I've had the opportunity to watch a lot of games this winter. Carlos Santana needs to go on a diet. It appears he's put on a few pounds. Not good. Could be part of his problems as he continues to struggle this winter.

I just love to watch Jose Ramirez play baseball.

Hard to believe that Ramirez has played twice as many games as Santana as a 20 year old and has been outhitting the wily veteran. They are facing the same pitchers and the same competition.

Perhaps I was a year too late with my breakout position player last year. Andrew Campbell is having a nice winterball season. I've already chosen my position player for this season- Jose Ramirez.

Biggest disappointment this winter has been Jesus Aguilar. He got off to a poor start to his winterball season. He admitted to losing his confidence and was too anxious at the plate. He was demoted to the parallel league for a couple of weeks and seemed to regain his confidence. He was hitting for power and average as well as cutting down on his strikeouts. He was recalled but in 5 weeks has only appeared in three ballgames. He has 24 strikeouts in 56 at bats. Not good!

Asdrubal Cabrera got off to a hot start hitting near the .400 mark for a week and a half. The average this past week has dropped under the .300 mark. His hit last night picked him back up over the .300 mark.

Bryson, Soto, and Langwell have had outstanding winters playing in Puerto Rico. The competition in Puerto Rico isn't quite up to the Dominican and Venezuelan league standards but still pretty good.

Winter baseball

Drama in Quisqueya!

Today ends the regular season and not a single team eliminated.

Licey and Escogido Fight for Survival
@ = Clinched

The Leones Escogido and the Licey Tigers, the two old rivals of baseball as in this tournament never had so many negative things in common, now face a decisive game and with the certainty that a victory guarantees one day longer of life.

Both teams now run temporarily, are in a difficult situation, mainly because of poverty in relief and advocacy. The body of relievers for the Lions wasted an incredible amount of 22 save opportunities and 12 by Licey.

The beasts, who share the fifth position with identical 21-28 record, reaching the final day of the regular season with the hope that the natural smile of triumph is complemented with defeats of the Toros del Este and the Giants Cibao in their games against Estrellas and the Cibao Eagles, respectively.

The Giants, who yesterday unexpectedly fired their leader Eddie Diaz will be led by interim manager Carlos Febles, and Estrellas occupy the same spot in fourth place and the final qualifying place as well with with 22-27 records.

Daniel Cabrera, 4-0 and averaging 2.28 ERA, will start for the Lions, which will also have available in the bullpen to Nelson Figueroa and Edward Valdez.

"Cabrera" has not won since Nov. 23 when he beat Licey, the team that fired him last tournament today and try to give the coup de grace.

The Tigers start with the lefty Johan Flande, a former Toro has launched much better than his record says (0-1 and 2.61 ERA, but is 1.84 wearing the blue uniform.

The Giants will depend, at least in principle, on Bobby Livingston (0-1, 1.04) in their game at the stadium against the Cibao Eagles, who will go with Dustin Richardson (0-0, 2.81).

For their part, the Bulls will host Estrellas in the park Francisco Micheli with Fernando Abad (0-2, 8.64) on the mound. Victor Moreno starts for Estrellas (3-0, 1.33).

Depending on the results of today's matches, there may be a three-way tie in the third position of standing between the Toros, Giants and the winner of the lions and Tigers.

For the three-way tie happen, the Toros and Giants would have to lose their respective matches. They would tie with the winner between Licey and Escogido.

A tie for fourth place between two teams would occur if the Giants or Toros lose their matches. In that case there would be tied for fourth place the Toros and Giants loser and the winner of the capital.

If the Toros and Giants win both their games today, there would be no possibility of a tie, classify them for post season, while Licey and Escogido would be eliminated from the round robin. No chance of a tie for fourth either double tie, triple tie, or quadruple tie.

Dominican regulations say: Article 5 of the ties in the regular series in paragraph G said: "When three (3) any remaining teams tied for third place, positions are decided by the season series between the teams involved.

Should not be possible by defining particular series, positions are decided by the system "General Run Average".

