Cleveland Sports Forum

RONNY RODRIGUEZ

The Cibao Eagles beat 9-8 to the Cibao Giants

In a game that began delayed by rain, Ronny Rodriguez contributed with his glove and his offense was 4-4 to lead an offensive feast in the first two innings, both Giants and Eagles, and the best part ended in a 9 to 8 Eagles win held at Santiago Cibao stadium.

The game ended 9-8 when Juan Carlos Perez, with the bases loaded and into the early hours of Wednesday pinch hit for Wilson Betemit with sacks full and was hit by Jairo Labourt pitch ending the game in walkoff fashion.

The victory went to closer Josh Judy (1-0), pitching a scoreless ninth with one strike out and Jairo Labourt (1-1), who could not get one out in the ninth lost.

It was a seesaw affair; The Giants scored three in the first inning and the Eagles responded with 7 in the bottom half of the inning. Neither starters completed the first inning. Terry Doyle, a starter for the Giants threw a third of an inning, allowed 5 hits and five earned runs. For the Eagles starting pitcher Victor Payano was removed from the box after 0.1 third innings, allowing 3 runs, 2 earned, 4 hits and a strikeout.

Ronny Rodriguez went 4-4 with his 7th double of the season. Rafael Inoa hit his second double of the year with 2 hits in four innings; Zoilo Almonte, hit his first double of the year. Debuting for the Eagles against his former team Wilson Betemit is participating with his third team since debuting in the league with Escogido and later the Cibao Giants, the team that released him in the offseason.

Phys Hoskins lead the Giants attack with a homer and double, Ramon Torres, homer and single; Beau Taylor, a two doubles; Leury Garcia, double and single; Hanser Alberto and Garabez Rosa, one hit each.

This ‘Babe Ruth’ pitcher/slugger may get $300M

JOEL SHERMAN

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Shohei Otani is what this current free-agent market lacks. He is a young, talented starter — already perceived as one of the best pitchers in the world — with the fringe benefit that he actually might be a superb hitter, as well.

But Otani is not expected to come to the American majors until next offseason, at which point the frenzy for his services likely will make him the first Japanese import to exceed $200 million.

“I actually think the guy might get a $300 million deal,” said a scout who has had multiple looks at the righty pitcher/lefty hitter. “That is how special a talent he is. He has power No. 1 starter stuff. He is throwing 99 [mph] in the eighth inning. His secondary stuff is unhittable. He is big and loose. His fastball is electric and his curve, cutter and split are all 70s [on the 20-80 scouting scale].

“And I think he is getting better as a hitter. I think an American hitting coach teaches him to turn on the ball more and he can be a 45-homer guy. He has Darryl Strawberry power. He is the face of a franchise. He is a big, handsome guy and when he plays baseball you cannot take your eyes off of him.”

Otani is 6-foot-4, began pitching professionally when he was 18 and this past season went 10-4 with a 1.86 ERA, 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings and — oh yeah — he hit 22 homers with a 1.004 OPS in 382 plate appearances. By the way, he does not turn 23 until July.

“I hate to use the name Babe Ruth, but who was the last player we thought might be able to be both your ace and your cleanup hitter?” said an American League scouting director. “There is always mystery because you have to translate a guy who pitches once a week on Saturday or Sunday and the hitting from there to here. But the talent translates. It is obvious and terrific.”

So, a year from now, who will be in play for this kind of talent? The answer is just about every team, but particularly the big markets. The Yankees and Red Sox were on him out of high school, when Otani was saying he wanted to jump directly to MLB. He decided to stay, in part because Nippon Ham Fighters told Otani they would allow him to hit and pitch. So a National League team (where pitchers hit) could be a swaying factor. Or might an AL team permit Otani to DH or play the outfield two or three times a week, in addition to joining the rotation?
The Yankees have restrained themselves from big spending in recent offseasons and have the contracts of Alex Rodriguez and CC Sabathia coming off the books after this season, plus Masahiro Tanaka could opt out.

The Cubs, who pursued Tanaka, will have the contracts of starters Jake Arrieta and John Lackey coming off the books after 2017. The Dodgers will be a year away from Clayton Kershaw potentially opting out of his deal, the same with the Red Sox and David Price. The Angels will be free of their last $25 million obligation to Josh Hamilton. The Astros, who were quietly in deep on Tanaka, probably have money to spend. The Phillies definitely do.

There was some thought Otani might come this winter, especially if Nippon Ham won the Japan Series, which they did. But I spoke to more than a dozen scouts, executives and agents who are vested in Japanese baseball and they all say next offseason is the target.

Traditionally, a Japanese team will give its American counterparts a heads up that a player could be coming after the season, so as many clubs as possible can scout him during the year, and that did not happen this past season. In addition, the posting agreement between Japan and MLB expires next year, and it could be in Nippon Ham’s favor to see if the posting fee rises in a new deal

Under the current system, for a player such as Otani, teams interested would put in the maximum post of $20 million, and every team that does so can negotiate with him. For example, the Yankees invested $175 million total on Tanaka — $20 million on the post to the Rakuten Golden Eagles and $155 million to Tanaka.

Japanese pitchers bring heightened concerns about whether workloads from their amateur/high school days and even side bullpen sessions makes them more likely to break down. But talent always subdues concerns.

“I am very high on him,” said a top AL executive. “He is really [bleeping] good. He has youth, athleticism, a sound delivery and tools — I am talking big tools. You see other guys with his tools and it just doesn’t come across as easily or as athletic as it does with [Otani]. If you have scouted him, you remember where you were when you saw someone dominate hitters the way he does.”

11/9/16

Ronnie Rodriguez Aguilas Cibaenas (.386), 1-4, 1 K
Francisco Mejia Estrellas (.273), 0-3, 2 K (1st Start)
Yandy Diaz Caracas (.400), 0-2, 1 R, 2 W
Jesus Aguilar Caracas (.381), 0-3, 1 W, 2 K
Taylor Murphy Aquadilla (.438), 1-3, 1 W, 1 K

11/9/16

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE


Mesa Solar Sox

Greg Allen (LF): 1-3, R, 2B, BB, K, CS – Allen now has three hits in his previous seven at-bats (two games) after a stretch of 11 straight at-bats (over three games) without a hit. For the season, he’s got a solid .305 average and .397 OBP in 16 games and has shown surprising power with three long balls in 59 at-bats.

Bradley Zimmer (RF): 0-2, R, 2 BB, K, CS, Pickoff – Zimmer continued his solid offseason in terms of getting on base, driving his AFL OBP to .403 in 17 games, but he was erased both times he was on the basepaths by getting caught stealing and getting picked off at first base.

Yu-Cheng Chang (SS): 1-4, R, 2 K – Chang is now hitting .314 in his last 10 games and has reached base at a .400 clip in that span. For the entire AFL campaign, the shortstop carries a .308 average and a .386 OBP over 11 games (39 at-bats) with three RBI, but he does have an ugly 17:3 K:BB ratio so far.

Michael Peoples (SP): 4.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 3 K – Peoples was excellent in likely his best start of the AFL season. It was only his second start, out of six, that he did not allow a run, and the scoreless outing dropped his offseason ERA to 3.86 in 21 innings.

VENEZUELAN WINTER LEAGUE

Yandy Diaz (Leones del Caracas, LF-CF): 0-2, R, 2 BB – This was Diaz’s first hitless game in over 10 contests, but he still managed to be productive with two walks and a run. His batting average now sits at .400 (18-for-45) through 12 winter league games, and he’s got a .471 OBP to go along with it.

