2012 Arizona Fall League / Latin Winter League Thread

[Tedaldtada]

I'm going to catch up on the box scores today. Stay tuned.

[Tedaldtada]

Phoenix 3 Surprise 1 (11/2)

 

Box Score

 

Khris Davis was 0-4

 

Game Log

 

Gameday

 

*****

 

AFL East 8 AFL West 4 (11/3)

 

Box Score

 

Hunter Morris (1-3) got the start at 1B hitting 4th. Johnny Hellweg got the last out for the West.

 

Game Log

 

Gameday

 

*****

 

Phoenix 6 Surprise 5 (11/5)

 

Box Score

 

Josh Prince was 0-4 with a BB and 2 SB (8). He was picked off as well. Hunter Morris went 1-4 with a HR (1). Khris Davis was also 1-4.

 

On the rubber, Kyle Heckathorn gave up a HR and another hit while allowing 2 runs in 2 IP.

 

Game Log

 

Gameday

 

Hecky was working 90-93 with a FB and cutter. His offspeed stuff was all around 83-84. He gave up a HR to Bryce Brentz on a 3-2 slider after starting 0-2 on him. Morris smacked his HR off a 93 MPH FB.

 

*****

 

Peoria 13 Phoenix 6 (11/6)

 

Box Score

 

Josh Prince with another huge game, even on D where he chucked out a guy on the bases. He finished 2-4 with a 2B and a BB. Hunter Morris was 1-4 with a 2B and BB.

 

Nick Bucci got rocked in this one. He gave up 6 runs while recording only 4 outs. I talked briefly with Bernie Pleskoff, a former MLB scout now working for mlb.com, regarding Bucci. He described Bucci as too hittable and struggling with command. [sarcasm]He clearly did not factor in Bucci's nickname.[/sarcasm]

 

I'd look for both things to change as Bucci moves farther away from his injuries from 2012.

 

Game Log

 

Peoria Bottom of the 1st

 

Billy Hamilton walks.

With Jeudy Valdez batting, Billy Hamilton steals (7) 2nd base.

Jeudy Valdez called out on strikes.

With Rymer Liriano batting, Billy Hamilton caught stealing 3rd base, catcher Jake Realmuto to third baseman Yordy Cabrera.

Rymer Liriano walks.

Nick Franklin doubles (4) on a line drive to right fielder Kevin Kiermaier. Rymer Liriano scores.

Nate Freiman singles on a fly ball to center fielder Christian Yelich. Nick Franklin scores.

Zach Collier doubles (3) on a line drive to right fielder Kevin Kiermaier, deflected by first baseman Hunter Morris. Nate Freiman to 3rd.

Travis Mattair strikes out swinging.

 

Peoria Bottom of the 2nd

 

Vinnie Catricala doubles (2) on a line drive to left fielder Josh Prince.

Dan Rohlfing singles on a line drive to center fielder Christian Yelich. Vinnie Catricala to 3rd.

Billy Hamilton singles on a bunt ground ball to first baseman Hunter Morris. Vinnie Catricala scores. Dan Rohlfing to 2nd.

Jeudy Valdez pops out to shortstop Nick Ahmed on the infield fly rule.

Rymer Liriano singles on a line drive to center fielder Christian Yelich. Dan Rohlfing scores. Billy Hamilton to 3rd.

With Nick Franklin batting, Rymer Liriano steals (6) 2nd base.

Nick Franklin singles on a ground ball to right fielder Kevin Kiermaier, deflected by pitcher Nick Bucci. Billy Hamilton scores. Rymer Liriano scores.

Pitching Change: Lenny Linsky replaces Nick Bucci.

Nate Freiman grounds into a double play, third baseman Yordy Cabrera to second baseman Grant Green to first baseman Hunter Morris. Nick Franklin out at 2nd.

 

Gameday

 

If Bucci does find his command, his 90-80-70 repertoire could prove effective. His FB was actually up to 92 at times along with a low-80's change and a low-70's CB.

 

*****

 

Peoria 8 Phoenix 0 (11/7)

 

Box Score

 

Josh Prince was 1-4. Jimmy Nelson got the start and he was roughed up similar to Bucci the day before. Nelson managed 13 outs but gave up 5 R (3 ER) while being to hittable and wild.

