Winter League Participants, Updates

[Mass Haas]

RHP Darren Byrd got the win in his start Friday, but it was his roughest outing since his initial relief stint this season -- to review all his efforts click his name in this post -- the overall K rate isn't happening at all, both here and with Brevard County. As an FYI for those wondering, when you add Byrd's independent league innings, his work with the Manatees, and his Puerto Rico innings, you're now at 117.2 frames. His Spanish is also probably pretty good by now...

 

5.1 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 1 HR, 2 BB, 0 K

 

San Juan Top of the 1st

• Jesus Feliciano walks.
  
• Sergio Miranda singles on a fly ball to left fielder Miguel Negron. Jesus Feliciano to 2nd.
  
• Leslie Anderson singles on a fly ball to center fielder Norris Hopper. Jesus Feliciano scores. Sergio Miranda to 2nd.
  
• Luis Terrero flies out to center fielder Norris Hopper. Sergio Miranda to 3rd.
  
• Alex Fernandez out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Miguel Negron. Sergio Miranda scores.
  
• Jorge Padilla grounds out, shortstop Angel Sanchez to first baseman Johan Limonta.

San Juan Top of the 2nd

• Jayson Nix grounds out, third baseman Fernando Cortez to first baseman Johan Limonta.
  
• Emmanuel Quiles pops out to first baseman Johan Limonta in foul territory.
  
• Edwin Maysonet grounds out, second baseman Irving Falu to first baseman Johan Limonta.

San Juan Top of the 3rd

• Jesus Feliciano flies out to center fielder Norris Hopper.
  
• Sergio Miranda flies out to left fielder Miguel Negron.
  
• Leslie Anderson grounds out to first baseman Johan Limonta.

San Juan Top of the 4th

• Luis Terrero doubles (2) on a fly ball to left fielder Miguel Negron.
  
• Alex Fernandez singles on a fly ball to center fielder Norris Hopper. Luis Terrero to 3rd.
  
• Jorge Padilla out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Eddy Martinez-Esteve. Luis Terrero scores.
  
• Jayson Nix grounds into a force out, third baseman Fernando Cortez to second baseman Irving Falu. Alex Fernandez out at 2nd. Jayson Nix to 1st.
  
• Emmanuel Quiles pops out to second baseman Irving Falu.

San Juan Top of the 5th

• Edwin Maysonet homers (1) on a fly ball to left field.
  
• Jesus Feliciano grounds out, shortstop Angel Sanchez to first baseman Johan Limonta.
  
• Sergio Miranda singles on a fly ball to left fielder Miguel Negron.
  
• Leslie Anderson doubles (2) on a fly ball to center fielder Norris Hopper. Sergio Miranda scores.
  
• Luis Terrero grounds out, third baseman Fernando Cortez to first baseman Johan Limonta.
  
• Darren Byrd intentionally walks Alex Fernandez.
  
• Jorge Padilla flies out to right fielder Eddy Martinez-Esteve.

San Juan Top of the 6th

• Jayson Nix flies out to right fielder Eddy Martinez-Esteve in foul territory.
  
• Emmanuel Quiles singles on a ground ball to shortstop Angel Sanchez.
  
• Edwin Maysonet doubles (2) on a line drive to left fielder Miguel Negron. Emmanuel Quiles scores. Fielding error by left fielder Miguel Negron.
  
• Pitcher Change: Nelvin Fuentes replaces Darren Byrd.
  
• Jesus Feliciano singles on a fly ball to center fielder Norris Hopper. Edwin Maysonet to 3rd.
  
• Sergio Miranda walks. Jesus Feliciano to 2nd.
  
• Leslie Anderson out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Miguel Negron. Edwin Maysonet scores.
  
• Luis Terrero grounds into a force out, fielded by second baseman Irving Falu. Sergio Miranda out at 2nd.

[Invader3K]

Cruz's hot winter makes me wonder if he'll be in the mix during Spring Training.

Will he even be back after what he said earlier in the offseason?

Well, he's on the 40 man roster. So unless he gets traded this winter, I'm going to assume he'll still be with the organization.

[Mass Haas]

Saturday --

Alcides Escobar 1-for-3 with a non-intentional walk! Our obsession ends -- read about it in some detail here.

Escobar's teammate in Venezuela, catcher Anderson de La Rosa, made his season debut. He grounded out as a pinch-hitter.

Also in Venezuela, Brendan Katin drew a bases-loaded walk as a 9th inning pinch-hitter in his team's 9-8 loss.

Luis Cruz' hit streak in Mexico extended to 13 as he went 2-for-5 with a double. He played second base and hit 5th.

Erick Almonte walked twice in four plate appearances, scored after each, and struck out once. Hitting cleanup, he saw action at both left field and third base.

Sergio Miranda had a rare 0-for-4 day in Puerto Rico.

[Mass Haas]

Another save for RHP Zach Segovia, his 7th, in the Dominican, he's tied for 2nd most in the DWL --

 

Licey Bottom of the 9th

• Defensive Substitution: Andres Rodriguez replaces first baseman Chris Davis, batting 4th, playing first base.
  
• Pitcher Change: Zack Segovia replaces Jesus Colome.
  
• Willy Aybar singles on a ground ball to right fielder Victor Mendez.
  
• Brad Snyder called out on strikes.
  
• Jake Fox grounds into double play, second baseman Argenis Reyes to shortstop Michael Martinez to first baseman Andres Rodriguez. Willy Aybar out at 2nd.

[Mass Haas]

Sunday's action:

Alcides Escobar was busy in Venezuela, playing in both ends of seven-inning games in a doubleheader. In Game One, Escobar was 2-for-3 with a triple, single, and sacrifice fly, and drove in three. He committed a throwing error, his 3rd error in 15 games. Again leading off in Game Two, Escobar singled and scored a run in three AB's.

Brendan Katin hit his 3rd HR in 44 winter AB's -- he also was HBP. Playing LF and batting 7th (box), Katin scored twice and fanned once -- he has an .827 OPS in the small but productive and adventurous (21 K's) sample.

In Mexico, Luis Cruz' hit streak was ended at 13 games. He did walk in four trips.

Erick Almonte was 2-for-4 with one K in his Dominican League team's 2-1 loss (box). Again hitting cleanup and splitting time betwen LF and 3B, the veteran Almonte is all the way up to 125 AB's (.735 OPS).

[Invader3K]

he has an .827 OPS in the small but productive and adventurous (21 K's) sample.

 

I don't know why, but this made me chuckle.

 

Thanks for the continued updates, Mass.

[Mass Haas]

Light Monday in Latin America --

 

In Puerto Rico, Sergio Miranda hit an uncustomary third and also changed it up by playing third base, he was 0-for-3 with a sacrifice bunt.

 

In that game (box), Miranda's teammate, LHP Efrain Nieves, made the start and took the loss in a 3-1 game. All the real damage came in his final inning. The 21-year-old's line --

 

3.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 1 K, 1 WP, 7-to-3 GB-to-FB, two of his runners were stranded with good bullpen work

 

Mayaguez Top of the 1st

• Irving Falu grounds out, pitcher Efrain Nieves to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado.
  
• Norris Hopper grounds out, second baseman Jayson Nix to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado.
  
• Johan Limonta walks.
  
• Eddy Martinez-Esteve walks. Johan Limonta to 2nd.
  
• Fernando Cortez grounds out, first baseman Phillip Cuadrado to pitcher Efrain Nieves.

Mayaguez Top of the 2nd

• Donny Leon flies out to right fielder Jorge Padilla.
  
• Roberto Perez grounds out, shortstop Ivan De JesusJr. to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado.
  
• Miguel Negron grounds out, second baseman Jayson Nix to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado.

Mayaguez Top of the 3rd

• Angel Sanchez flies out to right fielder Jorge Padilla.
  
• Irving Falu singles on a fly ball to center fielder Henry Mateo.
  
• Norris Hopper walks. Irving Falu to 2nd.
  
• With Johan Limonta batting, wild pitch by Efrain Nieves, Irving Falu to 3rd. Norris Hopper to 2nd.
  
• Johan Limonta grounds out to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado.
  
• Eddy Martinez-Esteve pops out to second baseman Jayson Nix.

Mayaguez Top of the 4th

• Fernando Cortez grounds out, first baseman Phillip Cuadrado to pitcher Efrain Nieves.
  
• Donny Leon reaches on throwing error by shortstop Ivan De JesusJr. Donny Leon to 2nd.
  
• Roberto Perez walks.
  