Jesus Aguilar (Leones del Caracas, 1B): 0-3, BB, K – The slugger collected seven hits in his first four games (14 at-bats), but he has just one hit in seven at-bats since (three games). He carries a .381 average through seven contests and 21 at-bats following a minor league season in which he hit .247 with 30 homers and 93 RBI in 137 games with the Columbus Clippers.

Giovanny Urshela (Aguilas del Zulia, 3B): 1-5, K – Urshela is yet another example of a Indians minor league having an impressive offseason at the plate. He’s hitting .354 (23-for-65) in 16 games with two homers, 10 RBI and only five strikeouts (to two walks).

DOMINICAN WINTER LEAGUE

Francisco Mejia (Estrellas Orientales, C): 0-3, 2 K – Mejia hasn’t seen too much action with the Estrellas Orientales so far this offseason, compiling just 11 at-bats in six games, and he’s collected three hits thus far. He’s struck out four times already and has no walks.

Ronny Rodriguez (Aguilas Cibaenas, 3B-SS): 1-4, K, 2 E – Rodriguez is on fire at the plate as he has hit in his last 10 straight games and is batting .436 (17-for-39) over that span. For the season, he’s hitting .386, but he’s having a tough time in the field as he has committed six errors in 12 games.

PUERTO RICAN LEAGUE

Taylor Murphy (Tiburones de Aguadilla, RF): 1-3, BB, K, SAC, E – Murphy has excelled in the Puerto Rican League so far, collecting seven hits in 16 at-bats so far. He has only one game without a hit in six games, and he’s also drawn four free passes to put his offseason at .545.

Alexis Pantoja (Tiburones de Aguadilla, PR-2B): 1-1, R, 2B – Pantoja got his first offseaon hit in his sixth at-bat with the Tiburones de Aguadilla. He’s only played in four games (three with at-bats) so far, following a minor league regular season in which he hit .197 in 57 games with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

I am pleased to see Ronny Rodriguez hitting well. Perhaps deserves a spot on the 40-man roster. Easy to see someone picking him at the cheap Rule 5 price as a good hitting utility IF/OF.

Noted while skimming your postings this bit of hyperbole: "We ll bring in Taylor Murphy, who is among the best 25 prospects of Cleveland". One of best 50 prospects of Cleveland, perhaps. Or close to it.

11/9/16

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE

Mesa Solar Sox

Greg Allen (PH-DH): 0-1, K – Allen’s strikeout in his only at-bat pushed his AFL average to .300 in 2016. The outfielder is striking out in 25 percent of his at-bats, but he’s added eight walks to make things a little better. Allen has also been successful on eight of his 10 stolen base attempts this offseason.

Bradley Zimmer (CF): 1-3, R, 2 BB, SB – Zimmer started off the offseason strong at the plate, but he is now hitting .194 (7-for-36) in his last 10 games. He’s hitting .237 overall but has an impressive .416 OBP thanks to 16 walks in 18 games. A big issue, though, is his 21 strikeouts through 59 at-bats.

Yu-Cheng Chang (SS): 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, K – Chang now has five RBI in 11 AFL games (39 at-bats). He, like Zimmer, is having an issue with strikeouts this offseason. He has now fanned 17 times in 39 at-bats.

VENEZUELAN WINTER LEAGUE

Yandy Diaz (Leones del Caracas, CF-LF): 0-3, R, BB, K – Diaz is now hitless in his last two games, something that been rare in an offseason where he’s hitting .375 in 13 games, but he drawn three walks in that span. Before that, he had walked just three times in 11 offseason games.

Jesus Aguilar (Leones del Caracas, 1B): 0-3, BB – Aguilar is now hitless in his last three games after collecting eight hits in his first five Venezuelan Winter League contests (16 at-bats). He’s now hitting .333 (8-for-24) with two homers, four RBI and six walks to three strikeouts.

