Cleveland Sports Forum

On the death of Rosman Garcia

Double Header game between Eagles and Tigers was postponed until tomorrow

The announcement was made by the president of the Venezuelan League Professional Baseball, José Grasso Vecchio.

Pitcher Rosman Garcia died in traffic accident

Thursday December 29, 2011 11:15 a.m.

Caracas .-

The president of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League, José Grasso Vecchio, announced via his official Twitter account that the double header today between Aguilas del Zulia and Aragua Tigers in Maracay, was postponed due to the death of the Tigers pitcher. Rosman Garcia's remains will be veiled in the funeral Valles of Maracay. Today we observe a minute of silence for the death of the pitcher in all stadiums where games will be played.

BASEBALL | 6:22 a.m.

the Round Robin

Only ranked La Guaira and six teams fighting for four spots in the postseason

With only two days remaining for the completion of the official calendar of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League, the picture still looks pretty involved for six of the eight teams in the tournament, except for La Guaira Sharks that already clinched.

The Braves and Margarita were already eliminated.

All other teams have a chance of qualifying for the Round Robin. It is clear that the possibilities for classification are not the same for all teams, in the case of Magalanes, Caribbeans and Eagles, all secured at least a tie at worst, and their elimination would have to be in a hypothetical extra day of sudden death baseball.

The Tigers and Cardinals are part of a second group, and almost everything is in their hands and depending on their performance may opt for a berth in the semifinal.

Not for the Caracas Lions that although mathematically they are not eliminated, must win the remaining two matches and hope that Lara and Aragua lose all their remaining games on the schedule. So things may all be defined on the last day in the regular season.

Ubaldo Jimenez

The flu

Ubaldo Jimenez will start Friday for Licey will miss his start tonight against Aguilas

The All-Star pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez will be the starter for the Licey Tigers on Friday due to strong influenza virus. Jimenez, who had already made ​​his debut in the regular season, will be replaced by Esmila Rogers. The Cleveland Indians flamethrower would also be scheduled to pitch on Wednesday, January 4. Rogers, a native of Santo Domingo had 0-2 and ERA of 2.35 in four starts during the regular season. He pitched 15 innings of 16 hits, four runs, six walks and 14 strikeouts .

You would think if you have millions invested in a player you could require him to get a flu shot.

I would think so.

Magellan 10 Caracas 0

Mariners clinched the round robin after eliminating the Lions
VALENCIA .-

The Navigators had another good performance from their ace, Eric Junge, who pitched six innings of shutout baseball and Mario Lisson hit his third homer in the last two nights.

Players upset. Changes in managers. An early exit from the playoffs was part of the regular version of Magellan in 2010. A year later they return to the postseason led by the hand of the same man who led them the last two seasons and last year had to leave the team because of family problems: Carlos Garcia. "I'm very happy. This team never gave up despite the difficult moments that we lived, said "the" Admiral "after the success of the Navigators 10-0, over the Lions of Caracas who were eliminated last night.

After a successful first month of the campaign for the Navigators that culminated in first place with 11-4 record in November began to lose ground in the standings, finishing with a losing record, and stringing four straight losses during that period. Then the comback and clinching a spot in the playoffs. Once achieving this important first step, Garcia, thought about the needs of the team for the playoff. "We will find a starter in the lottery and other reinforcements that can help us on offense," said the helmsman.

But clinching the playoffs yesterday was met with mixed emotions that lived in the park Jose Bernardo Perez in Valencia.

On the one hand, they gave a minute of silence for the death of pitcher Rosman Garcia from the Tigres de Aragua due to a traffic accident yesterday.
Then came another touching moment when they said farewell to a player that was a great asset Melvin Mora, who announced his retirement in the afternoon and made ​​the inaugural first pitch of the game with tears on his cheeks. Afterwards he was greeted by players from both teams. Melvin Mora came to pinch hit in the eighth inning accompanied by a round of applause. He took off his helmet and waved to the audience that saw him shine for more than a decade. New pitcher, Justin Thomas, was on the mound when Mora hit a drive deep to center field that made the fans rise to their feet believing the ball was leaving the park but that ended in the glove of Corey Wimberly. "I thank the fans so much, my teammates, to the organization, for this recognition, "said the major leaguer who, after failing in his duty, was received by his teammates near the third box coach, Luis Sojo, who was the first to hug him.

Magallanes started a fateful third inning aganst the Lions starter Armando Galarraga to score eight runs. The task was done especially when on the mound for the Navigators was their ace, Eric Junge, who threw six shutout innings to establish himself as the leader during the regular season with a 1.59 ERA and was credited with the win. Mario Lisson hit his third homer in the last two nights reaching 11 in the year. Jesús Aguilar gave the final out of the game and the celebration was present on the diamond. "It was a dream season," said Jesus Flores, candidate for the MVP award . "I'm quite happy for the team classification," added Jose Altuve who ended his participation in the campaign, on the cusp of 82 hits. "This is the result of the hard work we've done all year", said coach Luis Dorante. The ship now expects to dock at the end.
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MELVIN MORA ANNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT

5 Melvin Mora facts from on and off the field

Former baseball player showed very much heart throughout his career in and out of a baseball field

CARACAS .-

With 39 years and a successful career, Melvin Mora, decided today to move away from baseball to devote time to his family. In sports, most know the kind of player that came from the Yaracuyanos. An example of improvement that has taken him from Agua Negra to Taiwan and then the jump to the top of the majors. With Magallenes he was the soul of the vessel in their latest titles. Delivery, passion, discipline, professionalism, focus are all words that can be associated to Mora the player. Off the field, has also been an exemplary man and here we are 5 interesting facts of his personal life:

1 .- In 2001 his wife Gisel had quintuplets: Genesis, Christian, Rebekah, Matthew and Jada. Besides them, the family Mora had a first daughter named Tatiana.

2 .- In 2005, Melvin Mora Foundation created in each year donates sports equipment to needy young people in society and in 2007 created the Melvin Mora Baseball Academy. Melvin Mora recently presented a project to create motorized shelters at more than 40 locations distributed throughout Caracas.

3 .- His favorite song is “La vida es un carnaval” by Celia Cruz . They play the song when Mora bats in the major leagues.

4 .- At age 7, he witnessed the murder of his father Joseph, a fruit and beer vendor.

5 .- In his youth he practiced boxing and became a Venezuelan soccer player as a teenager.

Cardinals still in the fight for the playoffs

Cardinals defeated the Caribbeans 5-1 at "Chico" Carrasquel stadium

CARACAS .-

Lara Cardinals continues its firm intention to get a place in the playoffs and on Thursday got an away victory by a score of 5 to 1 against the Caribbean in Anzoategui Alfonso "Chico" Carrasquel of Puerto La Cruz.

With the game won, the Redbirds are tied for fifth in the standings with the Aragua Tigers, who had a forced rest day for the unfortunate death of Rosman Garcia. Luis Valbuena hit an RBI double in the third inning against Alcides Escobar that opened the scoring. Then in the fourth inning against Johan Limonta came the first of the three homers. Peter Grifola singles and brought to the plate Tomas Perez who homered to put the score at 3-0. Alcides Escobar and Guillermo Quiroz shot solo homers in the sixth to complete the five runs for the Cardinals. The Caribbeans tried to react in the bottom of the fifth inning but could only score one time in a bases loaded situation. The Dominican debut of Grifola Adalberto Mendez became an important factor for the success of the game by striking out Eliezer Alfonso with the bases loaded and then went on to complete the game. His performance was 4.1 scoreless innings and six strikeouts. Jared Wells took the loss. The Cardinals are tied the fifth with a record of 31 and 31 with one game remaining. The Caribbeans is fourth with a 32 and 30 recond who also have one game remaining.

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Mendez unhittable in first start for Lara

Former Marlins prospect strikes out six over 4 1/3 innings

Venezuelan Winter League

Lara 5, Anzoategui 1

Adalberto Mendez, who pitched for Triple-A New Orleans this season, struck out six and walked one over 4 1/3 hitless innings for the victory Thursday. It was his first appearance for the Cardenales. Former Minor Leaguer Nick Green allowed a run on two hits over four frames in the start. Mariners prospects Johan Limonta (Mariners) and Guillermo Quiroz went yard for Lara.

Magallanes 10, Caracas 0

Endy Chavez, who recently signed a one-year deal with Baltimore, went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a run for the Navegantes. He is hitting .563 for the club. All the starters in the Magallanes lineup collected at least one hit and Mario Lisson homered in the victory. Eric Junge, who pitched for Triple-A Salt Lake City this year, scattered three hits over six innings for the win.
Adalberto Mendez went 1-8 with a 7.33 ERA over 24 games, including 13 starts, for the Triple-A Zephyrs. (Jim Redman/MiLB.com)

La Guaira 6, Margarita 2

Zach Kroenke (D-backs) allowed an unearned run on one hit over three innings and Les Walrond, who pitched in the Phillies' system this year, gave up a run on two hits over four frames in the victory. Ray Olmedo (White Sox) collected two hits, two runs and an RBI for the Tiburones.

Dominican Winter League

Escogido 4, Cibao 1

Veteran Major Leaguer Julio Lugo amassed three hits, a run and an RBI and Nelson Figueroa, who split time between Triple-A Oklahoma City and Indianapolis this season, allowed a run on seven hits over 7 2/3 innings for the victory. Erick Almonte (Brewers) went 3-for-4 and Erick Abreu (Astros) pitched a perfect frame for the Gigantes.

Cibaenas 4, Licey 1

Wilin Rosario (Rockies) smacked a home run, free agent Pedro Ciriaco had two hits, two runs and an RBI and Hector Luna (Phillies) added three hits for the Aguilas. Ronny Paulino, who played in the Mets system this season, had two hits and an RBI and Jonathan Ortiz (A's) struck out the only two batters he faced in relief in the losing effort.

Puerto Rican Winter League

Ponce 2, Carolina 1 (Game 1, 7 innings)

Juan Padilla, a Caribbean Series All-Star last season, threw two perfect innings for his sixth victory. Jorge Jimenez (Reds) was the only player to record multiple hits, collecting two, an RBI and a run for the Leones. Former Minor Leaguer Bobby Livingston went the distance for the Gigantes, scattering seven hits and striking out six over seven innings.

Ponce 2, Carolina 1 (Game 2, 7 innings)

Luis Matos, a former Orioles prospect, provided all the offense for the Leones with a two-run homer. Fernando Cabrera, who pitched for Triple-A Salt Lake City, picked up his second save with a shutout inning. Jeff Dominguez (Marlins) drove in a run and Alex Cintron, who played for Triple-A Tucson this year, doubled and singled for the Gigantes.

Mayaguez 4, Caguas 1

Josh Walter (Dodgers) gave up a hit over two scoreless frames for the victory. Mexican Leaguer Miguel Negron drove in two runs and Jesus Feliciano, who played in the Mets system this year, had two hits and a run. Mexican Leaguer Edgard Clemente smacked his sixth homer of the season for the Criollos.

Mexican Pacific League

Hermosillo 6, Mazatlan 5 (12 innings)

Trent Oeltjen (Dodgers) went 4-for-6 and singled in the game-winner in the 12th. He also scored twice. Walter Ibarra (Yankees) tripled, doubled and crossed the plate once and former big leaguer Erubiel Durazo added two hits for the Naranjeros. Mexican League Midseason All-Star Ruben Rivera cranked his 11th homer and Oswaldo Morejon also went yard for the Venados.

Navojoa 7, Obregon 3

Former Minor Leaguer Matt Esquivel homered, doubled, drove in three runs and scored twice for the Mayos. Mexican Leaguer Flavio Romero scored three runs and ex-A's prospect Wes Bankston tripled and plated two in the victory. Mexican League Midseason All-Star Carlos Valencia homered in the losing effort.

Mexicali 6, Guasave 2

Switch-throwing pitcher Pat Venditte (Yankees) allowed a hit and fanned two over two scoreless frames and former Minor Leaguer Issmael Salas went yard in the victory. Mexican Leaguer Juan Canizales contributed two hits and two RBIs for the Aguilas.

Mochis 3, Culiacan 2

Mexican Leaguer Sandy Madera homered and Luis Suarez doubled, singled and scored twice for the Caneros. Mexican League Midseason All-Star Hector Rodriguez struck out 10 while allowing three runs on six hits over six innings in the loss.

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Colombia Winter League

•Giovanny Urshela (3B, Cartagena Tigres): 1-for-4, 2B, K. Without looking at his game-by-game numbers, Urshela has maybe had just 2 or 3 multi-hit games so far this offseason as every game he either gets no hits or 1 hit.

Puerto Rico Winter League

•Joseph Colon (RP, Gigantes de Carolina): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. A much needed strong effort for Colon who came into the game having allowed 12 runs, 15 hits and 6 walks in just 5.2 innings over 6 appearances.

Venezuela Winter League

•Rob Bryson (RP, Bravos de Margarita): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. Just the second time in his last 6 games where Bryson has pitched a full inning. He is bending but not breaking as he has allowed 14 hits and 10 walks in 13.0 innings yet has a 2.77 ERA.

•Jose Lopez (3B, Cardenales de Lara): 1-for-5. Lopez has a modest 5-game hitting streak going and is hitting .385 with a 1.006 OPS in his last 10 games, though his home run and RBI production have stalled of late as he has no homers and just 2 RBI in his last 8 games.

•Asdrubal Cabrera (SS, Leones del Caracas): 0-for-1. Anytime you see a guy leave a game after just one at bat it usually is not a good sign. No word on whether or not Cabrera got hurt, but Cabrera was removed at the top of the 4th inning after being involved in a rundown for the final out of the bottom of the 3rd inning.

•Jesus Aguilar (1B, Leones del Caracas): 0-for-4, 2 K. Aguilar is scuffling of late hitting just .250 with a .708 OPS in his last 10 games with just one multi-hit game. In his last 2 games he is now 0-for-8 with 3 strikeouts.

Wilin Rosario homered to even the game at one in the sixth. (Johnny Rotestán)

The Eagles beat the Tigers at Cibao Stadium

The Eagles won their second game of the round robin tournament, both in Cibao Stadium against the Tigers 4-1. With the win, the Eagles are second in the standings with a 2-1 record. The key was excellent pitching where the starter Raul Valdez pitched five innings of one run ball and five strikeouts to leave without a decision, while four relievers threw as many innings of one hit ball. Reliever Cesar Cabral, who threw a third of an inning, got the win, while the loss fell upon Christian Martinez, who allowed three hits, two runs and had one strikeout in one inning. The righty Miguel Batista worked the ninth for the save. The Tigers (1-2), produced the first run in the first inning with two hits, while the Eagles equalized in the sixth with a solo homer by Wilin Rosario. The Eagles took the lead in the seventh when reliever Atahualpa Severino surrendered a basehit by Brandon Moss with the bases loaded bringing home a run. In the eighth, the home team sealed the game by scoring two runs against Fautino de los Santos, who allowed triple and double, combined with an error by outfielder Michael Martinez.

The pitcher Nelson Figueroa handcuffed the Giants hitters in seven innings. Nicholas Monegro

Lions reach their third straight win

Santo Domingo.

'The Escogido Lions do not yield, and last night won their third straight victory in the round robin winter baseball tournament, beating the Cibao Giants by 3 runs in a game held at the Quisqueya Stadium.

The Leones received excellent work from the pitcher's mound by Nelson Figueroa, who worked seven innings and two thirds, which allowed seven hits, one run, took a walk and struck out six batters for the win, while Nelson Payano is credited with the save.

Giants starter, John Halama, also threw five innings of eight hits, three runs, walked two and struck out four opponents, to carry the other way around for the loss.

With the win, the Leones put their record at 3-0, while the Giants have not been able to put numbers in the win column and are 0-3.


For the winners Julio Lugo stood out at the plate who had three hits in four times at the plate, a run scored and an RBI, Andy Dirks got a hit three times, scored twice and drove in a round, and Mauro Gomez, who also batted in a career.

As for the defeated, Erick Almonte had three hits in four visits to the plate, Jimmy Paredes took two hits in four at-bats and Robinson Diaz drove in the only run for cibaeño.

Besides Figuereo the bullpen by Lions Elisaul Pimentel, Ramon Garcia, and Payano rose to the occasion.

Elvis Andrus ready to join the ship in the Round Robin

Elvis Andrus has had several days of training with extra batting practice. Then he joined the routine activities of the infield. He will be added as an active player on the roster of 34 for the Magallanes Navigators. A source close to the player said the shortstop for the Texas Rangers will be with the Turkish ship for the semifinals. "He expressed his intention to join the team and there is much enthusiasm. He's working hard, "said the source who wished to remain anonymous. The manager Carlos Garcia was asked about the possibility of having the native of Maracay in their ranks and said "he has not said anything yet. He is here training and talking with peers. It would be great if we could have him. "The last time the infielder here was in the 2009-2010 harvest, when he participated in 23 games and left an average of .247. He was on the payroll for the Round Robin where he averaged .371 with eight runs scored and four defrauded. Then, he would be aligned for six games in the Grand Final against the Leones del Caracas.

Sweet: Next year things will be different

Rick Sweet manager of the Caracas Leones wants to return for 2012-2013 season

VALENCIA .-

Before the game yesterday, the Lions of Caracas were not eliminated and did not throw in the towel, manager Rick Sweet already is thinking ahead, edition 2012-2013. "We are not eliminated but if so, feel an immense debt to the fans of the Lions and that is another reason for wanting to return next season. If it was up to me, I want to be here, but the decision lie with management. I've been in contact with them, especially Yves (Hernandez, Operations Manager) because Luis (Avila, President) is on the road " said the veteran manager. Sweet was hired late in the season this year and estimated that the failure to meet with his players and his coaching staff was detrimental and it will be essential if the Lions decide to bring Sweet back next season. "Next year things will be different because I have players like Aguilar, Rivero and they will be more experienced as well as others. I also know my technical staff Jonathan (Arraiz), David (Davalillo), Jesus (Hernandez) and Tony (Armas) did an excellent job throughout the season and advised me well, in an entire year working with them all will work out better. "

Tigers roared in the first against Eagles

Each with a home runs Hector Rodriguez and Guillermo Gimenez, 4-1 to Aragua defeated Zulia

CARACAS .-

Aragua Tigers achieved a major step closer to winning the round robin first round taking the first game of a doubleheader against Aguilas del Zulia by a score of 4 -1. The Bengal defense was crucial to make two good plays that prevented runs of Zulia in the first two innings. In the first, Alexander Romero made ​​a wild throw to the plate, but a good receiver movement by Guillermo Rodriguez, allowed him to put out Eider Torres in his attempt to score. Then in the second inning, the shortstop threw out Ramon Castro out at first base on a slow grounder. Guillermo Rodriguez homered in the fourth and the advantage was expanded by Hector Gimenez in the sixth with two-run homer. Gimenez made a nice gesture when reaching home plate in honor of recently deceased Rosman Garcia. Reliever Yohan Pino (5-2) showed that he remains a key player in the bullpen and won for Buddy Bailey's team with 2.2 innings work. Aragua reached 31 wins 30 defeats and will tie for a playoff spot by sweeping Zulia.

Darin Mastroianni

The American Outfielder for Aguilas del Zulia would strengthen a possible postseason

CARACAS .-

Aguilas del Zulia have an element of surprise for what would be a possible postseason is that the management announced the return of Darin Mastroianni for what will be the final round. The Media reported statements by sports manager, Jorge Urribarí on the return of the player from Toronto. "Even if we were to play the game of January 2 in the case of losing two games in Maracay, he (Mastroianni) would be here for that commitment," said the manager. The speedy outfielder is part of the orange, but has not dazzled as in the 2010-2011 season. The ranger has a .255 average and drove in five runs in just 28 games.