Puig Yasiel arrived in Puerto Rico soaring

Raul Álzaga

With the millions guaranteed now it remains to to be seen that every penny is earned with the Dodgers who invested in him.

It's no coincidence that Cuban outfielder Yasiel Puig, considered one of the top prospects in the organization, was sent to Puerto Rico in Mayaguez Indians in order to hone his skills and to aspire to be with the big club in 2013.

Puig, who defected from Cuba in the summer, was contracted for seven years and $ 42 million deal with the Dodgers, the most lucrative contract for a Cuban defector. He was scheduled to see action in the Arizona Fall League, but a bacterial infection prevented him from doing so.

"My ambition is to play for the Dodgers from day one. It's why I came to Puerto Rico, because I needed to prepare and this league is pretty good. I want to prove I can be with them (the Dodgers) next season, "said Puig.

But to achieve that goal, Puig must labor with his hitting, something that has always stood out but he has had little practice in 2012.

After averaging .333 with 17 homers, 47 RBIs and 78 runs scored in the Cuban National League in 2010-2011 with Cienfuegos franchise, Puig did not play in 2012 because he had been caught several times trying to escape the country, until he finally got it last May. With the Dodgers organization, Puig only played nine games in the Arizona Rookie League and 14 games in Class A.

"I missed at bats. It's been a month and a week without playing because of the surgery I had on my arm injury that became infected. As I have not played much this year, I was sent here to adapt to what I have to do in spring training, "said the burly outfielder 6'3" tall and 235 pounds, who averaged .400 batting in the Arizona Rookie League and .327 games in Class A.

Puig, which could easily be mistaken for a linebacker in f'útbol American debuted with the Indians on Saturday hit a home run in his first at-bat, a few hours after arriving on the island. Yesterday, however, he was hitless in three at bats.


"Mayagüez fans expect the best of me in two or three games. It's all falling into condition, "Puig said to Primera Hora.
He wants to stay
If by Puig, the Cuban player would like to remain in the ranks of the Indians all season to play up the Caribbean Series.

"(My stay in Mayagüez) depends on the heads of the Dodgers. I wanted to stay until the end of the season (in the league) because I know this team is going to the finals and will be in the show (Caribbean Series). I feel comfortable here and I like the team of Mayagüez. Also, stay playing here will help me keep in condition. My thing is to work and then heads to decide, "he said.

Former Cubs INF LaHair signs with Japan's Softbank

The Associated Press

FUKUOKA, Japan (AP) --

The Softbank Hawks of the Japanese Pacific League say they have signed former Chicago Cubs infielder Bryan LaHair to a two-year, $4.5 million contract.

LeHair, who was named to the National League All-Star team last season, batted .286 with 14 home runs and 30 RBIs before the All-Star break but fell to .202 with two home runs and 10 RBIs after it.

After losing the first base job to top prospect Anthony Rizzo in June, LeHair was a bench player for the remainder of the season.

An outstanding run producer in six Triple-A seasons through 2011, LaHair is being looked at as a first baseman and designated hitter for the Hawks, who finished third in the Pacific League following back-to-back pennants in 2010 and 2011.

Too bad.......Now LaHair is a player I would have taken a chance on.

Carlos Santana is integrated

Wednesday November 21, 2012 8:39

"I have come to play scheduled for 25 (November). I am indebted to the team and I want to help them sort and win the championship," Santana said after participating in batting practice at Estadio Quisqueya. Dominican pregame between the Cibao Giants and Escogido Lions.

Santana revealed that, contrary to last year when he was recovering from knee surgery, this time already has permission from Cleveland to play in his country.

"Last year I wanted to play but the Indians preferred I rest. This year they gave me permission and I am very happy about that," he said.

Santana has had only four at-bats in the Dominican winter league of baseball. He did it in the 2009-10 season, when he injured his right wrist and needed surgery.

Santana, 26, batted .252 with 18 homers and 76 RBIs in 146 games in 2012 with the Indians.

WoW! This is just what the Indians need. Players further developing their skills under competitive, fast moving game situations.

I think teams are realizing the value behind these winter leagues. This is the first year that I've seen so many general managers and managers "suggesting" that their players spend time staying in shape and improving their skills in these winter league programs.

As the first half of these leagues wind down, the cream of the crop will be rising to the top as we enter the second half of the respective league's seasons.

The talent being represented this year is the most I've seen in many years.

Venezuelan Winter League

•Jesus Aguilar (PH): 0-for-1. Aguilar was called upon with two outs in the ninth inning and his team trailing by seven runs. He flew out to center to end the game, ending another disappointing night of offseason ball. It has been a tough winter so far for Aguilar, as he also missed out on being placed on the 40-man roster this past week.

•Luis Hernandez (SS): 2-for-4, 1 2B, 3 RBI. Hernandez turned in a strong outing last night, slugging his fourth double in nine games. He will not be challenging Asdrubal Cabrera for the starting shortstop role, but it is nice to see Hernandez playing well this offseason.

•Ezequiel Carrera (LF): 4-for-6, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 BB. 1 SB. What a night for Carrera. The normally light-hitting outfielder fell a triple short of the cycle and added a walk and a stolen base for good measure. Carrera has been on a roll in his first eight games, though the two extra base hits Thursday were Carrera's first of the offseason.

•Toru Murata (SP): 2.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R (2 ER), 1 BB, 2 SO, 1 HR. Murata has struggled quite a bit this offseason, allowing 11 runs in 14.2 innings. It is possible he has been unlucky, but it is also possible that Murata's lack of overpowering stuff is coming back to haunt him. Time will tell.

•Raul Padron (DH): 2-for-4, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 SO. A former Akron Aero, Padron scored Caracas' only run of the night with a solo home run in the seventh inning. Padron has played sparingly, though he has succeed in limited time (.333/.391/.476 line in 21 at-bats).

•Franklin Gutierrez (CF): 0-for-3, 1 BB, 1 SO. Caracas has become a meeting ground for former Cleveland farmhands, as Gutierrez joined the team recently. The Mariners outfielder has only played in three games as he attempts to rebound from injury-shortened 2011 and 2012 seasons.

Australian Winter League

•Andrew Campbell (LF): 1-for-3, 1 BB, 1 SO, 1 SB. Campbell had a rough 2012 campaign, only posting a .172/.248/.224 line between the AZL Indians and Mahoning Valley, but he has been much better in his native Australia. It is only five games, but if Campbell can keep getting on base and making things happen like he did Thursday night, he could still salvage his career, as he will only be 21-years old come Spring Training.

By Jim Piascik

FUTURE STARS

Jose Ramirez, a small field is large

He earned his roster spot with the Bulls in training

by Rossi Yamell Yamell

Santo Domingo

Bani is a province where stars have come out to shine......Miguel Tejada and Vladimir Guerrero. And then comes a 19 year old, 5-9 tall and 165 pounder named Jose Ramirez, who was chosen as the second pick of last year's rookie draft by the Toros del Este.

"My love for baseball was born since I was very small child. I was shaped by my father who always gave me practice, "he says.

The Cleveland Indians signed Ramirez last year for $ 50,000. In the minor leagues, Ramirez had a .354 average with 102 hits, 15 doubles, 4 triples, 3 home runs and 27 RBIs.

"My performance is due to the dedication I put in to each practice and I appreciate the support of the fans of the Toros".

"I'm very happy for him. The reason he's playing so well and having a good year is not only for his abiliy but also for his dynamism. During training proved he could play, "says the manager of the Toros, Eddie Diaz.

Diaz says that Ramirez should get a little stronger and he should get the opportunity as he is a very intelligent baseball player. He has all the tools to make it possible "he said.

Julio Bruno, hitting coach of the team from La Romana says that "in this league he has shown the great skills he has. He has done very well the first part of the season against the pitching in this league. It is pretty hard. I see a great future and he knows what what he has to do. "

Bruno explains that his strengths in the field are speed, move runners,contacting the ball, put the ball in play. Bruno saw him play in the Midwest League, and he says that he liked what he saw and felt glad Ramirez is on the team.

Aguilas. -

Roberto Heredia (Fausto Carmona) is still preparing to join the team soon ....

The board officially announced receiving written authorization from the Colorado Rockies to use the receiver Wilin Rosario, so the rookie of the year in the league last season will be in the lineup in the next game ....

Escobar goes yard twice in Caribes' rout

Twins farmhand drives in career-high six runs in win over Caracas

11/22/12 9:58 PM ET

Venezuelan Winter League

Caribes 8, Caracas 1

Twins shortstop Eduardo Escobar homered twice and drove in six of the Caribes' runs as Anzoategui routed Caracas on Thursday. The No. 9 hitter, who came in with just four RBIs and zero home runs in his first 23 games, went 3-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored. Right fielder Johermyn Chavez (Cubs) scored a game-high three runs for the Caribes.

