Roberto Clemente is still difficult to accept the departure of

Roberto Clemente (left), Gino Cimoli (center) and Bob Skinner. The photo is part of over 300 images that preserves outfielder Roberto Clemente Museum in Pittsburgh. (Archive)

Friday, December 28, 2012

Lester Jimenez / Special Envoy

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The relationship of Manny Sanguillen and Roberto Clemente went beyond being teammates or two Latinos who tried to break into the big leagues.

They were brothers.

Former Panamanian catcher of the Pirates not only admired the Puerto Rican star as a player, but also as a human being, one who taught him to love the sport of the diamond, to overcome the difficulties of being a black Latino in the United States and Always be proud of his roots.

So when the plane was about to bring Clemente to Nicaragua with humanitarian aid for the victims of the 1972 earthquake crashed off the coast of Puerto Rico, Sanguillen could not sit idly by. He was one of those who jumped into the water with a diver's tank to try to find his body.

Forty years later, "Sangui", as he is known in the United States, still has trouble talking about Clemente's departure. He could never say goodbye to his best friend and he is certain that, having seen him the day before, tried to convince his friend not to travel to Nicaragua.

"It was very hard for me. I still go to Puerto Rico and I feel that I will find Clemente, "Sanguillen said in a meeting in Pittsburgh in September, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the 3,000 th hit of the eternal Pirates right fielder.

Clemente's death stunned Sanguillen while in Puerto Rico, because he belonged to San Juan Senators in winter ball.

What do you remember of the death of Roberto Clemente?

That's one thing that I do not like to talk about ... Clemente had an office (in the collection center) behind Plaza Las Americas. On the 30th I went with my wife (to the Plaza). Clemente was in his car and said, "Hey, go to my office, I want to talk to you." And this is something incredible. I knew where he was (the office), but that day I looked and could not find him ... The next day, 31st, he went to play at 12:30 of the day. So I called Clemente and tells me: "Manny, after the game, I want to see you at the office. " I remember it was a very long game. I left the stadium quickly and when I tried to start the car would not start. When I got to the office of Clement and when I arrived, I was told five minutes ago was gone from the office to the TV channel. And we could not talk

If you had been able to talk to him, you would have convinced him not to go?

I think so.

Why?

Honestly, I had no idea that he was going to be boarding that plane. I thought he would put everything on the plane and was going to stay. Dona Vera says that he told her he had to go that the military was taking everything and they were not giving to the poor (Nicaragua was ruled by a military regime under the command of the dictator Anastasio Somoza).

How did you hear of his death?

Luis Mayoral (sportswriter and friend of Clemente) came to my door. He says, "You know that the plane Clemente was on crashed?". I went crazy ... that we never communicated. It always affects me. So I do not like talking about that day (breathlessly).

The next few days for Sanguillen and for all who loved Clemente was agony. The sea took the Puerto Rican idol and never return him.

"The time I was there, all the time walking along the beach. I went to sea, waiting to see if he saw something, a piece of wood, something ... "Sanguillen said.

Such was his desperation that three days after the accident, he was broken down and along with former baseball player Rusty Torres joined divers who organized the search.

"I told one of the divers 'Give something like that to me too (tank diver)'. They tied a rope to me and I jumped. (But) I just fell into the water, had a current so strong that in two seconds I was behind the boat and had to pull the rope and reel me in. "

Four decades have passed since that sad night of December 31, 1972. Clemente's body was never found. But Sanguillen is still hopeful at some place in time, far away from this earthly plane, he will meet his brother.

"I'm still praying for him ... I have faith that I will see him in heaven."

Clemente was more than a player

Friends of Clemente considered that the island has to rescue humanitarian image of Puerto Rican star (First Time)

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Marcos Mejia Ortiz

Three thousand hits, 15 All-Star, 12 Gold Gloves, four Silver Slugger Awards, two World Series titles, an MVP award and countless memories within the field.

That's the sporting legacy that Roberto Clemente carolinense left after 18 years in the world's best baseball.

In Puerto Rico, Roberto will be fondly remembered for the great deeds of the September 30, 1972, when he connected cleanly twice to become only the eleventh player to reach the mythical figure of 3,000 hits, as well as being the first Latino black and the second to do so.

However, for those who truly know him Roberto is regarded as the ultimate sports idol boricua, the son of Melchor Clemente and Luisa Walker was much more than an outstanding player who vehemently defended the right field at Forbes Field and Three Rivers Stadium, in Pittsburgh.

"Here (in Puerto Rico) Roberto gave more emphasis to the humans. They talk about his death and tragedy the day holds. They talk about the player Roberto Clemente, Clemente the human, "laments Osvaldo Gil, former president of the Federation of Baseball.

Outside of Puerto Rico, Clemente is remembered and respected by those who were touched by his philanthropic work.

"In Nicaragua ball parks, schools, streets, hospitals, everything, what you can not see," said Gil noting how elsewhere Clemente is honored more as the humanist, not just the player.

