Cleveland Sports Forum

Team USA is determined not to be embarassed for yet another WBC. Unfortunately the same can't be said of the Latin countries. Many of their best players will be missing. They either turned down their team's offers or have been told not to compete. Others will not play because they will be coming back from 2012 injuries. The latter goes for all teams. Japan, Cuba and -Canada??- should be Team USA biggest challengers. 80% of the remaining field can be eliminated rather quickly. My opinion of course.

Wheeler leads Algodoneros to Game 1 win

Orioles farmhand homers, drives in four runs, scores three times

01/13/13 1:08 AM ET

Mexican Pacific League

Guasave 8, Mexicali 1

Orioles farmhand Zelous Wheeler homered, drove in four runs and scored three times, leading the Algodoñeros to victory in Game 1 of their best-of-7 semifinal series. Red Sox newcomer Mark Hamilton added a three-run blast for Guasave, which got six strong innings from Astros right-hander Edgar Gonzalez. Jon Weber drove in the Aguilas' lone run.

Game 1: Mexicali 1, Guasave 8
Algodoneros de Guasave lead series 1-0
Game 2: 01/13 6:00 p.m.
Game 3: 01/15 7:30 p.m.
Game 4: 01/16 7:30 p.m.
Game 5: 01/17 7:30 p.m.
Game 6: 01/19 7:00 p.m.
Game 7: 01/20 6:00 p.m.

Obregon 7, Culiacan 5, 12 innings

Former Reds farmhand Jesse Gutierrez hit a two-run homer in the 12th inning as the Yaquis outlasted the Tomateros in the opener of their best-of-7 semifinal series. Agustin Murillo forced extra frames with an RBI single in the ninth and Royals right-hander Luis Mendoza struck out nine over 5 2/3 innings for Obregon. Braves newcomer Ramiro Peña collected three hits, including a two-run homer, and scored twice for Culiacan.

Game 1: Obregon 7, Culiacan 5
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 1-0
Game 2: 01/13 5:00 p.m.
Game 3: 01/15 7:30 p.m.
Game 4: 01/16 7:30 p.m.
Game 5: 01/17 7:30 p.m.
Game 6: 01/19 6:00 p.m.
Game 7: 01/20 5:00 p.m.

Venezuelan Winter League

Magallanes 4, Caracas 3, 10 innings

Renny Osuna went 2-for-2 off the bench and tripled home the go-ahead run in the 10th inning as the Navegantes moved atop the round-robin playoff standings. Mario Lisson slugged a two-run homer and former Major Leaguer Eliezer Alfonzo added a solo shot for Magallanes. Indians infielder Asdrubal Cabrera and Padres utility man Jesus Guzman both had two hits and an RBI for the Leones.

Caribes 5, Lara 2

Longtime Minor Leaguer Luis Nuñez went 3-for-3 with a homer and two RBIs, powering their Caribes to their third straight playoff win. Cesar Suarez hit a solo shot and scored twice for Anzoategui, while Cubs infielder Luis Valbuena singled twice and scored a run for the Cardenales.
Puerto Rican Winter League

Mayaguez 4, Caguas 2

Twins prospect Eddie Rosario hit a two-run triple to spark a four-run seventh inning as the Indios grabbed sole possession of first place in the round-robin playoffs. Randy Ruiz homered and fellow Major League veteran Pedro Feliciano struck out three over two perfect innings to earn for the save for Mayaguez. Former Minor Leaguer Michael Nix took a one-hit shutout into the seventh before taking the loss for the Criollos.

Santurce 5, Carolina 1

Former Rockies farmhand Tomas Santiago allowed an unearned run on two hits over 5 1/3 innings as the Cangrejeros shut down the Gigantes. Fehlandt Lentini went 3-for-5 with a stolen base, an RBI and a run scored for Santurce, while Astros prospect Jobduan Morales scored the lone run for Carolina.
Dominican Winter League
No games scheduled

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Asdrubal Cabrera

Venezuelan Winter League

•Ezequiel Carrera: (LF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 0-for-3, 1 R, 1 BB: Zeke is hitting .257 in the playoffs, and .279 overall during the winter leagues. Overall, Carrera has had a solid campaign, scoring 27 runs in only 39 ballgames, while stealing 12 bases. If the Indians don’t make any moves in the outfield for the remainder of the offseason, he’s likely the prohibitive favorite to be the fourth outfielder for the Tribe.

•Asdrubal Cabrera: (SS, Leones del Caracas): 2-for-4, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K: Cabrera singled and drove in a run in the bottom of the fifth, and was ultimately thrown out at home on a throw by Ezequiel Carrera that was relayed home. Cabrera was thrown out in the bottom of the tenth, along with his manager, arguing after he struck out. Cabrera is hotter than a firecracker offensively, hitting .361 in the playoffs, and .313 overall during the winter leagues. It’s good seeing the fire in Cabrera. Perhaps it’s showing a player that’s ready to work hard over the offseason, and allowing him to come into camp in shape, and give him the stamina to stay strong all season.

•Jesus Aguilar: (1B, Leones del Caracas): 0-for-3, 1 R, 1 BB: Aguilar is hitting .280 during the VWL playoffs. On Saturday night, he scored his run in the third inning after walking, moving to second on a passed ball, and scoring on a double. Aguilar has shown the ability to lift his play as the importance of games increases, and that seems to be the case again during the winter league. Hopefully, as games become increasingly important as he moves through Double and Triple A, that trend will continue.

Australian League

•Andrew Campbell: (CF, Brisbane Bandits): Game 1: 1-for-3: Game 2: 2-for-5, 2 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI: Campbell has the average back above the .300 level, and is now hitting a hefty .305, while driving his fourth homer and tenth RBI of the season. These are typical stats for Campbell, who hit .301 in 2011, but with the added power. This doesn’t change his status with the Indians, as the Australian League is lacking true major league talent.

•Ryan Battaglia: (C, Brisbane Bandits): Game 2: 1-for-3, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 K: Battaglia played in his first game since January 6th, and was 1-for-16 heading into Saturday’s game.

Asdrubal Cabrera ejected for demanding

01/12/2013 9:40:16 PM | Cabrera claimed the main pitching area that was in bad

CARACAS. -

The third meeting between the rivals, Lions and Navigators was decided in extra innings for the second night run and the victory was also for Valencia 4 dashes by 3. At the close of the tenth inning the Indians grandeliga from Cleveland, Asdrubal Cabrera argues the call with plate umpire angrily claimed by the judgment of a strike which in his opinion was in bad area. The shortstop was expelled after the complaint by the principal and thereupon the Caracas manager Frank Kremblas also was taken from the engagement.

Twins prospects carry first-place Indios

Vargas, Ortiz, Rosario combine for nine hits, seven RBIs in playoff romp

01/13/13 11:52 PM ET

Puerto Rican Winter League

Mayaguez 14, Carolina 7

Kennys Vargas fell a triple shy of the cycle, drove in four runs and scored twice as the Indios remained atop the round-round playoff standings. Fellow Twins prospects Daniel Ortiz had two RBIs and scored three times and Eddie Rosario went 2-for-4 with an RBI for Mayaguez, which got three RBIs from Dodgers prospect Yasiel Puig. Dodgers farmhand Osvaldo Martinez singled twice and drove in a pair of runs for the Gigantes, who fell to 3-7.

Caguas 6, Santurce 5

Former Minor Leaguer Carlos Rivera went 3-for-3 with a two-run homer, falling a triple shy of the cycle and scoring three times, as the Criollos held off the Cangrejeros. Red Sox prospect Henry Ramos and Minor League veteran Jaime Ortiz both added two hits and an RBI for Caguas, while Sergio Miranda was 3-for-4 and drove in a pair of runs in a losing effort.
Venezuelan Winter League

Magallanes 4, Zulia 3

World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval homered, then singled in the tying run as the Navegantes rallied past the Aguilas to stay on top of the round-robin playoff standings. Eliezer Alfonzo delivered a go-ahead RBI double in Magallanes' three-run sixth inning and Gustavo Chacin struck out six over 6 1/3 frames for the win. Reds prospect Henry Rodriguez and Alex Romero smacked solo homers for Zulia.

Lara 11, Caribes 3

Former Major Leaguer Robert Perez homered twice and drove in four runs to power the Cardenales to their first win in six playoff road games. Dodgers farmhand C.J. Retherford contributed two hits and three RBIs for Lara, while Braves Minor Leaguer Yohan Flande yielded two runs -- one earned -- on five hits over 6 1/3 innings. Padres infielder Alexi Amarista was 2-for-4 with a run scored for the Caribes.
Mexican Pacific League

Culiacan 6, Obregon 4

Former Major Leaguer Karim Garcia hit a three-run walk-off homer in the ninth inning as the Tomateros squared their best-of-7 semifinal series at 1-1. Braves newcomer Ramiro Peña and Yankees prospect Ronnier Mustelier also went yard for Culiacan, while Agustin Murillo went 3-for-5 with a solo shot and two runs scored for the Yaquis.

Game 1: Obregon 7, Culiacan 5
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 1-0
Game 2: Obregon 4, Culiacan 6
Series tied 1-1
Game 3: 01/15 7:30 p.m.
Game 4: 01/16 7:30 p.m.
Game 5: 01/17 7:30 p.m.
Game 6: 01/19 6:00 p.m.
Game 7: 01/20 5:00 p.m.

Mexicali 4, Guasave 3

Former Indians farmhand Roman Peña singled home the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth inning, giving the Aguilas a split of the first two games of their semifinal series. Major League veteran Geronimo Gil doubled twice, drove in a run and scored once for Mexicali, while former Southern League All-Star Jesus Cota went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer for the Algodoñeros.