The team with the "General Run Average" or higher has won the season series to the other two, it automatically goes to the Semi-Final Series.

The other participant is the winner of a game between the two (2) and three (3). In the case of a three-way tie for third place between Giants, Bulls and chooses or between Giants, Bulls and Licey, there was a team among them who won the season series to the other two.

Then in three-way tie both possibilities, we must go to the General Run Average (GRA), which is the total runs scored divided by the total runs allowed (clean and dirty), multiplied by 100.

Complicated but Exciting finish to the regular season of play in the Dominican. It doesn't get any more exciting that this for the Dominican fans of their ball clubs. Good Stuff!

In a must win or go home ballgame, Carlos Santana is hitless with another strikeout. The Escogido game is in the 7th inning.

Manny Ramirez has a pair of homers tonight giving him 4 in his 63 winter at bats. He's also hitting (.300). Uncharacteristically he struckout 17 times and walked only 5 times. I'd like to sign him to a minor league contract with a spring training invite.

If the Toros win this evening, they will qualify for the playoffs. Jose Ramirez has another hit and picked up his 10th stolen base this winter. The kid is having an awesome winter. With his hit tonight, Ramirez is batting (.314).

Asdrubal has a homer and has his average back over the .300 mark.

Santana just called out on strikes. I don't know what his problem is, but he does not look good.

Manny rips pair of two-run homers for Aguilas

12-time All-Star extends hitting streak to 10 games, raises average to .293

12/22/12 1:26 AM ET

Manny Ramirez is 16-for-42 (.381) during his hitting streak, which started on Dec. 6. (Jamie Harms/MiLB.com)

Dominican Winter League

Aguilas 6, Gigantes 4

Manny Ramirez slugged a pair of two-run homers to extend his hitting streak to 10 games as the first-place Aguilas handed the Gigantes their second loss in a row. Astros prospect Jonathan Villar chipped in two hits and an RBI for Cibaeñas, while Rhyne Hughes hit a two-run homer off the bench for Cibao.

Toros 4, Estrellas 3

Braves outfielder Jose Constanza doubled, singled, drove in a run, stole a base and scored twice as the Toros held off the Estrellas. Phillies farmhand Steven Lerud also had two hits and an RBI for Este, while Phillies prospect went 2-for-2 with an RBI double and a run scored for Oriente.

Escogido 3, Licey 1

Former Major Leaguer Daniel Cabrera allowed a run on seven hits over seven innings to improve to 5-0 in the Leones' third straight victory. Yankees prospect Melky Mesa tripled and scored the go-ahead run in the fourth for Escogido, while Donell Linares had two hits and drove in the Tigres' lone run.

Venezuelan Winter League

La Guaira 11, Lara 10

Giants outfielder Gregor Blanco stole home in a three-run eighth inning as the Tiburones rallied snapped the Cardenales' four-game winning streak. Alex Cabrera hit a grand slam and Dodgers Minor Leaguer C.J. Retherford had two hits and two RBIs for La Guaira. Jose Lopez went 3-for-4 with a homer and four RBIs for Lara, which got three hits and three runs scored from Royals infielder Alcides Escobar.

Caracas 10, Magallanes 4

Mariners outfielder Franklin Gutierrez collected three hits and four RBIs, leading the Leones to their third straight win. Indians infielder Asdrubal Cabrera homered, doubled and drove in two runs for Caracas, which got two hits, an RBI and two runs scored from Padres newcomer Gregorio Petit. Endy Chavez went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored in a losing effort.

Zulia 5, Aragua 0

Former Minor Leaguer Dwayne Pollok gave up six hits over eight innings for his sixth win as the Aguilas blanked the Tigres for their third consecutive victory. Yankees prospect Jose Pirela homered, doubled and scored twice, while Phillies infielder Freddy Galvis hit a two-run single for Zulia. Alex Romero had two of Aragua's six hits.

Margarita at Caribes, postponed

Mexican Pacific League

Mexicali 5, Navojoa 3

Former Angels farmhand Ricky Alvarez hit a grand slam, walked twice and scored twice to lead the Aguilas back to the .500 mark. Jesus Rodriguez gave up a run and scattered six hits over five innings for the win, while Rolando Acosta homered and Wes Bankston had two hits for the Mayos.

Los Mochis 6, Hermosillo 1

Former Major Leaguer Jason Botts homered and doubled in his fourth straight multi-hit game for the last-place Cañeros. Jesus Arredondo contributed two hits and two RBIs off the bench for Los Mochis, while pinch-hitter Luis Garcia doubled in the Naranjeros' lone run.

Culiacan 10, Mazatlan 3

Braves newcomer Ramiro Peña went 4-for-6 with two RBIs and a run scored to lead a 17-hit attack as the first-place Tomateros won their third straight. Marlon Byrd was 3-for-3 with a pair of walks and two runs scored for Culiacan, while Jose Orozco delivered an RBI double for the Venados.

Guasave 6, Obregon 1

James Avery, who spent the season with the Tigers' Double-A affiliate, allowed two hits and struck out seven over seven shutout innings as the Algodoñeros beat the Yaquis. Japhet Amador had two hits, including a three-run homer, and former Minor Leaguer Jesus Cota reached base three times and drove in a run for Guasave. Carlos Valencia had two hits and singled home Obregon's only run.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Ponce 2, Caguas 1

Ryan Tatusko gave up a run on three hits over 5 1/3 innings to end a personal four-game losing streak as the last-place Leones edged the first-place Criollos. Fellow Nationals farmhand Zach Walters went 2-for-4 with an RBI double and Reggie Abercrombie drove in the other run for Ponce. Andy Gonzalez, who's hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games, singled and lifted a sacrifice fly for Caguas.

Santurce 4, Mayaguez 3

Former Braves Minor Leaguer Jason Lowey struck out eight over six strong innings as the Cangrejeros climbed within a half-game of first place. Minor League veteran Jeff Dominguez homered and scored twice for Santurce, which got two hits and an RBI from Brewers prospect Yadiel Rivera. Twins prospect Eddie Rosario hit a two-run homer and fell a triple shy of the cycle for Mayaguez.

Carolina at Manati, postponed

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Venezuelan Winter League

•Asdrubal Cabrera (DH, Leones del Caracas): 2-for-6, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 K. It’s hard not to like the game here by Cabrera as he notched two hits, and they were both of the extra-base variety. So far, Cabrera has now gone 11-for-36 in eight games with two doubles, a home run and four RBI. Hopefully all this winter action is helping him and also a sign that he’ll be a sure bet to be in shape come spring training.

•Ezequiel Carrera (LF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 0-for-3, 1 R, 1 BB. Carrera’s average has taken a pretty big hit because of some poor performances this week. Carrera has now gone 0-for-9 in his last three games played and his average is now .280 in 27 games this winter.

Dominican Winter League

•Jose Ramirez (SS, Toros del Este): 1-for-4, 1 K. Ramirez may have only gotten one hit Friday, but it keeps his hit streak alive at four games now. With Toros del Este’s win, the team has now clinched a spot in the DWL playoffs, so Ramirez will likely have more opportunities to impress.

•Mike McDade (1B, Toros del Este): 0-for-3, 1 BB. McDade has now gone 22-for-77 this winter, which is not too shabby. With Russ Canzler being claimed today by McDade’s former team, the Toronto Blue Jays, the road to Cleveland just got a bit easier for the switch-hitting first baseman.

•Carlos Santana (DH, Leones del Escogido): 0-for-3, 1 BB, 2 K. Santana has now gone 13-for-68 (.191) this winter. He has 13 walks, which is good, but he also has 18 strikeouts. Leones del Escogido will play tonight in a one-game playoff with Gigantes del Cibao for the final DWL playoff spot, so perhaps Santana will have an opportunity to redeem himself.