Aragua 6, Margarita 5

A four-run fifth inning propelled the last-place Tigres to a 6-5 win over Margarita. Aragua's No. 2 and 3 hitters carried the torch offensively, with Luis Hernandez (Indians) driving in three runs and scoring twice and Alex Romero providing a two-run homer in the bottom of the first. Left fielder Frank Diaz homered and scored twice for the Bravos. Box score

Lara 8, La Guaira 1

The Cardenales scored pairs of runs in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings en route to a big win over La Guaira. Cubs second baseman Luis Valbuena was the game's offensive star, going 3-for-3 with two home runs, five RBIs and two runs scored. Valbuena is hitting .341 for Lara and has driven in 11 runs over his last eight games.

Zulia 8, Magallanes 6 (13 innings)

Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvez blasted a two-run homer in the top of the 13th inning as the Aguilas outlasted Magallanes. Ezequiel Carrera (Indians) had a career day for the Navegantes, going 4-for-6 with two RBIs and falling a triple short of the cycle. The two squads used a combined 18 pitchers in the contest, with left-hander Jesus Yepez picking up the win. Box score

Dominican Winter League

Aguilas 10, Licey 4

The Aguilas plated seven unanswered runs, led by pinch hitter Erick Almonte's three-RBI performance. Top Cardinals prospect Oscar Tavares tallied a game-high three hits along with an RBI and two runs scored. Dodgers third baseman Hanley Ramirez launched a three-run homer for the Tigres -- his first of the DWL season.

Mexican Pacific League

Navojoa 6, Mazatlan 5

Shortstop Jose Chavez launched a grand slam in the bottom of the seventh inning to give the Mayos a one-run win over Mazatlan. Oswaldo Morejon and Jesse Castillo both homered for the Venados, who took an early 4-1 lead before Chavez's late-inning heroics.

Obregon 3, Los Mochis 1

Barbaro Canizares went 2-for-4 with a solo homer and starter Rolando Valdez tossed six scoreless innings to lead the Yaquis to a 3-1 win. Valdez scattered five hits while walking two and striking out three to pick his fourth win of the season. Pinch hitter Ramon Orantes drove in the Caneros only run on an RBI single in the top of the eighth.

Guasave 7, Mexicali 1

Six players drove in runs for the Algodoneros, who entered Thursday night tied for second in the league standings. Orioles prospect Zelous Wheeler led all batters with a pair of RBIs and leadoff hitter Eduardo Arredondo went 3-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. Andrew Sisco allowed a run on five hits and a walk over seven innings to pick up his fourth win.

Culiacan 7, Hermosillo 1

A four-RBI performance by Major League veteran Marlon Byrd powered the first-place Tomateros to a 7-1 romp over Hermosillo. Byrd, Cory Aldridge and Detroit's Ben Guez all homered for Culiacan, while Hermosillo's Jesse Gutierrez also went yard for the Naranjeros' lone run.

Gattis rips go-ahead shot in ninth for Zulia

Braves slugger knocks eighth homer with the Aguilas at the right time

11/24/12 1:39 AM ET

Evan Gattis hit .305 with 18 home runs in 74 games this season.

Venezuelan Winter League

Zulia 3, La Guaira 1

Evan Gattis (Braves) knocked a two-run homer in the top of the ninth -- his eighth of the Venezuelan League slate -- to push the Aguilas past the Tiburones. Henry Rodriguez (Reds) doubled twice and scored for Zulia, as well. Tyson Brummett (Blue Jays) allowed just one run on four hits over six innings for La Guaira, but did not factor into the decision.

Anzoategui 8, Caracas 2

Luis Nunez (Dodgers) homered and Niuman Romero, who has appeared in the big leagues with the Red Sox and Indians, went 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs out of the leadoff spot to lead the Caribes. Former Marlins reliever Renyel Pinto yielded two runs on four hits and three walks while fanning eight over seven frames to earn the win.

Lara 5, Magallanes 2

Paulo Orlando (Royals) went 3-for-5 and provided a triple, an RBI and a run scored to pace the Cardenales out of the two-hole. Major League veteran Joe Thurston also went 3-for-3, scoring once. Former Blue Jays starter Gustavo Chacin took the mound for the Navegantes, allowing two runs (one earned) on nine hits without walking any and striking out four over 5 1/3 innings.