Clemente became a global icon not necessarily for his 3,000 th hit, but by the way in which he died on December 31, 1972.

"All countries need idols who have left a legacy that has enriched a country. If you can be an example to a country and leave a legacy, those who knew you and treat you knowing you are rich, for you are a national hero, "explained Gil.

"I think Roberto Clemente, the baseball player, was filled with fame, but the man was full of glory," said Gil, who had Clemente under his tenure as president and as coach of the national team in the Amateur World Series held in Managua, Nicaragua from November 15 to December 5, 1972.

The true meaning

To those who knew intimately Clemente, his impact on society was a worthy example to emulate, both for his achievements in sport and in helping others.

"The importance for the country should be above the importance Clemente had as a global baseball figure in history and in the American nation, has the Medal of U.S. Congress. He entered the Hall of Fame without waiting five years, "said veteran journalist proudly Ramiro Martinez, who met Clemente in Montreal in 1954.

"I was his confidant, consultant, his friend, his producer, anything you can add. I have 63 years in the general press, and never met anyone from the moral, human, sensitivity, gentleness and decency. As Clement, no, "explained Ramirez, an avid connoisseur of the life and work of former player.

"Roberto Clemente means, from the sporting point of view, perhaps the greatest national idol we have in Puerto Rico. In sports, I do not think there is anyone that has the roots of national idol and example for youth that is Roberto Clemente, "added Gil, who met Clemente in 1952 when Clemente played baseball in Double A .

Clemente's great dream was to create a sports city in which they teach the art of baseball, but that feat was forgotten.

"It was a project that was realized by Roberto's desire to teach people to play baseball. But for reasons unknown, the sport city did not happen, "said Gil.

"If Luis Muñoz Marín had been alive, I assure you that Sports City may have been the largest in the Americas," said Martinez.

But sadly, with the little knowledge of the younger generation, it appears that in his own country the figure of Clemente is only mentioned when referring to the coliseum located in Hato Rey or modern park is at Carolina.

Few visiting see several statues of Clemente in various parts of Carolina and the cenotaph that honors his sporting heritage, philanthropic and humanitarian work with the respect and honor he deserves for his great example and sacrifice of life.

"In the America:

12 avenues, tree lined boulevards, a health center, a post office, 15 baseball and softball parks. It is the largest prize that is awarded in major league baseball, which is the award for humanism "listed Martinez.

"What about Clemente in Puerto Rico?

The Coliseum, a ball park and a statue in Carolina ... "lamented the Cuban journalist. To evaluate these facilities does not really highlight the true meaning that Clemente had for his own country.

As a curiosity, days after the earthquake that destroyed much of Nicaragua, Clemente helped set up a center to collect essential items in the Hiram Bithorn Stadium, and near the facility was being built a new arena.

"One day I was looking at the coliseum, which lacked a finishing and had not opened, and I remembered one day, while looking from the car and Roberto expressed aloud, 'What will the coliseum be named ? '. He asked, not knowing what was going to happen, "he recalled, meanwhile, Vera Zabala Clemente's widow, in a recent interview with this newspaper.

"For those who know a man like Roberto Clemente, no need to name anything. He was gifted (in the field) and that is what most people remember, "she said.

Meanwhile, Gil.

What else can you do?

More than facilities, roads, statues, in Puerto Rico what is needed for future generations is awareness of the importance of the human figure of Clemente.

"For those who met Roberto, no need for names and no need for park avenues. For those who come after, yes, for example, I've talked to my grandchildren of Clemente, "said Gil, a former president of the Olympic Committee of Puerto Rico. "We ourselves Puerto Ricans who do not give value to business. That's something worthy of study by sociologists, psychologists, "he added.

For Gil, a history class in which Clemente speaks of would be essential for the new generation in Puerto Rican to get to know him.

"(But) There has been no full-blooded Puerto Rican as secretary that can say: 'We will establish history of Puerto Rico, which covers many aspects of Puerto Ricans who are famous,'" he said.

For his part, Martinez said that he could make a museum with information related to the Puerto Rican star.

"A room with prestigious trophies to be seen and talked about. To see a Roberto Clemente in a 1970 World Series, "said Martinez, who at home has a good collection of reports and articles about Clemente. In fact, Martinez said that figures like David Bernier (when he was Secretary of Sports and Recreation) and Henry Neumann (outgoing secretary) have passed through his home to see his collection without reaching any agreement. "Here everyone has paraded, Bernier, Neumann, universities, but come back two or three not reaching agreement," he lamented.

For our respondents, the figure of Clemente abroad transcended generations, and we need to strengthen that part of the history of the player who shake hands with the neighbor was paramount to a hit that decided the World Series.

"He is a man who was a national idol, an example to know either personally or though the history that is written of him that we knew him, one gets rich as a human being," said Gil. "He who never knew Roberto Clemente would be missed more as a human than the player."

Roberto Clemente: Pittsburgh, his second home

Friday, December 28, 2012

Lester Jimenez / Special Envoy

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

As soon as the visitor arrives at the city of Pittsburgh and meets the mighty Allegheny River, one immediately spots a yellow structure on the bed of the mighty river, which connects the village to the city with PNC Park, home of Pirates.

It was known as the Sixth Street Bridge, but in 1998 was renamed the Roberto Clemente.

At the end of the bridge, a huge statue honoring the Puerto Rican star who connected his 3000th hit September 30, 1972 welcomes the Pirates fans and inside the stadium, the right-field fence protrudes from the rest of the padded green wall bordering the stands with his 21 feet high and the number 21 drawn in four different positions around the board.

These are just three examples of the many ways reminiscent of the Puerto Rican star in the city of Pittsburgh.

It is estimated that there are more than 120 facilities that bear his name in Puerto Rico, Nicaragua and throughout the United States, including stadiums, arenas, schools, ball parks, streets and squares.

But Pittsburgh had, and still has, a special connection with this eternal right fielder.

"Pittsburgh was the second home of Daddy. It was there that he developed, where he raised his voice against discrimination and where he became a hero. And there are so many things and ways we remember him and still want ...! "Roberto Clemente Jr. recently said to Primera Hora.

In addition to the statue, the bridge and the fence in right field, Pirates stadium honors Clemente otherwise. In the hallway that connects the clubhouse to the team's dugout, just down the stairs, the players are facing a huge mural that teaches the Puerto Rican star's quote: "When I put on my uniform, I am the proudest man on earth. "

"We wanted to put this quote in the corridor to be the last thing the players see before entering the field," said Terry Rodgers, communications coordinator for the Pittsburgh Pirates. "We believe there is no better way to inspire players than that quote from Clemente. It is the way to tell them to stop and think about everything in the game, as he did. "

Other structures also pay tribute in his honor, as the Roberto Clemente Memorial Park and a street named in his honor was located near Forbes Field.

But nothing compares to the Roberto Clemente Museum, which is located in the heart of Laurenceville. An old fire station became a monumental cathedral to the memory of Clemente where is now saved thousands of priceless items related to the Puerto Rican star.

Its owner, photographer Duane Rieder, was given the task of collecting photos, cards, uniforms, personal items and more to honor the boricua. With the help of Clemente's family, today the museum houses memorabilia as important as the two World Series rings Roberto Clemente won with the Pittsburgh Pirates (1960 and 1971), also won a Silver Slugger in 1961 and two Golden Gloves (1967 and 1971). More than 300 photos, uniforms used in his career, including the last one dressed as a Senators of San Juan, and personal items such as family photos, images in the backstage of the Pittsburgh Pirates, clothes worn on important dates and contracts he signed when he was still playing in the Puerto Rican Winter League.

In addition, the museum features items related to the Pittsburgh Pirates during the Clemente epic as the home that was used in the Three Rivers Stadium for the 1971 World Series and some of the steps of the vanished Forbes Field, among others.

"People come to see the museum and walk away with a different idea of Clemente, beyond which was a baseball star, because Clemente was more than a player. There are many stories about Clemente that people do not know and through the articles we have here we can count, "said Rieder.

40 years of his departure, Pittsburgh is still the home of Clemente, though he is no longer physically with us, his enforceable on and off the field experiences are still as vivid as the years when he walked the streets of this city.

"His greatest legacy is still his humanitarian work outside the field of play. The things he did for the community, for the children, "said Rodgers. "People do not forget he was a great person and a great player. And it's very important for us to remember that. "

Others, like his former teammate, Panamanian Manny Sanguillen, stored deep in his heart that he lived very personal experiences with Clemenet and that marked his life forever.

Asdrubal Cabrera: "It's great to see so many major leaguers"

Asdrubal acknowledges that he could change clubs in the United States

Asdrubal Cabrera stressed the important presence of Venezuelan players who come to see action in the majors.

"I join the winter league every year, regardless of who plays. But it is very nice to see so many big leaguers, one never takes away the desire to play here, "said shortstop.

Although no deadline so far, Asdrubal said in January he will talk with his organization in the United States to negotiate his days of involvement with Leones del Caracas.

However, Cabrera could be part of a change in major league team, and acknowledges that the Cleveland Indians could make a decision in the coming days.

"I talked to the manager and he said they are talking about that, but the first to hear will be me."

Moreover, the shortstop of the Leones del Caracas, Asdrubal Cabrera said he really wanted to represent Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, but has not yet talked to the manager of the team, Luis Sojo, who said he will be working "very hard" to form the team Venezuela, which will be filled with stars.

I realize that the Licey Tigers and the Aguilas Cibaenas are arch rivals and their games are always heated ones. Their games draw packed houses. The tension in the stands are as heated as the tension on the field, but this is bizarre!

Once the regular seasons ends and the playoffs (tournaments) begin, the advancing teams draw from the teams that are eliminated thus "reinforcing" or strengthing the teams that move on. It's not a random selection, but an actual "draft" of players.

Licey was eliminated on the last day of the season. The draft was held.
Winston Llenas.

Mounting pressure on Licey players to not reinforce the Aguilas Cibaenas

Cibaeño team President ensures that he has seen it all.

MORE BASEBALL

The victory against Estrellas was a cause for rejoicing for the Eagle

-Although the league cautiously tried the case of the Eagles is an atmosphere of suspicion that acts at the hands of players from Licey who were taken by the team in the lidom Draft, will not play.

Winston Llenas, president declared that in his 50-year career in the Dominican ball, has seen it all, so "nothing surprises me"

Maybe that's why he was calm when he was approached by local media on Anderson Hernandez's decision not to play for the Eagles citing "pressure from fans, family......"

The step taken by Hernandez who was already under contract to the Eagles, shakes the new system that seeks to give more quality to the advancing teams and lower the cost of the reinforcing for the last stage of the season.

Chilote said: "Anderson called me at 1:25 in the afternoon and gave me the news. Later he issued a bulletin, at 1:35 and we notified the League, which immediately prompted an emergency meeting, during which we were granted the right to hire a new player. "

And later he added "we authorized the player already announced that Leury García, of the Giants, is our new booster and at that moment I closed the case as far as I'm concerned."

Llenas refused to touch the subject of disciplinary action, arguing that that part is under the jurisdiction of the League, which is responsible for enforcing the regulations.

The president confirmed that he is confident in his team, citing that it is the same team that won the regular season, rejuvenated with an excellent player from the Giants, "we do best"

Winston, however, answered reporters' questions and their answers came out that by coincidence all Licey players chosen by the Eagles have given up playing for the Eagles after having been chosen, even after having been signed as in the case of Hernandez, while first year players were selected by other teams that have remained in the round robin.

The Eagles could not use the pitcher Esmil Rogers, who was stopped from playing by Toronto strangely enough. Then claimed that catcher Christian Betancur, after being drafted said he had no interest in playiing.

Llenas refused to touch the subject of disciplinary action, arguing that that part is under the jurisdiction of the League, which is responsible for enforcing the regulations.

Eagles and Tigers are tied with 20 championships each in the historic struggle for supremacy in the Dominican winter league, so it has not missed the atmosphere of intrigue, following the departure of Anderson, who even practiced on Wednesday with the Eagles .


By: Ricardo Rodriguez Rosa

LETTER OF ANDERSON HERNANDEZ


Here is a press release sent by Anderson Hernandez of Licey to the Cibao Eagles fans: Good afternoon. Through this desire to communicate, I decided not to play with the Cibao Eagles in the Round Robin, which begins today.

Greatly appreciate the Cibao Eagles for having selected me and how well I appreciate their followers, but also love my fans, who also supported me throughout my career.

I have received hundreds of messages. I can hardly go out to street and enjoy my family, because where I receive pressure from relatives, neighbors, friends and fans and really need to feel at peace with myself and all the people who love me, especially as I feel uneasy with the whole situation, until I received threats.

I apologize to Mr. Chilote Llenas publicly, who has been a gentleman and treated me excellently, all players, employees and fans of the Eagles, heart, my respect and appreciation for them.

I can never compare with a glory of Tony Pena, but a few years ago, Tony Pena, after managing the Eagles managed the Leones Escogido and failed. I do not know if Mr. Peña felt then the pressure I'm feeling right now, but it is not a pleasant feeling.

I hope everyone understands my situation. I have been part of the history of Licey and I feel grateful and committed to my fans

BASEBALL

Licey players go to other Caribbean leagues

Anderson Hernandez gives up playing with the Eagles under pressure from fans.

Starting this Thursday, several Licey players will be seeing action in other leagues in the Caribbean (Mexico, Venezuela and Puerto Rico) after not being selected in the draft for natives of the Dominican League. Victor Marte, Atahualpa Severino, Yohan Flande, Cesar Valdez, Juan Miranda and Sammy Gervacio are some who, for the moment, have contracts for those tournaments.

Severino Marte will be playing with Magallanes Navigators, team ranked first (tied with Caracas) in the Venezuelan league. With the Magallanes Navigantes are playing stellar major leaguers as Pablo Sandoval, Elvis Andrus, Jose Altuve, Juan Rivera, Francisco Cervelli, Ramon Hernandez, Carlos Zambrano, among others.

Victor Manuel had a 2-1 record and an ERA of 4.40 in 13 appearances with Licey. He pitched 14 innings with 12 hits, seven runs, four walks and 13 strikeouts.

For his part, Severino recorded 0-1 and an ERA of 4.09 in 29 games. Tallied 22 innings, 22 hits, 10 runs, 11 walks and 21 strikeouts.

The lefty Flande will be participating with Lara Cardinals, who occupy the fourth place standing in Venezuela. The Seibo native split his season between Bulls and Tigers, ending with a performance of 0-2 and a 2.66 ERA in 13 games (four starts).

Another will be in the land of Bolivar is the right Valdez, who was signed by the Eagles of Zulia. In the Dominican ball had no decisions in five appearances and finished with an ERA of 3.38. He threw eight innings with seven hits, three laps and nine strikeouts.

Anderson Hernandez was threatened

28/12/2012 6:30:45 PM | The player Anderson Hernandez of Licey, not strengthen the Cibao Eagles because they threatened to burn him alive

SANTO DOMINGO. -

Second baseman Anderson Hernandez declined to participate in the Cibao Eagles in the semifinal round of the Dominican Baseball after receiving death threats from fans of his original team, the Licey . "They called me and told me that if I put the uniform of the Eagles were going to burn me alive, "Hernandez told The Associated Press.

"I had intended to play, but that can not be." Hernandez belongs to the Licey Tigers, who were eliminated in the regular round. The Dominican League format allows players of discarded teams to be selected in a lottery. The Licey Tigers and Las Aguilas are the biggest rivals in winter baseball and both teams share Dominican 20 crowns for the lead in all of winterball history.

President Eagles, Winston Llenas regretted the situation and said "in my 50 years in baseball I've seen it all, nothing surprises me.''

Hernandez was replaced on the Eagles roster by infielder Leury Garcia. Llenas said the Eagles reserved the right to sue for violation of contract Hernandez already had an agreement with the team. "If I am punished, I will assume my responsibility. It is better to lose a season and not my family, "said Hernandez.

The Dominican police spokesman, General Maximo Baez Aybar, said he had not received a formal complaint from Hernandez but had heard of social networking threats . "So far we have written reports that there has been a complaint about threats to Anderson Hernandez. We are trying to contact Anderson to formally make his complaint so we can identify who threatened him, "Aybar said.

Hernandez admitted that he had not made ​​a formal complaint to the police or to the office of Major League Baseball. In 2012 played in the AAA branch of the Pittsburgh Pirates. "A threat to any player of an organization we take very seriously, and we investigate people in charge of that. We have not received anything official from Anderson. The next step is to communicate with league officials to see what is the case, "said Joel Araujo, Liaison Office of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball with the Caribbean leagues.

December 28, 2012, 11:38 PM

Manny and Castro guided the Eagles to their first win in Round Robin

Performances. Manny hit the winning homer and Castro silenced Toros bats

Written by: JEFFREY NOLASCO

La Romana.

The righty tossed a beauties Angel Castro threw six innings and Manny Ramirez homered in the seventh inning last night against the Cibao Eagles to lead a 3-0 win over the Toros del Este, for the Round Robin tournament winter ball dedicated to Jose Hazim Azar In Memoriam, at the Francisco Micheli here in La Romana.

With the victory, the eagles are tied for second place with romans precisely with a 1-1.

The Manny homer lined to left off the pitches of reliever Caminero, who was charged with the loss.

The Eagles also had a homer from Oscar Taveras.

In his work Castro (1-0) only allowed four hits, walked none and struck out one.

He was relieved in the seventh by Johan Yan, who retired without problems the opposition.

The reverse reliever Caminero (0-1), who allowed the winning homer to Manny. Joel Peralta scored the rescue.

For the Bulls opener the righty Alfredo Figaro, who was a worthy rival of Castro. Figaro pitched 6.1 innings with only three hits with two walks.

The eagles secured the ball game in the seventh on the homer by Manny.

Vargas just misses cycle in Game 1 of Indios sweep

Twins prospect falls triple short of feat in four-RBI game, raises average by 40 points

12/30/12 1:28 AM ET

Kennys Vargas owned a .318/.419/.610/1.030 batting line in 41 games for Class A Beloit in 2012. (Vincent Rinaldi/Rinaldi Photos)

Puerto Rican Winter League

Mayaguez 9, Manati 2 (Game 1)

Despite an abbreviated seven-inning affair, Twins prospect Kennys Vargas managed to fall just a triple shy of the cycle with a 3-for-4, four-RBI showing for the Indios. It was the first multi-hit game of the Puerto Rican League season for the 22-year-old first baseman, who entered Saturday with a .148 average through 22 games. Brahiam Maldonado and Wilberto Ortiz both went 2-for-3 with separate RBIs for the Atenienses.

Mayaguez 6, Manati 5 (Game 2)

The Indios swept the doubleheader, albeit in a much tighter nightcap. Reds prospect Juan Silva went 2-for-3 with a triple, a walk, an RBI and a run scored as the team's leadoff hitter. No. 9 hitter Felix Molina threw in a double, an RBI and a run of his own. Ruben Gotay went 2-for-4 with a double and three RBIs to provide the biggest chunk of the Manati offense.

Carolina 5, Santurce 4

Pinch-runner Angel Morales (Twins) scored on a wild pitch in the top of the 10th inning to provide the game-winning tally for the Gigantes. Cardinals prospect Anthony Garcia hit a solo homer, and Cubs right-hander TyRelle Harris struck out nine and allowed three runs (one earned) on six hits over six innings. Jeff Dominguez went 1-for-2 with a walk, two runs scored and a stolen base for the Cangrejeros.

Caguas 3, Ponce 1

Edgard Clemente lifted a two-run walkoff homer off reliever Juan Padilla in the 11th inning as the Criollos bested the Leones. The clutch round-tripper erased a great effort by Ponce starter Giancarlo Alvarado, who fanned eight and allowed one run on eight hits in 10 innings. Kelvin Villa did his part as Caguas starter, striking out eight as well and allowing one run on eight hits in his six frames.

Venezuelan Winter League

Magallanes 5, Anzoategui 3

Minor League free agent Sergio Perez allowed just one hit over seven shutout innings to lead the Navegantes. Eliezer Alfonzo homered for the third straight game while finishing 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Reegie Corona added a double and two RBIs of his own in the win. Niuman Romero (Tigers) and Jose Castillo hit solo and two-run homers respectively to keep it close for the Caribes in the ninth.

Caracas 2, Zulia 1

Armando Galarraga kept the Aguilas at bay, surrendering just one run on seven hits in his five innings as the Leones starter. Angels farmhand Luis Rodriguez went 2-for-2 with an RBI and Jesus Guzman (Padres) doubled and scored a run to lead the Caracas bats. Cesar Valdez struck out three and allowed only one hit in three innings to lead a group of five Zulia relievers that combined on six shutout innings.

Aragua 6, La Guaira 5

The Tigres scored all six of their runs between the seventh and eighth innings to eek past the Tiburones at home. Hector Gimenez, who saw time with the White Sox in 2012, led the charge, going 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs. Luis Hernandez also went 3-for-4 and added a double and two RBIs. Carlos Sanchez (White Sox) went 2-for-3 with a triple, walk and RBI for La Guaira.

Lara 8, Margarita 5

Joe Thurston and Anderson De La Rosa (Brewers) both went deep and drove in three runs apiece to power the Cardenales offense. Luis Valbuena (Cubs) reached in all three of his at-bats, going 2-for-2 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored before being lifted for a pinch-runner. Rockies infielder Jonathan Herrera led the Bravos with two hits and two runs scored.

Dominican Winter League

Este 5, Escogido 1

Blue Jays farmhand Ricardo Nanita tripled, doubled and brought home three of the Toros' five runs on the night. Cubs right-hander Alberto Cabrera struck out four and scattered five hits over 5 1/3 shutout innings on the mound. Former Major Leaguer Fernando Tatis doubled and scored the Leones' only run.

Cibaenas 5, Oriente 2

Twins righty Samuel Deduno struck out six and surrendered two runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings as the Aguilas bested the Estrellas. Former AL MVP Miguel Tejada went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in the win. Robinzon Diaz and Juan Diaz (Indians) both doubled and combined to drive in Oriente's only two runs.

Mexican Winter League

Culiacan 5, Los Mochis 0

Amauri Sanit allowed only one hit and struck out six over five innings to help the Tomateros blank the Caneros. Braves left-hander Daniel Rodriguez (three innings) and Francisco Rodriguez (one inning) also gave up one hit each to limit Los Mochis to three in the game. John Lindsey launched a two-run homer in the fourth inning to spark the Tomateros offense.

Mazatlan 3, Hermosillo 1

Cubs farmhand Jay Jackson allowed only one run on four hits and struck out seven over eight innings to give the Venados the victory. Issmael Salas went 3-for-4 with a double and drove in all three Mazatlan runs on the evening. Humberto Cota hit a solo blast to provide the only tally for the Naranjeros.

Mexicali 10, Guasave 5

It took some late-inning firepower to push the Aguilas past the Algodoneros. Oscar Robles launched a pinch-hit two-run homer in the sixth that was followed by another two-run homer by Jon Weber three batters later. In the eighth with the score 6-5, Michel Abreu hit a grand slam to provide some extra insurance. Guasave first baseman Japhet Amador went 2-for-3 with a double, two walks and three RBIs in a losing effort.

Obregon 7, Navojoa 6

Barbaro Canizares went 2-for-5 with a homer -- his 17th of the season -- and three RBIs for the Yaquis. Agustin Murillo went deep and added two RBIs of his own, while Doug Clark went 2-for-4 with a double, two runs scored and a stolen base. Jose Chavez walked three times and drove in two runs for the Mayos.

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Dominican Winter League

Juan Diaz (SS, Estrellas de Oriente): 1-for-4, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 2 K: Diaz drove in one of the two runs for Estrellas in their loss, but struck out twice and lined into a game-ending double-play. He’s hitting .250 on the season, and really continues to be what he is, a middling-at-best prospect. He’ll get swamped by the youngsters in 2013, or 2014 at the latest, and that’s if he’s still with the Indians’ organization. I have a feeling that 2013 could be his swan song.

Jose Ramirez (SS, Toros de Este): 1-for-4, 1 K: His only hit was an infield single, and while he’s hitting .305 overall in the winter leagues, he’s only hitting .231 in the playoffs. You have to wonder if Ramirez isn’t feeling some stamina issues, being a youngster who hasn’t played this many games in one stretch over his career yet.

Carlos Santana (DH, Leones del Escogido): 1-for-4: Santana is hitting a whopping .455 during the Dominican playoffs, but saw that curtailed a bit with his one-hit performance on Saturday. Overall, Santana is hitting .232 in the winter leagues, with only one homer and ten RBI in 23 games. You still have to like his recent productions.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Roberto Perez (C, Indios de Mayaguez): 2-for-3, 1 R, 1 RBI: Perez is hitting a staunch .288 this winter, and I would love it if he carried this offensive production to the states in 2013. He won’t, but I’ve loved this kid for three years for what he brings to ball clubs. He’s 5-for-9 over his last four games, and this is including a game in which he had four walks. He has five walks and one K in that stretch, so he’s clearly seeing the ball well.

Venezuela Winter League

Asdrubal Cabrera (SS, Leones del Caracas): 0-3, 1 K: Cabrera is alternating two-hit games with oh-fers, having gone 4-for-17 over his past for games, but is only 2-for-11 in his past three. Hopefully Cabrera will utilize his winter league play into some sort of offseason workout regimen this year.

Ezequiel Carrera (LF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 2-for-4, 1 R, 1 2B: Carrera has a three-game hit streak, and added his first multi-hit game since December 17th. He also added his eight stolen base of the season, and is currently hitting a solid .286 in the Caribbean.

Luis Hernandez (SS, Tigres de Aragua): 3-for-4, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 1 BB: Hernandez continues to light up the VWL, and is 5-for-9 in his last two games, with a run, two doubles, two RBI and a walk. Overall, he’s hitting .386, and has a .901 OPS on the season. The new addition to the Tribe minor leagues seems to like his surroundings.

Australian League

Andrew Campbell (LF, Brisbane Bandits): 0-for-4: Campbell continues his batting average free-fall, and is now 1-for-12 in his last four ballgames. He’s hitting .279 on the season.

Ryan Battaglia (C, Brisbane Bandits): 0-for-3, 1 RBI, 2 K: Battaglia is 1-for-13 over his last four games, as he and Campbell seem to be paralleling each other in bad offensive play. He did manage to get a run across.

By Jim Pete

December 30, 2012

You have to wonder if Ramirez isn’t feeling some stamina issues, being a youngster who hasn’t played this many games in one stretch over his career yet.

Possibly! But I prefer to think its the playoffs. Playoff teams draft the best players available from the teams that have been eliminated. The pitching is only going to get better and stronger. Ramirez has never faced these challenges in minor league baseball. The experience he's gaining will only help in the future. He's done outstanding work this winter. He's been batting either out of the leadoff position or the second spot in the lineup all winter long. Perfect for his batting style. He'll fill in yet. He just turned 20. Maybe he'll develope some power along the way.

Gil, Caribes blow past first-place Navegantes

Catcher tallies season-high four hits, three RBIs in 10-5 rout of Magallanes

12/30/12 8:27 PM ET

Jose Gil is batting .308 through 34 Venezuelan Winter League games. (Kevin Pataky/MiLB.com)

Venezuelan Winter League

Caribes 10, Magallanes 5

Jose Gil (Orioles) tallied a season-high four hits, going 4-for-6 with three RBIs and two runs scored as the Caribes rolled past league-leading Magallanes on Sunday. Gorkys Hernandez (Marlins) and Luis Oliveros each added three hits and drove in a pair of runs for Anzoategui. The Navegantes plated all five of their runs in the second inning, paced by Reegie Corona's (Yankees) two-run double.

Lara 5, Aragua 3

A four-run third inning proved to be enough cushion for Lara as the Cardenales took care of last-place Aragua. Lara right fielder Robert Perez went 2-for-4 with a game-high two RBIs before being lifted for a pinch runner in the bottom of the eighth.

Caracas 10, Margarita 8

Giants farmhand Daniel Mayora lifted a first-inning grand slam and Gregorio Petit (Padres) doubled twice and drove in a pair of runs to power Caracas. The Leones held a 10-1 lead through six innings before Margarita mounted a late rally to make a game of it, scoring three runs in the seventh and four in the ninth. Henry Blanco (D-backs) and Arnaldo Calero (Cubs) each drove in a pair of runs for the Bravos.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Caguas 2, Carolina 1

Phillies farmhand Miguel Abreu was hit by a pitch, advanced on a wild pitch and scored from second on an errant pickoff throw in the top of the eighth, giving first-place Caracas the necessary edge to sneak by Carolina. Abreu also drove in the Criollos other run on a base hit in the third. A seventh-inning homer by Jobduan Morales provided the only scoring for Carolina.

Ponce 6, Mayaguez 4

Robinson Cancel went 3-for-4 with a triple and two RBIs and Reggie Abercrombie homered and drove in two runs of his own to lead Ponce past Mayaguez. Martin Maldonado doubled and drove in a team-high two runs for the Indios.

Mexican Pacific League

Mazatlan 12, Hermosillo 1

Enrique Osorio went 3-for-5 with four RBIs and two runs scored and Jose Orozco doubled, homered and drove in three as Mazatlan routed the visiting Naranjeros. Venados starter Walter Silva was stellar on the mound, allowing only a fourth-inning run while scattering six hits and a walk over eight frames.

Guasave 11, Mexicali 10

Guasave exploded for eight runs over the final three innings to complete a come-from-behind victory over Mexicali. Shortstop Jesus Lopez led the way with three RBIs and Mario Valenzuela went 2-for-4 with a walk and three runs scored. Luis Juarez doubled and drove in three runs in a losing effort for the Aguilas.

Obregon 12, Navojoa 0

Continuing the trend of high scoring in the Mexican League, the Yaquis ripped off 17 hits in a dominant shutout of Navojoa. Second baseman Carlos Valencia had a career night at the plate, driving in five runs and falling a triple short of the cycle. Five Yaquis tallied multiple hits in the contest, including Agustin Murillo, who went 3-for-5 with three RBIs and two runs scored.

Dominican Winter League

Toros 6, Escogido 1

Indians shortstop prospect Jose Ramirez went 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored as Este cruised to victory. Esteban German drove in a game-high two runs for the Toros, who added three insurance runs in the top of the ninth. The Leones managed just four hits in the contest, with Mets outfielder Jordany Valdespin accounting for two of them.

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Andrew Campbell

Dominican Winter League

Juan Diaz (SS, Estrellas de Oriente): 0-for-5, 3 K: This is the Diaz that we see all too many times. He struck out in his last three at-bats, including the final out of the game, a 4-3 loss in 11 innings. Diaz had his overall average drop ten points to .240. He’s consistent, but it’s consistently below expectations. Well, unfortunately for Diaz, the expectations are starting to become a stark reality.

Jose Ramirez (SS, Toros de Este): 3-for-5, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 K: So much for my worries about Ramirez and his stamina. His three hits today raise his overall winter league average to .314, and lifts his playoff average from .231 to .333. Not too shabby for one day’s work. Just to showcase how this guy does what it takes to get on base, he rolled out a bunt single in the first, a single up the middle in the second, and a single to right in the ninth. He eventually would steal a base and score a run on that ninth inning single. The Toros won their game today against Escogido in a grand 6-1 fashion.

Carlos Santana (DH, Leones del Escogido): 1-for-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K: Santana managed to score Escogido’s only run in a 6-1 loss, and did it off his walk in the third inning. Santana is hitting .429 for the DWL playoffs, and is hitting .235 overall in the DWL. No, it’s not special, but he did save his best offense for crunch-time, and there is something to be said for that.

Venezuela Winter League

Jesus Aguilar (PH-DH, Leones del Caracas): 0-1, 1 K: Aguilar hasn’t been playing much, so I suppose it isn’t a surprise that he’s not had consistent numbers over the winter league season. He is hitting .320 over his last ten games, but he hasn’t had a multi-hit game since November 24th, and he hasn’t had an extra-base hit since November 27th.

Luis Hernandez (2B, Tigres de Aragua): 0-for-3, 1 K: How do you know that your season has been going well? When you go 0-fer and your average is still sitting at .375. Hernandez is nothing more than minor league support at this point, but you do have to like his tenacity.

Australian League

Andrew Campbell (LF, Brisbane Bandits): 3-for-4, 1 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 K: Campbell answered one of his worst games with one of his best, crushing his third home run in a three-hit performance. Even with the three hits, he’s only 4-for-16 in his last five ballgames.

Ryan Battaglia (C, Brisbane Bandits): 1-for-3, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 K: Not to be outdone by his Indians’ teammate, Ryan Battagia would also hit his third home run on the season.

By Jim Pete
December 31, 2012

Jose Ramirez puts out Alexi Casilla of the Lions in the game yesterday. (Outside Source)

Esteban German drove in two runs to help the Toros del Este inflicting a second defeat on Escogido Lions, this time 6-1, in the continuation of Round Robin Winter. With the win, the Bulls (3-1) share the first place by the Cibao Eagles, who won last night 4-3 against the Eastern Star. Jose Constanza and Jose Ramirez were key to the success of the bulls to bat in a run apiece against the lions, now put their record at 2-2.

Jose Ramirez's season has been too consistent all season long to consider his 2012 season a fluke. What he's doing this winter is fantastic. He hasn't only been doing it with the bat, his glove has been golden also.

Maybe he'll develope some power along the way.

That would be great but remember that he's 5-9 165 so it's quite unlikely. I'd be more concerned that he will be overpowered by harder throwers as he moves up to higher levels.