Semifinal Round
The Battle
Eagles, Tigers, Lions and Giants begin a fierce battle today looking to advance to the Final Series
Santo Domingo
The round robin, a phase implemented in 1986-87 season will start tonight with the Eagles, Tigers, Lions and Giants fighting for the final two tickets that lead to the finals. This remains to be seen and will be determined on the ground where there are more questions than answers.
The three Dominican baseball greats have not gathered in the Round Robin since the 2005-2006 season and only for the second time in the last twelve years (1999-2000).
In the most interesting game of the day, the Licey Tigers will face their old rival the Lions, who also shared second place in the regular season (26-24). in a game that starts at 7:30 at Quisqueya Stadium . Rafael Landestoy leader of the Tigers decided to send to the box one of the best pitchers during the regular season, the right hander Ramon Ortiz (2-2).
Ken Oberkfell leaned towards left-hander Jordan Norberto, who was pulled out of the bullpen in the middle of the campaign, gave him confidence and finished with a 2-0, 2.45 ERA 33 strikeouts and 38 innings.
The Eagles, winner of the regular round with a record of 30-20, at Estadio Cibao will receive their neighbors Cibao Giants (25-26) when Lorenzo Barcelo (6-2 and 3.14) gets the start and Edinson Volquez will pitch for the Giants. In his short work of four innings for the Toros this year only allowed two hits and showed flashes of the pitcher three years ago he won 17 games in the Majors with Cincinnati.
Look at the teams
BARCELO
Eagles:
The collective cibaeño was the most stable of the regular season and the only one that qualified without fear and led the circuit in batting (.255), homers (31), stolen bases (51) and was the team that made fewest errors with 59 ... The contract given to the popular first baseman and outfielder Brandon Moss seems more important than any of the "picks" selected in the lottery of natives and imported ... Effectiveness of Raul Valdes (5.19 and marks of 4 - 4) reveals that he is a still a question in a rotation which in principle has also, Barceló, Carmona and Shane Youman ... Jose Diaz and Baez Manaury can really help in the bullpen, as well as shortstop Pedro Ciriaco certainly most valuable player, Joaquin Arias ... Missing will be the receiver Wilin Rosario, who will play starting on the 30th of this month.
ORTIZ
Licey:
The Tigers have depth at all aspects of the game, but their defense on the left side of the infield remains the main question ... Michael Martinez, who made ten errors in 19 games with Estrellas does not look to be the solution. ... Martinez and Alejandro de Aza can do much on offense, but obviously need more work on defense.., Ronny Paulino selected in the lottery and mainly Donell Linares will offset somewhat the problems the club faces against lefties, who often will come in the series ... Jairo Asencio improves a sensitive area such as the closer ... There is no doubt that the rotation of Ramon Ortiz, Hector Noesí, Ubaldo Jimenez, Jack Steven and / or Esmila Rogers is good.
NORBERTO
Leones:
The Lions nine, the best in league in the last 15 days (9-1), are excited with the choices made in the loter of natives and imported ... Outfielder Andy Dirk, the best player of offense that was among those available, fills the gap throughout the year and hitting third in the lineup, and Jose Constanza is a true leadoff hitter and center fielder ... Aneury Rodriguez rounds out a good rotation that also includes Norberto, Nelson Figueroa and Jorge Sosa, leaving Edward Valdez as long reliever in the first and third games, when the schedule includes four games in a row ... Moises Alou said that the chances of third baseman Josh Donaldson returning are 50-50.
VOLQUEZ
Giants:
Of the four groups participating in the series, the Giants has the biggest transformation ... experienced pitchers John Halama, Kevin Pucetas and imports are the only team members remaining in the group with prior to the lottery..... Pablo Peguero the manager made strenuous efforts trying to land position players who can contribute in the attack ... So successful lottery selections were infielder Diory Hernandez, outfielders Ramirez, Archie Gilbert and Wilkins and catcher Dusty Brown, together with Carlos Peguero, Erick Almonte, Pedro Felix, Wilson Valdez and Alexi Casilla, form a good nucleus that can compete with the best ... Unfortunately for the Giants, they will be without Wilson Betemit from the outset due to a death of a relative ... The starting pitching staff also looks reliable with Volquez, Halama, Aquilino Lopez, and Pucetas.