•Delvi Cid (PH-CF, Aguilas Cibaenas): 0-for-2. Cid has rarely gotten playing time this winter, which is evidenced by the fact that his two at-bats Friday equals his previous total all winter long. Unfortunately, the right-handed hitting Cid has gone hitless in all four attempts.

•Manny Ramirez (DH, Aguilas Cibaenas): 2-for-3, 2 R, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 1 K. A line like this was just too good to ignore. Manny hit his third and fourth home runs of the winter season Friday. Manny remains a free agent but perhaps some teams have noticed his strong winter showing (.293 average) and may give him a look. I’m all for nostalgia, but it’s probably best that that team is not Cleveland.

Puerto Rican Winter League

•Roberto Perez (C, Indios de Mayaguez): 1-for-3, 1 BB, 1 K. Perez built off a strong Thursday showing and recorded one hit Friday. The right-handed hitter has now gone 15-for-56 in 17 games this winter.

•Rob Bryson (RP, Criollos de Caguas): 1.1 IP, 2 K. Bryson has been brilliant all winter, and that remained the case on Friday. He faced four batters and recorded two strikeouts along the way. Bryson has still yet to allow a run a 14 2/3 innings of work this winter.

Australian Baseball League

•Andrew Campbell (LF, Brisbane Bandits): 3-for-5, 1 R. Campbell continues to rake in the ABL, and the left-handed hitter has now gone 22-for-70 in 20 games this winter.
•Ryan Battaglia (C, Brisbane Bandits): 2-for-4, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI. Battaglia continues to show impressive power this winter. Of his 12 hits, six have gone for extra bases. Before he’s considered a prospect, he’ll have to hit in the states, but his line of .286/.375/.548 is impressive.

Los Toros classify Round Robin

Written by Osvaldo Rodriguez

Friday December 21, 2012 23:20

LA ROMANA.


The Eastern Stars lost for the third time after falling 3 runs to 4 before the Toros del Este in the final game of the regular season of autumn winter baseball tournament held this Friday in this city Micheli Stadium.

The meeting was not of any importance to the green, as the East had remained in the second position.

However, the Stars begin the semifinal series against the Bulls in the Tetelo Vargas Stadium, who finished in third place.

The victory went to the veteran Claudio Vargas (3-3), while the loss fell on Ben Snyder (3-2), who allowed two runs in two innings of work, and getting the save Jairo Asencio (12).

With the setback, the Stars finished with a record of 30-20 and 15-10 the regular season on the road, while dominating the season series 6-4 against the Bulls, that after the victory, were ranked third in the semifinal series.

The pitcher Victor Moreno started the game for the Stars and pitched two innings of one hit and two strikeouts, while the Toros starter Claudio Vargas, covered the first five and a third innings, allowed a double, a run, with two walks and seven strikeouts.

The Bulls produced two runs in the third inning after Steven Lerud reached on an error by shortstop Michael Martinez, who advanced to second on Pedro Ciriaco sacrifice and then scored on a single by Jose Constanza, who went to second on center fielder's throw to third and then came to the plate on a double by Esteban Germán.

In the fifth, the Bulls made yet another double by Jose Constanza, who later scored on throwing error by left fielder Junior Lake.

The Stars in the sixth made two runs. Michael Martinez double shot off starter Vargas and then scored with Leandro Castro double against reliever Osiris Matos, who relieved Vargas. Castro also scored on another double by Junior Lake.

The Bulls put the game away 4-2 with another run in the eighth. Eduardo Nunez singled and was replaced by pinch runner Cesar Puello. Puello reached second on a ground out and scored on Steven Lerud single off reliever Dusty Hughes.

The Stars threatened in the ninth against Jairo Asencio, who allowed two straight singles with one out by Danny Riichar and Nelson Perez. Richar scored on a ground out by Miguel Sano.

For the Bulls, Jose Constanza went 4-2 with two runs scored, Eduardo Nunez, 4-2, and Steven Lerud, 4-2.

For the Stars, Leandro Castro, 2-2, Junior Lake, 3-1, Michael Martinez, a double in three at bats.

