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René Rivera will be from December 17 to 22 bringing toys to children and helping various sectors in Puerto Rico

René Rivera seeks to make Christmas fun for children

The Puerto Rican big league receiver wants to collect at least 25,000 toys to give them to children affected by Hurricane María


The receiver René Rivera and his wife Mariel Pérez had been realizing through the years a project where they identified children of families of scarce resources and brought them joy with several gifts on Christmas Day.

Now, aware that many families on the island affected by Hurricane Maria will not have the economic resources, they chose to exponentially expand their love project and with the help of several commercial firms expect to impact at least 25,000 children throughout Puerto Rico in this Christmas.

"We for a long time ago chose two or three children, depending on the situation, and we made their 'Santa Claus'. This year thinking about the situation that Puerto Rico is having with the hurricanes, affected places that surely will not have the same opportunity (to celebrate Christmas) as in other years, well, we wanted to make this campaign 'No Child Lose the Illusion '", Said the Bayamo receiver. "We want to bring your 'Santa Claus' to children in affected areas."

"The goal of us is that we want to bring 25,000 toys, which would be 25,000 children. Thanks to Sears, Kmart and Shop Your Way, "he added, referring to these companies that made their stores available throughout the United States to receive donations of toys and created packages from $ 5 to $ 20 that can be purchased in stores. Later, at the end of next week, these companies will enable a link so that these donations can be made online.

In Puerto Rico, the campaign to collect donations starts tomorrow at Kmart and Sears and immediately join, the Salvation Army, Welch's, Five Hundred Level, the Cooperativa de Seguros Múltiples and PROS, among others.

Rivera indicated that online donations can already be made, either for money or toys.

Donations of money can be made in the following link: https://www.youcaring.com/ninosdepuertorico-995860 .

Meanwhile, for the donation of toys is a 'wish list' on Amazon . Kmart, in fact, will enable, after Thanksgiving, another link where you can buy toys online and at the same time donate them to the Rivera-Pérez marriage cause.

In the United States for every purchase and donation made online or in the store itself (Kmart and Shop Your Way), the trade will equal the contribution.

While in Puerto Rico in addition to Sears and Kmart are joined as immediate toy collection centers and the Salvation Army.

All proceeds will be donated on the Island between December 17 and 22. According to the established program, the last date to donate will be on December 16 where a barbecue will be held at the Kmart store in Bayamón. This will be the last fundraising effort of the campaign.

On Sunday, December 17, he will hold a lunch during which he will deliver sports equipment to the Bayamón Baseball Program. From Monday 18 to Wednesday 20 will be fully in the campaign 'No Child Lose the Illusion'. Times and places will be announced later. He finishes his philanthropic deed on Friday the 22nd fulfilling a commitment he made when Hurricane Irma passed to a specific community.

"We hope you help us. The goal is 25,000 toys. What they can donate It would be great for us and the community of Puerto Rico. It will be a happiness and a smile for every child affected by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, "said Rivera, father of twins. "We have two little girls (and we know what other parents do). Right now with the situation of rebuilding, fixing houses, fixing or buying appliances that were damaged, children are affected. Because we do not do a big activity and we bring that happiness to the children, that illusion that what happened happened, but 'Santa Claus' remembered me and brought me a toy. "

"I think that's going to be something super special for us. The children go to see Santa Claus. Santa Claus is going to be delivering toys. It's going to be a very beautiful activity, "he concluded.
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller

Re: Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball

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apan manager Atsunori Inaba receives the traditional doage (victory toss) after the team's 7-0 victory in the Asia Professional Baseball Championship final against South Korea on Sunday night at Tokyo Dome. | AFP-JIJI

Japan trounces South Korea in inaugural Asia Professional Baseball Championship final

Samurai Japan’s young players grabbed their manager, Astunori Inaba, and threw him in the air once and then twice, before seemingly needing a few seconds to regroup before sending him up once more.

It was about the only thing that didn’t go smoothly for Japan in the final round of the inaugural Asia Professional Baseball Championship (APBC). Then again, this tournament was about the future, and Inaba’s band of under-24s have plenty of time to work on their victory toss technique.

Kazuto Taguchi threw seven scoreless innings, Shuta Tonosaki sparked a big night at the plate with a pair of RBIs and Inaba led Japan to a title in his managerial debut with a 7-0 thumping of South Korea in the APBC final in front of a crowd of 30,498 on Sunday night at Tokyo Dome.
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“It feels great,” Inaba said. “It was a tournament for younger players this time, but they certainly shouldered the responsibility of the national flag, competed well and were united as one.”

It was Inaba’s first tournament in charge of the team. The former player was named the manager on July 31, with an eye on winning the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The APBC was the first step on the road to 2020.

“We still have three more years,” Inaba said. “But the number of times we can come together is limited. As manager, I will have to study more so we can build a good team three years from now.”
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Tonosaki, who finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs in the final was named the tournament’s MVP. The Seibu Lions infielder was 6-for-13 with a home run and four RBIs overall. He repeatedly led the team’s pregame huddle to help fire up his teammates before their games.

“My teammates set the table for me and I just tried to live up to their expectations,” Tonosaki said. “When we huddled up before the game, I told them we should play with positive energy. I’m pleased it turned out the way it did.”

The Japanese won all three games they played. Inaba’s club slipped by the Koreans 8-7 in a 10-inning thriller in Thursday’s opening game before blasting Taiwan 8-2 on Saturday night.

“After such a hard-fought battle in our first game, I was wondering how today’s game would go, because South Korea is great in terms of both hitting and pitching,” Inaba said. “Taguchi gave us a great performance and it set the tone for our hitters.”

Sunday’s rematch with Korea came two years to the day of the 2015 Premier 12 semifinal between the two nations. Japan starter Shohei Otani was dominant on the mound for seven innings in that one, leaving with a 3-0 lead. The Koreans then rallied against the Japanese bullpen, scoring four runs in the ninth en route to a 4-3 win.

“I have a vivid memory of the Premier 12 game, especially the latter part,” said Inaba, who was a Samurai Japan batting coach at the time. “So for today’s game I didn’t care how big of a lead we built because you never know what might happen. We used our pitchers the best way we could.

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Japan didn’t let the lead slip away this time.

Taguchi was on top of his game and was the winning pitcher after keeping Korea off the scoreboard. The Yomiuri Giants lefty, who was pitching in his home park, allowed three hits, struck out six and hit one batter.

“I was very nervous at the beginning, but after getting the first hitter out, I was able to settle into my own rhythm,” Taguchi said.

The Hanshin Tigers’ Tsuyoshi Ishizaki and Yokohama BayStars closer Yasuaki Yamasaki each threw a scoreless inning of relief in the victory.

Hiroshima Carp infielder Ryoma Nishikawa led Japan at the plate with a two-run double in the fifth and a solo homer in the seventh. A pair of Lions accounted for Japan’s other four runs. Tonosaki hit RBI singles in the fourth and fifth innings, while Hotaka Yamakawa recorded a two-run single in the sixth.

Korea’s Park Se-woong, of the KBO’s Lotte Giants, allowed one run on three hits in three-plus innings and took the loss. Park struck out four and walked three.

The Korean offense was held to just three hits after coming up with 10 in the teams’ first meeting.

“I’ve been watching videos of the Korean offense over and over since the tournament began,” Taguchi said. “They have such a potent offense that can string together hits and their batters don’t really chase pitches outside the zone. So I tried to play to my own strengths, which is keeping the ball low and I was able to execute well.”

Korea’s lone APBC win was a 1-0 victory over Taiwan on Friday night.

“It wound up giving our younger players experience and good lessions to learn,” Korea manager Sun Dong-yol said. “Personally, it was my first tournament as a manager. Looking toward the Tokyo Olympics, we will have to prepare ourselves better.
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Inaba is also looking to 2020.

“Because this was my first time as a manager, I think there were so many things I could’ve done better,” Inaba said. “Our players helped me, and I’m grateful to them.

“I also told our players that if they want to wear the national team uniform the for 2020 Olympics, then I want them to keep developing.”

Inaba may see many of these players again when Japan faces Australia in a pair of exhibitions on March 3 at Nagoya Dome and March 4 at Kyocera Dome.

“We are going to be looking three years ahead to some extent, so we’ll probably choose pitcher who would be the core of our team at the moment.”
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller

Re: Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball

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Yandy Díaz Fotos

Caracas.-

There are no records of Yandy Díaz between 2012 and 2013 in the broad databases of statistical baseball portals. It is like he had disappeared between ages 19, 20 and 21 years. But life does not allow jumps. It is strictly chronological. In some jail or government office of his native Cuba, there must be record of the adventures of the player in that period omitted by the world of baseball.

Diaz got used to seeing the cold bars of a prison. His crime was to go to sea and try to leave the largest part of the Antilles to become a professional baseball player.

"That was difficult, boy. I tried three times and three times they grabbed me, "says the third baseman of the Leones del Caracas in the LVBP. "Three times I spent 21 days in jail."

It was not the first or the last time a dreamer tried to outwit the Cuban authorities with the desire to reach the United States, the promised land according to their philosophies. And Diaz already knew many stories of those daring enough to try. When he was 17 and a slight of experience in the National Series of Cuba, with the Orange Growers of Villa Clara, he left for the first time the island territory. He saw how security was implacable when he landed in Venezuela, where he went to seek his path to a championship in Táchira. That time nobody escaped.

"But then we went to Canada the following year," the story continues. "There were two guys who signed but never made it to the big leagues along with José Iglesias, shortstop of the Detroit Tigers."

Diaz, 21, was suspended from the National Series for his audacity. No Cuban team received him. There was only one thing left: try for the fourth time. He was not the only one who thought that. His mother, Elsa María Fernández, supported him. She knew what her son wanted. He had seen how the boy discarded the illusion of playing soccer and leaned toward baseball. She observed how the coaches and managers predicted a good future. And she was the first to be happy to see him depart from Sagua La Grande, in the center of the island, to play in the MLB.

The plan of the escape had no news. As on previous occasions, Díaz approached the coast of Holguín, northeast of Cuba. There, under the mysterious cloak of the night, a large group of people and a motorboat with four outboard engines awaited him.

"I remember we left at about 12 at night. I had left my mom at home, nervous. But she always told me to keep trying, "he recalls. "It took like 12 hours to get to Montecristo, in the Dominican Republic. I arrived at noon. There I stayed like 9 months and then I went to Haiti and lived there 4 months more, I had to do it because we Cubans do not have US papers in the Dominican Republic ".
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Yandy Díaz fulfilled his dream of being greatliga

THE AMERICAN DREAM

When Diaz first came to the United States, he felt as if everything was part of "a movie." He detailed the tall buildings, the streets full of people and breathed new opportunities. While the adventure in a new country is a difficult challenge for any migrant, everything becomes more complicated for Cubans. They have left everything behind and exposed their lives to the unpredictable sea, knowing that they will hardly be able to see those relatives who were left behind. Failing and looking for another dream is not even the last option.

"If we fail, we're on board. We have the motivation to see so many Cubans who have gone through the same thing as us to reach the Major Leagues, "says the man, now 26 years old. "Thank God I signed fast with the Cleveland Indians."

The first day in Arizona, where the defectors are set up at their spring complexes, was difficult. Diaz did not know anyone. He only focused on the weight training he had been given. Little by little he fit into the farms of the organization. He hit well with Carolina Mudcats (Advanced Class A). He did much better with the Akron RubberDucks (Double A). Last year he was one of the most outstanding hitters in the International League, Triple A circuit, with the Columbus Clippers. In the minors there were few pitchers capable of stopping him and that meant that his time had come: at any moment he would receive an opportunity in the Majors and everything - the estrangement from his mother and the odyssey at sea - would be worth it.

The chance came this year, after the Spring Trainings. Díaz was included in the lineup of manager Terry Francona on April 3. He hit a double in four at bats against the Texas Rangers in Arlington.

"Thank God they gave me a call and I made a direct call to my house, in Cuba," he recalls. "I told my mom and she cried like an hour. And it was okay, I understood her, her boy was already a big guy. I am always in communication with her. When I do badly in a game, I go 0-5, with Caracas or in the United States, I call her. I come from a country where we spend so much time working hard to achieve a moment like this. I am so happy".

It's possible that the excitement that Yandy felt on his first day in the big leagues was unparalleled. But he'll know that when he sees his mother again.

"Let's see at the first of January if they let us enter the country for a moment," he warns. "If they do, I can visit the island."
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller

Re: Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball

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Red Sox are mourning the death of their prospect number 5 Daniel Flores

It was known that the prospect number 5 of the Red Sox, Daniel Flores, according to MLB Pipeline, he died due to the complications he experienced during his treatment against cancer. The news was of profound impact for the franchise. "Everyone in Boston was shocked to learn of Daniel's tragic passing," operations president Dave Dombrowski said in the announcement. "Seeing the life of a young man with so much potential," continued Dombrowski; "is extremely sad for all of us. On behalf of the Red Sox organization, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Daniel's family. "

The 17-year-old Venezuelan, who signed for 3.1 million in the summer, was a highly regarded prospect, in which some scouts described him as one of the best defensive receivers they have ever seen, according to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe.
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller

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Dominicans will face Honduras in Premundial U23 start

Santo Domingo.

The Dominican team in the category U23 will be facing on Friday, November 24, their counterpart from Honduras in the 2nd game of the opening of the Pre-U23 in Panama, organized by the Pan-American Confederation of Baseball COPABE; organization headed by the Dominican and president of FEDOBE, Mr. Héctor-Tito-Pereyra.

The national team will have the support of the LIDOM teams, who committed to send their talents in this category to this event; directed by the General Manager of said selection Moisés Alou.

With a total of 23 players, the Quisqueyano team will be headed by renowned manager Denio González, who is well known in the international arena. Next to González, will be Joselito (José) Cano as Coach of pitching, Gilbert Alexander as Coach of batting and Ángel Luis Fermín as bench Coach.

Accompanying this delegation and participating as part of the umpires of the event, will be the WBSC International Referee and the only Dominican one endorsed by the same institution in Baseball and Softball and Director of Referees of the Caribbean Confederation of Baseball -COCABE-, Daniel Pérez.

The Dominican Republic will have its second game on Saturday the 25th against the selected team of Mexico, on Sunday the 26th it will face Panama, on Monday the 27th it will face Peru and on Tuesday the 28th it will face Costa Rica; as part of the confrontations in Group A, to which our representatives belong. Group B is composed of: Argentina, Cuba, Brazil, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Colombia.

For Saturday, December 2, there will be a consolation round, on Sunday, December 3, it will be determined who goes to the championship round.
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller

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Code: Select all

	               1 	2   3    4    5   6   7   8   9 	C	H	E
Caracas	0	 1	2	 0	 1	0	0	0	0	 4	 6	 0
Lara	      0	 0	 0	1	 0	0	0	0	0	 1	 9	 1

Bateadores
Robinson, T (CF)
Tovar (SS)
Diaz, Y (3B)
Perez, F (RF)
Guzman (1B)
Rodriguez, Henry Ale (DH)
Cabrera, R (C)
Palma (LF)
Castro, H (2B)

1st: Yandy Diaz grounded out short to first.

3rd: Yandy Diaz hit by pitch.
Felix Perez singled. Alexander Palma scored Harold Castro scored Yandy Diaz to second.

5th: Yandy Diaz sacrifice fly to right field. Harold Castro scored.

8th: Yandy Diaz batea grounded third to first.

[ Diaz hit by pitch in three out of the four games he's played]

“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller

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DOMINICAN LEAGUE (LIDOM)

Eric Haase (Leones del Escogido, DH) - 0-4, 2 K - Haase continued a rough start to his LIDOM season on Sunday with this hitless effort that extended his season-opening hitless streak to three games. He is 0-for-10 with one walk, one RBI (which he drove in via the aforementioned walk), and five strikeouts so far this winter season.

Erik Gonzalez (Leones del Escogido, SS) - 0-3, 1 BB, 1 K - Gonzalez continues to alternate good and bad day at the plate as he continues an uneven start to his Dominican campaign. Through four games, Erik has a .231/.333/.231 slash line with two walks, four strikeouts, and a stolen base. Like in the case of Haase, it is too early to draw any conclusions from Gonzalez's LIDOM stats due to the small sample size, but the early numbers are not encouraging.

Patrick McCoy (Toros del Este, RP) - 0.1 IP, perfect, 1 K - McCoy struck out the only batter he faced on three pitches to continue a dominant offseason that has seen him allow only one earned run on two hits in 3.1 innings pitched in six outings.

Ronny Rodriguez (Aguilas Cibaenas, starting 2B) - 2-5, 3 RBI, 2 K - Ronny-Rod, who is currently a minor league free agent, continued his strong LIDOM campaign with this multi-hit, multi-RBI effort. He has at least one hit in nine of his last ten games and multiple hits in four of them, including three in a row earlier in the month. His season slash line now stands at .321/.339/.438 with three home runs and 14 RBI in 26 games this winter. Such a strong performance can only help his case in the free agent market.

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE (LVBP)

Yandy Diaz (Leones del Caracas, starting 3B) - 0-2, 1 RBI, 1 SF, 1 HBP - Even on a rare bad day at the plate, Diaz still reached base on a hit by pitch and drove in a run on a sacrifice fly. While this outing sent his batting average below .300 (.294), he is still having a solid winter season with his two extra-base hits (one double, on triple) and four walks (with no strikeouts) resulting in a .177 isolated power and .186 isolated plate discipline.
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller

Re: Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball

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José Ramírez: The little boy who triumphed!

When José Ramírez was not wanted or used as a bench player as a child, his father José Báez gave words of encouragement he needed.

"Do not worry, you're going to be a baseball player," said Báez, who played at the amateur level, so he would not lower his head or enthusiasm.

"If you want to take him, he does not have a chance here. He is very short, "the coaches of a program in Villa Majega, Baní, the neighborhood where the 5'8-tall player was born and raised, warned.

Things began to change slightly when Enrique Soto welcomed Ramirez into the program he has at the Cucurucho de Peravia Stadium saying that he would be better than Erick Aybar. The coaches and scouts laughed at him.

"They rejected me a lot as a kid. They were saying things that I did not bring to mind. What they were saying came in one ear and came out in the other, "says the now star second base player of the Cleveland Indians .

The performances at that time, 2008 and 2009, starred shortstops Rafael Furcal and especially José Reyes and Miguel Tejada, as well as outfielder Luis Polonia, were not large players but were predominate at these times, served as motivation to keep trying to crystallize his dream of being a professional baseball player.

"I used to say 'but if they can, why can not I?' and forced me to work harder, "reveals Ramirez "Enriquito", meaning diminutive which is what his closest friends call him.

This is how, on a day in 2009, in a "try out" held at the complex of the Cleveland Indians, in Baseball City, that Ramón Peña, head of scouts for Latin America for that organization, had an eye on him and said: "(you are signed)".

Peña, responsible for the signings of 56 players who came to the big leagues, had told his assistant Felix Nivar that Soto did not know Ramírez was the best prospect in the group he was scouting that day.

Then, he took Soto behind the outfield to get him away from other scouts who were also looking for talent.

Peña asked Soto about other players who he might want and knew he might sign.
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José Ramírez defeated the scouts' scorn

Enrique Soto was promoting shortstop Martín Teilón Peguero and the Colombian catcher Jorge Alfaro. For the first, he asked for three million dollars and a million and a half for the last one.

"Soto talked to me about Siore, a catcher, but in my mind there was a second baseman (Ramírez)," Peña says.

Soto set Ramirez's price at 300,000, but as there was not much interest in him, Peña said "but you're crazy".
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Soto began descending the scale and before all was said and done the deal ended up with an offering of 50 thousand.

"Deal done," exclaimed Ramón. "I gave him my hand at once."

At that time the Minnesota scout, Fred Guerrero, also approached with the intention of signing him, but it was too late.

"C ...! It's that you are very slow, and Ramón Peña has just signed him! ", said Soto. Guerrero was annoyed because he was aware that he could have done a better deal than the one that got done by Peña who was know for signing players for low bonuses that later arrived and stood out in the Major Leagues.

The veteran scout was struck by what a good batter Ramírez was on either side of the plate and the great command he had of the basics of the game.

"He played ball like a veteran," said Peña. Last season Ramírez had a record of .318-29-83 and 56 doubles that lead the majors and was finalist for the Golden Glove awards and third in the race for the Most Valuable Player.
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"He knew how to play baseball but it was difficult for him", said Peña of José Ramírez, the regular middleman of the Indians, while answering questions at the Sports Café. He signed as a 17-year-old boy who played like this ", which led scouts to doubt his age.

"I signed José Lima and Ruddy Pemberton for two thousand dollars; Juan Encarnación for three thousand; Danny Bautista and Fernando Rodney for four thousand; Francisco Cordero for six thousand, and Ramón Santiago for seven thousand, among many players that I have signed but the bonus does not make the player.", highlights Peña.

He regrets Hector Caro ("that he was expensive") he signed for 1.1 million.

"Caro lasted three years in the Summer League and did not hit a home run even though he was 6'3 and weighed 235 pounds," Peña recalls with a smile.
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His performance earned him $ 300,000 in bonuses.

Ramirez received 150 thousand dollars for his third place finish for MVP of the American League.

In the Major Leagues, not only doesthe player live on his salary, but also the performance bonuses that are included in the negotiations. of contracts between teams and agents.

And José Ramírez did very well after his outstanding participation with the Cleveland Indians last season in the Major Leagues. This was revealed in a courtesy visit to the Sports section of LISTÍN DIARIO.

By coming in third place in the race for the Most Valuable Player, the native of Bani was "bagged" a bonus worth 150 thousand dollars.

The prize ended up in the hands of the Venezuelan Jose Altuve, of the champion Houston Astros, while the second place went to Aaron Judge, of the New York Yankees.
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With a silver bat as defender of third base, the Dominican Ramírez won an extra cash prize of $ 50,000.

In 152 regular-season games, the switch hitter led the major leagues with 56 doubles, batting .318 with a .957 OPS, 29 homers, 83 RBIs and 107 runs scored.

For his selection to join the American League team for the All-Star Game, the short-statured player (5-9), but big-hearted had an over-prize of also $ 100,000, the same amount for which he was signed by Ramón Peña in the year 2009.

The total, in bonuses he accumulated was 300 thousand dollars, plus extra money he will receive for participating in the postseason. Cleveland was only present in a playoff series, which they lost in 5 games against the Yankees.
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His 91 extra-base hits were the second highest number in history for a switch hitter. He became just the 19th. A player who hits at least 56 doubles in a campaign. His OPS is the highest in a station for a player who has made at least 60 appearances in both the second and third bases.

At the end of the season, he was also included as a designated hitter in the Major League All-Stars team selected by the Baseball America publication and was one of the three finalists for the Gold Glove as third baseman.

Ramírez will work his physique again in the US

One week after finishing the season, not in the way he would have liked, José Ramírez began his preparation for the 2018 season.

The good results that the small third baseman of the Cleveland Indians has just won, has confirmed that he must physically arrive as best he can to the training camps to face another eight months of playing baseball.

Last year he was for the first time at a training center in Sarasota, Florida, and the results are in full view.

In 2016, as a utility player, Ramírez earned a regular position and responded to the trust placed in him by Terry Francona playing good defense and batting .312, with 11 homers, 46 doubles and 76 RBIs.

Improvement

This year, in the same number of games, his numbers improved notably. He had a .318 average, home runs almost tripled (29), doubles increased from 46 to 56, triples from three to six and those batted in from 76 to 83.

"They prepare you well physically and help you with the diet", emphasizes Ramirez at the Sports Café of LISTÍN DIARIO, where he was accompanied by the scouts who signed him (Ramón Peña and Félix Nivar), his brother José David, a shortstop of 15-years old who predicts that he will be a star, as well as his cousin Luis Báez, his childhood friend Robeto Mañán González and Wilson Amador, a pitcher who played at the Class A level this year with the Astros' organization in Houston.
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Ramirez indicated that he is already working with the weights in his native Baní, but that at the beginning of January he will travel to Sarasota because there he has less distractions and focuses better on that important aspect.

His decision to prioritize physical work will see him absent for the second consecutive campaign with the Toros del Este, a team that more than ever needs his service. The Bulls occupy the basement with a record of 9-16 (does not include yesterday's game against Leones Escogido).

He said that for that reason he will not attend and wear the Romana uniform, with which he has not played since the 2015-2016 season, when he averaged just .300 in 13 games.

Awarded third base, but feels more comfortable at second

José Ramírez won the silver bat as a third baseman in the American League. He was a finalist for the Golden Glove, the defensive prize for the best, at third base. But that was not even his best base.

"My natural position is the second base", says Ramírez during his visit to the Sports section of LISTÍN DIARIO together with the scout Ramón Peña, who was in charge of his signature in 2009.

Ramírez started the season as a third baseman, but when Jason Kipnis suffered a hamstring injury, the Indians placed him on the disabled list for 10 days and switched to the Dominican to cover second base for the rest of the season.

He was selected by the fans' vote as the starter at third base for the All-Star Game.

In 88 games and 736.2 innings as a defender of third base, he had a fielding percentage of .972 with 146 assists, six errors and 23 double plays in 231 opportunities.
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At second base he saw action in 71 games and 577.1 innings in which he compiled a .980 fielding with 170 assists, six errors and 55 double plays for 294 chances.

He stressed that he has a great relationship on the field with the Puerto Rican shortstop Francisco Lindor, whom he defined as an excellent defender and with whom he feels comfortable for having made a combination of short and second in the minor leagues.

"I feel very satisfied with the work I do on the defensive side," added Ramírez, who attributed his good performance to the accumulated experience and good preparation in the offseason.

He was a candidate to win the Gold Glove at third base, but he did not fail to recognize the difficulty due to the fact that third base is a power position.
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller

Re: Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball

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Two Puerto Ricans will reinforce the Tigres del Licey

Hiram Burgos and Robert Pérez will play in the Dominican baseball league.

The Puerto Ricans Hiram Burgos and Robert 'Bebo' Pérez were announced as the new reinforcements of the Tigres del Licey in the Dominican Republic league in winter baseball.

According to the organization, receiver Pérez will replace the American Cam Gallagher on the team. Perez comes from playing with the Cleveland Indians in the majors. In Puerto Rico he belongs to the Mayagüez Indians.

While pitcher Burgos also joined the Tigers in days past. The right pitched in the Minors with the Milwaukee Brewers last season. Burgos, likewise, belongs to the Indians in the Puerto Rican winter league.
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“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller

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Roberto Pérez, receiver hired by Licey

SANTO DOMINGO

The Puerto Rican of the Cleveland Indians, Roberto Pérez, is the receiver that was imported by Tigres del Licey to fill the post left by the American Cam Gallagher, whose contract was fulfilled.

The general manager Junior Noboa, who on Saturday announced the signing of Pérez, did not identify him until the agreement was made. Perez, 28 years old, right handed batter, is characterized by his solid defense and has been the last four seasons with the Indians of Cleveland in the American League.

Noboa said that "Bebo" Pérez will join the Tigers next week, as well as right-hander Hiram Burgos, who was announced on Saturday to be a part of the rotation for the reining national champions.

In the 2017 season with the Indians, Perez played 73 games, had 45 hits in 217 innings (.Ave .207). He had 12 doubles, eight home runs, 28 RBIs, 22 runs scored, 26 bases on balls, an on-base percentage (OBP) of .291, with 71 strikeouts.

In the recent postseason he participated in four games in the Division Series against the New York Yankees and had three hits, including a homer, in ten innings (Ave.300), he produced two runs.

In 2016, Perez became the first player in Cleveland's history to connect for home runs in his first playoff game in a game against the Boston Red Sox.

Before the start of the 2017 season, he signed a contract for four years, three of which cover arbitration, for 9 million dollars, with options for 2021 and 2022.
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller

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OF INTEREST

Abraham Almonte and Álex Hanson are in the group of players that will join the Toros del Este starting tonight. Almonte is an ambidextrous batter who can contribute a lot from the middle of the lineup.....

Robert Pérez is the new receiver imported by the Tigers. He is a Puerto Rican who, like most of his compatriots in that position, plays good defense. In his case, he has occasional power .....

Remember Josh Judy, the immaculate Closer of the Eagles that in the last campaign did not allow a run all season? He is not in such a way - who expected it? - but he is 3-0, 1.86ERA with 9.2IP, 4R, 2ER, 11H, 3BB, 9K, 1.86PCL, 1.45WHIP, respectable numbers .....

Ex Indian Jairo Asencio got his ninth save, leader of the tournament, and 91 in his career, top in LIDOM history....
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller

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Strong fight for the winter MVP

Ronny Rodríguez is one of the best offensive players in the Águilas Cibaeñas.

Juan Carlos Pérez, Ronny Rodríguez, Gabriel Guerrero and Yamaico Navarro are competing for the important prize of MVP that was largely dominated by Eloy Jiménez, the Most Valuable Player award of this winter season, with his departure, has been cleared for the other competitors.

When 27 games of this regular series are played, the selection
becomes difficult since there is a great diversity of players that complicate the election process for that distinction.

At the time of his departure, Jiménez, of the Gigantes del Cibao, was the owner of the triple crown numbers with an average of .368, 21 RBIs and four homers in 19 games. The portentous Eloy, the number one prospect of the Chicago White Sox, season was terminated by his organization, indisputably, since debuting this year in this league. He came into the league presented with great credentials with the wood.

Now, with the free path, the strongest candidate to date is Ronny Rodríguez, from the Águilas Cibaeñas.

Could it be that this time Ronny can take the award he did not get last year? Since joining the ranks of the the Eagles in 2015, the Mao native continues to prove that he is a hitter in this league.

Last season, Rodriguez won the batting title (.306), slugging (.463) and total bases (74). In addition, he was second in hits (49), doubles (10) and scored (24) runs. But, these numbers were not worth to take the distinction, since it was surpassed by Ruben Sosa, outfielder of Escogido, who batted .297 with 24 RBIs, 20 scored and stole 11 bases. Of his 43 hits in 145 plate appearances three were doubles, three triples, reached a total of 52 bases, negotiated 24 walks for a .406 on-base percentage and .359 slugging.

In this new opportunity that Ronny has with his bat, he already surpassed the runs scored of the last season with 14. He batted .321, three homers and is the leader in hits (36).

However, in this fight for the Most Valuable Player, Rodriguez is not alone. In the lane inside are Juan Carlos Pérez, Edwin Espinal, Zoilo Almonte de las Aguilas; Yamaico Navarro, of the Tigres del Licey, Moisés Sierra, of the Gigantes del Cibao and Gabriel Guerrero, of the Estrellas Orientales, who are doing the work for their teams and are being very competitive when there are only 22 games left to finish the regular season.

Juan Carlos Pérez, entering his ninth campaign in the Dominican winter baseball is still a very consistent baseball player. Currently, he is the leader in the doubles department with eight, he has scored 18 runs, he has scored 19 and he has a .311 average. He has been the best hitter with runners in scoring position with average of. 583, according to baseball . com .

Not to mention Edwin Espinal, a pleasant surprise for the Eagles that at the moment is tied with Perez with (18) runs scored, two home runs, one of them with the bases full.

After Eloy, who has the better average in this league is Sierra with .365, has also driven in nine runs and has hit six doubles. He has an on-base percentage of .433, fourth in the league.

As in his old days, Navarro is explosive with the wood, no one so far exceeds in percentage .470 or walks with 22, has 17 RBIs and 33 hits in 27 games without the game last night.

Nor left behind is Gabriel Guerrero, in his second season with the Orientales continues to demonstrate his offensive skills and also his above average defense. He has scored 17 runs and hit four homers. Accumulate an average of .281.

The last players to win for their respective teams the Most Valuable Player award were; Tyler White (Stars) in 2015-2016, Héctor Luna 2012-2013 (Águilas), Juan Francisco, (Gigantes) in 2010-2011 and Willis Otañez (Tigres) in 2005-2006.
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller

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As of 9:30 am, the star player of the Astros will perform at the Public Square of this municipality, according to an invitation sent today to the media.

Carlos Correa will visit his town Santa Isabel

On Saturday, the championship player of the Astros will share with his teammates.

The shortstop of the champion Houston Astros, Carlos Correa, will arrive this Saturday at his home town of Santa Isabel to share with his team mates it was reported today.

As of 9:30 am, the star player of the Astros will appear at the Public Square of this municipality, according to an invitation sent today to the media.

Correa will arrive on Wednesday night to the Island to share Thanksgiving with his family this coming Thursday. It will be his first visit to the island after winning the championship with the Astros several weeks ago. After winning the title, Correa was visiting several television programs in the United States in the company of his girlfriend Daniella Rodríguez, after handing her an engagement ring at the conclusion of the seventh and final game of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller

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Code: Select all

	                  1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	C	H	E
Caracas	   0	0	3	0	0	0	3	0	0	6	12	0
La Guaira	2	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	1	5	11	0

1st: Yandy Diaz singled to left field.

3rd: Yandy Diaz singled to center. Gregorio Petit scored.
Felix Perez homered (5) to left center. Yandy Diaz scored.

5th: Yandy Diaz singled to left.

7th: Yandy Diaz receives a walk to load the bases.
Felix Perez walked. Anthony Garcia scored Wilfredo Tovar to 3ra. Yandy Diaz to 2da.
Henry Alejandro Rodriguez walked. Wild pitch by Rafael Cova. Yandy Diaz scored. Felix Perez to 3ra.

Defensive Replacement
Substitution on Defensive: Harold Castro replaces third baseman Yandy Diaz.

Code: Select all

Batters	             AB	  R	H	RBI	BB	K	AVE
Diaz, Y (3B)	        3	   2	 3	   1	     1	 0	.400
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LIONS REMAIN INDOMITABLE AND REACHED SEVEN WINS IN A ROW

The Leones del Caracas took the first place of the leader board by defeating the Tiburones de La Guaira 6-5 in a historic game for the Cuban Felix Perez.

Starter David Kubiak started with a lack of control with his pitches and in the first inning allowed three runs. However, the Lions offense reacted and after a single by Yandy Diaz that cut the lead and Perez released a home run to center field that turned the scoreboard.

"The at bat was good because it was 3-2," said the slugger. "The pitcher (Jonathan Albaladejo) has a good cutter against lefties, it does a lot of damage to us ... But I was able to connect against him after several fouls and then the home run that gave us the advantage".

The homer was number 25 for Perez in the uniform of the Leones and the two runs that he batted in with that hit allowed him to reach 122 life time with the team, passing Josh Kroeger and José Tartabull, respectively, as the imported with the most home runs and runs batted in during his career in a Lions uniform, best in franchise history.

"This is incredible," said the Cuban. "I feel very happy. I was not trying to look for any records but things turned out fine thanks to God. I feel super proud of what is happening here, with Leones del Caracas, which has a great track record. I'm super happy to produce and help the team. "

Perez extended the advantage even more with a walk with the bases loaded in the seventh inning and the pack scored two more runs in that inning on the legs of Wilfredo Tovar and Yandy Díaz thanks to wildness by the pitcher.

Once again the Lions bullpen was intractable and although La Guaira threatened in the end of the game, the pitchers combined to not allow more damage.

"We have a fairly complete team. Everyone is doing their job. The atmosphere inside there was is incredible, "said Juan Carlos Gutiérrez , who after a week's leave added his fifth save of the campaign.

"I had days of leave but I did not stop training. Since I arrived the manager told me that the ninth was mine and that trust is appreciated. We have all done a good job. Definitely when you play as a team, you create a great chemistry in the clubhouse and there is a guild. That is because of the great moment we are living, all the good things we are experiencing are proof of this, "he added.

Reliever Miller Diaz made his debut in the campaign and took the victory.
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller

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Venezuelan League: (LVBP)

Yandy Diaz (3B, Leones del Caracas) 3-3, 2 R, RBI, BB. It was a day of three’s for Diaz as he picked up three singles and his third RBI. It was his first three hit performance in Venezuela, and it was his first multiple hit performance since his debut on November 12th. He is hitting a blistering .400 in seven games.

Dominican League (LIDOM):

Erik Gonzalez (SS, Leones del Escogido) 0-4, RBI, 2 SO. Gonzalez is now hitless in his last two games as he tries to regain his groove at the plate. He has struggled so far in five games as he is hitting just .176. In 81 career games with the Tribe, Gonzalez is batting .262 with 4 home runs and 11 RBIs.

Anderson Polanco (RP, Leones del Escogido) 1.0 IP, H, R, 0 ER, BB, SO. Polanco allowed his first run in the Dominican which came in the form of an unearned run. This was just the second time in five appearances where he lasted a full inning. The lefty had been predominately used as a match-up specialist, and he has been effective in that role.

Ronny Rodriguez (3B-2B, Aguilas Cibaenas) 1-6, 2 SO. Rodriguez did not have his best game, but he does now have a hit in ten of his last eleven games. Overall, Ronny is hitting a solid .314 on the season, but he slashing just .235 in his last four games. He was also picked-off on the bases in the game Tuesday night.
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller