Cleveland Sports Forum

Mayky Perez to take part in the Perfect Game 2012 WWBA World Championship in Jupiter, Fl

Posted October 18th, 2012 by DPL & filed under DPL News, Featured Post.

The 15th annual Perfect Game WWBA World Championship through October 25-29 2012 in Jupiter Fl., this event is the top scouting attraction in all of amateur baseball. Almost every top prospect in the country attends each year, along with 700+ MLB scouts and college coaches. Former PG WWBA Alumni consist of MLB players Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, Manny Machado, Eric Hosmer, Prince Fielder, Jayson Hayward and Clayton Kershaw just to name a few of the 282 former participants.


Mayky Perez-RHP

Mayky Perez is ready for the Perfect Game WWBA Championship and looking forward to the challenge of facing the best players in the United States. His showing at the PG All-America Game at Petco Park in San Diego, Ca. wasn’t his best outing but he battled and showed he could compete with players that where older and more polished than what he’s used to seeing in the Dominican Republic.

Perez from San Pedro de Macoris is 16 years old and stands 6’5″ 210lb, he throws from a 3/4 arm slot and does it easy. Mayky’s delivery is polished for a 16 year old hurler with a solid Curveball and Change-up, he’s a rarity that develops once every so often in the Dominican Republic.

The ball explodes out of his hand, his Fastball sits at 89-92 (93) mph, and he shows command most knee high around the dish with over powering downhill life. His Curveball has tight rotation with hard biting action; it shows signs of being a plus pitch in the future.

Mayky is a competitor who has confidence in his stuff; he can also be his worst enemy by trying to over throw and rely on his fastball too much. The young hurler has a lot to learn but there’s no doubting the body, tools and makeup.

Curtis sparks Caneros' seven-run first inning

Cardinals second baseman doubles home a pair, scores once in big opening frame

10/19/12 2:09 AM ET

Mexican Pacific League

Los Michos 9, Hermosillo 5

Cardinals prospect Jermaine Curtis doubled in two runs and scored once to play a key role in the Caneros' seven-run first inning. The second baseman finished 3-for-5 from the top spot in the order before being taken out for a defensive substitute in the ninth. Emmanuel Avila also brought home a pair with a two-bagger in the big first frame. Carlos Rodriguez homered and had three RBIs to lead the Naranjeros.

Culiacan 4, Navojoa 3

Marlon Byrd hit his second home run in as many days and drove in three runs for the Tomateros. The right fielder added an outfield assist, nailing Kraig Binick at second base in the game's first at-bat. Yankees prospect Ronnier Mustelier also homered for Culiacan. Navojoa starter Javier Martinez struck out six and gave up three hits in five shutout innings.

Guasave 9, Mazatlan 6

Orioles farmhand Zelous Wheeler doubled and drove in three runs as part of a 3-for-5 showing in the first game of a doubleheader. Jose Rodriguez added a triple and three RBIs of his own, and Jesus Cota for the Algodoneros. Former Blue Jays prospect Jon Del Campo homered and brought in three for the Venados.

Guasave 4, Mazatlan 1

Right-hander Francisco Cordoba scattered three hits, one walk and two strikeouts over five shutout innings to give Guasave a sweep of the doubleheader. Cota and Freddy Sandoval both doubled and had an RBI in the nightcap. Jesus Castillo's solo blast in the ninth off Alan Guerrero gave Mazatlan its only tally.

Mexicali 3, Obregon 2

Jorge Guzman went deep with a two-run shot off Luis Ayala in the top of the ninth to give the Aguilas the victory. Red Sox prospect Jeremy Hazelbaker provided the Yaquis' only runs with a two-run homer in the fourth. Obregon starter Rolando Valdez missed his second win, despite giving up only one run on six hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Venezuelan Winter League

Caracas 5, Anzoategui 3

Rays prospect Henry Wrigley homered, doubled and drove in two runs as the Leones improved to 4-1 at home. Scott Carroll (White Sox) earned his first victory of the winter after allowing just one run on three hits in six innings. Jordan Brown went deep and scored twice for the Caribes in the loss.

Aragua 4, Zulia 0

Twins prospect Edgar Ibarra allowed only two hits and a walk in his five innings on the mound to lead the Tigres. Carlos Colmenares provided the only offense the team would need, going 3-for-4 with a longball and two RBIs. Josh Schmidt, who spent the 2012 season in the Marlins system, struck out eight and allowed one run on four hits in his 4 1/3 innings for the Aguilas.

Margarita 7, La Guaira 5

Minor League home run champion Darin Ruf hit his second round-tripper for the Tiburones, but it wasn't enough to keep the Tiburones from falling to 0-6. Max Ramirez was 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored to lead the way for the Bravos, who moved to 6-0 on the young season. Frank Diaz drove in a game-high two runs. Tyson Brummett, who was claimed by the Blue Jays on Thursday, didn't factor into the decision for La Guaira after allowing three runs on three hits and one walk in his six innings.

Magallanes 4, Lara 3

Erold Andrus' walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth gave the Navegantes their third win in their last four contests. The right fielder finished 3-for-4 with a walk and a run scored. Nationals catcher Carlos Maldonado drove in a game-high two runs out of the cleanup spot for Magallanes. Starter Gustavo Chacin did not earn a decision, but struck out four and gave up five hits in his 3 2/3 innings. Jairo Perez's pinch-hit RBI double for the Cardenals tied the game, 3-3, in the fifth.

Venezuelan Winter League

•Jesus Aguilar (1B): 1-for-4, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 3 SO. Aguilar's first at-bat was an RBI double. His last three were strikeouts. The power is nice, but Aguilar's 12 strikeouts in 20 at-bats is concerning.

