Cleveland Sports Forum

Audo discloses possible alignment and rotation Lions2013 Caribbean Series

SANTO DOMINGO. -

Audo Vicente, the young leader of the Leones Escogido team, announced the possible lineup and starting rotation set in the Caribbean Series, which will be held in Hermosillo, Mexico.

Interviewed exclusively for "Sport Z," Vicente said that "in the lineup will be Jose Constanza, Jose Ramirez, Hanley Ramirez, Ricardo Nanita, Donell Linares, Miguel Tejada, Jordany Valdespín, Fernando Tatis and Francisco Peña" meant. Al be addressed with respect to the starting rotation, Vicente said that it will consist of Angel Castro, Lorenzo Barcelo, Edward Valdez, Nelson Figueroa and Dustin Richardson, respectively.

POSSIBLE LINEUP Y ROTACION ABRIDORA

LINEUP

NO BATEADOR POS
1B José Constanza CF
2B José Ramírez 2B
3B Hanley Ramírez DH
4B Ricardo Nanita LF
5B Donell Linares 1B
6B Miguel Tejada SS
7B Jordany Valdespín RF
8B Fernando Tatis 3B
9B Francisco Peña C

ROTACION

1.- Angel Castro
2.- Lorenzo Barceló
3.- Edward Valdez
4.- Nelson Figueroa
5.- Dustin Richardson

RELEVISTAS

Fernando Rodney
T.J. Peña
Nelson Payano
Johnny Núñez
Armando Rodríguez
Ramón García
Francisco Cordero

SUSTITUTOS

CATCHER
Alberto Rosario

INFIELD
- Luis Jiménez
- Julio Lugo

I guess this is just icing on the cake for Jose Ramirez. I can't recall any 20 year old prospect having a year like this.

His summer started at Mahoning Valley and ended up in Lake County. His batting average spoke for itself as well as did his glove. He was a gold glove winner with Lake County.

So, he heads off to the Dominican where he performed far beyond his years. He won a gold glove for the Toros during the regular season, he lead the league in batting for a large part of the season where he still ended up in the top 10 in almost all offensive categories except those that measure "power", and he was voted the teams most valuable player.

It didn't stop there as he performed equally as well in the round robin tournament. Edward Valdez, was chosen MVP of the Round Robin tournament. Jose garnered a few points also as others included Manny Ramirez, Leury Garcia and Juan Carlos Perez (Aguilas), Mauro Gomez and Starling Marte (Leones), Carlos Colmenares and Luis Jimenez (Estrellas), and Donell Linares (Toros). Pretty nice company to be in.

I guess the champions of the Dominican League this winter (Leones del Escogido) thought highly enough of Ramirez to choose him as a "reinforcement" to solidify their already first class defense. Ramirez will not only reinforce the team, but it appears he'll be in the starting lineup as the Series del Caribe gets underway Feb 1 in Hermosillo, Mexico.

I guess it just doesn't get any better than that.........at least it doesn't for Jose Ramirez.

If nothing else, I guess we can all agree on the fact that Ramirez has been a model of consistency.

Sandoval, Navegantes force Game 7

World Series MVP, Lisson belt three-run homers to top Cardenales

MLB.com | 1/29/2013 11:16 P.M. ET

Venezuelan Winter League

Magallanes 7, Lara 3

World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval broke open a tight contest with a three-run homer in the fourth inning as the Navegantes forced a decisive seventh game in the Championship Series.

Minor League veteran Mario Lisson also slugged a three-run blast and Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus had the other RBI for Magallanes, which hosts the finale on Wednesday night.

Gustavo Chacin recorded his third postseason win, limiting the Cardenales to two runs on three hits over five innings. The former Major Leaguer struck out four batters and walked two.

Cubs infielder Luis Valbuena ripped a solo shot and Ernesto Mejia doubled twice for Lara. Former Yankees farmhand Maximo Nelson lasted 3 2/3 innings for the Cardenales and was charged with six runs on five hits.