Game 1: Mexicali 1, Guasave 8
Algodoneros de Guasave lead series 1-0
Game 2: Mexicali 4, Guasave 3
Series tied 1-1
Game 3: 01/15 7:30 p.m.
Game 4: 01/16 7:30 p.m.
Game 5: 01/17 7:30 p.m.
Game 6: 01/19 7:00 p.m.
Game 7: 01/20 6:00 p.m.

Dominican Winter League

Escogido 6, Estrellas 1

Mets utility man Jordany Valdespin doubled, singled and drove in two runs remained tied for first place in the round-robin playoffs. Mauro Gomez (Red Sox) drilled a two-run homer and former Minor Leaguer Edward Valdez allowed a run on seven hits over 5 1/3 innings for Escogido. Angels farmhand Luis Jimenez had two hits and drove in the Estrellas' lone run.

Aguilas 5, Toros 4

Rangers prospect Leury Garcia hit a walk-off single to cap a three-run ninth inning as the Aguilas retained a share of first place in the round-robin playoffs. Former Marlins Minor Leaguer Juan Carlos Perez had two hits, including a solo homer, for Cibaeñas, while Major League veteran Guillermo Rodriguez broke out of a 1-for-12 slump with a two-run double for the Toros.
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Rob Bryson

Dominican Winter League

•Jose Ramirez: (2B, Toros del Este): 1-for-4, 1 RBI, 1 K: Ramirez is currently batting .309 for the Winter League season, and .300 for the playoffs. Ramirez hit a single in the third inning, driving in former Tribe farmhand Jose Constanza, giving Toros a 3-0 lead. Ramirez continues to hit well, and continues to solidify himself as a prospect to watch. He doesn’t appear to have the plus-type tools to call him a top prospect, but should he continue to perform over the next couple of seasons, he’ll be hard to ignore.

•Delvi Cid: (PR, Aguilas Cibaenas): 0-0, 1 R: Delvi Cid did what he does best. He pinch-ran for first baseman Erick Almonte in the ninth inning after Juan Carlos Perez had hit a homer, bringing Aguilas within a run of Toros. Cid moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, moved to third on a ground out, and scored the tying run on a wild pitch. Aguilas would win on a single later in the inning. This was Cid’s ninth game, and he’s only been credited with six at bats, as he’s used mostly as a pinch runner late in ballgames. His future is fairly clear, even though he has plus speed.

•Edward Paredes: (RP, Aguilas Cibaenas): 1 IP, 1 BB: Paredes continued his shutout playoff performance for Aguilas with his one inning on Sunday, only giving up a walk. He’s has a sparkling winter league performance up to this point, giving up only three runs in his 18 2/3 innings, for a 1.44 ERA.

Puerto Rican League

•Rob Bryson: (RP, Criollos de Caguas): H (2), 1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB: Bryson has pitched in nineteen games now, giving up seven hits and nine walks, and STILL hasn’t given up a run. But, there’s some reality to this game. Bryson came into the game with Caguas leading 6-3, with a run in, and with runners on first and second. He gave up a single to load the bases, then walked in a second run, making the score 6-4. He then gave up another run on a sac fly, that turned into a double play. He would get out of the inning on a fielder’s choice. It was a crazy inning, and perhaps gives a window into who Bryson really is. He’s a decent pitcher, but there’s more to the 0.00 ERA.

Venezuelan Winter League

•Ezequiel Carrera: (LF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 1-for-3: Carrera is on cruise control right now, and his one Sunday hit has improved his playoff average from .257 to .263. I don’t know, while ebbs and flows are a part of the game, I’d like to see less of the ebbs for Carrera. Ultimately, it’s these lapses that stop him from being considered an every-day player, instead of a fringe fourth outfielder.

Australian League

•Andrew Campbell: (CF, Brisbane Bandits): 1-for-5, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 K: Campbell continued with the hot bat, and has a four game hit streak, and has back-to-back games with extra-base hits. Brisbane has won four games in a row as well, paralleling Campbell’s streak.

Canada unveils provisional roster for Classic

By Andrew Simon / Special to MLB.com | 01/12/2013 8:32 PM ET

Canada submitted its 23-man provisional roster for the World Baseball Classic on Saturday, putting together a group that includes 15 current or former Major Leaguers, highlighted by Twins first baseman Justin Morneau.

The four-time All-Star and 2006 American League Most Valuable Player also played for his home country in the 2006 and '09 Classics, when Canada did not make it out of pool play.

This year's roster, which will be made official on Thursday, thus far includes several other established big leaguers, including Pirates catcher Russell Martin, Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie, Mariners outfielder Michael Saunders and right-handed relievers John Axford of the Brewers and Jesse Crain of the White Sox.

"I'm pleased to see that our roster consists of many players that have worn the Canadian colors before with our National Teams program," Canadian manager Ernie Whitt, himself a former Major Leaguer, told The Canadian Press. "The familiarity our players have with one another, and the coaching staff, will be beneficial in a short tournament like the World Baseball Classic."

Eight players on the provisional roster played in the 2009 Classic and seven participated in '06.

One player notably absent from the provisional roster is Reds first baseman and 2010 National League MVP Joey Votto. Sportsnet reported on Saturday that Votto, who was limited to 111 games by injury last season, needs to pass an insurance physical before he can be added to the roster.

"We have every reason to believe there will be no issue whatsoever," Canada coach Greg Hamilton told Sportsnet.

Others with big league experience on the current roster are pitchers Phillippe Aumont, Jim Henderson, Shawn Hill, Chris Leroux, Trystan Magnuson and Scott Mathieson, second basemen Taylor Green and Pete Orr and outfielder Adam Loewen.

Jones excited to represent Team USA in Classic

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com | 01/11/2013 3:02 PM ET

BALTIMORE -- For Orioles center fielder Adam Jones, it was a no-brainer when invited to play for Team USA in this spring's World Baseball Classic.

"I said, 'You're damn right. Of course I want to play for my country,'" Jones said of the inquiring phone call earlier this winter from Team USA manager Joe Torre. "I take pride in something like that."

"I think it's going to be an experience of a lifetime," Jones said. "This is an All-Star contest. It's the Olympics, basically. Team USA is trying to get the best players they can.

"I know the Japanese take tremendous pride in whooping everybody's butt the first two [competitions], so, USA, let's go."

Jones' participation will require him to be away from the Orioles' Spring Training in Sarasota, Fla., although that exact schedule has yet to be determined. Team USA is scheduled to begin training together in Phoenix on March 4, and then participate in first-round play at the Diamondbacks' Chase Field from March 7-10.

Given the nature of the games and the fact that Classic participants are in game mode already in early March, there is always the question about health and possible fatigue over a 162-game regular season. Jones said he isn't worried.

"The fatigue factor? I'm 27 years old. I work out my legs four to five days a week just to keep my legs healthy and my legs fresh," said Jones, whose winter workouts start at 7 a.m. PT in La Jolla, Calif. "I did play every game [in 2012], but I'm ready to play every game this year, too, because I do want to play 100 percent of my contract. [Cal Ripken Jr.] told me this, he said, 'Once you played 162, you are always going to be like, why do I need a day off?'

"I tweeted out yesterday, if you work on your durability, it will increase your availability. And that's what I wanted to do. That's what we talked about. What's the biggest injury with people? Their legs. ... No matter what position the team is in, what team or city we play in, I run the same distance. I got to maintain my durability, because if I'm durable, I'm going to be available. And if I'm available, I'm going to do some crazy [stuff]."

Crazy in a good way. Jones said he spoke with manager Buck Showalter about his decision and has talked with first-base/outfield coach Wayne Kirby about the different vibe the early part of camp will have for him.

"I want them not to be worried about me. That's why I want to prepare myself the best, that's why I want to come in shape," Jones said. "The first couple days [this spring] is going to be work, work, work, because I'm going to have to be able to get myself ready to play center field. These [Classic] games mean a lot. Spring Training doesn't mean much, these games mean a lot. You got the whole country behind you."

Along with Torre, Greg Maddux was named pitching coach and Willie Randolph -- part of Showalter's coaching staff in 2011 -- will serve as third-base coach. The rest of the staff will consist of first-base coach Dale Murphy, bench coach Larry Bowa, bullpen coach Marcel Lachemann and hitting coach Gerald Perry.

This year's Classic, which featured an expanded pool of participating teams, will be held from March 2-19. The finals, which Team USA hasn't been a part of in the two previous competitions, will be held at the Giants' AT&T Park.

The Baltimore Sun first reported that Jones had accepted Team USA's invitation.

Stanton commits to play for Team USA in Classic

By Adam Berry / MLB.com | 01/12/2013 7:10 PM ET

Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton will add his powerful bat to the middle of Team USA's lineup in the World Baseball Classic.

The All-Star outfielder has committed to play for the United States in this year's Classic, according to a report by CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman, providing Team USA manager Joe Torre with another potent bat as the American club seeks its first WBC championship.

Fellow Major Leaguers Adam Jones, Brandon Phillips, Joe Mauer, David Wright and Ryan Braun have already expressed their intentions to play in the tournament. The World Baseball Classic rosters will be unveiled Thursday night on MLB Network.

Asked in September if he would consider playing in the Classic, Stanton responded: "Absolutely. Anything that represents your country is a big deal. It's relatively new. To have that be more popular, or make that more important to people, is ideal.

"You never know how long a career can be, and you want to get that experience," he added. "You never know how your health will be. In three years, something could go wrong. I'm able to do it now, and have no reason not to."

Stanton, the subject of many trade rumors since voicing his unhappiness over the Marlins' blockbuster trade with the Blue Jays, posted a .290/.361/.608 batting line and hit 37 home runs for Miami last season. In just three years with the Marlins, the 23-year-old has hit 93 homers.

Dickey, Kimbrel, Pettitte set to pitch for USA

By Joey Nowak / MLB.com | 01/13/2013 7:34 PM ET

Some of the latest players to commit to playing for Team USA in this year's World Baseball Classic include the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, one of the game's most experienced left-handers and one of baseball's best young relievers.

R.A. Dickey, Andy Pettitte, Ryan Vogelsong and Craig Kimbrel are set to join manager Joe Torre's star-studded provisional roster that is expected to include David Wright, Giancarlo Stanton, Joe Mauer and Ryan Braun, MLB.com has confirmed from baseball sources.

Other bullpen pieces will include San Diego's Luke Gregerson, and Cleveland's Chris Perez and Vinnie Pestano. Red Sox outfielder Shane Victorino is expected to join Baltimore's Adam Jones in the outfield, with Mark Teixeira, Jimmy Rollins and Brandon Phillips joining the infield group.

Justin Verlander is a possibility, but he would be a later addition. The team is also expected to carry three catchers, but the other two are still to be determined.

Other potential Team USA stars like Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp are both reportedly being held off the roster because of precautionary reasons due to injuries.

Taking a stand: Former Yomiuri Giants star Masumi Kuwata is speaking out about the use of physical abuse in sports in the wake of a suicide by a high school basketball player in Osaka last month. YOSHIAKI MIURA

Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013

Kuwata rejects corporal punishment

By JIM ARMSTRONG

AP

Former Yomiuri Giants star pitcher Masumi Kuwata has spoken out against corporal punishment in sports following the suicide of a Japanese high school student who endured repeated beatings by his basketball coach.

"I don't think corporal punishment as a form of instruction makes one stronger," Kuwata said in an interview with national broadcaster NHK on Friday. "I think those teaching sports need to change their methods to fit the times."

The 17-year-old boy, who was the captain of his basketball team, hanged himself after being physically punished by his basketball coach in late December, the Osaka municipal board of education said Tuesday. The student told his mother he had been struck 30 to 40 times the day before he died last month.

The 47-year-old coach, whose name has not been disclosed, admitted slapping the teen when he made a mistake and said it was intended to "fire him up," the board said.

Osaka police are investigating the incident which has sparked a national debate about the place of physical punishment in Japanese sports.

Kuwata, who studied sports psychology after his playing days with the Yomiuri Giants, said in the interview he was the victim of physical punishment as a baseball player in elementary school.

"There were no days when you weren't hit," Kuwata said.

Kuwata, who had a brief career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2007, said he hopes the recent incident will lead to reforms in Japan.

"I think there is a lack of understanding," Kuwata said. "I hope this incident will not be wasted and will serve as a catalyst for reform. I hope it will lead to changes in the way we develop athletes."

Physical punishment in sports is fairly common in Japan, where it's felt it toughens up athletes. The most recent incident isn't the first that resulted in a death.

In 2009, a former sumo trainer was sentenced to six years in prison for his role in the fatal beating of a young wrestler during training.

Former trainer Junichi Yamamoto ordered three wrestlers, in the name of practice, to beat 17-year-old wrestler Tokitaizan, hitting him with beer bottles, a baseball bat and hosing him with cold water.

Tokitaizan, whose real name was Takashi Saito, collapsed after practice and died in June 2007. An autopsy showed bruises and injuries that prosecutors said showed his ordeal was not from training.

THE GUARDIAN NIGERIA

16 schools for Lagos U-13 open baseball, softball championship .

Thursday, 10 January 2013 00:00 By Olalekan Okusan Sport

SIXTEEN schools drawn from Lagos, Oyo, Kwara, Ondo and Ekiti will take part in the maiden U-13 tournament organised by the Lagos State Baseball and Softball Association.

According to the chairperson of the association, Onyeka Onuorah, the championship will kick-start the year and serves as part of the state efforts to popularise the sports in the state.

The participating teams are expected to arrive on Tuesday January 15 with the competition kicking off on Wednesday, January 16 at Jubril Martins Grammar School in Iponri. It will end on Saturday, January 19.

Onuorah said the tournament would help to prepare the state team for the national trials where players will be chosen for the West Africa U-12 Championship in Burkina Faso.

“We want to ensure that we prepare our athletes very well for the national trials because we believe in preparation. The venue of the national trials has not been confirmed but we are sure that Lagos will present a formidable team for the national competition.

Oyo, Kwara, Ondo and Ekiti will be presenting two teams each with the boys taking part in the baseball event, while the girls will compete in the softball. As host, Lagos will be presenting eight teams drawn from schools in the state.

According to the chairperson of the association, Onyeka Onuorah, the aims of the association is to develop the sport at grassroots level, as this would help to produce future stars for the state and the country at large.

She added that from the tournament, players would also be selected to represent Nigeria in the forthcoming IBAF World Junior Championship coming up in March.

