Rangers prospect Olt goes yard in Licey loss

Second-ranked Texas prospect hits second homer for the Tigres in 6-5 loss

11/19/12 11:56 PM ET
Mike Olt of the Rangers talks about working his way through the Minor Leagues and making the adjustments that helped him reach the Majors

Dominican Winter League

Este 6, Licey 5

No. 2 Rangers prospect Mike Olt and fellow Texas farmhand Leonys Martin both homered for the Tigres, but the Toros managed a five-run comeback in the ninth to take the win. Licey scored three in the top of the ninth, but Jose Ramirez (Indians) doubled in a run to bring Este within one and then scored the winning run on a wild pitch to cap the rally. Elih Villanueva (Marlins) yielded a run on two hits and two walks while fanning four over five frames but did not factor into the decision for the Toros.

Cibao 6, Oriente 1

Robinson Diaz (Angels) was 3-for-5 with a pair of RBIs while Jean Segura (Brewers) finished 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run for the Gigantes. Cibao starter Jose De Paula (Padres) and scattered a run on four hits and two walks with four strikeouts over 3 2/3 innings without factoring into the decision. No. 9 Cubs prospect Junior Lake collected three hits for the Estrellas.

Venezuelan Winter League

Caracas 7, Magallanes 5

Pittsburgh's Darren Ford hit a fourth-inning grand slam, giving the Leones the cushion they would need to overcome the Navegantes. Ford also stole his 10th base in the contest. Henry Wrigley (Rays) doubled twice, plating a run and scoring two times. Major League free agent Juan Rivera went 3-for-4 and Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli went 2-for-3 with a double, two RBIs and two runs for Magallanes in the loss.

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Dominican Winter League

•Juan Diaz (SS, Estrelles de Oriente): 0-for-3, BB, K. Diaz is now just 1-for-11 with 4 strikeouts over his last 4 games, and has seen his batting average dip to .210 in 23 games this offseason. For a guy that the Indians hope to continue to use as a Major League depth option, you sure wish that he would show a little more offensively as in his brief showing this offseason and in his big league debut earlier in the year it has been non-existent.

•Jose Ramirez (2B, Toros del Este): 1-for-4, R, 2B, RBI, BB, SB. Ramirez has cooled off a little of late as he is just 2-for-12 in his last 3 games, and his average is down to .339 in 18 games. What has been most impressive is the walk-strikeout rate he has shown through those 18 games as he now has 11 walks and just 8 strikeouts. For a JUST turned 20-year old in a league he is facing much more advanced pitching for the first time, that is pretty noteworthy….small sample size be damned.

Venezuela Winter League

•Jesus Aguilar (1B, Leones del Caracas): 0-for-3, R, RBI, BB, K. He lives! After disappearing for two weeks and not playing since November 3rd, Aguilar made an appearance and went hitless in his return.

•Gregorio Petit (SS, Leones del Caracas): 2-for-4, R, SB, CS. Petit was so excited that he got his first stolen base of the offseason with a swipe of second base in the 9th inning that he tried to steal third base two batters later. That was not a good idea.

•Ezequiel Carrera (LF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 0-for-5, K. After recording hits in each of his first four games this offseason, Carrera was held hitless for the first time on Monday night. He is a guy that is kind of on the Indians’ roster periphery for next season, so he needs to have a solid showing this offseason to carry some momentum into what is a big spring training for him since he is out of options (if he survives a roster cut this offseason).

•Hector Rondon (RP, Leones del Caracas): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. It goes without saying that we have to update the impressive streak Rondon is on where he has now racked up 10 consecutive shutout appearances. During that span he has thrown 9.2 innings and allowed 3 hits, 1 walk, and has 5 strikeouts. His showing so far this fall is one of the more encouraging stories of the offseason for the Indians. He still has a LONG way to go to be relevant as a Major League option again, but he’s rebuilding his value and some momentum as a potential option at some point next season.

Panama WBC Qualifier

•Yan Gomes (C, Brazil): 1-for-4, RBI. Gomes and his Brazil team won 1-0 over Panama in the Panama qualifier for the WBC, and punched their ticket to the 16-team tournament that gets underway in March. Gomes was at the center of all the action as his third inning one out single drove in the only run of the game, and behind the plate he called a wonderful game and managed a young, inexperienced pitching staff to throw a three-hit shutout.

Puig, Kehrt produce in Indios' victory

Dodgers prospect homers, Red Sox farmhand yields one hit in five shutout innings

11/18/12 12:24 AM ET
Yasiel Puig has the potential to hit for both average and power

Puerto Rican Winter League

Mayaguez 7, Manati 3

Dodgers prospect Yasiel Puig homered, singled, drove in two runs and scored twice to power the Indios past the Atenienses. Red Sox farmhand Jeremy Kehrt gave up one hit over five scoreless innings to maintain a 0.00 ERA for Mayaguez, while D-backs prospect Michael Perez provided Manati's offense with his first winter ball homer.

Caguas 6, Carolina 1

Blue Jays prospect Fernando Hernandez allowed a run on four hits over five innings, helping the first-place Criollos shut down the Gigantes. Andy Gonzalez drove in three runs and Giants prospect Johnny Monell drilled a two-run homer for Caguas, while Cardinals prospect Anthony Garcia homered and singled for Carolina.

Santurce 5, Ponce 2

Former Mets Minor Leaguer Luis Rivera drove in three runs as the Cangrejeros snapped a three-game losing streak. Former Major Leaguer Luis Figueroa went 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles and a run scored for Santurce, while Ponce got three hits, including a two-run homer, from Rangers prospect Michael Bianucci.

Venezuelan Winter League

Zulia 6, La Guaira 1

Minor League veteran Austin Bibens-Dirkx struck out six over five solid innings, helping the Aguilas shut down the Tiburones. D-backs outfielder Gerardo Parra went 3-for-4 with a pair of RBIs and a run scored for Zulia, while Giants farmhand Ehire Adrianza doubled and scored La Guaira's lone run.