• Miguel Negron triples (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Jorge Padilla. Donny Leon scores. Roberto Perez scores.
  
• Angel Sanchez singles on a fly ball to center fielder Henry Mateo. Miguel Negron scores.
  
• Irving Falu singles on a fly ball to right fielder Jorge Padilla. Angel Sanchez to 3rd.
  
• With Norris Hopper batting, Irving Falu steals (5) 2nd base.
  
• Norris Hopper strikes out swinging, catcher Wil Nieves to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado.
  
• Pitcher Change: Eddie Camacho replaces Efrain Nieves.
  
• Johan Limonta walks.
  
• Eddy Martinez-Esteve pops out to second baseman Jayson Nix.

[Mass Haas]

Early action Tuesday:

 

Erick Almonte had a nice afternoon in the Dominican, batting 6th and playing left field, he went 1-for-2 with two walks, the hit being a HR (box).

 

In Puerto Rico, RHP Hiram Burgos pitched a perfect inning of relief (box).

 

Carolina Bottom of the 5th

• Pitcher Change: Hiram Burgos replaces Bill Simas.
  
• Edgard Clemente grounds out, third baseman Fernando Cortez to first baseman Johan Limonta.
  
• Orlando Mercado called out on strikes.
  
• Wilberto Ortiz grounds out, third baseman Fernando Cortez to first baseman Johan Limonta.

[Mass Haas]

Based on how their winter seasons have gone, these stat lines fall right into place --

 

Venezuela -- SS Alcides Escobar with an 0-for-5 "effort" and 4th fielding error in 16 games; .440 OPS in 64 AB's (box).

 

Mexico -- SS Luis Cruz contributed often again with two singles, a walk, a sacrifice fly, a run scored, and three driven in; .878 OPS in 99 AB's (box).

 

Venezuela -- Brendan Katin 0-for-3 with three K's (box); all four of his hits in Venezuela (24 AB's) have been for extra bases -- and 14 of his 20 outs have been via K. You can see both his Mexican League and Venezuelan League numbers via the prior link of his name.

[CheezWizHed]

Venezuela -- SS Alcides Escobar with an 0-for-5 "effort" and 4th fielding error in 16 games; .440 OPS in 64 AB's (box).

 

Maybe its time for a little vacation for Escobar and focus on starting out rested and strong for ST....

[TooLiveBrew]

I'm really concerned that Escobar has a swing that worked in the minors, but won't work in MLB. I hope the Brewers & Alcides can get him(self) back on track.

[TheCrew07]

I'm more concerned that his confidence has been shattered. Winter ball is, was, and always will be a horrible idea for players like Esky as there is just no tangible upside for a guy like him. You dominate... so what, the success will not translate. You suck... you come into ST mentally exhausted on a major downer.

 

I'd rather our players focus on strength and conditioning in the off season while taking a long mental break from the game. Start working on baseball again in Jan to get ready for ST... leave winterball to the marginal players trying make a statement.

[TooLiveBrew]

I agree with that sentiment, but it overlooks how important Venezuelans seem to think Winter Ball is. I'm not sure if other nations hold Winter Ball in as high of esteem, but this isn't just Escobar wanting to play winter ball, it seems like there's a lot of pressure to do so. I'd much rather see him working on getting stronger, though -- especially since I think a huge hurdle for him to hit at the MLB level is being better able to drive the ball.

[Mass Haas]

RHP Zack Segovia continues to make the Brewers look good with their non-roster spring training invite. Save # 8, some recognizable opponents, tied for the Dominican League lead in saves... (box)

 

Licey Top of the 9th

• Pitcher Change: Zack Segovia replaces Marcos Mateo.
  
• Brad Snyder strikes out swinging.
  
• Wily Mo Pena singles on a line drive to right fielder Eugenio Velez.
  
• Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Brian Cavazos-Galvez replaces Wily Mo Pena.
  
• Timo Perez singles on a fly ball to left fielder Victor Mendez. Brian Cavazos-Galvez to 2nd.
  
• Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Bernie Castro replaces Timo Perez.
  
• Jake Fox strikes out swinging.
  
• Andy Marte grounds out, third baseman Alex Valdez to first baseman Chris Davis.

[Mass Haas]

Here's a pretty informative paragraph --

 

Puerto Rican Winter League

 

San Juan 13, Mayaguez 8

Brewers prospect Sergio Miranda ended a 4-for-30 slump by going 4-for-6 with a triple and four RBIs as the Senadores outslugged the Indios. Edwin Maysonet (Astros) added two hits and plated three runs, while Dodgers farmhand Ivan De Jesus was 3-for-5 and scored twice. Martin Maldonado (Brewers) homered, doubled twice and knocked in four runs in a losing effort.

 

That's a box score you may want to see.

 

Despite that prior slump, Miranda is still shining a .353 / .405 / .412 stat line (.817 OPS) in 119 AB's.

Sergio Miranda batted .294 with 71 RBIs and 14 steals for Class A Advanced Brevard County in 2010. (Mark LoMoglio/MiLB.com)

 

http://mlb.mlb.com/images/2010/12/09/3qeGWHVP.jpg

[Mass Haas]

On top of those positive Wednesday developments, there were two other big days --

 

In Mexico, SS Luis Cruz homered (his 5th), singled, and walked in three plate appearances. He did miss a catch to commit his 6th error in 28 games. Oddly, he was pinch-hit for in the 7th in the midst of a perfect day at the plate, although his team was well ahead at that time (box).

 

Alcides Escobar doubled and singled in four trips in Venezuela, batting 2nd in the lineup (two runs scored, one RBI, one K) -- box.

[Mass Haas]

Four players, four leagues -- in order, VEN, MEX, PR, DOM

 

Signs of life from Alcides Escobar with a 2nd consecutive multi-hit game -- 3-for-5, two doubles, run, RBI, K (box)

 

Luis Cruz was only 1-for-5, but his hit was a game-tying 7th inning solo home run in a game his team won 2-1 in 13 innings (box); six home runs and 16 extra-base hits for Cruz in 101 AB's.

 

Sergio Miranda, leading off and playing third base, was 2-for-4 with a sacrifice bunt (box)

 

Erick Almonte, playing first base, singled in four tips (box)

[JohnBriggs12]

Escobar will be fine. It's not like he's not making contact. His BABIP is a still ridiculously low .238 even after 5 hits in his last 2 games. Law of averages is finally starting to catch up.

[Mass Haas]

SS Luis Cruz 1-for-3 with a sacrifice fly, 7th error in 30 games. (box)

 

Catcher Martin Maldonado followed up his big game on the 8th with a 1-for-4 day (box)

 

Newcomer catcher Wil Nieves has played three games thus far in Puerto Rico, last game on the 6th (2-for-9, no walks)

 

Those three, along with Carlos Gomez, Alcides Escobar and Josh Butler, represent the six 40-man roster players to see winter ball action for the Brewers this year.

[Mass Haas]

Now with 16 relief appearances, RHP Zach Segovia finished up a scoreless non-save (four-run lead) effort for his Dominican League team Friday (box) --

 

Escogido Top of the 9th

• Pitcher Change: Zack Segovia replaces Jesus Colome.
  
• Justin Turner grounds out, third baseman Alex Valdez to first baseman Chris Davis.
  
• Colin Curtis walks.
  
• Willis Otanez grounds into double play, shortstop Michael Martinez to second baseman Ed Rogers to first baseman Chris Davis. Colin Curtis out at 2nd.

[Mass Haas]

Alcides Escobar a combined 1-for-7 with a caught stealing in a Venezuelan doubleheader (box, box) -- now 17-for-80 (.213) with a single non-intentional walk (OBP .238); 2 SB, 2 CS.

 

Luis Cruz 0-for-3 but on base twice with a walk and HBP (box), played second base in this one -- OPS of .914 in 112 AB's.

 

That's it for Saturday's games...

[trwi7]

Alcides Escobar a combined 1-for-7 with a caught stealing in a Venezuelan doubleheader (box, box) -- now 17-for-80 (.213) with a single non-intentional walk (OBP .238); 2 SB, 2 CS.

I don't know if I should laugh or cry.

[greeg35]

laugh, cry, or try to make him the centerpiece in a Greinke trade? http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

[TooLiveBrew]

In the Bill Hall vein... can Alcides Escobar hit?

[Mass Haas]

Luis Cruz lined out in a pinch-hit at-bat Sunday.

 

Alcides Escobar started both games of a doubleheader for a second consecutive day. He was 1-for-6 with two walks. His one hit was a two-out grand slam in the nightcap (box).