Can't say Jose Ramirez isn't a feisty, young lad. Playing shortstop, tie game, 6th inning, no outs, runners on first and second, Estrellas executed the sac bunt. The wheel play was on, pitcher fielded the ball cleanly and went for the force at third. The throw was off target but Ramirez made a nice stop. The throw was off the mark and brought Ramirez off the base. He saved an error and most likely two runs. Ramirez made the swipe tag but the umpire ruled that the runner safe. Ramirez charged the umpire throwing his glove at the umpires feet and begain to present his case. It took three of his teammates to separate Ramirez from the umpire. Needless to say, early shower for Jose.

Vazquez impresses scouts, stymies Cangrejeros

Major League veteran allows three hits over six shutout innings for Criollos

01/05/13 12:06 AM ET

Puerto Rican Winter League

Caguas 8, Santurce 1

With scouts from at least four Major League teams on hand, former All-Star Javier Vazquez gave up three hits over six shutout innings as the Criollos improved to 3-0 in the round-robin playoffs. Giants prospect Johnny Monell ripped a grand slam and Minor League veteran Edgardo Baez added a three-run homer for Caguas, while Orlando Mercado singled in the Cangrejeros' lone run.

Mayaguez 6, Carolina 2

Danny Gonzalez went 4-for-2 with a pair of doubles and two runs scored as the Indios rallied past the Gigantes. Royals infielder Irving Falu also scored twice, going 3-for-5 with an RBI triple for Mayaguez, which remained unbeaten in the round-robin playoffs. Cardinals prospect Anthony Garcia and former Major Leaguer Jesus Feliciano homered for winless Carolina.

Venezuelan Winter League

Magallanes 5, Zulia 0

Sergio Perez gave up three hits and struck out five over 6 1/3 innings as the Navegantes blanked the Aguilas for their second win in three round-robin playoff games. Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval drilled a three-run homer and free agent Juan Rivera added a solo shot for Magallanes. Phillies infielder Freddy Galvis doubled and walked for Zulia, which fell to 1-1.

Caracas 6, Lara 5, 10 innings

Nationals farmhand Carlos Rivero hit a walk-off single in the 10th inning, giving the Leones their first round-robin playoff win. Indians infielder Asdrubal Cabrera went 3-for-5 with a two-run single and Tigers newcomer Ramon Cabrera chipped in two hits, an RBI and a run scored for Caracas. Dodgers Minor Leaguer C.J. Retherford homered and scored twice for the Cardenales.

Dominican Winter League

Escogido 5, Aguilas 3

Giants newcomer Javier Herrera hit a three-run homer and Pirates outfielder Starling Marte added a solo shot, powering the Leones past the Aguilas. Padres prospect Jose De Paula gave up two runs on four hits over six innings to get the win, Escogido's fourth in seven round-robin playoff games. Elian Herrera (Dodgers) was 3-for-4 with a two-run double for Cibaeñas.

Mexican Pacific League

No games scheduled

MEXICO PLAYOFFS

Game 1: Hermosillo 4, Culiacan 5
Tomateros de Culiacan lead series 1-0

Game 2: Hermosillo 1, Culiacan 2
Tomateros de Culiacan lead series 2-0

Game 3: 01/05 7:00 p.m.
Game 4: 01/06 5:00 p.m.
Game 5: 01/07 7:30 p.m.
Game 6: 01/09 7:30 p.m.
Game 7: 01/10 7:30 p.m.

MEXICO PLAYOFFS

Game 1: Obregon 3, Guasave 2

Game 2: Obregon 5, Guasave 2
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 2-0

Game 3: 01/05 6:00 p.m.
Game 4: 01/06 5:00 p.m.
Game 5: 01/07 7:30 p.m.
Game 6: 01/09 7:30 p.m.
Game 7: 01/10 7:30 p.m.

MEXICO PLAYOFFS

Game 1: Mazatlan 3, Mexicali 7

Game 2: Mazatlan 1, Mexicali 7
Aguilas de Mexicali lead series 2-0

Game 3: 01/05 6:00 p.m.
Game 4: 01/06 6:00 p.m.
Game 5: 01/07 7:30 p.m.
Game 6: 01/09 7:30 p.m.
Game 7: 01/10 7:30 p.m.