Game 1: Lara 2, Magallanes 5
Navegantes del Magallanes lead series 1-0
Game 2: Lara 3, Magallanes 0
Series tied 1-1
Game 3: Magallanes 2, Lara 4
Cardenales de Lara lead series 2-1
Game 4: Magallanes 6, Lara 5
Series tied 2-2
Game 5: Magallanes 2, Lara 3
Cardenales de Lara lead series 3-2
Game 6: Lara 3, Magallanes 7

Series tied 3-3
Game 7: 01/30 7:30 p.m.

Mexican Winter League


Game 1: Obregon 5, Mexicali 3
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 1-0
Game 2: Obregon 4, Mexicali 2
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 2-0
Game 3: Mexicali 5, Obregon 6
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 3-0
Game 4: Mexicali 3, Obregon 16
Yaquis de Obregon win series 4-0

Dominican Winter League

Game 1: Escogido 10, Aguilas 7
Leones del Escogido lead series 1-0
Game 2: Aguilas 5, Escogido 8
Leones del Escogido lead series 2-0
Game 3: Escogido 9, Aguilas 0
Leones del Escogido lead series 3-0
Game 4: Aguilas 2, Escogido 3
Leones del Escogido lead series 4-0
Game 5: Escogido 3, Aguilas 0
Leones del Escogido win series 5-0

Puerto Rican Winter League

Game 1: Mayaguez 4, Caguas 5
Criollos de Caguas lead series 1-0
Game 2: Caguas 3, Mayaguez 1
Criollos de Caguas lead series 2-0
Game 3: Mayaguez 2, Caguas 1
Criollos de Caguas lead series 2-1
Game 4: Caguas 5, Mayaguez 6
Series tied 2-2
Game 5: Mayaguez 2, Caguas 4
Criollos de Caguas lead series 3-2
Game 6: Caguas 13, Mayaguez 3
Criollos de Caguas win series 4-2

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Jose Ramirez

Venezuelan Winter League

•Ezequiel Carrera (LF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 1-for-2, 2 R, 1 2B, 2 BB, 1 SB. Carrera had a very nice night on Tuesday and perhaps the best part for him was the fact that Navegantes del Magallanes defeated Cardenales de Lara 7-3 to tie the series at 3-3 and force a game seven. Carrera has now gone 52-for-192 this winter (.271), and has definitely been a key cog in Navegantes del Magallanes' winter success. If his team is able to win tonight, then Carrera will find himself in the Caribbean Series, which seems to be a solid reward considering the strong winter season that he's had.

Note on Jose Ramirez

Speaking of the Caribbean Series, it looks as if Carrera won't be the only Indian represented if Navegantes del Magallanes wins tonight. We already knew of Rob Bryson's inclusion, but is has now been announced that second baseman Jose Ramirez will be added to the Leones del Escogido roster as a "reinforcement." This is certainly exciting news for Ramirez as well as Indians fans in general since the switch-hitting infielder has been such an intriguing player to follow. Ramirez will not only be a part of Leones del Escogido, but there is also a report that he will start at second base and hit second for the repeat champs of the Dominican Winter League.

By Steve Orbanek
January 30, 2013

January 29, 2013, 3:18 PM

Tejada "I could not say no"

Written by: JULIO VALDEZ

He did not think twice before calling the team Leones, just said yes, he was willing to accompany the Lions to the Caribbean Series.

"I'm happy to be here, I like this and never say no to a call like this," said Tejada.

Tejada will lead the reinforcements that will be with the Dominican team on 1 February in the Caribbean Series.

"I played the whole winter here and I'm in shape to do a good job in the Caribbean Series," Tejada said.

Alongside Tejada reporting to training yesterday were TJ Peña, Francisco Peña, Donell Linares, Ricardo Nanita, Luis Jimenez, Jose Ramirez and Jose Constanza.

Audo Vicente

The manager, Audo Vicente, said the team is fully equipped and with five starters and relievers, the Lions will be a tough nut to crack.

"We have five starters certain: Angel Castro, who could be the pitcher the first game, Edward Valdez, Nelson Figueroa, Lorenzo Barcelo and Dustin Richardson."

With relievers, led by Fernando Rodney, we have a good team that will fight.

Jose Ramirez

To infielder, Jose Ramirez, his participation in the Caribbean Series is a school that he will take full advantage of.

The young player of the Toros del Este said "To participate in the Caribbean Series, with so many experienced players like Miguel Tejada, it's a school."

The manager Audo Vincent noted that Ramirez might be playing at second and shortstop.

Preparation. Jose Ramirez and Jose Constanza while training with the Chosen Quisqueya Park yesterday.

BASEBALL

"Together we are dynamite," a phrase applied to Constanza, and Ramirez

BOTH ARE BROUGHT TO LIGHT THE WICK of the Dominican attack

Freddy Tapia

Santo Domingo

Having Jose Constanza and Jose Ramirez at the top of the lineup is, in advance, a gain due to the Escogido Lions in the Caribbean Series.

The rapid pairing of the two Toros del Este players was a real headache for the Leones as well as the rest of the teams in the last tournament.

"It's good to have them on our side now representing the Dominican Republic," Audo Vicente manager said with a confident grin going into the Caribbean Classic, which begins next Friday in Hermosillo, Mexico, they emulate the extraordinary performance that went on record during the season.

"We know the great work they have done and the quality of Constanza as a leadoff hitter and also we saw all the talent of Jose Ramirez to put the ball in play," he said.

Audo has no doubts that both will lite the fuse for Hanley Ramirez, Ricardo Nanita, Donell Linares and Miguel Tejada, the mass of the lineup, finished completing what on paper at least is seen as an explosive attack.

"José Ramírez, with all that pepper, and I, we will continue to play to help the little boy win the crown in Mexico," said Constanza, who strengthens the the lions for the second straight year.

"We have the speed, we can not be looking at long sticks, but instead 'mashing' the ball and run to reach first base," argued Constanza announced as leadoff hitter and center fielder of the team.

For Ramirez, the Toros second pick in the amateur draft this year, things have evolved as fast as you can generate with your legs. As was natural, the small player native of Bani began in reserve but as soon received an opportunity by Eddy Diaz subsequently laid off as manager of the Bulls, he became the owner of the club's second baseman, a position he also defends representing the Leones in the Caribbean Series.

"I think Constanza and I can help because we are always putting pressure on the opposing teams," said Ramirez, the Rookie of the Year last season and recently selected by the Leones to accompany them to the end.

The series between the Leones and the Bulls finished 5-5 in the regular season and 4-2 in the round robin. The two had much to do with the difficulties we had to overcome before winning the championship.

Constanza had average of .346 in the regular round and a .400 OBP, while Ramirez, 20, compiled .312 with 22 runs scored and an equal number produced in only 38 games. His OBP was .389. Both stole ten bases.

They, like the actors Bud Spencer and Terence Hill, "Together we are dynamite."

Sandoval celebrates another championship

World Series MVP homers again, helps Navegantes reach Caribbean Series

1/30/2013 11:16 P.M. ET

Venezuelan Winter League

Magallanes 11, Lara 9

Almost exactly three months after winning World Series MVP honors, Pablo Sandoval helped the Navegantes capture their first championship since 2002.

The Giants slugger homered for the second night in a row, doubled twice, drove in two runs and scored twice as Magallanes held off the Cardenales in the decisive seventh game of the Finals.

Nationals farmhand Carlos Maldonado fell a triple shy of the cycle, going 3-for-3 with a homer and four RBIs to help the Navegantes nail down the final spot in the Caribbean Series, which begins Friday in Hermosillo, Mexico.

