With the Leones win, Carlos Santana lives to play another day. Perhaps the round robin tournament will go much better than the regular season phase for Carlos. Line looks ugly especially the amount of strikeouts that Carlos racked up this winter.

Ugueth Urbina was released after 14-year sentence

Urbina was paying his sentence of 14 years and four months, at the General Penitentiary of Venezuela

The ex major leaguer Ugueth Urbina was released after eight years detention for the crime of murder in degree of frustration and conspiracy.

In the evening, the information was spread by the social network Twitter, where several sports commentators noted the release of former reliever Leones del Caracas. Later, at 10:30 pm through the same network, his son Juan Urbina in his personal account @ juanurbina51, sent a message to his followers announcing that it was with his father and posted a photo cuddling.

Urbina was paying his sentence of 14 years and 4 months in the General Penitentiary of Venezuela in Guarico state, after being found guilty of wounding and burning seven people between 15 and 16 October 2005 on his farm.

Gattis homers again for streaking Aguilas

Braves catching prospect goes yard for sixth time in eight games, plates three

12/23/12 11:43 PM ET

Evan Gattis is 13-for-29 with six homers and 13 RBIs over his last eight games. (Robert Gurganus/Four Seam Images)

Venezuelan Winter League

Zulia 12, Aragua 8

Braves catching prospect Evan Gattis went 3-for-5 with his league-leading 16th homer, three RBIs and three runs scored to power the Aguilas to their fifth straight win. D-backs outfielder Gerardo Parra also had three hits and drove in two runs, while Reds prospect Henry Rodriguez had two hits and two RBIs for Zulia. Jonel Pacheco drove in five runs and fell a double shy of the cycle for the Tigres.

Lara 5, Caracas 4

Braves farmhand Jose Yepez slugged his third homer in four games, a go-ahead solo shot in the sixth inning, as the Cardenales ended the Leones' three-game winning streak. Royals Minor Leaguer Paulo Orlando added a three-run blast for Lara, while Giants farmhand Daniel Mayora delivered an RBI double and scored a run for Caracas.

Caribes 5, Margarita 3

Blue Jays prospect Balbino Fuenmayor went 3-for-4 with a go-ahead RBI single and two runs scored, leading the Caribes to their third consecutive victory. Twins infielder Eduardo Escobar had a two-run triple and Bruce Pugh (Twins) tossed 1 1/3 hitless innings for Anzoategui. Max Ramirez hit a two-run homer and scored twice for the Bravos.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Carolina 11, Manati 4

Former Major Leaguer Chris Pettit hit a grand slam and Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina added a three-run shot, powering the Gigantes to their fourth consecutive win. Phillies prospect Julio Rodriguez struck out six and gave up three runs on seven hits over five innings for the victory, while Ivan De Jesus (Red Sox) drove in three runs for the Atenienses.

Ponce 3, Santurce 1

Former Minor Leaguer Giancarlo Alvarado allowed a run on four hits over eight innings as the last-place Leones reeled off their third straight win. Nicolas Ortiz went 3-for-4 with a solo homer and Jorge Jimenez also went yard for Ponce. Jeff Dominguez provided the Cangrejeros' offense with his second homer of the season, both in the last three games.

Mayaguez 3, Caguas 1

Red Sox prospect Jeremy Kehrt gave up one run on three hits over six innings, helping the Indios shut down the Criollos. Brewers catcher Martin Maldonado delivered a pair of run-scoring singles for Mayaguez, while Royals Minor Leaguer Rey Navarro doubled home Caguas' lone run.

Mexican Pacific League

Culiacan 6, Mazatlan 2

Braves newcomer Ramiro Peña singled twice, walked, drove in a run and scored once as the first-place Tomateros beat the Venados. Cesar Tapia also reached base three times, scored twice and contributed an RBI for Culiacan, while Ivan Terrazas doubled home a run for Mazatlan.

Obregon 7, Guasave 4, 11 innings

Doug Clark fell a triple shy of the cycle, drove in two runs and scored twice to help the Yaquis snap a five-game losing streak. Iker Franco smacked a two-run homer and Major League veteran Willy Taveras also had a pair of RBIs for Obregon, while Ivan Araujo and Japhet Amador homered for the Algodoñeros.

Hermosillo 4, Los Mochis 2

Major League veteran Dennys Reyes struck out six over seven strong innings as the Naranjeros avoided a third straight loss. Former Reds farmhand Jesse Gutierrez had two hits, including a solo homer, and Luis Borges was 2-for-3 with two RBIs for Hermosillo. Sandy Madera went 3-for-4 and provided the Canñeros' offense with his 12th homer.

Mexicali 7, Navojoa 2

Jorge Guzman went 2-for-3 with a homer and two RBIs off the bench to lead the Aguilas to their fourth straight win. Former Angels prospect Ricky Alvarez also had two hits, scored twice and drove in a run for Mexicali, while Major League veteran Ben Broussard homered in a losing effort.

Dominican Winter League

No games scheduled

<
Mexican Winter League

Ben Broussard (LF, Mayos de Navojoa): 1-for-3, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 K: The former Indians first baseman/DH hasn’t played big league baseball in three years, but the 36-year-old is having a good season in the Mexican League. He launched his fourth homer, and drove in his seventh RBI in only his 12th game.

Venezuela Winter League

Jose Lopez (3B, Cardenales de Lara): 1-for-3, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 BB: Lopez spent less than a season with the Indians, and is still currently hunting for a 2013 job. He may or may not have one with the Astros, but he DOES have one in the Winter Leagues, and he’s done very well thusfar. He hit his 12th double in 44 games, is hitting .394 in his last ten ballgames, and is hitting .311 overall.