She said that other programes line up for 2013 by the association include the Under-16 championship, The Little League championship, School Championship, State league while some American coaches that will be coming in July to develop the sport by organising clinics and grade the coaches, umpires and scorers.

For her, the focus of the association is on grassroots, which she believes is the bedrock of development in any sport.

Sandoval helps Navegantes remain on top

Giants All-Star third baseman hit tiebreaking homer in eighth inning for Magallanes

01/14/13 10:46 PM ET

Venezuelan Winter League

Magallanes 4, Lara 3

World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval (Giants) slugged a solo homer in the eighth inning to break a 3-3 tie for the Navegantes, who maintained their hold on first place in the round-robin playoffs. Veteran Eliezer Alfonzo (Dodgers) drove in two runs and Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus had three hits and scored once. Yangervis Solarte (Rangers), splitting time between second and right field, was 3-for-5 with a homer and two runs for the Cardenales.

Caracas 4, Zulia 1

Free-agent hurler Armando Galarraga struck out five and allowed one run on four hits over five innings to earn the win for the Leones. Former All-Star outfielder Bobby Abreu drove in a run and Padres outfielder Jesus Guzman added two hits and a run scored. Reds prospect Felix Perez accounted for the Aguilas' lone run with an RBI single.
Dominican Winter League

Oriente 7, Cibaenas 3

Tigers prospect Eliezer Mesa slugged a three-run homer and scored twice for the Estrellas. Luis Jimenez (Angels) fell a triple shy of the cycle and drove in two runs while Cubs' No. 9 prospect Junior Lake smacked an RBI triple. Veteran infielder Joaquin Arias (Giants) had three hits and drove in a run for the Aguilas.

Este 5, Escogido 4

Fernando Abad (Nationals) fanned seven and allowed a run on four hits over five innings to help the Toros tie for first place in the round-robin playoffs. Indians prospect Jose Ramirez plated a pair of runs and former Major Leaguer Esteban German was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Mets infielder Jordany Valdespin collected two RBIs for the Leones.
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Jesus Aguilar

Dominican Winter League:

•Jose Ramirez (2B-SS, Toros del Este): 1-for-4, R, 2 RBI. Ramirez hit in the second spot in the order on Monday and continues to hit in the top two spots of the lineup as a tablesetter for the rest of the lineup. Ramirez has gained a ton of invaluable experience this offseason playing in 51 games and has piled up 195 at bats and is hitting a very healthy .308 and 22-27 walk to strikeout ratio. It is amazing how quickly this kid has jumped onto the scene, and what he has done this offseason has a lot of people with the Indians and in the scouting world impressed.

•Jerry Gil (RHP, Estrelles de Oriente): 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K. Gil lived on the edge on Monday allowing three baserunners to reach in the 9th inning but escaped without allowing a run all while preserving a 7-3 win for his team. He has been a workhorse this offseason pitching in 33 games with a 1.55 ERA and 9 saves.

•Edward Paredes (LHP, Aguilas Cibaenas): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. Paredes entered the game with one out in the 6th inning and after walking the first batter he retired the next two batters to close out the inning. He has now appeared in 35 games this offseason and in 19.1 innings has a 1.40 ERA.

Venezuela Winter League:

•Jesus Aguilar (1B, Leones del Caracas): 1-for-1, 2B, RBI. Aguilar was removed from the game in the second inning after he hit a line drive run scoring double and then ran from second to third when the next batter singled. The severity of the injury is unknown and he may have just been taken out for precautionary reasons, but the MiLB site says he was taken out due to a shoulder injury; however, one of the newspapers that covered the game said he hurt his right leg running to third. Either way he is injured, and you just hope it is nothing serious. The Indians last week granted his request to stay in Venezuela to continue participating in the playoffs rather than come to Cleveland as scheduled to be a part of the Winter Development Program. If it ends up being something serious, boy would they be kicking themselves for allowing him to stay.

•Asdrubal Cabrera (SS, Leones del Caracas): 1-for-4, R, K. Cabrera has been steady all offseason hitting .310 with an .837 OPS in 21 games. I do not recall him playing this deep into the winter ball season last year, so perhaps this is a way to get him into better game shape coming into spring training this season.

•Ezequiel Carrera (LF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 1-for-4, R, SB. Interestingly, Carrera found himself hitting in the #5 spot of the order on Monday night, which is an unusual spot in the order for him considering he has little power and is more of a tablesetter. In any case, he continues to have a solid offseason hitting .279 with a very good 20-21 walk to strikeout ratio and 13 stolen bases in 41 games.

By Tony Lastoria
January 15, 2013

Yorvit Torrealba grounded with a double and Jesus Aguilar, brought the second and third respectively. Aguilar had to leave the game with a strained left leg, but it was only prevention is likely to return to the lineup tomorrow.

Scouts gear up for busy week in Dominican Republic

By Jesse Sanchez / MLB.com | 01/14/13 9:30 PM ET

This is the type of week that baseball dreams are made of.