Magallanes 3, Margarita 1

Angels prospect Matt Shoemaker gave up a run on three hits over 5 2/3 innings as the first-place Navegantes won their second straight. Indians outfielder Ezequiel Carrera went 2-for-3 with a pair of walks and Darwin Perez reached base four times and scored a run for Magallanes. Cubs outfielder Dave Sappelt drove in the Bravos' only run.

Lara 9, Aragua 5

Robert Perez homered, doubled, drove in four runs and scored twice to lead the Cardenales past the last-place Tigres. Cubs infielder Luis Valbuena added a two-run shot and also scored twice for Lara, while Jose Martinez (Astros) homered and collected three RBIs in a losing effort.

Caribes 3, Caracas 2

Jose Castillo sparked a three-run sixth inning with a two-run single as the Caribes held off the Leones. Brewers farmhand Donovan Hand yielded a run on five hits over five innings for his second winter ball win, while Rays prospect Henry Wrigley grabbed a share of the league lead with his ninth homer for Caracas.

Dominican Winter League

Escogido 4, Gigantes 3

Pinch-runner Freddy Guzman stole second and scored on a throwing error in the bottom of the ninth inning as the last-place Leones handed the Gigantes their third straight loss. Giants farmhand Jackson Williams delivered an RBI triple and scored in Escogido's three-run fifth, while Giants prospect Francisco Peguero and Marlins prospect Marcell Ozuna each had two doubles and an RBI for Cibao.

Estrellas 4, Aguilas 3

Former Major Leaguer Ed Rogers was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the eighth inning, capping a comeback in the first-place Estrellas' fifth consecutive win. Indians prospect Juan Diaz delivered a two-run double for Oriente, while Dodgers infielder Elian Herrera went 2-for-3 with a pair of walks, an RBI and a run scored for the Aguilas.

Toros 6, Licey 4

Ricardo Nanita, who spent the regular season with the Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate, went 4-for-5 and drove in two runs as the Toros handed the Tigres their fourth straight loss. Rockies left-hander struck out nine over 4 1/3 innings but gave up two runs on three hits and five walks for Este. Dodgers infielder Dee Gordon hit a two-run triple for Licey.

Mexican Pacific League

Obregon 8, Hermosillo 3

Iker Franco had two hits, including a two-run homer, and scored twice as the Yaquis topped the Naranjeros. Sergio Contreras added a solo shot for Obregon, while Major League veteran Jorge Cantu and Edgar Quintero had two hits and an RBI apiece for Hermosillo.

Los Mochis 5, Navojoa 1

Tomas Solis struck out seven and yielded a run on five hits over 6 2/3 innings as the Cañeros extended their winning streak to four games. Tigers prospect Jamie Johnson had two hits and scored a run for Los Mochis, while Matt Esquivel homered for the Mayos.

Mexicali 9, Mazatlan 6, 10 innings

Former Indians farmhand Roman Peña singled in the go-ahead run in the 10th inning as the Aguilas stunned the last-place Venados. A's newcomer Luke Montz drilled a two-run homer to cap a four-run ninth inning and a three-RBI night for Mexicali. Former Angels Minor Leaguer Jose Orozco had two hits, including a two-run blast, for Mazatlan.

Guasave 2, Culiacan 0

Former Major Leaguer Andrew Sisco allowed four hits and struck out five over seven innings as the first-place Algodoñeros avoided a third straight loss. Twins prospect Chris Colabello had two hits, including his ninth homer, for Guasave, while Ben Guez doubled and walked twice for the Tomateros.

I'm still reeling from the shock that the Indians brass made no serious attempt to land Puig, Soler, or Cespedes. Only time will tell just how well these kids will do. The talents there. I'd love to play poker with the front office boys. No gut, No gambling, No glory.

Then & Now: Jesus Aguilar

Jesus Aguilar (Photo: Lianna Holub)

By Steve Orbanek

November 20, 2012

Then & Now is a weekly feature at Indians Prospect Insider during the offseason that takes a look at a prospect’s past and present while also offering a possible glimpse into the prospect’s future.

First base. The two words are not exactly kind words when thinking of any recent Cleveland Indians teams.

For a number of years, first base has been a problem for the Indians. It always seems as if a few stopgap options are explored without the team ever really securing a true long-term fix.

Unfortunately for the Indians, first base remains a problem within the team’s farm system. There are few promising prospects, and it’s difficult to really project any of them as a possible long-term solution.

However, of all the first baseman in the system, perhaps none are more promising than right-handed slugger Jesus Aguilar. Signed by the Indians in November 2007 out of Venezuela, Aguilar just completed his fifth season within the Indians system.

Six foot three inches tall. Two hundred and forty one pounds. The measurables sure seem to suggest that he has the body of a Major League first baseman.

Because of his size, power and position he plays, Aguilar is currently one of the most popular prospects in the entire system. Many fans believe he could be the long-term answer at first base, but it’s unfortunately not that easy.

Despite all the positives, Aguilar is not without his flaws. He’s had quite the rise since making his debut in 2008, but there is still no guarantee that he possesses all the tools needed to be a Major League regular. With that said, let’s take a look at the dramatic ride that has been Aguilar’s minor league career.

Then:

Aguilar made his debut in 2008 with the DSL Indians in the Dominican Summer League. He was just 18 years old at the time and to be honest, the results were not all that pretty. In 68 games that summer, Aguilar compiled a .209/.286/.311 line with four home runs, 45 RBI, 23 walks and 29 strikeouts. Regardless, some numbers did stand out, in particular the RBI total, and because of his age, his struggles were forgivable.

The following season, Aguilar went through his second tour of duty with the DSL Indians and posted a .305/.412/.460 line with five home runs, 46 RBI, 31 walks and 24 strikeouts. The season was just more evidence of what a difference a year can make. Aguilar seemed much more comfortable as a hitter, and the results certainly indicated that.

By all accounts, Aguilar was ready for the next step, so he then spent the next season with the AZL Indians and at Single-A Mahoning Valley where he posted a .251/.297/.421 line with nine home runs, 39 RBI, 16 walks and 61 strikeouts in 61 games between the two affiliates.

