Cleveland Sports Forum

Nippon Ham is the home of Yu Darvish.

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Iwakuma eyes majors

Kyodo

Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma notified his club Monday of his intention to become a free agent as he aims to ply his trade in the major leagues.

Monday marked the period to begin procedures for those who have qualified as free agents.

Iwakuma, who has spent nine years on the top team roster, can negotiate with teams overseas for the first time after his attempt to join the Oakland Athletics via the posting system last year ended in failure.

"I wanted to give my dream of playing in the majors one more shot. The best would be to play for a team that needs me," said Iwakuma.

In 2008, Iwakuma won the Sawamura Award and Pacific League MVP honor with a record of 21-4, a 1.87 ERA and an .840 winning percentage. This past season he went just 6-7 with a 2.42 ERA in 17 starts after he was deactivated in May with right shoulder pain.

This year, NPB announced a total of 93 players who are eligible to become free agents.

Fukuoka Softbank Hawks left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada, who helped his team win its first Japan Series in eight years against the Chunichi Dragons, is also among those who fulfilled the requirement to take a shot at moving to the majors, along with Softbank shortstop Munenori Kawasaki.

Those who wish to file for free agency must notify their clubs within seven business days following the Japan Series and this year's deadline is Nov. 30.

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11-22-2011 16:24

Chong Tae-hyon to join Baltimore in $3.2 mil. deal
Pitcher Chong Tae-hyon, formerly of the SK Wyverns

By Cho Mu-hyun

Chong Tae-hyon, who made public his intentions to pursue a Major League Baseball (MLB) career last week, is expected to complete a $3.2 million deal over 2 years with the Baltimore Orioles.

It is rumored that Chong will receive a signing bonus of $200,000, $1.4 million for the first season and $1.6 million for the second.

It is not a split contract as many speculated, but a legitimate major-league agreement. Negotiations are ongoing and will become official if the pitcher passes a medical on Wednesday.

He will be the first player to go directly from the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) to MLB if the deal succeeds.

The MLB contacted the KBO last week, asking if the 33-year-old was available.

The pitcher ended his free agent negotiations with former team the SK Wyverns the following day and went straight to the United States.

It has been speculated that the submariner considered Baltimore as his first choice, while having Cleveland and Minnesota in mind as well.

“He is one of those we are working on. We are trying to see if we can get that resolved,” Baltimore’s general manager Duquette said.
“He is a first class pitcher. He was on the mound when Korea won the Olympic games ... He has pitched for years at the highest level of competition available to him.”

The agent working for Chong is known to be an acquaintance of Duquette, which will likely accelerate the negotiations.

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Jimenez debuted on December 15

Written by Alex Gomez - Director Media - Tigres Del Licey

Monday November 21, 2011 8:37

SANTO DOMINGO -

The righty Ubaldo Jimenez said on Sunday that already he has an estimated date for launching winter ball with the Tigres del Licey, with the goal of becoming a better abled pitcher as spring training approaches for the Cleveland Indians.

"I'm going to pitch. Last year I could not because the team (Licey) did not qualify but this year I think I will get the chance because we're good," said Jimenez as he took time out to participate in a charitable activity in the Quisqueya Stadium in favor of children with autism and Down syndrome.

"As the Cleveland Indians gave me permission and I have three weeks training," he said. "I hope to launch at least two regular season games to get ready for the playoffs."

Jimenez, 27, was 10-13 mark and 4.68 ERA last season, splitting time between Colorado Rockies and Cleveland Indians in a trade before the deadline of July 31.

The pitcher knows he must work hard this winter to get in better shape for spring training with the Indians.

"I had problems with my alignment, especially this year when I did not have much speed. Since my arm is rested, I will throw in the country and hope it will help me," said the pitcher.

Jimenez stressed that his conditions are good and is fully and completely recovered from the physical discomfort of the leg that affected him earlier in the campaign and lasted for much of the year, said he will be available for launching on 15 December and in the all round robin.

"I got injured in spring training, I launched the first three months half injured, but I still threw well. So far I have only to stay healthy as planned and be ready to help the team," he said.

CARACAS .-

Caracas Lions received a visit this afternoon from Asdrubal Cabrera , who does not know if he can play with Caracas. "I come to give support. Right now I'm just training, I have yet to receive a date, but I'm trying to get in shape. I have to wait until December 4, to know if I'll play. I come to do my job, to keep playing ball, "said the grandeliga of the Cleveland Indians . "They were to give me an answer. They do not really like me to play here but I told them I wanted to. But, they said if that was true, they would meet to consider it, "said the shortstop in the University Stadium. "If it were up to me I was playing from right now, but these decisions are not in my hands, "he said.

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Abad, Toros bullpen two-hit Leones

Astros southpaw strikes out four over five scoreless innings

Dominican Winter League

Toros 4, Escogido 0

Astros left-hander Fernando Abad struck out four over five innings and combined with four relievers on a two-hitter as the Toros won their third straight. Braves outfielder Jose Constanza drove in two runs and scored once out of the leadoff spot for Este, while Rangers Minor Leaguer Esteban German was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Estrellas 10, Gigantes 5

Royals prospect Manauris Baez allowed a run on one hit over four innings to help the last-place Estrellas snap a three-game losing streak. Angels farmhand Luis Jimenez homered and drove in four runs, while Braves Minor Leaguer Donell Linares chipped in two hits, including a solo homer, and two RBIs for Oriente. Astros infielder Jimmy Paredes was 2-for-2 and scored a run for the Gigantes.
Fernando Abad was 1-4 with a 7.32 ERA in 29 relief appearances for the Astros this season. (John Grieshop/Getty Images)

Licey 5, Aguilas 4

Anderson Hernandez went 4-for-4 with a triple, two RBIs and a run scored as the Tigres knocked the Aguilas out of a first-place tie. Fellow Major League veteran Wily Mo Peña homered, doubled and scored twice to help Licey end a three-game slide. Cibaenas had a three-game winning streak snapped, despite getting three hits and three RBIs from former big leaguer Joaquin Arias.

Venezuelan Winter League

Lara 10, Magallanes 9 (10 innings)

Marlins infielder Jose Lopez capped a five-hit night with a walk-off single as the Cardenales snapped a three-game losing streak. Indians infielder Luis Valbuena fell a triple shy of the cycle, drove in three runs and scored three times as part of a 20-hit attack for Lara. Royals farmhand Mario Lisson slugged a two-run homer and Nationals catcher Jesus Flores went 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored for Magallanes.

Zulia 8, Caracas 0

Cubs Minor Leaguer Austin Bibens-Dirkx allowed two hits over 6 2/3 innings for his fourth win as the Aguilas climbed over the .500 mark. Yankees farmhand Colin Curtis drove in three runs and Tigers prospect Justin Henry went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored for Zulia.

Caribes 6, Margarita 2

Suspended Major Leaguer Eliezer Alfonzo fell a triple shy of the cycle as the Caribes handed the last-place Bravos their fourth consecutive loss. Twins Minor Leaguer Andy Baldwin improved to 4-1 after limiting Margarita to two runs on six hits over 6 2/3 innings. Alberto Gonzalez, who spent last season with the Padres, provided the Bravos' offense with at two-run homer.

La Guaira 6, Aragua 4

Major League veteran Gregor Blanco had two hits, including a go-ahead triple in the ninth inning, as the Tiburones extended their winning streak to five games. Giants prospect Hector Sanchez went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored to raise his average to .394 for La Guaira. Former Minor Leaguer Jorge Cortes delivered a two-run single in a losing cause.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Carolina 5, Mayaguez 0

Shoki Kasahara allowed three hits and struck out five over seven innings to help the last-place Gigantes halt a five-game slide. Former Major Leaguer Hiram Bocachica drove in three runs and Padres prospect Reymond Fuentes doubled, singled and chipped in a pair of RBIs for Carolina.

Ponce 9, Caguas 6

Former Major Leaguer John Rodriguez homered twice and drove in four runs as the Leones snapped the first-place Criollos' five-game winning streak. Dodgers infielder Ivan De Jesus contributed three hits and scored three times for Ponce, while Blue Jays catching prospect A.J. Jimenez smacked a solo homer and scored twice for Caguas.

Mexican Pacific League

Los Mochis 6, Guasave 2

The Algodoñeros' losing streak reached 17 games as Giants outfielder Justin Christian launched a three-run homer in the first inning for the Cañeros. Phillies prospect Sebastian Valle went 2-for-3 with a run scored for Los Mochis, while Mario Valenzuela homered and scored both runs for Guasave.

Mexicali 4, Culiacan 3 (13 innings)

The first-place Aguilas extended their winning streak to 10 games as Issmael Salas led off the 13th inning with his eighth homer of the season. Gil Velazquez, who played four games for the Angels this year, Jorge Guzman and Minor League veteran Roman Peña also went deep for Mexicali, while former Tigers farmhand Maxwell Leon cranked a two-run shot for the Tomateros.

Obregon 12, Mazatlan 3

Jeff Salazar fell a triple shy of the cycle, drove in four runs and scored three times to lead the Yaquis to their third straight win. Fellow Major League veteran Alfredo Amezaga slugged a two-run homer and scored twice for Obregon, while Domingo Castro had two RBIs for Mazatlan.

Hermosillo 10, Navojoa 4

Cardinals prospect Mark Hamilton slugged a two-run homer and scored twice as the Naranjeros rolled past the Mayos. Jose Amador hit a pair of solo shots, doubled and scored three times for Hermosillo, while former Major Leaguer Wes Bankston doubled in two runs for Navojoa.

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Puerto Rico Winter League

•Joseph Colon (RP, Leones de Ponce): 0.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R/ER, 0 BB, 0 K. Colon’s outings have been few and far in between as this was just his third appearance this fall. Coming into the game he had thrown 3.0 shutout innings, so this was his first poor outing in limited opportunities.

Venezuelan Winter League

•Ezequiel Carrera (CF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 2-for-6, R, RBI, K, E. It took 6 at bats to do it, but Carrera put up his first multi-hit effort in over a week. He also had his third error (throwing) in 22 games this fall.

•Luis Valbuena (2B-SS, Cardenales de Lara): 4-for-5, 3 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI. Valbuena broke out of his two week slump in a big way pounding out 4 hits and 2 of them for extra bases.

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Wednesday November 23, 2011 12:00 AM

Asdrubal Cabrera hit in practice and took grounders at shortstop as if to play in the coming days, but until we receive approval from the Cleveland Indians he will not see action with the Leones del Caracas. "We are optimistic that it happens and we can count on him in December," revealed the hopes of Luis Avila, president of the club. "If I had my choice I will play from December to the end," said Cabrera in front of the dugout of the Leones. "I want to help Caracas get in shape for the big leagues." Cabrera's name is on the list of extreme fatigue, so he can not play before December. "If I had to choose, I would play throughout December. The idea is to put the team in the round robin, but Cleveland has the last word." Cabrera has won the Silver Slugger and be in the All-Star. "Jesus Guzman called me and told me to come because my presence helps. The team is on a roll, but I expect better." Cabrera left with an average of .273 with 25 homers and 92 RBIs in his fifth year at the Big Show. "My agent will travel to the U.S. to apply for a permit," he said. "I do not think I can play before that." His agent, Jose Mijares, accompanied him yesterday at the University Stadium. "I'll talk to Mark Shapiro (Indians Manager) at the winter meetings to be between 4 and 8 December. We expect no problems," confirmed Mijares. On the possibility of a multiyear contract with Cleveland, neither Cabrera nor Mijares entered any detail. For now, I will continue to practice with the Lions again today, then go to his native Puerto La Cruz to meet personal commitments. "Next week I return."

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Panama Winter League
Another quality start for Murata!

25 DE NOVIEMBRE: PLAY BALL!

The Columbian Winter League gets underway this weekend.

Last year, the season was cancelled with a nearly two weeks to go in the season due to inclement weather and fields that were literally under water. The fields were not playable, the nasty weather was a daily occurance, and the amount of makeup games made it impossible to continue.

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Softbank arrives in Taiwan ready for battle at Asia Series

TAICHUNG, Taiwan, Nov. 23 (21:33) Kyodo

Fresh from victory in the Japan Series, the Softbank Hawks
touched down in Taiwan on Wednesday ahead of the Asia Series.

The Asia Series, which will be held for the first time in three
years, gets underway here Friday as championship teams from Japan,
South Korea, Australia and Taiwan battle it out for continental
bragging rights.

''We want to respond to expectations as Japan's representatives
and give it our best shot,'' said Softbank outfielder Seiichi
Uchikawa.

Softbank will face Taiwan's Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions, South
Korea's Samsung Lions, and Australia's Perth Heat. The top two
finishers of the round-robin tournament will meet in the final on
Nov. 29

This is the first time that Taiwan will be holding the Asia
Series.

