Re: Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball
Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 1:54 pm
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Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball
Page 143 of 484
Re: Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball
Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 6:30 pm
Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012
NPB NOTEBOOK
Giants on both sides of Pacific stand tall together
By KAZ NAGATSUKA
SAPPORO —
You could call it a coincidence, but going into Game 3 of the Japan Series on Tuesday there was a chance something uncanny could happen in baseball on both sides of the Pacific.
At a stretch: Giants catcher Shinnosuke Abe limbers up at Sapporo Dome ahead of Game 3 of the Japan Series. KYODO
Peas in a pod: The San Francisco Giants' route to the World Series title bore remarkable similarities to the Yomiuri Giants' current exploits in Japan. AP
Both the Giants of the United States and Japan had the opportunity to win their respective championships in exactly the same fashion; teams with their backs against the wall managing to come back and clinch their championship series before sweeping rusty opponents once they got there.
The San Francisco Giants became World Series champions with a 4-0 sweep of the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, after having come back from a 1-3 deficit to clinch a World Series berth in the National League Championship against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Likewise, the Giants of Yomiuri were down 1-3 (The Central League champions had a one-win advantage) before rallying back to take the last three games to reach the Japan Series.
The Japanese Giants got off to a 2-0 start against the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters in the Japan Series, giving them a chance to duplicate the American Giants' feat.
There was also a similarity in their championship series opponents, both rusty after finishing up their previous rounds in sweeps.
"It's crazy," said Yomiuri's John Bowker, who has also played for San Francisco, before Game 3 of the Japan Series at Sapporo Dome. "It's weird how the series are running parallel to each other.
"We were down the way (the San Francisco Giants) were down. The Fighters swept the way the (Detroit) Tigers did. They were sitting around."
10th man: The Fighters came home to Sapporo after dropping the first two games in the Japan Series. But they entered the third game on Tuesday with their heads up as they prepared to feel the enthusiastic support of their fans.
"We've been able to win because of the fans," Nippon Ham third baseman Eiichi Koyano said. "We don't have any doubts that we'll be able to win once we get together and fight along with the fans at the stadium and the people in Hokkaido."
The Fighters had an average home attendance of 25,813 during the season, the second best number in the Pacific League behind the Hawks (33,993).
Just checking: Nippon Ham advanced to the Japan Series missing some core players due to injuries. One of them is captain Kensuke Tanaka, who suffered a broken left elbow in late August.
The injury was once thought to be season-ending, but the second baseman improved and has begun practicing lately. He was put on Nippon Ham's 40-man roster for the Japan Series.
But realistically, it's unlikely that Tanaka will take the field in this series. Knowing that, Fighters skipper Hideki Kuriyama said before Game 3, "I asked Kensuke if he could play today. He said he can't."
Kuriyama was joking. Well, maybe not so much.
"I asked just in case, because you never know. Maybe he might have made a surprising improvement."
A superstar's homecoming: Texas Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish was a guest color commentator for TV Asahi for Game 3.
As he arrived in the booth before the game, a large number of fans crowded round and aimed their cameras and cellphones to take a picture of the ex-Fighters ace pitcher.
Sitting alongside former great Kimiyasu Kudo, Darvish gave some analysis, especially of his former team, Nippon Ham.
"He's had a lot of good days and bad days," Darvish said of Fighters cleanup hitter, Sho Nakata, whom Darvish was hard on when they played together. "But he kept playing no matter what. I think he's grown a lot."
NPB NOTEBOOK
Giants on both sides of Pacific stand tall together
By KAZ NAGATSUKA
SAPPORO —
You could call it a coincidence, but going into Game 3 of the Japan Series on Tuesday there was a chance something uncanny could happen in baseball on both sides of the Pacific.
Both the Giants of the United States and Japan had the opportunity to win their respective championships in exactly the same fashion; teams with their backs against the wall managing to come back and clinch their championship series before sweeping rusty opponents once they got there.
The San Francisco Giants became World Series champions with a 4-0 sweep of the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, after having come back from a 1-3 deficit to clinch a World Series berth in the National League Championship against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Likewise, the Giants of Yomiuri were down 1-3 (The Central League champions had a one-win advantage) before rallying back to take the last three games to reach the Japan Series.
The Japanese Giants got off to a 2-0 start against the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters in the Japan Series, giving them a chance to duplicate the American Giants' feat.
There was also a similarity in their championship series opponents, both rusty after finishing up their previous rounds in sweeps.
"It's crazy," said Yomiuri's John Bowker, who has also played for San Francisco, before Game 3 of the Japan Series at Sapporo Dome. "It's weird how the series are running parallel to each other.
"We were down the way (the San Francisco Giants) were down. The Fighters swept the way the (Detroit) Tigers did. They were sitting around."
10th man: The Fighters came home to Sapporo after dropping the first two games in the Japan Series. But they entered the third game on Tuesday with their heads up as they prepared to feel the enthusiastic support of their fans.
"We've been able to win because of the fans," Nippon Ham third baseman Eiichi Koyano said. "We don't have any doubts that we'll be able to win once we get together and fight along with the fans at the stadium and the people in Hokkaido."
The Fighters had an average home attendance of 25,813 during the season, the second best number in the Pacific League behind the Hawks (33,993).
Just checking: Nippon Ham advanced to the Japan Series missing some core players due to injuries. One of them is captain Kensuke Tanaka, who suffered a broken left elbow in late August.
The injury was once thought to be season-ending, but the second baseman improved and has begun practicing lately. He was put on Nippon Ham's 40-man roster for the Japan Series.
But realistically, it's unlikely that Tanaka will take the field in this series. Knowing that, Fighters skipper Hideki Kuriyama said before Game 3, "I asked Kensuke if he could play today. He said he can't."
Kuriyama was joking. Well, maybe not so much.
"I asked just in case, because you never know. Maybe he might have made a surprising improvement."
A superstar's homecoming: Texas Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish was a guest color commentator for TV Asahi for Game 3.
As he arrived in the booth before the game, a large number of fans crowded round and aimed their cameras and cellphones to take a picture of the ex-Fighters ace pitcher.
Sitting alongside former great Kimiyasu Kudo, Darvish gave some analysis, especially of his former team, Nippon Ham.
"He's had a lot of good days and bad days," Darvish said of Fighters cleanup hitter, Sho Nakata, whom Darvish was hard on when they played together. "But he kept playing no matter what. I think he's grown a lot."
Re: Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball
Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 7:05 pm
10 imported players walking the tightrope who are participating in the Venezuelan Winter League
30/10/2012 5:22:32 PM |
The first month of the campaign is almost over and there are a few foreign players on a tightrope.
By: Jesus Sojo
CARACAS. -
After three weeks of tournament play and October near the end, several imported players begin to be judged by the fans and by the policy of the teams themselves. Some players have bought the ticket and already among fans are heard the popular phrase, "Window or aisle?" referring to the staying the course or preferring the flight back home. Several players are already mentioned in the list to follow. Some for poor performance, others by injury. Already teams, such as the Tiburones and Caribes have withdrawn some of their foreign players because of inconsistency in their numbers. Here the list of 10 imported players that could be walking the tightrope at this moment:
Dakota Watts (Tigres de Aragua): The pitcher was easily hit in three starts in the league. In his last outing (10/21/2012) took the loss against against Sharks. Their current record is 0-1, 15.43 ERA with four runs, two hits and two walks in 2.1 innings.
Brandon Boggs (Magallanes Navigators): The outfielder fails to convince the captain of the ship. Although in the last week fired six hits in 23 innings, his production is still below average. The arrival of Cuban Leslie Anderson could relieve him of a roster spot. Boggs is hitting .212 (52-11) with a double, homer, 10 trailers, four runs scored, 17 strikeouts and 11 walks.
Esteban Yan (Tigres de Aragua): The Dominican will have his trial by fire on Tuesday 30, when he will pitch against Tiburones. In the third week he was sent to the parallel league, where he gave up six hits in 5.0 innings. In two games has left up the best numbers. His stats 0-1, 13.50 ERA with seven runs, 11 hits, homer, three walks and a strikeout in 4.2 innings.
Chris Nowak (Magallanes Navigators): The infielder has not lived up to the cause for Magallanes. Although he has reached base in eight of the nine games played, his movement has not made a major differences in the final results. Leslie Anderson's ghost also haunts him. Nowak stats .226 (31-7), with a double, homer, RBI, three runs scored, 10 strikeouts and one walk.
Sisk Brandon Lee (Magallanes Navigators): The poor performance in the first two weeks and an injury to the elbow could cost the lefty a ride on the ship. The pitcher Matt Wright trains with the Navigators and will soon need a spot on the roster. Sisk is 0-0 with a 10.12 ERA, three runs, three hits and a walk, by 2.2 lengths. (fired after the publication of this notice)
Sean Halton (Magallanes Navigators): The slugger has lower numbers. His three homers is the only positive in this tournament. Halton is pursued by the early presence of Leslie Anderson. Halton's numbers: .170 (47-8), double, three homers, six freight, five stripes, 14 strikeouts and six walks.
Jae-Hoon Ha (Tigres de Aragua): The South Korean outfielder has only three hits in 10 games in this league. If he does not start to hit, he is quite likely to be replaced on the roster. His batting line so far is: 206 (34-7), with double, two RBIs, a run scored, 12 strikeouts and four walks.
Justin Freeman (Leones del Caracas): Freeman has allowed three runs in his last six innings. He was hit hard. His numbers: 1-1 with 8.59 ERA, two saves, seven earned runs, nine hits, seven strikeouts and two walks in 7.1 innings.
Blaine Hardy (Bravos de Margarita): The lefty reliever was inconsistent in three of his last four games. In the most recent (26/10/2012), allowed five runs (two earned) and could not get an out against the Aguilas. Currently sporting a 0-1 record, with a 6.75 ERA, with seven runs (four earned), seven hits, six strikeouts and five walks, in 5.1 innings.
Jonathan Meloan (Caribbean Anzoategui): Meloan allowed runs in three of his first six games. Jon Hunton , closer Caribbean in 2011-2012, is almost ready to report, so the tribe would need to create another spot on the roster. Meloan is 0-0, 4.76 ERA, with three run, eight hits, six strikeouts and two walks in 5.2 innings.
30/10/2012 5:22:32 PM |
The first month of the campaign is almost over and there are a few foreign players on a tightrope.
By: Jesus Sojo
After three weeks of tournament play and October near the end, several imported players begin to be judged by the fans and by the policy of the teams themselves. Some players have bought the ticket and already among fans are heard the popular phrase, "Window or aisle?" referring to the staying the course or preferring the flight back home. Several players are already mentioned in the list to follow. Some for poor performance, others by injury. Already teams, such as the Tiburones and Caribes have withdrawn some of their foreign players because of inconsistency in their numbers. Here the list of 10 imported players that could be walking the tightrope at this moment:
Dakota Watts (Tigres de Aragua): The pitcher was easily hit in three starts in the league. In his last outing (10/21/2012) took the loss against against Sharks. Their current record is 0-1, 15.43 ERA with four runs, two hits and two walks in 2.1 innings.
Brandon Boggs (Magallanes Navigators): The outfielder fails to convince the captain of the ship. Although in the last week fired six hits in 23 innings, his production is still below average. The arrival of Cuban Leslie Anderson could relieve him of a roster spot. Boggs is hitting .212 (52-11) with a double, homer, 10 trailers, four runs scored, 17 strikeouts and 11 walks.
Esteban Yan (Tigres de Aragua): The Dominican will have his trial by fire on Tuesday 30, when he will pitch against Tiburones. In the third week he was sent to the parallel league, where he gave up six hits in 5.0 innings. In two games has left up the best numbers. His stats 0-1, 13.50 ERA with seven runs, 11 hits, homer, three walks and a strikeout in 4.2 innings.
Chris Nowak (Magallanes Navigators): The infielder has not lived up to the cause for Magallanes. Although he has reached base in eight of the nine games played, his movement has not made a major differences in the final results. Leslie Anderson's ghost also haunts him. Nowak stats .226 (31-7), with a double, homer, RBI, three runs scored, 10 strikeouts and one walk.
Sisk Brandon Lee (Magallanes Navigators): The poor performance in the first two weeks and an injury to the elbow could cost the lefty a ride on the ship. The pitcher Matt Wright trains with the Navigators and will soon need a spot on the roster. Sisk is 0-0 with a 10.12 ERA, three runs, three hits and a walk, by 2.2 lengths. (fired after the publication of this notice)
Sean Halton (Magallanes Navigators): The slugger has lower numbers. His three homers is the only positive in this tournament. Halton is pursued by the early presence of Leslie Anderson. Halton's numbers: .170 (47-8), double, three homers, six freight, five stripes, 14 strikeouts and six walks.
Jae-Hoon Ha (Tigres de Aragua): The South Korean outfielder has only three hits in 10 games in this league. If he does not start to hit, he is quite likely to be replaced on the roster. His batting line so far is: 206 (34-7), with double, two RBIs, a run scored, 12 strikeouts and four walks.
Justin Freeman (Leones del Caracas): Freeman has allowed three runs in his last six innings. He was hit hard. His numbers: 1-1 with 8.59 ERA, two saves, seven earned runs, nine hits, seven strikeouts and two walks in 7.1 innings.
Blaine Hardy (Bravos de Margarita): The lefty reliever was inconsistent in three of his last four games. In the most recent (26/10/2012), allowed five runs (two earned) and could not get an out against the Aguilas. Currently sporting a 0-1 record, with a 6.75 ERA, with seven runs (four earned), seven hits, six strikeouts and five walks, in 5.1 innings.
Jonathan Meloan (Caribbean Anzoategui): Meloan allowed runs in three of his first six games. Jon Hunton , closer Caribbean in 2011-2012, is almost ready to report, so the tribe would need to create another spot on the roster. Meloan is 0-0, 4.76 ERA, with three run, eight hits, six strikeouts and two walks in 5.2 innings.
Re: Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball
Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 9:06 pm
Gutierrez & Cabrera in Leones plans for late November
Both major leaguers have plans to play with Caracas this season, according to the agent of the two players, Jose Mijares.
MIGUEL GOMEZ VICTOR TOVAR
Tuesday October 30, 2012 10:16 PM
Valencia. -
Los Leones del Caracas could have the major leaguers Asdrubal Cabrera and Franklin Gutierrez by the end of November, the agent for both players, Jose Mijares said. Both Cabrera as "El Guti 'are in the plans of the troops led by Rick Sweet . Cabrera, shortstop for the Cleveland Indians, has always said that at the end of the regular season, he would join the Lions in both of the last two years.
Meanwhile, Gutierrez, center fielder for the Seattle Mariners, has not played with the Caracas team since the 2008-2009 season.
Among other Caracas news for this week...expected to join the team is pitcher Guillermo Moscoso and utility player Jesus Guzman. Josh Kroeger is in the United States resting from an injury and will return on Saturday. The outfielder and first baseman will be recalled next week. Kroeger underwent minor surgery for a skin infection.
Both major leaguers have plans to play with Caracas this season, according to the agent of the two players, Jose Mijares.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 10:16 PM
Valencia. -
Los Leones del Caracas could have the major leaguers Asdrubal Cabrera and Franklin Gutierrez by the end of November, the agent for both players, Jose Mijares said. Both Cabrera as "El Guti 'are in the plans of the troops led by Rick Sweet . Cabrera, shortstop for the Cleveland Indians, has always said that at the end of the regular season, he would join the Lions in both of the last two years.
Meanwhile, Gutierrez, center fielder for the Seattle Mariners, has not played with the Caracas team since the 2008-2009 season.
Among other Caracas news for this week...expected to join the team is pitcher Guillermo Moscoso and utility player Jesus Guzman. Josh Kroeger is in the United States resting from an injury and will return on Saturday. The outfielder and first baseman will be recalled next week. Kroeger underwent minor surgery for a skin infection.
Re: Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball
Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 2:01 pm
Kieschnick, Leones scare up win
Giants prospect drives in five runs as Escogido snaps two-game skid
11/01/12 1:11 AM ET
Dominican Winter League
Escogido 11, Cibaenas 4
Giants prospect Roger Kieschnick tripled and drove in five runs as the Leones snapped a two-game losing streak. Pirates outfielder Starling Marte was 2-for-3 with three runs scored and Giants farmhand Justin Fitzgerald struck out five and allowed four hits over five shutout innings for his first win. Astros prospect Jonathan Villar drove in a run in the loss for the Aguilas.
Oriente 2, Licey 0
Rangers prospect Derek Hankins allowed two hits over four innings and fellow Texas Minor Leaguer Ben Snyder tossed four one-hit frames to earn the win for the Estrellas. Twins catcher Drew Butera doubled and scored a run while Cubs prospect Junior Lake singled and stole his second base of the season. Pirates farmhand Anderson Hernandez doubled for the Tigres.
Este 4, Cibao 2
Josh Outman, who spent the 2012 season with the A's organization, fanned eight and allowed two runs on five hits over six inning to earn the win for the Toros. Red Sox prospect Dan Butler slugged a go-ahead solo homer and Eugenio Velez drove in a pair of runs. Brewers shortstop Jean Segura drove in a run and stole a base for the Gigantes.
Venezuelan Winter League
Lara 5, Margarita 2
Mets farmhand Oswaldo Navarro was 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored for the Cardenales. Mariners prospect Gabriel Noriega had two hits and drove in a run while Bobby Korecky picked up his second win after allowing a hit over an inning of relief. Mets' No. 3 prospect Wilmer Flores collected two hits in the loss for the Bravos.
Magallanes 10, Aragua 5
Nationals prospect Carlos Maldonado slugged a first-inning grand slam to pace the Navegantes. Former Major Leaguer Gustavo Chacin struck out three and allowed a run on five hits over five innings while Royals farmhand Mario Lisson slugged a two-run blast. Cubs prospect Jae-Hoon Ha scored twice for the Tigres.
La Guaira 7, Caracas 6
Pinch-hitter Rafael Alvarez hit a walk-off, two-run homer to deliver the win for the Tiburones. Dodgers farmhand Alex Castellanos drove in three runs and fellow Dodger C.J. Retherford was 3-for-5 with two runs scored for La Guaira. Reds prospect Josh Fellhauer had two RBIs for the Leones.
Zulia 2, Anzoategui 0 (7 innings)
Rangers Minor Leaguer Wilfredo Boscan allowed three hits and struck out five over five shutout innings to earn the win for the Aguilas. Braves farmhand Ernesto Mejia drove in a pair of runs and Phillies infielder Freddy Galvis singled and scored a run. Marlins prospect Jose Alvarez took the loss after allowing two runs over 4 2/3 innings.
Mexican Pacific League
Mexicali 5, Navojoa 1
Former Major Leaguer Jorge Campillo allowed a run on four hits over six innings to earn the win in the first game of a doubleheader for the Aguilas. Former Indians prospect Roman Pena had two hits and two RBIs while Chris Roberson reached base twice for Mexicali. Wes Bankston hit a solo homer in the loss for the Mayos.
<
Dominican Winter League
•Tim Fedroff (LF, Aguilas Cibaenas): 1-for-3, BB, 2 K. Fedroff reached base in two of his four plate appearances, but for the second straight night was once again pinch hit for late in the game. The interesting thing is that the previous night made some sense since there was a lefty on the mound, but last night there was a righty on the mound and the Cibaenas manager opted for a right-handed bat instead of Fedroff.
•Delvi Cid (PH-RF, Aguilas Cibaenas): 0-for-1, K. Cid made his winter ball debut this offseason with a late game pinch hit appearance in the 8th inning and stayed in the game in right field. Cid will be on the roster for pretty much the duration of the winter ball season, but is not expected to see a lot of playing time since he is still young and unproven.
•Juan Diaz (SS, Estrelles de Oriente): 0-for-3, 2 K. Diaz has now gone 0-for-7 with 3 strikeouts the last two nights and is just 2-for-16 in the early going this offseason. The glove is solid, but he has to show a lot more with the bat to be anything more than an occasional fill in player at the big league level.
•Danny Salazar (SP, Tigres del Licey): 3.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R/ER, 1 BB, 5 K. A mixture of good and bad last night for Salazar as he piled up 5 strikeouts with just 1 walk and 2 hits in 3.0 innings of work, but he also hit a batter, had a wild pitch, and still allowed 2 runs. The stuff is there, it is just the consistency and experience that is lacking.
Venezuela Winter League
•Hector Rondon (RP, Leones del Caracas): 1.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. Things are slowly getting better for Rondon and he looks to be settling in. There is still a long way to go, but he threw 13 of 20 pitches for strikes and was able to get out of trouble unscathed. After allowing 5 runs over 1.1 innings in his first two appearances, he has since made 5 appearances and allowed 1 earned run in 4.1 innings.
Giants prospect drives in five runs as Escogido snaps two-game skid
11/01/12 1:11 AM ET
Escogido 11, Cibaenas 4
Giants prospect Roger Kieschnick tripled and drove in five runs as the Leones snapped a two-game losing streak. Pirates outfielder Starling Marte was 2-for-3 with three runs scored and Giants farmhand Justin Fitzgerald struck out five and allowed four hits over five shutout innings for his first win. Astros prospect Jonathan Villar drove in a run in the loss for the Aguilas.
Oriente 2, Licey 0
Rangers prospect Derek Hankins allowed two hits over four innings and fellow Texas Minor Leaguer Ben Snyder tossed four one-hit frames to earn the win for the Estrellas. Twins catcher Drew Butera doubled and scored a run while Cubs prospect Junior Lake singled and stole his second base of the season. Pirates farmhand Anderson Hernandez doubled for the Tigres.
Este 4, Cibao 2
Josh Outman, who spent the 2012 season with the A's organization, fanned eight and allowed two runs on five hits over six inning to earn the win for the Toros. Red Sox prospect Dan Butler slugged a go-ahead solo homer and Eugenio Velez drove in a pair of runs. Brewers shortstop Jean Segura drove in a run and stole a base for the Gigantes.
Venezuelan Winter League
Lara 5, Margarita 2
Mets farmhand Oswaldo Navarro was 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored for the Cardenales. Mariners prospect Gabriel Noriega had two hits and drove in a run while Bobby Korecky picked up his second win after allowing a hit over an inning of relief. Mets' No. 3 prospect Wilmer Flores collected two hits in the loss for the Bravos.
Magallanes 10, Aragua 5
Nationals prospect Carlos Maldonado slugged a first-inning grand slam to pace the Navegantes. Former Major Leaguer Gustavo Chacin struck out three and allowed a run on five hits over five innings while Royals farmhand Mario Lisson slugged a two-run blast. Cubs prospect Jae-Hoon Ha scored twice for the Tigres.
La Guaira 7, Caracas 6
Pinch-hitter Rafael Alvarez hit a walk-off, two-run homer to deliver the win for the Tiburones. Dodgers farmhand Alex Castellanos drove in three runs and fellow Dodger C.J. Retherford was 3-for-5 with two runs scored for La Guaira. Reds prospect Josh Fellhauer had two RBIs for the Leones.
Zulia 2, Anzoategui 0 (7 innings)
Rangers Minor Leaguer Wilfredo Boscan allowed three hits and struck out five over five shutout innings to earn the win for the Aguilas. Braves farmhand Ernesto Mejia drove in a pair of runs and Phillies infielder Freddy Galvis singled and scored a run. Marlins prospect Jose Alvarez took the loss after allowing two runs over 4 2/3 innings.
Mexican Pacific League
Mexicali 5, Navojoa 1
Former Major Leaguer Jorge Campillo allowed a run on four hits over six innings to earn the win in the first game of a doubleheader for the Aguilas. Former Indians prospect Roman Pena had two hits and two RBIs while Chris Roberson reached base twice for Mexicali. Wes Bankston hit a solo homer in the loss for the Mayos.
<
Dominican Winter League
•Tim Fedroff (LF, Aguilas Cibaenas): 1-for-3, BB, 2 K. Fedroff reached base in two of his four plate appearances, but for the second straight night was once again pinch hit for late in the game. The interesting thing is that the previous night made some sense since there was a lefty on the mound, but last night there was a righty on the mound and the Cibaenas manager opted for a right-handed bat instead of Fedroff.
•Delvi Cid (PH-RF, Aguilas Cibaenas): 0-for-1, K. Cid made his winter ball debut this offseason with a late game pinch hit appearance in the 8th inning and stayed in the game in right field. Cid will be on the roster for pretty much the duration of the winter ball season, but is not expected to see a lot of playing time since he is still young and unproven.
•Juan Diaz (SS, Estrelles de Oriente): 0-for-3, 2 K. Diaz has now gone 0-for-7 with 3 strikeouts the last two nights and is just 2-for-16 in the early going this offseason. The glove is solid, but he has to show a lot more with the bat to be anything more than an occasional fill in player at the big league level.
•Danny Salazar (SP, Tigres del Licey): 3.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R/ER, 1 BB, 5 K. A mixture of good and bad last night for Salazar as he piled up 5 strikeouts with just 1 walk and 2 hits in 3.0 innings of work, but he also hit a batter, had a wild pitch, and still allowed 2 runs. The stuff is there, it is just the consistency and experience that is lacking.
Venezuela Winter League
•Hector Rondon (RP, Leones del Caracas): 1.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. Things are slowly getting better for Rondon and he looks to be settling in. There is still a long way to go, but he threw 13 of 20 pitches for strikes and was able to get out of trouble unscathed. After allowing 5 runs over 1.1 innings in his first two appearances, he has since made 5 appearances and allowed 1 earned run in 4.1 innings.
Re: Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball
Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 2:05 pm
Friday, Nov. 2, 2012
Giants crush Fighters, move win away from title
By JASON COSKREY
SAPPORO —
John Bowker kept his torrid postseason run going, and Tetsuya Utsumi turned in another ace-worthy performance in game that was far more eventual than even the lopsided final score suggested.
Staying aggressive: Giants slugger John Bowker blasts a two-run home run in the second inning of Game 5 of the Japan Series on Thursday at Sapporo Dome. Yomiuri defeated the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters 10-2. KYODO
If the Yomiuri Giants win another game, Bowker, Utsumi and Co. can bet on having a few more wild nights.
Utsumi threw eight strong innings, Bowker hit a two-run home run in the second, Ken Kato incurred the wrath of the crowd in the fourth, and the Giants moved within one game of clinching the title after a 10-2 rout of the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters in Game 5 of the Japan Series on Thursday night at Sapporo Dome.
Yomiuri leads the series 3-2.
"With the series tied 2-2, the fifth game is very pivotal," Giants manager Tatsunori Hara said. "It was important for us to win and keep off the pressure of the sixth game. We got good pitching again from our starter, and the hitters were in good form, unlike last night."
The series now shifts scenes for the final time and heads back to Tokyo Dome, where the Giants will have a chance to win the title in front of their fans in Game 6 on Saturday.
"We should be able to wrap up the series in Game 6 in front of our home fans at Tokyo Dome on Saturday night," Utsumi said.
Nippon Ham can force a decisive seventh game with a victory.
Bowker got the Giants off and running with his two-run homer, which made the score 2-0 in the second. The home run was the second of the series for Bowker, who has driven in seven runs during his debut in the Japanese version of the Fall Classic.
Tetsuya Utsumi
"I fouled off a couple of pitches," Bowker said. "I was just trying to swing short, see the ball, hit the ball. Keep it simple."
After hitting .195 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in 69 regular-season games, Bowker is batting .364 with two home runs and seven RBIs in eight postseason games.
Five of those RBIs have come off Fighters starter Mitsuo Yoshikawa.
"I know he's got a really good fastball from our scouting reports," Bowker said. "So I just went off that."
Bowker's night was big, but probably not as memorable as the one Kato had.
Kato stepped to the plate in the fourth with a runner on first and prepared to lay down a sacrifice bunt.
Kato was on the ground clutching his head moments later after apparently being hit with Kazuhito Tadano's first pitch, but replays clearly showed the ball sail by without coming close to hitting the Yomiuri catcher.
Home plate umpire Koichi Yanada felt otherwise and ruled Kato had been hit, much to the chagrin of Fighters fans, who were incredulous when it was also announced Tadano had been thrown out of the game for a dangerous pitch.
"I didn't know what happened," Kato said.
Tadano is the first pitcher to be tossed from a Japan Series game for a dangerous pitch.
Kazuhito Tadano
The majority of the 40,579 fans in the crowd hit Kato with a wave of vitriol from the stands in his next at-bat in the fifth, cheering louder for strikes than they had when the Fighters scored runs.
Kato got the last laugh in that frame, hitting a two-run double to left. He singled his next time up.
"I just tried to stay focused," said Kato.
Hisayoshi Chono may have paid the price. The outfielder was forced to leave the game in the fifth after being hit on the knee by Fighters reliever Toshiharu Moriuchi.
Hayato Sakamoto continued to have a solid series by driving in a pair of runs. Edgar Gonzalez picked up a pair of hits and an RBI in his postseason debut and Kenji Yano was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Tetsuya Matsumoto and Takahiro Suzuki drove in one run apiece.
"I went into the game relaxed," Gonzalez said. "That surprised me."
Utsumi started on short rest for the second time during the postseason and benefited from all the run support. Utsumi threw eight innings of two-run ball, allowing seven hits and striking out seven without walking a batter.
"I did not feel much pressure and felt comfortable pitching with four days' rest," Utsumi said. "Once we got the lead, I had confidence we would win, so got into a rhythm. Yesterday's game was scoreless until the 12th inning. I am glad we did not have that kind of a game tonight."
Yoshikawa made his first-career start on four days' rest and was far from sharp.
Yoshikawa walked the first batter of the game and five hitters saw at least three balls during their at-bats. Yoshikawa needed 65 pitches to labor through 2 2/3 innings and gave up five runs on six hits in the loss.
"I didn't get my job done and feel so frustrated," Yoshikawa said. "I feel so sorry for the team."
Having fun: The Giants congratulate each other after Thursday's Game 5 victory. KYODO
Yoshikawa carried the load in the Fighters' first season without ace Yu Darvish by winning 14 games, leading the Pacific League with a 1.71 ERA and earning the win in the Climax Series opener, but lost both his Japan Series starts, allowing a combined nine runs in 6 2/3 innings.
Fighters pitcher Yuki Saito took the mound to begin the eighth and gave up a pair of runs on four hits over two innings in his first Japan Series game.
Yomiuri will be looking to avoid a seventh game when the series resumes on Saturday at the Big Egg.
"We're going back to Tokyo Dome with a 3-2 lead and have to win only one game, but the Fighters are a good team, so we have to keep playing well to beat them," Hara said. "The pressure will be on them in Game 6, though."
Giants crush Fighters, move win away from title
By JASON COSKREY
SAPPORO —
John Bowker kept his torrid postseason run going, and Tetsuya Utsumi turned in another ace-worthy performance in game that was far more eventual than even the lopsided final score suggested.
Staying aggressive: Giants slugger John Bowker blasts a two-run home run in the second inning of Game 5 of the Japan Series on Thursday at Sapporo Dome. Yomiuri defeated the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters 10-2. KYODO
If the Yomiuri Giants win another game, Bowker, Utsumi and Co. can bet on having a few more wild nights.
Utsumi threw eight strong innings, Bowker hit a two-run home run in the second, Ken Kato incurred the wrath of the crowd in the fourth, and the Giants moved within one game of clinching the title after a 10-2 rout of the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters in Game 5 of the Japan Series on Thursday night at Sapporo Dome.
Yomiuri leads the series 3-2.
"With the series tied 2-2, the fifth game is very pivotal," Giants manager Tatsunori Hara said. "It was important for us to win and keep off the pressure of the sixth game. We got good pitching again from our starter, and the hitters were in good form, unlike last night."
The series now shifts scenes for the final time and heads back to Tokyo Dome, where the Giants will have a chance to win the title in front of their fans in Game 6 on Saturday.
"We should be able to wrap up the series in Game 6 in front of our home fans at Tokyo Dome on Saturday night," Utsumi said.
Nippon Ham can force a decisive seventh game with a victory.
Bowker got the Giants off and running with his two-run homer, which made the score 2-0 in the second. The home run was the second of the series for Bowker, who has driven in seven runs during his debut in the Japanese version of the Fall Classic.
Tetsuya Utsumi
"I fouled off a couple of pitches," Bowker said. "I was just trying to swing short, see the ball, hit the ball. Keep it simple."
After hitting .195 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in 69 regular-season games, Bowker is batting .364 with two home runs and seven RBIs in eight postseason games.
Five of those RBIs have come off Fighters starter Mitsuo Yoshikawa.
"I know he's got a really good fastball from our scouting reports," Bowker said. "So I just went off that."
Bowker's night was big, but probably not as memorable as the one Kato had.
Kato stepped to the plate in the fourth with a runner on first and prepared to lay down a sacrifice bunt.
Kato was on the ground clutching his head moments later after apparently being hit with Kazuhito Tadano's first pitch, but replays clearly showed the ball sail by without coming close to hitting the Yomiuri catcher.
Home plate umpire Koichi Yanada felt otherwise and ruled Kato had been hit, much to the chagrin of Fighters fans, who were incredulous when it was also announced Tadano had been thrown out of the game for a dangerous pitch.
"I didn't know what happened," Kato said.
Tadano is the first pitcher to be tossed from a Japan Series game for a dangerous pitch.
Kazuhito Tadano
The majority of the 40,579 fans in the crowd hit Kato with a wave of vitriol from the stands in his next at-bat in the fifth, cheering louder for strikes than they had when the Fighters scored runs.
Kato got the last laugh in that frame, hitting a two-run double to left. He singled his next time up.
"I just tried to stay focused," said Kato.
Hisayoshi Chono may have paid the price. The outfielder was forced to leave the game in the fifth after being hit on the knee by Fighters reliever Toshiharu Moriuchi.
Hayato Sakamoto continued to have a solid series by driving in a pair of runs. Edgar Gonzalez picked up a pair of hits and an RBI in his postseason debut and Kenji Yano was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Tetsuya Matsumoto and Takahiro Suzuki drove in one run apiece.
"I went into the game relaxed," Gonzalez said. "That surprised me."
Utsumi started on short rest for the second time during the postseason and benefited from all the run support. Utsumi threw eight innings of two-run ball, allowing seven hits and striking out seven without walking a batter.
"I did not feel much pressure and felt comfortable pitching with four days' rest," Utsumi said. "Once we got the lead, I had confidence we would win, so got into a rhythm. Yesterday's game was scoreless until the 12th inning. I am glad we did not have that kind of a game tonight."
Yoshikawa made his first-career start on four days' rest and was far from sharp.
Yoshikawa walked the first batter of the game and five hitters saw at least three balls during their at-bats. Yoshikawa needed 65 pitches to labor through 2 2/3 innings and gave up five runs on six hits in the loss.
"I didn't get my job done and feel so frustrated," Yoshikawa said. "I feel so sorry for the team."
Having fun: The Giants congratulate each other after Thursday's Game 5 victory. KYODO
Yoshikawa carried the load in the Fighters' first season without ace Yu Darvish by winning 14 games, leading the Pacific League with a 1.71 ERA and earning the win in the Climax Series opener, but lost both his Japan Series starts, allowing a combined nine runs in 6 2/3 innings.
Fighters pitcher Yuki Saito took the mound to begin the eighth and gave up a pair of runs on four hits over two innings in his first Japan Series game.
Yomiuri will be looking to avoid a seventh game when the series resumes on Saturday at the Big Egg.
"We're going back to Tokyo Dome with a 3-2 lead and have to win only one game, but the Fighters are a good team, so we have to keep playing well to beat them," Hara said. "The pressure will be on them in Game 6, though."
Re: Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball
Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 2:07 pm
Samsung Lions win S. Korean baseball championship
Published : 2012-11-01 21:51
The Samsung Lions are the champions of South Korean baseball in 2012.
At Seoul's Jamsil Stadium Thursday, the Lions beat the SK Wyverns 7-0 to clinch the best-of-seven Korean Series in six games.
Park Seok-min blasted a two-run home run and Lee Seung-yeop hit a bases-loaded triple during the six-run fourth for the Lions, who have now won back-to-back Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) titles and their sixth overall. Last year, they defeated the same Wyverns in five games.
Lee Seung-yeop was voted the most valuable player (MVP) of the Korean Series, after going 8-for-23 with a home run and 7 RBI in the series. Lee played for the Lions from 1995 to 2003 before spending eight seasons in Japan and returning for this season.
Samsung Lions players celebrate after winning the Korean Series in Seoul on Thursday. Yonhap News
For the second straight night, the Lions opened the scoring in the first inning, as Choi Hyung-woo hit a sacrifice fly to center.
The Lions then blew the game wide open in the fourth inning as they batted around to add six runs.
Park provided a 3-0 cushion with a two-run shot off SK's starter Mario Santiago. Park, who led the Lions with 23 home runs in the regular season, entered Thursday's game with just one hit in 14 at-bats in the Korean Series.
Bae Young-seop's single made it 4-0. After a walk loaded the bases, Lee Seung-yeop launched a triple off the right field wall to drive in everyone for a 7-0 lead.
The Lions' starter Jang Won-sam didn't need much help. The left-hander gave up only one hit and struck out nine in seven innings to earn his second win of this Korean Series.
For the Wyverns, Santiago lasted only 3 1/3 innings and was tagged with three earned runs on five hits in the loss.
Bae Young-seop, Samsung's sophomore leadoff man, went 3-for-5 with two runs scored. Park Seok-min added two hits for the champions.
This was the third straight Korean Series meeting between these two clubs. The Wyverns won the 2010 title by sweeping the Lions in four games, and the Lions got their revenge in 2011 in five games.
The Lions started this year's Korean Series with two straight victories at home in Daegu. Then the Wyverns drew even with two wins at their home, Incheon, before the series shifted to the neutral venue of Jamsil in Seoul.
The Lions prevailed 2-1 in Game 5 Wednesday to set up what proved to be the clinching Game 6.
Samsung had the bye to the Korean Series by virtue of finishing first in the 133-game regular season. The Wyverns ranked second in the season and earned the bye to the second round, where they beat the third-seeded Lotte Giants in five games.
The Wyverns played in their sixth straight Korean Series, a KBO record. They were the champions in 2007, 2008 and 2010. (Yonhap News)
Published : 2012-11-01 21:51
The Samsung Lions are the champions of South Korean baseball in 2012.
At Seoul's Jamsil Stadium Thursday, the Lions beat the SK Wyverns 7-0 to clinch the best-of-seven Korean Series in six games.
Park Seok-min blasted a two-run home run and Lee Seung-yeop hit a bases-loaded triple during the six-run fourth for the Lions, who have now won back-to-back Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) titles and their sixth overall. Last year, they defeated the same Wyverns in five games.
Lee Seung-yeop was voted the most valuable player (MVP) of the Korean Series, after going 8-for-23 with a home run and 7 RBI in the series. Lee played for the Lions from 1995 to 2003 before spending eight seasons in Japan and returning for this season.
For the second straight night, the Lions opened the scoring in the first inning, as Choi Hyung-woo hit a sacrifice fly to center.
The Lions then blew the game wide open in the fourth inning as they batted around to add six runs.
Park provided a 3-0 cushion with a two-run shot off SK's starter Mario Santiago. Park, who led the Lions with 23 home runs in the regular season, entered Thursday's game with just one hit in 14 at-bats in the Korean Series.
Bae Young-seop's single made it 4-0. After a walk loaded the bases, Lee Seung-yeop launched a triple off the right field wall to drive in everyone for a 7-0 lead.
The Lions' starter Jang Won-sam didn't need much help. The left-hander gave up only one hit and struck out nine in seven innings to earn his second win of this Korean Series.
For the Wyverns, Santiago lasted only 3 1/3 innings and was tagged with three earned runs on five hits in the loss.
Bae Young-seop, Samsung's sophomore leadoff man, went 3-for-5 with two runs scored. Park Seok-min added two hits for the champions.
This was the third straight Korean Series meeting between these two clubs. The Wyverns won the 2010 title by sweeping the Lions in four games, and the Lions got their revenge in 2011 in five games.
The Lions started this year's Korean Series with two straight victories at home in Daegu. Then the Wyverns drew even with two wins at their home, Incheon, before the series shifted to the neutral venue of Jamsil in Seoul.
The Lions prevailed 2-1 in Game 5 Wednesday to set up what proved to be the clinching Game 6.
Samsung had the bye to the Korean Series by virtue of finishing first in the 133-game regular season. The Wyverns ranked second in the season and earned the bye to the second round, where they beat the third-seeded Lotte Giants in five games.
The Wyverns played in their sixth straight Korean Series, a KBO record. They were the champions in 2007, 2008 and 2010. (Yonhap News)
Re: Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball
Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 6:20 pm
Paredes powers Gigantes in win
Astros prospect goes 3-for-6 with a homer and two runs scored
10/31/12 2:39 AM ET
Dominican Winter League
Cibao 9, Escogido 4
Houston outfielder Jimmy Paredes powered Gigantes in a nine-run, 14-hit effort, going 3-for-6 with a home run and two runs scored. Erick Almonte (Brewers) also went 3-for-5 with a pair of walks while both Marlins' No.5 prospect Marcell Ozuna and Carlos Peguero (Mariners) doubled and drove in a run. Milwaukee infielder Taylor Green went 2-for-4 with a run and Pedro Florimon (Orioles) went 2-for-5 with an RBI in the loss for the Leones.
Cibaenas 4, Oriente 3
Pittsburgh's Hector Luna went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and two walks while Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan tripled and plated a run to lead second-place Aguilas over first-place Estrellas. Top Cardinals prospect Oscar Taveras also supplied a pair of hits and scored twice in the win. Angels' No. 9 prospect Luis Jimenez and Denis Phipps (Reds) each drove in a run for Oriente.
Licey at Toros, postponed
Venezuelan Winter League
La Guaira 8, Aragua 6
No. 14 Dodgers prospect Scott Van Slyke homered three times, going 4-for-5 with four RBIs to give the last-place Tiburones their fourth win in their last five games. The outfielder now has seven jacks in 14 games in Venezuela. Ehire Adrianza, San Francisco's No. 11 prospect, doubled twice, drove in a run and scored twice out of the leadoff spot and Dodgers infielder C.J. Retherford went 2-for-5 with a double. Twins' No. 5 prospect Oswaldo Arcia smacked his second home run for the Tigres and outfielder Alex Romero went 4-for-5 with a double and two runs.
Magallanes 4, Caracas 2
Angels right-hander Matt Shoemaker scattered a run on four hits without any walks and four strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings for the Navegantes. Carlos Maldonado (Nationals) went 2-for-4 with a homer and former Giants catcher Eliezer Alfonzo went 3-for-4 to provide the offense for Magallanes. Rockies starter Jhoulys Chacin yielded a run on four hits and three walks with four strikeouts over five frames without factoring into the decision for the Leones.
Zulia 4, Caribes 3
Braves first baseman Ernesto Mejia fell a triple short of the cycle and No. 16 Reds prospect Henry Rodriguez went 2-for-5 with a double and a run out of the leadoff spot to propel the first-place Aguilas past the Caribes. Jake Goebbert (Astros) doubled twice, driving in a run, and Gorkys Hernandez (Marlins) went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in the loss.
Mexican Pacific League
Hermosillo 11, Guasave 2
Major League veteran Jorge Cantu hit a three-run homer and Jose Aguilar also homered and drove in three runs to lead the Naranjeros. Baltimore's Zelous Wheeler doubled and scored while leadoff man Eduardo Arredondo homered in the loss for the Algodoneros.
Los Mochis 3, Mazatlan 2 (10 innings)
Former Rangers outfielder Jason Botts hit a two-run shot and right-hander Adrian Garza (2-0) tossed 1 2/3 perfect frames to close out the game as the Caneros edged the Venados. Jon Del Campo went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI to pace Mazatlan in the losing effort.
Obregon 5, Culiacan 4
Veteran outfielder Alfredo Amezaga (Cubs) homered and doubled, driving in two runs while former A's outfielder Doug Clark added a two-run shot to help the Yaquis take down the first-place Tomateros. Yankees prospect Ronnier Mustelier went 3-for-4 with a home run in the loss while Major League free agent Marlon Byrd went deep as well. Oakland reliever Arnold Leon allowed a hit and struck out two in the eighth to maintain a 0.00 ERA for Culiacan.
Navojoa 7, Mexicali 6
Former Oakland first baseman Wes Bankston went 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and four RBIs to push the Mayos past the Aguilas. Second baseman Francisco Arias also went 3-for-5 with a run. Issmael Salas homered twice for Mexicali. Gameday box score
Astros prospect goes 3-for-6 with a homer and two runs scored
10/31/12 2:39 AM ET
Cibao 9, Escogido 4
Houston outfielder Jimmy Paredes powered Gigantes in a nine-run, 14-hit effort, going 3-for-6 with a home run and two runs scored. Erick Almonte (Brewers) also went 3-for-5 with a pair of walks while both Marlins' No.5 prospect Marcell Ozuna and Carlos Peguero (Mariners) doubled and drove in a run. Milwaukee infielder Taylor Green went 2-for-4 with a run and Pedro Florimon (Orioles) went 2-for-5 with an RBI in the loss for the Leones.
Cibaenas 4, Oriente 3
Pittsburgh's Hector Luna went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and two walks while Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan tripled and plated a run to lead second-place Aguilas over first-place Estrellas. Top Cardinals prospect Oscar Taveras also supplied a pair of hits and scored twice in the win. Angels' No. 9 prospect Luis Jimenez and Denis Phipps (Reds) each drove in a run for Oriente.
Licey at Toros, postponed
Venezuelan Winter League
La Guaira 8, Aragua 6
No. 14 Dodgers prospect Scott Van Slyke homered three times, going 4-for-5 with four RBIs to give the last-place Tiburones their fourth win in their last five games. The outfielder now has seven jacks in 14 games in Venezuela. Ehire Adrianza, San Francisco's No. 11 prospect, doubled twice, drove in a run and scored twice out of the leadoff spot and Dodgers infielder C.J. Retherford went 2-for-5 with a double. Twins' No. 5 prospect Oswaldo Arcia smacked his second home run for the Tigres and outfielder Alex Romero went 4-for-5 with a double and two runs.
Magallanes 4, Caracas 2
Angels right-hander Matt Shoemaker scattered a run on four hits without any walks and four strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings for the Navegantes. Carlos Maldonado (Nationals) went 2-for-4 with a homer and former Giants catcher Eliezer Alfonzo went 3-for-4 to provide the offense for Magallanes. Rockies starter Jhoulys Chacin yielded a run on four hits and three walks with four strikeouts over five frames without factoring into the decision for the Leones.
Zulia 4, Caribes 3
Braves first baseman Ernesto Mejia fell a triple short of the cycle and No. 16 Reds prospect Henry Rodriguez went 2-for-5 with a double and a run out of the leadoff spot to propel the first-place Aguilas past the Caribes. Jake Goebbert (Astros) doubled twice, driving in a run, and Gorkys Hernandez (Marlins) went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in the loss.
Mexican Pacific League
Hermosillo 11, Guasave 2
Major League veteran Jorge Cantu hit a three-run homer and Jose Aguilar also homered and drove in three runs to lead the Naranjeros. Baltimore's Zelous Wheeler doubled and scored while leadoff man Eduardo Arredondo homered in the loss for the Algodoneros.
Los Mochis 3, Mazatlan 2 (10 innings)
Former Rangers outfielder Jason Botts hit a two-run shot and right-hander Adrian Garza (2-0) tossed 1 2/3 perfect frames to close out the game as the Caneros edged the Venados. Jon Del Campo went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI to pace Mazatlan in the losing effort.
Obregon 5, Culiacan 4
Veteran outfielder Alfredo Amezaga (Cubs) homered and doubled, driving in two runs while former A's outfielder Doug Clark added a two-run shot to help the Yaquis take down the first-place Tomateros. Yankees prospect Ronnier Mustelier went 3-for-4 with a home run in the loss while Major League free agent Marlon Byrd went deep as well. Oakland reliever Arnold Leon allowed a hit and struck out two in the eighth to maintain a 0.00 ERA for Culiacan.
Navojoa 7, Mexicali 6
Former Oakland first baseman Wes Bankston went 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and four RBIs to push the Mayos past the Aguilas. Second baseman Francisco Arias also went 3-for-5 with a run. Issmael Salas homered twice for Mexicali. Gameday box score
Re: Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball
Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 6:25 pm
Baseball
Manny Ramirez arrives on Monday to play for the Eagles
31/10/2012 01:51 PM -
Drafting
The former player in Major League Baseball Manny Ramirez hit the Dominican Republic on Monday to join the Cibao Eagles. The integration of the Dominican-born player was reported by the player himself, according to his Twitter account.
The outfielder signed last year a minor league contract with the Oakland team but did not make it to the big team.
Last year (2011) he played in the majors with Tampa Bay, a period in which he was suspended for 100 games for testing positive for banned substances
Manny Ramirez arrives on Monday to play for the Eagles
31/10/2012 01:51 PM -
Drafting
The outfielder signed last year a minor league contract with the Oakland team but did not make it to the big team.
Last year (2011) he played in the majors with Tampa Bay, a period in which he was suspended for 100 games for testing positive for banned substances
Re: Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball
Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 6:45 pm
Manny looks skinny.
Re: Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball
Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 7:04 pm
Yes he does. But can he still hit?
Re: Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball
Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 7:08 pm
Carlos Martinez shows Las Aguilas Cibaeñas his 101-MPH fastball
Posted October 31st, 2012 by DPL & filed under Down on the Farm, Featured Post.
Carlos Martinez-RHP
The St Louis Cardinals have granted Las Aguilas Cibaeñas permission to use top prospect Carlos Martinez in their pitching rotation, the 21 year old prospect has been clocked up to 101 miles per hour.
Immediately manager Felix Fermin revealed that Martinez will be their fourth starter to begin their campaign. Las Aguilas shuffled Lorenzo Barcelo and Angel Castro, as well as Americans Tim Corcoran and Roy Merritt to establish their starting pitching staff.
Martinez said, “I’ll throw until December here, rest throughout the month of January and I will report to spring training in late February”.
Carlos is happy because playing in the Dominican league will allow him to see quality hitters who played at the next level, and thinks it may be the breakthrough and experience he will need for the upcoming season.
Las Aguilas have admiration for the quality of pitcher Carlos Martinez is; During Las Aguilas training camp this year Martinez showed an explosive FB and flashed many at 100mph or better. Las Aguilas chose him in the third round of last year’s Dominican draft; Felix Fermin and the entire organization is happy that Martinez is willing and able to contribute this year.
“I have no doubt in his capability, that boy has the tools to succeed,” said Winston Llenas, president of Las Aguilas Cibaeñas.
He is a native of Puerto Plata, was signed in 2010 by St Louis Cardinals International Director Moises Rodriguez, he just turned 21 last September, and is ranked a Top prospect by Baseball America. He appeared in the 2011 All-Star Futures Game and struck out one during a perfect inning for the World team. In 2012 he played two levels in the minors, the Florida State League, where he compiled 2-2, 3.00 ERA in seven games as a starter, he gave up 11 earned runs 29 hits in 33 innings, walked 10 and struck out 34. He was eventually called up to Double-A Springfield in the Texas League, he ended with 4-3, 2.90 ERA, gave up 22 walks, and struck out 58.
Posted October 31st, 2012 by DPL & filed under Down on the Farm, Featured Post.
The St Louis Cardinals have granted Las Aguilas Cibaeñas permission to use top prospect Carlos Martinez in their pitching rotation, the 21 year old prospect has been clocked up to 101 miles per hour.
Immediately manager Felix Fermin revealed that Martinez will be their fourth starter to begin their campaign. Las Aguilas shuffled Lorenzo Barcelo and Angel Castro, as well as Americans Tim Corcoran and Roy Merritt to establish their starting pitching staff.
Martinez said, “I’ll throw until December here, rest throughout the month of January and I will report to spring training in late February”.
Carlos is happy because playing in the Dominican league will allow him to see quality hitters who played at the next level, and thinks it may be the breakthrough and experience he will need for the upcoming season.
Las Aguilas have admiration for the quality of pitcher Carlos Martinez is; During Las Aguilas training camp this year Martinez showed an explosive FB and flashed many at 100mph or better. Las Aguilas chose him in the third round of last year’s Dominican draft; Felix Fermin and the entire organization is happy that Martinez is willing and able to contribute this year.
“I have no doubt in his capability, that boy has the tools to succeed,” said Winston Llenas, president of Las Aguilas Cibaeñas.
Re: Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball
Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 8:40 pm
Caguas -
The Caguas Criollos presented their pitching staff, predominantly a native flavor, for the sixteenth national professional winter baseball season in Puerto Rico.
Pedro Lopez, who last season was the third base coach, will be debuting as a manager in winter ball.
"I come not to do anything different because what has been done in the last three years has been very good," said Lopez, who replaces Lino Rivera as manager of the Creoles. "Guys are clear. We all know where we are going as a group and that's the most important. "
The Caguas team is almost complete. In the afternoon and evening of Thursday expected to arrive on the island are imported pitchers Daniel Stange, Mark Cohoon and Robert Bryson.
Already on the island is the lanky Anthony Ranaudo, who will be the starting pitcher on November 8 when the Criollos receive a visit of Manatee.
Among the local players are Jorge Padilla, MVP of last season, Carlos Rivera, Andy Gonzalez, Ramon Castro, Luis Montanez and Edgar Clemente, among others.
Caguas will have a second home game on Friday 9 when they face the Ponce Lions. Then they visit Manatee (Saturday 10), will be at home against the Indios de Mayagüez (Sunday 11) and end the first week of tournament play at Carolina (Tuesday 13) and Ponce (Wednesday 14).
Re: Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball
Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 9:03 pm
The crab comes out of cave
The Santurce Crabbers had their first training session yesterday after three years away from the league.
CAGUAS -
The Crabs finally left the cave. And they came from the cave to the visitor clubhouse Yldefonso Sola Morales Stadium. Symbolism??
Carlos Baerga's squad, will play 30 of its 40 regular-season games outside the main cave, yesterday had his first practice since announcing their return to the Winter League of Professional Baseball in Puerto Rico.
And near here, a 10 minute run, on November 10, will have their first home game at the stadium Mariano 'Nini' Meaux of Juncos against the Indians of Mayagüez.
"This (playing at home on the road) we did in Caguas Criollos when I was with them and it was good. We will be fine, "confided Cangrejeros outfielder Luis Matos.
Santurce will play 10 home games in Juncos, where they are sporting rivals of Caguas. Other local Santurce 10 games at home are traditional, the Hiram Bithorn.
Including Matos and infielder Luis Lopez, Crabbers also reporting yesterday to practice were Sola Morales, Luis 'Wicho' Figueroa, Ivan Maldonado, Jose 'Cheo' Morales, Jeffrey Dominguez, Neftali Soto, Sergio Miranda.
"I told the guys that we have to learn fast and we need to get 'ready'" said Baerga on a meeting held in the clubhouse before exiting the field.
Baerga another who has little time to waste. Baerga is new to the league as a leader.
"This is a big challenge. I understand that I have to look for the respect of the players and give them confidence, "said the manager.
The imported pitchers reported to practice also. Most pitchers are imported said pitching coach, Hector Mercado.
"Three to four of the rotation are imported. Two of those are Japanese and the others and I contacted and they are already practicing, "said Mercado who mentioned players like Josh Lowey.
The rest of the players that were present yesterday are young, as pitchers Joseph Colon, Miguel Martinez and Nelvin Fuentes, among others.
"There is desire. Despite the short time we had to prepare, the team is well made, "said Miranda.
More than half of the Crabbers are young players, many of whom did not play in the tournament last year. Last year there were only four teams.
With a mixture of youth and veterans and the new leader of Santurce said yesterday that his mission is to win and develop but the main goal is to win.
Re: Winter/Fall/Latin/Asian/World Ball
Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2012 1:49 pm
Francisco walks off in 10th for Tigres
Braves slugger knocks game-winning single in extra innings to move Licey to 4-6
11/02/12 1:34 AM ET
Dominican Winter League
Licey 3, Cibaenas 2
Braves infielder Juan Francisco hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the 10th to give the Tigres the win. Rangers prospect Leonys Martin got the team on the board in the first inning with a solo homer, and Dodgers shortstop Dee Gordon set the table, going 2-for-5 with a triple and a run scored from the leadoff spot. Rays prospect Omar Luna went 2-for-5 with two doubles and a run scored as Gordon's counterpart for the Aguilas.
Oriente 3, Escogido 2
Twins catcher Drew Butera broke a 2-2 tie with an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh to help the Estrellas improve their league-best record to 9-3. Juan Diaz (Indians) went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI, and Denis Phipps (Reds) drove in the team's other run with a sixth-inning sacrifice fly. Giants farmhand Roger Kieschnick hit a two-run homer for the Leones.
Venezuelan Winter League
Caracas 8, Magallanes 5
Rays prospect Henry Wrigley homered twice and drove in three runs to be the difference in the Leones' victory. The first baseman has six longballs and 14 RBIs in his 18 games with Caracas. Daniel Mayora (Giants) added a home run and three RBIs of his own in the win. Eliezer Alfonzo also went deep twice and brought in three runs for the Navegantes while Carlos Maldonado (Nationals) hit a solo blast.
La Guaira 6, Zulia 2
Phillies prospect Darin Ruf went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored as the Tiburones scored a combined five runs between the seventh and eighth innings to sprint past the Aguilas. Alex Castellanos (Dodgers) and Renny Osuna (Angels) both drove in a pair of runs, the latter coming as a seventh-inning pinch-hitter. Zulia starter Austin Bibens-Dirkx (Rockies) gave up one earned run on three hits and struck out eight over five frames but did not factor in the decision.
Anzoategui 7, Aragua 3
Dodgers farmhand Luis Nunez went 3-for-5 with a double and three RBIs to lead the Caribes. Padres infielder Alexi Amarista and Astros outfielder Jake Goebbert both went 2-for-5 with a run scored as the other two Anzoategui batters with multi-hit days. Alexi Nunez (Rangers)went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI for the Tigres.
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Venezuelan Winter League
•Gregorio Petit (SS): 0-for-4, 1 SO. Petit is now the not-so-proud owner of a .138 batting average and .414 OPS in nine games. That is really all you need to know.
•Carlos Rivero (DH): 2-for-4, 1 R, 1 2B 1 RBI. Rivero is a former member of Cleveland's 40-man roster, but as of right now, he is stuck at the AAA level with the Nationals. He has been putting on great numbers in Venezuelan, though, with a .300 average, .923 OPS, and four home runs in 18 games.
Dominican Winter League
•Juan Diaz (SS): 2-for-3, 1 2B, 1 RBI. Diaz got off to a rough start in the Dominican League, but he was hot last night. Diaz's RBI double drove in his team's first run of the night and it was his first extra base hit in eight games.
•Delvi Cid (PR): 0-for-0, 1 R. Cid scored the game-tying run in the ninth inning from second base, showcasing his speed. Sadly for him, he was pinch-hit for when his turn in the order came up again.
•Tim Fedroff (PH-LF): 1-for-1, 1 BB. Fedroff pinch-hit in the eighth inning and reached base in both of his plate appearances. He only had a .310 on-base percentage coming into the night, so it is good to see him finding ways to get on base.
•Kelvin De La Cruz (RP): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 SO. Another former member of the Cleveland 40-man roster, De La Cruz managed to put together back-to-back scoreless outings to start his winter ball season. If history is our guide, however, it is unlikely that will continue. There's a reason Cleveland moved on from him.
By Jim Piascik
Braves slugger knocks game-winning single in extra innings to move Licey to 4-6
11/02/12 1:34 AM ET
Licey 3, Cibaenas 2
Braves infielder Juan Francisco hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the 10th to give the Tigres the win. Rangers prospect Leonys Martin got the team on the board in the first inning with a solo homer, and Dodgers shortstop Dee Gordon set the table, going 2-for-5 with a triple and a run scored from the leadoff spot. Rays prospect Omar Luna went 2-for-5 with two doubles and a run scored as Gordon's counterpart for the Aguilas.
Oriente 3, Escogido 2
Twins catcher Drew Butera broke a 2-2 tie with an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh to help the Estrellas improve their league-best record to 9-3. Juan Diaz (Indians) went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI, and Denis Phipps (Reds) drove in the team's other run with a sixth-inning sacrifice fly. Giants farmhand Roger Kieschnick hit a two-run homer for the Leones.
Venezuelan Winter League
Caracas 8, Magallanes 5
Rays prospect Henry Wrigley homered twice and drove in three runs to be the difference in the Leones' victory. The first baseman has six longballs and 14 RBIs in his 18 games with Caracas. Daniel Mayora (Giants) added a home run and three RBIs of his own in the win. Eliezer Alfonzo also went deep twice and brought in three runs for the Navegantes while Carlos Maldonado (Nationals) hit a solo blast.
La Guaira 6, Zulia 2
Phillies prospect Darin Ruf went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored as the Tiburones scored a combined five runs between the seventh and eighth innings to sprint past the Aguilas. Alex Castellanos (Dodgers) and Renny Osuna (Angels) both drove in a pair of runs, the latter coming as a seventh-inning pinch-hitter. Zulia starter Austin Bibens-Dirkx (Rockies) gave up one earned run on three hits and struck out eight over five frames but did not factor in the decision.
Anzoategui 7, Aragua 3
Dodgers farmhand Luis Nunez went 3-for-5 with a double and three RBIs to lead the Caribes. Padres infielder Alexi Amarista and Astros outfielder Jake Goebbert both went 2-for-5 with a run scored as the other two Anzoategui batters with multi-hit days. Alexi Nunez (Rangers)went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI for the Tigres.
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Venezuelan Winter League
•Gregorio Petit (SS): 0-for-4, 1 SO. Petit is now the not-so-proud owner of a .138 batting average and .414 OPS in nine games. That is really all you need to know.
•Carlos Rivero (DH): 2-for-4, 1 R, 1 2B 1 RBI. Rivero is a former member of Cleveland's 40-man roster, but as of right now, he is stuck at the AAA level with the Nationals. He has been putting on great numbers in Venezuelan, though, with a .300 average, .923 OPS, and four home runs in 18 games.
Dominican Winter League
•Juan Diaz (SS): 2-for-3, 1 2B, 1 RBI. Diaz got off to a rough start in the Dominican League, but he was hot last night. Diaz's RBI double drove in his team's first run of the night and it was his first extra base hit in eight games.
•Delvi Cid (PR): 0-for-0, 1 R. Cid scored the game-tying run in the ninth inning from second base, showcasing his speed. Sadly for him, he was pinch-hit for when his turn in the order came up again.
•Tim Fedroff (PH-LF): 1-for-1, 1 BB. Fedroff pinch-hit in the eighth inning and reached base in both of his plate appearances. He only had a .310 on-base percentage coming into the night, so it is good to see him finding ways to get on base.
•Kelvin De La Cruz (RP): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 SO. Another former member of the Cleveland 40-man roster, De La Cruz managed to put together back-to-back scoreless outings to start his winter ball season. If history is our guide, however, it is unlikely that will continue. There's a reason Cleveland moved on from him.
By Jim Piascik