In all honesty, not too much stood out from the season. There was certainly a level of intrigue because of his power potential, but an average of one strikeout per game was not getting anyone overly excited either. But then came the 2011 season.

For context, consider this: Prior to the 2011 season, IPI ranked Aguilar as the organization’s No. 83 prospect. As for after the season: No. 14. Yep, it was that kind of year.

Aguilar started the season at Single-A Lake County, and quite frankly, he seemed to be a different player. In 95 games and 349 at-bats with the Captains, Aguilar compiled a .292/.370/.544 line with 19 home runs, 69 RBI, 35 walks and 98 strikeouts. Plate discipline was clearly still an issue, but it seemed as if Aguilar had finally really started to tap into his power potential.

He was then promoted to High-A Kinston and spent 31 games there where he hit .257/.323/.389 with four home runs, 13 RBI, 11 walks and 28 strikeouts. The year was definitely the hulking first baseman’s breakout season and things only got better during winter ball where Aguilar hit .305/.405/.539 with six home runs and 23 RBI in 38 games between the Arizona Fall League and the Venezuelan Winter League.

The Jesus Aguilar hype train had officially arrived.

Now:

Aguilar just recently completed a solid 2012 campaign where he spent time between High-A Carolina and Double-A Akron. Overall, in 127 games between the two affiliates, Aguilar hit .280/.372/.461 with 15 home runs, 71 RBI, 58 walks and 115 strikeouts.

The season was certainly not a bad season, but it did seem to come off as somewhat underwhelming. Because of his breakout campaign in 2011, a microscope seemed to closely follow Aguilar all season, so it was disappointing that his numbers did not top the previous season.

On the positive side of things, Aguilar’s defense at first base was reportedly top notch. He seemed improve as the season wore on, which can only bode well for his future as a potential Major Leaguer.

Not just that, but Aguilar also made the jump to Double-A and played quite well there. The promotion showed that he has continued to rise through the system and also seemed to affirm that management does have faith in him as a legit Major League prospect moving forward.

Future:

Aguilar is currently not a member of the Indians 40-man roster, so unless he is rostered, he is eligible to be selected in the Rule 5 Draft in December. However, the chances of that happening seem quite unlikely. With only 20 regular season games played at the Double-A level, it would be hard to believe that a Major League club could expect Aguilar to come in and contribute right away.

The likely scenario is that Aguilar begins the 2013 season as a member of the Aeros once again, and if he performs well, he could find himself with Triple-A Columbus in June or July.

However, while Aguilar certainly projects as a future member of the Columbus Clippers, it’s more difficult to say with certainty that he will one day be a member of the Cleveland Indians. Because he is right-handed, has power and plays first base, he would appear to be the perfect answer to the Tribe’s woes, but it’s just not that simple.

Plate discipline continues to be a problem for him, and while that can be lived with if he hits for power, the number of home runs that Aguilar hit in 2012 just were not enough. Granted, Carolina’s spacious outfield could have factored into that, but the total was somewhat discouraging nonetheless.

Aguilar likely will eventually get his shot in Cleveland one day, but it’s just hard to know if he’ll stick. That answer will probably be much easier to answer after the 2013 season, which will be a critical year for Aguilar and his career.

If there is a best-case scenario, Aguilar may profile as a Mark Trumbo type: a player who hits with some nice power but also strikes out at an alarming rate. But again, that should be considered a best-case scenario.

Even still, he remains one of the most intriguing prospects to watch in the entire system, and he will no doubt be on the radar of a slew of Tribe fans this upcoming season. Hopefully, he just performs well enough to stay on everyone’s radar after the season.

Brazil stuns Panama to qualify for Classic

By Alex Espinoza / Special to MLB.com | 11/19/2012 10:08 PM ET
Vieira sends Brazil to Classic 00:00:5711/19/12: Thyago Vieira fans Carlos Lee and Ruben Rivera to save the game for Brazil, sending them to the World Baseball Classic

PANAMA CITY, Panama --

Watch out world, Brazil isn't just a soccer country anymore.

Against all odds, and almost all fans at Rod Carew National Stadium, Brazil used a trio of stellar pitching performances to claim a thrilling 1-0 victory against Panama on Monday night to earn an improbable bid to the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Once Thyago Vieira struck out Ruben Rivera in the top of the ninth inning, the Brazilian team spilled out of the dugout, some hoisting their country's flags high over their head as the mob formed behind the pitcher's mound. The celebration continued in the locker room, as champagne and beer flowed in victory.

"It doesn't matter who you're playing against, it doesn't matter where you play, it doesn't matter when you play," Brazil manager Barry Larkin said. "If you have a plan, a mentality, if you execute, if you do the small things -- you can win. You can play with anyone in the world."

The shoe fits.

In a span of five days, Brazil went from unknown underdog to being the most dominant team of the Panama qualifier. Talk about a Cinderella story.

Before the tournament started, few would have been able to name any Brazilian baseball players other than Indians catcher Yan Gomes, who became the first native of his country to crack an MLB roster in May. Now the baseball world has less than four months to learn about Brazil's baseball squad, one which showed great attention to detail throughout the tournament and even better pitching.

"We have a tremendous team," said Gomes, who entered his postgame press conference still soaked from the locker room celebration. "I've never seen more guys want to come out there and play harder than anybody. We didn't come out scared, and that just shows the Brazilian pride and how we were raised. I know we're a very popular soccer country, but with the talent that we have in that sport, why not bring it out to baseball?"

Fittingly, Gomes was responsible for driving in the game's lone run on Monday night. It came in the second inning, when he blooped one into center field and it dropped between two defenders, allowing Leonardo Reginatto to score from third base. Perhaps fate was on Brazil's side, as Gomes' RBI was one of several bloop Brazilian hits that found holes throughout the evening.

"It's good to be good and it's good to be lucky," Larkin said. "We are a little bit of both today."

It wasn't hard to spot the Brazilian fans among the 10,368 in attendance. All 20 or 30 of them waited eagerly behind their team's dugout to congratulate the players as they wrapped up their on-field celebration.

