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

Jorge Sosa during the WBC

Major league free agent pitcher Jorge Sosa pitched six shutout innings in a 10-1 win for Licey over Toros in the Dominican Winter League round-robin playoffs. Sosa allowed just two hits while striking out six. Sosa, who is 42-50 with a 4.72 ERA in eight big league seasons, is hoping a dominant appearance in his home country’s winter league will lead to a big league job. Sosa’s Licey teammate Erick Aybar, the shortstop for the LA Angels, had three hits and three runs scored in the win. Aybar is hitting .293 in the playoffs. Offensively, Aybar is joined by major leaguers Ronnie Belliard, Ronny Paulino, Jose Bautista, Juan Miranda, and Emilio Bonifacio on Licey. Bonifacio, Miranda, and Bautista are all hitting over .300 in the playoffs.

Antonio Bastardo

Gigantes took a bigger lead over second-place Escogido by winning 4-3 on the arm of Jose Capellan. Capellan, a pitcher with the Houston Astros, struck out seven over seven innings of work while allowing five hits and three runs. Capellan is 2-0 in the playoffs for Gigantes. Antonio Bastardo is gearing up in the Dominican League for spring training with the Philadelphia Phillies as he is going to be given every opportunity to win a spot in the Phillies bullpen. Bastardo pitched an inning of relief behind Capellan, striking out two and lowering his playoff ERA to 0.93. Gigantes is 10-5 while Escogido is 7-6, with Licey in third-place at 6-8. The Toros are last with a 5-9 record.

In Venezuela, Magallanes continues their lead in the round-robin playoffs. They beat second-place Caracas 10-2 and beat Zulia in twelve innings. Magallanes continues to be led by Pablo Sandoval, who had three doubles and three runs scored in the win over Caracas (he’s hitting .477), and Richard Hidalgo, who hit another homerun in the win over Zulia. In the twelve inning win. NY Yankees prospect Marcos Vechionacci hit the game-winning three-run homer in the 12^th. The homerun was his first hit in the playoffs. Vechionacci needs a good showing in winter ball as he has struggled to produce and stay healthy with the Yankees (he hit .213 in 122 games with Double-A Trenton in 2009 and played in just 17 games in 2008 due to a strained right quadriceps muscle). After losing to Magallanes, Caracas got a much needed win versus Margarita to improve to 7-5.

Vinny Castilla

The best-of-seven semifinal rounds have begun in Mexico as Hermosillo is matched up with Culiacan and Mazatlan is matched up with Obregon. The ball was flying out of the ballpark as Hermosillo beat Culiacan 8-5 in Game 1. Former major leaguer Vinny Castilla hit one of Hermosillo’s four homeruns as he also tripled and drove in two. Castilla is also hitting .346 in the playoffs. New Milwaukee Brewers infielder Luis Cruz homered twice for Culiacan. Hermosillo leads the series 1-0. Mazatlan’s Jon Weber (of the Tampa Bay Rays) continues his hot hitting as he hit an RBI double in their three-run third inning. Weber is hitting .303 in the playoffs. Jasiel Acosta improved to 2-0 in the playoffs as he pitched six innings while giving up just one run on two hits. Acosta, the Mexican All-Star, also has a 1.46 ERA in the playoffs. Mazatlan took a 1-0 series lead over Obregon by winning 4-1.

Tags:

Antonio Bastardo, Dominican Winter League, Erick Aybar, Jasiel Acosta, Jon Weber, Jorge Sosa, Jose Capellan, Luis Cruz, Marcos Vechionacci, Mexican Pacific League, Pablo Sandoval, Richard Hidalgo, Venezuelan Winter League, Vinny Castilla

Kung Fu Panda at his best

When I previously wrote about the winter league playoffs in Venezuela, Caracas was leading the way. However a few bumps in the road have left them at 6-4 and in second place, with La Guaira just one game back. Caracas was 4-1 but is 2-3 in their last five games. Taking over first place is Magallanes, who are now 6-3 and continue to be led by the hot hitting Pablo Sandoval. Kung Fu Panda went 4-for-4 with a double, three RBIs, and two runs scored in Magallanes latest victory. In the playoffs, he is hitting .462 with 11 RBIs. However now Kung Fu Panda is getting offensive support, leading to their average of more than five runs a game. Alex Escobar has had a six RBI game with four courtesy of a grand slam. Escobar is hitting .400 in the playoffs. Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus contributed three hits and three runs scored in a win. Andrus is hitting .387 in the playoffs and has added three stolen bases. Former big leaguer Richard Hidalgo has driven in five in two wins. Hidalgo is hitting .344 in the playoffs. Michael Ryan is hitting .355. Leadoff hitter Ezequiel Carrera, a Seattle Mariners prospect, is hitting .333.