Magallanes' Juan Rivera, who signed a Minor League contract with the Yankees earlier this week, contributed three hits, including a two-run homer. Hector Gimenez added a solo shot as the Navegantes built an 11-5 lead after five innings.

Blue Jays newcomer Luis Jimenez started Lara's comeback in the sixth with his second homer of the night, a two-run blast off reliever Fabio Castro. Former Major Leaguer Oswaldo Navarro added a two-run shot in the ninth, but Enrique Gonzalez retired the next three batters -- fanning two -- to finish off the Cardenales.

Game 1: Lara 2, Magallanes 5
Navegantes del Magallanes lead series 1-0
Game 2: Lara 3, Magallanes 0
Series tied 1-1
Game 3: Magallanes 2, Lara 4
Cardenales de Lara lead series 2-1
Game 4: Magallanes 6, Lara 5
Series tied 2-2
Game 5: Magallanes 2, Lara 3
Cardenales de Lara lead series 3-2
Game 6: Lara 3, Magallanes 7
Series tied 3-3
Game 7: Lara 9, Magallanes 11
Navegantes del Magallanes win series 4-3

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Ezequiel Carrera

Venezuelan Winter League

•Ezequiel Carrera (LF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 1-for-2, 2 R, 1 BB. Zeke Carrera has to be loving life right now. Navegantes del Magallanes clinched the Venezuelan Winter League Series with an 11-9 win over Cardenales de Lara on Wednesday. Carrera had a big part in the win too as he managed to get on base twice and scored on both occasions. Carrera has now gone 53-for-195 (.272) with six doubles, two triples, two home runs, 26 walks and 27 strikeouts in 53 games. It’s been a very nice winter season for Carrera, and he has definitely been one of the reasons why Navegantes del Magallanes has been able to sustain such a long postseason run.

Overall, it’s been a nice winter season for a handful of Indians players, and we’ll now get to see three of them in the Caribbean Series: Carrera, Rob Bryson and Jose Ramirez. Those players inclusion will certainly make for an interesting series. I congratulate Carrera and his teammates on what has been a great run, and who knows, maybe the best has yet to come.

By Steve Orbanek
January 31, 2013

Bryson representing Puerto Rico, Ramirez representing the Dominican, and Carrera representing Venezuela in the Series del Caribe! How about that !!!!!!!???

Jose Ramirez has faced some of the best the winter leagues can throw at him and he has held more than his own.

Good luck to all this coming week.

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The Navigantes celebrate their championship ride over the Cardenales del Lara

A big step in Cora's tenure as rookie GM

Former player to lead Puerto Rican squad in Caribbean Series

By Jesse Sanchez / MLB.com | 1/30/2013 12:02 P.M. ET

Alex Cora is finally ready to answer the question.

For much of his playing career, especially during his final few seasons, the former infielder was often asked about his plans once his days between the lines were over.

Cora had built a reputation as an intelligent player. He was known as a leader with a strong knowledge of the game and a knack for communicating with his peers in the clubhouse. The consensus among his former managers and teammates was that Cora would be a coach one day. Some thought he could be a manager or perhaps move into the front office of a big league club.

Maybe Cora would follow in the footsteps of Joey Cora, his older brother, and serve as a bench coach.

Not surprisingly, Alex Cora usually downplayed the subject, answering reporters' queries with some version of, "Let's just focus on the game today."

Cora, who retired last year after 14 seasons with the Dodgers, Indians, Red Sox, Mets, Rangers and Nationals, is now letting his actions speak for him.

On Friday, the first-year general manager of Puerto Rico's Caguas Criollos will lead his club to the 2013 Caribbean Series in search of the island's first title in more than a decade. As a player, Cora was a part of several Puerto Rican Winter League championship teams. He won a World Series with the Red Sox in 2007, and he played for Puerto Rico in two World Baseball Classics. But Cora has never been a part of a Caribbean Series championship despite playing in the tournament five times, and he wants to change that fact.

"We expect to win, and our ultimate goal is to win," Cora said. "We have a good baseball team, and we are taking the core group of the championship team with us. Of the 28 guys we are taking, 24 have been with us all year, and that's very important."

The annual round-robin tournament, featuring the Winter League champions from the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela, starts Friday with the first of six consecutive days of doubleheaders at Estadio Sonora in Hermosillo, Mexico.

This year's field consists of the Dominican Republic's Leones del Escogido, Mexico's Yaquis de Obregon, Cora's Criollos and the winner of the Navegantes del Magallanes and Cardenales de Lara league championship series in Venezuela.

"It's passionate baseball, from the players to the fans to the host city," Cora said. "It's a cultural event. It's really hard to compare it to something in the States, but it's close to something like the Dodgers and Giants when you play in Los Angeles, because of the cultural part of it."

The Caribbean Series can be traced back to the union of the leagues in Cuba, Panama, Puerto Rico and Venezuela -- and the formation of the Caribbean Federation in 1948. After Cuba in 1949, Puerto Rico hosted the Caribbean Series in '50, followed by Venezuela in '51 and Panama in '52.

The initial design was 12 games, with each team squaring off against one another twice. From 1949-60, Cuba won the title seven times. Puerto Rico won four times and Panama won its first and only Caribbean Series title in 1950.

In 1959, Fidel Castro took over in Cuba and declared it a Communist nation, ending its participation in the event after 1960. The Caribbean Series disappeared for a decade until a revival in 1970 that saw the addition of the Dominican Republic and Mexico and the disappearance of Panama.

There have been discussions about adding Nicaragua and Colombia and reinstating Panama to the Caribbean Confederation, but the leagues do not meet the organization's standards, and those talks have been tabled. A delegation from the Caribbean Confederation met with Cuba last year, and there's a possibility the country could participate in the 2014 version in Venezuela.

The Dominican Republic has been the favorite at Caribbean Series in recent history, and it's easy to see why.

Including Caribbean Series titles by Escogido in 2010 and 2012, a team from the Dominican Republic has won the Caribbean Series title 19 times since 1970, the most among teams currently competing in the tournament. Moreover, the Dominican Republic has won the title 13 times since 1990.

Overall, a team from Mexico has won the Caribbean Series six times since it began participating in the tournament in 1970, including the 2011 title won by Obregon. A team from Venezuela has won the Caribbean Series seven times, with the last two titles coming in 2006 and '09.

Puerto Rico has 14 titles but has not won since Santurce won the championship in 2000. Caguas last won the Caribbean Series in 1987.

"I think we are in a stage baseball-wise where we are gaining momentum, and a title would add to that," Cora said. "Think about it. Carlos [Correa] was drafted No. 1. [Angel] Pagan, Yadi [Molina] and Carlos [Beltran] had great seasons. We are up to six teams in the Winter League, and we have World Baseball Classic coming up. It's a good time for baseball."

It's also a good time to be a general manager for Caguas.

"I'm hands on as a GM, but I'm a big believer in letting athletes go out there and play," Cora said. "I also want to make sure the guys are comfortable in the clubhouse, and I always think about the things I would want in there. We are also fortunate to have a great owner who really cares."

Cora, who played for Caguas each winter during his big league career, took over when the previous general manager resigned to take a job in the league office. The former player acknowledged that he is still learning on the job, and that's part of the fun.

"It's a challenge because I've never had an experience like this, but it's exciting," Cora said. "Hey, you can play fantasy football, but that does not make you an NFL GM, but I think the owner knew I had a pulse on what we needed. I've also had some help in selecting the players."

Cora's next challenge will come Friday night against Mexico. Venezuela and the Dominican Republic square off in the matinee.

"I like what I'm doing right now, and we'll see about the future," Cora said. "I had a few phone calls to jump in to play with a few teams, but I'm not ready for that. I just stopped playing a year ago, and I want to spend time with my daughter, and I feel like I owe that to her that with all the sacrifices she made without me around. I have aspirations, but right now I'm good. I'm concentrating on the Caribbean Series."

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New Stadium in Hermosillo for 2013 Caribbean World Series Underway


Checked out a pretty cool ballpark design plan in Hermosillo this past week. Hector Espino Stadium is in its final year as home to the Naranjeros and the new ballpark is to be ready for the 2013 Caribbean World Series. Hector Espino stadium has been home to the Winter league Naranjeros Club for many years and has also hosted Arizona Diamondback exhibition games . The new ballpark to be known as Sonara Estadio and is strategically located in the center of a new planned development south of the city.


As you can see from the Pinacate Volcano photo above the new ballpark has some similarities. Vincent Sagrestano head of CODESON, MPL President Omar Canizales, Arturo Lerma chief executive of Naranjeros, Juan Aguirre Manager of the Naranjera Organization, Enrique Mazon, club president, Ramon Ruiz league official, Carlos Gomez Project Manager , Marco Ruiz and Juan Macias Architects and city planners put a lot of thought into the design plan. The goal to make a place for people to gather year around was focal point. You’ve heard the saying “All roads lead to Rome” well all the roads in this future suburb will lead to the new stadium.


The 15000 seat ballpark’s unique design represents the El Pinacate volcano which is about 500KM from Hermosillo in the State of Sonara. The Biosphere Reserve has an extensive history in the area as well as a cultural bond. The ballpark will have a natural grass field adding more natural eco systems to the venue. An exciting project!

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The grand opening of Sonora stadium will be in honor of the great!

Hermosillo, Sonora (PH)

The baseball atmosphere that will start to empower Hermosillo and in the framework of the Caribbean Series was announced yesterday that Fernando "El Toro" Valenzuela throw out the first ball, and that the main access street to the Stadium Sonora will be named Héctor Espino.

Organizing Committee of the 2013 Caribbean Series Hermosillo announced its protocol for the opening ceremony on February 1 which includes the launch of the first ball by the best pitcher in the Mexican Major League Baseball. This event will also include a show with Air Force planes Nacional. Z ceremony will be held where the main street to Sonora Stadium will be named Hector Espino.

It appears that Ezekiel Carrera has been replaced by a "reinforcement" player. The Navigantes kept Luis Landaeta Navegantes del Magallanes, but the rest of the outfield got a complete makeover. The "reinforcement" players are Robert Pérez Cardenales de Lara. Alex Romero Tigres de Aragua, and Joe Thurston Cardenales de Lara.

Serie del Caribe 2013 in Hermosillo, Mexico

Written by Monte Cely

Monday, 14 January 2013 16:38


Estadio Sonora, site of the 2013 Caribbean World Series

Mexico hosts the 2013 Serie del Caribe and this year's host city is Hermosillo, the capital of the state of Sonora. The games will be played in Nuevo Estadio Sonora, and this stadium is nuevo -- it's brand new. After its inauguration hosting the Series, the stadium will become the home field for los Naranjeros, Hermosillo's club in the Mexican Pacific League.
FORMAT

The 2013 Caribbean Series will feature a slight change in format. In past years, the four winter league champions (from Mexico, the Dominican, Puerto Rico and Venezuela) played a double-round-robin format. This resulted in a six-day, twelve game tournament, with the team having the most wins at the end of the sixth day being declared the winner. However, that format could lead to ties that would result in a seventh day playoff -- or, a team could clinch early making the last two or three games meaningless. In an effort to extend the suspense, a seventh day is being added in 2013. The four country champs will still play the six-day double-round-robin, and then the first- and second-place teams will play for the championship on the seventh day. The new seven-day format will also more easily accomodate any additional leagues or teams that may participate in the future.

