Caribbean Baseball updates

[colbyjack]

I'm a little late getting to the updates of players currently playing for teams in the Dominican, Mexican, Puerto Rican and Venezuelan leagues. MLB.com has a handy-dandy page in which you can access the stats of all of the Brewers farmhands that are currently participating in these leagues, as well as those playing in the AFL and the HWB:

 

http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/stats/org.jsp?id=mil

 

Here's the list of players by league and team. Click on the links below each league name to check out the day's league scoreboard if you care to follow the daily success of the players.

 

Dominican League

http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/s...&sid=l131&lid=131

 

Joe Bateman - Azucareros

Ozzie Chavez - Azucareros

Sam Narron - Azucareros

Brad Nelson - Gigantes

Rafael LLuberes - Gigantes

Juan Sandoval - Licey

 

Mexican League

http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/s...2&t=l_sco&lid=132

 

Erasmo Ramirez - Guasave

Chris Narveson - Hermosillo

Casey McGehee - Culiacan

 

Venezuelan League

http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/s...&sid=l135&lid=135

 

Luis Pena - La Guaira

Alcides Escobar - Lara

Hernan Iribarren - Lara

Jay Gibbons - Magallanes

Tony Gwynn - Magallanes

Brendan Katin - Zulia

 

-------------------------------------------------

 

Similar to the AFL and HWB participants, the numbers so far represent a really small sample, but among the hitters, Iribarren and Nelson are off to nice starts, although Nelson doesn't appear to be starting. Iribarren is playing CF and leading off for Lara on an everyday basis, with Escobar (whose bat has started to turn around after starting slow) batting behind him in the 2-hole. With a left-handed bat some speed and defensive versatility, Iribarren is a name that doesn't often get brought up as a possibility to make the Brewers 25-man roster out of spring training.

 

Narveson has 14 Ks in his first 10 innings of work.

[colbyjack]

Newly acquired 3B Casey McGehee is playing for Culiacan in the Mexican Pacific League. He's hitting .293/.317/.397 in 58 ABs so far this fall, which puts him among the organization's best.

 

Hernan Iribarren continues to swing the bat well, as he's at .318/.415/.477 in 44 ABs, hitting RHPs much better (.433) than LHPs (.071). Tony Gwynn is hitting .306/.370/.367 in 49 ABs.

 

Luis Pena has still only appeared in one game, so we'll try to put out the feelers to see if there is something more going on there.

[Mass Haas]

Rotoworld update on Hernan Iribarren

 

The Hurricane is out of options, the Brewers would have to waive him in the spring to get him back to Nashville, and because he has seven years with the organization, he'd have the right to choose free agency if not claimed.

[DHonks]

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/ev...winterleagues/?league=car\

 

includes a nice pic and mention of Brendan Katin's big day

[colbyjack]

As the Rotoworld link notes, Hernan Iribarren got freaky on Halloween, going 4-5 with 4 runs, 2 triples (not doubles per the Rotoworld report) and 2 RBI. His line is up to .362/.433/.586 in 58 ABs. 37 of those have been vs. RHPs, and he's hitting to the tune of .459/.512/.676 against them. Keep in mind, he's only a year removed from a very good season at AA Huntsville in which he led the Southern League in triples, and does have a taste of the big-leagues.

 

Another lefty-hitter that could be fighting for a spot on the big-league roster next spring is Brad Nelson, who exploded the night before Iribarren did, going 4-4 with 3 runs scored, a double, triple and 2 home runs while driving in 7. He is now hitting .326/.404/.804 (.462/.517/1.038 vs. RHP).

 

While the more sexy Arizona Fall League and even the Hawaii Winter Baseball league haven't been giving us many exciting storylines worthy of regular discussion, I think Iribarren and Nelson are definitely worth following. We all know the Brewers roster is painfully thin with hitters that can make a dent vs. RHPs with a righty-heavy hitting lineup. Doug Melvin could hit the free agent and/or trade market to address this need and overall depth, or he could choose to pursue the more cost effective and arguably just as productive internal (yet unproven) route. Iribarren of course offers speed and contact while Nelson brings some left-handed hitting thunder.

 

In the defense of Tony Gwynn, another left-handed hitter, he's now hitting .339/.391/.403, going with 8 hits in his last 15 ABs and 14 in his last 35. He has never really had drastic LHP vs. RHP splits however.

[DHonks]

Colby, could Nelson be an option for a RF platoon, with Irribarren in one at 2b?

[And That]

I don't think you want Nelson playing the outfield on a regular basis. He doesn't have the arm he used to, either.

 

I do think Iribarren might be the 25th guy on the roster next year. He's hit every year except 2008, and he can play 2B along with the outfield.