Travis Blackley with Australia in the WBC

The Mexican Pacific League has had two teams advance from their best-of-seven first round series. Obregon won their series against Mexicali 4-1 and has been led by veterans Erubiel Durazo and Victor Diaz. Durazo homered, drove in three runs, and scored three runs in the clincher. Hermosillo won their series over Navojoa four games to two on a dominant pitching performance by Travis Blackley (who is 2-0). Blackley tossed a one-hitter through eight shutout innings while striking out seven. Offensively former major leaguers have led the way for Hermosillo. Catcher Humberto Cota hit three homeruns and drove in five runs in Game 3 and had an RBI single in the series clincher. Vinny Castilla had a three-run homerun in a Game 4 loss. Culiacan came back after being down 3 games to 1 to force a Game 7 against Mazatlan. Culiacan has been led offensively by minor league veteran Mike Cervenak. What better way to end Game7 of a playoff series than to have the game go to extra innings and have a walk off win? Lorenzo Buelna drove in Jon Weber for the game winner in the 10^th inning as Mazatlan won 2-1. Weber, a Tampa Bay Ray, went 5-for-5 and drove in the other run. In the semifinals, Obregon is matched up with Mazatlan while Culiacan is matched up with Hermosillo in the best-of-seven series. Not sure how Culiacan advanced to the semifinals after losing in the first round, but they did.

Yurendell de Caster in 2009 with Scranton

The Dominican Winter League has Gigantes leading the pack at 9-5. They are also the hottest team as they have won five out of six. Escogido is right behind in second place with a 7-5 record. Minor league veteran Edward Valdez is 2-0 in the playoffs for Escogido. In Escogido’s seventh win, Cincinnati Reds minor leaguer Kevin Barker fell a triple shy of the cycle, as he went 4-for-4 with 2 RBIs. Licey and Toros are both 5-8. In the Toros fifth win, Yurendell de Caster, a veteran of the Netherlands national team, fell a homerun shy of the cycle as he went 4-for-5 with 4 RBIs.

Tags:

Alex Escobar, Dominican Winter League, Elvis Andrus, Erubiel Durazo, Humberto Cota, Jon Weber, Kevin Barker, Mexican Pacific League, Pablo Sandoval, Travis Blackley, Venezuelan Winter League, Yurendell de Caster

Venezuelan Fans

The Caribbean Series begins February 2^nd (and continues until February 8^th) at Estadio Nueva Esparta in Porlamar, Margarita Island, Venezuela. In 2009, Tigres de Aragua of Venezuela won the series in Mexico. The Caribbean Series pits the four winter league champion teams against each other for an overall winter league champion. The teams come from the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. For many Latin American players, playing winter ball in their home country is a show of national pride and a form of giving back. For other players, like many Americans playing winter ball, it is a chance to get extra at-bats, showcase their talent against top competition, or to keep the baseball playing dream alive. Most baseball fans (and most people in general) do not pay attention to the winter league season. However in these Latin American countries, the fans are interested. Like in LaGuaira, Venezuela, nearly 19,000 fans came out to support the home team that fell to 0-3 in the playoffs.

Armando Galarraga

At this time of the winter leagues’ season, it is playoff time (except for in Puerto Rico which begins January 15^th) and when many of the major league players are added to the rosters. Pablo Sandoval of the SF Giants (or Kung Fu Panda as he is affectionately known in baseball circles) is now playing for Magallanes in the Venezuelan Winter League. There he is hitting .395 in 29 games with 8 doubles, 3 homeruns, 21 RBIs, and a .425 on-base percentage. These numbers get Giants fans excited to get the 2010 MLB season started as Kung Fu Panda continues to hit. Other big leaguers playing in the Venezuelan Winter League include Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero, Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga, Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, free agent catcher Yorvit Torrealba, and Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Ronny Cedeno. The Venezuelan Winter League is in a round-robin playoff format with Caracas leading the way at 4-1. Caracas is being led by Galarraga and former major leaguer Gustavo Chacin. Galarraga has started 2 games (12.2 IP) while allowing 9 hits, 4 runs, and struck out 6. Chacin has garnered the only loss, despite starting 2 games (11.2 IP) while allowing 16 hits, 4 runs, and struck out 9. Cedeno of Magallanes is 9-for-17 in 4 playoff games with 6 RBIs. Former Atlanta Braves prospect and now KC Royals first base prospect Ernesto Mejia of Zulia is 10-of-17 with 2 homeruns, 3 doubles, and 8 RBIs in 4 playoff games.

