Danny Valencia with Double-A New Britain

Day 4 was a rematch of the Day 1 matchups. Puerto Rico faced off against the Dominican Republic. Puerto Rico’s Andrew Baldwin (Mariners), who had only gone six innings once in winter ball, went up against Dominican long reliever Felix Diaz.  In the first inning, Puerto Rico jumped all over Diaz as they did the day before against Travis Blackley of Mexico. DH Raul Casanova ripped a ground-rule double and drove in a run and third baseman Danny Valencia (Twins) drove in two more with a double. Valencia finished the game with 3 RBIs and a run scored. Diaz settled in to just give up those three runs in four innings on just three hits. Baldwin went 4.2 innings allowing an earned run on four hits, though he did walk four. Puerto Rico’s defense failed him (it has been shoddy during the whole series) as the first run he allowed was unearned.

Unfortunately for Diaz and the Dominican Republic, the bullpen failed to keep the game close as Puerto Rico won 7-3 to hand the Dominicans their first loss. Puerto Rico scored three more runs in the sixth inning to break the game open. The win for Puerto Rico gives them hope that they can win the Caribbean Series as they evened their record to 2-2.

In the Mexico versus Venezuela rematch, both teams received great pitching. For Mexico, Juan Delgadillo struggled a bit early on. In the top of the second inning, leftfielder Michael Ryan (who was only 2-for-13 so far in the series) blasted a solo homerun. In the top of the third inning, centerfielder Erold Andrus (Rays) hit a double and second baseman Luis Maza (Phillies) followed with an infield single. Third baseman Oscar Salazar (Padres) ripped an RBI single to give Venezuela a 2-0 lead. In the top of the fourth inning with a runner on, Rene Reyes ripped a shot to dead center. However centerfielder Chris Roberson made an over-the-shoulder catch at the wall to add to his Caribbean Series defensive highlight reel (maybe someone should sign him?). After that Delgadillo seemed to settle in and cruised through the Venezuela lineup. Delgadillo went eight innings allowing just the two runs on six hits while striking out three.

For Venezuela, Jose Sanchez was cruising along until the fourth inning. Roberson blooped a hit to left field but hustled in to second base after Ryan made a weak throw into the infield. Veteran rightfielder Karim Garcia, making his first Caribbean Series appearance, bunted for a base hit. First baseman Luis Garcia followed two batters later with an RBI groundout. In the sixth inning, Karim Garcia blasted a solo homerun. Sanchez lasted six innings allowing two runs on five hits while striking out eight.

Vinny Castillo celebrates

Against the Venezuelan bullpen, Mexico loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth inning, but catcher Saul Soto grounded to first and Venezuela’s Raul Padron (in his first game at first base) turned an inning-ending double play (3-2-3). Mexico’s Mario Mendoza had another great relief appearance. In the bottom of the tenth inning, Roberson sacrificed Heber Gomez over to second base. After an intentional walk to Karim Garcia, veteran Vinny Castilla ripped the first pitch he saw from Elio Serrano into the left-centerfield gap and off the wall for the game-winning hit. Mendoza got the 3-2 win and Mexico improved to 2-2 in the series. Host Venezuela dropped to last place with a 1-3 record. Mexico will face the Dominican Republic this afternoon with the chance to tie them for the top spot. Venezuela will face Puerto Rico tonight.

Tags:

Andrew Baldwin, Caribbean Series, Chris Roberson, Danny Valencia, Dominican Republic, Felix Diaz, Jose Sanchez, Juan Delgadillo, Karim Garcia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Vinny Castilla

Being at a Caribbean Series game is like being at an event, even before the baseball begins. It is like a mini Olympics with music and dancing, a celebration of the culture, and an announcement of the teams. Fans wear their country’s colors and wave their flags proudly. Fans bring in their own noisemakers (some the size of children) along with drums, maracas, and tambourines. Despite everything that is going on, the main focus of the fans, young and old, is what is happening on the field-the baseball game.

Mario Santiago with Single-A Wilmington

The 52^nd annual Caribbean Series began with the matchup between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. It was a pitcher’s duel between the young Puerto Rican (Mario Santiago of the KC Royals) and the seasoned veteran Dominican (Raul Valdes). Both deserved to win but one had to lose. The Dominican Republic scored an unearned run in the bottom of the first to take a 1-0 lead. The scored stayed the same until the sixth inning. Through five innings, Valdes had eight strikeouts but Santiago held the Dominicans to just two hits. In the top of the sixth, Puerto Rico scored on a fielder’s choice, but the Dominicans retook the lead at 2-1 on Kevin Barker’s opposite field solo homerun (Santiago’s lone mistake). The announcers, Victor Rojas and Mitch Williams from the MLB Network, talked about how Valdes does not have big league starter’s stuff, but he mowed down the Puerto Rican lineup. His keys were to keep hitters off balance and to have excellent control. Valdes combined with Joel Peralta (2 innings) and Dario Veras (1 inning save) to give up just the one run for the 2-1 win.  Santiago went seven innings allowing just three hits while striking out eight (on just 93 pitches). Reliever Pete Parise (Cardinals) dominated in his one inning of work.

The night game (which during the series will always include host Venezuela) pitted Venezuela against Mexico. Mexico jumped on Venezuela’s Guillermo Moscoso (Rangers) early and often. In the first after an error by shortstop Gregorio Petit (A’s) kept the inning alive with two runners on, veteran Ruben Rivera ripped a two-run triple. In the fourth inning, Mexico broke the game open with a four spot, highlighted by a two-run double by leftfielder Nelson Teilon and an RBI double by veteran third baseman Vinny Castilla. Moscoso lasted just 3.2 innings giving up four runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks while throwing 79 pitches.

On the other hand, Mexico’s Pablo Ortega dominated the first three innings, throwing just 38 pitches. Though he struggled in the fourth (throwing 30 pitches) allowing one run, he threw just 6 pitches in the fifth (his final inning). Defense was also key for Ortega and Mexico. Venezuela’s Oscar Salazar ripped a ball to the wall in left-center with a runner on but centerfielder Chris Roberson relayed quickly to shortstop Heber Gomez to throw the runner out by a mile to end the second. Roberson again provided heroics, this time in the third on a ten hopper up the middle with a fast runner (Petit) on second. He came up firing, again throwing out the runner by a mile at the plate.

To the dismay of the fans, Venezuela lost Game 1 7-2. After Day 1, both Mexico and the Dominican Republic are 1-0 and meet Wednesday afternoon. Puerto Rico and Venezuela drop to 0-1 and meet Wednesday night. The best record after 6 games wins the series. If there is a tie, there will be a one-game playoff on February 8^th.

Tags:

Chris Roberson, Dominican Republic, Guillermo Moscoso, Kevin Barker, Mario Santiago, Mexico, Pablo Ortega, Puerto Rico, Raul Valdes, Ruben Rivera, Venezuela, Vinny Castilla

The Caribbean Series is set to begin on the Venezuelan island of Margarita on February 2nd. It continues until February 8^th. The four champions of the winter ball leagues in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela will meet today (Tuesday). MLB Network will be airing the series, beginning at 2:30 pm (EST). Puerto Rico (Mayaguez) squares off against the Dominican Republic (Escogido) followed by the opening ceremony. The night game pits the host country Venezuela (Caracas) against Mexico (Hermosillo). The series is in a round-robin format and the game to watch will be on February 4^th as Venezuela and the Dominican Republic will meet.

As the host country, Caracas will have the pressure of its fans at every game, along with being the reigning champion. Last year, Venezuela rolled through the series in Mexicali, Mexico with a 5-1 record. Offense hasn’t been a problem for Caracas as Carlos Maldonado (.333 average and 17 RBIs) and Josh Kroeger have led the way. Caracas has hit 19 homeruns in the playoffs and scored 211 runs in 23 games. Gustavo Chacin (3-2 with a 3.43 ERA and 25 strikeouts) leads the Caracas pitching staff and the bullpen (like Orber Moreno) has done a good job.

The Dominican Republic has won the Caribbean Series 17 times and 11 times since 1990. They hope to have ace Francisco Liriano for the series and he has pitched well throughout the Dominican’s winter league playoffs. Liriano is 3-1 with a 0.49 ERA. Pitching has been key for Escogido as that has been what has carried them to the Caribbean Series (a 2.61 ERA in 27 playoff games). Heath Phillips (3-0 with a 3.86 ERA) and Nelson Figueroa (1-1 with a 1.37 ERA) have pitched well. Wladimir Balentien (.348 average) and Kevin Barker (.337 average) have led the way offensively.

Mayaguez is well rested because their series only took five games to complete while the other leagues’ finals went seven (or nine) games. Offensively, Mayaguez may have the best team. Angel Sanchez (.452 average with 24 RBIs), Jesus Feliciano (.340 average), and Randy Ruiz (.289 average with 22 RBIs) have all been hot at the plate. Starter Bobby Cramer (0.79 ERA in 2 starts) and reliever Pete Parise (0.93 ERA in 6 games) have been some of the better pitchers in the league.

As for Mexico, their series just ended on Saturday. Hermosillo advanced on the heroics of outfielder Chris Roberson. Former big league All-Star Vinny Castilla (.270 average with 13 RBIs) has been hitting well, along with Roberson and veteran Geronimo Gil (.313 average). Travis Blackley (3-0 with a 2.01 ERA) and Juan Delgadillo (3-0 with a 2.49 ERA) have led the pitching staff.

The Caribbean Series should be exciting with national pride showing strong throughout. The crowds will be electric and packed, if any of the championship games attendances showed (around 16,000 a game in Venezuela). Each team has a current or former Major Leaguer and each team should match up well with the other. However, we will just have to see how the games play out.

Tags:

Caribbean Series, Chris Roberson, Dominican Republic, Francisco Liriano, Gustavo Chacin, Mexico, Pete Parise, Puerto Rico, Randy Ruiz, Venezuela, Vinny Castilla

Left-hander Gustavo Chacin (Astros) went seven scoreless innings allowing five hits as Caracas evened the Venezuelan Winter League’s championship series at 3-3 to force a deciding game seven versus Magallanes. Caracas scored five runs in the top of the fourth inning. Carlos Maldonado hit a two-run homerun, outfielder Josh Kroeger added a solo homerun (2 hits), and second baseman Jose Lopez (Mariners) also added a solo homerun. There were over 16,000 fans in attendance.

Carlos Maldonado

There was excitement in the air in Venezuela as the top two teams squared off for the winter league title and a shot at representing the host country in the Caribbean Series. Even Pablo Sandoval was given special permission from the SF Giants to return to Magallanes for the decisive Game 7 to DH and help his team win (he went 1-for-4). Unfortunately for Magallanes, Caracas’ Jason Standridge was too much as he went seven innings allowing an earned run on seven hits to lead Caracas to a 7-2 title-clinching win. Julio Manon, Orber Moreno, and Juan Gutierrez combined to go three no-hit innings in relief of Standridge. Caracas’ offense was also too much as they scored four runs in the top of the first inning and never looked back (they had 16 hits total). Maldonado went 4-for-5 with a double and two RBIs and outfielder Gregor Blanco (Braves) had a solo homerun and scored two runs to pace Caracas. Yurendell de Caster had two hits, drove in a run, and scored a run for Magallanes. It was Caracas’ first title since 2006 and over 16,000 fans were in attendance.

Aaron Bates

The Puerto Rican Winter League finals lasted just five games with another extra inning affair. Through seven innings, Mayaguez led 5-3 but Caguas stormed back to tie the game at 5-5 in the eighth inning. Cesar Nicolas and Aaron Bates (Red Sox) hit back-to-back homeruns to tie the game. Both teams scored a run in their half of the tenth, but in the eleventh Mayaguez scored two runs to win the game. Both Jesus Feliciano (Mets) and Randy Ruiz (Blue Jays) scored a run in the eleventh to take the championship series 4-1. Angel Sanchez went 4-for-6 with two runs scored and an RBI and Bates also doubled and scored two runs to pace Mayaguez to its first championship since 2005.

Mazatlan forced a decisive Game 7 in the Mexican Pacific League’s championship series by taking Game 6 4-3 over Hermosillo. Sergio Gastelum singled in the go-ahead run in the bottom of the eighth inning as well as compiling three RBIs. Veteran Ruben Rivera homered again for Mazatlan. Mazatlan squandered a 3-0 lead in the game. Veteran Vinny Castilla drove in two runs while fellow veteran Geronimo Gil had three hits for Hermosillo. Veteran Esteban Loaiza went 6.2 innings allowing eight hits and two runs for Mazatlan while minor league veteran Travis Blackley went 6 innings allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out three in the loss.

Outfielder Chris Roberson led off Game 7 for Hermosillo with a triple and scored the game’s only run on a Castilla double. Roberson also made the key defensive play of the game in the sixth inning as he made a sliding grab of Robert Saucedo’s fly ball and doubled Rivera off of second base to end Mazatlan’s best threat. Mexican League veteran Juan Delgadillo went 7.2 innings allowing six hits while striking out three to earn the 1-0 title-clinching win. The hard-luck loss went to Walter Silva who gave up just the one run on two hits over eight innings while striking out seven. Hermosillo won the title for the second time in four years.

Tags:

Aaron Bates, Angel Sanchez, Caribbean Series, Carlos Maldonado, Chris Roberson, Gustavo Chacin, Jason Standridge, Jose Lopez, Mexican Pacific League, Pablo Sandoval, Puerto Rican Winter League, Randy Ruiz, Ruben Rivera, Venezuelan Winter League, Vinny Castilla

Chris Roberson with Ottawa

Mazatlan took a 2-1 series lead over Hermosillo in their Game 3 8-7 victory. Veteran Ruben Rivera continued to hit and hit for power as he homered and drove in three runs. Rivera’s homerun was the game winner, as he hit a two-run blast off of Mexican League veteran pitcher Jose Vargas in the top of the ninth inning. Outfielder Jon Weber also continues to hit, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI. Both teams had ten hits. Close to 13,000 fans turned out in Hermosillo.

Hermosillo tied the championship series up at 2-2 over Mazatlan in Game 4. Outfielder Chris Roberson fell a triple short of the cycle, going 4-for-5 with a homerun, two runs scored, and four RBIs. Mexican League veterans, catcher Geronimo Gil and shortstop Jose Luis Sandoval both went 2-for-4. Left-hander Juan Oramas went 6.1 innings allowing just two hits while striking out six. He allowed just one run in the win despite walking six batters. In the loss, Rivera hit another homerun, one of Mazatlan’s four hits. Over 13,000 fans were in attendance for Game 4.

Randy Ruiz

Game 1 of the Puerto Rican Winter League finals got underway and it took extra innings to declare a winner. Mayaguez won 7-6 over Caguas in ten innings. Andres Torres hit a game-tying two-run triple in the ninth inning for Mayaguez off of losing pitcher Joe Torres. First baseman Donny Leon and Angel Sanchez both collected three hits in the win. DH Randy Ruiz (Blue Jays) collected two doubles and scored two runs. In the loss, outfielder Eddy Martinez-Esteve (Giants) collected two doubles and an RBI. Also for Caguas, second baseman Jose Castro and DH Cesar Nicolas went 3-for-4. Veteran pitcher Mike Maroth started for Mayaguez, going 4.1 innings allowing seven hits, four walks, and three runs, while striking out three.

Game 2 was also a one run game that went to Mayaguez. Ruiz was the offensive hero as he went 2-for-3 with two doubles while he drove in all five of the team’s runs. In the 5-4 loss, Edgardo Baez had a three- run homerun. Winning pitcher Juan Padilla went 5.2 innings allowing five hits and three runs while striking out three, as he gave up Baez’ homerun. Veteran infielder Alex Cora went 2-for-3 and catcher Raul Casanova went 2-for-4 in the loss.

In the Venezuelan Winter League finals, Magallanes took a 3-2 series lead over Caracas to come within one win of the title and a trip to the Caribbean Series. Shortstop Elvis Andrus (Rangers) went 3-for-4 with a homerun and two runs scored in the 3-0 win. First baseman Yurendell de Caster continues hit hot-hitting as he went 2-for-4. Raul Valdes continued his playoff dominance as he went seven innings allowing just two hits and no runs while striking out four. Jean Machi and Francisco Rodriguez (who got the save) combined to go two one-hit innings in relief of Valdes. Veteran Ramon Ortiz went 5.1 innings allowing four hits and two runs while striking out five in the loss. Over 20,000 fans were in attendance.

Tags:

Chris Roberson, Eddy Martinez-Esteve, Elvis Andrus, Jon Weber, Mexican Pacific League, Puerto Rican Winter League, Ramon Ortiz, Randy Ruiz, Raul Valdes, Ruben Rivera, Venezuelan Winter League

The Mexican Pacific League’s semifinals did not last long as Hermosillo swept Culiacan 4-0 and Mazatlan beat Obregon 4 games to 1. In the Game 4 win, former Major League veteran Vinny Castilla homered. Juan Oramus allowed one run on just three hits over seven innings for the win. Over 7,000 fans showed up to watch Hermosillo clinch. Hermosillo is led by centerfielder Chris Roberson at the top of the order as he is hitting .324. First baseman Luis Garcia, a Mexican League veteran in the middle of the order, is hitting .361 in the playoffs.

Walter Silva

In Mazatlan’s Game 4 5-2 win, right-hander Walter Silva struck out eight over seven innings. Silva gave up just two hits and one run. Tampa Bay Rays prospect Reid Brignac continues to hit as he had two hits and he scored two runs. Former Major Leaguer Ruben Rivera also belted a 2-run homer. Game 4’s attendance in Obregon was over 11,000. Mazatlan’s Game 5 clinching win took them twelve innings. Miguel Ojeda hit his second homerun of the game, a two-run shot in the 12^th inning as Mazatlan won 6-4 heading into the championship series. Rivera also added another homerun. Over 8,000 fans showed up for the twelve inning affair. Outfielder Jon Weber (.348) and Edgar Gonzalez (.310) are the only members of Mazatlan’s lineup hitting above .300. However their pitching staff has been the best in the playoffs (2.48 ERA in 109 innings pitched). The finals for the Mexican League begin on January 22^nd.

Gustavo Chacin with the Blue Jays

In the Venezuelan League, Gustavo Chacin struck out six over six innings of work as Caracas defeated Magallanes 6-3 to clinch the final spot in the championship series versus Magallanes. Chacin, whose career has stalled since his 2005 13-9 season with the Toronto Blue Jays, allowed an earned run (three runs total) on five hits. Chacin is 2-1 with a 2.84 ERA in the playoffs. Minor league veteran outfielder Josh Kroeger, who spent 2009 with Triple-A Charlotte (Chicago White Sox), had a three-run homerun.

Caracas has had the best pitching staff so far in the playoffs (3.70 ERA in 141 innings pitched). Caracas has three starting pitchers with ERAs under 3.00 (Jose Ortegano at 0.69, Chacin at 2.84, and Galarraga at 2.94). Jason Simontacchi of Magallanes is 1-1 with a 2.50 ERA in 3 playoff starts. Both teams have a closer with 5 saves, though Juan Gutierrez of Caracas’ ERA is better than Jean Machi of Magallanes (2.45 to 4.76). Magallanes has been the best offensive team in the playoffs by far (.317 average, a .378 on-base percentage, 19 homeruns, 40 doubles, and 97 RBIs) and none of the other teams come close in any offensive statistical category. Caracas is last in batting average at .261, as second baseman Luis Maza in the only member of the lineup hitting over .300 (.305). However they are first in stolen bases (17). This should be a series of whether or not good pitching can slow down a good offense.

The Puerto Rican League playoffs were set to begin over the weekend but so far the games between Mayaguez and Arecibo, and Caguas and Carolina have been postponed. The Dominican Winter League championship series began yesterday (more on that game tomorrow).

Tags:

Chris Roberson, Edgar Gonzalez, Gustavo Chacin, Jon Weber, Josh Kroeger, Luis Garcia, Luis Maza, Mexican Pacific League, Miguel Ojeda, Reid Brignac, Ruben Rivera, Venezuelan Winter League, Vinny Castilla, Walter Silva