Luis Valbuena (2B, Cardenales de Lara): 1-for-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K: Like Lopez, Valbuena is hitting well in the winter leagues. While he’s been struggling of late, he’s 4-for-8, with two runs, a double and two RBI over his last two games.

Gregorio Petit (SS, Leones del Caracas): 0-for-2, 1 R, 1 RBI: Petit is no longer with the Indians organization, and his numbers right now in Venezuela speaks for themselves. He’s only hitting .229.

Max Ramirez (DH, Bravos de Margarita): 2-for-4, 2 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI: The former Tribe catcher is hitting .308, and hit his second homer of the winter league season.

Australian League

Andrew Campbell (LF, Brisbane Bandits): 0-for-3, 1 BB, 1 K: Campbell’s average dropped below .300 for the first time since nearly the start of the 2012 season. He’s been slumping of late, but Campbell isn’t exactly known as an offensive player.

By Jim Pete
December 24, 2012

Venezuelan Winter League Standings
C = Qualified For Round Robin
X = Eliminated From Round Robin

Caribes and Cardinals have one foot in the door.
First five teams qualify.

joez wrote:

Ugueth Urbina was released after 14-year sentence

Urbina was paying his sentence of 14 years and four months, at the General Penitentiary of Venezuela

The ex major leaguer Ugueth Urbina was released after eight years detention for the crime of murder in degree of frustration and conspiracy.

In the evening, the information was spread by the social network Twitter, where several sports commentators noted the release of former reliever Leones del Caracas. Later, at 10:30 pm through the same network, his son Juan Urbina in his personal account @ juanurbina51, sent a message to his followers announcing that it was with his father and posted a photo cuddling.

Urbina was paying his sentence of 14 years and 4 months in the General Penitentiary of Venezuela in Guarico state, after being found guilty of wounding and burning seven people between 15 and 16 October 2005 on his farm.

Only had to serve 8 years for MURDER?
btw, Oct 2005 was only 7 years ago, not 8.

Ain't that something!?!?!? Urbina must be good friends with Chavez. It's one thing to shoot someone, quite another to torch them in the process.

Monell goes yard twice in Caguas rout

Giants farmhand goes 3-for-5 with two homers, two RBIs, three runs scored in win

12/26/12 11:43 PM ET

Puerto Rican Winter League

Caguas 9, Santurce 1

Giants farmhand Johnny Monell went 3-for-5 with two homers, two RBIs and three runs scored as Caguas routed Santurce on Wednesday to vault into first place. Carlos Rivera also homered and drove in a pair for the Criollos while Jorge Padilla and Roberto Pena (Astros) added two RBIs apiece. Caguas starter Michael Nix picked up his first win of the season, allowing a run on six hits over six innings while striking out five.

Ponce 8, Manati 3

The Leones plated three runs in the first and three more in the seventh en route to an easy win over Manati. Ponce second baseman Jose Lozada (Nationals) drove in a game-high two runs on a pair of singles. Only one of Ponce's 13 hits went for extra bases -- a double by Jonathan Garcia in the bottom of the fifth.

Mayaguez 6, Carolina 5

The Indios took an early 6-1 lead and held off a late Carolina rally to escape with a one-run win. Randy Ruiz (D-backs) blasted a three-run homer in the second and Daniel Ortiz (Twins) added a two-run double. Carolina's Pedro Valdes tallied a team-high two RBIs without recording a hit in the contest.

Mexican Pacific League

Obregon 4, Culiacan 2

The Yaquis scored two runs in the seventh and another in the eighth to topple first-place Culiacan. Second baseman Carlos Valencia launched a two-run homer and Barbaro Canizares went 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI to lead Obregon. Arturo Lopez won his sixth game of the season, scattering two runs on two hits and five walks over seven innings, striking out eight.

Navojoa 5, Guasave 4

The Mayos scored on a pair of sacrifice flies in the top of the eighth inning to edge Guasave. The Algodoneros led 4-0 in the contest -- buoyed a two-run homer by Sergio Garcia -- but allowed five unanswered runs. Wes Bankston and Rolando Acosta both homered for Navojoa, with Bankston scoring twice and driving in a team-high two runs.

Los Mochis 8, Mazatlan 5

Last-place Los Mochis rode a three-run homer by Sandy Madera to win over Mazatlan. The Caneros built an 8-1 lead after two innings and withstood a Venados comeback. Ramon Orantes also homered for Los Mochis and Jesus Arredondo added a pair of RBIs

Mexicali 9, Hermosillo 2

The Aguilas rallied for eight runs over the final three innings to spur a blowout win over Hermosillo. Royals second baseman went 3-for-4 with a homer and four RBIs to lead Mexicali, while Ricky Alvarez also homered and drove in a pair of runs. Starter Edgar Gonzalez scattered eight hits but allowed just one run for the Aguilas, striking out five.

Hernandez, Criollos one-hit Cangrejeros

Blue Jays prospect yields single, strikes out five over seven innings

12/28/12 1:26 AM ET

Puerto Rican Winter League

Caguas 4, Santurce 0

Blue Jays prospect Fernando Hernandez yielded one hit -- a leadoff single in the third -- and struck out five over seven innings for his league-leading fifth win for the first-place Criollos. Former Minor Leaguer Carlos Rivera delivered a two-run double and Edgard Clemente went 2-for-3 with an RBI for Caguas. Brewers prospect Yadiel Rivera had Santurce's lone hit.