VENEZUELA ROUND ROBIN
DOMINICAN ROUND ROBIN
PUERTO RICO ROUND ROBIN
ASDRUBAL CABRERA

Venezuelan Winter League

•Asdrubal Cabrera (SS, Leones del Caracas): 3-for-5, 2 RBI. Cabrera led Leones del Caracas with three hits Friday, and the switch-hitting shortstop was also a big reason as to why the team earned a 6-5 win. In 13 games, Cabrera has now gone 17-for-56.

•Ezequiel Carrera (LF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 0-for-4. Carrera went hitless on Friday, but his team was still victorious, earning a 5-0 win over Aguilas del Zulia. Overall, Carrera has gone 34-for-123 this winter.

Dominican Winter League

•Jose Ramirez (SS, Toros del Este): 1-for-5. Ramirez has cooled down significantly at the plate, but the amazing thing is that he still seems to manage to get on base at least once a game. Even when he struggles, he is able to help his team, which says a lot about the type of value that he could have moving forward.

Puerto Rican Winter League

•Rob Bryson (RP, Criollos de Caguas): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 K. The string of scoreless appearances continues for Bryson. The right-hander has been some kind of hot this winter and has now pitched 16 1/3 innings while allowing only six hit and no runs. He seems to have been passed over in the Major League pecking order, but it’s hard not to be impressed by what he’s managed to put together this winter.

Australian Baseball League

•Andrew Campbell (LF, Brisbane Bandits): 0-for-3, 1 BB. Friday’s performance was somewhat of an anomaly for Campbell this winter as he’s really been outstanding so far in the ABL. Even with the hitless performance, Campbell has still gone 29-for-97 (.299) in 28 games, which is pretty impressive.

DECEMBER TOP 10 CHICAS
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Verónica
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Carolina

Venezuela delivers A roster on the 16th for the Classic

Venezuelan major leaguers have been defined and will deliver in the World Baseball Classic

By: Cesar Augusto Marquez / Octavio Hernandez Pernía

CARACAS. -


Start the countdown. Within just a couple of months, the Venezuelan team that will represent Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic should be focused and ready to make its debut against the Dominican Republic.

That is precisely the reason why The picture could begin to clear soon, as much as next week. Carlos Miguel Oropeza, a member of the organizing committee, said the date on which the final list will be delivered to MLB is the 16th, but prior to that, begin to see some of news.

"Major League Baseball themselves will be responsible for publishing the list and then we told not be long before disclosing it once they have it," said Oropeza.

Already some of the names began to surface, Oropeza, says that even they can not spill the beans about who answered yes or no to the proposal, although all players taken in consideration and were contacted.

"Now we talk to all the players, something that was commissioned by Jimmy Meayke and Jorge Velandia. still can not say who said they would participate and those who do not, but we have progressed very well.

"We have time to meet prior to submission of the list and it is likely to arise soon with some information " , said the manager of the Lara Cardinals.

Some already responded although the final list has not yet been released. Some of the players have already expressed their intention to participate and others have not ruled out the possibility.

Franklin Gutierrez, Gregor Blanco and Gorkys Hernandez are three potential candidates to fill the centerfield spot for Team Venezuela.

The role of catcher seems to be covered with the additions of Miguel Montero and Salvador Perez.

"Miguel (Montero), Asdrubal (Cabrera) and Felix Hernandez signed their preliminary agreement to go to the World Baseball Classic, "said Jose Mijares.

"We talked with Salvador Perez when with the La Guaira Sharks, and signed the preliminary agreement," said Carlos Miguel Oropeza.

Others players like Gerardo Parra or Carlos Gonzalez recently have openly expressed their desire to participate in the event.

In any case, in a little more than a week we will know the final roster that will be available to manager Luis Sojo the first week of March, when Venezuela begins its action in the third edition of the World Baseball Classic.

Centerfield what appeared to be one of the main strengths of the Venezuelan team in the World Baseball Classic has become to know overnight, in an alarming issue two months before the start of the event, manager Luis Sojo will not hve available to him Gregor Blanco, Franklin Gutierrez or Gorkys Hernandez as reported by player agents. Jose Mijares, representative of "Guti" and Gregor Blanco.

It is explained that both players have to prove themselves in the spring fields of their teams. "Franklin did not play most of the year because he was injured and wants to be from day one with the Seattle Mariners. Gregor will meanwhile train with the San Francisco Giants to confirm his roster spot as he did last year, " he said. Gustavo Vasquez for his part, said that his client, Gorkys Hernandez, will go to the spring fields of the Miami Marlins' intending to seize centerfield or a place in the field for the team.

Don't agree with a lot of your baseball opinions joseph but I sure do like your taste!

Finishing touches to the roster for the World Baseball Classic

As in the past two World Baseball Classics, Carlos Beltran (catching the ball) is one of the anchors of the Puerto Rican team. (Archive)

Friday, January 4, 2013

Karla Pacheco Alvarez

The manager Edwin Rodriguez is with his coaching staff at the final stage of the evaluation process of the players that will make the final roster of Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, to be held in March.

Teams must submit their rosters by January 16 what will be their final roster for the event. Opening round will be played from 7 to 10 March at Hiram Bithorn Stadium.

"I can say that 75% of the roster is complete and we have to submit the list of 22 players. We are in the process of looking for those players to adhere to what my staff and I have agreed upon and must be demonstrated in the field, "said Rodriguez.

But what is the coaching staff is looking for from the starting lineup for the Puerto Rican?

"We are looking for players that are versatile and can play different positions. We are setting and visualizing what will be our starting lineup regularly. We are in the process of identifying what could be productive players coming off the bench, "Rodriguez said.

"It is true that many players are full of prospects, but little can be done if you do not have the maturity to come from the bench and produce in times of pressure before a stadium packed with 20,000 people to face pitchers like Mariano Rivera or, in the case of pitchers, face Albert Pujols, "continued Rodriguez.

Some of the seeded players on the roster are Yadier Molina, outfielders Alex Rios, Carlos Beltran and Angel Pagan, infielder Mike Aviles and pitcher Hector Santiago, Javier Vazquez and Pedro Feliciano.

"We have a big responsibility when it comes to identifying the roster of talent. We select the best of the best. It's a responsibility we have to the country and to the fans, "said Rodriguez.

Puerto Rico was eliminated in the last two editions with 2-4 records.

Baseball.

The Japanese Embassy in Uganda yesterday handed over $122,175 (an estimated Shs330m) to Uganda Baseball and Softball Association.

Baseball in Uganda will finally have a home of its own after the Japanese Embassy yesterday fulfilled the grant they had promised in September.

The Uganda Baseball and softball Association (UBASA) received $122,175 (Shs330m) to construct a modern stadium in Gayaza.

UBASA secured three acres of land where the facility, the first of its kind, is to be set up. The sport, not widely known in Uganda let alone Africa, looks poised to find a launch pad at long last.

His Excellency Kazuo Minagawa, the ambassador of Japan to Uganda, signed off the grant and pledged more support towards the project. “The development will be implemented in time and if all goes well more support will come,” said Minagawa.

UBASA has already received the ‘Ballpark field’ architectural plan from Tokyo and construction is scheduled to start in January.

Thirteen is lucky for Noriega, Cardenales

Mariners prospect goes 3-for-3, plates two, scores twice in playoff win

01/05/13 11:43 PM ET

Venezuelan Winter League

Lara 13, Zulia 6

Mariners prospect Gabriel Noriega went 3-for-3 with a pair of walks, two RBIs and two runs scored, helping the Cardenales square their round-robin playoff record at 2-2. Dodgers farmhand C.J. Retherford homered for the second straight game and drove in three runs, while Rangers Minor Leaguer Yangervis Solarte contributed two hits and two RBIs and scored twice for Lara. Ernesto Mejia (Braves) slugged a two-run homer and scored a pair of runs for the Aguilas.

Caribes 8, Caracas 1

Former Major Leaguer Ramon Ramirez struck out seven and allowed a run on two hits over seven innings as the Caribes climbed into a first-place tie in the round-robin playoffs. Gustavo Molina and Luis Nuñez both homered and drove in two runs for Anzoategui, which got three hits and two RBIs from Jose Castillo. Jesus Guzman (Padres) tripled and scored the Leones' lone run.
Puerto Rican Winter League

Carolina 7, Mayaguez 2

Cardinals prospect Anthony Garcia went 3-for-5 and scored twice, leading the Gigantes to their first playoff win. Cubs prospect Justin Bour added two hits and two RBIs and Zack Segovia pitched five solid innings for the win. Twins prospect Daniel Ortiz was 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored for Mayaguez.

Santurce 2, Caguas 1

Adalberto Flores, who pitched at two levels in the Astros organization last season, yielded a run on six hits over five innings in the Cangrejeros' first round-robin playoff victory. Former Texas League All-Star Jose Flores went 3-for-4 with an RBI for Santurce, while Giants prospect Johnny Monell tripled, singled, walked and scored Caguas' lone run.
Mexican Pacific League

Mazatlan 4, Mexicali 0

Major League veteran Walter Silva allowed two hits and struck out five over eight innings as the Venados won Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. Henry Mateo went 4-for-4 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored for Mazatlan, while Wes Bankston doubled and walked for the Aguilas, who still lead the best-of-7 series, 2-1.