The Dominican Winter League is also in a round-robin format, where Escogido has vaulted into first place (4-3) with a 13 inning win over Gigantes. In the Dominican League, major leaguers like Toronto Blue Jays utility man Jose Bautista, Florida Marlins utility man Emilio Bonifacio, Detroit Tigers infielder Ramon Santiago, and veteran pitcher Ramon Ortiz dot teams in the playoffs. Former big leaguers like Wily Mo Pena and Felix Heredia are still playing in winter ball. The Gigantes are hitting around .220 in the playoffs but are holding a 4-3 record.

The Mexican Pacific League begins the playoffs with three best-of-seven series: Navojoa vs. Hermosillo, Culiacan vs. Mazatlan, and Mexicali vs. Obregon. Hermosillo leads their series 2-0 as does Mazatlan, while Mexicali and Obregon are all tied up at 1 game a piece. Mexicali has been led by former first-round pick, left-handed starter Dan Serafini as he is trying to make it back to the big leagues (he spent the last two seasons playing in Mexico). Former big league starter Esteban Loaiza has led Mazatlan to a 2-0 lead in their series. Culican is 0-2 based on the hitters .175 batting average, though their pitchers combined ERA is 1.69. Cincinnati Reds infielder Adam Rosales is leading the Mexican League in hits, doubles, and RBIs during the playoffs as he went 3-for-4 with a double and 2 RBIs in Mexicali’s Game 2 loss.

The Puerto Rican League has welcomed free agent first baseman Carlos Delgado back to the game. He went 1-for-4 in his first game back since hip surgery. In winter ball, Delgado is hoping to prove he is healthy as not many teams have shown interest in the power-hitter.

The winners of these leagues will move on to Margarita Island in an electric environment of national pride.

Tags:

Adam Rosales, Armando Galarraga, Carlos Delgado, Dan Serafini, Ernesto Mejia, Esteban Loaiza, Gustavo Chacin, MLB Winter Leagues, Pablo Sandoval, Ronny Cedeno

The SF Giants can pitch and the 2009 team relied on the pitching staff to push for a playoff spot though they came up short. So this offseason the Giants’ management was hoping to sign some bats. Power is a top priority as the top homerun hitter was Pablo Sandoval with 25 and his 90 RBIs also led the team. The Giants also had a fairly young and inexperienced lineup with just Aaron Rowand, Edgar Renteria, and current free agents Randy Winn and Bengie Molina as the veterans before adding an injured Freddy Sanchez from the Pittsburgh Pirates. So going into 2010, the Giants had just three returning veterans.

Utility man Juan Uribe had hoped to receive a starting job offer while on the free agent market, but decided to return to the Giants to help them make the playoffs. Uribe can play second base, third base, and shortstop. He also adds a little pop (he hit 16 homeruns and 55 RBIs in 122 games) though he strikes out a bit (82 Ks). Uribe is not the greatest defender as he made 9 errors combined between the three positions (though he does have a cannon for an arm).

Mark DeRosa

The Giants signed one of the top free agents on the market in the versatile Mark DeRosa. Many believe that DeRosa will play third base, though he could play first base with Uribe at third base and Sandoval catching. DeRosa could also play left field with Sandoval at third base, Travis Ishikawa at first base, and rookie Buster Posey catching. With the St. Louis Cardinals for the second half of 2009, DeRosa played 3 games at first base, 2 games at second base, 63 games at third base, and 3 games in the outfield, making no errors. He did make 8 errors at third base in the first half of 2009 with the Cleveland Indians (42 games). Having DeRosa allows manager Bruce Bochy to change up his lineup and defense from game to game. While DeRosa provides good defense and solid offense, he does not provide a power bat.  Combined in 2009 with the Indians and Cardinals, DeRosa hit 23 homeruns, a career high. The signing of DeRosa is a good one as he is a great clubhouse guy, but they are still in need of a power bat. Will Barry Bonds come out of retirement to play left field? Doubtful, but the Giants haven’t had much power since he left.

Will the signing of DeRosa help the Giants in the next two years? I know that the Giants were interested in him once the 2009 season ended and he is a good fit, but they were supposed to be looking for position players that could hit 30+ homeruns a season. Coming off of a wrist injury, it is questionable on whether he will be able to put up a 20 homer season in 2010. Same goes for the re-signing of Uribe. He will not hit 20 homeruns if he does not get a lot of playing time. To make room for Uribe, the Giants will need to take someone off of the 40-man roster (and possibly lose that player). Since the roster is full, are the Giants going to make a trade for a power bat or go into the 2010 spring training with the roster they have right now?

Tags:

Juan Uribe, Mark DeRosa, Pablo Sandoval, SF Giants

Tim Lincecum

The San Francisco Giants relied on stellar pitching, clutch late relief, and the bats of Bengie Molina and Pablo Sandoval (the Kung Fu Panda). With very little offensive support for the pitchers, the Giants still were in playoff contention in September. Ace Tim Lincecum won his second straight CY Young award (15-7 with a 2.48 ERA in 32 starts and 261 Ks) and fellow starter Matt Cain was in contention for the award late into the year (14-8 with a 2.89 ERA in 33 starts). Jonathon Sanchez surprisingly threw a no-hitter and finished the year 8-12 with a 4.24 ERA in 29 starts. Giants’ fans witnessed veteran Randy Johnson win his 300^th game. Barry Zito put up an average season a lot like everyone he has had since joining the Giants (10-13 with a 4.03 ERA in 33 starts), though he had a successful second half. Even top prospect Madison Bumgarner got in the act late in 2009. The Giants pitching staff was second in the National League in ERA (3.55), first in complete games (11), and first in strikeouts (1302).

Fans voted lefty setup man Jeremy Affeldt the best at his job (2-2 with a 1.73 ERA in 74 games with a .197 opponent’s batting average). Veteran right-hander Bobby Howry joined Affeldt to dominate the seventh and eighth innings, though he is now a free agent. Closer Brian Wilson is eccentric but gets the job done (5-6 with a 2.74 ERA in 68 games, converted 38 of 45 saves, and had 83 Ks).

Kung Fu Panda

The Giants offense was dismal all year, even with Kung Fu Panda’s MVP type season (.330 in 153 games with 44 doubles, 25 homeruns, and 90 RBIs). Despite his size, Sandoval moved from catcher, to third base, and first base all season, without losing a beat offensively. Catcher Bengie Molina provided the defense that is typical of a Molina brother but he also provided an offensive lift (.265 with 20 homeruns and 80 RBIs). The Giants were 11^th in the NL in batting average (.257), 13^th in scoring (657 runs), 15^th (in a 16 team league) in homeruns (122), and last in walks (392) and on-base percentage (.309). The Giants did not have a hitter with 100 RBIs or more than 25 homeruns. The Giants proved that good pitching can stifle a good offensive team.

The pressure the Giants pitching staff was under all season cannot be replicated. It cannot be expected for the starters to give up 2 runs or less in every outing just to get a win. Manager Bruce Bochy needs to get the offense clicking around Sandoval for the Giants to win the NL West or at least win the wild card. Here’s their wish list:

1. Offensive players: This is not a surprise need. The Giants could add a hitter at every position. Having a healthy Freddy Sanchez for the full season batting in front of Sandoval should help as Sanchez is a career .299 hitter. Rumors have the Giants interested in the versatile Mark DeRosa, rightfielder Jermaine Dye, the injured Xavier Nady, and third baseman Adrian Beltre. The Giants do not want to trade for a hitter because it will cost them a young arm in either Jonathon Sanchez or Madison Bumgarner (trading for Freddy Sanchez cost them the number two prospect Tim Alderson). The goal is to sign free agents that get on base and won’t be an embarrassment defensively.
2. 

   Buster Posey

   A catcher to mentor top prospect Buster Posey: It is expected that Posey will start in 2010 for the Giants (it would have made sense to let Posey catch more games at the end of 2009 instead of just 4 starts). The baby-faced Posey hit a combined .325 between Single-A San Jose and Triple-A Fresno with 18 homeruns, 80 RBIs and 62 BB/ 68 Ks. Giants fans have been clamoring for his full season debut since he was drafted in 2008 out of Florida State. Posey is my preseason pick for NL ROY. The Giants will need a valuable back up to provide leadership to Posey (maybe Jose Molina or Paul Bako?). The Giants could also stay in-house and allow back up Eli Whiteside to continue (he caught well when Molina missed time in 2009; think Sanchez’ no-hitter). They are also interested in former Colorado Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba.

Tags:

Barry Zito, Bengie Molina, Brian Wilson, Buster Posey, Freddy Sanchez, Jeremy Affeldt, Jonathon Sanchez, Matt Cain, Pablo Sandoval, SF Giants, Tim Lincecum

Unlike the Arizona Fall League where only top prospects are invited, baseball’s winter leagues are open to young and old alike. Some play winter ball to make up for lost time (like the Cleveland Indians Jake Westbrook). Others play to work on things to make them better or to continue the progress they made during the regular season. Some players play winter ball to audition for a major league club. Hometown players play to give back to their home country’s fans and to show national pride.

There are four countries that offer winter ball leagues (Mexico, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic), which culminates in the Caribbean Series that will be held in Venezuela in February. The top four teams in each league represent their country in the series. The Cubs vice president of player personnel Oneri Fleita stated “I think it’s great for anybody’s development” to play winter ball.

I wrote about Jake Westbrook’s comeback attempt in winter ball in Puerto Rico. The NY Yankees have catching prospect Jesus Montero playing in his home country Venezuela to make up for the time he missed after his finger injury with Double-A Trenton. However he is not getting a lot of playing time with Navegantes del Magallanes (although it is not due to aggravating his finger). He has played in just 9 games and is hitting just .115. Another catcher, this one from the Texas Rangers, is also making up for lost time in Venezuela. Max Ramirez suffered injuries to both of his wrists during the season and only accumulated 287 at-bats. With Tiburones de La Guaira, Ramirez is hitting .245 in 42 games with 10 homeruns and 31 RBIs. Sandy Madera is leading the Mexican League in hitting, with a .433 average to go with 14 homeruns and 25 RBIs. The first baseman played in just 5 games with Triple-A Pawtucket and is using his time in Mexico to make up for the lost time.

John Mayberry Jr.

In Mexico, the Philadelphia Phillies have two outfield prospects competing for Yaquis de Obregon. John Mayberry Jr., who played in just 128 games between Triple-A Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia, and Michael Taylor, who is coming off a .320 season split between Double-A Reading and Lehigh Valley, are hoping their time in Mexico can help them crack the Phillies roster or audition for another team looking to make a trade. Despite battling an elbow injury, Taylor is hitting .309 in 19 games with 1 homerun and 11 RBIs. Mayberry is hitting .313 (which is 12^th in the Mexican League) in 38 games with 7 homeruns and 23 RBIs.

With the 3^rd best batting average in the Mexican League (.367), Mike Cervenak is hoping to sign with a team. After being named an International League All-Star with Lehigh Valley the last two seasons (and earning a World Series ring in 2008 with the Phillies), Cervenak is hoping to break through to the big leagues in 2010 (after making the majors for the first time in 2008). The third baseman (though I’ve seen him play a multitude of positions) has played in 43 games with 11 doubles, 10 homeruns, and 38 RBIs in Mexico. Cervenak’s former Triple-A teammate Andy Tracy, who re-signed with the Phillies, is playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic. Tracy hit his first homerun this weekend and is hitting .300 with 5 RBIs in 5 games (5 game hitting streak). Tracy could be the power bat off the bench for the Phillies in 2010.

Josh Schmidt pitching for Trenton

Josh Schmidt of the NY Yankees spent the 2009 season in Double-A Trenton, mainly out of the bullpen though he did spot start for the Thunder. In Venezuela, Schmidt just struck out ten in a 7 inning complete game shutout. He could be a long shot for the Yankees in 2010, but if he continues to pitch well as the All-Star did in 2009, you may see him as a call up next season. The Colorado Rockies young starter Jhoulys Chacin is pitching in his home country Venezuela. Chacin just was outdueled on Sunday, though he gave up just one unearned run in 6 innings. In 7 starts, Chacin is 1-1 with a 3.90 ERA with 9 walks to 22 strikeouts. Chacin should be plugged into the rotation for the Rockies in 2010.

Pablo Sandoval

The Kung Fu Panda has arrived in Venezuela. Pablo Sandoval, the fan favorite for the San Francisco Giants, has played in just 3 games though he had 3 hits in his second game (with 3 runs scored and an RBI). Also in Venezuela is the NY Mets young catcher Josh Thole, who continuing to hit in winter ball. Thole leads the league in hitting at .391 with 13 doubles, 3 homeruns, and 24 RBIs. In 39 games, Thole has more walks (24) than strikeouts (13).

Tags:

Andy Tracy, Dominican Winter League, Jesus Montero, Jhoulys Chacin, John Mayberry Jr, Josh Schmidt, Josh Thole, Max Ramirez, Mexican Pacific League, Michael Taylor, Mike Cervenak, Pablo Sandoval, Puerto Rican Winter League, Sandy Madera, Venezuelan Winter League

Is the National League MVP race even a race? Any other year, I would say that Florida Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez would win the award in a landslide with the type of season he is having. However, there is another player who is putting up Triple Crown numbers, along with good defense and his team is going to the playoffs.

Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals has been a perennial MVP candidate since breaking through to the big leagues in 2001. Every year he puts up huge offensive numbers while playing good defense at first base. The reigning MVP is in the top three in hitting and RBIs, while leading the majors in homeruns.

King Albert also walks a ton and doesn’t strike out much. He also has played in almost every one of the Cardinals games, choosing repetition over rest. Pujols has been an All-Star every year except in 2002, when he had his lowest batting average of .314.

Pujols has never struck out 100 times in a single season and has never hit less than 30 HR in a season. Pujols is looking for his 3rd NL MVP trophy after winning it in 2005 and 2008. It is expected for Pujols to be a unanimous selection for the MVP award, though there is discussion on who will come in second. As I mentioned, Hanley Ramirez is having a great year. He has kept the Marlins in the Wild Card race until the last week of the season.

After winning the NL Rookie of the Year award in 2006, Ramirez has not hit less than .300 in a season. He was an All-Star in 2008 and 2009, while also winning a Silver Slugger last year. This may be Ramirez’ best year yet. Ryan Howard is a typical second half player.

The last three years, Howard has gotten hot in August and September to carry the Philadelphia Phillies into the postseason. This year he his hitting .298 after the All-Star break with 21 HR and 70 RBIs, while also cutting down on the strikeouts. Howard’s biggest flaws since making it into the majors have been his defense at first base and his strikeouts.

This past offseason, Howard worked on his defense (and lost weight) and became more flexible. His strikeouts are well behind strikeout leader Mark Reynolds (Howard has 186 on 10/1), when they are normally fighting for the strikeout title. Howard has also only missed one game this season, when he was in the hospital with flu-like symptoms, ending the longest active streak in the majors at 343 consecutive games played.

Pablo Sandoval of the San Francisco Giants has been the lone bright spot in a dismal offensive lineup. “Kung Fu Panda” has garnered a lot of attention for his nickname and gained fan support for his hustle and smiling attitude. Despite moving from behind the plate to third base, his offensive numbers have not deteriorated. Coming from Double-A Connecticut in 2008, Sandoval has impressed in his first full season.

The switch hitter had carried the Giants into postseason contention after last season’s dismal showing, proving all sportswriters wrong. Andre Ethier of the Los Angeles Dodgers has been consistent all season long, despite missing Manny Ramirez in the middle of the lineup protecting him. Ethier has been clutch all year, with 6 walk-off hits (4 homers) which leads the majors.

Even Joe Torre, who has seen his fair share of dramatic moments, said “it’s just surreal” how Ethier has repeatedly lifted the Dodgers to victory in the final inning. This left-handed bat will need to be clutch again if the Dodgers want to make it to the World Series (or at least win the NL West).

Who should win: Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
156G/ 158    .330 (2nd)    47 HR (1st)    134 RBI (3rd)
43 doubles (3rd)  16 SB    112 BB/ 63 K    .445 OBP
Who will win: Pujols
Sleepers: Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins
150 G/ 159    .341 (1st)    24 HR        105 RBI
41 doubles    26 SB        61 BB/101 K    .410 OBP
Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies
157 G/ 158    .275        43 HR (4th)    138 RBI (1st)
37 doubles    73 BB/ 186 K        .357 OBP
Pablo Sandoval, SF Giants
149 G/ 158    .328 (3rd)    23 HR        87 RBI
44 doubles (2nd)    50 BB/ 81 K        .385 OBP
Andre Ethier, LA Dodgers
157 G/159    .271        31 HR        105 RBI
41 doubles    69 BB/ 115 K        .357 OBP

Tags:

Albert Pujol, Andre Ethier, Florida Marlins, Hanley Ramirez, King Albert, National League MVP, Pablo Sandoval, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants