Cleveland Sports Forum

Jeanmar Gomez will challenge Magallanes

04:10 pm | The Sharks Jeanmar Gomez will debut this evening at the University Stadium in Caracas.

CARACAS. -

The Magallanes Navigators (22-19) will challenge this Friday the La Guaira Sharks (17-23), at the University Stadium, starting at 7:30 pm. The Ship's starter will be Orangel Arenas (1 - 1, 5.24 ERA) who will make his sixth start of the season. Arenas has 22.1 innings pitched, 33 hits have given, tolerating 14 runs (13 earned), with 15 strikeouts and just two walks. His opponent will be Jeanmar Gomez , who will make his debut in the league. Gomez, belongs to the Cleveland Indians this year and left 6-5 record in 11 games and his ERA was 4.41.

Not a bad debut. Jeanmar is on a strict pitch count for his first couple of starts. I think the number is 45.

Nick Hagadone's line looks ugly this evening. 0 innings, 3 hits, 1 walk, 4 runs all earned as former Indian Brad Snyder lit up Nick for a 3-run blast in a five run explosion, bottom of the 6th, rubbing out an Aguilas 2-0 lead.

Jose Ramirez drew the collar tonight dropping his average down to (.325) and Carlos Santana has a double and a walk in three official trips to the plate. Carlos is batting a respectable (.263).

Braves still waiting for Salcedo to flourish

by David O'Brien

PHOENIX –

When the Braves gave Dominican teen Edward Salcedo a $1.6 million signing bonus in 2010, a franchise record for a foreign amateur, they compared it to getting a No. 1 draft pick. They said he was a special player, that he might be ready to take over at shortstop or third base within a few years.

Thirty-three months later, Salcedo has a .240 career average and .694 on-base-plus-slugging percentage with 32 home runs, 156 RBIs and 124 errors in 339 minor-league games, none above the Class-A level.

“It may take him a little longer,” a Braves official said.

He moved full-time to third base and had a modest season at high-A Lynchburg, hitting .240 with a .295 OBP, though he did have 17 homers and 61 RBIs in 130 games. Salcedo was then sent to the Arizona Fall League to compete against many of baseball’s top prospects, including some who already had brief stints in the major leagues.

It did not go well. He finished with a league-worst .140 average and .454 OPS for the Phoenix Desert Dogs, with one homer — he hit in the last game of the season Thursday — and 22 strikeouts in 86 at-bats. Nevertheless, he said it was beneficial.

“I feel great,” Salcedo said one morning last week in the Phoenix clubhouse. “It’s a good experience. I’ve been working hard with the staff here. We talk about hitting. I’ve been making just a little adjustment.”

“You know he’ll have power,” said Aaron Holbert, manager of both the AFL Desert Dogs and the Braves’ Double-A Mississippi affiliate, where Salcedo will play in 2013. “He hasn’t hit for power here [in Arizona] at all, but you see the raw power in batting practice. I know he had a fairly good year this past season in Lynchburg. It’s just a matter of making sure he gets himself into good hitting position.”

It’s too early to call Salcedo a bust. He’s only 21. His age, skills, attitude and size – a rangy 6 feet 3 and 210 pounds, up 15 pounds in two years — are all positives, and he’s worked hard to become fairly fluent in English.

“Edward continues to make his adjustments and has shown improvement,” said Bruce Manno, Braves assistant general manager and director of player development. “His AFL experience was exactly that, a chance to face good competition and keep playing. We knew going in he would be one if the younger players in the program, but it was the experience for him that we wanted to take advantage of. He will be better in 2013 for it.”

Holbert said Salcedo has been receptive and eager to learn in the fall league, despite his struggles.

“There’s a couple of things that our hitting coaches here, Darnell Coles as well as Steve Livesey, have worked with him on,” Holbert said. “We had our [Braves minor league] hitting coordinator Don Long come into town, just to tinker with a few things that are causing him to swing and miss. Try to get him in a better hitting position, a better base and pre-pitch setup.

“Defensively, he’s done well. He’s had a few errors, but some not on his own accord. He’s made a great play, showed some great range to get to a ball, then kind of flips the ball over there, has some movement, short-hops the first baseman, those type of things. But I don’t think we can ask for much more that what he’s done defensively. That’s definitely a great sign.”

Before fading in the second half of the season at Lynchburg, Salcedo showed glimpses of what made him a hot commodity six years ago in the Dominican Republic. Back then he was courted by several major league teams before he agreed to sign with Cleveland for more than $2 million.

That deal fell apart when it was discovered that he wasn’t 16, the minimum age to sign foreign players. It took another two years to get all his visa issues and paperwork squared away, and the Braves paid Major League Baseball to investigate and verify Salcedo’s age before they signed him.