Jose Ramirez is having a remarkable season and along with the Toros will advance to post season play. He will get at least an additional 18 games in as the four teams will play one another 6 times each. At least I think that is the round robin rules.

@ = Qualified For Round Robin
X = Eliminated From Round Robin

Escogido and the Gigantes will have a one game playoff tonight to see which team advances to the round robin.

SANTIAGO

Manny Ramirez hitting two H-4;

Giants today are Chosen

Eagles 6-4 defeat Giants at the stadium Cibao nordestanos

Manny Ramirez put the fans in a frenzy in the Cibao stadium, serving as support with four runs, two homers linked to the solid work of five innings by the starter Dustin Richardson, who started for the Cibao Eagles who continue their high-flying pace with a 6-4 victoy over the Gigantes del Cibao, causing an extra game playoff for qualification to the semi-final as the Lions defeated the Tigers this afternoon in Santo Domingo.

With his team trailing by a run in the first inning, Ramirez found an outstanding partner and hit his first homer of the game off starter Bobby Livingston, giving an advantage to the Eagles that they would not give up the rest of the game. In his third at bat of the night, Manny came to bat with one on base against the pitching of Kelvin Perez hit his second homer of the game.

Richardson (1-0) earned his first win, had had thrown three zeros in his previous start and was just his second start of the season. He allowed one run over five innings in which no tickets were issued and struck out four while allowing three hits. Livingston (0-2) took the loss tolerating three runs in one inning of work.

The Eagles connected a total of 14 hits against four of the Giants pitchers.

A key to the victory was the work in the seventh inning by Eagles reliever Juan Sandoval, who inherited a bases loaded situation with no outs and quelled the threat of the Giants by not allowing a ball to leave the infield thanks two strikeouts and a liner to first base ending the inning.

The Eagles won for the sixteenth time the regular season, this time finishing with a record of 32-18 and 17-8 at Estadio Cibao.

The result of the game has caused an extra game tiebreaker today between Lions of the Chosen (22-28) and the Cibao Giants (22-28), the winner will enter the round robin in fourth place and will be received by the Eagles on Thursday for the start of the semifinal.

Runs:

The Giants scored first. With two outs in the first inning, Carlos Peguero singled to right field scoring Alexi Casilla who had reached base on error. 1-0 Giants.

At the bottom, Juan Carlos Perez opened with a single and after two outs, Manny Ramirez hit homer. 2-1 Eagles.

Francisco Peña began the second inning with a double to center field and Juan Lagares basehit scored Peña. 3-1 Eagles. Robinzon Diaz homered in the fourth for the Giants. 3-2 Eagles.

In the fifth for the Eagles Audy Ciriaco singled. Manny Ramirez homers (4) to center field. Audy Ciriaco scores. Erick Almonte singled. Luis De La Cruz pinch hit. Luis De La Cruz singled. Jonathan Villar singled and Erick Almonte scored. 6-2 Eagles

Rhyne Hughes hit two-run homer in the ninth for the Giants. Final Eagles 6-4.

Aguilas' Gattis hits league-leading 15th homer

Braves catching prospect collects four hits, drives in four more runs

12/23/12 1:08 AM ET

Evan Gattis also ranks among the league leaders in RBIs, slugging percentage and total bases. (Shawn E. Davis/MiLB.com)

Venezuelan Winter League

Zulia 8, Aragua 5

Braves prospect Evan Gattis went 4-for-5 with his league-leading 15th homer and four RBIs, powering the Aguilas to their fourth straight win. D-backs outfielder Gerardo Parra added two hits and two RBIs and Yankees prospect Jose Pirela chipped in three hits and scored a run for Zulia. Twins prospect Oswaldo Arcia smacked a two-run homer and Yonel Pacheco also had a pair of RBIs for Aragua.

Lara 9, La Guaira 1

Former Major Leaguer Hernan Iribarren went 4-for-5 with a pair of doubles, an RBI and a run scored as the Cardenales cruised past the Tiburones. Braves farmhand Jose Yepez also doubled twice and drove in three runs, while Cubs infielder Luis Valbuena was 3-for-5 with two RBIs for Lara. Royals catcher Salvador Perez collected three more hits and drove in La Guaira's only run.

Caribes 3, Margarita 1, 1st game

Indians prospect Paolo Espino struck out six and gave up three hits over five shutout innings before the Caribes beat the Bravos in the opener of a doubleheader. Luis Nuñez delivered a go-ahead two-run single in the seventh for Anzoategui, who got two hits and two runs scored from Marlins outfielder Gorkys Hernandez. Max Ramirez doubled twice for Margarita.

Caribes 3, Margarita 0, 2nd game

Former Minor Leaguer Alex Herrera allowed four hits over six innings to improve to 5-0 as the Caribes completed a doubleheader sweep. Marlins outfielder Gorkys Hernandez picked up two more doubles and scored a run for Anzoategui, while Royals farmhand Manny Pina accounted for two of the Bravos' five hits.

Mexican Pacific League

Mexicali 7, Navojoa 3

Ricky Alvarez followed up a four-RBI game by homering twice and driving in three runs as the Aguilas won their third straight. Former Mets farmhand Michel Abreu also went yard, drove in two runs and scored twice for Mexicali, while Luis Fonseca went 2-for-5 with an RBI for the Mayos, who have lost four in a row.

Los Mochis 9, Hermosillo 1

A's prospect Andres Avila allowed a run on four hits over six innings out of the bullpen as the last-place Cañeros cruised to their second straight win. Former White Sox Minor Leaguer Jesus Avila homered twice and drove in four runs for Los Mochis, which got two doubles and three RBIs from former Major Leaguer Jason Botts. Eloy Gutierrez, who spent three years in the Dodgers system, supplied the Naranjeros' offense with his second homer.

Mazatlan 7, Culiacan 6

Enrique Osorio picked up two hits and four RBIs as the Venados built a seven-run lead, then held on to snap the first-place Tomateros' three-game winning streak. Former Minor League All-Star Chris Walker drilled a three-run homer and former Padres prospect Ryan Hinson struck out seven over 6 2/3 innings for Mazatlan. Cory Aldridge, Emmanuel Valdez and pinch-hitter Mario Valdez homered in a losing effort.

Guasave 7, Obregon 0

Former Major Leaguer Andrew Sisco struck out seven and gave up four hits over seven innings to halt a personal two-game slide as the Algodoñeros blanked the Yaquis. Mario Valenzuela hit a three-run homer and Jose Rodriguez added a solo shot for Guasave, while Barbaro Canizares accounted for half of Obregon's hits.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Ponce 4, Mayaguez 0

Former Rockies Minor Leaguer Tomas Santiago allowed two hits and struck out five over six innings as the last-place Leones won their second straight. Rangers prospect Zach Zaneski went 3-for-4 with an RBI double and Royals prospect Christian Colon doubled, singled and scored a run for Ponce. Irving Falu (Royals) singled and walked in a losing effort.

Santurce 3, Caguas 2

Former Minor Leaguer Geraldo Valentin singled home the go-ahead run with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning as the Cangrejeros grabbed sole possession of first place. Jeff Dominguez went 3-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI for Santurce, while Carlos Rivera accounted for the Criollos' offense with his fifth homer.

Carolina 5, Manati 2, 1st game

Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina slugged a go-ahead three-run homer, helping the Gigantes win the first game of a doubleheader. Astros prospect Rene Garcia also went deep for Carolina, which got six strong innings from Minor League veteran Gaby Hernandez. Ruben Gotay delivered a two-run single for Manati.

Carolina 4, Manati 1, 2nd game

Cubs prospect Ty'Relle Harris struck out five and yielded two hits over four scoreless innings as the Gigantes completed a sweep of their doubleheader. Cardinals prospect Anthony Garcia went 2-for-2 with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored for Carolina, while Ivan De Jesus (Red Sox) had two hits and scored the Atenienses' lone run.