As the sport continues to grow and develop in Brazil in the decades down the road, this tournament will undoubtedly be looked upon as a turning point in the country's history. It's not like the Brazilian national team transformed overnight. Larkin has been a key figure in the country's player development the past three years, along with his assistant coaches who have been building the program even longer.

"Many of the coaches and staff that are associated with the team worked with these guys when they were 10, 11, 12 years old," Larkin said. "So it's been kind of one family-type of baseball community there. Once again, the future is incredibly bright."

If it wasn't for a dominant pitching effort between starter Rafael Fernandes, Murilo Gouvea and Vieira, Gomes' RBI wouldn't have meant a thing. On the biggest stage in Brazil's history of baseball, Fernandes turned in an impressive six-inning, shutout performance.

Using a mix of his cutter, changeup, curveball and fastball, Fernandes silenced a lineup that featured such stars like Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada, Phillies All-Star catcher Carlos Ruiz, Carlos Lee and Ruben Rivera. In all, Fernandes faced three batters over the minimum, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out two in the longest start of the entire qualifier.

"I think some stars were born in this tournament," Larkin said. "Yes, Yan Gomes, being the first Brazilian player in the big leagues, I think that is huge. But I also think Rafael Fernandes, I think his name is now in the books in Brazil for being the winning pitcher and leading us to this victory."

Gouvea followed up Fernandes' stellar start with 2 1/3 innings of no-hit ball. For the tournament, Gouvea tossed 6 2/3 scoreless innings, as he also played a huge role in Brazil's 3-2 win over Panama in the qualifier's opener on Thursday.

Vieira, meanwhile, picked up his second save of the tournament in a pressure-packed, ninth-inning situation. After Tejada laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move Isaias Velasquez to second base, Vieira relieved Gouvea and was tasked with facing Ruiz, Lee and Rivera -- Panama's Nos. 3, 4 and 5 hitters -- in order.

Ruiz brought the Panamanian crowd to its loudest level of the night when he singled to left field, but Tejada was held up at third base. Vieira was unfazed, though, as he struck out Lee and Rivera to close out the game on a hot, humid, historical night. For the tournament, Brazil's pitchers surrendered just four runs in 27 innings.

"Our pitchers pitched incredibly well," Larkin said. "Rafael Fernandes, he was an absolute stud today. Murilo Gouvea came in and did a nice job yet again, he really wanted the ball. And then our closer, Thyago Vieira, he came in and did what he's capable of doing."

Panama's pitching was also on point Monday night, but there's not much you can do when the offense can't push across a run. Starter Angel Cuan completed four tough innings, allowing one run on eight hits and zero walks while striking out six. Ramiro Mendoza, meanwhile, followed that up by giving up two harmless hits in 3 2/3 innings before Manny Acosta recorded Panama's final out pitching.

Panama skipper Roberto Kelly was quick to praise Brazil's quality squad for earning a berth to the 2013 World Baseball Classic, but couldn't hide his disappointment after watching his native country lose in front of its hometown fans.

"You've got to give credit where credit is due," Kelly said. "They've got good pitching. Both times they faced us, the pitching was outstanding. ... Obviously, I'm disappointed. I'm disappointed because our goal was to qualify. Anything other than that, it's not reaching your goal."

Gomes will forever be remembered as the pioneer of Brazilian baseball, but he's not alone anymore. He now has 27 other teammates he can share the experience with, as they will get ready to shock baseball once again when they face the world's best in March.

"You can tell from the beginning of this tournament we didn't start scared," Gomes said. "We were playing the top seed in this tournament [Panama] and we just came out and played the way you're supposed to play; we played with a lot of heart.

"That's the thing you're going to see out of Brazil -- no matter who is in front of us we're going to play with a lot of heart and a lot of determination and go out there and give 100 percent. ... The future is even brighter now."

Manny Ramirez wants to return to Major Leagues

Written by ESPNdeportes.com

Sunday November 18, 2012 9:04

SANTIAGO -

The slugger Manny Ramirez is playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic, with the Cibao Eagles, but the desire to return to put on a major league uniform is still present in his mind.

"Yes, I want to return to the big leagues," Ramirez said Friday at a press conference at Estadio Quisqueya, the Dominican capital, before the game between the Eagles and Lions.

Ramirez, 40, did not see action in the majors since 2011 when he tested positive for testosterone use after playing only five games with the Tampa Bay Rays. Instead of serving a suspension for 100 games, Dominican announced his retirement from baseball.

But after an agreement with the office of Major League Baseball, Ramirez came out of retirement in 2012 and signed a contract with the Oakland Athletics. Served a reduced suspension of 50 games, but was never uploaded to the majors.

"For now I'm thinking about playing here with the Eagles, but do not rule out the possibility of returning to the majors," he said.

Ramirez had a historic debut with the Eagles on Wednesday, hitting a homer on the first pitch he saw against former major league pitcher Daniel Cabrera, in a game in which he hit 1-3 with a walk.

Ramirez has 555 homers lifetime in a 19-year career that included stints with Cleveland, Boston, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox and Rays.

Aguilar returns to the Lions

The first baseman's return from the parallel league of the Caracas Leones says he is "free of pressure. "


He played in the morning a parallel league game and on the same day at night in Valencia

Tuesday November 20, 2012 12:00 AM

Valencia. -

Jesus Aguilar was yesterday playing in a parallel league game when he was informed that he would return to the roster of 34 of the Caracas Lions in place of imported Josh Vitters.

As if that were not enough, the starter would be in the lineup as the seventh batter against the Magallanes Navigators in Valencia. "I did not expect to be playing in this Caracas-Magallanes game and had to go home to find clothes," Aguilar said before the fifth clash between the arch rivals so far this season.

Aguilar, the powerful slugger left the parallel league with a 480 average, with two homers, as many doubles and eight RBIs in the developmental league.

Aguilar came to the game last night, with an average of .229, one homer, five doubles and three RBIs in 12 games with the team from the capital. "I was not me. Things were not coming well since the season opener, because I felt a little pressure. I was sent to the parallel league to make the necessary adjustments and now I have more confidence" , reflected Aguilar, who changed his stance at home plate.