The next six days in the Dominican Republic could change the lives of several talented ballplayers from Latin America and dramatically impact the big league clubs looking to sign them.

Starting Wednesday, Major League Baseball will kick off a busy week for amateurs on the island with the second annual MLB Prospect League international showcase for players eligible to sign on July 2 in an event at Temistocles Metz Stadium in San Cristobal. On Friday, the International Prospect League (IPL) will bring together its league's best players for an All-Star game and showcase for two days at the Tampa Bay Rays' complex in Boca Chica. Also on Friday, the Dominican Prospect League (DPL) -- the first league of its kind on the island -- will open a four-day event called the Louisville Slugger Tournament Series for its top players at the New York Yankees' complex in Boca Chica.

Close to 150 top prospects are expected to participate in the three showcases. More than 200 scouts are expected to attend Wednesday's event alone, which will feature prospects from the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Nicaragua and Curacao along with a visit from Joe Torre, MLB's executive vice president of baseball operations. The IPL will also feature players from Venezuela.

"The amateur international world is descending upon the island for the week, and all of the activity means there is a lot going on in the Dominican," said manager of Latin American game development for MLB Joel Araujo. "Baseball is flourishing and it's continuing to grow, which is to everyone's benefit. There are huge investments being made in these players, and we believe the more games, the better. The evolution of baseball games, in addition to traditional scouting, in the Dominican Republic has allowed clubs to view these types of events as tools to their scouting."

The baseball landscape has changed in part because of the change in the rules regarding the signing of international prospects.

In accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, each team was allotted $2.9 million to spend on the international market starting July 2, 2012, without penalty. Exceptions -- such as a team's six highest signing bonuses of $50,000 or less and players signed for $7,500 or less -- do not count against the spending cap.

More than 400 players have signed since the international signing period began on July 2.

This July's international signing period works in a similar way and the amount clubs are allowed to spend will be based largely on its record in the 2012 season. The pools for each team will range from an estimated $4.9 million (for the lowest winning percentage) to $1.8 million (for the highest winning percentage). Clubs will also be allowed to trade pool money.

"I think we were able to help change the industry by starting the first league several years ago and give scouts and clubs more evaluation time in game situations," said Brian Mejia, co-founder of the DPL. "That's very important in this climate where clubs are really paying attention and following the new guidelines."

Last year was a banner year for Major League Baseball in its efforts in Latin America. Its first international showcase, held last February, featured 25 prospects from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela and more than 200 big league scouts in attendance at an event that included a 60-yard dash, infield and outfield drills and batting practice. The prospects also played two games.

In November, MLB held a showcase in Venezuela in front of 175 scouts to find prospects for next month's event. Two months earlier, MLB put on a showcase that featured some of the top amateur Dominican players at Tetelo Vargas Stadium in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. MLB also hosted a four-day tournament that featured amateur teams from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and USA Baseball in Santo Domingo in August.

The league created MLB Prospect League for players eligible to sign professional contracts on July 2, and for older players, last spring. The league made special scouting trips to Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia and Curacao to find players for its event this week.

"The expectations for this week are very high, and I think if we allow ourselves to think about where we were two years ago, it was definitely different and we've made progress," Araujo said. "We didn't know what type of reception we would get from the critical parties here in the Dominican, but the reception was not bad. At this point, we are at the point where all we do is field calls from trainers that want to be invited to participate. We hope it continues to evolve."

Jose Ramirez has ice in his veins. The kid is mature beyond his years. I've seen all of his playoff games and there is nothing this kid can't do. Tonight 3-4 single, double, and a triple, toss in a walk and a run scored. Should have been two triples but he hesitated just enough rounding second to get caught on a very close play at third. He's been outstanding on defense. That gold glove he won was by no accident.

Three Caribbean leagues announce award winners

Royals' Perez, Cardinals' Taveras among top rookies this offseason

By John Parker / MLB.com | 01/15/13 4:22 PM ET

Three of the four Caribbean Winter Leagues announced their regular season awards, with current, former and future Major Leaguers claiming several honors.

Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez was named Venezuelan League Rookie of the Year after batting .371/.412/.629 with eight homers and 39 RBIs in 32 games for the Tiburones de La Guaira. The 22-year-old, who missed the first half of the 2012 Major League season with a torn right meniscus, hit .301/.328/.471 in 74 games with the Royals in 2012 while proving himself one of the top defensive catchers in the game. Perez caught 11 games for the Tiburones while serving as their designated hitter in 21 other contests, and would have led the league in batting, slugging and OPS had he the requisite number of at-bats.

The Rookie of the Year in the Dominican League was top Cardinals prospect Oscar Taveras. The No. 12 overall prospect in the Minors, Taveras followed up a torrid Double-A Texas League campaign -- he hit .321/.380/.572 and earned league MVP honors for champion Springfield -- with a winter season that was just as strong. The 20-year-old lefty hitter batted .316/.379/.507 with five homers and 17 RBIs in 39 games for Aguilas, which posted the best record on the circuit.