He struggled mightily in 2010 with the language barrier and improved competition in his first time in the United States, hitting .197 with two homers and a .534 OPS in 54 games after a midseason debut at low-A Rome. Salcedo returned to Rome in 2011 and hit .248 with 12 homers and a .711 in 132 games.

“It was my first year; it was tough,” he said. “I came from the Dominican Republic, my first time playing here, and the language … it’s different. Really different. I remember the first time I came, I couldn’t understand anything. Then I said, I have to learn. Because I’m going to be here for a long time.”

At that time, Salcedo would never have imagined he’d have a harder time on the baseball field than learning English.
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Twins' Rosario homers twice in Indios' loss

First-place Criollos use 10-run seventh inning to rally past Mayaguez

12/01/12 1:44 AM ET

Puerto Rican Winter League

Caguas 15, Mayaguez 7

Twins' No. 5 prospect Eddie Rosario homered twice and drove in four runs, but the Indios squandered a four-run lead against the first-place Criollos. Royals farmhand Rey Navarro went 4-for-6 and scored three times to lead a 20-hit attack for Caguas, which got three hits and a pair of RBIs from Major League veteran Ramon Castro. Dodgers newcomer Angel Sanchez contributed three hits and an RBI and scored a run for Mayaguez.

Manati 1, Santurce 0

Yankees prospect Josh Romanski pitched a three-hitter and struck out seven en route to the first complete game of the season as the Atenienses blanked the Cangrejeros. Red Sox infielder Ivan De Jesus scored the lone run for Manati, while Fehlandt Lentini tripled and walked for Santurce.

Carolina 2, Ponce 1, 10 innings

Astros Minor Leaguer Enrique Hernandez capped a three-hit night with an RBI double in the top of the 10th inning for the Gigantes. Former All-Star Scott Kazmir struck out seven and allowed a run on six hits over six innings for Carolina, while Robinson Cancel went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and a run scored in a losing effort.

Dominican Winter League

Gigantes 6, Escogido 0

Former Major Leaguer Fabio Castro struck out five over 4 2/3 innings and combined with four relievers on a four-hitter in the Gigantes' second straight win. Brewers infielder Jean Segura went 3-for-3 with a run scored and Rangers prospect Leury Garcia contributed two hits and a run scored for Cibao. Yankees prospect Abraham Almonte accounted for half of the Leones' hits.

Estrellas 6, Aguilas 2

Cubs' No. 9 prospect Junior Lake homered, drove in two runs and scored twice as the Estrellas snapped a three-game losing streak. Brad Snyder, who spent the season with the Astros' Triple-A affiliate, slugged a three-run blast for Oriente, while former Marlins farmhand Juan Carlos Perez went 2-for-3 with a run scored for the Aguilas, who had a five-game winning streak stopped.

Licey 7, Toros 6, 13 innings

Dodgers infielder Hanley Ramirez capped a four-RBI night with a walk-off single in the 13th inning as the last-place Tigres outlasted the Toros. Engel Beltre went 3-for-6 and scored twice, while fellow Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin had two hits and an RBI for Licey. Indians prospect Jose Ramirez singled in a run in the 12th for Este, which got two hits and two runs scored from Ozzie Chavez.

Venzuelan Winter League

La Guaira 6, Magallanes 1

Former A's farmhand Javier Herrera homered and drove in four runs, helping the Tiburones hand the Navegantes their fourth straight loss. Royals catcher Salvador Perez delivered a two-run double for La Guaira, while Rays prospect Leslie Anderson drove in Magallanes' lone run.

Caracas 2, Zulia 1

Rockies right-hander Jhoulys Chacin struck out nine over seven innings, yielding a run on four hits, as the Leones edged the Aguilas. Astros infielder Marwin Gonzalez singled home the go-ahead run in the eighth for Caracas, while D-backs outfielder Gerardo Parra had an RBI single for Zulia.

Lara 5, Caribes 3

Former Mariners Minor Leaguer Johan Limonta had three hits, including a two-run double in the eighth inning as the Cardenales ended the Caribes' six-game winning streak. Paulo Orlando also had two RBIs and Royals infielder Alcides Escobar had two hits and scored twice for Lara. Cubs farmhand Johermyn Chavez drilled a two-run homer for Anzoategui.

Aragua at Margarita, postponed

Mexican Pacific League

Los Mochis 3, Mexicali 1

Edwin Salas took a no-hitter into the seventh inning and struck out eight as the Cañeros won for just the second time in six second-half games. The 21-year-old right-hander was charged with a run on one hit over seven-plus frames, while Mets prospect Juan Carlos Gamboa homered for Los Mochis. Former Major Leaguer Oscar Robles doubled in the Aguilas' only run.

Culiacan 3, Mazatlan 2

Pirates prospect Ali Solis delivered a two-out two-run single in the bottom of the eighth inning as the Tomateros rallied past the Venados. Ramiro Peña started Culiacan's comeback with a solo homer in the seventh. Cubs farmhand Jay Jackson pitched six shutout innings for Mazatlan, which got two hits and a run scored from former Minor Leaguer Chris Walker.

Obregon 15, Hermosillo 14

Carlos Valencia homered twice and drove in four runs to lead a 19-hit attack as the Yaquis held on for their sixth win in seven games. Agustin Murillo had three hits, scored four times and contributed two RBIs, while Barbaro Canizares was 3-for-5 with three RBIs and two runs scored for Obregon. Former Major Leaguer Karim Garcia went yard and drove in four runs for the Naranjeros, while Jose Amador collected three hits, including a two-run homer, and scored three times.

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Venezuelan Winter League

•Ezequiel Carrera (RF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 1-for-4, 1 R, 1 K. Carrera continues to hit at an impressive rate in winter ball. So far, the left-handed hitter has gone 18-for-62 in 15 games.

•Jeanmar Gomez (SP, Tiburones de La Guaira): 2.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K. Gomez had a pretty decent debut in the VWL. While he was unable to get through three complete innings, he still managed to strikeout two, and he did not allow a run in the outing. [45 max. pitch count]

Dominican Winter League

•Carlos Santana (DH, Leones del Escogido): 1-for-3, 1 2B, 1 BB. Santana continues to progress in only his fifth game in winter ball. Santana now owns a .263 average, and the switch-hitter seems to get better with every appearance. His double on Friday was his third of the winter season.

•Juan Diaz (SS, Estrellas de Oriente): 1-for-3, 1 K. In 31 games, Diaz now owns a .267 average. If he gets credit for nothing else, one has to acknowledge Diaz as being the iron man for the Indians this offseason as the shortstop has appeared in 31 games.

•Jose Ramirez (2B, Toros del Este): 1-for-6, 1 RBI, 1 K. As usual, Ramirez was able to at least connect for one base hit. The switch-hitter has now gone 28-for-85 this season in winter ball.
•Mike McDade (1B, Toros del Este): 2-for-5, 1 2B. McDade was acquired Friday from the Toronto Blue Jays, and it did not take long for him to leave an impression. McDade’s double on Friday was his fourth of the winter season.

Puerto Rican Winter League

•Roberto Perez (C, Indios de Mayaguez): 3-for-4, 1 RBI, 1 BB. Perez’s performance on Friday was definitely his best of the winter season. Overall, he right-handed hitter has now gone 9-for-30 in nine games.

Australia

Andrew Campbell (CF, Brisbane Bandits): 1-3 with a strikeout in game 1 of 2. Campbell is hitting .308 splitting time between leadoff and hitting 7th in the lineup. In game one Campbell was the leadoff hitter. In game 2 of 2, Campbell was 1-4, hitting 7th and not batting .300 on the season.

Ryan Battaglia (C Brisbane Bandits): 2-4 with a double and a run scored. Battaglia is batting .250 on his winter ball season.

Sappelt nearly hits for cycle in Bravos' win

Cubs outfielder drives in four, helps overcome Herrera's three homers

12/02/12 1:08 AM ET

Venezuelan Winter League

Margarita 11, La Guaira 9

Cubs outfielder Dave Sappelt went 3-for-4 with four RBIs and two runs scored, falling a triple shy of the cycle, as the Bravos held off the Tiburones. Former Nationals farmhand Frank Diaz, who leads the league with a .362 average, was 4-for-5 and drove in two runs for Margarita, while Jackson Melian contributed three RBIs. Former A's prospect Javier Herrera slugged three homers and drove in six runs on a four-hit night for La Guaira.

Magallanes 14, Lara 5

Free agent Endy Chavez went 4-for-4 with a homer, two doubles, three RBIs and three runs scored as the Navegantes snapped a four-game losing streak. Astros infielder Jose Altuve and Eliezer Alfonzo also drove in three runs apiece for Magallanes, while Marlins prospect Jesus Solorzano was 2-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored off the Cardenales' bench.

Caracas 1, Zulia 0

Cubs farmhand Yoanner Negrin scattered five hits over five innings for his third victory as the first-place Leones blanked the Aguilas to extend their winning streak to three games. Rays prospect Henry Wrigley grabbed a share of the league lead with his 10th homer for Caracas, while Twins outfielder Darin Mastroianni doubled and walked twice for Zulia.

Aragua 6, Caribes 2, 12 innings

Twins' No. 6 prospect Oswaldo Arcia hit a grand slam in the bottom of the 12th inning as the Tigres outlasted the Caribes. Guillermo Rodriguez and Yangervis Solarte (Rangers) both had two hits and an RBI for Aragua, while former Major Leaguer Jose Castillo singled twice and drove in two runs for Anzoategui.

Dominican Winter League

Estrellas 5, Licey 1

Cubs' No. 9 prospect Junior Lake hit a three-run homer and scored twice in the first-place Estrellas' second win in a row. Felix Pie (Pirates) also went yard for Oriente, which got 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief from Victor Moreno. Cubs prospect Arismendy Alcantara slugged a solo shot in a losing effort.

Aguilas 3, Escogido 2

Dodgers infielder Elian Herrera hit a walk-off single in the ninth inning, sending the Aguilas past the Leones. Efren Navarro (Angels) drove in the other two runs for Cibaeñas, which got 3 1/3 innings of one-hit relief from former Minor Leaguer Angel Castro. Tigers infielder Ramon Santiago had two hits and scored a run for Escogido.

Gigantes 7, Toros 4

Robinzon Diaz doubled twice, scored the go-ahead run in the seventh inning and added an RBI in the Gigantes' third straight victory. Cardinals prospect Ronny Gil went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored for Cibao, while Wilkin Ramirez (Twins) had three hits and scored once for the Toros.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Mayaguez 9, Carolina 2

Reds prospect Juan Silva homered and drove in five runs off the bench, powering the Indios past the Gigantes. One night after homering twice, Twins' No. 5 prospect Eddie Rosario went 3-for-5 with an RBI for Mayaguez, while Jorge Fernandez (Twins) helped Carolina avoid a shutout with a two-out two-run single in the ninth inning.

Santurce 2, Caguas 1

Former Major Leaguer J.D. Durbin allowed a run on two hits over seven innings as the Cangrejeros avoided a third straight loss. Reds' No. 9 prospect Neftali Soto and Orlando Mercado slugged solo homers for Santurce, while Giants prospect Johnny Monell went yard for the first-place Criollos.

Manati 3, Ponce 2

Red Sox infielder Ivan De Jesus went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer and fell a triple shy of the cycle as the Atenienses handed the last-place Leones their fourth straight setback. Shinya Kayama yielded five hits over 6 1/3 shutout innings for Manati, while Pirates prospect Benji Gonzalez supplied Ponce's offense with a two-run single in the ninth.

Mexican Pacific League

Mexicali 4, Los Mochis 2

Former Royals farmhand Edgar Osuna allowed one earned run on five hits over five innings as the Aguilas doubled up the Cañeros. A's newcomer Luke Montz sparked Mexicali's four-run fourth with a leadoff homer and Yuniesky Betancourt added an RBI single. Cardinals prospect Jermaine Curtis singled, walked twice and scored a run for Los Mochis.

Culiacan 8, Mazatlan 2

Major League veteran Rodrigo Lopez gave up a run on two hits over six innings as the first-half champion Tomateros won for the 10th time in 12 games. Cory Aldridge, who spent the season with the Angels' Triple-A affiliate, went 2-for-2 with a solo homer, two walks and three runs scored for Culiacan. Jose Orozco homered for the Venados.

Hermosillo 10, Obregon 9

Jorge Cantu homered and drove in five runs, helping the Naranjeros rally past the Yaquis. Jose Aguilar put Hermosillo ahead for good with a three-run homer in the eighth inning, while league RBI leader Barbaro Canizares smacked a two-run blast and scored twice for Obregon.

Navojoa 5, Guasave 1

Former Indians farmhand Jose Chavez capped a four-run eighth inning with a three-run double as the Mayos handed the Algodoñeros their fourth straight loss. Kraig Binick chipped in two hits and two RBIs for Navojoa, which got 5 2/3 strong innings from Orlando Lara (Padres). Twins prospect Chris Colabello drove in Guasave's only run with a sacrifice fly in the sixth.

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Dominican Winter League

•Juan Diaz (SS, Estrellas de Oriente): 0-for-4: Senior Diaz is 1-for-13 over his last four games, after going 6-for-9 in the two games prior to that. Diaz always gives you the sense that he’s not ever far away from being better than he is, but never seems to be able to get over the hump.

•Mike McDade (1B, Toros del Este): 0-for-3, 1 K: McDade didn't fare as well in his second official game as a member of the Cleveland Indians organization, but he does provide the Indians another potential first base option. Is he better than the other similar talent at the spot? That remains to be seen.

•Chad Huffman (RF, Toros del Este): 0-for-3, 2 K: Huffman played in his first game since November 25th, and it was his first game without a hit in his five games in the winter leagues. He’s hitting .278 overall.

•Carlos Santana (DH, Leones del Escogido): 0-for-2, 1 K: Santana had an oh-fer in his sixth game, but it broke a three game stretch in which he’d gone 4-for-11, with three runs and two doubles.

Puerto Rican Winter League

•Rob Bryson (RP, Criollos de Caguas): 1 1/3 IP, 1 K: As much as I rip on Bryson for his lack of strikes, and his lack of overall consistency and explosiveness, he continues to be lights out in the winter league. He’s now pitching in eight straight shutout appearances, going a total of 9 2/3 innings without giving up a run of any kind. He’s also struck out 12, and he hasn’t walked a batter since November 17th. Might he be on to something? Since that game, he’s struck out six, without a walk.

•Roberto Perez (C, Indios de Mayaguez): 2-for-5, 1 R, 1 K: Perez has been en fuego over his past three games, going 6-for-12, with a run and an RBI. No, I don’t believe that Perez is going to turn into Ivan Rodriguez, but I do think there’s more than meets the eye than just a defensive wizard. I think he can provide clutch hitting, with outstanding defense, and to top that all off, he is a guy that can captain a team. He’s got major leagues written all over him…or perhaps he’s a manager waiting to happen.

Venezuelan Winter League

•Hector Rondon (RP, Leones del Caracas): H:8, 1 IP, 1 BB: So, ATF is just taking a walk in Hector Rondon’s world right now. He currently has 14 straight scoreless appearances, and has been downright nasty at times during the stretch. His walk on Saturday night was his first in nine appearances dating back to November 4th. Perhaps Rondon can find a niche after his injury woes as a solid relief option. Anything, at this point, for the former top prospect would be icing.

Australian Baseball League

•Andrew Campbell (CF, Brisbane Bandits): Game 1: 1-for-3, 1 K: Game 2: 1-for-4: Campbell is lighting it up in the Australian League (whatever that means), hitting .300, with two runs, a double and a homer in nine games so far. Campbell made it as far as Mahoning Valley in 2012, hitting .167 in 21 games, after hitting .182 in 12 games in the Arizona League.

•Ryan Battaglia (C, Brisbane Bandits): Game 2: 2-for-4, 1 R, 1 2B: Battaglia had his first multi-hit game down undah, and now has a modest two-game hit streak in his four games in his home country. Battaglia hit .214 in the Arizona League in 2012, after getting six games of NYP experience in 2011.

Asdrubal Cabrera will debut next week

12/01/2012 5:21:32 PM | The major leaguer of the Cleveland Indians, Asdrubal Cabrera, trained today with the Lions and said he will wait to debut late next week

CARACAS. -

Los Leones del Caracas on Saturday received the good news that their star Asdrubal Cabrera major leaguer intends to debut with the Leones del Caracas next week. "I think by the end of next week I can play. I'm here to help the team, regardless of what happens in the U.S., "said the major leaguer of the Cleveland Indians, who trained at the Universtity stadium in Caracas today with. "Getting to the computer and seing that the Lions are in first place is a great start for me . There is a big difference with the team between last year and this year. I want to be more consistent in my game " Cabrera announced to the press department of the Caracas Lions (@ leones_cbbc).

Team Babes Of the Month (T-BOM) For November:
DANIELLE
GTECTSY
MARIAN
YURAIMA
MARITZABEL
YARKI
DEBORATH
JESSY
BARBARA
GABRIELLE
BARBARA
JOCELYN
LIXUANI

Korea, Japan lack star players ahead of WBC

Korean major leaguer Choo Shin-soo, left, and Japan’s Yu Darvish will not play for their countries at the World Baseball Classic in March.

Korea Times file

By Kang Seung-woo

With the third edition of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) three months away, Korea and Japan, finalists in the 2009 contest, are struggling to field star-studded squads due to injuries and withdrawals.

Choo Shin-soo, the nation’s lone Major League Baseball (MLB) player, and left-handed ace Ryu Hyun-jin, currently in contract negotiations with the Los Angeles Dodgers, are likely to opt out of the baseball’s only worldwide international competition to feature players from the North American big leagues. For Team Samurai, their MLB stars including the New York Yankees’ Ichiro Suzuki and Texas Rangers fireballer Yu Darvish will also skip the tournament.

The 30-year-old Choo said on Nov. 14 that he is not sure if he will participate.

“I can’t say at this point whether or not I will be able to play in the WBC,” he told reporters on his departure for the United States.

The Cleveland Indians outfielder played in 2009 and helped Korea reach the final, blasting a three-run homer against Venezuela in the semifinals and also had a solo shot in the final.

His uncertain status for the WBC has been echoed by his agent. Scott Boras said in a recent interview that his client, who will become a free agent after the 2013 season, will miss the tournament to focus on his contract year.

Ryu, whose negotiation rights were purchased by the Dodgers for $25.7 million earlier this month, will not be available for the WBC, according to his agent, also Boras.

If the 25-year-old joins the six-time World Series champions, he will likely want to be with his new club for spring training to adjust to the majors.

The latest blow to Team Korea, which reached the penultimate round of the maiden competition in 2006, is the loss of veteran left-handed pitcher Bong Jung-keun of the LG Twins.

Last week, Bong, 32, a former Atlanta Brave and Cincinnati Red, said that he will undergo up to four months of rehab on his left shoulder. In 2004, he had surgery to insert two pins in his pitching shoulder and a recent checkup showed the pins had dislocated.

The hurler, who pitched for Korea in both 2006 and 2009, went 2-0 in four outings including three starts with a 0.51 ERA.

“We were counting on Bong to play an important role at the upcoming WBC,” said Yang Sang-moon, the national team’s bench coach. “Now, we’re faced with some problems as far as operating our bullpen.”

To make the situation worse, the SK Wyverns’ Kim Kwang-hyun, another lefty on the team’s 28-player provisional roster, is expected to sit out the WBC, also due to a shoulder issue.

Korea’s manager, Ryu Joong-il, said that he plans to include all the players from the provisional list announced on Nov. 12 but will not force those who cannot be available due to injury to represent the nation in the competition, scheduled for March 2 to 19. The deadline for the final roster is Nov. 30.

Japan’s three-peat hopes are suffering, as several members of its championship team have declined their WBC invitations.

Darvish, who was 16-9 with a 3.90 ERA and 221 strikeouts in 191 1/3 innings in his debut season, was the first Japanese big-league player to pass on the WBC, followed by Seattle Mariners right-hander Hishashi Iwakuma, who recorded nine victories and five losses and posted a 3.16 ERA this past season, and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Norichika Aoki, who finished fifth in the National League Rookie of the Year balloting.

Suzuki and Yankees’ teammate Hiroki Kuroda are the latest Japanese players in the majors to opt out of the tournament.

“I appreciate being asked to play for Japan again at the WBC,” Suzuki said. “But after the second tournament in 2009, I never considered playing in the third event. My feelings have not changed to this day, and it’s where things stand.”

In the 2009 final, Suzuki drove in the winning run with a liner up the middle in the 10th inning in a 5-3 win over Korea.

High-profile players from Japan’s domestic league will miss the competition too.

The Seibu Lions’ Takeya Nakamura, who led the Pacific League with 27 homers has gone down with a knee injury while Hanshin Tigers closer Kyuji Fujikawa and Lions shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima, both pursuing MLB careers, will likely choose spring training to adjust to their new surroundings.

The U.S. team will be without star shortstop Derek Jeter, who fractured his ankle in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series last month.

Korea will begin its campaign in Group B with the Netherlands, Australia and Taiwan at the Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium in Taiwan on March 2, while Japan is grouped with China, Cuba and Spain.

Sunday, December 02, 2012

Japan blank Korea to top table at 26th BFA Asian Baseball Championship

By Jason Pan, in Chinese Taipei

In the battle for first place, Japan's tough pitching proved the difference as they blanked the Koreans on a two-hit shutout for the 4-0 triumph.

The big win against their arch-rival enabled Team Japan to top the table for first place through Day 4 at the 26th BFA Asian Baseball Championship, which is being held at the Taichung Inter-Continental Stadium in Chinese Taipei this week.

In this showdown for first place, Japan scored one run each in the 2nd, 3rd, 8th, and 9th innings on a total of 10 hits and 4 walks.

The Koreans could not get anything against the three Samurai Warrior pitchers, with RHP Kentaro Yoshinaga, RHP Ryo Akiyoshi, LHP Junichi Katayama combining to shut down the opponent on two hits and 11 strikeouts.

With this latest victory, Team Japan is a perfect 4-0 in four games, while Korea sits in second place with a record of 3-1.

The dominant Japanese pitching only gave up one lone run through their four contests, in edging the host Chinese Taipei 2-1 in opening day action.

Thereafter, the Samurai Warriors went on to defeat Pakistan 13-0, and 1-0 over the Philippines, then the latest 4-0 triumph over Team Korea.

Japan will face China for their final game this weekend. If they win against China, then for their perfect 5-0 record, the reigning champions Japan will retain their BFA Asian championship crown for the fifth time in a row.

Third place is Chinese Taipei, with two wins and one loss (12-1 over Philippines, 15-0 over Pakistan, and one defeat to Japan 2-1).

Chinese Taipei's scheduled encounter against China on Day 3 was rained out, with the game postponed to Monday.

China is also in third place possessing a 2-1 record, followed by Pakistan and Philippines as both teams have four losses and no win in the tournament thus far.

Sunday, December 02, 2012

The 2013 World Baseball Classic is ready to go

During a meeting in Nashville were disclosed the 4 pools, on Monday the schedule

The World Baseball Classic Inc disclosed during a meeting in Nashville (Tennessee-USA) the composition of the 4 pools of the tournament, that will be played according to the round robin format; the 4th team in order comes from the qualifiers:

POOL A

(Fukuoka, Japan March 2 through 6)

Japan, China, Cuba and Brasil

POOL B

(Taichung, Chinese Taipei March 2 through 5)

Australia, Korea, Kingdom of the Netherlands and Chinese Taipei

POOL C

(San Juan, Puertorico March 7 through 10)

Venezuela, Puertorico, Dominican Republic and Spain

POOL D

(Phoenix, Arizona-USA March 7 through 10)

Italy, Mexico, United States and Canada

The WBC Inc will disclose a full schedule on Monday, December 3.

In the second round, that will be played according to a double elimination format, the 2 team qualified from pool A and B will compete in Tokyo (Japan) March 8 through 12, The 2 team qualified from pool C and D will compete in Miami (Florida-USA) March 12 through 16.

The top 2 teams of each pool will play in single elimination semifinals that will qualify to the Championship Game. The final round will be played (March 17 through 19) in San Francisco (California-USA).

The World Baseball Classic is an IBAF sanctioned event and will award the winners as the baseball World Champions.

Each game will have 2 players per team go through anti doping tests, according to WADA protocol.

"This is still a young event" said WBC Inc President Paul Archey "We are having the third edition and we still work to make sure there will be a fourth. But we believe that the World Baseball Classic is a key to the development of the game internationally".

Ian Penny of the Major League Baseball Players Association added: "I can guarantee that players see this tournament as a great opportunity".

WBC Inc vice president James Pearce led the meeting and went through the main rules, including pitch limitations on pitcher (65 in the first round, 80 in the second round, 95 in the championship round).
Teams are due to give their provisional 28 men roster within January 16 2013.

Joe the attention whore knows that this folder blows so he has to do something to draw attention to himself and these worthless games.

WoW!!!

Manny continues resurgence in Aguilas' romp

Emerging from slump, 12-time All-Star collects three hits, RBI, scores twice

12/02/12 10:53 PM ET

Dominican Winter League

Aguilas 14, Licey 1

Manny Ramirez went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored as the Aguilas used a seven-run first inning to cruise past Licey. Dodgers prospect Rafael Ynoa also collected three hits and drove in four runs, while Efren Navarro (Angels) contributed three RBIs for Cibaeñas. Angels infielder Erick Aybar had two hits and scored the Tigers' only run.

Escogido 9, Toros 4

Free agent Conor Jackson smacked a three-run homer and singled in his winter ball debut, helping the Leones snap a three-game losing streak. Pirates outfielder Starling Marte tripled in a run and scored twice for Escogido, while Mets prospect Cesar Puello doubled, walked and scored twice in a losing effort.

Estrellas 5, Gigantes 4

D-backs prospect Alfredo Marte homered leading off the ninth inning as the Estrellas pulled out their third straight victory. Cubs prospect Nelson Perez drilled a three-run blast and walked twice for Oriente, while Moises Sierra (Blue Jays) hit a three-run shot for the Gigantes.

Venezuelan Winter League

Magallanes 3, Aragua 0

Sergio Perez, who spent the season with the Astros' Triple-A affiliate, struck out six over five innings for his league-leading seventh win as the Navegantes blanked the Tigres. Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli hit a two-run triple and scored for Magallanes, while Luis Hernandez (Indians) and Joey Gathright had two hits apiece for Aragua.

La Guaira 8, Caribes 2

Royals catcher Salvador Perez went 3-for-5 with a homer, three RBIs and two runs scored to lead the Tiburones past the Caribes. Renny Osuna, who spent the season with the Angels' Double-A affiliate, also had three hits and scored twice for La Guaira, while Gustavo Molina delivered an RBI double and scored Anzoategui's other run.

Caracas 5, Zulia 4

Mariners outfielder Franklin Gutierrez went 3-for-4 and scored twice as the first-place Leones held on for their fourth consecutive victory. Pirates prospect Ramon Cabrera homered and drove in two runs for Caracas, while the Aguilas got a two-run homer in the ninth inning from Braves prospect Evan Gattis.

Lara 6, Margarita 3

Former Major Leaguer Chris Jakubauskas allowed two runs on seven hits over seven-plus innings to win his third straight decision for the Cardenales. Royals farmhand Paulo Orlando went 4-for-5 and scored twice for Lara, while Jose Lopez and Luis Jimenez drove in two runs apiece. Javier Brito homered and plated all three runs for Margarita.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Caguas 6, Mayaguez 5

Giants prospect Johnny Monell homered for second straight game, then delivered a walk-off single in the ninth for the first-place Criollos. Former Major Leaguer Ramon Castro went 3-for-4 with an RBI for Caguas, while Twins prospect Daniel Ortiz picked up two hits and drove in two runs for the Indios.

Carolina 3, Ponce 1

Astros prospect Enrique Hernandez went 3-for-4 with an RBI to raise his average to .328 and lead the Gigantes past the last-place Leones. Willie Collazo (Blue Jays) got the win, yielding a run on six hits over 6 1/3 innings, while Astros top Draft pick Carlos Correa contributed two hits and scored a run for Carolina. Padres prospect Reymond Fuentes drove in the lone run for Ponce, which has lost five straight.

Santurce 5, Manati 4

Former Minor Leaguer Geraldo Valentin went 3-for-4 and scored twice in the Cangrejeros' second straight win. Luis Figueroa and Luis Rivera drove in two runs apiece for Santurce, while Manati got solo homers from Brahiam Maldonado and Edwin Maysonet.

Mexican Pacific League

Guasave 3, Navojoa 2, 1st game

James Avery, who spent the season with the Tigers' Double-A affiliate, allowed a run on four hits over five innings to improve to 3-0 in the first game of a doubleheader. Orioles farmhand Zelous Wheeler went 2-for-3 and scored a run for the Algodoñeros, while Rolando Acosta homered and singled for Navojoa.

Guasave 2, Navojoa 1, 2nd game

Former Padres Minor Leaguer R.J. Rodriguez pitched a three-hitter for his league-leading second complete game as the Algodoñeros completed a doubleheader sweep. Japhet Amador supplied Guasave's offense with his eighth homer, while Navojoa's Rolando Acosta went yard for the second game in a row.

Mexicali 5, Los Mochis 2

A's newcomer Luke Montz hit a three-run homer, his third in four games, to power the Aguilas past the Cañeros. Yuniesky Betancourt and Jorge Guzman also went yard for Mexicali, while Jesus Arrendondo had two hits and drove in both runs for Los Mochis.

Culiacan 5, Mazatlan 1

Former Major Leaguer Amauri Sanit allowed one hit and struck out seven over seven innings for his league-leading seventh win as the Tomateros cruised past the Venados. Cory Aldridge, who spent most of the season with the Angels' Triple-A affiliate, went 3-for-4 with an RBI for Culiacan, which has won three in a row. Ivan Terrazas had two hits and drove in Mazatlan's lone run.

Obregon 4, Hermosillo 3, 11 innings

Former Braves farmhand Daniel Castro singled home the go-ahead run in the 11th inning as the Yaquis outlasted the Naranjeros. Yankees prospect Jose Figueroa collected three hits and scored a run, while Major League veteran Willy Taveras went 3-for-5 with two doubles, an RBI and a run scored for Obregon. Hermosillo's Jorge Cantu homered for the third straight game.

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Dominican Winter League

•Delvi Cid (PH-LF, Aguilas Cibaenas): 0-for-1, 1 K: Cid has been utilized primarily as a pinch hitter in his four-game winter league stint, but he hasn’t appeared in a game since November 7th. He’s back, and will be beginning a quest to turn his speed into relevance for the Indians going forward. He doesn’t have a major league skill set, but speed could change all.
•Manny Ramirez (DH, Aguilas Cibaenas): 3-for-4, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 BB: It’s hard not to pay attention to Manny Ramirez when he’s hitting this well in a ballgame. It hasn’t been all roses for the former offensive freak, as he was 6-for-37 in his previous nine games.

•Jose Ramirez (2B, Toros del Este): 1-for-3, 1 R: Ramirez just hits the baseball, and he hasn’t stopped this winter. Ramirez is hitting .330 so far, and has hits in seven of his last nine ballgames. There are bigger names in the system who are more athletic than this kid, but there’s a small part of me that’s starter to wonder if we aren’t focusing our energy in the wrong direction. This kid can play…and he hasn’t stopped since he turned pro.

•Mike McDade (1B, Toros del Este): 0-for-2: Well, McDade is hitless in his past two games, so perhaps he’s starting to realize which team signed him.

•Chad Huffman (PH, 1B, Toros del Este): 1-for-2, 1 RBI, 1 K: Huffman took over for the new member of the Tribe organization, and did him one better. Huffman is hitting .300, and has hits in five of his six winter league ballgames.

Venezuelan Winter League

•Paolo Espino (SP, Caribes de Anzoategui): L (0-1), 2 IP, 6 H, 3 R/ER, 1 K, 1 HR: This certainly wasn’t the start that Espino had in mind when he took to the hill on Sunday. After a dominating first start last week, he was less than stellar in taking the loss.

Australian Baseball League

•Ryan Battaglia (DH, Brisbane Bandits): 1-for-5, 1 K: Battaglia continues to struggle down under, as he’s only hitting .235. Still, it was good enough for the catcher to make it into the ABL All Star game on December 16th.

•Andrew Campbell (LF, Brisbane Bandits): 1-for-3, 1 BB: Campbell now has a four-game hit streak, and has hits in seven of eight ballgames. He’s hitting .303 on the young season, which is third on the team, but not good enough for the all-star game.