Margarita 2, Aragua 1 (12 innings)

Third-ranked Mets prospect Wilmer Flores went 3-for-4 with a double and Cesar Hernandez (Phillies) hit the go-ahead single in the top of the 12th to put the Bravos on top. Luis Hernandez (Indians) went 2-for-5 with a run out of the top spot in the lineup for the Tigres.

Mexican Pacific League

Navojoa 3, Hermosillo 1

Abel Martinez went 4-for-5 and Kraig Binick finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs, a walk and a run scored to give the Mayos the edge. Garrett Mock, who pitched for the Nationals from 2008-10, scattered six hits and three walks with six strikeouts over six scoreless innings without factoring into the decision for the Naranjeros.

Guasave 8, Los Mochis 6

Shortstop Jesus Lopez went 2-for-5 and smacked a go-ahead two-run shot in the top of the 10th for the Algodoneros. He also doubled and plated three runs total. Jamie Johnson (Tigers) collected four hits in the loss for the Caneros.

Obregon 6, Mazalan 5

Said Gutierrez doubled and scored the game's winning run for the Yaquis in the top of the 14th inning in an extended affair with the Venados. David Reyes kept Obregon in the game, giving up one run on seven hits over six innings. Jose Orozco went 3-for-6 with a triple and a run scored for Mazatlan.

Culiacan 8, Mexicali 7

Ricardo Serrano and Maxwell Leon combined to drive in four of the Tomateros' seven runs in the sixth inning en route to victory. Major League veteran Marlon Byrd contributed a double, an RBI and a run scored in the win. Issmael Salas went 3-for-5 with two RBIs and a run for the losing Aguilas.

Dominican Winter League

Cibao 1, Cibaenas 0 (10 innings)

Robinson Diaz finally broke the scoreless deadlock in the bottom of the 10th, ripping a walk-off single to score Carlos Peguero (Mariners). Jimmy Paredes (Astros) went 3-for-4 for the Gigantes, and Kevin Pucetas (Nationals) held Cibaenas to three hits over six shutout frames without figuring into the decision. Major League vets Hector Luna and Miguel Tejada each went 2-for-4 in the loss.

Escogido 3, Licey 1

Red Sox first baseman Mauro Gomez went 2-for-2 with two RBIs and a walk, giving the Leones the edge over the Tigres. Braves third baseman Juan Francisco doubled in Licey's lone run, and Atlanta starter Randall Delgado took a tough-luck loss, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks with two strikeouts over five innings.

Este 7, Oriente 3

Steven Lerud (Phillies) went 3-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs, and Diory Hernandez went 4-for-5 with a double and three runs scored as Este cruised past Oriente. Alex Valdez (Pirates) paced the Estrellas, going 3-for-4 with a solo shot.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Caguas 10, Santurce 1

Johnny Monell (Giants) went yard and drove in three runs, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored while Jose Castro (White Sox) went 2-for-3 with a solo shot of his own to lead the Criollos. Sixth-ranked Red Sox prospect Anthony Ranaudo allowed just one hit and a walk while striking out two over four scoreless frames for Caguas without factoring into the decision.

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Venezuelan Winter League

•Luis Hernandez (SS, Tigres de Aragua): 2-for-5, 1 R, 1 K. Say what you will about Hernandez since he was recently signed by the Indians, but no one can criticize his performances in the early going. So far, in nine games, Hernandez has gone 11-for-31. Worst case scenario, Hernandez is another Gregorio Petit, but there’s no reason to believe he cannot be more than that.
•Eric Berger (SP, Bravos de Margarita): 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R/ER, 3 BB, 6 K. Berger has been one of the most impressive Indians pitchers in winter ball this fall, and that stayed true on Friday. So far, in six games, Berger has posted a 2.73 ERA in 29.2 innings of work.

•Ezequiel Carrera (LF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 0-for-5, 1 K. Carrera has had an impressive winter season, but Friday was likely one game he would like to have back. Carrera recorded his fourth strikeout of the winter season and has now gone 12-for-38 in nine games.

Dominican Winter League

•Nick Hagadone (RP, Aguilas Cibaenas): 1 IP, 1 K. Hagadone made great strides from his first appearance in the DWL where he faced two batters and allowed a hit and a walk. The verdict on Hagadone’s winter ball performance remains unknown, especially considering the fact that he’s pitching for the first time since he broke his wrist in the dugout during the 2012 season, but it’s certainly a positive sign that he’s out there pitching.

•Chad Huffman (RF, Toros del Este): 2-for-5, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 K. Huffman made his debut with Toros del Este Friday, and he really put together a solid performance. During the 2012 season, Huffman posted a .282/.350/.453 line in 67 games with Triple-A Columbus.

•Juan Diaz (SS, Estrellas de Oriente): 2-for-3, 1 3B. Diaz’ performance was a welcome break on Friday, especially since the shortstop had gone 2-for-12 in his last five games before Friday’s contest.

Puerto Rican Winter League

•Joseph Colon (SP, Cangrejeros de Santurce): (L, 0-2), 3 IP, 4 H, 4 R/3 ER, 1 BB, 7 K. On paper, Colon’s performance may leave a lot to be desired, but he did manage to record seven strikeouts in just three innings, which has to be considered a positive. So far, Colon has posted a 4.50 ERA in eight innings of work in the PWL.

Winter Ball Notebook: Jesus Aguilar returns

Winter Ball Notebook

By Steve Orbanek

November 23, 2012

What’s better than Thanksgiving? Food, family, football — does it really get any better than that?

I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday yesterday, and I also hope that everyone has a great time during the rest of this holiday weekend. May all your travels be safe, and let’s all hope that we have some positive Indians news in the coming days.

Speaking of the Indians, the winter ball season continues to be in full swing. We saw the Arizona Fall League close shop last week, but there are still a handful of Indians players competing in the various leagues.

In the past week alone, Jesus Aguilar made his return, Nick Hagadone debuted and Jose Ramirez just continued to hit as usual.

So, with that be said, here are some thoughts deep and shallow in regard to Indians players competing this past week in the various winter leagues…

— Many had been wondering what happened to first baseman Jesus Aguilar over the past two weeks. Well, that question was answered on Monday when Aguilar made his return to Leones del Caracas of the Venezuelan Winter League and proceeded to go 0-for-3. Aguilar had actually been playing in the parallel league of Leones del Caracas where he managed to hit .480 with two home runs, two doubles and eight RBI. The numbers are encouraging and it’s good to know that Aguilar was getting experience while he was off the main squad for those two weeks, but it’s also important to note that the level of competition is not as high as the competition that Aguilar faces as a member of Leones del Caracas’ main roster. Overall, in 14 games with the main team, Aguilar has gone 8-for-39 with five doubles and one home run. In a press release issued this week, Aguilar said, “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.” Hopefully, Aguilar’s performances illustrate that renewed confidence over the next few weeks.

— Last week, I ranked my top three performances by Indians players on the Scottsdale Scorpions of the Arizona Fall League. I made the decision to exclude left-handed pitcher T.J. House from the list, primarily because of his one performance on Nov. 7 where he allowed four earned runs in five innings of work. The exclusion of House seemed to generate a small amount of controversy, so while I am not going to alter my list, I did want to take the time to highlight House’s performance in the AFL this fall. Overall, House went 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA in six starts and 27 innings of work. He walked only nine batters and struck out 26. Beyond his accomplishments in the AFL, House notched an even bigger accomplishment this past week when the Indians added him to their 40-man roster. Clearly, the Major League club believes that he could have a future in Cleveland, or he never would have been rostered. His performance in Arizona was not the primary reason that House was rostered, but it certainly had to only have a positive impact in regard to his standing with the team.

— It was known that Nick Hagadone would hopefully be pitching in the Dominican Winter League this winter, but it was not known when that time would come. That question was answered earlier this week when Hagadone made his debut Tuesday with Aguilas Cibaenas. Hagadone’s 2012 season prematurely came to an end after he punched an object in the dugout and broke his left wrist following a bad outing. His debut on Tuesday was by no means spectacular: he allowed a two-RBI single and walked a batter. However, Hagadone remains a high-upside reliever, and it’s great to see him pitching once again. Given the circumstances, it’s understandable that Hagadone might be somewhat rusty, and I believe he’s only going to get better from this point on.

— Jose Ramirez is human. He proved that on Saturday after his five-game hit streak was snapped. The five-game streak followed an eight-game hit streak that Ramirez had set earlier in the winter season. Overall, the switch-hitting second baseman has gone 20-for-59 in 18 games. He has also walked 11 times and struck out only eight times. It’s redundant to talk about how well he is performing considering his age and level of competition, but I just can’t help myself. Prior to the season, there was only limited information on Ramirez and what type of prospect/player he may become. His ceiling was not thought to be all too high, and while that may still be true to an extent, it’s absolutely impossible not to be incredibly excited over what he did during the 2012 season and this current winter stretch. Plain and simple, he has been the most enjoyable player to follow in these numerous winter leagues.

— Ezequiel Carrera has been a regular with Navegantes del Magallanes of the Venezuelan Winter League over the past week and a half. In seven games, Carrera has gone 12-for-33 with four stolen bases. The numbers are certainly quite good, but it’s hard to get too excited since Carrera has spent time with the Major League club during the past two seasons. Whether it’s with one of the team’s minor league affiliates or in the VWL, Carrera always seems to put together some pretty impressive lines. However, while he does possess desirable traits of a Major League fourth outfielder, he also has underwhelmed somewhat in his past two tours with the Tribe. For that, I refrain from buying too much into his winter ball performance.

— Left-handed pitcher Eric Berger has done a nice job in five games with Bravos de Margarita of the VWL. In 24 2/3 innings of work, Berger has posted a 2.92 ERA to go along with just four walks and 21 strikeouts. While Berger has carved out a pretty decent minor league career for himself, he is unfortunately almost 27 years old, and probably considered nothing more than organizational depth at this point. However, you have to like that he is playing winter ball, and he is a left-hander, so there could always be a chance for him.

— Left-handed hitting outfielder Andrew Campbell is playing quite well in the Australian Baseball League. He has gone 5-for-15 with one double in five games. The Ipswich, Queensland, Australia native has been a part of the Indians system for a couple of years now. His minor league numbers leave a lot to be desired (.241/.328/.296 career line), but he is only 20 years old, so there could be some room for growth. It’s at least nice to see him getting consistent playing time in the ABL, which seems to show that he is committed to improving his baseball craft.

— Much has been said about infielder Luis Hernandez, who was signed by the Indians to a minor league deal earlier in the month. The 28-year-old spent the majority of the 2012 season with the Texas Rangers’ Triple-A affiliate, and he was likely signed as organizational depth, in particular at Triple-A Columbus. However, Hernandez seems to be doing his best to turn some heads as the switch-hitter’s performance so far in the VWL has been a good one. In eight games with Tigres de Aragua, Hernandez has gone 11-for-31 with four doubles, so maybe there is more than meets the eye.

Dominican manager Tony Pena in the Classic

Thursday, November 22, 2012 19:08

By Hector Garcia

SANTO DOMINGO. -

The general manager of the Dominican team that will participate in the World Baseball Classic, said today at a national television station that the ruling of the Ninth Creole community hails from Palo Verde, Montecristi province.

Former major leaguer Moises Alou, with a broad smile, he said he still could not make a formal announcement of the leader, but he hinted, in view of the community in Palo Verde, in Montecristi province border where Tony Peña was born.

The television journalist CDN-Channel 37, insisted on getting the name, but in humorous terms, Moises Alou, remarked: "Everyone knows who the leader of the Classic will be and next Tuesday we will be announcing."

Alou, was interviewed when he witnessed the warmup match between the Lions of Escogido and the Hoosiers of Indiana University. Alou, is also the general manager of the Lions, champions of Dominican Baseball.

"Is Palo Verde," Alou said not to say the name.

Moises Alou, also said that next Tuesday will be released the coaching staff to assist the leader.

Dominican Republic belongs to the group called C, known as the Super Death, where are the representations of Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Brazil.

The World Baseball Classic will play their first round from 7 to March 10, 2013 at Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Venezuelan Winter League

•Jesus Aguilar (1B): 3-for-4, 1 R, 2 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI. Aguilar was the star of the show last night, knocking three extra base hits, including one home run. He disappeared for a while (as Steve Orbanek wrote about Friday), but it looks like Aguilar may have found his stroke again. This is the power everyone wants to see out of him.

•Ezequiel Carrera (LF): 1-for-5, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 BB, 1 SO, 1 SB, 1 CS. Carrera was not bad last night, but it is a little surprising his line is so light considering his team scored 16 runs. Still, Carrera has done basically everything that could have been asked from him (.302/.392/.419 line, 1 HR, 5 SB) in his first 10 games of winter ball.

•Luis Hernandez (SS): 3-for-5, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 E. Hernandez may have been signed for depth, but he is tearing it up so far in Venezuela, posting a .390/.419/.512 line in 11 games. Now, quite a bit of that is unsustainable, but it is still nice to see.

•Hector Rondon (RP): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 SO. Another efficient outing for Rondon, who has not allowed a run in any of his last 11 outings. I cannot wait to see Rondon in either Akron or (more likely) Columbus this season to see if he has finally found his way back to being a major league option.

Dominican Winter League

•Jose Ramirez (2B): 0-for-2, 1 BB, 1 SO, 1 SAC, 2 SB. Last night's outing is just one more reason to love Ramirez. Despite a rough night at the plate, Ramirez still managed to steal two bases after walking in the first inning. His team could not bring him in, but Ramirez was still finding a way to make things happen on an off-night.

•Chad Huffman (DH): 1-for-2, 1 SO. Huffman has started well in the Dominican League, going 4-for-11 in his first three games. He will turn 28 in April, however, and does not figure to be a part of the Cleveland's long-term plans.

•Juan Diaz (SS): 0-for-2, 1 BB, 1 SO. Another not-so-pretty night from Diaz, who has really had a tough time this offseason. What he does in Columbus this year is what we will really judge Diaz off of, but right now, he is not helping himself headed into possibly the biggest season of his life.

•Manny Ramirez (DH): 0-for-3, 1 BB, 3 SO. We may have started the Manny-Ramirez-is-back train a little too soon after his first game. He has not had any more extra base hits after he started his season with a home run and bottomed out last night with three strikeouts.

Puerto Rican Winter League

•Giovanni Soto (RP): BS (2), 1.0 IP, 0 H, 1 R (0 ER), 2 BB, 1 SO. An error, a few bad walks, and general bad luck sank Soto last night, as he was on the hook for the blown save despite his former Aeros teammate Matt Langwell leaving him a big mess to clean up earlier in the inning.

•Matt Langwell (RP): L (0-1), 0.0 IP, 1 H, 3 R (0 ER), 1 BB, 0 SO. None of the runs Langwell or Soto gave up were earned, but that is no consolation when you are on the hook for the loss or blown save. It was not a good night for Cleveland pitchers on the Gigantes de Carolina roster.

•Rob Bryson (RP): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 SO. It was a good night for Bryson, as he simply went 1-2-3 in his inning with two strikeouts. Granted, the score was 10-1 at the time and the pressure was off, but any no-walk outing from Bryson is a step in the right direction. Plus, he has not allowed a run in his 6.1 innings this offseason.

By Jim Piascik

November 25, 2012

OPENING DAY FROM CUBA

November 24, 2012

[Despaigne and Garcia are two of the top five pitchers in Cuba. I'd rank them 1-2...should be an awesome ballgame]

From 2:15 pm on Sunday all huge fans of Cuba baseball will be watching what happens in the park José Ramón Cepero of Ciego de Avila, the scene of the official ceremony opening of the 52 National Series, in its 2012-2013 season.

The parade of both teams, the new champion of Cuba, Ciego de Avila Tigers and runners-up of last year, the Industriales Lions, will be preceded by a brief opening ceremony all around 30 minutes to try to match the excellent Matanzas organization during the All-Star race 51.

Following will be read the commitment of the athletes and officials for the national season start, the tournament will be officially be opened and then shall the true delicacy that fans have come to expect from the culmination of the previous tournament, a new clash between industrial and Ciego de Avila, in a rematch of the first battle occurred in the Play Off Final 2012 Cuba just six months ago.

Both mentors present their teams, Lázaro Vargas for Industrial who comes after a good debut as manager in our tournaments and Roger Machado, of Ciego de Avila, considered among the three best or at least most consistent managers of current Cuban baseball.
This Sunday will be the first clash between mentors Roger Machado (left) and Lazaro Vargas.
[Lotta good, young talent represented here not to mention some of the best players in Cuba]

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Four pillars of the Industriales for 52 National Series, from left to right Rudy Reyes, Yasmani Thomas, Alex and his mentor Malleta Lázaro Vargas.

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And here four pillars of Ciego de Avila for the 52 National Series, from left to right Rusney Castillo, Yorelvis Fiss, Isaac Martinez and mentor Roger Machado.

Everything has its end; Licey boot the leader Dean Treanor and pitching coach

Dean Treanor

The management of the Licey Tigers canceled Saturday the leader Dean Treanor and pitching coach, AG Sager, looking for a reaction from the blue troops.

Sager and Treanor left the team in last place in the standings.

It is the second time Escogido Chosen.