Rangers' Olt flirts with cycle for Tigres

Dodgers' Gordon chips in four hits, scores twice in 12-5 romp

10/20/12 2:34 AM ET
Dominican Winter League

Licey 12, Toros 5

Rangers rookie Mike Olt went 3-for-5 with a solo homer and two RBIs, falling a triple shy of the cycle, as the Tigres avoided a third straight loss. Dodgers shortstop Dee Gordon collected four hits, stole a base and scored twice for Licey, while Yan Gomes (Blue Jays) homered in a losing effort.

Aguilas 7, Estrellas 3

Cardinals top prospect Oscar Taveras hit his first homer, a two-run shot in the third inning that helped the Aguilas handed the Estrellas their first loss of the season. Former Cy Young Award winner Bartolo Colon struck out eight over five innings for the win, while Todd Linden smacked a two-run blast for Oriente.

Gigantes 4, Escogido 3

Rangers farmhand Robinzon Diaz capped a two-RBI night with a sacrifice fly in the ninth inning as the Gigantes kept the Leones winless. Brewers infielder Jean Segura went 3-for-4 with a walk and a run scored for Cibao, while Yankees prospect Melky Mesa slugged a two-run homer for Escogido.

Venezuelan Winter League

Margarita 7, Caribes 6

Former Southern League All-Star Javier Brito drew a bases-loaded walk in the seventh inning as the Bravos extended their season-opening winning streak to seven games. Former Tigers farmhand Jackson Melian went 2-for-2 with a pair of walks and three RBIs for Margarita, while Padres infielder Alexi Amarista had two hits and drove in two runs for the Caribes.

Zulia 7, Aragua 6, 11 innings

Yankees prospect Francisco Arcia drew a leadoff walk in the 11th inning and scored the winning run on an error as the Aguilas outlasted the Tigres. Ernesto Mejia had two hits, including a three-run homer, and fellow Braves farmhand Evan Gattis also went yard for Zulia. Cubs prospect Ty Wright went 3-for-3, scored a run and fell a homer shy of the cycle for Aragua.

Caracas 11, La Guaira 4

Nationals farmhand Carlos Rivero went 4-for-5 with a two-run homer and three runs scored, leading the Leones to their fifth straight win. Henry Wrigley (Rays), Darren Ford (Mariners) and Hernan Perez (Tigers) collected two RBIs apiece for Caracas, while Dodgers prospect C.J. Retherford hit a solo homer and doubled for La Guaira.

Magallanes at Lara, postponed

Mexican Pacific League

Culiacan 6, Guasave 2

Padres prospect Ali Solis went 3-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored as the Tomateros ran their record to 6-0. Ricardo Serrano chipped in two hits, including a two-run homer, for Culiacan, while former Padres farmhand Jesus Lopez had a sacrifice fly for Guasave.

Obregon 8, Hermosillo 3

Carlos Valencia homered twice and drove in four runs to power the Yaquis, who snapped a three-game losing streak. Former Major Leaguer Doug Clark also went deep and Barbaro Canizares went 3-for-5 with a pair of RBIs and a run scored for Obregon. Karim Garcia had two hits, including a two-run single, for the Naranjeros.

Los Mochis 7, Navojoa 5

Phillies' No. 7 prospect Sebastian Valle had two hits, including a solo homer, and scored twice as the Cañeros kept the Mayos winless. Saul Soto, Emmanuel Avila and Sandy Madera also went deep for Los Mochis, while former Major Leaguer Kraig Binick was 4-for-5 and scored a run for Navojoa.

Mazatlan 11, Mexicali 5

Rangers prospect Joey Butler slugged a pinch solo homer as part of a 15-hit attack as the Venados rolled past the Aguilas for their first win of the season. Jesus Castillo and Jaime Trejo also homered for Mazatlan, which got three hits and three RBIs from Ivan Terrazas. Major League veteran Oscar Robles doubled twice, drove in two runs and scored once for Mexicali.

Dominican Winter League

•Tim Fedroff (LF, Aguilas Cibaenas): 1-for-5, 1 K. In total, Fedroff has now gone 4-for-13 in the DWL, which is good for a .308 average. His success at both Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus was well-documented this past season, and it looks as if it has carried over into winter ball so far.

Venezuelan Winter League

•Jesus Aguilar (1B, Leones del Caracas): 1-for-4, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 2 K. On the positive side of things, Aguilar recorded his third double and second RBI in the VWL on Friday. However, with the two strikeouts, he has now struck out a total of 14 times in just seven games and 24 at-bats. Strikeouts are probably always going to be a problem for Aguilar, but his current rate is just too much. It’s never a good sign when more than half of a player’s at-bats result in a strikeout, and that’s exactly the case with Aguilar right now.

•Hector Rondon (RP, Leones del Caracas): 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R/1 ER, 1 BB. In his last outing, Rondon needed just one pitch to get one out, but he once again ran into trouble on Friday. It took him 19 pitches to make it through the inning, and he allowed two runs in the process. The results with Rondon have been less than encouraging so far in winter ball, and given his history of injures, it’s only natural to wonder if Rondon could be hurt again. Obviously, you hope for the best, but it’s definitely been a struggle for him thus far.

Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012

Fighters eliminate Hawks, advance to Japan Series

By KAZ NAGATSUKA

SAPPORO

The Fighters simply preserved their momentum from the previous days, and the reigning Japan Series champion Hawks had no clue how to bounce back.
Key performance: Hokkaido Nippon Ham slugger Sho Nakata hits a two-out RBI double in the first inning against Fukuoka Softbank in Game 3 of the Pacific League Climax Series on Friday at Sapporo Dome. The Fighters beat the Hawks 4-2 to wrap up the series. KYODO

The Nippon Ham offense came through early behind starter Brian Wolfe's solid performance as the Fighters defeated the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks 4-2 in Game 3 of the Pacific League Climax Series final stage on Friday night.

The Fighters, who entered the series with the automatic one-win advantage for winning the regular-season title, swept Softbank to clinch their first Japan Series berth in three years.

"I've heavily relied on all the players throughout the season," the Fighters' first-year manager, Hideki Kuriyama, said after the game. "But it was all meant for getting to the top. Now we're heading into the Japan Series and I'm getting more nervous."

Wolfe showed no signs of inconsistency from the beginning and kept the Hawks offense off-balance. He allowed three hits and a run in 6 1/3 innings.
Time to celebrate: Fighters catcher Shinya Tsuruoka and closer Hisashi Takeda show their excitement after the final out. KYODO

At one point, Wolfe retired 12 straight batters.

Nippon Ham was again quick to get on the scoreboard. In the first inning, cleanup hitter Sho Nakata drove in a run with a two-out double off Hawks starter Tadashi Settsu.

"I was only focusing on swinging hard, and it did work," Nakata said.

And in the next moment, an accident befell Settsu, who led the league with 17 wins in the regular season and was the club's most dependable hurler. He injured his right ankle while trotting to cover first base on an Atsunori Inaba grounder to first.

After treatment in the dugout, Settsu returned to the mound. But he gave up an RBI hit to Eiichi Koyano, before he was replaced by reliever Yoshiaki Fujioka.

"I didn't lose my concentration at all (during the treatment delay for Settsu)," Koyano said. "It felt good I could hit on the chance."
All smiles: Fighters manager Hideki Kuriyama guided the team to a series sweep over the Hawks. KYODO

Settsu, a right-handed pitcher, tossed only 23 pitches.

Micah Hoffpauir's RBI single gave the Fighters their third run of the inning.

The Hawks were struck by more misfortune in the fourth. Second baseman Yuichi Honda hit his head on the wall in first-base foul territory while making a scoop catch of a flyball. He was also taken out of the game.

Fujioka would not yield additional scores to the Fighters. But the Hawks offense was silenced by Wolfe, who kept making the opponent hit ground ball after ground ball with his two-seam fastball.

The Fighters firmly sealed the win by adding another run on a throwing error by Hawks captain Hiroki Kokubo.

Softbank finally scored when slugger Wily Mo Pena belted a solo homer, and added another score on a grounder in the eighth. But it was too little, too late.


Saluting the fans: Hawks captain Hiroki Kokubo acknowledges his supporters after the final game of his 19-year pro career. KYODO

Veteran Inaba went 3-for-4 and Nakata had two hits for the Fighters, while Uchikawa had a pair of doubles for Softbank.

Closer Hisashi Takeda worked in the ninth inning. He retired Kokubo, who played the last game of his 19-year career, for the final out.

Yoshio Itoi, who had two homers in the series, was selected the MVP of the final stage, and Takeda, who had three saves, was honored with an outstanding award for his contributions.

After the game Kokubo broke into tears as he walked to the outfield to bow to the Hawks fans. He got a "doage" (victory) toss by both teams.

"The series ended so quickly," Kokubo, 41, said. "But I really appreciated the Fighters came out to give the doage."

Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012
Clutch at-bat: Takahiro Donoue's tiebreaking single helped the Chunichi Dragons beat the Yomiuri Giants 5-4 in Game 3 of the Central League Climax Series final stage on Friday at Tokyo Dome. KYODO

Donoue sparks Dragons to 10th-inning win over Giants

Chunichi takes commanding 3-1 series lead

By JASON COSKREY

It's beginning to look like the Chunichi Dragons just will not be denied.


Still going strong: Dragons lefty Masahiro Yamamoto, 47, pitches five innings of two-run ball in Game 3. KYODO

Pinch hitter Takahiro Donoue connected on a tiebreaking RBI single in the top of the 10th and closer Hitoki Iwase, with a helping hand from his defense, shut the door in the bottom half to give the Dragons a 5-4 victory over the Yomiuri Giants in Game 3 of the Central League Climax Series final stage on Friday night at Tokyo Dome.

The win gave the Dragons, who entered the series facing an automatic one-game disadvantage, a commanding 3-1 lead in the final stage showdown.

"I knew I was facing (Kentaro) Nishimura, one of the toughest pitchers in our league, so I just wanted to concentrate and try to get a hit with two outs," Donoue said.

Donoue had fallen behind 1-2 in the count before ripping a single up the middle to drive in Ryosuke Hirata from third.

"After two strikes, I just tried to make contact and was able to hit the ball past (shortstop Hayato) Sakamoto," Donoue said.

A win in Game 4 on Saturday would earn the Dragons a third straight trip to the Japan Series. The winner of the CL series will face the Pacific League's Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, who punched their ticket with a win over the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks earlier in the night.
Helping his club: Giants veteran Yoshinobu Takahashi belts a two-run homer in the sixth inning on Friday. KYODO

"Tomorrow all my pitchers will be on call and we will go all out to win and go to the Japan Series," Dragons manager Morimichi Takagi said.

Almost all of Chunichi's players had a hand in the victory.

Seven of the team's eight starting position players recorded at least one hit, and Hirokazu Ibata, the lone exception, drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.

"The way we're playing is good," said first baseman Tony Blanco. "We're making contact, we're getting on base and we're getting good results. Hopefully tomorrow we continue it."

Chunichi's Yuta Muto worked a scoreless ninth and got credit for the win.

The Dragons sent 47-year-old lefty Masahiro Yamamoto to the mound to start the game, and the crafty veteran delivered five innings of two-run ball, surrendering three hits, striking out three and walking two.

Yamamoto was in line for the win in the sixth with the Dragons ahead 4-2 and reliever Shinji Tajima on the mound.

Yamamoto was knocked out of the decision by a game-tying two-run home run from Yoshinobu Takahashi that breathed new life into the Giants and got the Big Egg rocking.

"I was concerned because the Giants hit two home runs," Takagi said, also referencing Shuichi Murata's solo shot in the fourth. "Fortunately our bench came through with Donoue getting the winning hit."

Takahashi's two-run drive got Giants starter Ryosuke Miyaguni off the hook. Miyaguni, who walked four, had allowed three runs on four hits in five innings and was on the line for the loss before Takahashi intervened.

Blanco led off the 10th with a single, but was forced out at second on Hirata's sacrifice bunt attempt. Masahiko Morino, hitting a blazing .556 in the series, followed with a single that put runners on the corners for Motonobu Tanishige.

Tanishige fouled a ball off and later struck out on his second failed squeeze attempt of the at-bat. Donoue, however, came through with a clutch single that got past Sakamoto and set off a celebration in the Chunichi section of the stands.

The Giants will be playing for their season when the series resumes in Game 4.

"We kept fighting back tonight but were just not able to get the victory," Yomiuri manager Tatsunori Hara said. "Obviously tomorrow's game will be do-or-die for us."

The Dragons, meanwhile, look to bid Tokyo a fond farewell on their way back to Nagoya, where they hope the Japan Series will begin on Oct. 27.

"Our team can feel how close we are now to winning this," Donoue said. "I think we can do it tomorrow."

Regarding on offense,

Sweet welcomed the fact that men like Henry Wrigley and Jesus Aguilar and have shown good offensive performance in the last days. "I've always said that these characteristics in hitters take a little longer to take the pace. The most important thing is that Henry Wrigley has been hitting much better and Aguilar was well yesterday (Thursday).''

Sweet welcomed the fact that men like Henry Wrigley and Jesus Aguilar and have shown good offensive performance in the last days.

A little "sugar coating" by Sweet ?!?!?!

Aldridge blasts a pair for unbeaten Tomateros

Former Major Leaguer breaks out of three-game slump, drives in three runs

10/21/12 1:35 AM ET
Mexican Pacific League

Culiacan 7, Guasave 1

Angels farmhand Cory Aldridge broke out of a 1-for-13 slump with a pair of homers and three RBIs as the Tomateros beat the Algodoñeros to improve to 7-0. Ricardo Serrano and Daniel Hinojosa also went deep for Culiacan, which got six strong innings from Francisco Campos. Former Padres Minor Leaguer Jesus Lopez tripled, singled and score the lone run for Guasave.

Mazatlan 12, Mexicali 10

Ivan Terrazas went 3-for-4 with a grand slam and three runs scored as the Venados held on for their second straight win following an 0-5 start. Royals prospect Anthony Seratelli also had three hits, walked, drove in a run and scored once for Mazatlan. Marlins infielder Gil Velazquez was 3-for-3 with a double to raise his average to .478 for Mexicali.

Hermosillo 4, Obregon 2

Former D-backs farmhand Jonathan Castellanos allowed a run on three hits over five-plus innings as the Naranjeros snapped a three-game losing streak. Erick Rodriguez singled twice and drove in a pair of runs for Hermosillo, while Iker Franco collected two hits and an RBI in a losing effort.

Los Mochis 3, Navojoa 2

Former Major Leaguer Jason Botts went 3-for-4 with a solo homer, powering the Cañeros to their fourth consecutive win. Marco Quevedo struck out five and gave up two runs on four hits over six innings to record his first victory of the season, while Wes Bankston homered for the second night in a row for Navojoa.

Venezuelan Winter League

Caribes 10, Margarita 9, 11 innings

Former Minor Leaguer Gerardo Avila hit a three-run homer to cap a five-run ninth inning and Luis Durango lifted a sacrifice fly in the 11th as the Caribes ended the Bravos' season-opening seven-game winning streak. Former Astros farmhand Francisco Caraballo added a two-run blast for Anzoategui, while Sean Burroughs went 3-for-6 with a homer and four RBIs for Margarita.

Lara 4, Zulia 3

Mets farmhand Oswaldo Navarro delivered a two-run double off the bench to spark a four-run eighth inning as the Cardenales rallied and halted a three-game skid. Mariners Minor Leaguer Luis Jimenez added a two-run single for Lara, while Phillies infielder Freddy Galvis doubled, singled and scored a run for the Aguilas.

Magallanes 11, La Guaira 5

Brewers prospect Sean Halton hit a two-run homer, doubled and scored twice as the Navegantes kept the Tiburones winless. Big league veteran Eliezer Alfonzo drilled a three-run shot and Padres farmhand Jesus Merchan went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored for Magallanes. Eastern League MVP Darin Ruf (Phillies) and Dodgers' No. 14 prospect homered for La Guaira.

Aragua 2, Caracas 1, 12 innings

Pirates catching prospect Miguel Perez was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 12th inning as the Tigres ended the Leones' five-game winning streak. Astros farmhand Jose Martinez singled home the other run for Aragua, which got five scoreless innings from David Bromberg (Twins). Mariners farmhand Darren Ford had two hits and the lone RBI for Caracas.

Dominican Winter League

Escogido 6, Aguilas 4

Major League veteran Pedro Feliz capped a four-RBI night with a two-run walk-off homer in the ninth inning, pushing the Leones past the Aguilas. Yankees prospect Melky Mesa homered for the second straight game for Escogido, while Cardinals' top prospect Oscar Taveras and Francisco Pena went yard in a losing effort.

Toros 7, Gigantes 5

Pinch-hitter Willis Otanez slugged a two-run homer in the ninth inning as the Toros avoided a third straight loss. Ricardo Nanita also had a pair of RBIs for Este, while Rangers farmhand Robinzon Diaz went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer for the Gigantes.

Estrellas 4, Licey 2

Giants farmhand Todd Linden recorded his fourth straight two-hit game and homered for the second night in a row, leading the Estrellas past the Tigres. Padres prospect Daniel Robertson also had two hits and an RBI for Oriente, while Rangers outfielders Leonys Martin and Engel Beltre drove in the runs for Licey.

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Dominican Winter League

•Juan Diaz: SS, Estrellas de Oriente: 1-for-4, 1 RBI: Diaz has a nice 2012 season, and while he’s likely a Luis Valbuena like future MLB player, at least he has a shot to fill in should the Indians need a middle infielder in 2013. Again, he’s not ever going to be a mega-MLB star, but he does have a chance to be a serviceable player going forward. His problem in Cleveland is that he’s a middle infielder, and behind him are 6-8 better prospects going forward. He’s hitting .250 on the DWL season.

•Tim Fedroff: CF, Aguilas Cibaenas: 1-for-3, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K: Fedroff is now 5-for-16 and hitting .313. Go figure, this kid hitting .300 again. When you think prospect, you always think of mega-stars like Manny Ramirez or Jim Thome, but you can’t forget kids like this. Why? Major League teams are full of players like Timmy Fedroff…you know…hard working kids that figure out how to get things done. If he keeps getting it done, there’s no doubt that he’s a Terry Francona-type kid. I can see Francona saying, “if we had 24 more guys like Fedroff, we’d win a World Series.” No, I’m not saying I want 25 Fedroffs, but you get my point. The kid is a scrapper.

•Steven Wright: SP, Leones del Excogido (Boston Red Sox): 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R/ER, 7 K, 1 HR: No, the Indians didn’t just deal for Wright, but here he was, facing off against his old friend, Tim Fedroff. Raise your hand if you think this one is going to bite them in the proverbial booties.

Venezuelan Winter League

•Gregorio Petit: SS, Leonardo del Caracas: 1-for-4, 1 BB, 2 K: I know that everyone was looking forward to my write up of future-star Gregorio Petit. Okay, maybe not. Petit had a solid 2012 season, but his time with the Indians is coming to a close. Of course, they will likely sign him again, now that I’ve said that.

•Jesus Aguilar: DH, Leones del Caracas: 1-for-4, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K: Big Jesus Aguilar racked up his fourth double and third RBI on Saturday Night. I know that there are mixed reactions to Aguilar, but here’s the thing, if you take him for what he is, you can’t help but be impressed. While he’s never going to be a gold glove first baseman, he’s athletic, and he can be serviceable. I really think we’re talking about a Paul Sorrento type player in the future, who’s going to hit 20-25 homers a year, and roll out 70-90 RBI. In other words, I think he can be at least a neutral guy at first, and not the hole of a position that it’s been for the past few seasons.

•Toru Murata: SP, Navegantes del Magallanes: 3 2/3 IP, 8 H, 4 R/3 ER, 2 K, 1 HR: This seems like Murata’s first bad outing in months…because…well…it is. Right now, we can say this is the exception to the rule for Murata, as the 27-year-old has been virtually unstoppable since August. He is an older guy in the system, which is something to keep in mind, and while I wouldn’t consider him a real prospect, but you never know what can happen down the road in a system devoid of legit upper-level prospects…especially if there are injuries. Again, the frustration is the rest of the system, not Murata. Every team needs players like him, just not whole teams.

By Jim Pete

Braves' prospects keeping up work in offseason

10/19/12 6:20 PM ET
ATLANTA --

Just two weeks removed from a painful and abrupt end to the 2012 season, the Braves are already preparing for the 2013 season. Along with planning for the annual reconstruction process, the team's front office is keeping tabs on how some of its top prospects are faring in the Arizona Fall League and a few other winter leagues.

As Edward Salcedo and Zeke Spruill spend the next couple of weeks testing themselves against other highly-regarded prospects in the Arizona Fall League, catcher Christian Bethancourt will join top pitching prospects Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado in the Dominican Republic with the hope of improving his odds of making the jump to the Major League level next year.

"It's very important from a progress standpoint," Braves vice president and assistant general manager Bruce Manno said. "Any time you can put the players in a competitive environment where they are playing against players as good or better than them, they often take their game to the next level and it's fun to see how they compete in that environment."

Bethancourt solidified his status as one of the game's top catching prospects while competing with the likes of Mike Trout and Bryce Harper in last year's AFL. This year, the strong-armed catcher will be displaying his talents in the Dominican Winter League with Teheran and Delgado, a pair of talented pitchers who are once again targeted to come to Spring Training to compete for the fifth spot in Atlanta's starting rotation.

While there are some questions about when veteran catcher Brian McCann's tenure in Atlanta will end, there is no doubt that Bethancourt stands as his heir apparent. The 21-year-old catcher struggled at the plate during the first half of this past season with Double-A Mississippi and then started to show some encouraging signs just before breaking his left hand on Aug. 8.

Bethancourt appeared to be healthy as he began playing again in Instructional League games this past week. Via Twitter, he has said he is looking forward to getting to the Dominican Republic next week to begin playing with the Tigres del Licey.

Teheran and Delgado are expected to join the Licey club next week. Both are expected to make approximately seven starts. This would put them on target to complete 30-40 innings.

While Salcedo will not come to Spring Training next year with a chance to win a spot on the big league roster, the Braves are certainly still high on the potential of this 21-year-old third baseman, who received a $1.6 million signing bonus in February 2010.

Salcedo hit .240 with 17 home runs and a .707 OPS in 130 games with Class A-Advanced Lynchburg this past summer. Along with showing some power, he struck out 130 times in 471 at-bats and proved inconsistent with his glove at third base.

The Braves are hoping Salcedo will benefit from the chance to spend the next couple of weeks playing for the Phoenix Desert Dogs. The Desert Dogs are being managed by Aaron Holbert, who joined the Braves' organization as Double-A Mississippi's manager this past year.

"I think what we're looking for from [Salcedo] now is consistency," Manno said. "That is both ways in his game. He made some great and he made the poor plays. You see the ability and skill level. He's a young player who needs to be more consistent and that comes with just playing games."

A couple of other Braves prospects to watch in the AFL this year are shortstop Nick Ahmed and right-handed pitcher Spruill. Ahmed recorded six hits, including a double and a triple, in his first 13 at-bats for the Desert Dogs. Meanwhile Spruill has allowed one earned run and recorded five strikeouts in his first 5 1/3 innings.

As things currently stand, Spruill, outfielder Todd Cunningham and intriguing slugger Evan Gattis are all targeted to begin the 2013 season with Triple-A Gwinnett.

Cunningham improved his stock while hitting .309 with 24 stolen bases and a .767 OPS with Double-A Mississippi this year. The dependable 23-year-old center fielder has recorded five hits, including a double and a homer, in his first 17 at-bats with Hermosillo in the Mexican Winter League.

Gattis gained attention in Spring Training and was terrorizing Southern League pitching before sustaining a wrist injury that sidelined him for six weeks. He started to prove he was healthy down the stretch with Double-A Mississippi and now has recorded nine hits, including four doubles and a home run, in his first 27 at-bats for Zulia of the Venezuelan Winter League.

The plan is for Gattis to serve as both an outfielder and catcher for Zulia. While it is unclear what position this 26-year-old prospect might play in the future, there is certainly some excitement about his offensive potential. He combined to hit .305 with 18 home runs and a .607 slugging percentage in 272 Minor League at-bats this year.

Salcedo is struggling in the desert. He's only hitting .107 (3-28) 7 games, 2 doubles, 1 triple, three rbi, and 2 runs scored, six strikeouts, 3 walks,

Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012

Catcher has pair of run-scoring hits in victory over Dragons

By JASON COSKREY

Shinnosuke Abe rallied the troops before the Yomiuri Giants took the field for Game 4 of the Central League Climax Series final stage.
Mr. Dependable: Giants captain Shinnosuke Abe drives in a pair of runs in Yomiuri's 3-1 Game 4 victory over the Chunichi Dragons on Saturday at Tokyo Dome. KYODO
Thriving under pressure: Giants hurler Hirokazu Sawamura fires a pitch to the Dragons in Game 4 of the Central League Climax Series final stage on Saturday at Tokyo Dome. Sawamura tossed six scoreless innings

After a year that saw them win the league title by 10 1/2 games, the Kyojin arrived at Tokyo Dome on Saturday with their season a mere 27 outs away from a premature ending.

The team meeting was players only and didn't take long, about a minute by Abe's estimation, but the Yomiuri captain made sure to get his message across loud and clear.

"I told them, 'Let's do it. If we lose today, we're done,' " Abe said.

His teammates responded by finally breaking through to beat the Chunichi Dragons 3-1, breathing new life into a series that had seen the visitors sweep into the Big Egg and win three straight.

After suffering a 5-4 defeat in 10 innings in Game 3 on Friday, which gave Chunichi a 3-1 advantage in the series, the Giants were searching for answers on Saturday.

"There wasn't too much noise in our clubhouse," pitcher D.J. Houlton said of the atmosphere after the loss.

The mighty Yomiuri offense that led Japan with 534 runs scored during the regular season, had mostly limped through its first three postseason games, the lone highlights being home runs by Shuichi Murata and Yoshinobu Takahashi in Friday's Game 3 loss.

The captain was chief among the underachievers, registering just two hits in the three defeats, the same amount he finished with in Saturday's victory.

"This win has a big meaning," Abe said. "Before the game, the team mood was good, and all the players expressed confidence that this would not be the last game."

Abe led by example, driving in a run in the third inning to put Yomiuri ahead 2-0. He struck again in the eighth with an RBI single in that made the score 3-1.

Yomiuri's offensive troubles didn't improve dramatically in Game 4, they were outhit 11-6, the difference was they came up with big hits when they needed them.

"We were able to win even though we were outhit," Giants manager Tatsunori Hara said.

On the mound, second-year pitcher Hirokazu Sawamura showed the poise of a veteran, deftly keeping the Dragons off the board. Chunichi was able to load the bases against Sawamura twice, but the 24-year-old hurler made sure they left empty-handed on both occasions.

"I didn't feel much pressure," Sawamura said afterward. I felt comfortable on the mound."

The team may have some of its swagger back now after finally notching a win in front of a raucous crowd of Giants supporters.

"We'll win tomorrow and the next day and go to the Japan Series," Sawamura said.

The captain, perhaps preparing for another meeting, felt the same way.

"If we play Giants baseball again tomorrow, we'll win," Abe said.

Marlins prospect Ozuna showing ability in tough Dominican Winter League

Posted October 19th, 2012 by DPL & filed under Down on the Farm, DPL News, Featured Post.

Tony Reyes Gigantes del Cibao

October 19, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO DE MACORIS, RD. –

stellar prospect Marcell Ozuna of the Miami Marlins guaranteed that he will continue to play hard to adapt to the Dominican Winter League and be a respected hitter in the League. Ozuna has become the main offensive force of Los Gigantes del Cibao in the first two games of the season. He has delivered two Home Runs both in his first eight at bats. He added that in the first two games he has managed to prove his power of which was predicted in the team’s training camp.

“Before I started the season I said I would work to establish myself as a respected hitter in the Dominican League, and I am responding with my bat, I still have much to prove because this is just beginning. I mean, I don’t want to play here to glorify myself or lead the league in Home Runs but rather aim is to help Los Gigantes team. Many of the pitchers don’t know me and they don’t know what I am capable of doing offensively, I play with intensity and when it’s my turn to hit I will produce”.

He said that the Dominican Winter League is a very demanding tournament and he has accepted the challenge of demonstrating he can be an impact player in this League. “I came with the focus of staying as one of the outfielders on the team, thank God that everything went well during training camp and I am sure that my bat will continue to respond in key moments of the game “.

In his first two games Osuna hit for .500 avg with three runs scored and four RBI in the first eight AB’s as well as two doubles and two home runs.

Raiby Barias signs with San Francisco

Posted October 20th, 2012 by DPL & filed under DPL News, Featured Post, Transactions.


Raiby Barias-SS

The San Francisco Giants were as aggressive as always during this years International signing period. They were able to acquire 5 tool prospect Gustavo Cabrera, a solid corner bat in Nathanael Javier and most recently a middle infielder with project-able tools in Raiby Barias.

Barias was a 2012 DPL All-Star and selected to the DPL Elite Travel Team. He has solid middle infield actions and tools, his right handed swing comes from a high hand set and is somewhat rotational, but he stays on a line-drive plane with the ball and has some present bat speed. Barias from Bani, DR is 6’1 185lb developed by trainer Rafael Montero known on the island as “Spilman”. The SF Giants agreed to terms with Barias and signed him for $115,000.00.

10-21-2012 17:03

Who will win Korean Series spot?
SK Wyverns southpaw pitcher Kim Kwang-hyun, left, and Giants’ Shane Youman will face off each other today as starters at a decisive Game 5 of playoff second round at Munhak Stadium in Incheon. / Yonhap

By Jung Min-ho

The SK Wyverns and Lotte Giants will have a final showdown for a spot in the final of the Korean Series. The winner of the game will face the Samsung Lions to see who is No. 1 in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).

The Giants’ bid to win is now back to square one at 2-2 in the best-of-five series as the Wyverns beat them 2-1, Saturday. The Wyverns second baseman Jeong Keun-woo’s four hits and two runs in four at-bats crashed the Giants’ hopes for a victory in four games.

The Wyverns, which wrapped up the regular season with the least steals at 104, surprised the Giants with nine steals in the past four games, while the Busan-based team only had two. Given that three games out of four separated the winner and loser by only one run, Giants catcher Kang Min-ho’s role to stop the nimble-footed Wyvern players’ steal will be critical to reach the final. The last time the Giants played in the Korean Series was in 1999.

The two ace pitchers — SK’s Kim Kwang-hyun and Lotte’s Shane Youman who are both southpaws — will take the mound as starters at Munhak Stadium in Incheon.

In their first postseason encounter last Tuesday, Kim defeated his Giants’ rival striking out 10 and allowing five hits and one run in six innings, while Youman pitched for five and 1/3 innings giving up five hits and two runs. Wyverns first baseman Lee Ho-jun’s single homer in the second inning was bitter for the former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher, which led to his opponent’s 2-1 victory.

Before the playoff series, however, Youman had a better season than Kim with 13 wins, seven losses and a 2.55 ERA, whereas the Wyverns’ starter ended up with eight wins, five losses and 4.3 ERA.

When it comes to hitters, the Giants have an edge with players like Son A-seob, who had the third highest batting average with .314 in the regular season, and sixth-best home run producer Kang. The team’s overall offense ability was also better with .263 batting average, while the Wyverns had .257.

However, it was a homer that determined the first game’s winner, and the Wyverns’ hitters seem to be fully capable of producing more in the upcoming match, as the team’s 110 home runs, the highest among the eight teams, shows.

The fifth game is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Last year, the Wyverns, the KBO champions in 2007, 2008 and 2010, defeated the Giants 8-4 to reach the Korean Series for the fifth consecutive season.

Ruf continues to turn on power for Tiburones

Phillies prospect slugs fourth homer in eight games, gives team first win of season

10/21/12 11:52 PM ET
Venezuelan Winter League

La Guaira 3, Aragua 1

Phillies' No. 20 prospect Darin Ruf hit his league-leading fourth home run in eight games to give the Tiburones their first win of the season. The first baseman's two-run blast broke a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the eighth. Les Walrond didn't factor into the decision after allowing one run on six hits and four walks with five strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. Catcher Guillermo Rodriguez gave the Tigres their only run with a solo homer in the third.

Zulia 2, Lara 1

Rays farmhand Alexander Torres struck out seven and surrendered a run on three hits in six strong innings for the Aguilas. The southpaw improved to 1-1 on the season with a 0.81 ERA in three starts spanning 12 2/3 innings. No. 15 Yankees prospect Jose Pirela finished 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run. Luis Jimenez's solo longball in the first inning was the Cardinals' only tally.

Anzoategui 11, Margarita 10

Dodgers prospect Luis Nunez tripled twice and had three RBIs -- all in an eight-run fourth -- to help the Caribes hold on for the win over the Bravos. Jackson Melian hit a three-run shot in the bottom of the ninth to bring Margarita within one. Frank Diaz went 4-for-5 with a homer, two doubles, three RBIs and three runs scored in the losing effort.

Caracas at Magallanes, postponed

Dominican Winter League

Cibao 12, Oriente 5

In a game that featured 32 different position players between the two sides, Blue Jays outfielder Moises Sierra homered, doubled, drove in three and scored three times for the Gigantes. Brewers shortstop Jean Segura's bases-clearing triple highlighted a six-run second for the squad, who led after six frames, 12-1. Marlins' No. 5 prospect Marcell Ozuna hit a solo shot to give him a league-high four longballs. Cubs prospect Junior Lake went deep for the second time for the Estrellas.

Licey 3, Cibaenas 2

Pirates right-hander Daniel McCutchen gave up one run on six hits in four innings in his Dominican debut to lead a stingy Tigres staff of eight pitchers in the team's narrow win. Jordany Valdespin (Mets) opened the scoring with a solo homer in the second for Licey. Tim Fedroff (Indians) and Chris Coghlan (Marlins) drove in each of the Aguilas' runs on the night.

Escogido 3, Este 1

Former Major Leaguer Daniel Cabrera tossed five scoreless innings, allowing two hits and two walks, for the Leones. The squad's entire offense came from Giants prospect Roger Kieschnick, who had an RBI groundout in the first and hit a two-run homer in the third. Red Sox catcher Dan Butler drove in the Toros' only run in the eighth, driving in Wilkin Ramirez (Twins) on a groundout.

Mexican Pacific League

Mexicali 4, Matazlan 3

Issmael Salas tied the game with a two-run homer in the fifth inning and Ricky Alvarez lifted the game-winning solo blast two frames later for the Aguilas. Ivan Terrazas led the Venados, going 2-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and a run scored.

Navojoa 5, Los Mochis 4

Steve Moss launched a grand slam in his only official at-bat of the night to give the Mayos their first win of the eight-game season. The left fielder walked in his three remaining plate appearances and also stole a base. Jason Botts went deep and drove in three, but the Caneros dropped to an even 4-4.

Hermosillo 2, Obregon 0

Five Naranjero pitchers combined on a three-hit shutout, led by Pablo Menchaca, who surrendered just one hit in his four frames on the hill. Garrett Mock, who spent the 2012 season in the Red Sox and Astros systems, took the win after tossing three hitless innings in relief. Former big leaguer Karim Garcia hit a two-run homer to power the team's offense.

Culiacan 5, Guasave 1

Former Yankees farmhand Amauri Sanit surrendered one run on three hits over six innings for his second win with the Tomateros. The 5-foot-8 right-hander has allowed just one earned run and four hits in 10 innings thus far. Mario Valdez slugged a solo homer and added another RBI in the win.

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Dominican Winter League

•Tim Fedroff: CF, Aguilas Cibaenas: 1-for-4, 1 RBI, 1 BB: Fedroff is hitting .300 on the season, and has hits in all five ballgames that he’s played in so far. I get repetitive with this kid, but he just keeps excelling at every level. No, he’s not explosive, but he’s a grinder, who is one more solid season away from the big leagues.

Venezuelan Winter League

•Eric Berger: SP, Bravos de Margarita: L (0-1), 3 2/3 IP, 8 H, 7 R/3 ER, 0 BB, 4 K: Berger made his second start, and was far less successful than his one run, one earned-run outing. He gave up eight hits and seven runs, and while only three were earned, that’s most definitely a suspect line. He started off the fourth inning by giving up a single, triple, double (to our old friend, Jordan Brown) and another single, to give up his second and third runs of the game. He struck out the next two batters, before a fielding error scored another run, and failed to end the inning. He then gave up a two-run double, before he was pulled. Not a good outing, but it could have been a bit better.

By Jim Pete

Monday, Oct. 22, 2012

Cometh the hour: Yomiuri's Yoshihito Ishii knocks in the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning of the Giants' 3-2 victory over the Dragons in Game 5 of the Central League Climax Series final round on Sunday. KYODO

Ishii powers Giants into series decider

By JASON COSKREY

Tokyo Dome was rocking and the Chunichi Dragons were reeling. All it would take was one final blow to finish putting the nail in the coffin.

Line of fire: Chunichi pitcher Soma Yamauchi grimaces after being hit on the shin by a drive by Yomiuri's Shuichi Murata on Sunday night. KYODO

As he has so many times this year, Yoshihito Ishii turned out to be the man for the job.

Ishii singled in the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning to keep the Yomiuri Giants' season alive with a 3-2 victory over the Dragons in Game 5 of the Central League Climax Series final stage on Sunday night.

The win means there will be a decisive sixth game Monday at the Big Egg.

"We have evened the series, so we are in a situation where whoever wins tomorrow wins the series. The momentum is on our side now," Ishii said.

While the Giants will be riding high into Game 6, the Dragons will be trying to overcome their second tough loss in as many nights. Chunichi lost 5-4 in 10 innings in Game 5.

"They won the game," Dragons slugger Tony Blanco said. "We want to play our best game (tomorrow). Do our best, and enjoy the game, even if it's a hard situation."

The Giants led 2-0 early, but Blanco tied the game with a two-run homer in the fifth.

Both bullpens made sure the score remained tied entering the bottom of the ninth.

Kenji Yano led off the frame with a pinch-hit single off reliever Hitoki Iwase and was replaced by pinch runner Takahiro Suzuki. Shigeyuki Furuki singled with two strikes after failing to get down a sacrifice bunt, putting runners on first and second.

"Yano's hit inspired us," Ishii said. "That was the spark. Then when Furuki followed with his hit, we could feel the victory coming."

Pinch hitter Takayuki Terauchi advanced the runners with a sacrifice bunt, and an intentional walk to Hisayoshi Chono loaded the bases.

Chunichi sent Daisuke Yamai to the mound at that point, and Giants manager Tatsunori Hara countered with Ishii, who ended up winning the game for the Kyojin.

"I was put in a tough situation," Yamai said. "I was trying to get a strikeout."

Ishii said he became nervous after falling behind in the count, but sat on a fastball and delivered when he got it.

"The ball I hit fell in," Ishii said. "I was lucky to get under it and just get it over the infield."

Yomiuri's Scott Mathieson earned the win in relief.

"Mathieson threw two good innings for us and kept the score tied," Hara said. "He deserved to be the winning pitcher."

Tetsuya Utsumi got the start for the Giants, working on three days' rest for the first time in his career. The lefty, who threw 107 pitches in a Game 1 defeat, made it through the first four innings without allowing a run. Utsumi allowed a one-out single to Hirokazu Ibata in the fifth, and Blanco deposited Utsumi's 100th pitch of the night into the seats in right.

Soma Yamauchi got the start for the Dragons and allowed two runs on four hits in three-plus innings. Yamauchi left the game after being struck on the left shin by a line drive from Shuichi Murata in the fourth.

After the game, the Dragons starter hopped out of the clubhouse on one leg and eventually had to be carried on a teammate's back.

The scene now shifts to the sixth and deciding game of the series.

"We had pressure yesterday and today," Hara said. "Now we are all even and the Dragons will feel the pressure tomorrow."