 

Game Log

 

Gameday

 

*****

 

Mesa 4 Phoenix 3 (11/8)

 

Box Score

 

Josh Prince went 1-4 with a BB and a CS. Hunter Morris was 0-4.

 

Johnny Hellweg got the final 6 outs allowing 2 H and 1 ER with 0 BB and 1 K. Hellweg has been the most impressive Brewers pitcher by far.

 

Game Log

 

Gameday

 

*****

 

I would like to add that Pleskoff is pretty bullish on Hunter Morris. He lauded his sweet, line drive swing and above average D.

 

On Josh Prince, "#AFL12 #Brewers Josh Prince opens the game today with another base hit. He has this hitting thing figured out. Centers the ball with ease."

[Mass Haas]

Jean Segura removed from the game after 2nd HBP of the day.

 

Here's the box / recap.

[Mass Haas]

New 40-man RHP Arcenio Leon with a rough Venezuelan League outing, inherited a bases-loaded, two-out situation and allowed two runners to score, then another run in a follow-up inning.

 

Darin Ruf hit by pitch. Cesar Suarez to 3rd. J. Retherford to 2nd

Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Manuel Olivares.

With Alex Cabrera batting, wild pitch by Arcenio Leon, Cesar Suarez scores. C. J. Retherford to 3rd. Darin Ruf to 2nd.

Alex Cabrera singles on a ground ball to center fielder Ender Inciarte. J. Retherford scores. Darin Ruf to 3rd.

Oscar Salazar grounds into a force out, shortstop Freddy Galvis to second baseman Jose Pirela. Alex Cabrera out at 2nd.

 

La Guaira Bottom of the 4th

 

Scott Van Slyke strikes out swinging.

Ehire Adrianza pops out to first baseman Ernesto Mejia in foul territory.

Miguel Gonzalez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Ender Inciarte.

Alex Castellanos triples (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Justin Henry. Miguel Gonzalez scores.

Cesar Suarez strikes out swinging, catcher Juan Apodaca to first baseman Ernesto Mejia.

[Mass Haas]

John Steinmiller's latest: Khris Davis Looking to Continue to Grow as a Hitter

[Mass Haas]

And more from John:

 

Josh Prince Commands Attention With Strong Offensive Numbers and Defensive Versatility

[Mass Haas]

Jean Segura right back to action after two HBPs and an early exit Thursday - he singled and stole a base in four AB's Friday, nice

 

***

 

Frankie De La Cruz celebrated his re-signing by walking the first three batters he faced in his very brief Dominican start Friday --

 

Toros Bottom of the 1st

Jose Constanza walks.

Jose Ramirez walks. Jose Constanza to 2nd.

Charlie Blackmon walks. Jose Constanza to 3rd. Jose Ramirez to 2nd.

Diory Hernandez reaches on a force attempt, fielding error by second baseman Michael Martinez. Jose Constanza scores. Jose Ramirez scores. Charlie Blackmon to 3rd.

Eugenio Velez grounds out, second baseman Michael Martinez to first baseman Todd Linden. Charlie Blackmon scores. Diory Hernandez to 2nd.

Matt McBride walks.

Pitching Change: Wirfin Obispo replaces Frankie De La Cruz.

 

***

 

SS Hector Santos, hitless in four prior games, doubled twice in four AB's.

[Mass Haas]

We'll see catcher Dayton Buller, currently first in line should injury strike in Milwaukee, in Dominican box scores soon as per his own tweet

[Mass Haas]

Jean Segura rolls on -- box score via tweet link

 

***

 

SS Hector Gomez made his one AB count -- a two-run double

 

***

 

Another nice effort from Donovan Hand -- he may get one more start before heading home, he's getting married 12/1

[LouisEly]

For four years Josh Prince couldn't hit a bull in the behind with a banjo. Now this?

 

I guess he is only 24; given that peak physical maturity isn't until around 27 he could still be developing. His walk rate is what is really interesting - 74 in 596 PAs last year. Compare that to Scooter Gennett - 28 in 573 PAs, a slight improvement on 27 in 601 the year before. Yes, he is two years younger than Prince, but he is also 3-4" shorter and has a smaller strike zone.

[DHonks]

Prince has had two good years in the minors for a middle infielder or utility guy. His numbers are driven by his OBP

[Mass Haas]

MLB.com: Prince paces Phoenix past first-place Peoria

With two hits, Brewers shortstop prospect lifts AFL batting average to .405

 

"When I got home, I started working with my brothers on flattening out my swing and giving myself a chance to stay in the zone longer"

[Mass Haas]

Quiet low-key day for Latin bats -- Jean Segura 0-3 with a sacrifice, fellow SS Hector Gomez 0-for-1, also a sacrifice, but two fielding errors.

 

On the mound, Frankie De La Cruz tossed four scoreless frames, bouncing back from a rough outing last time out.

 

New 40-man roster RHP Jesus Sanchez tossed two scoreless innings, fanning two and facing the minimum.

 

Another new 40-man guy, RHP Arcenio Leon, inherited a 1st-and-3rd, one out situation and allowed both baserunners to score and allowed a run of his own -- ouch.

 

Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Jesus Yepez.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Hernan Perez replaces Luis Rodriguez.

Henry Wrigley singles on a line drive to right fielder Justin Henry. Darren Ford scores. Hernan Perez to 2nd.

Carlos Rivero pops out to first baseman Ernesto Mejia in foul territory.

Josh Fellhauer walks. Hernan Perez to 3rd. Henry Wrigley to 2nd.

Daniel Mayora singles on a line drive to center fielder Gerardo Parra. Hernan Perez scores. Henry Wrigley scores. Josh Fellhauer to 3rd.

Jesus Sucre strikes out swinging.

 

***

 

Ejections: Leones del Caracas Pitching Coach Chris Hook ejected by HP umpire Stephen Barga (7th)

 

Huntsville's 2012 pitching coach is down in Venezuela and had an umpire disagreement.

[Mass Haas]

In Dominican League action Wed., Jean Segura was 2-for-4 and both Jairo Asencio and Fautino De Los Santos tossed scoreless innings, De Los Santos earned a save.

[Tedaldtada]

AFL regular season wrapped up today. Championship is Saturday, and our boys fell short.

 

I'll be getting the last weeks worth of recaps up by the end of tomorrow. In general, the Brewers kids held their own quite nicely.

[TooLiveBrew]

Thanks Ted-whatever & Mass Haas for your AFL & winter league updates!

[Mass Haas]

Relatively quiet day down South -- in Venezuela, both Arcenio Leon and Jesus Sanchez came on in relief and stranded two inherited runners, Leon getting two outs, Sanchez one.

 

Caribes Top of the 6th

 

Luis Nunez strikes out swinging.

Jose Castillo singles on a ground ball to center fielder Gerardo Parra.

With Jake Goebbert batting, Jose Castillo steals (2) 2nd base.

Jake Goebbert singles on a ground ball to center fielder Gerardo Parra. Jose Castillo to 3rd.

Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Josh Schmidt.

Gustavo Molina pops out to first baseman Ernesto Mejia.

With Eduardo Escobar batting, wild pitch by Arcenio Leon, Jake Goebbert to 2nd.

Eduardo Escobar flies out to center fielder Gerardo Parra

 

***

 

Caracas Bottom of the 8th

 

Pitching Change: Gabriel Garcia replaces Deolis Guerra.

Josh Kroeger pops out to third baseman Mario Lisson in foul territory.

Pitching Change: Yoel Hernandez replaces Gabriel Garcia.

Henry Wrigley singles on a line drive to center fielder Ezequiel Carrera.

Carlos Rivero strikes out swinging.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Raul Padron replaces Brandon Barnes.

Raul Padron singles on a ground ball to right fielder Erold Andrus. Henry Wrigley to 3rd.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Ronald Bermudez replaces Raul Padron.

Luis Rodriguez singles on a soft line drive to center fielder Ezequiel Carrera. Henry Wrigley scores. Ronald Bermudez to 2nd.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Hernan Perez replaces Luis Rodriguez.

Jesus Sucre reaches on a throwing error by pitcher Yoel Hernandez. Ronald Bermudez scores. Hernan Perez to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Jesus Sanchez replaces Yoel Hernandez.

Gregorio Petit flies out to center fielder Ezequiel Carrera.

[Tedaldtada]

Phoenix 4 Scottsdale 3 (11/9)

 

Box Score

 

Hunter Morris went 1-4 with a 2B and Josh Prince scored a run pinch running.

 

Kyle Heckathorn got lit up and earned a blown save by giving up a homer to 3-hitter David Adams.

 

Game Log

 

Gameday

 

*****

 

Salt River 11 Phoenix 5 (11/10)

 

Box Score

 

Josh Prince was 1-4 with a 2B and a BB. He struck out twice and committed his 2nd error in the AFL while playing LF.

 

No Brewers pitchers were part of this massacre.

 

Game Log

 

Gameday

 

*****

 

Phoenix 6 Peoria 4 (11/12)

 

Box Score

 

Josh Prince went 2-3 with a 3B and a BB. He also committed his 3rd error (2nd in as many games) while playing LF.

 

Nick Bucci got the start and let at least 1 run leak through in all 3 of his IP. He finishes with a 9.00 ERA in the AFL. Johnny Hellweg got the save with a scoreless 2 K, 1 GO inning.

 

Game Log

 

Gameday

 

Hellweg got Billy Hamilton to ground out and K'ed Rymer Liriano looking. Nice.

 

*****

 

Peoria 8 Phoenix 1 (11/13)

 

Box Score

 

Jimmy Nelson gave up 4 runs in as many innings. He finishes with a 4.91 ERA in the AFL. Kyle Heckathorn gave up 5 H and 3 R before even recording an out. He was not given a chance to get that out as he was yanked.

 

Game Log

 

Gameday

 

Jimmy is clearly gassed here in mid-November. He hit 93 a few times with his heater but was mainly 90-91. That is at least a full grade below where he was working all year (94-96). Hecky was working 91-93 with his FB.

 

*****

 

Phoenix 7 Surprise 0 (11/14)

 

Box Score

 

Josh Prince (leadoff, RF) went 2-5 with a 2B and stole his 9th base. Hunter Morris (cleanup, 1B) went 1-3 with a BB.

 

Game Log

 

Gameday

 

*****

 

Phoenix 8 Mesa 3 (11/15)

 

Box Score

 

Johnny Hellweg finished the season with a scoreless inning. He fashioned a sparkly 2.08 ERA in the AFL with some of the best stuff on the circuit.

 

Game Log

 

Gameday

 

*****

 

That does it for the AFL. Phoenix finished in last place in the West division. I have to think a more effective Bucci and Nelson may have turned the tide, but it is what it is. Look for a an AFL wrap up post from me in the coming days.

[Mass Haas]

Teenage catchers -- Both Clint Coulter and Dustin Houle have tweeted today that they have wrapped up their instructional league activity in the Dominican.

[Mass Haas]

SS's Jean Segura (2-for-4, .349, what a winter) and Hector Gomez (single, walk) were on opposing sides in this Friday box score. Segura did fail on a SB attempt (now 7-for-10).

[Mass Haas]

You may have noticed in that box score / game log that newcomer Jairo Asencio netted his 7th save in 13 DWL appearances this winter. He allowed one run in an inning an a third, so there was a bit of drama, but he retired Jean Segura for the final out.

 

Gigantes Bottom of the 8th

 

Defensive Substitution: Dan Butler replaces Andy Vasquez, batting 8th, playing catcher.

Robinzon Diaz flies out to center fielder Charlie Blackmon.

Pitching Change: Jose Lugo replaces Fabio Castillo.

Rhyne Hughes flies out to left fielder Eugenio Velez.

Pitching Change: Jairo Asencio replaces Jose Lugo.

Marcell Ozuna strikes out swinging.

 

Gigantes Bottom of the 9th

 

Jimmy Paredes doubles (4) on a fly ball to center fielder Charlie Blackmon.

Francisco Peguero singles on a ground ball to center fielder Charlie Blackmon. Jimmy Paredes scores.

Rene Rivera strikes out swinging.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Moises Sierra replaces Wilson Valdez.

Moises Sierra flies out to left fielder Eugenio Velez.

Alexi Casilla singles on a ground ball to center fielder Charlie Blackmon. Francisco Peguero to 2nd.

Jean Segura grounds out, second baseman Jose Ramirez to first baseman Matt McBride.

[Mass Haas]

Tough day for Jean Segura, 0-for-4 and an error that handed the win to Brewers RHP Fautino De Los Santos (Kottaras trade).

 

Gigantes Top of the 9th

 

Defensive Substitution: Pedro Lopez replaces second baseman Julio Lugo, batting 2nd, playing second base.

Pitching Change: Fautino De Los Santos replaces Enny Romero.

Marcell Ozuna grounds out, shortstop Pedro Florimon to first baseman Mauro Gomez.

Jimmy Paredes strikes out swinging, catcher Jackson Williams to first baseman Mauro Gomez.

Francisco Peguero strikes out swinging.

 

Escogido Bottom of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Kelvin Perez replaces Erik Davis.

Mauro Gomez grounds out, shortstop Jean Segura to first baseman Rhyne Hughes.

Dropped foul pop error by left fielder Jimmy Paredes.

Willy Aybar singles on a ground ball to center fielder Francisco Peguero.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Freddy Guzman replaces Willy Aybar.

Pitching Change: Jhonny Nunez replaces Kelvin Perez.

With Fernando Tatis batting, Freddy Guzman steals (4) 2nd base.

Jhonny Nunez intentionally walks Fernando Tatis.

Jackson Williams grounds into a force out, second baseman Alexi Casilla to shortstop Jean Segura. Freddy Guzman scores. Fernando Tatis out at 2nd. Jackson Williams advances to 1st, on a throwing error by shortstop Jean Segura.

 

***

 

AAA catcher Dayton Buller made a quiet Dominican debut (0-for-3 with a passed ball).

 

***

 

Productive Brewers box score here as SS Hector Gomez was on base twice and perhaps more importantly, reliever Jairo Asencio earned his 8th save.

 

Licey Top of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Jairo Asencio replaces Jose Diaz.

Dee Gordon grounds out, second baseman Jose Ramirez to first baseman Matt McBride.

Leonys Martin walks.

Pablo Ozuna singles on a ground ball to shortstop Hector Gomez. Leonys Martin to 2nd.

Mike Olt strikes out swinging.

Juan Francisco called out on strikes.

 

Every once in a while, you'll see a more "veteran" guy taken in Rule 5, even after signing with a new organization. Asencio signed a minor league deal with Milwaukee -- if there was another team that competed with the Brewers for that signing, they may wish to now tie up a 40-man spot via Rule 5 by selecting him if they are coming away extra-impressed with Asencio's winter performance.

 

(Example - After R.A. Dickey's 2007 season with the Brewers in AAA, he signed as a minor league free agent with Minnesota. Seattle drafted Dickey in the December 2007 draft from the Twins.)

[Mass Haas]

RHP Donovan Hand had a kick-butt Venezuelan season, seven starts, all but one strong. He capped it off with this effort Saturday night.

 

And now he's coming home to get married this week, based on prior tweets. Cool. Congrats!

[Mass Haas]

Rob Wooten (stats) hasn't appeared in a Venezuelan box score since 11/6, and he tells us why.

[Mass Haas]

Brief outings in Venezuela for Jesus Sanchez (not his best) --

 

Margarita Bottom of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Jesus Sanchez replaces Jean Machi.

Edgar Duran walks.

Wilmer Flores walks. Edgar Duran to 2nd.

Jonathan Herrera grounds into a force out, shortstop Argenis Diaz to second baseman Jose Altuve. Edgar Duran to 3rd. Wilmer Flores out at 2nd. Jonathan Herrera to 1st.

Javier Brito singles on a ground ball to right fielder Erold Andrus. Edgar Duran scores. Jonathan Herrera to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Deolis Guerra replaces Jesus Sanchez.

Frank Diaz strikes out swinging.

Dave Sappelt strikes out swinging.

 

and Arcenio Leon --

 

La Guaira Top of the 6th

 

Alex Cabrera flies out to center fielder Ender Inciarte.

Darin Ruf homers (11) on a fly ball to left field.

Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Adys Portillo.

Oscar Salazar grounds out, second baseman Jose Flores to first baseman Ernesto Mejia.

Jose Martinez walks.

With Miguel Rojas batting, wild pitch by Arcenio Leon, Jose Martinez to 2nd.

With Miguel Rojas batting, passed ball by Juan Apodaca, Jose Martinez to 3rd.

Miguel Rojas pops out to catcher Juan Apodaca in foul territory.

 

***

 

How about the raw power of the Phillies' Darin Ruf? 38 AAA HR's, three in Philly, and now 11 in 33 Venezuelan League games.