During the summer "off season" there was considerable discussion about adding participants to la Serie. There were rumors that a team from South Korea might participate, but little came of this. The big news, however, was that Cuba might re-enter la Serie del Caribe. A delegation from the Caribbean Confederation, the governing body of winter baseball and la Serie, traveled to Havana for meetings with Cuban authorities. After extensive discussions, the terms for Cuba's return could not be worked out for 2013. However, the door was definitely left open for further negotiations.

Winter league play began in October in Venezuela, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. The line-up of participating clubs in these three countries remained unchanged, as follows:

Mexican Pacific League (8 teams): Aguilas de Mexicali, Naranjeros de Hermosillo, Yaquis de Cd. Obregon, Mayos de Navajoa, Caneros de los Mochis, Algodoneros de Guasave, Tomateros de Culiacan, and Venados de Mazatlan.

Venezuelan Winter League (8 teams): Leones del Caracas, Navegantes del Magallanes (Valencia), Tiburones de La Guaira, Bravos de Margarita (Porlamar), Cardenales de Lara (Barquisimeto), Caribes de Anzoategui (Puerto la Cruz), Tigres de Aragua (Maracay), and Aguilas del Zulia (Maracaibo).

Dominican Winter League (6 teams): Leones de Escogido (Santo Domingo), Tigres de Licey (Santo Domingo), Aguilas Cibaenas (Santiago), Gigantes del Cibao (San Francisco), Toros del Este (La Romana), and Estrellas de Oriente (San Pedro)

Puerto Rico began their season in early November. For the 2012-13 season the Puerto Rican League expanded to six teams. This was welcome news, as they were down to only four teams last winter as baseball continues to struggle in Puerto Rico. The concerns are still there at the gate, as most regular league games reported attendance of 1,000 or less.

Puerto Rican League (6 teams): Indios de Mayaguez, Criollos de Caguas, Leones de Ponce, Gigantes de Carolina, Cangrejeros de Santurce, and Atenienses de Manati.

The Winter League regular season runs until late December. This results in a regular season of about seventy games in Mexico, sixty games in Venezuela, about fifty games in the Dominican, and forty games in Puerto Rico. In-country league playoffs consume the month of January, with the four playoff winners then meeting at la Serie del Caribe to play for the championship of beisbol latinoamericano.

I'm especially excited about going to Hermosillo, as it's the home of some Mexican friends; in particular mi buen amigo Juan Antonio Jasso Rodriguez. Juan and I met in Puerto Rico when Mayaguez hosted the 2011 Serie del Caribe. We have remained in close contact since then. I look forward to seeing him again, this year in his home town.

*** More to come as Monte travels to Hermosillo to attend the Caribbean Series. Look for updates from now through February 8 ***

January 21 playoffs update:

The final series are either underway, or the field is set, in each of the four winter leagues. The finalists are: Mexico - Mexicali vs. Obregon; Obregon is the two-time defending champion of the LMP and the 2011 Serie del Caribe champ. Dominican Republic - Escogido vs. Aguilas; Escogido is the current defending champion of la Serie del Caribe. Puerto Rico - Mayaguez vs. Caguas; Mayaguez is the defending PR champion. Venezuela - Magallanes vs. Lara; los Navegantes de Magallanes is a storied and popular club in Venezuela.

In-country playoff finals as of end-of-play Wednesday, January 30:

Escogido swept the final Dominican Winter League series five games to none; they will defend their Serie del Caribe crown in Hermosillo. In the Mexican Pacific League,

Cuidad de Obregon swept to their third consecutive Mexican Pacific League league title - four games to none.

Caguas took the Puerto Rican championship 4-2.

Magallanes prevailed in an exciting Venezuelan final series that went the full seven games. World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval starred for los Navegantes.

Announcements:

Fernando Valenzuela will throw out the first pitch at the opening ceremonies on Friday February 1.

Tickets for the entire Series at Estadio Sonora are SOLD OUT !