicali 2

Former Minor Leaguer Wes Bankston collected three hits, an RBI and a run scored, while Javier Colina (formerly of the White Sox) and Francisco Arias (Mexican League) combined for four of the Mayos' five other hits. Mexican Leaguer Jorge Guzman knocked in the only two runs for the Aguilas with a homer in the fourth. Navojoa starter Miguel Ramirez earned the win after giving up two runs on three hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Culiacan 6, Mazatlan 5 (11 innings)

Jeff Frazier, who played for Triple-A Syracuse this season, drove in three runs, including a walk-off sacrifice fly for the Tomateros. Ramiro Pena (Yankees) hit a two-RBI single as a pinch-hitter in the eighth in the win. Former International League All-Star Jon Weber launched a pair of dingers for the Venados, driving in three and scoring twice. Mexican Leaguer Marshall McDougall also went deep for Mazatlan, knocking in two.

<

<

Colombia Winter League

•Giovanny Urshela (3B, Cartagena Tigres): 0-for-3, K. Urshela continues to be the everyday third baseman for his Tigres deal despite a pretty poor showing so far. In 16 games he is hitting just .210 with a .306 slugging percentage.

Venezuela Winter League

•Rob Bryson (RP, Bravos de Margarita): 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R/ER, 0 BB, 1 K. Bryson allowed just his 4th earned run in 17 outings this offseason, which is good news. The bad news is that while he is not giving up runs he is giving up a ton of hits and walks with 21 baserunners in his 10.2 innings.

•Eric Berger (RP, Bravos de Margarita): 0.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. Berger came in and faced one batter and gave up a hit and was promptly removed. This was the second straight night he came in and gave up a hit to the first batter he faced and allowed a run.

•Paolo Espino (RP, Tiburones de La Guaira): 3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K. Now that’s more like it. Espino has been like Jeckyll and Hyde on the mound this offseason, though mostly Hyde. Maybe pitching out of the bullpen suits him better as he had his most dominating outing of the offseason

•Asdrubal Cabrera (SS, Leones del Caracas): 1-for-4, R, 2 RBI, BB. Cabrera was once again limited to one hit but made the most of it with 2 RBI. He is still only hitting .167 with a .602 OPS in his last 10 games.

<

Catcher Sanchez shining in winter ball

By Chris Haft / MLB.com | 12/21/11 8:11 PM EST

SAN FRANCISCO --

Though he began this year as a non-roster player and might not make next season's Opening Day squad, Hector Sanchez has become one of the organization's most indispensable performers.

As as a switch-hitting catcher, Sanchez is that rarest of baseball commodities. His singular profile, combined with his youth (22) and blossoming skill, have elevated his status among the Giants, who are closely monitoring his progress.

"While we might not have seen it [at the Major League level], this kid's going to hit," general manager Brian Sabean said recently.

In fact, Sanchez has hit proficiently during this offseason. He entered Wednesday batting .339 in 47 games for Tiburones de La Guaira, good for fifth in the Venezuelan Winter League. Sanchez also was tied for fifth in home runs (eight), fifth in RBIs (35) and second in OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage, .948). Interestingly, one of the league's other top performers is outfielder Gregor Blanco, who signed a Minor League contract with the Giants and leads in batting average (.348), on-base percentage (.487) and OPS (1.017).

Sanchez's winter-ball performance has reinforced his value. Though it might sound blasphemous to say so, he gives the Giants a viable long-term alternative behind the plate, in case Buster Posey struggles to recover from his massive left leg injuries or moves to first base.

Even if Posey returns fully healed in February and proves able to handle catching's rigors, manager Bruce Bochy has said that the 2010 National League Rookie of the Year could play 30 to 40 games at first base next season. Thus, finding a competent backup catcher will be imperative for San Francisco.

Still striving to improve defensively, Sanchez appears likely to begin next season at Triple-A Fresno. But he very well could change the minds of the Giants' decision-makers if he performs impressively enough in Spring Training to eclipse veteran backups Chris Stewart and Eli Whiteside.

"We're going to stay open-minded there," Bochy said.

After spending 2007-09 in Rookie-level ball and playing for low-Class A Augusta in 2010, Sanchez opened this year with high-Class A San Jose and ultimately hit .301 with eight homers and 42 RBIs in 42 games there. Promoted to Triple-A Fresno, he proceeded to bat .261 in 46 games when he wasn't making brief trips to the Majors. Sanchez hit .258 with two doubles and one RBI in 13 games for the Giants.

PUERTO LA CRUZ .-

Asdrubal Cabrera is also part of good times the Leones del Caracas are living . The shortstop sent a homer in the first game of the series of four against Caribs of Anzoategui and believes that he has benefited from the collective good time all is experiencing in the capital. "This is a time when the whole team is doing things right and that is reflected in what is happening at this time. This not only has to do with the contribution of the offense, as the pitching has been good, the hitting has been timely and that is the key to what is happening for us, "said Cabrera. The native has been hitting well in the past three games, in which he has four hits, including a homer and three RBIs. "For all batter is beneficial that the team is going through a good situation because you also see better pitches. The boys know we have to play well in the rest of our season. " The contribution of the current Silver Slugger among American League shortstops has contributed to the cause of the metropolitans not only with the homer that he hit on Tuesday against the Caribbean of Anzoategui, but also the hit Monday in the ninth inning against the Tigers of Aragua, another of the closest rivals of Caracas.

Aguilas Cibaenas and Licey and return back to the Round Robin

After two years without engaging in a postseason, both promise a spectacular playoff

Santo Domingo on Thursday dawned cloudy, drizzle in the morning and in a few minutes in the afternoon as well. While the prevailing climate was never a threat to suspend the game that day at Quisqueya Stadium, it is quite known that a simple drizzle would keep away fans from the stadium. But not this day. That, for an obvious reason: the Licey Tigers played against the Cibao Eagles, the two teams that move the greatest number of fans in winter ball. It was a big attendance in Santa Domingo. It was like a kind of closure that foreshadows all the emotions that follow and revived after fainting. The past two seasons were a memory and thanks to a new season the Tigers and the Eagle are recalled to to the Round Robin. "The atmosphere is very different when we play against the Eagles, the stadium is always full and the adrenaline flowing in an incredible way for our bodies, "says Anderson Hernandez Licey infielder who has fought great battles against the Cibao Eagles. "That motivates the player and therefore gives an extra boost of adrenalin when viewed against that team, it is a rivalry that you begin to feel even before you get to the stadium," he says. The two heavyweights are finally back in Dominican winterball and by being back there is more fan interest. "It's what everyone expected," said Otoniel Alcantara, after he saw with joy how his Eagles defeated the Tigers that day. "Best thing that can happen in this tournament, two teams that can make this ball roll." Licey and Eagles, both with 20 crowns will not be alone in the Round Robin.

The Escogido Lions left the best for last and have sealed their fate in the playoffs. The lions have not seen the playoffs since the 2005-06 season, the last time Licey, Eagles and Lions faced off in the round robin. " "It is important that the Leones have made the playoffs," said Edwin Encarnacion. "That puts more excitement in the Round Robin, which I know will be intense and very competitive with the presence of the Lions, who are playing tremendous baseball." Nobody knows who will go to the end, but what everyone knows is that joy with Eagles and Licey, is guaranteed.

Dominican Winter League Standings.
The official date for the end of the Dominican Winterball regular season of play was yesterday (Wednesday). The Aguilas, Licey, and Escogido have already clinched a playoff spot. The Gigantes and Toros are tied for the final playoff spot. These two teams are playing tonight in a game that just got started. I have to think that the winner of this game will be the final team to quality.

Baseball

Today, one-game playoff between the Giants and the Toros in San Francisco de Macoris

by Julio E. Castro C.

Los Gigantes del Cibao and the Bulls of the East stage a party tonight where the winner will classify for the Round Robin that begins this Tuesday.

To make this game possible, the Gigantes defeated the Licey Tigers in ten innings last night winning by a score of 4-3. The Gigantes are riding on a three game winning streak coming into this evening's ballgame.

The Toros defeated the Aguilas last night.

Tonight's game will take place at Julian Javier Stadium in San Francisco de Macoris at 6:30 et.

The Toros struck first tallying 2 in the top of the first but the Gigantes responded with three in the home half of second on a Pedro Feliz 3 run homer

Venezuelan Winter League Standings

The Venezuelan Winter League regular season ends next week on December 31st. The playoffs start on January 2. The Series del Caribe starts the first week in February.

Asdrubal Cabrera has an rbi basehit and Jesus Aguilar drove Cabrera and Marwin Gonzalez home with two run double. Leones leads 3-0 in the first and are still batting.

Yorvit Torrealba reached base on a throwing error and Aguilar scores from second. 4-0 Leones over the Caribes. Asdrubal scored and had an rbi and Jesus scored and had that two run double all in the first. NICE !!
Perhaps we should invite Jesus Aguilar to spring training and give him a shot at first. Can't be any worse than the other ten or so candidates we have trying out.

Inning over ! Leones 4 Caribes 0 end of 1. If the Leones can pull this game off, they will have a one half game lead for the final playoff spot with a week to go in the season. Long way to go. Still have to play the game and the next 8 innings.

The Caribes came back with a pair of runs in the second. Leones lead was cut in half 4-2. Asdrubal is only hitting .234 but he's made the best out of the hits he has gotten. Aguilar is hitting .308, a very productive .308 at that, and I'd like to start seeing him get more playing time.

Justin Lehr ran into more trouble in the third but was able to pitch out of a two on and one out jam. He's up over the 50 pitch mark after three innings of work. He could have a short work night.

Asdrubal just lead off the bottom half of the third inning with a double and was sacrificed to third by Vogt. Marwin Gonzalez lined out to second for the second out in the inning. Jesus Aguilar now batting. Coaches conferance on the mound. Pitching change. Aguilar goes down on strikes to end the threat. End of 3. 4-2 Leones.