2012 Arizona Fall League / Latin Winter League Thread

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Playoff Box --

 

Apparently management at Mayaguez knows how to get the most out of ther pitching staff for the postseason -- place their cleanup hitter, Martin Maldonado, behind the plate.

 

Two playoff games, and Maldy has guided his club through 18 scoreless. No baserunners attempted stolen bases. The Machete doubled and scored a run in four AB's (three K's).

 

***

 

Dominican playoff box --

 

If you believe that his Japanese team is going to relinquish his rights to the Brewers this winter, then check out RHP Alfredo Figaro's rough start at the link. If not, see you for tomorrow's update!

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico box score --

 

Martin Maldonado's squad moves to 3-0 in the round-robin playoffs. Maldonado looks to be entrenched behind the plate for the postseason, setting the first base experience aside. No one attemped to run against Maldy, and the game was close until late. Martin was 1-for-3 at the plate with an RBI and run scored.

 

Should his team qualify as league champion, you'd think Maldonado would then participate in the Caribbean World Series, which takes place the first week of February. Would Maldonado also represent Puerto Rico in March's WBC if asked? Pool C games take place in Puerto Rico. We'll see...

 

***

 

Visit our Transaction Rumor thread to see if free agent Javier Vazquez impressed the scouts last night and comment there if you wish.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican playoff box --

 

Catcher Dayton Buller had his first playoff at-bats (1-for-3, run scored). Buller's squad is 5-3 in round-robin play, tied for the best mark.

 

***

 

Puerto Rico playoff box --

 

Catcher Emmanuel Quiles was 0-for-3 but his pitchers were effective, winning a 2-1 game. Quiles threw out one baserunner.

 

SS Yadiel Rivera 1-for-4 (2 K's).

 

***

 

Puerto Rico playoff box --

 

Martin Maldonado's team fell to 3-1 in round-robin playoff action in the 7-2 loss. Maldonado was 0-for-3 with a walk.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Playoff Box --

 

Rough middle relief outing for Frankie De La Cruz, his teammate, the Cubs' Rafael Dolis, couldn't help him, either...

 

Aguilas Bottom of the 7th

 

Pitching Change: Frankie De La Cruz replaces Manauris Baez.

Miguel Tejada singles on a fly ball to center fielder Felix Pie.

Juan Carlos Perez grounds into a force out, shortstop Ray Olmedo to second baseman Carlos Colmenares. Miguel Tejada out at 2nd. Juan Carlos Perez to 1st.

Erick Almonte walks. Juan Carlos Perez to 2nd.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Gilberto Mejia replaces Erick Almonte.

Rafael Ynoa singles on a fly ball to right fielder Rene Reyes. Juan Carlos Perez scores. Gilberto Mejia to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Rafael Dolis replaces Frankie De La Cruz.

Francisco Pena hit by pitch. Gilberto Mejia to 3rd. Rafael Ynoa to 2nd.

Elian Herrera strikes out swinging.

Leury Garcia doubles (2) on a fly ball to left fielder Junior Lake. Gilberto Mejia scores. Rafael Ynoa scores. Francisco Pena to 3rd.

Hector Luna strikes out swinging.

 

***

 

Dominican Playoff Box --

 

RHP Fautino De Los Santos stranded an inherited runner, but ran into trouble in his third inning of work, again not picked up by a subsequent reliever --

 

Toros Bottom of the 5th

 

Guillermo Rodriguez grounds out, third baseman Fernando Tatis to first baseman Mauro Gomez.

Cesar Puello walks.

Jose Ramirez singles on a fly ball to right fielder Javier Herrera. Cesar Puello to 3rd.

Manny Mayorson strikes out swinging.

Ricardo Nanita doubles (2) on a fly ball to center fielder Starling Marte. Cesar Puello scores. Jose Ramirez scores.

Pitching Change: Fautino De Los Santos replaces Randy Keisler.

Donell Linares walks.

With Angel Villalona batting, Ricardo Nanita steals (2) 3rd base.

Angel Villalona grounds out, second baseman Jordany Valdespin to pitcher Fautino De Los Santos.

 

Toros Bottom of the 6th

Willis Otanez singles on a fly ball to right fielder Javier Herrera.

Moises Sierra called out on strikes.

Guillermo Rodriguez grounds into a double play, first baseman Mauro Gomez to shortstop Ramon Santiago to first baseman Mauro Gomez. Willis Otanez out at 2nd.