"I was anxious and was moving my hands so much. now I have my hands at the shoulders to prevent movement," the prospect of the Cleveland Indians in the U.S. organized baseball said.

Aguilar was removed from the roster of 34 a day before the firing of coach Rick Sweet. So when Aguilar came to the stadium Bernardo Perez yesterday, first thing he did was report to Frank Kremblas.

Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012

Nomura, Masuda named top rookies for 2012

Kyodo

Hiroshima Carp right-hander Yusuke Nomura and Chiba Lotte Marines right-hander Naoya Masuda were named Rookie of the Year on Tuesday in the Central and Pacific leagues, respectively.

Naoya Masuda

Nomura received 200 of the 261 eligible votes in the CL, while Masuda garnered 116 of 210 votes cast in the PL. The Rookie of the Year is decided by the nation's baseball writers in vote ahead of the Japan Series.

Both leagues made the announcements, honoring the 23-year-olds.

"I'm happy to be selected but it was still a disappointing season for me," said Nomura, who had a 9-11 record in 27 starts with a 1.98 ERA, the second-best ERA in the league.

It was the first time that a CL Rookie of the Year registered an ERA below 2.00 since Tsuneo Horiuchi did so with the Yomiuri Giants in 1966.

"I was able to control my strengths during the year, but I wasn't able to win for my team in important games toward the end of the season. I ran out of steam," said Nomura, referring to his slump in which he went 2-8 after the All-Star break.

Nomura became the eighth Hiroshima player to win the accolade and first since Carp shortstop Eishin Soyogi in 2006.

Masuda, appearing mainly in middle relief, pitched in 72 games for a new rookie record. His 41 holds by a rookie was also a record.

"I have to thank all the people who supported me. I was able to pitch in half of the 144 games," Masuda said.

Masuda is the seventh player from Lotte to win the honor. Yasutomo Kubo, who is currently with the Hanshin Tigers, was the last Marine to be named the PL Rookie of the Year in 2005.

Chunichi Dragons righty Shinji Tajima was second with just 40 votes in the CL, while Fukuoka Softbank Hawks right-hander Shota Takeda collected 80 to finish runnerup in the PL.

New kids on the block: Japan manager Koji Yamamoto will likely have to put his faith in young players like Yomiuri shortstop Hayato Sakamoto during the 2013 World Baseball Classic. KYODO

Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012

SPORTS SCOPE

New faces should have opportunity to shine for Japan in WBC

By JASON COSKREY

Seattle Mariners star Ichiro Suzuki and Texas Rangers reliever Akinori Otsuka were the lone major leaguers on the roster when Japan won the 2006 World Baseball Classic.

There were five MLB players on the team when Japan retained the title in 2009.

Japan will most likely see a regression in overseas talent when the team begins its quest to sit atop the baseball world for a third successive time at next year's WBC.

Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish and Mariners right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma have already pulled out, and there are a host of others potentially in line to follow in their footsteps.

Japan manager Koji Yamamoto told Kyodo News his pitching staff will be "made in Japan." There's a pretty good chance the rest of the team will be as well.

That isn't necessarily a bad thing.

A Samurai Japan devoid of major leaguers is a very real possibility thanks to contract situations, the timing of the tournament, and other concerns.

Yamamoto has made a few coy public appeals, calling the major league players the final piece to the title-defense puzzle, but hopefully the former Hiroshima Carp manager is paying attention to what he has on the home front.

While the tournament has more often than not been met with a somewhat lukewarm response in the U.S., the WBC has been a boon for Japanese baseball. The event has provided NPB stars with an international stage on which to perform — against major league talent in many cases — and two titles have only helped raise Japan's profile amongst casual observers abroad.

Also, at a time when Japanese players are migrating to the majors with increasing regularity, NPB needs domestic superstars, and there are few stages more suited for instant star-making than the WBC.

Without major leaguers taking up the pivotal roles, young stars such as Hayato Sakamoto, Hisayoshi Chono and Hirokazu Sawamura of the Yomiuri Giants, the Chunichi Dragons' Yohei Oshima, and the Seibu Lions' Shogo Akiyama, among others, could get the chance to make names for themselves on an international stage.

Competitively, the team would undoubtedly be better with Darvish, Iwakuma the Milwaukee Brewers' Norichika Aoki and others bolstering the ranks, but the cupboard is hardly bare.

There are still a number of NPB players talented enough to not only fill out a roster, but give Japan a shot at a deep run in the tournament.

Sakamoto is a good hitter and capable shortstop, and teammate Shinnosuke Abe, health pending, is a fine catcher.

Either the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks' Nobuhiro Matsuda or the Giants' Shuichi Murata can man the hot corner, while Yamamoto will have a few options at first, possibly including the Hawks' versatile Seiichi Uchikawa.

Japan is deep in the outfield and can piece together a unit with the requisite speed, bat skills and defensive ability needed by calling on Chono, Oshima, and the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters' Yoshio Itoi for starters.

Someone will have to step up at second base if Hiroyuki Nakajima, currently plotting his first foray into MLB, can't be talked into a second tour of duty, but veteran Dragons infielder Hirokazu Ibata is a candidate for the job, as is the Hawks' Yuichi Honda.

Depth will be a concern in the pitching staff as well, but Yamamoto should have a mix of young arms, such as Sawamura and veterans like the Lions' Hideaki Wakui and possibly the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles' Masahiro Tanaka, and Carp ace Kenta Maeda to choose from.

The important thing is, there are options.

Yamamoto will be able to look over some of his players during a pair of exhibitions and can spend the rest of the winter making overtures to Japan's MLB stars.

Even if he fails in the latter, don't expect the Japanese team to simply wither and die. The major leaguers may sit this one out, but an unsexy roster built on substance over style can go a long way.

Just like Japan did in 2006.

First steps: Yoshio Itoi and Japan swept Cuba during a two-game exhibition series over the weekend. The two teams will meet again during the first round of the WBC. KYODO

Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012

SPORTS SCOPE

Japan gave Yamamoto something to build on against Cuba

By JASON COSKREY

Koji Yamamoto made it through his first two games in charge of the Japan national team with a pair of victories against Cuba, the world's top-ranked baseball team.

Now comes the hard part.

Yamamoto made a succcessful return to the dugout after seven years away from the game, and now he'll have to take the lessons learned over the weekend and figure out how to best apply them in March during the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Most of Japan's MLB contingent is likely to pass on WBC, so the team Yamamoto guided to wins of 2-0 and 3-1 against Cuba was probably made up of many of the players who will also take the field for him during next year's WBC.

The Cuban team Japan faced was hardly in midseason form, having just played in Taiwan, not to mention it being November.

Still, with Japan fielding a young team featuring just two players with WBC experience, the importance of two wins over quality opposition can't be overstated. Especially since the two teams will be grouped together in Pool A during the first round of the WBC next year at Fukuoka Dome.

While neither side put all its cards on the table, the series did offer a few clues as to what to expect out of Yamamoto's Samurai Japan.

The blueprint against the Cubans was to take care of business on the mound and in the field long enough to create a little bit of offense, and then hopefully tack on some insurance, run by run.

Hayato Sakamoto looked good in the 3-hole and Hisayoshi Chono and Yoshio Itoi also had good showings. That trio has the speed to be dangerous on the basepaths and can sprinkle in a little power, but even so Japan probably won't have a lineup that can withstand a slugfest.

Yamamoto will probably use his players' speed to his advantage and attempt to generate runs through a liberal use of the sacrifice bunt and sound baserunning, though Japan's speed could also lead to Yamamoto deploying a more aggressive approach on the basepaths once the games start to count.

Pitching and defense won the day for Japan in both 2006 and 2009, and will play a greater role in 2013.

To that end, one of the most pressing issues for the new manager is at second base, where he'll decide whether Yuichi Honda's bat and his considerable speed are more valuable commodities than Hirokazu Ibata's experience and superior defense.

Japan's pitchers acquitted themselves well, with Hirokazu Sawamura and Kan Otake the standouts, but the staff could use a few reinforcements, namely Kenta Maeda or Masahiro Tanaka to bolster the frontline.

Still, Japan's pitchers allowed a single run without walking a batter over two games. Those are the types of numbers that carried them to the top spot in the previous editions of the tournament.

Japanese players are used to getting in playing shape early in the year, and the WBC's spring start should again favor the nation's pitchers.

The danger is that the team may not be built to play from behind, and a deficit of three or more runs could prove costly, putting the onus on Japan's pitchers and fielders to be on top of their game.

All in all, it was a good debut for Yamamoto's squad. There's no substitute for actual game situations and having seen his team play twice has given the manager a wealth of information to pore over and digest over the coming months.

Those months will be easier to handle after having gotten what will be a challenging journey off to a positive start.

Puig Yasiel Valdés, top, poses with trophies of past championships Mayaguez Indians on the field of Cholo Garcia. On the left, shows one of his bats.

November 20, 2012

Puig Yasiel Valdés is a champion in the making

The Cuban prospect seeks his first title as a professional baseball player

MAYAGÜEZ -

Cuban outfielder Yasiel Puig Valdes asked the PR Mayaguez Indians to accompany him around the team championship trophies for an interview with El Nuevo Dia

Why?

"I want to be a champion with Puerto Rico and go on adjusting to all that I have left to win with the Dodgers," he replied.

Puig, 21, said he has never won a championship, either inside or outside of Cuba, adding that he is eager to get his hands on one, beginning with the earliest opportunity: that of professional baseball in Puerto Rico.

The Cuban is here with the defending champions reinforcing the Indios de Mayagüez, following an agreement with the Dodgers organization who signed him last June to seven years and $ 42 million.

Puig first became an attraction by the Dodgers soon after leaving Cuba. The team also made him the highest paid Cuban in baseball.

The Cuban had his interview with El Nuevo Dia, but gradually began to accepting and returning questions and answers to all in attendance.

He left Cuba by boat to get to Mexico. He was not with the team of Cuba. he was under suspension for attempting to desert while playing at a tournament in the Netherlands in 2008.

He deserted Cuba because he was blackballed?

"I was not going to make the team of Cuba. I was wasting time. I was 21 and I had to be here, where are the greatest players and face the greatest pitchers, like (Justin) Verlander, "he said.

"I could not stay here anymore because I played ever other year. I want to play every year. In Cuba, I played in 2008 and did not play in 2009. Then I played in 2010 and did not play in 2011. In 2012 I came here, where it took four months before playing again, "he said.

Do you need courage to escape by boat?

"I value to live in Cuba but here is the place to be, even if I stayed in the middle of the water. Now I can say I came here legally, I'm in Mexico, in the United States, in Puerto Rico. "

What about the family you left behind?

"Yes, it is a sacrifice. But the family is in Cuba and what they want is that I'm here. They know that we will always be close because that's what the heart is for. Also, my mom and my family were adapted to be away from me, because I was always on the ballfield and traveling to all provinces and I spent very little time at home. "

Puig Valdés played in Puerto Rico through the first week of January, when he had to return to Los Angeles to do some promotional activities for the Dodgers. And he said he will talk with the organization to return to Mayagüez and in the end win a championship and bring another trophy to their collection.

Only been here two games.

"Baseball in Puerto Rico is very good, so my team sent me here to play," said the Cuban prospect who debuted last week with a home run.

His goal is to prepare physically and work on details of his game, because in 2013 he wants to be in the big leagues playing in the outfield next to Jeff Kemp.

"I came to get ready for spring training and work on things that I need to be with my team in the majors. That's up to me what I can do in Puerto Rico, and my boss when I go to spring training. It is they who make the decision, "he said.

Puig accepts the comparisons with his compatriot Yoenis Cespedes outfielder for the Oakland Athletics, who figures in the voting for Rookie of the Year Award and MVP.

"I expect to be with the Dodgers and then we will see which player is better and even more important which one helps his team reach the finals first, which is what the people and the players want," said Puig.