[colbyjack]

I'm with Toby, I think Nelson is basically just a bat and shouldn't be out on the field very often, other than first base. He's a late inning pinch hitter and possible DH during interleague. That doesn't mean he couldn't have value to the team.

 

Iribarren if developed (and used) properly could become the Brewers version of Tony Phillips.

[yoshii8]

I was just looking at the VWL stats, and I've noticed some things:

 

Brendan Katin is absolutely raking in his first 67 Ab's, he is in the top 10 w/ a 1.103 OPS, and is leading the league w/ 10 HR's, next closest has 6. He is also 2nd in RBI, the bad part is his 19/5 k/bb ratio..

 

Hernan Iribarren is still doing very well w/ a .961 OPS

 

Alcides Escobar has a .451 OPS through 56 Ab's.

 

Tony Gwynn Jr is batting .314 w/ a .751 OPS through 70 AB's.

 

Indians farmhand Matt LaPorta has a .549 OPS throug 67 AB's.

[Mass Haas]

Rotoworld makes note of Brad Nelson's outstanding Dominican Winter League season thus far.

[Mass Haas]

Casey McGehee update from Mexico via Rotoworld

[colbyjack]

Alcides Escobar is 6-11 in his last 3 games, raising his average above the Mendoza line to .217. Let's hope he finishes strong, although the Caribbean season lasts until the end of December, so there's plenty of time for him to bump his numbers up.

 

Hernan Iribarren and Brad Nelson both continue to hit the ball well, particularly vs. RHPs, although 4 of Nelson's 8 dingers are against LHPs, even if his overall success isn't as good vs. southpaws. Iribarren hit a 2-run shot 3 days ago, and drew 4 walks two days ago. He was 1-4 with a BB yesterday.

[Mass Haas]

Look for Vinny Rottino in December --

 

Rottino catches his breath

BY PETER JACKEL

Racine Journal Times

 

Vinny Rottino has been picking up his sister's kids at school in Racine and working on nephew John's left-handed swing.

 

Jason Jaramillo has been spending time with his girlfriend in Oklahoma City and doing some light workouts.

 

And both have been recharging their batteries for another shot at the big time in another three months - Rottino with the Milwaukee Brewers and Jaramillo with the World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies.

 

It was a long, hot summer for these two catching prospects from Racine County who share similar visions. And after each played in at least 115 games, not counting spring training, both are taking a step back this fall with the idea of taking two steps forward next spring.

 

No taking foul tips. No setting up pitchers. No strapping and unstrapping catching gear. No warily scrutinizing a would-be base stealer. No willing themselves though nine innings of 90-degree heat.

 

Jaramillo, a 2001 Case High School graduate who turned 26 Oct. 9, has been dealing with disappointment in addition to wear and tear.

 

When major-league teams expanded their rosters to 40 players Sept. 1, Jaramillo was not called up despite a productive season for the Class AAA Lehigh Valley (Pa.) Ironpigs. Instead, Jaramillo had to watch as the Phillies promoted Class AA Reading (Pa.) catcher Lou Marson, who was drafted in the fourth round in 2004 - the same year Jaramillo was selected in the second.

And when the Phillies made their charge toward what was only the second World Series championship in this franchise's history, Jaramillo was on the outside looking in.

 

"It was hard," Jaramillo said. "It was a little disappointing that I wasn't one of the guys who got called up. Mentally, it still hurts a little bit, seeing all those guys out there that I know fairly well - and I'm happy for them - winning the World Series and wishing I was a part of it."

 

But while Jaramillo was disappointed, he's not bitter. He plans on intensifying his training pace in the near future after clearing his head this fall.

 

"I just want to rest from a long season," he said. "I caught 115 games and it really took a toll on me this year. I feel I just need to rest and recuperate, get back in the gym and get ready for next year."

 

That much Jaramillo can control. And he's aware that the rest is in the Phillies' hands.

 

"I'm happy to be given the chance, but I just feel like I've done my part and I've continued to work hard and progress," he said. "Everywhere I've been, I've been an All-Star and a gold medalist. Hopefully, my time is coming soon, whether it's with Philly or somebody else."

 

Meanwhile, Rottino is taking one of his first extended breaks from baseball since signing with the Brewers organization as an undrafted free agent in January 2003. Rottino declined an offer Monday from Jean Giraldi, general manager of the La Romano Toros in the Dominican Republic, to report in early November instead of Dec. 1.

 

Rottino loves baseball as much as he ever has. It's just that he recognizes that it would be counterproductive to resume playing so soon.

 

"He wants me down there now," said Rottino, a 1998 St. Catherine's graduate who turns 29 April 7. "They have catching issues. I said, 'Listen, Jean, catching wore me out a little bit last year and I need to get a rest. I can't come down until Dec. 1 and I completely understand if you need to get somebody else.'

 

"It feels good to be away from the game a little right now. It feels real good just to recharge the batteries. Just to get away from the game mentally feels good."

 

Rottino appeared in 118 games for the Class AAA Nashville Sounds last season, most of which were at catcher. He was promoted to the Brewers for the third straight season when rosters expanded in September, but only had one plate appearance.

 

While the Brewers are established at catcher with veteran Jason Kendall and have looked long term at that position by drafting Brett Lawrie in the first round of last June's First-Year Player Draft, Rottino doesn't concern himself with any of that.

 

All he's interested in is catching his breath and then throwing everything he has once again into one day drawing a regular paycheck from the Brewers.

 

"What I feel deep down is that as long as I have a uniform, I have a chance," he said. "I'll be 29. I think Damian Miller finally broke in when he was 27 or 28 and played 10 years in the big leagues. And Chris Coste, the backup catcher for the Phillies, played 12 years in the minor leagues and his first four in the Independent League. He played 'A' ball at 26.

 

"I feel that I am extremely blessed just to be able to play this game in the first place and, as long as I got a uniform, I have a chance to play in the big leagues. All you need is an opportunity and then you have to take the opportunity and run with it."

[twobrewers]

Escobar has an 8 game hitting streak. He hit a HR yesterday.

 

His average has climbed to .235.

[bubblegum tate]

Maybe Alcides is working on his plate discipline, his K/BB is at 1 right now (small sample size, I know)

[EbbaStClaire]

As bubblegum tate questioned above -- Are some of the Brewer minor league players working on plate discipline?

Iribarren (Lara) BA: .327; BB 16; K: 14: BB/K 1.14; OBP .409
(Nashville) BA: .277; BB 28; K: 61: BB/K .46; OBP .329

Escobar(Lara) BA: .225; BB 9; K: 11: BB/K .82; OBP .293
(Huntsville) BA: .328; BB 31; K: 82: BB/K .38; OBP .363

Cain(Javelinas) BA .333 BB 4 K 8 BB/K .50 OBP .382
(Minors) BA .279 BB 51 K 115 BB/K .44 OBP .356

The sample sizes are extremely small but encouraging. Iribarren especially. Both Cain and Iribarren also have high slugging and OPS percentages compared to the regular season. There are many variables that contribute to these stats but if Iribarren has a chance to play in Milwaukee next year he is taking the right approach this winter.

[colbyjack]

It's always hard to get a feel for the fall/winter leagues since you don't know if certain players per their teams have a priority on playing time, but Hernan Iribarren and Alcides Escobar haven't showed up in the box score for Lara since last Saturday, and for both of them they did so as pinch hitters/runners. Escobar's playing time has dwindled away thanks to the late arrival of Cesar Izturis, and Iribarren is losing playing time to Carlos Duran.

 

It's possible both suffered an injury, but that seems a little too coincidental. Izturis is a FA IIRC, so he may be trying to improve his offseason value. Regardless, it's a shame to see neither one getting regular playing time anymore (hopefully that will change), given how well Iribarren was hitting and how Escobar was heating up.

[colbyjack]

Hernan Iribarren still hasn't appeared in a game since 11/22. He hasn't started since 11/18. Alcides Escobar started yesterday for the first time since 11/21 and went 2-5 with a double. I mentioned above that a few players have taken more playing time away from these two Brewers farmhands, as I'm not sure if they were only scheduled to be playing full-time in November or if there was an injury involved, particularly with Iribarren, who was hitting the ball extremely well.

[colbyjack]

Still no sign of Iribarren.

 

Escobar continues to play sparingly, but has started the last four games for Lara, going 4-16 in that time with a double, a pair of RBI, 1 BB and 1K. He's now hitting .232 and continues to show better control of the strike zone.

 

Brendan Katin has 12 dingers and a .559 slugging this fall/winter, while Brad Nelson has 8 homers and a .750 slugging despite not playing in over a month. He like Iribarren wore out RHPs. Casey McGehee is hitting .333 with 7 homers and a .550 slugging. But he, like Nelson, hasn't played in nearly a month. McGehee's numbers are much better vs. LHPs.

 

Gwynn, Fermaint and Bourgeois are all hitting on the sunny side of .300. Fermaint is walking at a good pace, but none of them are hitting for extra-bases.

 

There are several pitchers enjoying solid campaigns this winter (including RJ Swindle, although he has been roughed up by left-handed hitters), and Efrain Nieves has joined in the fun, posting a 3.24 ERA in four relief appearances.