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

Juan Francisco

With the Dominican Winter League’s championship series all tied up at 2-2, Gigantes took Game 5 by a 3-2 score over Escogido. Jose Capellan went six innings allowing two runs on four hits while striking out four in his second championship start. Reds prospect Juan Francisco went 2-for-3 and drove in all three runs for Gigantes. Kevin Barker provided the only offense for Escogido, with a two-run homerun, which was his third of the postseason.

In Game 6, Escogido again tied the best-of-nine series, this time at 3-3. Heath Phillips (Royals) continued his dominance in winter league by striking out seven in six innings and allowing one run on six hits. In the 5-4 victory, catcher Wilkin Castillo drove in two runs. Infielder Alexi Casilla (Twins) accounted for three of Gigantes four runs as he delivered a bases-clearing triple.

Game 7 was a pitcher’s duel, as Gigantes outlasted Escogido 2-0 to take a 4-3 series lead. Former big league pitcher Victor Zambrano went 5.1 shutout innings allowing three hits while striking out four. Left-hander Antonio Bastardo (Phillies) got the win, going 1.2 scoreless innings of relief allowing one hit while striking out three. Left fielder Lucas Montero went 3-for-4 for Gigantes. In the loss, veteran Nelson Figueroa went 7.1 innings allowing seven hits and two unearned runs while striking out four.

Eddy Martinez-Esteve with Single-A San Jose

The Puerto Rican Winter League’s semifinal series both came to an end with Game 7’s. Caguas took their Game 7 over Carolina 3-1 behind the arm of Andrew Baldwin (Mariners) who scattered two hits in his eight innings of work. Baldwin allowed just one run while striking out eight. Saul Rivera (Indians) worked the ninth for the save. Outfielder Eddy Martinez-Esteve (Giants) continued his hot-hitting in the playoffs, going 2-for-3 with an RBI. Caguas scored all three of their runs in the third inning.

Mayaguez won their Game 7 over Arecibo 5-2 as Randy Ruiz (Blue Jays) hit a solo homerun and Andres Torres blasted a two-run homerun for Mayaguez. Shortstop Angel Sanchez went 2-for-4 in the win. Brodie Downs went four innings for Mayaguez without giving up a run. Mayaguez will face-off against Caguas in the championship series for a spot in the Caribbean Series in Venezuela.

Caracas took Game 3 of the Venezuelan Winter League championship series 5-3 over Magallanes to shrink the lead to 2-1. Raul Padron and Carlos Maldonado both contributed RBI doubles and two hits. Caracas got three innings of shutout baseball from their relievers. Magallanes scored all three of their runs in the second inning, with two scoring on Emilio Bonifacio’s (Marlins) single. Over 20,000 fans showed up to cheer on Caracas.

Jose Lopez

Game 4 of the series also went to Caracas to tie the championship series at 2-2. However this game ended in dramatic fashion in the tenth inning. Jackson Melian hit a walk-off three-run homerun off of Yoel Hernandez to send Caracas to a 10-7 victory. Infielder Jose Lopez (Mariners) had a double and drove in four runs for Caracas. Caracas scored seven runs from the seventh inning on, with outfielder Gregor Blanco (Braves) tying the game off of closer Francisco Rodriguez (Mets) with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning with a solo homer. Each team tallied 11 hits. This was another game in which over 20,000 fans were in attendance.

Tags:

Alexi Casilla, Andrew Baldwin, Antonio Bastardo, Dominican Winter League, Heath Phillips, Jose Capellan, Jose Lopez, Juan Francisco, Nelson Figueroa, Puerto Rican Winter League, Randy Ruiz, Venezuelan Winter League, Victor Zambrano

Robinson Chirinos

The Venezuelan Winter League’s championship series got underway as Magallanes blasted Caracas 9-0 in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series. Robinson Chirinos continued his playoff hot-hitting, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and three RBIs. Michael Ryan contributed a two-run double and scored twice. NY Yankees prospect Reegie Corona also went 3-for-5 with two runs scored. Raul Valdes (who was previously pitching in the Dominican Winter League) went five scoreless innings allowing six hits while striking out six. Over 16,000 fans were in attendance for Game 1.

Game 2 was a high-scoring affair, as Magallanes beat Caracas 12-10. Alex Escobar went 4-for-5 with a homerun, four RBIs, and three runs scored. Netherland’s alum Yurendell de Caster had three hits and two RBIs as Magallanes took a 2-0 series lead. Magallanes blasted three homeruns off of Caracas starter Gustavo Chacin, who went just 3.1 innings allowing 10 hits and six runs. Josh Kroeger, Gregorio Petit, and Luis Maza all had three hits a piece for Caracas. Lots of crooked numbers were put up on the scoreboard, as Magallanes had a five-run inning and a four-run inning, while Caracas also had a four-run inning. Over 14,000 fans were in attendance.

Ruben Rivera

The Mexican Pacific League championship series began over the weekend as Mazatlan took Game 1 by a score of 5-3 over Hermosillo. Former Major Leaguer Ruben Rivera had a two-run homerun and Christian Quintero went 3-for-4 with a solo homer and two runs scored. Reid Brignac, John Lindsay, and Jon Weber each had two hits in the win. Outfielder Chris Roberson went 3-for-4 with a double for Hermosillo. Pablo Ortega went 6.2 innings allowing three runs on seven hits for Mazatlan as a little over 15,000 fans were in attendance.

Game 2 went to Hermosillo as Travis Blackley went 5.2 innings allowing five hits and no runs while striking out four. In the 4-2 win, former big leaguer Vinny Castilla homered and drove in two runs to tie the series at 1-1. NY Yankees minor leaguer Jon Weber went 4-for-5 in the loss with two RBIs.

Levale Speigner with the Nats

In Puerto Rico, Arecibo and Mayaguez had to play another doubleheader, but this time the sweep went to Arecibo. In the first game, Radames Nazario went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored while D’Angelo Jimenez also drove in a run. Levale Speigner went 1.1 scoreless innings to pick up the 3-2 win. Juan Padilla pitched a complete game in the loss. In the second game, Speigner pitched 3.1 shutout innings to pick up another win as Arecibo scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning. Edwin Maysonet went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and Jeffrey Dominguez added an RBI single in that ninth inning. Game 7 was suspended.

In the other Puerto Rican semifinal series, Carolina won 6-4 over Caguas to take a 3-2 series lead. Pedro Valdez went 2-for-2 with two RBIs and Andy Gonzalez also drove in two runs. Outfielder Bradley Coon delivered an RBI triple and also scored two runs. The bullpen for Carolina went 4.2 innings allowing just two runs on five hits. The top of the order for Caguas (Adrian Ortiz, Luis Figueroa, and Eddy Martinez-Esteve) accumulated seven of the team’s eleven hits. In Game 6, Caguas tied up the series at 3-3 with a 5-4 victory as Edgardo Baez delivered a walk-off single in the ninth inning to go along with his other two hits.

Tags:

Alex Escobar, Edwin Maysonet, Jon Weber, Levale Speigner, Mexican Pacific League, Puerto Rican Winter League, Robinson Chirinos, Ruben Rivera, Travis Blackley, 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

Nelson Cruz

Despite a loss to Toros, Gigantes clinched a spot in the Dominican Winter League finals. For Toros, Raul Valdes, who is 3-0 in the playoffs, retired the first 20 batters he faced and was perfect until Reds infielder/outfielder Juan Francisco singled with two out in the seventh inning. Valdes ended up striking out nine in eight innings of work. To make matters worse for the other three teams in the league, Texas Rangers outfield slugger Nelson Cruz has joined Gigantes. He drove in his first RBIs, four of them, in a 7-4 win the next day over Toros. Cruz went 3-for-3 with two homeruns in the game.

For second-place Escogido, Minnesota Twins left-hander Francisco Liriano is looking to get back on track. Liriano is 2-0 so far in the playoffs and in his last start he went six innings allowing one run on four hits. He also struck out six as Escogido beat Licey 3-1. The next day Licey outslugged Escogido 7-5. Licey was led offensively by LA Angels shortstop Erick Aybar (who had a 2-run single and stole two more bases), Florida Marlins utility man Emilio Bonifacio (who had three hits), and former big leaguer Wily Mo Pena (who had an RBI single).

Magallanes continues to hold onto first-place in the Venezuelan Winter League. Cleveland Indians infielder Luis Rodriguez drove in the go-ahead run in the ninth inning as Magallanes beat Zulia 4-3. In the win, NY Yankees minor league infielders Reegie Corona and Marcos Vechionacci both had two hits, while Corona scored two runs. Corona is hitting .357 while Vechionacci is hitting .375. La Guaira has been keeping pace as they defeated Margarita 6-5 and then Magallanes 4-3. NY Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez saved both games to bring his total to five. Offensively, Hector Gimenez of the Pittsburgh Pirates doubled, tripled, and drove in three runs in the first win and had an RBI single in the second win. Gimenez is hitting .349 in the playoffs. Atlanta Braves outfielder Gregor Blanco had a pair of RBIs in the first win and went 2-for-3 with an RBI double and a run scored in the second win. Blanco is hitting .286 in the playoffs. Caracas continues to stay a game ahead of La Guaira, as they defeated Zulia 7-1. Free agent catcher Carlos Maldonado blasted a three-run homerun while he is batting .333 in the playoffs. Jose Ortegano gave up an unearned run in five innings of work to earn the win and lower his postseason ERA to 0.69. Zulia continues to be led by Venezuelan Winter League MVP Ernesto Mejia. Mejia is hitting .375.

The Mexican Pacific League semifinals are underway as both Hermosillo and Mazatlan are out to 2-0 series leads in the best-of-seven series. In Mazatlan’s Game 2 win over Obregon (7-0), Tampa Bay Rays infielder Reid Brignac had two hits, three RBIs, and a run scored. New NY Yankees minor league outfielder Jon Weber went 3-for-5 with a run scored to raise his average to .342. Pablo Ortega pitched seven shutout innings for Mazatlan, giving up just three hits while striking out five. In Hermosillo’s Game 2 win, Juan Delgadillo gave up an unearned run on three hits in 6.1 innings. Jacob Cruz had two hits, including an RBI single in the 4-2 win over Culiacan.

Tags:

Carlos Maldonado, Dominican Winter Leagu, Ernesto Mejia, Francisco Liriano, Francisco Rodriguez, Gregor Blanco, Hector Gimenez, Jon Weber, Marco Vechionacci, Mexican Pacific League, Nelson Cruz, Raul Valdez, Reegie Ccorona, Reid Brignac, Venezuelan Winter League

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

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