Hanley collects three hits in Tigres' debut

Dodgers infielder scores twice, helps end five-game losing streak

11/21/12 1:44 AM ET

Dominican Winter League

Licey 5, Aguilas 1

Hanley Ramirez went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and two runs scored in his debut for the Tigres, who snapped a five-game losing streak. Braves infielder Juan Francisco was 2-for-2 with a pair of walks and an RBI for Licey, while Miguel Tejada singled twice for the Aguilas.

Escogido 7, Toros 5

Nationals prospect Eury Perez went 3-for-5 with a triple and two runs scored as the Leones snapped the Toros' three-game winning streak. Pinch-hitter Abraham Almonte (Yankees) capped Escogido's three-run seventh inning with a go-ahead two-run triple, while Giants prospect Angel Villalona had two hits and two RBIs in a losing effort.

Estrellas 4, Gigantes 3, 16 innings

Indians prospect Juan Diaz singled home the go-ahead run in the 16th inning as the first-place Estrellas outlasted the Gigantes for their sixth straight win. Todd Linden, who spent the season with the Giants' Triple-A affiliate, smacked his sixth homer for Oriente. Blue Jays outfielder Moises Sierra singled, walked three times and drove in a run for Cibao, which used 13 pitchers.

Venezuelan Winter League

Caracas 6, Lara 5, 10 innings

Padres outfielder Jesus Guzman slugged a leadoff homer in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Leones their third consecutive win. Carlos Rivero (Nationals) and Luis Rodriguez also went deep for Caracas, while Mariners prospect Gabriel Noriega singled twice, walked twice, drove in two runs and scored once for the Cardenales.

Zulia 13, Aragua 6

Reds prospect Henry Rodriguez went 3-for-5 with a homer, three RBIs and two runs scored to lead a 20-hit attack in the Aguilas' fourth straight victory. Jose Flores, who played at two levels in the Giants system this season, was 4-for-6 with three runs scored to raise his average to .417 for Zulia, which got four RBIs from Phillies infielder Freddy Galvis. Former Minor Leaguer Jorge Cortes homered twice and drove in three runs for the Tigres.

Margarita 12, Magallanes 2

Mets prospect Wilmer Flores doubled, singled and drove in three runs as the Bravos ended a three-game slide. Cubs outfielder Dave Sappelt drilled a two-run homer and former Pacific Coast League All-Star Rene Reyes collected three hits and scored three times for Margarita. Nationals catcher Jesus Flores had two hits and scored a run for the first-place Navegantes.

Mexican Pacific League

Navojoa 13, Mazatlan 3

Former Minor Leaguer Steve Moss went 4-for-5 with three homers, five RBIs and four runs scored to power the Mayos past the Venados. Genaro Andrade drove in three runs for Navojoa, while Heber Gomez was 3-for-4 with a pair of RBIs for Mazatlan.

Culiacan 3, Hermosillo 2

Emmanuel Valdez homered to snap a sixth-inning tie as the Tomateros edged the Naranjeros to grab sole possession of first place. Former Major Leaguer Amauri Sanit recorded his league-leading fifth win, yielding two runs -- one earned -- on five hits over six innings. Jose Amador had two hits and an RBI for Hermosillo.

Obregon 3, Los Mochis 0

Former Cubs Minor Leaguer Marco Carrillo gave up four hits over six innings as the Yaquis blanked the Cañeros for their third win in a row. Former Major Leaguers Willy Taveras and Barbaro Canizares homered for Obregon, while Cardinals prospect Jermaine Curtis doubled and walked twice for Los Mochis.

Mexicali 6, Guasave 5, 10 innings

Former Indians farmhand Roman Peña homered in the ninth inning and A's newcomer Luke Montz slugged a solo shot in the 10th as the Aguilas knocked the Algodoñeros out of first place. Montz and Geronimo Gil each drove in two runs for Mexicali, while Orioles Minor Leaguer Zelous Wheeler collected three hits, including his seventh homer, for Guasave.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Mayaguez 3, Ponce 1

Royals prospect Ryan Dennick allowed a run on three hits over six innings as the Indios handed the last-place Leones their fifth straight loss. Irving Falu (Royals) ripped a two-run triple and scored in the third inning for Mayaguez, while Rangers prospect Jorge Alfaro had two hits and scored Ponce's only run.

Carolina at Santurce, postponed

Caguas at Manati, postponed

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Venezuelan Winter League

•Gregorio Petit (SS, Leones del Caracas): 0-for-4, SB. Petit went hitless in his four at-bats and has now hit .233 in 22 games.

•Luis Hernandez (2B, Tigres de Aragua): 2-for-4, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 K. The switch-hitting Hernandez was recently acquired by the Indians, and he has really done a phenomenal job thus far in the VWL. So far, in seven games, Hernandez has gone 8-for-23 with three doubles.

•Ezequiel Carrera (LF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 1-for-4, 1 BB. After having his modest four-game hit streak snapped on Monday, Carrera was right back at it on Tuesday as he recorded one base knock. Overall, in six games, Carrera has gone 7-for-24 and has recorded a hit in every game he has played outside of Monday’s contest.

Dominican Winter League
•Nick Hagadone (RP, Aguilas Cibaenas): 0 IP, 1 H, 2 R/1 ER, 1 BB. The performance was certainly less than stellar, but on the positive side of things, it’s great to see Hagadone back in action. Unfortunately, things just did not go too smoothly for Hagadone as he faced two hitters in the seventh inning and allowed a two-RBI single to the first hitter before walking the next hitter. It will be interesting to see how often he pitches in the DWL from here on out. After Tuesday's outing, he can only go up.

Puerto Rican Winter League

•Roberto Perez (C, Indios de Mayaguez): 0-for-2, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K. Perez played in his sixth game on Tuesday in the PWL, and he has now gone 5-for-21. Perez is known for his defense, so hopefully he can use his time in the PWL to hone his offensive game.

By Steve Orbanek

Gutierrez got his first hit after four years

11/20/2012 11:06:20 PM

Guti fired a single to center in his debut with Leones del Caracas

By: Juan Salvador Muñoz

CARACAS. -

Franklin Gutierrez, after four years, was in action with Leones del Caracas. On Tuesday November 20 debuted in the 2012-2013 season with the Lions. Batting ninth had a basehit to center, his first of the season.

The best of the best: Shinnosuke Abe, left, and Mitsuo Yoshikawa display their MVP awards on Wednesday. KYODO

Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012

Abe, Yoshikawa garner 2012 MVP honors

By JASON COSKREY

Staff writer

In a year that will be remembered for the huge triumphs by the Giants of both NPB and MLB, Yomiuri catcher Shinnosuke Abe finally won the big prize.
Shinnosuke Abe

Abe's spectacular 2012 campaign was capped on Wednesday when he was named the Central League MVP for the first time prior to the 2012 NPB convention.

Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters pitcher Mitsuo Yoshikawa was the Pacific League winner.

"I'd attended conventions in the past and always looked up to those who won," Abe said. "I never thought I'd win one."

Abe flirted with the Triple Crown this season, leading all of Japan with a .340 batting average and 104 RBIs. His 27 home runs were second only to the 31 hit by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows' Wladimir Balentien.

"It's a shame I didn't win it," Abe said of the home run title. "At least I had a chance. I don't know how much longer I can play, but hopefully I'll have won one before the end of my career."

Just as the Yomiuri Giants and San Francisco Giants each won their respective league title, Abe's win means the starting catcher for each team was named his league's MVP. San Francisco's Buster Posey was named National League MVP earlier this month.

Among Japanese players, Abe is the fourth catcher to win the CL MVP and first since Swallows great Atsuya Furuta won his second in 1997. He's also the first left-handed hitting catcher to win the award.

Abe thanked his teammates after accepting the honor.

"I didn't win this award because of the numbers and titles I earned," Abe said. "I won it because we won the championship. I don't think I won it by myself, but with the support of the other members of the team, including the ones behind the scenes."

The Yomiuri captain was the driving force behind the Giants' run to the Japan Series, where they defeated the Fighters in six games.

"We had our backs against the wall both during the season and in the Climax Series," Abe said. "But we reached the Japan Series, so it was really special."

Abe said the next goal will be to help guide the Kyojin back to the top.

"As a team, winning the Japan Series is our goal every single year," he said. "It never changes."

Yoshikawa captured his first MVP award after finishing 14-5 with an NPB-best 1.71 ERA, carrying the load for the Fighters in their first season without ace pitcher Yu Darvish.

"Obviously only one player can win per year, so it's an extreme honor," Yoshikawa said. "I'm not sure if it's really OK that I'm the one who won."

The 24-year-old Yoshikawa is the youngest left-hander to win the award and the first non-rookie hurler to be named PL MVP after finishing the previous year with no wins.

"I was able to have this outcome because of the support of our manager (Hideki Kuriyama)," Yoshikawa said.

"He kept his faith in me and kept using me throughout the year. He's the one I owe most."

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Brazil last team to qualify for 2013 World Baseball Classic

South American Team shocks Panama again to win World Baseball Classic Qualifier

Panama City.

Brazil has stunned the established baseball power houses from the Americas and won the World Baseball Classic Qualifier at Rod Carew Stadium in Panama City, Panama. The team of manager Barry Larkin upset host Panama for a second time in the tournament and clinched their spot in next year’s World Baseball Classic with a 1-0 shutout.

Brazil won all three games they played in Panama City, allowing just one run in victories over Panama (2) and Colombia. Panama, which had participated in the 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classic, failed to re-qualify despite fielding a roster with current and former Major League players.

It was an impressive showing of the Brazilian team in the final game of the World Baseball Classic Qualifier on Monday evening. Pitcher Rafael Fernandes, Murilo Gouvea and Thyago Vieira combined to allow just three hits and two walks in nine scoreless innings, keeping the powerful bats of Carlos Ruiz, Carlos Lee and Ruben Rivera in check.

Fernandes earned the win, giving up two hits and a walk in six strong innings. He struck out two and threw 45 of his 74 pitches for strikes.

The outcome was decided in the third inning. After Isaias Velasquez was thrown out at the plate in the top of the frame, Brazil scored the lone run of the game in the bottom half. Leadoff hitter Paulo Orlando reached with a one-out single to left and moved to third base on a single by Leonardo Reginatto.

Yan Gomes, who made his Major League debut this summer, stepped to the plate and came through with a RBI single to center fielder Ruben Rivera, scoring Orlando from third. They even had the chance to blow the game wide open, as Reinaldo Sato singled to load the bases afterwards. But Daniel Matsumoto and JC Muniz struck out to end the rally.

Panama had one last chance in the ninth, when Isaias Velazquez and Carlos Ruiz put runners on the corner with one out. But Carlos Lee and Ruben Rivera struck out against Brazil’s 19-year-old closer Thyago Vieira, who is pitching in the Seattle Mariners organization in Rookie ball.

Brazil becomes the second new team in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, joining Spain as debutant. Spain had won the WBC Qualifier in Jupiter, Florida in September. Canada and Chinese Taipei meanwhile were able to defend their spots in the main event of the baseball world champion crowning tournament.

Defending title holder Japan, Olympic Gold Medalist Korea, IBAF Baseball World Cup winner Netherlands, record world title holder Cuba, the U.S.A., Venezuela, China, Australia, Italy, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Mexico already were qualified due to their final ranking in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

The first round at the 2013 WBC starts on March 2 and will be played in Taichung, Fukuoka, San Juan and Phoenix. The second round will be played in Tokyo and Miami, while the championship round is set for San Francisco. For the first time the winner of the World Baseball Classic will be also the Baseball World Champion.

Results WBC Qualifier Panama City:

Thursday, November 15:
Panama 2 – Brazil 3

Friday, November 16:
Colombia 8 - Nicaragua 1

Saturday, November 17:
Brazil 7 - Colombia 1 (Brazil reaches final)
Panama 6 - Nicaragua 2 (Nicaragua eliminated)

Sunday, November 18:
Colombia 7 - Panama 9 (Colombia eliminated, Panama reaches final)

Monday, November 19:
Brazil 1 - Panama 0 (Panama eliminated, Brazil qualifies for World Baseball Classic)