Game 1: Mazatlan 3, Mexicali 7
Game 2: Mazatlan 1, Mexicali 7
Game 3: Mexicali 0, Mazatlan 4
Aguilas de Mexicali lead series 2-1
Game 4: 01/06 6:00 p.m.
Game 5: 01/07 7:30 p.m.
Game 6: 01/09 7:30 p.m.
Game 7: 01/10 7:30 p.m.

Culiacan 3, Hermosillo 1

Cory Aldridge, who spent most of the 2012 season with the Angels' Triple-A affiliate, smacked a two-run homer in the ninth inning to give the Tomateros a commanding 3-0 lead in their first-round series. Andres Meza yielded a run on three hits over seven innings but did not figure in the decision for Culiacan, while former Major Leaguer Dennys Reyes gave up one run on five hits over 7 1/3 innings for the Naranjeros.

Game 1: Hermosillo 4, Culiacan 5
Game 2: Hermosillo 1, Culiacan 2
Game 3: Culiacan 3, Hermosillo 1
Tomateros de Culiacan lead series 3-0
Game 4: 01/06 5:00 p.m.
Game 5: 01/07 7:30 p.m.
Game 6: 01/09 7:30 p.m.
Game 7: 01/10 7:30 p.m.

Guasave 5, Obregon 3

James Avery, who spent the 2012 season with the Tigers' Double-A affiliate, allowed two runs on seven hits over six innings as the Algodoñeros climbed within 2-1 in their first-round series. Orioles farmhand Zelous Wheeler and Rangers prospect Jose Felix drove in two runs apiece for Guasave, while Juan Miranda homered in a losing effort.

Game 1: Obregon 3, Guasave 2
Game 2: Obregon 5, Guasave 2
Game 3: Guasave 5, Obregon 3
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 2-1
Game 4: 01/06 5:00 p.m.
Game 5: 01/07 7:30 p.m.
Game 6: 01/09 7:30 p.m.
Game 7: 01/10 7:30 p.m.

Dominican Winter League

Escogido 3, Estrellas 2

Former Nationals farmhand Frank Diaz lifted a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the eighth inning as the Leones grabbed sole possession of first place in the round-robin playoffs. Mauro Gomez (Red Sox) and Jordany Valdespin (Mets) delivered RBI singles for Escogido, while former Major Leaguer Ed Rogers had two hits, including an RBI triple, for the Estrellas.

Aguilas 4, Toros 3, 11 innings

Rangers farmhand Leury Garcia capped a 5-for-5 night by singling home the go-ahead run in the 11th inning as the Aguilas remained atop the round-robin playoff standings. Hector Luna had two hits and two RBIs and former Marlins Minor Leaguer Juan Carlos Perez went 3-for-5 with a pair of runs scored for Cibaeñas. Mariners outfielder Carlos Peguero drew a bases-loaded walk for the Toros.
Dominican Winter League

Jose Ramirez (2B, Toros de Este): 1-for-3, 1 R, 2 BB: Toros only mustered up five hits and five walks, so considering the fact that Ramirez had three of the ten says a lot. Ramirez is only hitting .265 for the playoffs, but is still hitting a very respectable .303 for the winter league season. He also has 12 stolen bases, and a solid .377 OBP.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Rob Bryson (RP, Criollos de Caguas): 2/3 IP, 1 BB, 2 K: Bryson has been dominant, pitching in 17 innings, over 17 games, while striking out 22 and walking eight. He’s yet to give up a run of any sort. It’s not hard to look at the kid’s numbers and ponder the prospect that the Indians dealt for way back when the Tribe acquired him in the CC Sabathia deal. He’s not the stud reliever that the Indians thought they were getting, but perhaps he can earn his way into a job, either with the Tribe, or another major league team.

Venezuela Winter League

Asdrubal Cabrera (SS, Leones del Caracas): 1-for-3: Cabrera is hitting a massive .417 during the VWL playoffs, and is currently hitting .305 overall. Cabrera clearly isn’t struggling with the batting eye over the winter, so the only hope is that he’ll keep his “eyes” away from the buffet. It’s clear that the Indians plan on keeping their all-star shortstop, so it’s good to see him performing up to standard.

Australian League

Andrew Campbell (LF, Brisbane Bandits): 1-for-4: Campbell is 6-for-15 over his past four ballgames, with hit in three of the four contests. His average had dropped below .300, but is creeping back up to the .300 range. With one more solid performance, he should be back over. He had been mired in a sizable slump prior to his big four-game stretch.

Ryan Battaglia (C, Brisbane Bandits): 0-for-3, 1K: Battaglia has taken Tom Petty to heart, and is free fallin’. Over the past six games, the Catcher is only 2-for-19, with two runs, a double, a homer and three RBI.

By Jim Pete
January 6, 2013

Regular Season
Round Robin

Where there's smoke:

It is rumored that the Houston Astros are in conversation with Manny Ramirez.

Kimbrel, Medlen candidates to join Team USA

By Mark Bowman / MLB.com | 01/04/2013 1:21 PM ET

ATLANTA --

When this year's World Baseball Classic begins, Braves legends Dale Murphy and Greg Maddux will be part of a Team USA contingent that could also include Craig Kimbrel and Kris Medlen.

Team USA manager Joe Torre has contacted both Kimbrel and Medlen to express his interest in having them be part of his pitching staff for this international competition that will take place in March. The rosters for all of the competing countries will be announced later this month.

While Kimbrel and Medlen are both expected to compete, Braves right fielder Jason Heyward informed Team USA officials that he will respectfully decline the opportunity this year. Coming off the most impressive season of his young career, Heyward wants to remain focused on the upcoming campaign by staying with the Braves through Spring Training.

There is a chance that Freddie Freeman, Heyward's good friend, could take advantage of the chance to play with either Team USA or Team Canada. Both of Freeman's parents were born in Canada.

Team USA will begin training in Phoenix on March 1 and then participate in first-round play at Arizona's Chase Field from March 7-10. This arrangement would allow the participating Braves players to be available for the first seven games of the exhibition season in Florida.

Their return to the Braves' camp in Florida will depend on how Team USA fares.

Team USA would participate in second-round play at Marlins Park from March 12-16. If the team advances, it would be in position to participate in the semifinals and finals at San Francisco's AT&T Park from March 17-19.

Murphy will serve as Team USA's first-base coach, and Maddux will be the club's pitching coach.

"That's really all Joe has talked about," Murphy said. "He goes, 'Look, this is something we want to win, this is really not an exhibition.' We want guys that want to be there and we want guys that want to win it."

Murphy said Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell recently sent him a playful text that said, "How many more of my pitchers are you going to take?"

While the Braves are interested to know how any of their participating pitchers will spend their time with their World Baseball Classic clubs, they certainly are not too surprised to learn that Torre wants both Medlen and Kimbrel on his pitching staff.

Medlen established himself as one of the game's top starting pitchers while posting a 0.97 ERA and limiting opponents to a .191 batting average in the 12 starts he made after transitioning from reliever to starting pitcher this year.

Through his first two full years at the Major League level, Kimbrel has arguably established himself as the game's top closer. The hard-throwing right-hander posted a 1.01 ERA and struck out 116 of the 231 batters that he faced this past season.

Torrealba, Leones flex muscle, beat Caribes

Free agent catcher homers twice, drives in five runs in 12-1 playoff romp

01/06/13 11:43 PM ET

Caracas 12, Caribes 1

Free agent Yorvit Torrealba homered twice and drove in five runs, helping the Leones square their record at 2-2 in the round-robin playoffs. Red Sox prospect Ronald Bermudez, Indians prospect Jesus Aguilar and Daniel Mayora (Giants) also went yard for Caracas, which got five shutout innings from Minor League veteran Yohan Pino. Orioles newcomer Niuman Romero singled in the Caribes' lone run.

Zulia 7, Magallanes 3

Austin Bibens-Dirkx struck out five and allowed three hits over six shutout innings as the Aguilas climbed into a four-way tie for second place in the round-robin playoffs. Braves farmhand Ernesto Mejia went 4-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored, while Reds prospect Felix Perez ripped a three-run homer for Zulia. Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus hit a two-run single in a losing effort.
Dominican Winter League

Escogido 6, Toros 4

Fernando Tatis singled home the go-ahead run in the eighth inning as the Leones reeled off their third straight round-robin playoff win. Pirates outfielder Starling Marte went 3-for-4 with a homer and four RBIs for Escogido, which got a solo shot from Mauro Gomez (Red Sox). Blue Jays farmhand Ricardo Nanita had two hits, including a two-run double, for the Toros.

Aguilas 11, Estrellas 4

One night after going 5-for-5, Leury Garcia doubled, singled and drove in two runs to keep the Aguilas atop the round-robin playoff standings. Elian Herrera also had two hits and two RBIs and fellow Dodgers prospect Rafael Ynoa drove in two runs and scored twice for Cibaeñas. Major League veteran Ray Olmedo was 3-for-5 with an RBI, a stolen base and a run scored for the Estrellas.
Mexican Pacific League

Culiacan 7, Hermosillo 2

Marlon Byrd hit a grand slam and fellow Major League veteran Ramiro Peña had three hits, including a solo shot, as the Tomateros completed a first-round sweep of the Naranjeros. Francisco Campos struck out seven over seven shutout innings for Culiacan, while Jose Amador went 3-for-4 and scored a run in a losing effort.

Game 1: Hermosillo 4, Culiacan 5
Tomateros de Culiacan lead series 1-0
Game 2: Hermosillo 1, Culiacan 2
Tomateros de Culiacan lead series 2-0
Game 3: Culiacan 3, Hermosillo 1
Tomateros de Culiacan lead series 3-0
Game 4: Culiacan 7, Hermosillo 2
Tomateros de Culiacan win series 4-0

Guasave 7, Obregon 5

Red Sox newcomer Mark Hamilton delivered a two-run single as the Algodoñeros squared their best-of-seven first-round playoff series at 2-2. Former Padres farmhand Jesus Lopez also had a pair of RBIs, while Ronny Paulino and Japhet Amador homered for Guasave. Juan Miranda and Carlos Valencia slugged solo shots for the Yaquis.

Game 1: Obregon 3, Guasave 2
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 1-0
Game 2: Obregon 5, Guasave 2
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 2-0
Game 3: Guasave 5, Obregon 3
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 2-1
Game 4: Guasave 7, Obregon 5
Series tied 2-2
Game 5: 01/07 7:30 p.m.
Game 6: 01/09 7:30 p.m.
Game 7: 01/10 7:30 p.m.

Mazatlan 1, Mexicali 0

Henry Mateo capped a three-hit night with a bases-loaded single in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Venados evened up their best-of-7 opening-round series with the Aguilas at 2-2. Marco Quevedo yielded two hits over six scoreless innings for Mazatlan, while Mexicali starter Sergio Valenzuela scattered six hits and struck out six over 5 2/3 shutout frames.

Game 1: Mazatlan 3, Mexicali 7
Aguilas de Mexicali lead series 1-0
Game 2: Mazatlan 1, Mexicali 7
Aguilas de Mexicali lead series 2-0
Game 3: Mexicali 0, Mazatlan 4
Aguilas de Mexicali lead series 2-1
Game 4: Mexicali 0, Mazatlan 1
Series tied 2-2
Game 5: 01/07 7:30 p.m.
Game 6: 01/09 7:30 p.m.
Game 7: 01/10 7:30 p.m.

Puerto Rican Winter League
No games scheduled

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Dominican Winter League

Delvi Cid (CF, Aguilas Cibaenas): 1-for-1, 1 2B, 1 RBI: Cid made his first appearance in this year’s DWL playoffs, entering in the eighth inning. He laced a double in an 11-4 victory. Cid has only played in seven total games during the Winter Leagues, and always as a defensive replacement late in games. His double was his first base knock on the season for the speedy outfielder.

Jose Ramirez (2B-SS, Toros de Este): 1-4, 2 R, BB, K: Ramirez led off in the 6-4 loss, and played a big part in two comebacks for Toros that tied the game in the fifth and the seventh. Ramirez is betting .263 in the playoffs, and .302 overall since the winter league started. It’s not surprising to see his average stumbling a bit in that he hasn’t had time off in nearly a year. Still, it’s encouraging to see his numbers where they are at overall.

Venezuela Winter League

Ezequiel Carrera (LF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 1-for-4, 1 K, 1 SB: Carrera batted sixth in the lineup, and was unable to cross the plate in a 7-3 loss. Carrera is struggling in the playoffs, hitting only .200, but is hitting .276 overall since the start of Winter Leagues. The speedy outfielder has nine stolen bases as well, as he begins to prepare for a push to become the Indians fourth outfielder in 2013.

Jesus Aguilar (PH-DH, Leones del Caracas): 2-for-5, 1 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 K: Aguilar’s hitting .400 in the Winter League playoffs, and led off the second inning with a solo shot. He later hit a single in the fourth inning, driving in another run. Aguilar is hitting .277 since the start of the winter leagues, and now has four homers and 11 RBI in 23 ballgames.

Asdrubal Cabrera (SS, Leones del Caracas): 1-for-5, 3 K: Caracas won 12-1, but Cabrera didn’t do much in the ways of helping things out, striking out three times. Cabrera has been pounding the ball in the playoffs though, hitting .353 since the start of the playoffs. He’s hitting .297 overall during the seasons, with a .297/.348/.400 slash line.

Australian League

Andrew Campbell (LF, Brisbane Bandits): 0-for-3, 2 RBI, BB. Campbell is having a good showing this offseason in Australia hitting .288 with a .794 OPS in 30 games, though he had a very good showing last offseason in winter ball out in Australia as he hit .301 with a .763 OPS in 26 games. It’s also worth noting that he’s been struggling over the past month, as his average has dropped 30 points over that time period. For as good as he has been in Australia the past two offseasons, he hit just a combined .172 with 1 HR, 13 RBI and .472 OPS in 33 combined games with rookie level Arizona and short season Single-A Mahoning Valley this past season.

Ryan Battaglia (DH-1B, Brisbane Bandits): 0-for-3, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K. Battaglia has some good raw power where when he makes contact he can do some damage, something he has shown throughout his career and this offseason as 8 of his 14 hits are for extra bases. On the hand, his approach at the plate is still too inconsistent and he strikes out way too much as he has 21 strikeouts in 64 at bats this offseason.

By Jim Pete
January 7, 2013

Jesus Aguilar has been used sparingly this winter. Basically, it was because of the total number of strikeouts he was racking up early in the season. For the regular season, he had 60 at bats over 22 ballgames. Aguilar fanned 26 times.

After having been demoted to the Leones farm team (parallel league) for two weeks, he has rebounded pretty well. In December he appeared in 4 ballgames, batting 8 times, but striking out only 2 times. Between November 19-28, he appeared in 6 ballgames, 17 at bats, striking out 6 times.

Of the 5 Leones round robin playoff games, Aguilar has appeared in the last two games, had 9 at bats, with only 2 strikeouts. Both games were multihit games, homering in the first. It appears that manager Frank Kremblas is gaining more confidence in Aguilar.

Overall, respectful numbers disregarding the strikeouts.

Valbuena sparks rally for Cardinales

Cubs infielder hits bases-clearing double as Lara scores eight runs in the seventh

01/08/13 1:33 AM ET

Venezuelan Winter League

Lara 8, Magallanes 5

Cubs infielder Luis Valbuena smacked a three-RBI double and scored twice in an eight-run seventh-inning rally for the Cardenales. Rangers prospect Yangervis Solarte drove in a run with a double and former Major Leaguer Robert Perez plated two. Carlos Zambrano (Marlins) allowed two runs on five hits over six innings, but did not figure into the decision for the Navegantes.

Caracas 5, Anzoategui 3

Nationals prospect Carlos Rivero slugged a two-run homer to pace the Leones to victory. Indians' No. 12 prospect Jesus Aguilar added a solo shot and Justin Thomas (Athletics) earned the win with two hitless innings of relief. Former Major Leaguer Jose Castillo homered and drove in three runs in the loss for the Caribes.
Mexican Pacific League

Obregon 3, Guasave 1

Royals hurler Luis Mendoza struck out eight and allowed a run on four hits over six innings to give the Yaquis a 3-2 series lead. Former Braves prospect Barbaro Canizares slugged a two-run homer and Agustin Murrilo was 3-for-4 with a run scored. Free agent Ronny Paulino hit a solo homer in the loss for the Algodoneros.

Game 1: Obregon 3, Guasave 2
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 1-0
Game 2: Obregon 5, Guasave 2
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 2-0
Game 3: Guasave 5, Obregon 3
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 2-1
Game 4: Guasave 7, Obregon 5
Series tied 2-2
Game 5: Guasave 1, Obregon 3
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 3-2
Game 6: 01/09 7:30 p.m.
Game 7: 01/10 7:30 p.m.

Mazatlan 4, Mexicali 3

Former Cubs prospect Chris Walker drove in two runs to put the Venados a win away from clinching their opening-round series. Oswaldo Morejon was 2-for-3 with an RBI and Luis Vazquez earned the win after allowing one hit and fanning four over 3 2/3 shutout innings of relief. Free agent Yuniesky Betancourt slugged a solo homer for the Aguilas.

Game 1: Mazatlan 3, Mexicali 7
Aguilas de Mexicali lead series 1-0
Game 2: Mazatlan 1, Mexicali 7
Aguilas de Mexicali lead series 2-0
Game 3: Mexicali 0, Mazatlan 4
Aguilas de Mexicali lead series 2-1
Game 4: Mexicali 0, Mazatlan 1
Series tied 2-2
Game 5: Mexicali 3, Mazatlan 4
Venados de Mazatlan lead series 3-2
Game 6: 01/09 7:30 p.m.
Game 7: 01/10 7:30 p.m.

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Game 1: Hermosillo 4, Culiacan 5
Tomateros de Culiacan lead series 1-0
Game 2: Hermosillo 1, Culiacan 2
Tomateros de Culiacan lead series 2-0
Game 3: Culiacan 3, Hermosillo 1
Tomateros de Culiacan lead series 3-0
Game 4: Culiacan 7, Hermosillo 2
Tomateros de Culiacan win series 4-0

Puerto Rican Winter League

Carolina 7, Santurce 6

Astros Minor Leaguer Carlos Corporan hit a pinch-hit two-run double to help rally the Gigantes. Dodgers farmhand Osvaldo Martinez homered and veteran reliever Fernando Cabrera, who spent 2012 in the Mets organization, fanned two in a hitless ninth inning to earn the save. Former Major Leaguer Luis Matos had three RBIs for the Cangrejeros.

Mayaguez 3, Caguas 2

Former Phillies prospect Danny Gonzalez hit a two-run double in the top of the ninth inning as the Indios rallied to the win. Twins' No. 6 prospect Eddie Rosario singled and scored the game-winning run while Mets prospect Randy Fontanez tossed a perfect ninth for his third save. Former Braves prospect Michael Nix fanned nine and allowed two hits over six scoreless innings but did not figure into the decision for the Criollos.
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Ezequiel Carrera

Venezuela Winter League:

•Ezequiel Carrera (LF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 1-for-3, R, 3B, RBI, BB. Carrera has racked up 130 at bats this offseason in 35 games, which is playing time he needed to show the Indians what he can do and also prepare him for a big spring training with the Indians as he fights to win a fourth outfielder job he is favored to win. He is hitting .277 and has a nice 19:18 walk to strikeout ratio with 9 stolen bases. If he can provide that as a fourth outfielder next year, the Indians would be thrilled.

•Asdrubal Cabrera (SS, Leones del Caracas): 0-for-3, 2 K. With the 0-fer on the night, Cabrera’s overall batting average fell to .283 this offseason in 16 combined regular season and playoff games in Venezuela. He has been a bit impatient walking just 3 times while striking out 14 times in 67 at bats.

•Jesus Aguilar (1B, Leones del Caracas): 2-for-4, R, HR, RBI, K. Aguilar got off to a very cold start in winter ball…..disappeared for several weeks…and since reappearing he has looked like the Aguilar of last offseason. He is now hitting .290 with 5 HR, 12 RBI, and an OPS north of .900 in 24 games.

Puerto Rico Winter League:

•Roberto Perez (C, Indios de Mayaguez): 0-for-0. Perez was inserted into the game in the bottom of the ninth inning as a defensive replacement at catcher. He has played just 19 total games and accrued 59 total at bats this offseason in Puerto Rico, but he is hitting .288/.400/.322 and playing his customary very good defense.

Jesus Aguilar meets confidence with homers

Two consecutive days of taking the ball out of the park, the Leones del Caracas first baseman

CARACAS. -

Jesus Aguilar is making the most of the opportunities given by the Caracas Lions manager, Frank Kremblas in the round robin in 2013. The First baseman has responded to the trust with his main feature: power.

Both Sunday night (in Puerto La Cruz) and as of Monday (in Caracas) got the ball out of the park, against Anzoategui Caribbean. Monday's homer at the bottom of the seventh inning, meant a Caracas 5-3 victory over Caribbean Anzoategui . "This homer was the most important because the game was tied at 3-3 and now we went ahead. It got good, "said first baseman.

"Cleveland has called to invite me to the winter program, but while I have the commitment to play for the Leones, I will not travel to the United States," he concluded.

[Aguilar is hitting .444 in the round robin]