The Liga Mexicana del Pacifico will announce its award winners following the playoffs.

Other winners around the Caribbean included:

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

MVP: Hector Luna (Aguilas). A veteran of 339 games with five clubs over seven big league seasons, Luna finished second in the league in on-base percentage (.408) and slugging (.514) and seventh in batting (.307) for first-place Aguilas. The 32-year-old appeared in 28 games with the Phillies last season.

Pitcher of the Year: Daniel Cabrera (Escogido). The 6-foot-7 Cabrera spent five seasons with the Orioles from 2004 to 2008, going 48-59 with a 5.05 ERA and a walk rate of 5.1 per nine innings. He's bounced around in the Minors since then, pitching in both the Pittsburgh and Arizona organizations in 2012. The 31-year-old right-hander went 5-0 with a 2.16 ERA in 11 starts for the Leones this winter, fanning 32 and walking just 16 over 58 1/3 innings.

Rookie of the Year: Oscar Tavares (Aguilas).

Manager of the Year: Dave Jauss (Estrellas). A longtime scout and coach in the Expos, Red Sox, Dodgers and Orioles systems, Jauss was the Mets' bench coach in 2010. He joined the Pirates as a scout in 2011 and will serve on manager Clint Hurdle's coaching staff in 2013. He guided the Estrellas to a 30-20 record, second-best in the league.

Liga de Beisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente (Puerto Rico)

MVP: Andy Gonzalez (Caguas). A 31-year-old Brewers farmhand, Gonzalez led the league with 27 RBIs, finished second in on-base percentage (.421), fifth in slugging (.489) and eighth in batting (.311) for first-place Caguas. A fifth-round pick by the White Sox in the 2001 Draft, Gonzalez hit .247 for Double-A Huntsville and Triple-A Nashville in 2012. He appeared in 91 big league games for the White Sox, Indians and Marlins between 2007 and 2009, batting .182.

Pitcher of the Year: Ricardo Gomez (Santurce). The 34-year-old Gomez appeared in 16 games for the Cangrejeros, 14 of which were save situations. He converted all 14 and earned the win in one other game while allowing two runs and fanning 22 over 17 2/3 frames for a 1.02 ERA. The right-hander last played for an affiliated club in 2001, when he pitched in 17 games for Class A Short-Season Staten Island and Class A Greensboro in the Yankees organization.

Rookie of the Year: Christian Colon (Ponce). Another Royals farmhand, Colon was the fourth overall pick out of Cal State-Fullerton in 2010 and was a teammate of Perez's at Northwest Arkansas in 2011. The second baseman hit .301 at three different levels for the Royals in 2012 and fanned just 28 times in 85 games. He hit .301 for the Leones as well, adding 13 stolen bases over 39 games in his first winter league campaign.

Comeback Player of the Year: Nick Ortiz (Ponce). Just six months shy of his 40th birthday, Ortiz batted .278 with a pair of homers and 10 RBIs in 30 games for Ponce.

Liga Venezuela Beisbol Profesional

MVP: Ernesto Mejia (Zulia). The Braves farmhand has proven throughout his Minor League career that he can hit, and his performance in Venezuela this winter was no different. After batting .296 with 24 homers and 94 RBIs for Gwinnett to earn Triple-A International League Rookie of the Year honors in 2012, the 27-year-old Mejia paced the Venezuelan Winter League with 16 longballs and 48 RBIs in 61 games with the Aguilas.

Rookie of the Year: Salvador Perez (La Guaira).

Pitcher of the Year: Dwayne Pollok (Zulia). Of the five best ERAs among Venezuelan League starters this winter, four belonged to Zulia hurlers. Only one of them, Pollok, won seven games, however, going 7-2 with a 2.36 mark over a league-high 72 1/3 innings. A 27th-round pick out of Texas A&M by the White Sox in 2003, the 32-year-old right-hander last pitched in affiliated ball with the Dodgers' Triple-A Albuquerque affiliate in 2009.

Reliever of the Year: Juan Carlos Gutierrez (Caracas). Gutierrez appeared in 143 games for the Diamondbacks between 2009 and 2011, but suffered a brutal 2012 season in which he posted a 10.45 ERA over 19 games in the Kansas City farm system. After allowing a .348 average against during the regular season, the 29-year-old righty held Venezuelan League hitters to a .158 mark while recording 14 saves and a 0.81 ERA in 24 games for the Leones.

Comeback Player of the Year: Jose Castillo (Anzoategui). A veteran of five Major League seasons with Pittsburgh, San Francisco and Houston between 2004 and 2008, Castillo has spent the last three summers in Japan and Mexico. The 31-year-old hit .314 for Veracruz in 2012 and followed it up by batting .330 with 45 RBIs in 59 games for the Caribes over the winter.