Giovanny Urshela (Aguilas del Zulia, 3B): 1-3, R, 2B, K – The third baseman has now collected at least one hit in eight of his last 10 games and is hitting .381 in that span. He has an impressive .353 average in 17 offseason games thus far, but drawing only two walks is a concern. He does only have six K’s, though.

Randy Valladares (Bravos de Margarita, RP): 0.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R/ER – The only hitter Valladares faced doubled, and he later scored to hang the lefty with the run. The Caracas, Venezuela-native has pitched in six games this offseason, but has only compiled two innings and has allowed just two hits with one walk and three K’s.

PUERTO RICAN LEAGUE

Gian Paul Gonzalez (Gigantes de Carolina, C): Defensive replacement, no at-bats – The only Indians minor leaguer to see action in the Puerto Rican League on Thursday didn’t record an official at-bat. It was Gonzalez’s first game action this offseason. He batted .230 with a .264 OBP during the minor league regular season in 26 games with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

Report:
Lourdes Gurriel signs with the Toronto Blue Jays

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona -

Cuban Lourdes Gurriel, considered the sixth best prospect for MLBPipeline.com international has agreed a seven-year, $ 22 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to industry sources.

Gurriel, 23-year-old batted .321 with eight homers, 32 RBIs and an OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) of .924 for the Industriales of Havana when defecting in February with his older brother, Yulieski, after the Caribbean Series in the Dominican Republic.

Yulieski, 32, signed with the Astros in July for four and a half years and US $ 47.5 million and then hit .262 with a .292 OBP and .385 slugging percentage in 36 games for Houston. In 130 at-bats, hit three home runs and produced 15 runs.

For his part, Lourdes was declared a free agent in August and in September puy on a demonstration for all major league teams in Panama. He is considered capable of playing both infield and outfield.

[ ANOTHER ONE OF MY FAVORITE CUBANS BITES THE DUST ..... HE GONE! ]

Archer to pitch for Team USA in 2017 Classic

Chris Archer was a senior at Clayton (N.C.) High School in the spring of 2006, when the World Baseball Classic debuted as the sport's premier international tournament.

"I still remember watching Derek Jeter and Roger Clemens take the field for Team USA," Archer recalled Friday. "I was in awe. I realized there was no higher level of international competition for our sport. This is the equivalent of the World Cup of soccer.
"I told myself I wanted to be part of it someday. Subconsciously, I've kept that as part of my motivation throughout my career. Along with winning a World Series and the Cy Young, that was on my short list. Now to represent the U.S. on that stage, this is a dream come true."

With those words, the Rays right-hander confirmed to MLB.com that he's accepted an invitation to pitch for Team USA this March, in the fourth installment of the Classic. He joins Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer and Orioles center fielder Adam Jones among the confirmed players on Team USA's roster, with more names to be revealed during tthe coming weeks.

11/11/16

Nellie Rodriguez Escogido (.188), 0-1, 1 W, 1 HBP
Taylor Murphy Aquadilla (.400) 1-4, 2 W, 1 K
Gian Paul Gonzalez Carolina (.000) 0-1, 1 W, 1 K
Yandy Diaz Caracas (.377), 2-5, 1 R, 1 RBI, 2 K
Jesus Aguilar Caracas (.333), 1-3, 3 R, 2 W
Toru Murata Magallanes (6.43), 1.1 INN, 4 R, 4 H, 2 W, 1 K
Giovanny Urshela Zulia (.347), 1-4, 1 DBL

Problem between Lindor and Correa
Both want to play for Puerto Rican in the upcoming World Baseball Classic
But only one can take the shortstop i

Francisco Lindor proved to be one of the two best shortstops in baseball in the majors winning the Gold Glove recently.

From that point he is supported by the statistics and there should be no doubt about who should occupy shortstop for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic coming up soon ... do you?

But It could be a debatable issue. Puerto Rico now has two of the best shortstops in Major League Baseball in Carlos Correa and Lindor, who are artists at that position.

Both want to play for Puerto Rican in the World Baseball Classic, but only one will take over that spot. So the inevitable question: who will be the starting shortstop for Puerto Rico in the baseball Classic?

Rodriguez, manager of the team, did not verbalize, but knows he faces a sweet problem. For example, perhaps Lindor in his quest to play for his country, has a genuine chance of winning the job. Would he accept being moved to second base to allow his good friend Correa to play shortstop. Or maybe Lindor would accept alternating at shortstop with Correa during the competition.

That would be the logical move in this case. In fact, it is one of the alternatives that Rodriguez has in mind. But why not put the best at shortstop and move Correa, for example, to the role of designated hitter?

"Correa is contesting for a Gold Glove in the future. If you ask me, Nolan Arenado could play at third. Correa at shortstop and second base Lindor. Javier Báez for his versatility would play at first base. That would be my infield, "Rodriguez said.

"Lindor has more flexibility and is more acrobatic and would be a good fit to play a second baseman. The pivot 'double play' at second base would be easier for Lindor than Correa.", extended the veteran leader.

On the other hand, Rodriguez recognizes that, currently, Lindor, is the winner of a Gold Glove and deserves the primary opportunity to fill that position when play starts next March.

That is why, five months after the World Series, Rodriguez says Lindor would open at shortstop for the first game of the tournament.

"We are talking about the first game. One has to go with his Gold Glover at his main position. We are talking about a tournament or series of games, this gives me flexibility to alternate power at that position. He (Correa) will have enough sense of professionalism to understand that there is a player with a Gold Glove at that position and he has the priority to play at that position more than any other position, "he said

With obvious enthusiasm, Rodriguez said that Nolan Arenado could start at third base, Lindor at shortstop, Báez at second, and Correa would be the designated hitter.

Rodriguez also announced that, for a second game, he could put Correa at shortstop, Lindor at second and, taking advantage of his versatility, he would use Báez at first base.

Nolan Arenado, who has not yet announced whether he will play for Puerto Rico or the United States, will not be moved from third base since he won the Gold Glove in that position for four straight years.

"We are talking about very good athletes and flexible ones at that. The Classic, at the time, would be in 'spring training'. A training camp where all players are preparing for the season. We can not pretend that a player plays out of position for two weeks and then start the season in his natural position. If Correa is the regular shortstop in Houston, he has to play at shortstop quite often like Lindor "he explained.

Rodriguez said that in the coming months he will have talks with the players to know their availability.

"Important is the availability of players and they understand the situation. It is not easy. I think the egos should be cast aside and they agree to play as a team, they have to play for Puerto Rico, for the name on the front of the uniform. The decisions will be made based on what is best for the team, "said Rodriguez.

Similarly, the pilot intends to know the plans of the organizations for the players participating in the Classic. For example, the Cleveland Indians could show resistance to the idea that Lindor go to the event to play second base.

"I'm sure it will be one of the conditions for both of the players and the organizations. Anyone who accepts to play with the team, as happened in 2013, has to agree with the conditions of where he will play. We are going to talk about that beforehand. Unfortunately we can not have a player who does not agree with the role he will have as planned. I can not promise them one thing and then do another. Well, I can, but I must do what I have to do."

Meanwhile, Eduardo Perez, ESPN analyst and former player in Major League Baseball, said that within the full range of alternatives, within his strategy, he would not contemplate using Lindor or Correa at second base.

"I've been a player, I have been a coach, I have had the honor of leading national teams from Puerto Rico. I think that eventually all players will understand and will have to sacrifice a little. The egos have to be left out of it. The most important thing is the name of Puerto Rico, "explained Perez. "What I would not do is be playing Lindor at second base. You may have to switch each player at shortstop. One does not lose with any of them at shortstop. It may be that one day one is the designated hitter, but do not forget that you also have Beltran. Carlos can play first base also. "

However, Perez said that is an enviable position to be in.

"It's a good situation for Edwin Rodriguez. It is a decision that he will have to make. In baseball everything always works out. If a player gets hot and one not. One is playing for one flag. The name of the country on the chest, "he said.

Pérez unveiled his ideal baseball team.

"I would go with Arenado at third, Correa and Lindor alternating at shortstop. There are days off and do not forget that we are talking about March. Baez at second. Carlos Beltran at first and Kennys Vargas the designated hitter. Angel Pagan in left, George Springer in right and in center we go with Eddie Rosario. The catcher would be Yadier Molina, "said Perez.

Not a bad looking team, Puerto Rico, projected for the fourth edition of the World Baseball Classic, when they will seek to overcome the runner-up finish in 2013. Rodriguez recognizes the enormous talent that he will have on hand in March.

"It is a dream. San Francisco had three Gold Glove winners on the infield. We would have four or five, three have already achieved the gold glove and others who may get one. It is an envy of any major league team, "added Rodriguez.

Taylor Murphy continues his good start in Puerto Rico

11/11/16

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE (MESA SOLAR SOX)

Greg Allen (RF) - 0-4, 1 K,1 HBP - Allen continues his recent slump, with this game seeing his slash line in his last ten games drop to .235/.333/.529.

Eric Haase (C) - 1-4, 1 2B, 2 K - Haase continues to hit well in limited playing time, batting ,357/.400/.571 in four games. He also extended his hitting streak to three games on Friday night.

Cameron Hill (SP) - L (0-1), 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R (both earned), 1 BB,1 K, 2 HBP - Hill, who made his first start of the season opening a three-man Indians organization bullpen start, had his second-worst outing of the season.

David Speer (RP) - 2 IP, 1 K - Speer pitched a much better second leg to extend his scoreless streak to 6.1 IP in four games.

Trevor Frank (RP) - 2 IP, 4 H, 3 R (all earned), 1 BB, 1 K - Frank finished the Indians bullpen start with his first bad outing since his season debut, which put the game out of the Solar Sox's reach.

VENEZUELAN WINTER LEAGUE (LVBP)

Yandy Diaz (Leones del Caracas, CF-LF) - 2-5, 1 R, 1 RBI, 2 K - Diaz continues to hit well in the LVBP, with his slash line now standing at .377/.450/.566 with 9 RBI in 14 games.

Jesus Aguilar (Leones del Caracas, 1B) - 1-3, 3 R, 2 BB - Aguilar manages to have a productive offensive night reaching base three times in five plate appearances and scoring a run all three times he reached base.

Alex Monsalve (Bravos de Margarita, DH) - 0-2, 1 R, 3 BB, 1 K - Monsalve continues to not hit well early in his Venezuelan season, but he made up for it with plate discipline in this contest.

Toru Murata (Navegantes del Magallanes, SP) - ND, 1.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R (all earned), 2 BB, 1 K, 1 WP, 1 HBP - Murata has now shifted from alternating good and bad outings to just not pitching well at all. This is not how one goes about helping their case in free agency.

Giovanny Urshela (Aguilas del Zulia, starting 3B) - 1-4, 1 2B, 2 K - Despite being only 3-for-16 in his last four games, Gio is batting .347/.360/.542 in 18 games this LVBP season.

DOMINICAN WINTER LEAGUE (LIDOM)

Nellie Rodriguez (Leones del Escogido, 1B) - 0-1, 1 BB, 1 HBP - Nellie-Rod not only continued his descent further below the Mendoza Line, but also got hit by a pitch in the process.

PUERTO RICAN LEAGUE (LBPRC)

Taylor Murphy (Tiburones de Aguadilla, RF) - 1-4, 2 BB, 1 K - Murphy extended his hitting streak to four games but still saw his batting average drop from .438 to .400.

Alexis Pantoja (Tiburones de Aguadilla, starting 2B) - 1-3, 1 R, 2 K - Pantoja picked up his second hit of the Puerto Rican season, but also struck out for the first two times in the campaign.

Leandro Linares (Tiburones de Aguadilla, RP) - L (0-2), 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R (both earned), 1 BB (intentional), 2 K - Linares gave up two runs to the Cangrejeros de Santurce in the top of the 12th inning, which turned out to be the eventual winning runs due to the Tiburones not rallying in the bottom of the inning.

Gian Paul Gonzalez (Gigantes de Carolina, starting C) - 0-1, 1 BB,1 K, 1 CS - Gonzalez stepped up to the plate for the first time this season on Friday. While he got on base, he was quickly caught stealing.

YANDY DIAZ MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LVBP

Yandy Diaz Caracas-

Diaz has managed to overcome the difficulties that he must face to accommodate the demands of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League.

"It's a very competitive league, but so far things have gone well," said the Cuban Lion of Caracas, before arriving in the country referenced how difficult it was to meet the challenge of performing in this league.

"I've played over the last three years with Yhoxian Medina and most recently with Jesus Aguilar (in Minor League Cleveland Indians). We have developed a beautiful friendship. We are like family. I talked a lot about the league and met with (fellow Cuban) Felix Perez who has also helped me, "said Diaz.

That empathy facilitated the process of acclimatization for the newcomer. Not all imported players do so. From the opening day, 29 foreign position players have had at least one at bat with one of the eight teams. Only 17 of them are still active.

"Little by little I have been adapting. In the beginning it was a little slow and I had a long swing with the bat, but with each passing game, I've been adjusting. I'm getting better every day, "said the right-handed hitter.

Diaz, a native of Sagua la Grande, near the northern resort on the coast of Cuba, just had his string of 11 straight games out of his first 14 games with at least one hit.

"I think the pitchers here are more difficult because they throw many breaking pitches. Minor Leaguers try to use more fast balls. In this league also they also throw fast balls, but work a lot with the breakers and it is more complicated. The pitching here is very similar to the way they pitch in Cuba and once one gets adjusted, it gets better "analyzed the outfielder and infielder, who played for Villa Clara in the National Series of Cuba between 2008 and 2010.

The West Indian, 25 years old, is the prospect of the Cleveland Indians, and according to MLB Pipeline, was aligned with the Havana Industrialists, has the intention of competing in the outfield for the Cleveland team this coming spring.

Diaz had played incenter field for his country and for a couple of years at third base, after receiving a bonus of $ 300,000 for his signature on a Cleveland contract in 2013.

In 2016 he started at third with Akron (AA), but when he was promoted to Columbus (AAA), proved his versatility in the corner outfield positions, since the presence of the Colombian prospect Giovanny Urshela, was stationed at third as was the Dominican, Ronny Rodriguez, that prevented him from playing daily in the infield.

The experiment turned out . Diaz was elected Rookie of the Year in the International League, after hitting .325 average, two points less than the leader Hernan Iribarren bat (.327), while completing an on base percentage of (.399) and compiled a string of 28 games with hits between July and August, the longest since 2007. His defense was not brilliant, but managed to reach an acceptable factor of 2.13, according to Baseball Reference .

With the Lions, Diaz has appeared in three games on the infield, but he has been the primary center fielder. He has committed three errors in 25 games.

"Right now I feel better in the outfield. Scarcely had I been used in center field in Triple A. I just try to do things right, because this is my first experience at that position. "

Alfredo Pedrique manager is satisfied with his performance.

"I was hoping Yandy would make the routine plays and he's done that. He has worked very hard and done well. He sought the formula in the field and made his bat work as thought, "said the strategist.


Yandy Diaz is noted for his aggressiveness on the field

"Cleveland told me to work on my defense," he said Diaz. "I have to thank God that I'm sharing with my friend Felix Perez. He played several seasons here and gives me lot of advice. Errors can traumatizing but you have to leave them behind. The problems you have with the glove can not take away from the offensive because it will kill you. The bad you have to leave behind. "

ALFREDO PEDRIQUE:

Production with the bat has never been a pending task for Diaz. The right handed slugger makes contact with the thickest part of the bat and is disciplined at the plate, something that is reflected with a good amount of walks. Before his brilliant season with Columbus, he had led the Eastern League (AA) in OBP (.412) and walks (78) in 2015.

According to scouts, this approach affects his power numbers, because usually he goes to the opposite field. Cleveland hopes he will learn to pull the ball more often.

With seven extra-base hits for Caracas totaling (5 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR), represents 35% of his hits, but he has still maintained his trend as a hitter. Diaz is 4-14 (.286) hitting to left and 8-13 (.615) hitting to center and 8-12 (.667) hitting to right, while he has struck out 12 times and has negotiated six bases on balls.

Their numbers have strengthened the offensive for Caracas, which holds the fourth best average (.273) and OBP (.346) of the 2016-2017 tournament. The only problems the Lions have right now has to do with their pitching and fans are beginning to grow impatient. Something that has not gone unnoticed by Diaz.

"I think we have the best lineup in the league, but sometimes putting it all together can be difficult. Sometimes we fail pitching, sometimes it's the batting. The fans here always asked that you do things right, but they have to understand that sometimes things don't always come out in the best way. They are there to support us and they do when we play well. Gradually things will get better. I'm sure, "he said.

Diaz has a contract good until December 30 and does not know whether he can stay beyond that point if the Lions achieve their ticket to the playoffs.

"It was a nice experience. Especially in the Caracas-Magallanes series, in which at first I felt a little more nervous because I had never played in a stadium so full with fans. Fans are tucked into every corner of the the stadium for this rivalry. I like the atmosphere, the people, the food, especially the arepas (laughs). Let's see what happens by the end of December. "

IN FIGURES

Diaz yandy is second in the league in average (.377), OBP (.450), slugging (.566) and OPS (1.016) playing in Caracas.

The mystery Of Francisco Lindor's
Afro Has Been Solved

Yesterday, it became clear why the shortstop was not cutting his hair.

Finally, Lindor was revealed why the Puerto Rican shortstop let his hair grow to the point that the hair almost did not fit into the cap during the World Series, where they lost to Javier Baez and the Chicago Cubs.

The cagüeño ballplayer premiered a new style of curls, which was dyed gold and combined with his attire, was used to receive his Gold Glove award.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMs55RKBhek/

Lindor photo was uploadedfrom his Instagram account last night

In the photo, which already has more than 10,000 hits, you see a very happy Lindor, with bun and mustard green jacket.

Friday will be the ceremony for the delivery of the awards.

Francisco Mejia has permission from the Cleveland Indians
to play this fall, until 25 November.

Estrellas hires catcher Ameivan Bemboom

SAN PEDRO DE MACORÍS.-

Las Estrellas Orientales hired imported catcher Anthony Bemboom, who arrived in the country on Sunday, he reported Saturday's to general manager, Jose Serra.

Bemboom will be signed on Monday to the weekly roster of 45 players, Serra announced through a press release to the club.

Orientals catcher Audry Perez has an injured quadriceps of a leg.

The catcher Francisco Mejia has permission from the Cleveland Indians to play this fall, until 25 November.

Bemboom plays for the organization of the Angels. This year he appeared in 25 games in Double A (Texas League) and in 47 games in Triple A (League Pacific Coast).
In Double-A, he batted .146 with three doubles and one RBI. In Triple A, he batted .261 with one homer and 13 RBIs. He has a reputation for playing well defensively.

The Stars, so far, have seen in action Perez, Alberto Rosario, and Mejia, native catchers. Bemboom was the last to join the club since the season started. He comes to play this year for the first time in the majors with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Home Run Michael Choice
(2) Charros Jalisco LMP2016

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZmRLtMnov0