Bryan LaHair stays until December 30

The American and the management agreed LaHair could stay until the end of the regular round

CARACAS .-

The two home runs yesterday by Bryan LaHair breathed relief into the fans of the Magallanes Navigators , who triumphed against the Sharks in La Guaira 5 by 4. But the best news was confirmed last night when club vice president, Maximilian Branger, said LaHair and the management agreed to have him stay in the country for Christmas. " Luis Blasini convinced Bryan LaHair to spend Christmas in Valencia and play until 30/12, "wrote the executive on Twitter. In this way, LaHair could play in the five games when the first round gets under way. LaHair is one of the best hitters in the league.

Carlos Zambrano for another week

Zambrano could not reach the country from Guatemala and his place in the rotation will be taken by Jared Wells


CARACAS .-

The management of Caribes had hoped to have starter Carlos Zambrano for this week,, but it was impossible for the pitcher to return from Guatemala . In the absence of "Toro", Mike Alvarez confirmed that Jared Wells would starter. Zambrano's next start will be on Tuesday 27 vs. Aguilas del Zulia , while Andrew Baldwin would follow in the order on Thursday, 29, against Lara. For Friday 30 no one is announced, but Renyel Pinto could return to the mound that day, if necessary.

Gorkys Hernandez confirmed that on January 3 he must start a minicamp in Florida and would be absent from the round robin until 11 . "I guarantee that I will return to the team, but I make that trip," said the outfielder.

Looks like the Leones might have caught a break by missing Zambrano for this evening's ballgame. Taking advantage of the situation is another story.

Stephen Vogt returns after Christmas

The slugger will not play today, but will be back for the last three games of the season

CARACAS .-

Stephen Vogt , who became in the last few days one of the charms of the Leones del Caracas is leaving today for the United States and will not be in the game today. The good news for the Caracas team, he is coming back after Christmas to help in the team's quest for a place to round robin. "I was talking in recent days with Yves (Hernandez, general manager of the Lions) I consulted with my wife and I will go to spend Christmas there with her ​​and my little daughter, but I will return after that to help the team with three games left to us, "said the American. Vogt, who was once criticized by fans, has become a hero and especially after slamming homers on consecutive days in Puerto la Cruz. "For me it is great news to know that someone like Vogt will be here helping the team, especially as we have regular championship," said manager Rick Sweet . For now, Vogt will return for next week only; however the same slugger left the door open for a possible return in January. "We do not know, anything is possible."

Well ! Could be a wash. Anzoantegui loses a quality pitcher for this evening's ballgame and Leones loses one of their best hitters. That could mean additional playing time for Jesus Aguilar.

Ernesto Mejia dreams repeat MVP Award

The Eagles' first baseman of Zulia is a strong candidate to win the award

MARACAIBO .-

Ernesto Mejia can not deny this: His dreams of returning to be the MVP of winterball in Venezuela. By spearheading the department RBIs (47), extra-base hits (27) and adding nine homers, among other merits, the first baseman of the Aguilas del Zulia is a strong candidate for MVP of the season 2011/12. The native of Guanare, Portuguesa State, was voted MVP and Rookie of the Year in the 2009/10 season, his first with the Zulia, who was acquired from Magallanes. "Every player would like to win the MVP to be the best pitcher or get some major recognition. I'd be very happy if I win this award, "said the Thumper, who on Wednesday matched the historical mark for the franchise Zulia, who shared Lamar Johnson (1976-77) and Jesus" Bam Bam "Gonzalez (1998-99 .) Mejia shows .292 batting average in 202 official shifts, with .391 OBP and .515 in slugging. He has 18 doubles, 31 runs scored and 29 walks. No one collected more doubles this campaign, appears fifth in runs scored (31), seventh in basehits (59), second in homers, third in total bases (104), eighth on-base percentage and sixth in slugging percentage. His main competition for MVP is Gregor Blanco, La Guaira Sharks, because without yesterday's game was the batting champion (.350) and scoring leader (46), walks (45), stolen bases (15) and OBP (.491). "It would be nice if I was given the award, but it is not the main goal today. What I want most is to make the playoffs. We already have 30 wins, a significant figure, "he said Mejia.

Felix Fermin

Editorial:

Felipe, Pujols, Pena and Act have ignored Felix Fermin

Felix Fermin is headed for a unanimous choice for the Manager of the Year Award for the Winter Ball.

I listened to most sports commentators say, that based on results, Fermin has been the best manager in the DR.

But could not get a job in major league baseball.

In an interview on Impact Radio, 106.5 FM Zol, people asked about it.

Fermin said: I would not accept a position to lead in the Minor Leagues. "

He added: "The least, I would be coach of a major league team."

It is even stranger that Fermin has not received a helping hand.

We had the big league managers Felipe Alou, Tony Peña, Luis Pujols, Manny Acta, and no one has thought of it.

Do not forget that Phiipe and Pujols were close to Fermin.

I sincerely believe that Fermin has been marginalized by this group of people who have been in command of Major League teams.

However, Fermin should feel proud that people will appreciate and respect his great career.

Early game from Caracas. The Leones ahead of the Caribes 2-1 after 5 innings of play.

So far, Asdrubal Cabrera is 0-2 with a walk.

Jesus Aguilar is 2-2 with a walk. Aguilar batting cleanup in this ballgame. Aguilar walked in the second inning, advanced to second base on a walk but got picked off. Leading off the fourth, Aguilar singled, advanced to second on a Marwin Gonzalez basehit, Torrealba grounded out but both runners advanced, Aguilar scored on a wild pitch.

With two out in the fifth, Jesus Guzman singled, Asdrubal Cabrera walked, and Jesus Aguilar singled to left but Guzman was tossed out at the plate attempting to score from second.

Middle of six, Leones clinging to a 1 run lead at 2-1 and in "must win" mode.

Bottom of the Leones 6th, Marwin Gonzalez lead off with a double, Torrealba was hit by pitch, a failed bunt attempt with two strikes and a double play ended that threat.

As in yesterday's ballgame, Leones wasting a lot of scoring opportunities. A win and Leones is back within a half game of the final playoff spot, a loss and their 2 1/2 back with a week left in the season. I guess this might be considered a pivotal ball game.

The Caribes tied the game in the 7th at 2-2 making the most out of their 3 hits. Leones has 7 hits through 6 innings but wasting a lot of opportunities.

Bottom of the 7th, with two out, Jesus Guzman singled, Asdrubal walked on a full count, Jesus Aguilar fouled out to first to end another threat. 2-2 ballgame after 7 innings of play.

Leones slowly watching their season slip away. A two out walk and an Eliezer Alfonzo double gets another run home for the Caribes. Three unanswered singletons and the Caribes lead 3-2. Only six Leones bullets left in this one.

No further scoring. Still 3-2 Caribes. Bottom of the 9th. Leones down to their last three outs of the game and possibly the season.

Leones failed to score in the bottom of the 9th. Jesus Guzman picked up his fourth hit of the game with two out but Asdrubal grounded out weakly to Ugueto at first base to end the game. Final score, Caribes 3 Leones 2. Tough two game series losses for Leones. They had the early leads in both games but couldn't seal the deal. Leones needs a miracle to make the playoffs. Leones with 10 hits but could only manage 2 runs. Caribes made the most of their 4 hits good for 3 runs.

Lions of Caracas against the wall

Caracas with 28 wins and 32 losses must win their remaining three games and need help to from others

Anzoategui Caribbeans defeated the Leones del Caracas 3-2 and left them on the brink of death. Eliezer Alfonzo drove the race of the difference in the eighth inning.

The East team took a two and a half game lead for the fifth and the last place that gives access to the semifinals.