Cleveland Sports Forum

Gutierrez's winter could boost Mariners' outfield plan

Center fielder heating up in Venezuela after injuries limited him to 40 games in 2012

By Greg Johns / MLB.com | 12/11/12 7:00 PM ET

SEATTLE --

Mariners center fielder Franklin Gutierrez continues putting up good numbers this month in the Venezuelan Winter League, which raises an interesting question.

If the Mariners can add one more outfielder -- and speculation continues that they remain in the hunt for Josh Hamilton, Nick Swisher or Michael Bourn, three of the biggest names remaining on the free-agent market -- where would that leave Gutierrez?

Seattle already signed left fielder Jason Bay to a one-year contract for $1 million and plans to let him compete for a starting job in Spring Training. If Gutierrez is healthy, he figures as the starting center fielder and Michael Saunders can play either left or right field.

Casper Wells, Eric Thames and Carlos Peguero are the other returning outfielders, with Mike Carp projected more as a first-base contender now coming off his season-long battle with a shoulder injury.

But if the Mariners should sign Bourn, he's a premier defensive center fielder and that would figure to push Gutierrez to right field. If they sign Swisher or Hamilton, Saunders could play center or compete with Bay in left field.

In any scenario, Gutierrez comes with the major question of his health hanging overhead. The 2010 Gold Glove winner played just 40 games last season and 92 in 2011 due to a series of illnesses and injuries, including a strained pectoral muscle and then a severe concussion in 2012.

That's why the eight-year Major League veteran headed to the Winter Leagues in Venezuela, looking to get some playing time and regain his timing and confidence. After a slow start, he's hit .385 (10-for-26) over his last seven games, raising his overall average to .305 in 16 games with nine runs, four doubles, one home run and six RBIs for Leones del Caracas.

The Mariners are watching closely, happy to see Gutierrez getting some time, but cautious as well, given his recent run of injuries.

"If Franklin's healthy, he's a good Major League Baseball player," said manager Eric Wedge. "You feel so bad for him because he's been through so much. He came into camp in great shape last year, then tore the pec and had the mishap at first base on the pickoff throw. He's working hard again [and we] expect him to come in ready to go.

"He's put a lot of this behind him. He has to feel confident that everything's going to work out for him."

Where exactly does Gutierrez fit into the mix? The Mariners know only that he belongs on the field, if he proves he can stay there.

"You know what? When he's playing and he's healthy, he helps us win ballgames," Wedge said. "I think he's a great complement to our young kids."

Gutierrez, 29, has one year at $7 million remaining on the four-year contract he signed in 2010. The Mariners also have a club option for $7.5 million for 2014 or can buy out that year for $500,000.

General manager Jack Zduriencik is operating under the belief that Gutierrez is the team's center fielder but knows he can't completely count on that without a solid backup plan. Saunders proved to be an excellent replacement last year, but if he needs to shift to center again, the club doesn't want to be left short-handed in the corner spots.

"I do think right now you have to count on him," Zduriencik said of Gutierrez. "He is under contract. When he's healthy, he's a really good player. I also believe you have to consider what has happened to him the last couple years. You can't write it off totally and just say it will never happen again.

"But the positive with Guti is he's never had anything done structurally. He's had a pulled muscle, a stomach issue, the irritable bowel syndrome and then the freak accident this year getting hit in the back of the head. That could happen to anybody. It was just kind of freaky. But he hasn't had any elbow, shoulder or ankle injuries, just kind of these odd things.

"So you'd hope, especially this being his last year [on his contract], this would be a very motivating year for him. I know he felt terrible at the end of the year. He and I had a couple sit-downs. He was heartbroken how things went the last couple years and I think he's very motivated to come back."

While Gutierrez is outstanding defensively in center, Zduriencik sounded open to moving him to right field, if necessary, and noted Gutierrez played primarily in right with the Indians in his early years while Grady Sizemore patrolled center.

"I think you have to keep everything on the table," Zduriencik said. "If we were to open up today, Guti is our center fielder. But you also have to realize things happen during the course of Spring Training and a year and you have to adjust.

"We know he's a Gold Glove center fielder and that's a positive. But as you go about making your club better, no matter what position it is, we have to evaluate and the player has to evaluate where he's at and what makes the club better. If you're forced to make those decisions, you make them at that time. You don't know now what the club is going to look like on Opening Day."

Which is a fair point. It's worth remembering that after Carp was injured in Japan last year, the Mariners opened their regular season in the U.S. with a 25-man roster that had four outfielders -- Saunders, Wells, Ichiro Suzuki and Chone Figgins.

Things change and the Mariners, with two months until camp opens in Arizona, aren't set yet.

Wren, Fredi take evaluation trip to Dominican

GM, manager get a look at Francisco, Teheran, Delgado in winter league

By Mark Bowman / MLB.com | 12/12/12 1:56 PM ET

ATLANTA --

Braves general manager Frank Wren has been encouraged to hear and read about the success many of his players have experienced in winter leagues this year. This past weekend, he took manager Fredi Gonzalez and a few of his top front-office officials to the Dominican Republic to get a firsthand look at some of these players who could play important roles in Atlanta this year.

This trip provided a glimpse of a slimmer Juan Francisco and allowed the Braves to become comfortable with the fact that either Julio Teheran or Randall Delgado are likely going to begin the year as Atlanta's fifth starter. There was also the opportunity to evaluate the development of Christian Bethancourt, who remains on track to be Atlanta's starting catcher by the start of the 2014 season.

Unfortunately, the flu prevented Jose Constanza from playing in front of this Braves contingent this weekend. But the speedy outfielder has spent the past two seasons providing a glimpse of what he will offer when he comes to Spring Training to battle for an Opening Day roster spot.

"Every healthy organization has competition coming from within," Wren said. "I think we've got competition from our fifth-starter's spot coming from within, and I think we've got competition for however we configure that last spot in our lineup. That's going to be interesting to see how it plays out in Spring Training.

"We're also attempting to work through potential deals. But if we went to Spring Training tomorrow with the players we have, I think it would be a very interesting Spring Training in a positive way."

As things currently stand, Wren will spend the next few weeks continuing to evaluate the possibility of acquiring another position player -- either a left fielder or third baseman -- to round out his team's starting lineup.

If Wren does not find an attractive option to fill this need via trade or free agency, Francisco and Constanza could find themselves beginning the 2013 season in a prominent role.

Because it appears more likely to acquire an outfielder, the assumption has been the Braves will begin next season with the versatile and invaluable Martin Prado at third base. But if an acquisition is not made, Gonzalez will also have the option to keep Prado in left field and utilize Francisco as his primary third baseman.

Francisco adhered to the Braves' request that he shed some pounds from his big-boned frame. In addition, the left-handed slugger has continued to show his impressive power potential while hitting .315 with seven home runs and a .565 slugging percentage in 29 games with Licey this winter.

There are certainly some concerns about Francisco's high strikeout rate and ability to consistently hit left-handed pitching. But the 25-year-old infielder showed some glimpses of his potential while hitting .407 with three home runs in 27 at-bats this past July. But he then hit just .167 with one homer in the 54 at-bats he compiled over the regular season's final two months.

"I think we saw that when he played semi-regularly last year," Wren said. "It was different than the end of the year when he was playing sporadically. The guy we saw in the middle of the season is plenty good enough to play every day in the big leagues."

If the Braves are not comfortable with Francisco getting consistent at-bats against left-handed pitchers, they would have the option of using Reed Johnson in left field and Prado at third base when the opposing team starts a lefty.

Instead of putting Francisco in the lineup on a consistent basis, the Braves could primarily use Prado as their third baseman while platooning Johnson and Constanza in left field.

These are just a few of the many options the Braves have discussed while recognizing the fact that there is not a guarantee that they will acquire another everyday player before the start of the regular season.

"We may need to be creative to put the best team out there," Wren said. "That's why I think we have to remember we don't have to make any decisions for the next 3 1/2 months. There's a lot of things that can happen. We could decide in Spring Training that we need this or that. But right now, we feel comfortable about how our team comes together. Can we get better? Sure. But we also feel like we can be very competitive the way we are."

From a pitching perspective, the Braves' only remaining questions seem to involve Teheran and Delgado. As long as neither is involved in a significant trade, one of these pitchers will begin next season as Atlanta's fifth starter, and the other could be placed in the bullpen.

After enduring some growing pains this past summer, Teheran and Delgado have spent the past six weeks pitching for Licey and showing why they have both been highly regarded prospects. They both made their final winter league start this past weekend.

Teheran remains the Braves' top overall prospect despite posting a 5.08 ERA with Triple-A Gwinnett this past summer. He regained a more athletic delivery in August and finished the season in encouraging fashion.

While pitching in front of the Braves' contingent on Sunday night, Teheran displayed this refined delivery and allowed one hit and recorded eight strikeouts over six scoreless innings. He allowed just two hits while completing 16 2/3 scoreless innings over his final three starts.

Delgado posted a 5.11 ERA in six appearances (five starts) for Licey. But he limited opponents to a .233 batting average and recorded 25 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings. While pitching in front of Wren and Gonzalez on Saturday, Delgado allowed two runs and recorded six strikeouts in five innings. In the process, he hit 96 mph with his fastball and showed an improved curveball.

"I think last year was a transition for [Teheran and Delgado]," Wren said. "They got their first taste of the big leagues and realized what else they needed to work on and do delivery-wise. Now we're seeing that put into action this winter. Their deliveries look better, and overall, their stuff is crisper than it was this summer."

Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012

SPORTS SCOPE

Kuriyama's approach helped Fighters change Otani's mind

By JASON COSKREY

Hideki Kuriyama is a man who thought it was good luck that he happened to see a fox on his way home from Sapporo Dome after Game 3 of the Japan Series, although maybe it was, the Fighters won 1-0 on a sayonara single in Game 4.

He marveled in his good fortune the next day as well, that time basing his forecast on the group of flying white insects he came across — the tenuous connection being that white dots often represents wins on Japanese schedules — and the large number of birds he saw in the sky, he apparently hadn't seen many in a while, during a walk that morning.

Kuriyama isn't weird, well not too weird, but in many ways the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters manager doesn't quite fit the staid archetype that typically takes up residence in Japanese dugouts.

He also isn't as consistently bombastic as Yokohama BayStars manager Kiyoshi Nakata, himself a bit of an outlier, nor as aloof as former Chunichi Dragons skipper Hiromitsu Ochiai.

Kuriyama is quirky and charismatic, traits that served him well when he went into television in 1991 following a seven-career with the Yakult Swallows.

The Fighters manager has his own unique style, which may have helped him engineer NPB's coup of the year by convincing celebrated pitcher Shohei Otani to put his MLB dreams on hold and spend his formative years with the Fighters.

Otani's bold proclamation a few months ago that he would skip NPB and go to MLB straight out of Hanamaki Higashi High School was met with predictable blowback in NPB circles.

The old guard, Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles manager Senichi Hoshino and the usual suspects, moaned about MLB poaching players, the evils of amateur stars skipping NPB and so forth.

Most players who skip NPB are subject to a two-year ban before being able to return to professional baseball in Japan, and Otani's case — which re-opened the old wounds caused by Boston Red Sox pitcher Junichi Tazawa going from the industrial leagues to the majors in 2010 — made some wonder aloud if the potential ban should be even longer.

Instead of looking for ways to make the game more attractive, they wanted to scare players into staying, starting with Otani.

Publicly, Kuriyama simply said wanted to listen to what the teenager had to say about the decision.

He and the Fighters took an active interest in Otani's reasons for leaving and hoped to talk him into reconsidering. To that end, the team took a calculated gamble by choosing Otani with their first pick of the draft, with no guarantee the fireballer would give them the time of day.

Fighters brass met with Otani on a few occasions, but it was only after the pitcher met with Kuriyama that it seemed Nippon Ham had a fighting chance to land the right-hander.

Kuriyama met with Otani twice, and said he gave the pitcher all the information he wanted about both the majors and the Fighters. Rather than simply telling Otani why he shouldn't go to the U.S., the Fighters manager put everything on the table and left it to Otani to decide.

In doing so, he managed to persuade Otani that in order to maximize his potential it would be best to begin his career in Japan.

Through fortune, shrewdness, or just dumb luck, Kuriyama handled the situation in just the right manner.

Got their man: Hideki Kuriyama (left) helped the Fighters convince Shohei Otani to begin his career in Japan. KYODO

Going in too hard may have caused Otani to double-down on his original decision, but the manager applied just the right amount of pressure, without smothering the teen, that Otani began to reconsider his original proclamation.

"He (Kuriyama) told me to walk a path no one else had," Otani said according to Sanspo during a news conference to announce his decision Sunday.

"I eventually want to go to the majors, which is what I've dreamed about. I was shown the Fighters way, which is why I chose here."

Kuriyama's triumph is a lesson for other Japanese baseball leaders.

Instead of looking for ways to handcuff players to Japanese baseball, more needs to be done to make the game more attractive to young players while making sure to put their welfare first.

Kuriyama didn't seem to fully buy into the old way of thinking, and his softer approach made Otani feel secure enough to entrust his future to the Fighters.

It won't work every time, but other teams should pay attention to the way Kuriyama and the Fighters handled the situation.

Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012


SPORTS SCOPE

NPB players should speak out about posting system

By JASON COSKREY

The Japan Professional Baseball Players Association showed rare backbone two years ago when, in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the players banded together and succeeded in getting the start of the season pushed back as the nation dealt with the disaster.

This past summer JPBPA rallied together again, this time in opposition to what it felt was the unfair way money was divvied up among the participating nations of the World Baseball Classic. Despite Japan's standing as the two-time defending champion of the event, and NPB's agreement to participate in 2013, the players voted to skip the WBC unless their demands were met. They eventually ended up with a few concessions from NPB and reversed course a few months later.

Now there is a new challenge on the horizon.

Major League Baseball is reportedly seeking to have changes made to the posting system, and it would be in Japanese players' best interests to again make their voices heard.

The posting system has enabled many players to ply their trade in the majors, but it comes with unnecessary restrictions, and the time to just be happy there's a mechanism in place at all has long since passed.

The union was never really invested in the process from the start, and on the heels of two successful displays of unity, now is the time for the union to attempt do something that helps makes the posting system more tenable.

Players currently have little leverage and are essentially held hostage by the process.

Japanese teams have to not only first agree to post a player, but then also deem the posting fee acceptable. The Yomiuri Giants' Koji Uehara, the Hanshin Tigers' Kyuji Fujikawa and the Seibu Lions' Hiroyuki Nakajima all hit the wall in this regard in past seasons. That trio was eventually forced to wait out the nine-year service time requirement needed to reach international free agency.

After players are posted, the athlete is limited to negotiating with the MLB franchise that wins the bid process and has to return to Japan if the two sides can't reach an agreement in 30 days, which happened to Hisashi Iwakuma in 2010 and Nakajima last year.

Players also see dollars that would otherwise go to them lining the pockets of their former NPB clubs as part of the posting fee.

Major league teams don't come out much better. The blind bidding process puts them in a delicate position, and the system of paying twice to procure one unproven (by MLB standards) player, is neither a popular nor particularly economic one.

Risky business: The Texas Rangers spent over $110 million to acquire pitcher Yu Darvish. AP

Sure, the Texas Rangers' $110 million investment ($51.7 posting, $60 million contract) in Yu Darvish might work out in the long run, but that won't console New York Yankees fans still ruing the two wins and 6.66 ERA over 16 appearances in two years gotten in return for the $46 million ($26 million posting fee, $20 million contract) sunk into Kei Igawa, or Red Sox fans still smarting over Daisuke Matsuzaka's $103 million ($51 million posting fee, $52 million contract) price tag.

For NPB clubs there's little reason to shake up the status quo, something they're generally adverse to doing as it is.

Japanese teams reap the financial benefits if a posting is successful, and in the case of failure are resigned to spending another season with a fan-favorite, All-Star caliber talent on the roster.

With MLB pushing for change, there could hardly be a better time for JPBPA to step to the plate.

Maybe MLB's powers of persuasion are enough, but don't expect NPB teams to change things for the better simply out of the goodness of their hearts.

It's up to the players to tap into their fighting spirit again and see if their newfound strength yields another victory.

Patterson Segura agrees to terms with the Nationals

Posted December 8th, 2012 by DPL & filed under DPL News, Featured Post, Transactions.

Paterson Segura-RHP stands 6’2″ 175lb born January 1, 1996 and trained by Yovanny “Sabino” Ubiera in San Pedro de Macoris. Segura has arm strength and a feel for 2 solid off speed pitches (Curveball and Change-up) and solid pitch-ability. His velocity ranges from 88-91mph (92mph). His arm action and delivery is a bit unorthodox, he’s a short arm’er with pie throwing arm action and some deception in delivery from a H 3/4 arm slot; Segura pounds the zone with all 3 pitches and keeps hitters off balance.

He took MVP honors during the DPL-POWER SHOWCASE All-Star game with 4 strike outs in 2 Inns, 0-H and 0-ER. The Washington Nationals agree to terms with Segura for $60,000 and should start his professional career in the Dominican Summer League. The contract is pending MLB approval.

Congratulations to the Washington Nationals, Yovanny “Sabino” Ubiera and the Segura family.

Flores' homer powers Margarita past Aragua

Mets prospect homers, drives in three runs as Bravos take doubleheader opener

12/12/12 7:51 PM ET

Venezuelan Winter League

Margarita 7, Aragua 4 (7 innings)

The Bravos built a 7-0 lead through four innings and held off a late Tigres surge to take Game 1 of the teams' scheduled doubleheader on Wednesday. Mets' No. 3 prospect Wilmer Flores led the Margarita offense with a home run, three RBIs and two runs scored. Aragua closed the gap with a three-run homer by Twins' seventh-ranked prospect Oswaldo Arcia in the eighth and an RBI double by Luis Hernandez (Indians) in the ninth, but could get no closer.

Aragua at Margarita, Game 2, makeup of 11/30, postponed

Caribes 7, Lara 1

Lara got on the board first, but the Caribes scored the game's final seven runs. Paolo Espino shut down the Cardenales for seven innings, allowing a run on five hits and without a walk while striking out five. Anzoategui totaled 12 hits in the game, led by Gorkys Hernandez's three-hit, three-run, two-RBI performance that improved his average to a league-best .351. Pinch hitter Johermyn Chavez drove in a pair of insurance runs with a two-run triple in the ninth.

Magallanes 4, Zulia 2 (12 innings)

A dramatic game came to a rather anticlimactic conclusion as the Navegantes scored on a fielding error and a bases-loaded hit batsman in the top of the 12th. The teams managed just three extra-base hits with Magallanes' Ezequiel Carrera (Indians) leaving the yard in the fifth. Ramon Hernandez (Rockies) singled home pinch-runner Mario Lisson (Royals) in the top of the ninth to force extra innings.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Manati 2, Caguas 1 (7 innings)

No. 9 hitter Wilberto Ortiz (Dodgers) singled home fellow L.A. farmhand Brahiam Maldonado in the bottom of the seventh inning to give the Atenienses a walk-off win in Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader. The two teams combined for just 12 hits in the contest, with Caguas shortstop Luis Mateo (Cardinals) going 2-for-3 with a run scored in the game's only multi-hit effort.

Caguas 4, Manati 2 (7 innings)

The Criollos found redemption in the nightcap, scoring four unanswered runs to earn a split. Andy Gonzalez (Brewers) went 2-for-3 with a homer and three RBIs to lead the Caguas offense while Luis Mateo added three hits and a solo homer out of the leadoff spot. Orlando Alfonso (Orioles) was strong on the mound for Manati, allowing a run on six hits over five innings.

Mayaguez 4, Carolina 3

Twins' No. 6 prospect Eddie Rosario doubled and scored what proved to be the winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning as Mayaguez edged visiting Carolina. Eight of nine Indios batters recorded at least one hit, with Rosario tallying three to bring his hit total to 17 over his last nine games. Miami's Ben Lasater also went 3-for-4 and drove in a run to lead the Gigantes.

Ponce 3, Santurce 2

The last-place Leones managed just four hits, but it was enough to overtake Santurce. First baseman Robinson Cancel accounted for half of those hits and an RBI. Neftali Soto, Cincinnati's No. 8 prospect, homered in the loss. Leones starter Giancarlo Alvarado (Dodgers) picked up the win, allowing a run on four hits over five innings.

Mexican Pacific League

Culiacan 10, Guasave 6

The fireworks were on display in Culiacan as the two squads combined for 26 hits and six homers. Four of those long balls belonged to the home team, as Marlon Byrd, Cory Aldridge, John Lindsey and Ronnier Mustelier all went yard for the Tomateros. Lindsey (Tigers) went 3-for-3 with two walks, four RBIs and two runs scored while Byrd, a Major League veteran, complemented his solo homer with a pair of doubles and three runs scored. The loss overshadowed a career day for Guasave's Zelous Wheeler (Orioles), who finished 4-for-4 with a homer, a walk, four RBIs and two runs scored.

Obregon 8, Los Mochis 5

Second baseman Carlos Valencia recorded his second two-homer performance in 10 games, driving in four runs to lead the Yaquis past Los Mochis. Valencia was 3-for-4 on the night and moves into third place in the Mexican League with 15 homers this season. A three-run homer by Sandy Madera cut the Obregon lead to three in the top of the ninth, but Jason Botts flew out to center field to end the game.

Navojoa 10, Hermosillo 5

The Mayos plated the game's final six runs to turn a one-run deficit into a comfortable victory. Cleanup hitter Wes Bankston homered twice, totaling three RBIs, while Jose Chavez reached base three times and drove in three runs of his own. Hermosillo loaded the bases in the top of the ninth but could not push a run across as closer Leo Rosales picked up his fifth save of the season.

Mazatlan 5, Mexicali 4 (11 innings)

Oswaldo Morejon singled home Mario Santana with two outs in the bottom of the 11th to give the Venados a walk-off win. Santana went 3-for-4 with a double, a walk and an RBI while Luke Montz (A's) and Geronimo Gil each drove in a pair of runs for Mexicali.

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Venezuelan Winter League

•Luis Hernandez (2B, Tigres de Aragua): Game 1: 2-for-4, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 RBI. Hernandez continues to be one of the best Indians stories this winter season. He collected two more hits Wednesday, including his eighth double of the winter season.
•Paolo Espino (SP, Caribes de Anzoategui): (W, 1-1): 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R/ER, 5 K, 1 HR. Espino was brilliant on Wednesday and allowed just one run, which came from a solo home run. Espino has never really been much of a prospect, but you can’t blame his performances for that. He continues to perform wherever he pitches and so far, he has a 3.44 ERA in four starts and 18 1/3 innings of work this winter.

•Ezequiel Carrera (LF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 2-for-4, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 K. Carrera had another strong night Wednesday, and he even displayed some power as he launched a solo home run. The homer is shockingly Carrera’s second this winter, which is a big surprise considering the speedy left-handed hitter is not known for his power.

Puerto Rican Winter League

•Rob Bryson (RP, Criollos de Caguas): 1/3 IP, 1 BB. Bryson faced two batters Wednesday and managed to get the first batter to ground out before walking the second. He still has yet to allow an earned run this winter and has now pitched 11 1/3 innings without allowing a run.

•Joseph Colon (SP, Cangrejeros de Santurce): 5 2/3 IP, 3 H, 3 R/1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K. Colon has been quite good so far this winter in the PWL. He currently has a 3.04 ERA in six games and 23 2/3 innings of work. He also has an impressive 23 strikeouts against just eight walks.

•Matt Langwell (RP, Gigantes de Carolina): 2.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 K. Langwell continues to put up outstanding numbers this winter, and his best appearance might have come on Wednesday. In 10 games and 12 1/3 innings of work, the right-hander now has a 0.73 ERA.

By Steve Orbanek
December 13, 2012

Flame-throwing Rondon heating up this winter

Potential Tigers closer mowing down hitters in Venezuelan League

By Jason Beck / MLB.com | 12/12/12 2:50 PM ET

DETROIT --

Bruce Rondon has never pitched in a Major League game, let alone closed one. As preparations go, pitching in front of a raucous crowd in Venezuela isn't bad.

It's a tougher atmosphere Rondon faces every game this offseason than anything he'll face in Spring Training, even if the hitters aren't the same. As far as the Tigers are concerned, winter ball is part of the process of grooming the triple-digit fastball they hope to make their closer in the near future.

Rondon has been pitching winter ball for Magallanes since late October, when the Tigers were playing the World Series. For 12 out of his 13 outings entering last weekend, Rondon was fairly effective. For more than half of them, he was dominant, tossing three perfect innings and striking out the side in three other scoreless performances.

The one exception was a doozy, a five-run, five-hit performance Nov. 24. He took the loss in that outing, and didn't pitch for another week. When he finally came back, he showed his ability to rebound with a perfect inning and another save, striking out a batter along the way.

That's the kind of rebound the Tigers want to see, because they know he'll have to deal with failure in the big leagues, no matter how well he pitches.

"The reality is that any young player that you bring up, I cannot think of any in recent times [that didn't], is going to go through a learning stage at the Major League level, because there is such a difference between their experience at the minor league level and the Major League level," team president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said.

"You have to go through a different learning stage, because they hit pitches at the big league level that they don't at the Triple-A level. And all of a sudden, how do you respond to that? Now rarely, once in a while, you'll get a guy that doesn't, but the reality is that they almost all go through it. That's why at times when you get them there quickly, first you're getting them because they've done very well at the Minor League level; the second part of it is that they're still, no matter what, going to have to go through a learning phase."

Sometimes, it happens right away. Other time, as in the case of Rick Porcello as a 20-year-old rookie in 2009, it takes a year. Eventually, though, the adjustments have to come. That is what manager Jim Leyland looks to see from rookies.

"You never know for sure until you see them compete at that level for a while. And if you watch, a lot of them are very successful right at the beginning, and then all of a sudden, things catch up with them," Leyland said. "All of a sudden, they have to go through that adjustment period. That's when they get over the hump. If they can make adjustments, that's when to me they're home free."

For Rondon, the adjustment on the way up has usually been command. With a fastball that reaches 102-103 mph, he doesn't have much trouble getting Minor League hitters to chase in opportune situations.

It's a small sample size for Rondon this winter, obviously, but the numbers are encouraging, with a 5-for-14 walk-to-strikeout ratio over 12 2/3 innings. Just three of those walks have come over his last 10 outings, covering 9 2/3 innings. Even in Rondon's disastrous outing, only one of his baserunners reached on a walk, compared with five hits.

The Tigers don't have an innings limit on Rondon this winter, assistant general manager Al Avila confirmed in an email. That said, they're not going to overwork him with a potentially extended season on the horizon. He has never had as long of a season as what the big leagues require, and even if he doesn't end up the closer, he's going to have to work through that as a reliever in any role.

He's also going to have to learn how to regroup.

"I'll get a pulse for him in Spring Training, what I feel about him, his makeup," Leyland said. "The one thing that [former closer Jose] Valverde was very good at is he could turn the page pretty quickly, and a closer has to be able to do that. When you get a young guy, I don't know for sure how a guy's going to respond. You don't know if you give somebody an opportunity, and those things happen.

"They let one get away. How do they respond to it? How do they bounce back the next day? It's such an important part of your team, because when you let them get away in the ninth inning, obviously, those can have an impact on your entire team. So that guy is going to be huge for us as he is for every other team."

102-103 MPH? Using the slow gun I guess

Like to see Giovanni Soto keep up the good work. He rates low on prospect lists, but Tribe has been promoting him aggressively.

I don't know if it's just for one game, but the manager is showing a lot of confidence in Jose Ramirez. He was dropped to the #3 spot in the batting and has responded with an rbi basehit in two trips to the plate. Licey and the Toros are tied at 2 in the fourth.

Ramirez looks like a different hitter batting #3. More aggressive and a bigger swing. With a runner on first and one out, he nailed a linedrive to third and Diory Hernandez was doubled up at first. The more I watch this kid the better I like him. Mike McDade has a double and a walk in one official trip to the plate with a run scored.

Mets' Valdespin pivotal in marathon Licey win

New York outfielder drives in tying run in 14th inning, scores winning tally in 16th

12/14/12 2:02 AM ET

Dominican Winter League

Licey 4, Toros 3 (16 innings)

Mets outfielder Jordany Valdespin singled in Braves prospect Christian Bethancourt in the bottom of the 14th to retie the game after the Toros went ahead, 3-2, in the top half of the inning. He then scored the winning run in the 16th on an RBI single by Anderson Hernandez (Pirates). Hernandez finished 4-for-8 while Marlins star Hanley Ramirez went 2-for-6 with two walks. Braves infielder Juan Francisco delivered a double, a single and an RBI for Licey, while former Rangers infielder Esteban German led Este with a 3-for-6 performance. He doubled, walked once, stole a base and drove in a run.

Escogido 6, Gigantes 5

Mauro Gomez (Red Sox) hit a grand slam in the eighth to tie the game for the Leones, while Melky Mesa (Yankees) doubled to lead off the ninth and later scored the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly by Wilkin Castillo (Dodgers). Alexi Casilla (Twins) went 2-for-4 with a pair of runs out of the leadoff spot and Jose De Paula (Padres) turned in a strong outing without factoring into the decision, yielding a run on three hits and a walk with six strikeouts over five innings.

Aguilas 7, Estrellas 2

Top Twins prospect Miguel Sano hit a pinch-hit two-run homer in the ninth to account for Oriente's runs in the loss. Fellow Twins farmhand Samuel Deduno picked up his first win of the Dominican season for Cibaenas, scattering four hits and a walk while striking out nine over six scoreless innings. Hector Luna, who had a stint with the Phillies this season, homered and Manny Ramirez went 2-for-5 with a run to lead the offense.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Manati 9, Santurce 3

Braiham Maldonado (Braves) spurred the Atenienses, going 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles and four RBIs. Ivan De Jesus (Red Sox) added a double, a single, two runs and an RBI out of the leadoff spot. Yadiel Rivera (Brewers) doubled in a run for the Cangrejeros.

Caguas 14, Carolina 8

Cardinals shortstop Luis Mateo went 3-for-5 with a double, four RBIs and two stolen bases while Aaron Bates -- who spent time in the St. Louis and Minnesota systems this year -- added two RBIs. Janluis Castro (Rangers) went 3-for-3, scoring three times and plating two. Ben Lasater (Marlins) fell a triple shy of the cycle with two RBIs to lead the Gigantes.

Mayaguez 2, Ponce 0

Hector Hernandez (Cardinals) led the Indios to the shutout, scattering three hits and four walks while striking out four over five innings. Adonis Garcia (Yankees) homered in the fourth. Major League veteran right-hander Javier Vazquez took the loss for the Leones, allowing both runs on five hits while fanning four over five frames.

Venezuelan Winter League

Aragua 4, Margarita 3 (Game 1, 9 innings)

Yangervis Solarte (Rangers) led Aragua with two RBIs, while Major League veteran Joey Gathright went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run. Mets prospect Wilmer Flores drove in a pair of runs for Margarita.

Aragua at Margarita, Game 2, makeup of 11/30, postponed

Caracas 9, La Guaira 5

Mariners outfielder Franklin Gutierrez continued a strong run for the Leones, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Josh Kroeger (Braves) homered and doubled. Giants outfielder Gregor Blanco scored three times for the Tiburones and Royals catcher Salvador Perez added a double, a single, a walk and an RBI.

Lara 6, Caribes 0

Guilder Rodriguez (Rangers) tripled, drove in a run, scored once and walked and Justin Cassel scattered four hits and three walks over eight innings to lead the Cardenales. Gorkys Hernandez (Marlins) paced the Caribes with two hits and a walk.

Zulia 8, Magallanes 3

Ernesto Mejia (Braves) showed off his power for the Aguilas, homering in the first before adding a pair of doubles on a two-RBI night. Felix Perez (Reds) went 2-for-4 and scored twice. Former Rockies catcher Eliezer Alfonzo homered for the Navegantes and Ezequiel Carrera (Indians) collected three hits and scored once.

Mexican Pacific League

Navojoa 10, Hermosillo 3 (7 innings)

Former A's infielder Wes Bankston plated three runs and fell a triple short of the cycle while leadoff man Kraig Binick finished 4-for-5 with two doubles and two runs to lead the Mayos. Jose Aguilar paced the Naranjeros with a double, a single, an RBI and a run.

Los Mochis 2, Obregon 2 (5 innings)
Major League vet Alfredo Amezaga doubled and scored once for the Yaquis and Sandy Madera went 2-for-2 with an RBI for the Caneros in a game that was completed early.

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Venezuelan Winter League

•Luis Hernandez (SS): 1-for-4, 1 R, 1 RBI. Hernandez only managed one hit last night, but it was enough to keep his average at .400. The shortstop continues to dominate the Venezuelan Winter League, with 15 hits during his eight-game hit streak.

•Ezequiel Carrera (LF): 3-for-4, 1 R, 1 SO, 1 CS. He may not be an exciting option for the 2013 major league team, but Carrera is making sure we do not forget about him this offseason. With a .313/.411/.438 line and 14:14 SO:BB in 21 games, Carrera has done everything necessary to compete for a spot on the big league team.

•Asdrubal Cabrera (SS): 2-for-5, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 SO. Cabrera is so excited about the Trevor Bauer trade and staying put that he had his third straight two-hit game. The feat is even more impressive as he has only played three games this offseason.

•Hector Rondon (RP): 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 SO. Rondon, on the other hand, has given up a run in all three of his appearances since being selected in the Rule 5 Draft. Do the right thing Theo Epstein! Send him back!

Dominican Winter League

•Juan Diaz (SS): 1-for-3, 1 BB, 2 SO, 2 E. Thursday night was not kind to Diaz, as he had multiple strikeouts and errors. Diaz's stats have also slid as the winter has gone on, as his on-base percentage has fallen to .294 while his SO:BB has climbed to 23:5.

•Ronny Rodriguez (PH): 1-for-1. Rodriguez pinch-hit Thursday night, an at-bat that yielded his first hit of the offseason. He owns a dominant 1.000/1.000/1.000 line, though it is only after one at-bat.

•Jose Ramirez (2B): 1-for-7, 1 RBI, 2 SO. Ramirez got his customary hit out of the way early last night, getting a single in the first inning, though he wasted the rest of his at-bats in the 16-inning affair. Ramirez is still the star of the offseason, though, so we will let him off the hook.

•Mike McDade (1B): 2-for-5, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 BB. McDade has not stood out since being acquired this offseason, but he has put together a few decent games like this. The Mark Reynolds signing and Chris McGuiness Rule 5 pick make it harder for McDade to make it to the majors, but he should get a chance to show what he can do in Columbus in 2013.

•Carlos Santana (DH): 1-for-4, 1 SO. Raw stats tell us practically nothing about players, so Santana's .213/.315/.298 line in 13 games should not be cause for panic. Hopefully Santana is using his time in the Dominican Winter League to tweak something in his swing, which would account for his struggles to date.

Puerto Rican Winter League

•Roberto Perez (C): 0-for-3, 1 SO. Perez has done a decent job getting hits (before last night), going 11-for-43 in 13 games, but he has struggled in the power department. He only has one extra base hit so far (a double), though that is not much of a surprise; power just is not part of Perez's game (.081 ISO).

Australian Winter League

•Ryan Battaglia (1B): 2-for-3, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 SO. Battaglia has a sub-.200 batting average in 36 stateside minor league games, but he has been much better in Australia. He hit his first home run last night, bringing his line up to a .250/.300/.500 mark in eight games this offseason.

•Andrew Campbell (LF): 0-for-2, 1 RBI, 1 SF. Campbell has been red-hot this offseason, so he can be forgiven for a down night. He has only played in 21 games above rookie ball, leaving him a ways to go to be relevant, but an offseason like this can only help him.

•Chuck Lofgren (SP): W (2-1), 6.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 7 SO. Thursday was a great night for the former farmhand, who has been strong this offseason in Australia (3.38 ERA, 26:7 SO:BB in 24.0 IP). Lofgren spent 2012 in an Independent League but he is still finding a way to pitch professionally.

By Jim Piascik
December 14, 2012

Winter Ball Notebook: Cabrera heats up

Winter Ball Notebook

By Steve Orbanek

December 14, 2012

What a week it’s been.

First, the Cleveland Indians signed Mark Reynolds to be their new starting first baseman, and then there was Tuesday’s blockbuster deal that led to the Indians acquiring right-handed starter Trevor Bauer.

Also, free agent talks have continued throughout the week as the Indians have been linked to outfielder Nick Swisher, pitcher Edwin Jackson and others.

With all the free agency hoopla, it’s easy to forget that there’s still a lot of Tribe players competing in the Dominican, Venezuelan and Puerto Rican winter leagues as well as the Australian Baseball League.

So, with that being said, here are some thoughts deep and shallow in regard to Indians players competing in the various winter leagues this past week…

— Speaking of trades, shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera is a player who was linked to a number of trade discussions but was ultimately not moved. The switch-hitting shortstop made his winter league debut this past Saturday in the VWL. Cabrera has only played in three games so far this winter, but he’s been impressive in those games as he has gone 6-for-13 with two RBI. The importance of winter league statistics is often downplayed, and they may very well mean nothing, but it’s nice to see a Major League regular like Cabrera get some time in. That may result in him just being even more prepared for spring training, which is always a good thing especially since Cabrera has struggled with his weight in the past.

— While we’re on the subject of shortstops, Ronny Rodriguez made his debut as a pinch runner for Estrellas de Oriente of the DWL this past Sunday. He then pinch hit in a contest on Thursday where he managed to get a single in his lone at-bat. Estrellas de Oriente is actually the second team that Rodriguez has competed on so far this fall and winter season as he was a big part of this year’s Scottsdale Scorpions squad in the Arizona Fall League. Overall, Rodriguez hit .239 with three triples and seven RBI in 18 games with the Scorpions. Strikeouts were also a bit of an issue for Rodriguez in the AFL as he struck out 17 times and walked only twice. Because of that, it’s nice to see him see more action in the DWL. The right-handed hitter will probably spend the majority of the 2012 season at Double-A Akron, so it’s only a matter of time before he gets on the radar of the Major League club. Plate discipline remains his greatest flaw, however, and the DWL should provide him with some opportunities to continue to work on it.

— In 15 games, Andrew Campbell has really been impressive in the ABL. Overall, he has gone 16-for-48 with a home run and four RBI. He played in 33 games last season with the AZL Indians and Single-A Mahoning Valley, but his numbers unfortunately left a lot to be desired (.172/.248/.224). As stated on numerous occasions, it’s easy to buy into winter league numbers too much, and they often are a poor reflection of a player’s actual ability. That notion can also be applied to Campbell, but it’s still impressive to see him hitting at such an impressive clip, regardless of what the competition level may be in the ABL. He’s still only 20 years old, so maybe there is something more than meets the eye.

— A lot of relievers have been outstanding this winter, and right-hander Matt Langwell has been no exception. In 10 games and 12 1/3 innings in the PWL so far, Langwell has a 0.73 ERA and has struck out 11 while walking five. As the IPI’s Jim Piascik noted in his Thursday piece on prospects to watch, Langwell has been one of the most consistent performers in the Indians system as he owns a 3.06 ERA, 3.22 FIP, 9.1 SO/9, and 3.1 BB/9 in 293 2/3 minor league innings. Because of his lack of overpowering stuff, Langwell always seems to be overlooked in regard to players that could impact the big league club. However, he’s succeeded at every level, and his winter performance continues to indicate that, so 2013 may be the year that Langwell finally reaches the Major Leagues.

— Right-hander Rob Bryson has been equally impressive this winter season. In 11 games and 11 1/3 innings in the PWL, Bryson has a 0.00 ERA as well as 15 strikeouts against seven walks. Unfortunately Bryson has seen his stock fall in recent years since being acquired by the Indians as part of the C.C. Sabathia trade. Injuries have taken their toll and while he is 25 years old, he has never pitched above the Double-A level. The numbers have still been impressive at almost every minor league stop though, so maybe there is some hope that he may still crack into the big leagues with the Indians.

— Ezequiel Carrera has had an outstanding winter campaign so far. In 21 games in the VWL, the left-handed hitting Carrera has gone 25-for-80 with two doubles, one triple, two home runs, six RBI, 14 walks and 14 strikeouts. He’s also stolen six bases. Everything that Carrera has done this winter is somewhat indicative of why he will likely have a good shot at earning a spot on the Indians 2013 opening day roster. He’s not without his flaws, but his ability to hit line drives combined with his speed does ensure that he has value to the big league club.

— Carlos Santana has still been scuffling somewhat for Leones del Escogido of the DWL. After going 3-for-4 in last Saturday’s contest, the switch-hitting Santana has proceeded to go 1-for-8 in two games since. Overall, Santana has gone 10-for-47 with two RBI in 13 games. The numbers certainly leave a lot to be desired, but it’s still a very small sample size. Also, considering that Santana is already an established Major League player, he could be using his time in the DWL differently from other players. For Santana, his time in the DWL may just be an opportunity for him to tweak or refine his swing, which if that is the case, the poor start becomes more understandable.

— As the Winter Notebook comes to a close, let’s not forget about Jose Ramirez. He’s been brilliant all winter, and his performance was recognized with his spot in the Dominican Winter League All-Star Game on Tuesday. Ramirez went 0-for-1 with a walk and a run scored in his two at-bats in the All-Star Game. Overall, Ramirez has gone 38-for-117 (.325) in 32 games this winter. The numbers have dipped a bit since his torrid start, but the average is still well above .300, which is always a plus.

Mesa does it all in Leones' third straight win

Yankees outfielder goes 3-for-4, scores go-ahead run in sixth, drives in four

12/15/12 1:26 AM ET

Dominican Winter League

Escogido 8, Gigantes 5

Yankees outfielder Melky Mesa went 3-for-4, scored the go-ahead run and collected four RBIs in the Leones' third straight victory. Julio Lugo and Indians catcher Carlos Santana both added two hits and drove in a run for Escogido, while Twins infielder Alexi Casilla led the Gigantes with three hits and two runs scored. Box score

Aguilas 5, Estrellas 2

Manny Ramirez hit a two-run homer, his first since making his season debut on Nov. 14, as the Aguilas grabbed sole possession of first place. Fellow Major League veteran Hector Luna went 3-for-3 with a pair of walks and two runs scored for Cibaeñas, while former first-round pick Brandon Snyder homered and drove in both runs for the Estrellas.

Licey 12, Toros 3

Angels infielder Erick Aybar drove in three runs and Pirates newcomer Anderson Hernandez added two RBIs while falling a homer shy of the cycle in the Tigres' romp. Blue Jays right-hander Esmil Rogers struck out seven over five strong innings for last-place Licey, which has won two in a row. Mike McDade (Indians) drove in all three runs for the Toros.

Venezuelan Winter League

Margarita 6, Zulia 4, 1st game

Padres prospect Matt Clark drove in two runs and Cubs outfielder Dave Sappelt slugged a solo homer, powering the Bravos past the Aguilas in the first game of a doubleheader. Former Mariners Minor Leaguer Renee Cortez struck out five over 3 1/3 innings of scoreless relief to get the win, while Sandy Leon and Nationals prospect Adrian Sanchez had two RBIs apiece for Zulia.

Zulia 3, Margarita 2, 2nd game

Humberto Quintero had two hits, including a go-ahead RBI single in the sixth inning, as the Aguilas salvaged a split of their doubleheader. Former Minor Leaguer Dwayne Pollok gave up two runs on six hits over five innings for his fifth win, while Padres prospect Matt Clark provided the Bravos' offense with his fourth homer.

Magallanes 4, Lara 3, 10 innings

Mario Lisson led off the 10th inning with his fifth homer of the season as the Navegantes outlasted the Cardenales. Astros infielder Jose Altuve drove in two runs and former Major Leaguer Gustavo Chacin allowed a run on five hits over 7 2/3 innings for Magallanes. Blue Jays newcomer Luis Jimenez homered for Lara, which scored twice in the ninth to force extra innings.

Caracas 6, Aragua 3

Free agent Bobby Abreu tripled, doubled, walked twice and scored three runs to lead the first-place Leones past the last-place Tigres. Nationals Minor Leaguer Carlos Rivero and Padres first baseman/outfielder Jesus Guzman each had a pair of RBIs for Caracas, which got two innings of one-hit relief from former Mets farmhand Angel Calero. Hector Gimenez delivered a two-run double for Aragua.

La Guaira 5, Caribes 4

Renny Osuna, who spent the season with the Angels' Double-A affiliate, went 3-for-4 with two RBIs to lead the Tiburones past the Caribes. Javier Herrera (Giants) also had three hits and scored a run for La Guaira, while Luis Nuñez slugged a two-run homer for Anzoategui.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Ponce 4, Manati 2

Former Major Leaguer Zack Segovia gave up five hits over five shutout innings as the last-place Leones held off the Atenienses. Royals prospect Christian Colon and Nationals farmhand Zach Walters both picked up two hits and an RBI for Ponce. Ruben Gotay went 3-for-4 and scored a run for Manati.

Carolina 1, Mayaguez 0

Former big leaguer Willie Collazo scattered eight hits over 7 2/3 innings to win his third straight start as the Gigantes ended the Indios' three-game winning streak. Jesus Feliciano had two hits, including an RBI double for Carolina, while Minor League veteran Jason Urquidez struck out two in 1 1/3 innings of perfect relief for Mayaguez.

Santurce 6, Caguas 5

Sergio Miranda, who spent the season with the Braves' Class A affiliate, went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored as the Cangrejeros ended a three-game slide. Fehlandt Lentini contributed a run-scoring triple and Shoki Kasahara pitched five solid innings for Santurce. Minor League veteran Jaime Ortiz homered twice and drove in three runs in a losing effort.

Mexican Pacific League

Guasave 6, Mazatlan 3

Orioles farmhand Zelous Wheeler smacked a two-run homer, doubled and scored twice, helping the Algodoñeros snap a three-game losing streak. Twins prospect Chris Colabello also hit a two-run shot and Japhet Amador contributed two hits and scored twice for Guasave. Oswaldo Morejon ripped a two-run blast for the Venados.

Navojoa 5, Los Mochis 4

Pinch-hitter Abel Martinez delivered a two-run single in the top of the ninth inning as the Mayos handed the Cañeros their third straight loss. Former Padres farmhand Javier Martinez started for Navojoa and allowed four runs on six hits over 6 2/3 innings. Cardinals prospect Anthony Ferrara struck out six and gave up one hit over four shutout innings for Los Mochis, which got three hits and a run scored from Sergio Perez.

Culiacan 3, Hermosillo 2

Rodrigo Lopez, who made four relief appearances for the Cubs this season, yielded one hit over seven shutout innings in the first-place Tomateros' third consecutive win. Yankees prospect Ronnier Mustelier and Adan Amezcua homered for Culiacan, while Jesse Gutierrez went yard for the Naranjeros.

Mexicali 7, Obregon 0

Red Sox prospect Marco Duarte allowed five hits over seven innings to win his third straight start as the Aguilas climbed back to the .500 mark. Minor League veteran Jon Weber had three hits and two RBIs and Antonio Lamas went 3-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored for Mexicali. Iker Franco walked twice for the Yaquis.

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Venezuelan Winter League

•Asdrubal Cabrera (SS, Leones del Caracas): 0-for-5, 2 K. Cabrera had gotten off to a torrid start in the VWL as the switch-hitting shortstop recorded two hits in each of his first three contests. Unfortunately he went hitless in Friday’s affair, and overall he has gone 6-for-18 in four games.

•Luis Hernandez (SS, Tigres de Aragua): 1-for-4. Hernandez has been one of the best stories this winter, and while Friday’s performance was not one of his better ones, he still kept his hit streak alive at nine games. Overall, the switch-hitter has gone 33-for-84 (.393) this winter.

•Ezequiel Carrera (LF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 0-for-3. Even with a hitless performance, Carrera’s average remains over .300 for the winter. However, there are signs that the left-handed hitting Carrera could be starting to cool down as he has now gone hitless in four of his last six games.

•Jeanmar Gomez (SP, Tiburones de La Guaira): 3.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R/1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K. This was Gomez’s third start so far this winter, and it was another good one as he allowed just one earned run. The right-hander now sports a 0.87 ERA in three starts and 10 1/3 innings this winter.

Dominican Winter League

•Delvi Cid (PR, Aguilas Cibaenas): Cid made an appearance as a pinch runner Friday in the DWL, which is primarily how he has been used this winter. He’s not much of a prospect, but it’s unfortunate that he has not been able to have any consistent at-bats this winter because he was really coming off a strong season at High-A Carolina (.281/.343/.431).

•Carlos Santana (DH, Leones del Escogido): 2-for-3, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB. Now that’s a bit more like it. Santana has scuffled this winter, but he arguably had his best performance on Friday, which hopefully is a sign of more good things to come. Overall, the switch-hitter has gone 12-for-50 this winter.

•Jose Ramirez (2B, Toros del Este): 1-for-3, 1 2B, 2 K. Ramirez hit his fourth double of the winter season on Friday. Ramirez has been a tremendous player to follow this winter, but even though he still sports a .325 average, he could be cooling down at the plate as he just has two hits in his last 15 at-bats.
•Mike McDade (1B, Toros del Este): 2-for-4, 1 2B, 3 RBI. McDade had a very strong night as he drove in all three of Toros del Este’s runs for the game. With all the recent first base acquisitions, it will likely be hard for McDade to have a chance to make Cleveland’s roster this season. Though he is still only 23 years old, and it might serve him well to get a full season at the Triple-A level under his belt. He’s been heating up in winter ball as of late, and he’s now hit in five straight games and has gone 18-for-61 overall.

Puerto Rican Winter League

•Rob Bryson (RP, Criollos de Caguas): 1 IP, 1 K. Bryson has been excellent this winter and notched a perfect inning on Friday while also recording one strikeout. So far, the right-hander has yet to allow a run this winter and has struck out 16 batters against seven walks in 12 1/3 innings of work.

•Giovanni Soto (RP, Gigantes de Carolina): 0.1 IP, 1 K. Soto entered the contest in the top of the eighth inning to face the right-handed hitting Randy Ruiz with two outs and the bases loaded. The lefty has been especially tough on right-handed hitters this winter as they own just a .094 average against Soto in 32 at-bats. The change to Soto paid off on as he got Ruiz to strikeout swinging to strand the bases loaded. Clearly, Soto showed Friday that he’s capable of pitching in high-pressure situations, which is a skill that will translate well to the Major Leagues.

•Roberto Perez (C, Indios de Mayaguez): 0-for-4, 1 K. Perez was having a nice winter season, but he seems be entering a mini slump over these past four games as he’s gone 0-for-12 over that span.

Australian Baseball League

•Andrew Campbell (LF, Brisbane Bandits): Game 1: 1-for-4, 1 2B, 1 BB, 1 K. Campbell just continues to hit, and he notched his second double of the winter season in Brisbane’s first game on Friday.

•Andrew Campbell (LF, Brisbane Bandits): Game 2: 1-for-4. Campbell recorded another hit in Brisbane’s second game. Overall, the left-handed hitting Campbell has gone 18-for-56 in 17 games this winter.

•Ryan Battaglia (C, Brisbane Bandits): 2-for-5, 1 R, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 1 K. Battaglia has really started to heat up at the plate as of late. He’s now hit in three straight games, and he’s also driven in at least one run in each of those games. Overall, the right-handed hitter has gone 9-for-33 this winter in nine games.

Perez keeps raking, fuels Tiburones' romp

Royals backstop homers, drives in four runs in latest multi-hit game

12/16/12 12:33 AM ET

Venezuelan Winter League

La Guaira 11, Caribes 0

Royals catcher Salvador Perez homered and drove in four runs in his ninth multi-hit game of the month as the Tiburones crushed the Caribes. Alex Cabrera also went yard, had two RBIs and scored twice for La Guaira, which got five strong innings from Blue Jays farmhand Tyson Brummett. Luis Nuñez and Johermyn Chavez had two hits apiece for Anzoategui, which has lost three in a row.

Lara 9, Aragua 1

Former All-Star Jose Lopez hit a three-run homer, doubled and scored three times in the Cardenales' romp over the last-place Tigres. Blue Jays newcomer Luis Jimenez contributed three hits, including his eighth homer, for the Cardenales and Brian Sweeney allowed a run on five hits over six innings. Former Minor Leaguer Jonel Pacheco accounted for Aragua's offense with his first homer of the season.

Zulia 4, Margarita 1

Padres newcomer Wilfredo Boscan allowed two hits and struck out five over five shutout innings as the Aguilas notched their second straight win. Braves prospect Evan Gattis homered and Phillies infielder Freddy Galvis chipped in two hits and an RBI for Zulia. Cubs outfielder Dave Sappelt had two hits and drove in the Bravos' lone run.

Dominican Winter League

Gigantes 8, Toros 5

Robinzon Diaz homered, drove in three runs and scored twice, helping the Gigantes hand the Toros their sixth straight loss. Brewers infielder Jean Segura doubled, singled, walked and scored three times for Cibao, while Jamie Romak fell a triple shy of the cycle and scored a pair of runs for Este.

Aguilas 5, Escogido 3

Astros prospect Jonathan Villar singled, walked twice and scored three runs as the first-place Aguilas rallied for their third consecutive win. Mets prospect Juan Lagares chipped in two hits and scored twice for Cibaeñas, while Tigers infielder Ramon Santiago went 2-for-4 with a walk and a run scored in a losing effort.

Estrellas 7, Licey 0

Phillies infielder Michael Martinez hit a two-run double in the eighth inning, putting the finishing touches on the Estrellas' blanking of the last-place Tigres. Former Royals Minor Leaguer Manauris Baez struck out five and allowed five hits over five innings for Oriente, while Anderson Hernandez (Pirates) and Juan Miranda had two hits apiece for Licey.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Caguas 12, Manati 9

Former Major Leaguer Ramon Castro homered twice and drove in five runs to power the first-place Criollos past the Atenienses. Former Eastern League MVP Lou Montanez added three RBIs, scored twice and fell a triple shy of the cycle for Caguas, while Manati got three RBIs apiece from Adam Godwin and Keiji Nakahara.

Mayaguez 8, Santurce 4

Major League veteran Randy Ruiz homered and drove in four runs in the Indios' victory over the Cangrejeros. Royals infielder Irving Falu went 4-for-5 with two RBIs and three runs scored, coming within a homer of the cycle for Mayaguez. Former Minor Leaguer Geraldo Valentin collected three hits and scored a run for Santurce.

Carolina 11, Ponce 0, 1st game

Former Royals prospect Mario Santiago struck out six and gave up four hits over six innings as the Gigantes cruised in the first game of a doubleheader. Jesus Feliciano delivered a bases-loaded triple in an eight-run sixth for Carolina and Pedro Valdes slugged a two-run homer. Red Sox prospect Henry Ramos had two of the Leones' five hits.

Ponce 6, Carolina 2, 2nd game

Adalberto Flores, who pitched at two levels in the Rangers system this year, yielded one hit over four shutout innings as the Leones salvaged a split of their doubleheader. Royals prospect Christian Colon went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored for Ponce, which got a two-run homer from Jose Ruiz. Marlins prospect Ben Lasater hit a solo shot for Carolina.

Mexican Pacific League

Navojoa 12, Los Mochis 7

Former Indians Minor Leaguer Jose Chavez homered, doubled, drove in three runs and scored four times to lead a 16-hit attack as the Mayos won their fourth straight. Kraig Binick had three hits and scored three runs for Navojoa, while Luis Fonseca went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, an RBI and two runs scored. Luis Suarez and Jesus Avila hit back-to-back homers for the Cañeros.

Obregon 6, Mexicali 3

Major League veteran Alfredo Amezaga went 4-for-5 with a run scored at the top of the lineup, sparking the Yaquis past the Aguilas. Agustin Murillo's three-run homer capped Obregon's four-run seventh inning, while Michel Abreu homered and scored twice for Mexicali.

Culiacan 9, Hermosillo 6

Cory Aldridge, who spent most of the season with the Angels' Triple-A affiliate, doubled, walked twice and scored three runs as the first-place Tomateros extended their winning streak to four games. Sergio Gastelum and John Lindsey homered for Culiacan, while Jorge Cantu and Luis Garcia went deep in a losing effort.

Mazatlan 3, Guasave 2, 10 innings

Mario Santana singled in the go-ahead run in the 10th inning as the last-place Venados surprised the Algodoñeros. Ivan Terrazas supplied the rest of Mazatlan's offense with his fifth homer, while Japhet Amador delivered a two-run single for Guasave.

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Dominican Winter League

•Mike McDade (1B, Toros del Este): 0-for-4, 1 K: McDade had his five game hit streak broken in which he had gone 7-for-16, so this was a blip on the radar of a hot week. It’s hard to say where McDade figures into the 2013 season, but he does appear to have some offensive capability.

•Jose Ramirez (2B, Toros del Este): 0-for-4, 1 RBI, 2 K: This is about as close to a slump as you can get for Ramirez, who has now gone 2-for-19 in his last four ballgames. You have to imagine that stamina is playing a small part in all this, but he IS still hitting .315. Some slump.

•Carlos Santana (DH, Leones del Escogido): 1-for-4, 1 RBI, 1 BB: Santana seems to be coasting a bit with the bat, but he’s been playing better of late. His hit today was his fourth in three games, and he’s 7-for-19 in his last five ballgames, and eight for 22 in his last six, after going 0-for-13 in his previous four ballgames.

•Chad Huffman (LF, Toros del Este): 0-for-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K: Huffman has had a nice Winter League season, and is a good edition to any minor league system, hitting .303 in 11 games. That’s all he is at this point though.

Puerto Rican Winter League

•Matt Langwell (RP, Gigantes de Carolina) 1 1/3 IP, 3 H, 2 R/1 ER, 1 K: Langwell gave up only his second run in 11 Winter League games, and while the righty isn’t considered an elite arm, he sure has put up elite numbers. He’s definitively is a sleeper in 2013, and don’t be surprised if he doesn’t find himself playing for the big league club before the year is out.

Australian Baseball League

•Andrew Campbell (DH, Brisbane Bandits): 0-for-5, 2 K: Campbell’s hot start has been tempered by a four-game stretch in which he’s gone 2-for-15. Campbell is a marginal prospect at best, but has been playing some inspired baseball during the Australian League season.

•Ryan Battaglia (C, Brisbane Bandits): 1-for-2, 2 BB, 1 K: Battaglia has really been picking up his game of late, going 6-for-14, with three runs, two doubles, a triple, a homer and four RBI over his last four games.

By Jim Pete
December 16, 2012