Dominican Winter League

Escogido 5, Gigantes 2

Pirates farmhand Kris Johnson struck out 11 and allowed one earned run on three hits over 7 1/3 innings in the Leones' fourth straight victory. Yankees prospect Melky Mesa drove in two runs, stole a base and scored twice, while Nationals prospect Eury Perez singled twice and scored a run for Escogido. Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz doubled and scored a run for the Gigantes, who have dropped three in a row.

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Dominican Winter League

•Carlos Santana (DH, Leones del Escogido): 1-for-3, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 2 K: Talk about struggling. Santana came into Saturday night’s ballgame on an 0-for-14 slide. He broke the Oh-fer, but didn’t exactly explode out of his winter-slump. He’s hitting whopping .197, with only four extra-base hits in 20 games. Perhaps DH-ing doesn’t sit well with him, but suffice it to say that Santana is allaying any fears with regards to the Indians fan-dom.

Puerto Rican Winter League

•Fernando Cabrera (RP, Leones de Ponce): 1 IP, 1 BB, 2 K: How about this for a frustrating name from the past. Cabrera was once a highly thought of prospect with the Tribe, who just never reached his potential, and was sent packing. He found himself back in Buffalo in 2012, and has been excelling in winter ball. He hasn’t given up a run in five games and 6 1/3 innings.

•Giovanni Soto (RP, Gigantes de Carolina): 1 1/3 IP, 1 BB, 2 K: Soto got his first save, and has been absolutely lights out after giving up two earned runs on November 14th. Since then, Soto, who’s been working exclusively out of the pen (and is a lefty…hmmm), has been un-touchable. He hasn’t given up a run in nine games over 13 2/3 innings, while walking only four and striking out 16. He’s not a flame-thrower, but boy does he understand what’ going on up there on the mount.

Venezuelan Winter League

• Paulo Espino (SP, Caribes de Anzoategui): 5 IP, 3 H, 6 K: Espino has had an interesting winter, having shown both the good and the bad of Espino. When he’s on, he’s a devastatingly good starter, such as on Saturday. When he’s not, he can give up seven earned runs in on 2 2/3, as he did in his last start.

Australian Baseball League

• Andrew Campbell (CF, Brisbane Bandits): 1-for-4, 1 R, 1 K: Campbell is 5-for-13 over his last three games, and is hitting .311 for the season thusfar. He’s also batting leadoff for the Bandits in what appears to be his breakthrough season. Of course, the Australian League isn’t American baseball, and he’s a long way from making an impact in the Indians’ system.

• Ryan Battaglia (C, Brisbane Bandits): 0-for-4, 1 K: Battaglia has been hot of late, as he was 8-for-21 over his last six games coming into Saturday’s game. There’s nothing really special about Battaglia as of yet as a prospect, but he’s only 20.

CARACAS. -

Its Official; Eternal Arch Rival Caracas and Magallanes Quality

TODAY 7:09 a.m. |

With the defeat of the Sharks yesterday, Caracas and Magallanes classified mathematically

Kris Johnson Classified Lions With Pitching Gem

Written by Neftali Ruiz | Press Department | Leones Escogido

Saturday December 22, 2012 21:10

SANTO DOMINGO -


The Lions completed an historic comeback to classify robin with a win 5 runs to 2 over the Gigantes del Cibao in the extra game held Saturday at the Quisqueya Stadium.

Lions successfully faced elimination in four straight games this week.

The lefty Kris Johnson threw a gorgeous ballgsme into the eighth inning to become the hero of the day. The U.S. launcher worked 7.1 innings allowed two runs, one earned. He struck out 11 opponents without tickets.

Johnson's exhibited immaculate control and made 101 pitches on three days of rest. He had thrown six scoreless innings against the Toros del Este on Tuesday.

The Lions won seven of the last nine games to erase a disadvantage of 3.5 games by the Giants, to reach the last day of December 9.

Melky Mesa hit a double in four at-bats, drove in two runs and scored another pair.