Cleveland Sports Forum

Michael Delacruz signs with the Bluejays

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

Michael Delacruz plays in the DPL Santiago circuit and trains with Juan “Kiko” Pena. Delacruz was a late add on to the DPL-POWER SHOWCASE roster. In reality, he was brought from Santiago as a back up catcher and/or bullpen guy. The 5’11, 170lb, 19 year old was given the opportunity behind the dish and he made the most of it. He showed solid receiving and blocking abilities, consistent accuracy when throwing to the bag and solid average to plus arm strength. Michael is a left handed hitter with bat speed and surprising power.

Delacruz showed ability worthy of his opportunity to participate in the tournament. More than just being a participant; he closed the week being selected to the All-Star Game on the final day of tournament, eventually hitting a HR blast to right center field and agreed to terms with the Toronto Bluejays by the end of the game.

Mayky Perez and Marcos Diplan at DPL POWER SHOWCASE tournament

Posted November 21st, 2012 by DPL & filed under DPL News, Featured Post.

The DPL POWER SHOWCASE tournament started on Monday November 12th at the New York Yankees facility in Boca-Chica. The best 140 players from all DPL circuits were called to showcase their abilities in front of more than 150 scouts on hand per day. Players were rotated onto rosters throughout the week and the very best were selected to the Tournament All-Star Game. On Wednesday the 14th the dynamic duo of Mayky Perez and Marcos Diplan went head to head and showed their stuff.


Marcos Diplan-RHP 2013 Elg


Mayky Perez-RHP 2013 Elg

Mayky Perez and Marcos Diplan are both 2013 July 2nd eligible right handed hurlers. The highly touted prospects took the mound in front of top executives evaluating their individual abilities. The duo of Perez and Diplan lit up the radar guns sitting at 89-93mph while showing some quality breaking pitches.

Mayky Perez is physically impressive at 6’5″ 200lb is from San Pedro de Macoris and trained by Adam Ramirez. Mayky has pitched in big venues in the United States starting with the Perfect Game All-American Classic and the Perfect Game Wood Bat World Championship in Jupiter Fl.

Marcos Diplan from Santiago DR is trained by former MLB outfielder Luis Polonia. Diplan stands 6’0″ 165lb and is a hard nose competitor with an effortless delivery, power arm and an average curve that projects to be plus.

There’s 8 months until the July 2nd International signing period begins, there will be a lot more match ups between them. Both are aware of each others abilities and have a competitive nature that has started a fun rivalry to watch

Anyelo Gomez agrees with New York Yankees

Posted November 21st, 2012 by DPL & filed under DPL News, Featured Post.

The New York Yankees signed Anyelo Gomez-RHP by the end of the DPL POWER SHOWCASE Tournament. Anyelo is 19 years old, 6’3″, 175lb from Cotui DR. He’s a short arm’er with some effort in his delivery; his FB sits 89-92 mph with deception and occasionally down hill life with a feel for Curve and Change. Gomez has the arm strength and size that project him to be a serviceable arm in the Yankees system. Congrats to Julio Delacruz, NY Yankees and the Gomez family!

Ery Bernabel agrees with the Cincinnati Reds

Posted November 21st, 2012 by DPL & filed under DPL News, Featured Post.

Ery Bernabel is 6’2″ 170lb, born July 2nd 1994 and is a native of Mao, DR where he developed with trainer B. Familia. Bernabel was first evaluated by the Dominican Prospect League at the DPL Santiago circuit where he surprised the crowd of area scouts in attendance as he ran unexpected 6.43 60 yard dash. He showed a good BP session hitting the ball the other way and showing off his plus raw power. During game time he went 3-4 with a hit and 2 doubles against some solid pitching. DPL scouts immediately recommended him to the Boca-Chica elite circuit for more exposure.

Bernabel was closely evaluated by Cincinnati Reds brass during the DPL POWER SHOWCASE. Ery struggled at the plate during the tournament but that didn’t concern the Reds as they pulled the trigger on the athletic outfielder reaching an agreement for $30,000. The contract is contingent upon pending identity investigation and MLB approval before being official.

Congratulations to B Familia, The Cincinnati Reds and the Bernabel family!

Yeison Medina signs with the St Louis Cardinals

Posted November 21st, 2012 by DPL & filed under DPL News, Featured Post.

Yeison Medina-RHP was selected to the 2011 DPL Elite travel team and is the last of the 2011 Elite group to start his professional career, it couldn’t happen to better kid. He’s a tough competitor and has the heart of a lion, his never quit attitude got him his recent contract. Medina is 6’1″, 205lb and developed in San Pedro de Macoris. The hurler’s velocity sits 89-92mph and has topped out at 93-94mph, he has a feel for CB and CH. The St. Louis Cardinals and Medina reached an agreement for $17,500.

Medina was teammates with a heavily stacked DPL Elite Travel squad in 2011, consisting of Ronald Guzman-OF, Franmil Reyes-OF, Dawel Lugo-SS, Yairo Munoz-SS, Dioscar Romer-RHP, Ronniel Demorizi-SS, Eric Valdez-OF, Jose Morel-RHP, Angel Yente-3B, Roberto Ramirez-RHP and Sandy Garces-LHP.

Congrats to the St Louis Cardinals and Yeison Medina!

Altuve leads Navegantes past Bravos

Astros infielder gets two hits, two RBIs; Perez notches league-best sixth win

11/22/12 3:33 AM ET

Venezuelan Winter League

Magallanes 6, Margarita 3

Astros infielder Jose Altuve went 2-for-3 with two RBIs as the first-place Navegantes avoided a third straight loss. Free agent Juan Rivera also had two hits and drove in two runs, while Sergio Perez recorded his league-leading sixth win for Magallanes. Rene Reyes supplied the Bravos' offense with his sixth-inning double.

Caracas 3, Caribes 2

Sean Gallagher, who spent the season with the Reds' Triple-A affiliate, allowed one hit over five shutout innings in the Leones' fourth straight victory. Mariners outfielder Franklin Gutierrez had two hits, including a solo homer, for Caracas. Gustavo Molina slugged a two-run shot for the Caribes.

Lara 10, La Guaira 3

Robert Perez went 4-for-4 with two RBIs and three runs scored as the Cardenales handed the Tiburones their third straight loss. Twins prospect Jairo Perez chipped in three hits, including his second homer, and three RBIs for Lara. White Sox prospect Brandon Short delivered a two-run double for La Guaira.

Zulia 4, Aragua 2

Former Minor Leaguer Dwayne Pollok allowed two runs on three hits over seven innings, striking out six, to improve to 3-0 as the Aguilas won their fifth straight. Ernesto Mejia (Braves) went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer and two runs scored for Zulia, while Hector Gimenez supplied the Tigres' offense with his fourth homer.

Dominican Winter League

Gigantes 4, Licey 3, 10 innings

Blue Jays outfielder Moises Sierra hit his second RBI single of the night in the 10th inning, sending the Gigantes to their second win in a row. Former Major Leaguer Rhyne Hughes went 2-for-4 and scored a run for Cibao, while Mets prospect Jenrry Mejia gave up an unearned run on three hits over five innings for Licey.

Toros 2, Aguilas 1

Hours after signing a Minor League contract with the Blue Jays, Ricardo Nanita went 4-for-5 with a solo homer and two runs scored as the Toros edged the Aguilas. Former Major Leaguer Raul Valdes pitched four innings and combined with four relievers on a one-hitter for Este. Mets prospect Francisco Peña doubled home the lone run for Cibaeñas.

Escogido at Estrellas, postponed

Mexican Pacific League

Obregon 4, Los Mochis 2

Major League veteran Bobby Cramer struck out seven over six strong innings to improve to 2-0 as the Yaquis extended their winning streak to four games. Said Gutierrez capped a three-run fifth inning with a two-run single for Obregon, while Cañeros starter Luis Niebla (Yankees) allowed one hit over four scoreless frames.

Mazatlan 2, Navojoa 1

Former Angels farmhand Jose Orozco singled in the go-ahead run in the seventh inning as the last-place Venados edged the Indios. Former Southern League All-Star Chris Walker contributed two hits and an RBI for Mazatlan, while Navojoa starter Javier Martinez gave up two runs -- one earned -- on six hits over 6 1/3 innings.

Guasave 10, Mexicali 7

Orioles farmhand Zelous Wheeler went 3-for-5 with four RBIs to lead a 15-hit attack as the Algodoñeros held off the Aguilas. Rangers prospect Jose Felix collected three doubles, drove in two runs and scored twice for Guasave, while free agent Yuniesky Betancourt slugged a pair of solo homers for Mexicali.

Culiacan 6, Hermosillo 5, 14 innings

Ben Guez hit a two-run single in the bottom of the 14th inning as the first-place Tomateros pulled out their third straight win. Maxwell Leon and Marlon Byrd drilled back-to-back homers in the eighth for Culiacan, while Jorge Cantu doubled in the tying run in the ninth and homered in the top of the 14th for the Naranjeros.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Caguas at Carolina, postponed

Ponce at Manati, postponed

Mayaguez at Santurce, postponed

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Dominican Winter League

•Tim Fedroff (Aguilas Cibaenas): DNP. Fedroff did not play last night. In fact, he is done playing winter ball this offseason as he has returned home just in time for Thanksgiving and to get the good news that he was added to the Indians’ 40-man roster (congrats again to him). Like a lot of American players, those that play the first few weeks of the winter ball season have their contracts run up until about Thanksgiving. Enjoy the offseason Tim! You deserve a break after one heck of a year.

•Chad Huffman (RF, Toros del Este): 1-for-4, K. While some players have packed up and gone home for the winter, some are just getting things started. Enter Chad Huffman who made his offseason winter ball debut on Wednesday night. He is a free agent but still technically a part of the Indians until he signs elsewhere, so we until then will keep tabs on him.

•Jairo Asencio (RP, Toros del Este): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. Asencio racked up his 9th save of his winter ball campaign, which is tops in the DWL. The former Indian has bounced around since being let go by the Indians a few months into the season, and is a guy I still shake my head at and wonder why they even bothered with him in the first place when they had so many just as good options within the system.

Venezuela Winter League

•Ezequiel Carrera (LF, Navegantes del Magallenes): 1-for-3, 2 R, RBI, BB. Carrera reached base in two of his four plate appearances and scored two runs, exactly what you want to see him do when hitting at the top of the lineup. He is hitting a solid .296 through 7 games and has also drawn 5 walks and has 3 stolen bases. He’s one of the top candidates to be the Indians opening day fourth outfielder, and may even work into things as a complement to Russ Canzler if they decide on a platoon in left field.

•Gregorio Petit (SS, Leones del Caracas): 0-for-3, BB, 2 K. Forget about Petit…..where is Jesus Aguilar? While Petit continues to play every day even though he is hitting .224, Aguilar has barely played over the last three weeks.

By Tony Lastoria

•Gregorio Petit (SS, Leones del Caracas): 0-for-3, BB, 2 K. Forget about Petit…..where is Jesus Aguilar? While Petit continues to play every day even though he is hitting .224, Aguilar has barely played over the last three weeks.

By Tony Lastoria

[I don't think Tony reads our posts]

Aguilar returns to the Lions

The first baseman's return from the parallel league of the Caracas Leones says he is "free of pressure. "

He played in the morning a parallel league game and on the same day at night in Valencia

Tuesday November 20, 2012 12:00 AM

Valencia. -

Jesus Aguilar was yesterday playing in a parallel league game when he was informed that he would return to the roster of 34 of the Caracas Lions in place of imported Josh Vitters.

As if that were not enough, the starter would be in the lineup as the seventh batter against the Magallanes Navigators in Valencia. "I did not expect to be playing in this Caracas-Magallanes game and had to go home to find clothes," Aguilar said before the fifth clash between the arch rivals so far this season.

Aguilar, the powerful slugger left the parallel league with a 480 average, with two homers, as many doubles and eight RBIs in the developmental league.

Aguilar came to the game last night, with an average of .229, one homer, five doubles and three RBIs in 12 games with the team from the capital. "I was not me. Things were not coming well since the season opener, because I felt a little pressure. I was sent to the parallel league to make the necessary adjustments and now I have more confidence" , reflected Aguilar, who changed his stance at home plate.

"I was anxious and was moving my hands so much. now I have my hands at the shoulders to prevent movement," the prospect of the Cleveland Indians in the U.S. organized baseball said.

Aguilar was removed from the roster of 34 a day before the firing of coach Rick Sweet. So when Aguilar came to the stadium Bernardo Perez yesterday, first thing he did was report to Frank Kremblas.

CARLOS GONZALEZ

ask permission from the Colorado Rockies outfielder, Zulian, traveled to the U.S. to meet with the directors of the Colorado Rockies and discuss his possible participation in Venezuela with the Aguilas del Zulia. The Rockies, for now, are reluctant to let their star play.

Announcement

McGwire comes to work with Hanley RD

22/11/2012 12:00 AM - Julio E. Castro C.

In the coming days, Hanley Ramirez will have a special visit to the Dominican Republic to help him work on his batting. This is the hitting coach for the Dodgers: Mark McGwire. "Mark called me and asked me what I was doing. I explained what I was and we agreed that he would come to work with me. He is expected to hit the country in the first weeks of December, "said Hanley.

Ramirez also reported that along with McGwire also arriving in Dominican soil will be infield instructor for the Dodgers. "The team wants me to work at shortstop. I'll be back full time to my original position for next season, "said the player, who played nine innings in the Instructional League before its debut on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Hanley said he will alternate with Erick Aybar at shortstop once his debut in winter ball starts in the coming days.

Announcement

Hector Luna to be announced for Japanese baseball

22/11/2012 12:00 AM - Satosky Terrero Galarza

Japan finally tempted Hector Luna. The veteran will have his first experience in Japanese baseball after signing a one-year contract with the Chunichi Dragons. "I will test the market to see what happens," said Luna. "It's the first time I play outside the United States, because in my 14 year career I only played once in the summer league here and the other 13 were there (U.S.)."

Luna initialed the agreement on Tuesday night before the game of the Cibao Eagles and Licey at Quisqueya Stadium.

Japanese baseball claws begin to feel a niche where there is much talent as in the Dominican Winter League.

Japanese baseball is in pursuit of DR ralent looking for signatures. Mauro Gomez, the slugger of the Lions, is another who is being wooed by Asian baseball, but still nothing official to that effect. Gomez played last season with the Boston Red Sox.

Luna, captain of the Eagles said that currently he does not plan on returning to the big leagues, where last year he spent some time with the Philadelphia Phillies.

luna did not disclose the amount of the contract with the Dragons, but a source close to the team said that it was cibaeño of $ 450,000 plus incentives.

Last year the Dragons also had some interest in the Dominican baseball player, but his poor start with the Eagles diluted their intent to hire.

Luna is one of the best players currently in the Dominican Winter League. He started the season, his tenth, with career average in 288, 18 homers and 141 RBIs.

Santiago


The Tigers will travel to Santiago today to play the Eagles on Sunday a suspended match. It may not be possible to put together in one game three MVP Manny Ramirez, Miguel Tejada and Vladimir Guerrero.

Cuba Baseball Season Starts November 25th

By Circles Robinson


Metropolitanos, the other team from the Cuban capital, besides Industriale, will no longer be taking part in the Cuban baseball league.

HAVANA TIMES —

The 2012-2013 Cuban baseball season begins on November 25th, announced the country’s baseball federation this week. The first game pits last season’s champs, Ciego de Avila hosting Industriales, the runners-up.

One of the big changes announced was the death of the Metropolitanos team that played out of the capital. Havana will now only be represented by its popular squad Industriales.

The season consists of 87 games divided into two stages. In the first stage, 16 teams will compete in 45 games through February 3, with each team facing its 15 rivals in three games.

After a long break to select and prepare the Cuban national team and then its participation in the 3rd World Baseball Classic in March, the second phase of the season will begin a week after Cuba finishes its play at the Classic.

The schedule has yet to be made public. The announcement did note that just as last season, afternoon games will be played at 1:00 p.m. and night games at 8:15 p.m.

The games will be played in three-game series followed by a travel-rest day.

Meanwhile it was also announced that the Cuban national team would play exhibition games against professional teams of Chinese Taipei, South Korea and Japan between October 20 and November 20.

Next Friday 30 The major league pitcher will debut on that day with the Sharks and release about 45 pitches.

Gomez left a 5-8 mark with the Cleveland Indians (Credit: AFP)

La Guaira Tiburones

The Sharks start to have a new piece in their starting rotation after next week whose mission it will be to lift the drooping arms of the sharks in this campaign.

The major leaguer is Jeanmar Gomez , who will make his debut in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League next Friday 30 vs. Magallanes Navigators as was scheduled days ago.

Gomez will only pitch during the month of December and already is training on his own to enter the roster in the eighth week.

"He (Jeanmar) will pitch between three innings or 45 pitches which will be the limit of his first start.

When we talked he was going to work on his own, to reach 100 percent, "noted the pilot Marco Davalillo. Jeanmar left 5-8 with 5.96 mark this year with the Cleveland Indians.

The Kid will also debut next week. This Thursday Francisco Rodriguez was seen in the University Stadium who came to visit also had a warmup session.

Meanwhile, the Cardinales team learned that Scott Patterson is about to relaunch with the team and his key role next season will be with the Red Sox a closer . This campaign is 0-1 with a 1.84 ERA in 14.2 innings pitched and 16 strikeouts.

I can't remember the last time the Indians had as many players participating in these winter games. This is really good to see.

DPL alumni Adalberto Mondesi named KC’s #7 prospect

Posted November 22nd, 2012 by DPL & filed under Down on the Farm, DPL News, Featured Post.

Adalberto Mondesi is the son of 1994 National League rookie of the year Raul Mondesi and brother of Brewers minor leaguer Raul Jr.

Adalberto signed with the KC Royals for $2 million in 2011. At the start of the 2011 DPL season (September 2010) Mondesi was very frail and petite compared to other players in the signing class, so much so that he didn’t get much playing time until February 2011. He was a slash and dash hitter with good defensive actions, average arm strength and speed. As his body matured his tool grades started to climb and scouts took notice of his development.

At the 2011 DPL All-Star Game in May, Adalberto ran 6.6 60-yard dash, defensively showing soft hands and making tough plays while tossing up plus arm strength. He also showed a mature approach at the plate with ability to handle heavy fastballs and even showed flashes of power; The 15 year old Mondesi became the talk of the town; the July 2nd signing period was less than 2 months away but Mondesi’s eligibility date was July 27th due to his birth date. His stock was rising by the day, as was his physical maturity; Adalberto grew about 3 inches and put on 15lb in the span of 6 months. He eventually reached an agreement with the KC Royals and was off to the minor leagues.

He was the youngest player in the Rookie-level Pioneer League in 2012 and didn’t turn 17 until midseason, yet he more than held his own against players three to five years his senior.
Mondesi should be the youngest player in full-season ball in 2013, when he’ll play in Lexington. If he advances one level a year, he could still get to Kansas City at the age of 21.

B.A. Scouting Report:

A switch-hitter, Mondesi has an advanced approach and present gap power. Some scouts project him to have average home run power as he gets older and matures physically. He already has started to fill out and has gotten quicker since signing, becoming an above-average runner. He’ll need to improve his plate discipline, but time is on his side. At shortstop, Mondesi has excellent instincts, hands so quick that his transfers seem like a blur, and a strong arm. He made 23 errors in 47 games in 2012, the result of his youth and ability to get to balls that other shortstops can’t reach.