The Asia Series was played every year between 2005 and 2008
before being replaced by the Japan-South Korea club championship the
past two years.

Looks like Chun Chen's season will be extended for another three ball games.

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Taiwan

Thursday, November 24, 2011 0:27 am TWN, By Joseph Yeh, The China Post

Int'l teams arrive to play in baseball's Asia Series

Players of the three visiting teams that will be joining an international professional baseball tournament arrived in Taiwan yesterday in preparation for the Asia Series, which will be held for the first time in the country from tomorrow through Sunday.

The Asia Series, which will be played for the fifth time this year after a two-year hiatus, usually features the champions of leagues in Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, and an All-Star team from China, to determine an Asian club champion.

But this year a team from Australia was added to the list to replace the Chinese team.

Samsung Lions of Korea Professional Baseball (KPB) were the first team that arrived in Taoyuan International Airport yesterday morning.

The Australian Baseball League's (ABL) championship team Perth Heat were greeted by hundreds of fans upon there arrival at the airport.

Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) champions in the just-concluded Japan Series, was the last to arrive in the country, coming in at around 2 p.m.

These foreign teams will play against the champions of the Taiwan Series, the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions, of the local Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL).

The tourney will be held at stadiums in northern Taoyuan County, and the central city of Taichung.

　The Asia Series is an international baseball tournament in East Asia that was first held between Nov. 10 and Nov. 13, 2005, in Tokyo.

　The tournament has not been played since 2008 due to financing issues following the withdrawal of its chief sponsor Konami.

　However, the subject of reintroducing the event was discussed in a November 2010 meeting between the heads of the NPB, KPB, CPBL, ABL, and the local CPBL ultimately decided to host the series.

　The series winner will be awarded NT$15 million of prize money.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Asian Series 2011 to start on Friday

Club Teams from Australia, Chinese Taipei, Japan and Korea battle for Asian Crown from November 25 to 29
Taichung, Chinese Taipei -

The 2011 Asian Series Club Championship is about to get underway in Chinese Taipei. The tournament will feature the championship team from the Australian Baseball Federation (ABL), Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Korean Baseball Organization (KBO), and the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL).

The tournament, arguably one of the most prestigious club tournaments in the world, will see Australia represented by the Perth heat, the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions represent Chinese Taipei, the Samsung Lions represent Korea and the Fukoka Softbank Hawks representing the Japanese professional leagues.

Games will commence November 25th in Taichung, Chinese Taipei, with the Perth Heat taking on the Samsung Lions in the lunch time game, followed by the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions against the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks in the evening game.

The event has never been won by a non-Japanese team, and this is also the first time a team from Australia has been represented in such an event involving the elite of Asia Pacific professional baseball.

Taichung, the majority host of the tournament was the host of the IBAF's last Intercontinental Cup in 2010, and also the location of an IBAF executive meeting in 2010.

Taichung is a hub for international baseball, with City Mayor Jason Hu fully supporting the IBAF and the Olympic Reinstatement Campain led by President Fraccari and his executive board. Games will also be played in Taiyuan Stadium.

Ervin Santana wants to pitch for the Licey

23/11/2011 06:48 PM - AP

Ervin Santana is right now working on preparing for the 2012 season, but expects that the Angels will grant one wish: to pitch winter ball with Tigres del Licey.

"I'm working hard, running hard and waiting to see if I get the chance to pitch here with Licey," Santana told The Associated Press on Wednesday at the Quisqueya Stadium, where the team visited the capital.

Santana, 28, was 11-12 mark and 3.38 ERA for the Angels last season. The Dominican has not pitched in the country since the 2008-09 campaign when he worked in a regular season game in the playoffs.

"We're talking to manager Mike Scioscia to see if I can get permission to pitch here. He told me he would see what he could do and I'm waiting for an answer," he said.

But Santana has a good excuse to get their permission. Each time he pitches in the country, Santana says he does better in the majors.

"I feel much better when I'm here. This is the key. To be here and to pitch in order to become the best pitcher in baseball," he said.

And do you have plans to work on anything in particular to improve consistency by throwing in the country?

"I have only planned to come to pitch. I want the fans to see me pitch. I know a few of the players (opponents)," he said.

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Licey Tigers

Ubaldo Jimenez revealed that Cleveland and the organization gave the "yes" to pitch this winter and possibly debut in mid-December