Mayaguez 3, Carolina 2

Adonis Garcia started a 3-for-4 night with an RBI double in a three-run first inning that carried the Indios to their third straight win. Jason Urquidez, who spent the season with the Red Sox's Double-A affiliate, pitched a scoreless innings for the win. Pedro Valdes doubled, singled, walked twice and scored a run for the Gigantes.

Ponce 11, Manati 9, 15 innings

Hitless in his first seven at-bats, former Major Leaguer Reggie Abercrombie slugged a two-run homer in the 15th inning as the last-place Leones extended their winning streak to five games. Royals prospect Christian Colon collected four hits, including his first homer of the season, scored four times and drove in two runs for Ponce. Pirates newcomer Ivan De Jesus Jr. went 4-for-7 with three RBIs and three runs scored, while Brahiam Maldonado also fell a triple shy of the cycle for the Atenienses.

Venezuelan Winter League

Aragua 2, Caracas 1

Rangers farmhand Joucer Martinez allowed an unearned run over 4 1/3 innings and combined with four relievers on a five-hitter as the last-place Tigres snapped a six-game losing streak. Former Minor Leaguer Jonel Pacheco homered and Twins prospect Oswaldo Arcia had two hits and scored Aragua's other run. Minor League veteran Jose Duarte went 2-for-3 and scored the Leones' lone run.

Magallanes 3, Margarita 1

Free agent Carlos Zambrano allowed a run on five hits over five innings for his fourth win as the playoff-bound Navegantes shut down the Bravos. Eliezer Alfonzo had two hits, including a two-run homer, and Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli also had a pair of hits for Magallanes. Henry Blanco slugged his fifth homer for Margarita, which has lost four in a row.

Caribes 9, La Guaira 5

Orioles newcomer Niuman Romero went 3-for-5 with three RBIs and two runs scored to lead a 15-hit attack as the Caribes won their fourth straight. Twins infielder Eduardo Escobar fell a homer shy of the cycle and scored twice for Anzoategui, while Alex Cabrera collected three hits and two RBIs in a losing cause.

Zulia 9, Lara 7

Jose Flores, who played at two levels in the Giants organization this season, went 5-for-5 with a walk, an RBI and three runs scored to lead the Aguilas' 19-hit attack. D-backs outfielder Gerardo Parra chipped in four hits, scored twice and drove in two runs for Zulia, while Cubs infielder Luis Valbuena homered and drove in four runs for the Cardenales.

Mexican Pacific League

Culiacan 4, Obregon 3, 11 innings

Adan Amezcua singled in the go-ahead run in the 11th inning as the first-place Tomateros outlasted the Yaquis. Carlos Alvarez smacked a two-run homer and Ricardo Serrano scored twice for Culiacan, while Barbaro Canizares went 3-for-5 with an RBI double in a losing effort.

Guasave 8, Navojoa 5

Japhet Amador slugged his 16th and 17th homers and drove in four runs as the Algodoñeros halted a three-game slide. Former Major Leaguer Freddy Sandoval had an RBI double in a four-run first inning and added a sacrifice fly for Guasave, while Rolando Acosta and Wes Bankston hit two-run shots for Navojoa.

Hermosillo 12, Mexicali 7

Karim Garcia homered and drove in three runs and fellow Major League veteran Humberto Cota added a two-run blast, helping the Naranjeros snap the Aguilas' six-game winning streak. Jesse Gutierrez and Luis Garcia both homered, doubled and scored twice for Hermosillo, while Jon Weber went 2-for-5 with a homer and three RBIs in a losing effort.

Los Mochis 7, Mazatlan 4

Sandy Madera capped a three-hit night with a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the last-place Cañeros their second win in a row. Sergio Perez went 4-for-4 and scored twice for Los Mochis, while former Angels farmhand Jose Orozco drilled a pinch solo shot for the Venados.

Dominican Winter League

Escogido 8, Aguilas 2

Yankees prospect Melky Mesa went 3-for-5 with a homer, three RBIs and two runs scored as the Leones opened the round-robin playoffs by cruising past the Aguilas. Mauro Gomez (Red Sox) and Indians catcher Carlos Santana also went yard for Escogido, who got seven dominant innings from former Minor Leaguer Edward Valdez. Efren Navarro had an RBI single for Cibaeñas.

<

Dominican Winter League
•Carlos Santana (DH): 2-for-3, 2 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB. This is the sort of outing everyone wanted to see out of Santana this winter. If he is spending his time in the Dominican working on adjustments, hopefully this is a sign that it is working.
•Jose Ramirez (N/A): 2-for-5. Two more hits for Ramirez, who continues to hit at an out-of-control rate. If Ramirez brings half of this into the season, he will continue to rise like helium through the system.
•Juan Diaz (N/A): 0-for-2. Diaz did not have a great night before he was replaced last night midway through the game. He continues to have a mostly invisible offseason, similar to his regular season production. Diaz rarely stands out, but he consistently averages around a 1-for-4 day with a strikeout day-in and day-out.

Venezuelan Winter League

•Jeanmar Gomez (SP): ND, 2.1 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO. This marks back-to-back poor starts for Gomez, who has not had a good offseason. He could be working on a specific pitch -- making the results of these games useless -- but what is certain is that Gomez is not lighting it up in Venezuela.

•Paolo Espino (SP): ND, 4.2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 SO, 1 HR. Espino outpitched his opponent -- Jeanmar Gomez -- last night, but he did not do exceptionally well. He ran into trouble in the fifth inning, something that has reared up semi-frequently this winter.

•Asdrubal Cabrera (SS): 0-for-5, 1 SO. Not a good night for Cabrera, though the results this offseason do not matter as much; what is important is finding a way for Cabrera to not fade down the stretch again in 2013.

•Luis Hernandez (2B): 1-for-4, 1 2B. Hernandez is not hitting .400 anymore, but he is still showing a strong .370/.385/.467 line. The lack of walks is not ideal (three in 24 games), but the ability with the bat is nice to see.

•Ezequiel Carrera (LF): 1-for-4, 1 2B, 1 SO. Carrera continues to show good form and great control this offseason (.279/.372/.394 line, 15:16 SO:BB), though the real test will come this spring. The hope is that he can become an established fourth outfielder in the major leagues, and if he hits like this, he will fill that role perfectly.

Puerto Rican Winter League

•Roberto Perez (C): 0-for-0, 4 BB. What more is there to say about Perez's night? He walked all four times he went to the plate and was stranded each time. This is easily my favorite line of the whole offseason.

•Joseph Colon (SP): L (2-4), 4.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 2 SO. Colon took the loss last night after he struggled to maintain control. That sort of high walk total is not good to see out of the starter, and he has now walked four batters in back-to-back games.

Australian Winter League

•Ryan Battaglia (DH): 1-for-2, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 SO, 1 HBP. Battaglia continued his solid winter last night with a double, bringing him up to seven extra base hits in 14 games. That sort of pop will help Battaglia in the spring, provided he can bring it with him from Australia.

•Andrew Campbell (LF): 0-for-3, 2 SO, 1 SAC. Last night was not kind to Campbell, who has put up pretty decent numbers this season in Australia. The soon-to-be 21-year-old outfielder is facing a put-up-or-shut-up spring but gotten off to a good start this winter.

•Chuck Lofgren (SP): W (3-1), 8.0 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 SO. Lofgren did not play stateside last year, but he has been pretty dominant in Australia this winter (2.87 ERA, 36:11 SO:BB in 37.2 innings). His big league dreams are likely over, but it would be cool to see the former Cleveland farmhand make his way back

Just can't keep saying enough nice things about Jose Ramirez. The soon to be 20 year old got off to a nice start in the Dominican round robin tournament last night. In the Toros win over Estrellas on the road, Ramirez, hitting out of the lead off postion, had a pair of base hits in five at bats and added a stolen base.

Carlos Santana broke out of his funk in a big way. 2-3 with a homer, a base hit, a pair of walks, two runs scored, and two batted in. By far, Santana best game of the winter. Comes at a great time as Leones jumped all over the Aguilas by a score of 8-2, also the first game on the round robin tournament for both teams.

Winter Ball Notebook: DWL playoffs begin

By Steve Orbanek

December 28, 2012

ShareThis

With Tuesday marking the Christmas holiday, winter action was quite slow this past week, but there are some signs that seem to indicate that things are about to heat up.

For starters, the Dominican Winter League began its round robin playoffs on Thursday night. So now, the four remaining teams (Aguilas, Estrellas, Escogido and Toros) will play 18 games with the top two teams advancing to the best-of-nine League Championship Series.

Additionally, the Puerto Rican Winter League and Venezuelan Winter League will both be entering the postseason soon. The final day of the regular season is Sunday in both leagues.

After that, four teams in the PWL advance to a best-of-seven Divisional Series before a best-of-nine League Championship Series. In the VWL, five teams advance to a round robin-type playoff format where the teams play 16 games. The top two teams then compete in a best-of-seven League Championship Series.

While winter league playoffs may be not bring the same excitement as say an Indians postseason appearance, it still should provide fans with a nice opportunity to follow some players and also serve as a nice appetizer to spring training (which is drawing closer and closer by the day).

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

— Carlos Santana unfortunately had a very rough regular season in the DWL. In 20 games with Leones del Escogido, Santana went 14-for-71 (.197) with four doubles, six RBI, 14 walks and 20 strikeouts. He was never really able to find his groove and seemed to be stuck in a major slump that he was never able to break (he endured two four-game hitless streaks during the season). However, there could be some positive news for the switch-hitting catcher. On Thursday, Santana played in a round robin playoff game with Leones del Escogido. Escogido earned an 8-2 win over Aguilas Cibaenas, and Santana played a big part in the win as he went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, a home run, two RBI and two walks. All things considered, Santana’s game was practically perfect and a major step in the right direction. As stated previously, the DWL playoffs last for quite awhile, so Santana may just have some time to recapture his bat magic.

— Speaking of Indians players competing in the DWL playoffs, Jose Ramirez seems to be off to a good start, which makes sense considering his brilliant regular season with Toros del Este. In 38 games with the team, Ramirez went 44-for-141 (.312) with five doubles, one triple, 22 RBI, 18 walks, 23 strikeouts and 10 stolen bases. On Thursday, Ramirez played a part in the Toros 3-1 win over Estrellas as he recorded two singles. Prior to the season, Ramirez was overlooked because of his lack of power, but he continues to get on base, and he seems to be someone who could rapidly move throughout the system. He has remained startlingly consistent all season this year, and his start to the DWL playoffs shows that he has no intentions of slowing down.

— Chun-Hsiu Chen saw his winter league season come to a close last week. The 24-year-old first baseman had spent this winter honing his game in the Asia Winter Baseball League, and the results were impressive. In 16 games, Chen went 14-for-44 with two home runs and 23 RBI. His line of .318/.388/.523 was quite impressive, especially since Chen did not show much power during the 2012 season. As it’s been said before, Chen has to hit for some power to have a chance to break into the Major Leagues and stick as a first baseman. That is probably ultimately very unlikely, but the right-handed hitter has hit wherever he has played, and some might even argue that his advanced bat is already Major League ready. His performance this winter certainly did nothing to hurt his stock, and who knows, perhaps Chen could get a cup of coffee in the Majors this coming season. Stranger things have happened.

— Before he made his debut in the Australian Baseball League this winter, I noted that catcher Ryan Battaglia may be a player to watch for one specific reason: power. In 20 games with the AZL Indians this past season, Battaglia hit .214/.382/.417 and of his 18 total hits, nine went for extra bases. So far, the trend seems to be continuing in the ABL. In 14 games, Battaglia has compiled a .271/.264/.521 line with four doubles, one triple and two home runs. He has a total of 13 hits and seven of them have gone for extra bases. It would be a stretch to even call him a marginal prospect at this point, but no one can deny that the kid has power. Since he does seem to at least have one Major League tool, perhaps there is some hope for the right-handed hitter.

— Right-handed pitcher Joseph Colon has quietly had a solid campaign with Cangrejeros de Santurce of the PWL. In nine games and eight starts, Colon has a 3.46 ERA in 39 innings with 17 walks and 31 strikeouts. The problem with Colon this winter has been control as it has led to some problems, especially in his last two starts where he has walked four batters in both contests. Though walks were not a problem for Colon at all during the 2012 minor league season, so hopefully it is just a minor hiccup. Because of his size and lack of overpowering stuff, Colon is going to need to be a consistent strike thrower to advance through the system and while the overall numbers are good this winter, it would be nice to see some improvement in the walk department.

— It’s hard to figure where Jeanmar Gomez fits into the Indians plans moving forward, but unfortunately, his winter showing in the VWL has done him no favors. In five starts and 14 1/3 innings of work, Gomez has a 5.65 ERA. The right-hander has especially had poor results in his last two outings where he has been lucky to make it through two innings and has allowed four earned runs in both appearances. Provided the Indians do not sign a veteran starting pitcher, one would believe that Gomez might have a legitimate chance to win a spot in the starting rotation this spring. However, Gomez had problems with giving up the big inning this past season, and that problem seems to have followed him to the VWL. You can never buy into winter league stats too much, but there is something very discouraging about Gomez’s last two performances.

— Right-hander Paolo Espino has recovered nicely from his start last week where he allowed seven earned runs in 2 2/3 innings. Since then, Espino had an outing where he pitched five innings of scoreless ball and he then allowed three runs in 4 2/3 innings on Thursday. Espino is essentially a finished product in the minor leagues, but he’s really not a Major League option because of his lack of stuff. Nonetheless, he certainly has performed quite well over the years, so it would be nice to see him finish strong this winter, and maybe, just maybe, he might have a chance to make an appearance for the Indians sometime this season. Obviously, if Espino is pitching for the Indians, it’s likely a sign that things have gone quite sour for the Major League club, but it’d still be nice to see a deserving individual get his shot.

Mejia homers twice, brings home seven for Aguilas

Braves first baseman becomes Venezuelan Winter League's home run, RBI leader

12/29/12 1:49 AM ET

Ernesto Mejia hit 24 home runs and drove in 92 runs for Triple-A Gwinnett in the 2012 season. (Ken Jancef/MiLB.com)

Venezuelan Winter League

Zulia 12, Caracas 2

Braves farmhand Ernesto Mejia homered twice and drove in seven runs for the Aguilas, who scored seven runs in the first inning and five in the eighth. The 27-year-old first baseman leads the Venezuelan Winter League with 48 RBIs and is tied at the top with fellow Brave Evan Gattis with 16 homers. Jose Pirela (Yankees) doubled and drove in three runs from the top of the order. Giants farmhand Daniel Mayora went 4-for-4 with a solo blast for the Leones.

Magallanes 10, Margarita 1

Eliezer Alfonzo went 3-for-5 with a home run, two doubles, four RBIs and three runs scored in the rout. Jesus Flores doubled and plated two runs while Reegie Corona tallied two RBIs as well in the win. Gustavo Chacin allowed an unearned run on two hits over five strong innings.

La Guaira 7, Aragua 5

A three-run homer by Renny Osuna highlighted a five-run third inning by the Tiburones, who had to hold off a similar five-run eighth by the Tigres to take the win. Les Walrond did his part, holding Aragua back for just five hits and three walks over six shutout innings. Guillermo Rodriguez went 2-for-4 with two RBIs to lead the losing Aragua side.

Anzoategui 10, Lara 9

Tigers prospect Niuman Romero's RBI single in the top of the ninth proved to be the game-winner for the Caribes. Luis Oliveros was 3-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and three runs scored before being lifted for a pinch runner in that ninth frame. Royals infielder Alcides Escobar went a perfect 4-for-4 with two doubles and three RBIs for the Cardenales.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Santurce 3, Manati 2

Brewers prospect Yadiel Rivera broke a 2-2 deadlock with a pinch-hit RBI groundout in the eighth inning to give the Cangrejeros the victory. Fellow Milwaukee farmhand Emmanuel Quiles went 2-for-4 with a solo homer, and Luis Rivera drove in Santurce's other run. Ricardo Gomez struck out three batters over a perfect 1 1/3 innings out of the bullpen to take the win. Eddie Camacho gave up one run on six hits over 5 2/3 innings but received a no-decision for the Atenienses.

Caguas 2, Ponce 1

Efrain Nieves, who was selected by the Blue Jays in the Triple-A portion of the latest Rule 5 Draft, struck out seven and allowed only one hit in six shutout innings to lead the Criollos. Carlos Rivera provided the entire offense by hitting a two-run homer in the fourth inning. Javier Vazquez, who did not appear in the Majors in 2012, fanned seven of his own while giving up two earned runs on four hits over six frames in the Leones loss.

Mayaguez 8, Carolina 7

Twins' No. 6 prospect Eddie Rosario hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the 10th for the Indios. Royals shortstop Irving Falu scored the winning run and went 4-for-6 with a triple and two RBIs from the top of the Mayaguez lineup. Adonis Garcia (Yankees) missed the cycle by a triple, going 3-for-5 with two RBIs. Justin Bour (Cubs) went 3-for-3 with a homer, two RBIs and two walks for the Gigantes.

Dominican Winter League

Cibaenas 3, Este 1

On the second day of round-robin play, 12-time All-Star Manny Ramirez and Cardinals' top prospect Oscar Taveras both went deep to give the Aguilas their first win under the new format. Angel Castro scattered five hits over six scoreless innings as the Cibaenas starter, and Rays reliever Joel Peralta pitched a perfect ninth to take the save. Toros starter Alfredo Figaro did not earn a decision, despite allowing just two hits over 5 1/3 frames.

Escogido 12, Oriente 5

Alexi Casilla, who was claimed off waivers last month by the Orioles, missed the cycle by just a double, going 4-for-5 with two RBIs and three runs scored as the Leones leadoff man. Mets outfielder Jordany Valdespin went 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs, Red Sox first baseman Mauro Gomez hit a two-run homer and Indians slugger Carlos Santana contributed a double and two RBIs of his own in the onslaught. Alex Valdez smacked a two-run shot for the Estrellas.

Mexican Winter League

Culiacan 6, Los Mochis 1

Yankees farmhand Ronnier Mustelier and Mario Valdez both drove in two, and Maxwell Leon contributed a solo homer for the victorious Tomateros. Rodrigo Lopez improved to 5-1 and lowered his ERA to 0.94 after giving up only one run on two hits over five innings. Yancarlo Angulo plated the Caneros' only run with a solo homer in the third.

Hermosillo 5, Mazatlan 2

Jesse Gutierrez proved to be the difference for the Naranjeros after putting up three RBIs as part of a 2-for-5 performance. Garrett Mock picked up the victory after allowing one run on one hit and two walks over five frames. Jose Orozco hit a triple and drove in one of the two Venados runs.

Mexicali 4, Guasave 1

Edgar Osuna surrendered only one run on four hits in six strong innings to give the Aguilas the win. Jon Weber doubled and drove in a run while Yuniesky Betancourt and Oscar Robles provided the other RBIs. Jose Felix (Rangers) went 2-for-3 with an RBI for the Algodoneros.

Navojoa 8, Obregon 7
Abel Martinez hit a walk-off sacrifice fly in the 10th inning as the Mayos squeaked by the Yaquis. Kraig Binick reached five times as the Navojoa leadoff man, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, a run scored and two walks. Barbaro Canizares hit a three-run homer, and Doug Clark also went deep for Obregon.

<
Jesus Aguilar

Venezuelan Winter League

•Luis Hernandez (2B, Tigres de Aragua): 2-for-5, 1 R, 1 2B. There is no denying the consistency that Hernandez has shown in 25 games this winter in the VWL. So far, the switch-hitting infielder has gone 36-for-97. He’s organizational depth at best, but his winter showing might indicate that he can be at least good organizational depth.

•Ezequiel Carrera (LF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 1-for-4, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K. After going hitless in three straight games last week, Carrera seems to be exiting his slump as the left-handed hitter has now hit in two straight contests. Overall, he has gone 30-for-108 in 29 games.

•Asdrubal Cabrera (SS, Leones del Caracas): 2-for-3, 1 2B, 1 BB. Cabrera continues to hit at a nice clip and has now gone 13-for-44 in 10 games. The switch-hitting shortstop also managed to record his fourth extra-base hit of the winter season on Friday with a double.

•Jesus Aguilar (1B, Leones del Caracas): 1-for-3, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K. Aguilar made a rare appearance on Friday as it was his first appearance in a VWL game in nearly ten days. While his appearances are few and far between these days, he did manage to make the most of it as he grabbed a single and a walk. Overall, the right-handed slugger has gone 16-for-59 in 21 games this winter.

Dominican Winter League

•Jose Ramirez (SS, Toros del Este): 0-for-4. Well, there’s a surprise. Ramirez actually went hitless in a contest, which has not happened very much this winter. The young infielder has gone 46-for-150 this winter, so the numbers are still plenty good.

•Juan Diaz (SS, Estrellas de Oriente): 0-for-2. Diaz only got two at-bats before being replaced in the Friday’s contest, and the switch-hitter was unable to muster a hit. He has gone 30-for-120 overall this winter.

•Carlos Santana (DH, Leones del Escogido): 2-for-4, 2 R, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K. Santana had been arguably the biggest disappointment of the winter season, but the key words there are had been. After going 14-for-71 in 20 games, Santana has now exploded and gone 4-for-7 with a double, a home run and four RBI in two DWL playoff games. Hopefully the sudden surge is a sign of more good things to come.

Puerto Rican Winter League

•Rob Bryson (Criollos de Caguas): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 K. While Bryson did allow one hit on Friday, he still has yet to allow an earned run this winter, and the numbers continue to get better by the day. In 15 games and 15 1/3 innings of work this winter, Bryson has a 0.00 ERA, has allowed only five hits and struck out 19 batters.

Australian Baseball League

•Andrew Campbell (LF, Brisbane Bandits): 1-for-2, 2 R, 1 3B, 2 BB. Campbell had another outstanding showing on Friday as he got on base on three occasions. In 24 games, the left-handed hitting Campbell has now gone 24-for-82 with 11 walks and 15 strikeouts.

•Mitch Nilsson (DH, Brisbane Bandits): 1-for-3, 2 K. This was actually Nilsson’s first appearance with Brisbane this winter, and the switch-hitter collected one hit. He had a disappointing season with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers this past season, so it will be interesting to see how Nilsson performs for the rest of the winter season.

BASEBALL BULLET-IN

Popular slugger Ramirez, family opening Latin-style cafe in Tokyo

By WAYNE GRACZYK

Most foreigners who come to Japan to play baseball do just that — and only that. Whether a career lasts a few games or several years, the guys go back to their home country to continue playing ball, stay in the game as coaches or managers or find another job outside the game. A few, however, have stayed in Japan and started a business.

Wally Yonamine for example, together with his wife Jane, opened their highly successful and popular pearl shop in Tokyo's Roppongi district, over the years serving a clientele that included customers from the sports and entertainment worlds. Hawaiian native Yonamine played with the Tokyo Giants and Chunichi Dragons from 1951 through 1962 and managed the Dragons 1974-79.

Mike Solomko, an American who played with the Hanshin Tigers (1960-63) and Daimai Orions (1964-65) also stayed on in Japan and opened a lucrative business selling pots and pans. Chico Barbon, the Cuban-born Hankyu Braves star shortstop in the 1950s, once owned a pizza-and-steak restaurant in Kobe.

Japanese players, too, have been known to work a variety of jobs in and out of the game after their active careers have ended. Many stay in baseball as coaches, managers, scouts, umpires, batting practice pitchers or catchers, front office executives, farm team dormitory custodians or in PR, sales or fan service.

Several years ago, Japanese sports papers listed a yearend "Sayonara Pro Yakyu" column which indicated what retirees would be doing after taking off their uniforms. Outside of baseball, ex-players have become school teachers, taxi drivers, stock traders, politicians and farmers. Many have opened places to eat and drink such as sports bars, night clubs, coffee shops and sushi restaurants.
The latest player to delve into the restaurant business here is the still-active Yokohama Baystars outfielder Alex Ramirez. The Venezuelan-born slugger, together with his Puerto Rican wife Liz, are opening the Rami-chan Cafe in Tokyo next month, and they are excited.

Alex has played in Japan since he joined the Yakult Swallows in 2001. He's also played with the Yomiuri Giants and Yokohama, enjoying a stellar career entering its 13th season. The commitment to the restaurant would indicate he and Liz expect to be here for a lot longer.

He has stayed in Japan throughout this off-season, rather than return as usual to his home in Florida or Venezuela. Following the conclusion of the baseball schedule in October, Ramirez and his wife got right to the task of setting up the cafe for the opening on Jan. 22 in Tokyo's Nishi Azabu district.

"Since Alex loves to eat, we always had the idea to someday open our own restaurant," said Liz, "but we thought it would be in the U.S. We did not expect to be in Japan for 13 years."

Because Alex is still playing, Liz will be the main overseer of the operation of the Rami-chan Cafe after her husband leaves for the Baystars' spring training camp in Okinawa at the end of January. The cuisine at the new place will be mostly Puerto Rican-style, with the specialties being foods Alex "rushes home to eat after a game," according to Liz.

"As much as we love Japanese food," she said, "there are no Puerto Rican or mixed Latin restaurants in Japan. That's why we decided to do this. Also, it is really the only food I know how to cook."

The menu will include chicken noodle soup, enpanadas (a Venezuelan pastry stuffed with ground beef), mofongo (stewed shrimp with mashed green plantains), roast pork with yellow rice and pigeon peas, Alex's favorite coconut pudding, salads, warm bread and tropical drinks such as pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris. Lunch will cost about ¥1,500; dinner ¥2,000 to ¥3,000.

Liz expects the atmosphere to be like a tropical setting to give customers the feeling they are "outside, dining on a terrace," enjoying the meals prepared under the direction of two chefs, Puerto Rican Antuan Negron and Japanese Ryosuke Minowa.

As he so often does after hitting a game-winning home run, Alex is quick to acknowledge the Almighty for the opportunity to expand into the restaurant business.

"I want to thank God for the great team we have assembled to create the Rami-chan Cafe and look forward to a successful operation," he said.

That team includes son Alex Jr. who works with Rami-chan Enterprises in the U.S. and helped design the new cafe's logo, placemats, menus and chopsticks.

Liz added, "We have been in Japan many years and have learned to love the people of Japan, a country which has become our home. We are doing the restaurant so we can stay much longer, even after my husband retires."

The 38-year-old Alex has said he would like to remain active for two more seasons in Japan and has made it no secret he would like to stay in Japanese baseball as a coach or manager. If all goes well, the year 2013 should be a most memorable one for him. Rami-chan is only seven hits shy of 2,000 and 22 home runs short of 400 in his Japan career.

His team is looking better too.

"I think we will be much improved during the coming season," he said, in looking forward to a successful year on the field at Yokohama Stadium and off the field at the Rami-chan Cafe in Tokyo.

7 tips for foreign baseball players from Alex Ramirez

Alex Ramirez is a professional baseball player for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars. In an interview with Nikkan Yakyu Sokuho, Ramirez mentions seven points that foreign baseball players need to pay attention to in order to succeed in Japan.

1. Be ready to bury your bones in Japan

This is important. It is impossible to succeed in Japan if you think you’re just here to earn a lot of money and then go back to your home country. Generally speaking, in the past, many foreign baseball players who came to Japan for the money felt uncomfortable when their Japanese coach started giving them advice. They preferred to do whatever they wanted to. Before long, they cannot get along with their coach and staff, and therefore, cannot do their best. I put all that aside when I came to Japan. I have made a lot of effort in Japan so far because I have a dream to become a coach in Japan one day.

2. Learn weird Japanese words

If you decide to work hard in Japan, you need to learn Japanese. It is difficult if you don’t understand what your coach and teammates say. I also recommend that foreign players learn some words that will make Japanese people laugh. Many Japanese people do not expect foreigners to use funny words, but I find that this helps communicate with them easier. I use Japanese slang such as “Oppappi” and “Sonna no kankei nee (That has nothing to do with it)” which originated with Japanese comedian Yoshio Kojima.

3. Eat Japanese food

Honestly, there are Japanese foods that look yucky but it is important to try them. Japanese food is healthy and there are many dishes that are good for athletes. There is no custom to eat raw fish in my home country Venezuela but I love tuna sushi now. Actually, I love teppanyaki the most, so I miss it every time I go back home for holidays. When I eat beef, I choose to eat Japanese beef because it is high quality and does not have much fat. I don’t like tofu because it is tasteless and natto because it stinks, but I tried them anway because they are healthy.

4. Ride on train alone

Knowing Japanese culture deeply is important to communicating with the coach and others. I ride the subway and shinkansen (bullet train) by myself. When I belonged to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, I often took the train from my home in Tokyo to Chiba Marine Stadium and Seibu Dome. I would transfer from the Yamanote line to the Seibu line. Passengers did not recognize me. I felt a bit lonely about it lol

5. Read Japanese newspapers

It must be difficult at first but it is necessary to read Japanese newspapers to learn more about Japanese culture. I read magazines and sports newspapers. At first, I looked at them more than reading them. However, I often asked other baseball players and staff things that I didn’t understand. Now I can read more.

6. Respect Japan

This is very important. It is necessary to show respect for the coach, other baseball players and staff. My personality is open and I like to make people laugh. However, I always show respect for others. I am careful not to hurt other baseball players and fans when I play. Also, since foreign baseball players are used as regularly at the beginning of a season, it is necessary to appreciate this opportunity and be willing to accept a coach’s advice. If you keep respecting others and work hard, even if you don’t get good results, you may get a great opportunity.

7. Make friends in the Japanese baseball industry

I actively make various friends in Japan. Especially Takayuki Shimizu, Shinnosuke Abe and Michihiro Ogasawara from the Yomiuri Giants are my close friends. I go out to dine with Ogasawara sometimes and he tells me many interesting stories. When I belonged to the Swallows, everybodywas nice to me too.

Ramirez’s seven tips are good for not only baseball players but for any foreigner who wants to succeed in Japan.

Roberto Clemente: our greatest idol

Roberto Clemente always got your time off while in Puerto Rico to offer clinics to children around the Island

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Marcos Mejia Ortiz

Roberto Clemente can write hundreds of stories of the magnificent works he did with his glove and bat on the field.

But the best plays were made out of the ballpark always giving a hand to those who really needed it. And that was the true teaching that led those who knew him and which they should carry on to future generations.

"(Robert) taught me things I never did," said Osvaldo Gil, former president of the Federation of Baseball.

Gil was touched by Clemente's human qualities, many of them in the Central American country of Nicaragua.

"A story I have told many times, one that captivated me was Nicaraguans coming from work and who he would ask about their financial situations and giving them money."

The former president of the Olympic Committee in 1972 recalled how Clemente took pity a child named Perales, who lost his legs in a train accident, and that Clement met and promised to be this best friend from Puerto Rico. Clement told the boy he would use the number 21 for him when representing Puerto Rico. Perales died in the hospital in which he was held in the earthquake of December 23. Clemente never heard of the death of the young boy.

"I was 12 years as president and I had never visited a hospital, it had occurred to me. I received that inspiration to bring a little joy to one who was sick, "Gil said. Roberto had that ability with a bat but the knowledge of how to connect cleanly with people.

"I'm proud of the baseball player Roberto Clemente. But to me, I improved as a human being, with his lessons of love for neighbor, it was the man, not the player. He was a humanitarian until his departure." said Gil.

Another who had fond memories of Clemente was humanist and Cuban journalist Ramiro Martinez, who was with the Puerto Rican countless times until he lost his life December 31, 1972.

Martinez told chronologically how Clemente, after getting his 3,000 hit, wanted to celebrate with Puerto Rican children and performing clinics in several parts of the island. Four days before his unexpected death on December 27, was performing a clinic in Aguadilla.

Similarly, Martinez recalled with pleasure when Bob Prince, announcer for the Pittsburgh Pirates, invited the Puerto Rican to his radio show to speak of Puerto Rican baseball. "Prince admired him, and Roberto wanted to talk about his idols and not baseball. His three idols were Luis Muñoz Marín, Martin Luther King, and John F. Kennedy, "said Martinez, who was in a cab listening to the radio that day.

"Roberto never agreed to do a promotional advertising from anyone that promoted cigarettes or drink, never," said Ramirez, referring once again to the humility of the Carolinian.

"In Puerto Rico we miss the powerful messages. Puerto Rico needs a man like Roberto Clemente. He was the most amazing human being that I've ever met in my life, "Ramirez said with evident emotion.