 

Toros Bottom of the 7th

 

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Jose Constanza replaces Cesar Puello.

Jose Constanza grounds out, third baseman Fernando Tatis to first baseman Mauro Gomez.

Jose Ramirez walks.

Manny Mayorson singles on a ground ball to shortstop Ramon Santiago. Jose Ramirez to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Santos Rodriguez replaces Fautino De Los Santos.

Ricardo Nanita flies out to center fielder Starling Marte.

Donell Linares singles on a ground ball to left fielder Frank Diaz. Jose Ramirez scores. Manny Mayorson to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Jonathan Arias replaces Santos Rodriguez.

With Angel Villalona batting, passed ball by Henry Blanco, Manny Mayorson to 3rd. Donell Linares to 2nd.

Angel Villalona walks.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Eugenio Velez replaces Angel Villalona.

Willis Otanez hit by pitch. Manny Mayorson scores. Donell Linares to 3rd. Eugenio Velez to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Carlos Pimentel replaces Jonathan Arias.

Moises Sierra called out on strikes.

 

***

 

Venezuelan Playoff Box --

 

RHP Arcenio Leon entered with his team holding a 7-0 lead. Next thing you know, it was 7-3, and Leon was gone.

 

(Guys like De Los Santos and Leon are sweating out the expected official Mike Gonzalez signing today, as somebody, perhaps other than those two, will be losing 40-man roster status. Frankie De La Cruz is not on the 40-man.)

 

Magallanes Bottom of the 7th

 

Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Austin Bibens-Dirkx.

Jesus Flores grounds out, shortstop Freddy Galvis to first baseman Alex Cabrera.

Ramon Hernandez doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Alex Romero.

Reegie Corona pops out to shortstop Freddy Galvis.

Endy Chavez singles on a fly ball to left fielder Felix Perez. Ramon Hernandez to 3rd.

With Elvis Andrus batting, Endy Chavez steals (1) 2nd base.

Elvis Andrus singles on a fly ball to left fielder Felix Perez. Ramon Hernandez scores. Endy Chavez scores. Elvis Andrus to 2nd on the throw.

Pitching Change: Miguel Sulbaran replaces Arcenio Leon.

Marcos Vechionacci singles on a ground ball to right fielder Alex Romero. Elvis Andrus scores.

Pitching Change: Yeiper Castillo replaces Miguel Sulbaran.

Juan Rivera pops out to first baseman Alex Cabrera in foul territory.

 

***

 

It was a day off in Puerto Rico, and Martin Maldonado took the opportunity to contribute in his community (story / photo gallery).

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico playoff box --

 

SS Yadiel Rivera's club fell to 1-4 in the round robin format, but Yadiel had a fine game -- 3-for-5 with a double, RBI, run (two K's, one CS). Catcher Emmanuel Quiles dropped a foul pop-up that led to three unearned runs, he was 0-for-2 and was pinch-hit for in the half-inning following the error.

 

***

 

Puerto Rico playoff box --

 

Big win for Martin Maldonado's club, now 4-1, as they won 3-2 rallying for three runs in the 9th against former Brewers farmhand Saul Rivera. Maldonado walked in four plate appearances (but fanned three times). In the midst of that three-run rally, this happened, so Maldy didn't get to celebrate until the guys got back to the clubhouse:

 

Mayaguez Top of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Saul Rivera replaces Cole McCurry.

Irving Falu doubles (1) on a ground ball to left fielder Miguel Abreu.

Angel Sanchez grounds out, shortstop Luis Mateo to first baseman Carlos Rivera.

Daniel Ortiz singles on a ground ball to left fielder Miguel Abreu. Irving Falu to 3rd.

Martin Maldonado called out on strikes.

Indios de Mayaguez catcher Martin Maldonado ejected by HP umpire Kelvin Bultron.

Eddie Rosario singles on a ground ball to left fielder Miguel Abreu. Irving Falu scores. Daniel Ortiz to 2nd.

Danny Gonzalez doubles (3) on a fly ball to left fielder Miguel Abreu. Daniel Ortiz scores. Eddie Rosario scores.

Yasiel Puig flies out to center fielder Jorge Padilla.

 

***

 

Venezuela playoff box --

 

Catcher Anderson De La Rosa contributed to his club's 8-5 win, scored as a pinch-runner in the 7th, singled in the 8th.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Playoff Box --

 

RHP Jairo Asencio earned his second save of the playoffs for his 5-5 squad. He had a three-run lead.

 

Estrellas Bottom of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Jairo Asencio replaces Fabio Castillo.

Ray Olmedo walks.

Carlos Colmenares strikes out swinging.

Junior Lake grounds into a double play, shortstop Miguel Rojas to second baseman Manny Mayorson to first baseman Angel Villalona. Ray Olmedo out at 2nd.

 

***

 

Catcher Dayton Buller entered a Dominican game, but did not have a plate appearance.

 

***

 

Venezuela playoff box --

 

RHP Arcenio Leon, waiting to see if he clears waivers, stranded two inherited runners, then pitched a scoreless inning, although he walked two.

 

Lara Top of the 6th

 

Paulo Orlando singles on a fly ball to center fielder Ender Inciarte.

Luis Jimenez grounds into a force out, second baseman Jose Flores to shortstop Freddy Galvis. Paulo Orlando out at 2nd. Luis Jimenez to 1st.

C. J. Retherford singles on a ground ball to right fielder Alex Romero. Luis Jimenez to 2nd.

Luis Valbuena flies out to left fielder Felix Perez.

Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Tomas Solis.

Robert Perez grounds into a force out, shortstop Freddy Galvis to second baseman Jose Flores. C. Retherford out at 2nd.

 

Lara Top of the 7th

 

Joe Thurston walks.

Jose Yepez called out on strikes.

Gabriel Noriega flies out to right fielder Alex Romero in foul territory.

Yangervis Solarte walks. Joe Thurston to 2nd.

Paulo Orlando grounds out, second baseman Jose Flores to first baseman Alex Cabrera.

 

***

 

Puerto Rico playoff box --

 

SS Yadiel Rivera 1-for-6 with a sacrifice fly, run scored, two RBI, stolen base, three K's. Rivera's club won in 14 innings, 11-7.

 

***

 

Puerto Rico playoff box --

 

Catcher Martin Maldonado 0-for-3 (HBP, K) as his team lost 6-0. He did throw out former Brewer farmhand Andy Gonzalez twice on the basepaths.

[Mass Haas]

An Alfredo Figaro update from the Dominican

 

***

 

Dominican Playoff Box --

 

RHP Frankie De La Cruz finished up a blowout loss with a scoreless but eventful inning.

 

Aguilas Top of the 9th

 

Nelson Perez remains in the game as the right fielder.

Pitching Change: Frankie De La Cruz replaces Miguel Fermin.

Defensive Substitution: Alberto Rosario replaces catcher Drew Butera, batting 9th, playing catcher.

Elian Herrera grounds out, second baseman Carlos Colmenares to first baseman Christian Marrero.

Leury Garcia grounds out, pitcher Frankie De La Cruz to first baseman Christian Marrero.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Delvi Cid replaces Hector Luna.

Delvi Cid doubles (2) on a fly ball to center fielder Eliezer Mesa.

With Omar Luna batting, wild pitch by Frankie De La Cruz, Delvi Cid to 3rd.

Omar Luna walks.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Rafael Ynoa replaces Miguel Tejada.

Rafael Ynoa pops out to shortstop Ray Olmedo.

 

***

 

Puerto Rico playoff box --

 

SS Yadiel Rivera (0-for-3 for the game) was among those who struggled against Javier Vazquez.

 

***

 

Daily Martin Maldonado update includes a link to the box score.

 

***

 

Venezuela playoff box --

 

Catcher Anderson De La Rosa 0-for-4, threw out one of two baserunners.

 

RHP Arcenio Leon stranded two inherited runners and escaped a bases loaded, no out, jam.

 

Lara Top of the 8th

 

Defensive Substitution: Jose Flores replaces first baseman Ernesto Mejia, batting 4th, playing first base.

Yangervis Solarte walks.

Luis Jimenez singles on a fly ball to center fielder Ender Inciarte. Yangervis Solarte to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Neil Schenk.

C. J. Retherford singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Henry Rodriguez. Yangervis Solarte to 3rd. Luis Jimenez to 2nd.

Luis Valbuena strikes out swinging.

Paulo Orlando lines into an unassisted double play, first baseman Jose Flores. C. Retherford doubled off 1st.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Playoff Box --

 

40-man roster RHP Fautino "no options remaining" De Los Santos' club fell to 7-5 in round robin play after this 12-6 loss. Just how long do these playoffs go on, anyway? De Los Santos' club was down 7-6 entering the 9th, but the gap became 12-6 after this:

 

Aguilas Top of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Nelson Payano replaces Jose Cobos.

Freddy Guzman remains in the game as the designated hitter.

Leury Garcia triples (1) on a line drive to right fielder Jordany Valdespin.

Elian Herrera walks.

Omar Luna walks. Elian Herrera to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Fautino De Los Santos replaces Nelson Payano.

Hector Luna reaches on a fielding error by shortstop Ramon Santiago. Leury Garcia scores. Elian Herrera to 3rd. Omar Luna to 2nd.

Manny Ramirez hit by pitch. Elian Herrera scores. Omar Luna to 3rd. Hector Luna to 2nd.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Gilberto Mejia replaces Manny Ramirez.

Miguel Tejada singles on a line drive to center fielder Javier Herrera. Omar Luna scores. Hector Luna to 3rd. Gilberto Mejia to 2nd.

Juan Carlos Perez walks. Hector Luna scores. Gilberto Mejia to 3rd. Miguel Tejada to 2nd.

Joaquin Arias grounds out, second baseman Alexi Casilla to first baseman Mauro Gomez. Gilberto Mejia scores. Miguel Tejada to 3rd. Juan Carlos Perez to 2nd.

Francisco Pena flies out to left fielder Abraham Almonte.

Leury Garcia strikes out swinging.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Playoff Box --

 

RHP Frankie De La Cruz' team fell to 3-10 in pool play, and he tossed a scoreless 8th inning in a 7-2 loss.

 

Escogido Bottom of the 8th

 

Pitching Change: Frankie De La Cruz replaces Rafael Dolis.

Defensive switch from left field to third base for Carlos Colmenares.

Defensive Substitution: Christian Marrero replaces third baseman Alex Valdez, batting 7th, playing left field.

Abraham Almonte grounds out, shortstop Ray Olmedo to first baseman Ed Rogers.

Henry Blanco strikes out swinging.

Alexi Casilla walks.

Ramon Santiago called out on strikes.

 

***

 

Puerto Rico playoff box --

 

SS Yadiel Rivera was 0-for-4 (three K's) as his team fell to 3-5 in the postseason, in a 5-1 loss.

 

***

 

Puerto Rico playoff box --

 

His club now has a 5-3 record after this 5-3 loss, but catcher Martin Maldonado continues to catch nearly every inning of playoff action, and the season-long cleanup hitter went 2-for-4 with two doubles (one R, one RBI). He also was thrown out at third base and charged with a caught stealing --

 

Mayaguez Top of the 2nd

 

Martin Maldonado doubles (3) on a fly ball to left fielder Miguel Abreu.

Eddie Rosario strikes out swinging.

With Randy Ruiz batting, Martin Maldonado caught stealing 3rd base, pitcher Kelvin Villa to third baseman Andy Gonzalez.

Randy Ruiz walks.

Danny Gonzalez strikes out swinging.

 

One baserunner stole successfully with "Machete" behind the plate.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Playoff Box --

 

Now 6-3, Martin Maldonado's club has the league's best postseason record and Maldy has been behind the plate for nearly every playoff inning. His lone hit here came within a quick four-run 7th inning rally that led to a 4-1 win.

 

Mayaguez Bottom of the 7th

 

Daniel Ortiz walks.

Martin Maldonado singles on a ground ball to center fielder Miguel Abreu. Daniel Ortiz to 2nd.

Eddie Rosario triples (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Henry Ramos. Daniel Ortiz scores. Martin Maldonado scores. Eddie Rosario scores. Throwing error by right fielder Henry Ramos.

Randy Ruiz homers (1) on a fly ball to right field.

Pitching Change: Sergio Espinosa replaces Michael Nix.

Danny Gonzalez walks.

Kennys Vargas singles on a ground ball to center fielder Miguel Abreu. Danny Gonzalez to 2nd.

Felix Molina bunt pops into a double play, pitcher Sergio Espinosa to shortstop Luis Mateo. Danny Gonzalez out at 2nd.

Pitching Change: Jose De La Torre replaces Sergio Espinosa.

Yasiel Puig strikes out swinging.

 

***

 

Only other appearance was by Anderson De La Rosa in Venezuela (pinch-runner).

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico playoff box --

 

Martin Maldonado doubled twice, giving him six doubles in just ten postseason games, and drove in two in a 14-7 win. He threw out the only baserunner who dared run on him.

 

***

 

Venezuela Playoff Box --

 

RHP Arcenio Leon just lost his 40-man roster spot, and he tossed two scoreless here, but allowed two inherited runners to score as his club lost 4-3.

 

Magallanes Bottom of the 6th

 

Endy Chavez doubles (3) on a fly ball to right fielder Alex Romero.

Elvis Andrus walks.

Pablo Sandoval singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jose Pirela. Endy Chavez scores. Elvis Andrus to 3rd.

Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Tomas Solis.

Eliezer Alfonzo doubles (2) on a fly ball to left fielder Jose Pirela. Elvis Andrus scores. Pablo Sandoval to 3rd.

Ezequiel Carrera lines out to shortstop Freddy Galvis.

With Ramon Hernandez batting, wild pitch by Arcenio Leon, Pablo Sandoval scores. Eliezer Alfonzo to 3rd.

Ramon Hernandez walks.

Jesus Flores grounds into a double play, second baseman Jose Flores to shortstop Freddy Galvis to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Ramon Hernandez out at 2nd.

 

Magallanes Bottom of the 7th

 

Erold Andrus strikes out swinging.

Renny Osuna strikes out swinging.

Endy Chavez grounds out, shortstop Freddy Galvis to first baseman Ernesto Mejia.

[Mass Haas]

Fuzzy details, but Adam refers to Tom's initial post about the dismissal of RHP Jairo Asencio from his Dominican team for apparent attitude reasons.

 

Tweet

 

***

 

Also, the folks at BrewCrewBall also do a fine job on their Latin updates, so in lieu of my availability today, here's Tuesday's summary from BCB.

 

They also note that:

 

Martin Maldonado went 1-for-3 with a walk but it was not enough as Mayaguez lost 10-3 to Santurce in the Puerto Rican playoffs last night. You can read about that and more in today's Winter League Recap.

 

Mayaguez is now 7-4 with one game to play in the league's round-robin playoff round, and is tied for first place.

[Mass Haas]

Martin Maldonado's club had clinched a spot in the league final even before Wednesday night's 7-6 walkoff win.

 

Maldonado, likely because the club had already clinched, played 1B (0-for-2, HBP). He did exit the game early, leaving after a groundout, not the HBP, so he's probably fine --

 

Mayaguez Bottom of the 5th

 

Emmanuel Quiles remains in the game as the designated hitter.

Angel Sanchez grounds out, third baseman Jonathan Rodriguez to first baseman Neftali Soto.

Daniel Ortiz flies out to right fielder Luis Rivera.

Martin Maldonado grounds out, third baseman Jonathan Rodriguez to first baseman Neftali Soto.

 

Santurce Top of the 6th

 

Defensive Substitution: Kennys Vargas replaces first baseman Martin Maldonado, batting 4th, playing first base.

 

***

 

Maldonado's team will now face league foe Caguas to determine which Puerto Rico League team will represent in the Caribbean World Series, which begins February 1st in a brand new stadium in Mexico. Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Dominican League champions all take part. Will Maldy play there if his team moves on, and then also in the WBC, for which he is already committed? We'll see.

 

In that same box score, SS Yadiel Rivera (2-for-4, 2B) and catcher Emmanuel Quiles (0-for-1, BB) wrapped up their postseasons.

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Playoff Box --

 

Catcher Anderson De La Rosa 0-for-2 with a walk. You'll see Alex Gonzalez playing third base (deferring to Asdrubal Cabrera at SS) in the same box score.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Box --

 

Martin Maldonado's Mayaguez club lost Game One of the best-of-three Puerto Rico Championship Series, 5-4. The winner of the series moves on to the Caribbean World Series against the league champions from Mexico, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic. Maldy singled twice in five at-bats, but his 6th inning throwing error did allow what proved to be the winning run to score.

 

***

 

Venezuela Playoff Box --

 

In Venezuela, teams are still in round-robin play. You'll see catcher Anderson De La Rosa (0-for-3, sacrifice box) and RHP Arcenio Leon in this box. Leon nicely stranded two inherited runners, but later ran into a bit of trouble himself.

 

***

 

The Dominican League Championship is underway. Although they did not see action in Game One, the teams for which catcher Dayton Buller and RHP Fautino De Los Santos play are taking part. Not sure if either player is on the current championship roster.

[Mass Haas]

Sorry folks, correction. The Puerto Rico League Championship Series is a best-of-seven affair.

 

Martin Maldonado's club is now down two games to none after a 3-1 loss (box). Maldonado was 0-for-4 with two K's.

 

***

 

In the Dominican, RHP Fautino De Los Santos' club is up two games to none in their best-of-seven Championship Series after Saturday's 8-5 win (box). De Los Santos allowed one of two inherited runners to score:

 

Aguilas Top of the 5th

 

Leury Garcia singles on a fly ball to right fielder Leslie Anderson.

Carlos Colmenares grounds into a force out, pitcher Carlos Pimentel to shortstop Ramon Santiago. Leury Garcia out at 2nd. Carlos Colmenares to 1st.

Hector Luna flies out to center fielder Starling Marte.

Manny Ramirez singles on a fly ball to left fielder Jesus Feliciano. Carlos Colmenares to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Fautino De Los Santos replaces Carlos Pimentel.

Miguel Tejada singles on a fly ball to center fielder Starling Marte. Carlos Colmenares scores. Manny Ramirez to 2nd.

Juan Perez strikes out swinging.

 

***

 

Round-robin play continues in Venezuela. Catcher Anderson De La Rosa singled in four trips for his club (box).

[Mass Haas]

Need to consolidate for this AM's update -- you can see my three updates from last evening (Maldonado in P.R., Escobar in Ven., De Los Santos in D.R.) at my Twitter timeline here.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico box --

 

Martin Maldonado's team evened their best-of-seven championship series at two games apiece. Maldy singled and walked in five plate appearances, and threw out the only baserunner attempting to steal.

 

***

 

In the Dominican, RHP Fautino De Los Santos' club swept their way to a five-games-to-none championship in the best-of-nine championship series. His club, Escogido, moves on to the Caribbean World Series. Does Taylor Green get a ring? Green played 11 games for the team very early in their winter season.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico box --

 

Martin Maldonado was 1-for-4, but his club is now one loss away from falling just short of the Caribbean World Series.

 

Caguas 4, Mayaguez 2

 

Giants prospect Johnny Monell hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the fourth inning as the Criollos doubled up the Indios to get within one win of their second title in three years. Carlos Rivera doubled twice and drove in the other two runs for Caguas, which took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-7 Championship Series. Former Minor Leaguer Michael Nix hurled six strong innings for his second playoff victory, while White Sox newcomer Angel Sanchez went 3-for-3 with two RBIs for Mayaguez.

 

***

 

Venezuela box --

 

The Venezuelan League Championship Series is underway, and Anderson De La Rosa has seen the bulk of the time behind the plate for Lara. His team dropped Game One as he was 0-for-3 at the plate. RHP Kelvim Escobar did not see action.

 

Magallanes 5, Lara 2

 

World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval went 3-for-4 and drove in two runs, sending the Navegantes past the Cardenales in Game 1 of the best-of-7 Championship Series. Free agent Juan Rivera chipped in two hits, including his fourth postseason homer, in support of Carlos Zambrano, who allowed a run on four hits over five innings for Magallanes. Royals farmhand Paulo Orlando collected three hits and scored a run for Lara.

 

There were two Brewers who saw action for Magallanes this winter, but not recently, only much earlier in the season -- 40-man roster RHP Jesus Sanchez and 1B Sean Halton.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Winter League Box Score

 

Caguas 13, Mayaguez 3

 

It's all over for Martin Maldonado's Mayaguez club. losing the PWL Championship Series four games to two. Maldy walked and singled in three plate appearances. Former Brewers farmhand Andy Gonzalez had a big game for the victors, on base four times.

 

No Caribbean World Seies for Maldonado, so at least a break before the WBC.

 

***

 

In Venezuela, Lara, the club of RHP Kelvim Escobar and C Anderson De La Rosa (neither played), won 4-3 (box), to take a two-games-to-one lead in that Championship Series Best-of-Seven.

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box Score

 

Strikeout, walk, eventual run allowed for Kelvim Escobar as his Lara club lost 6-5 to see its best-of-seven Venezuela Championship Series evened at two games apiece. Escobar's teammate Anderson De La Rosa made a late appearance (no at-bat).

 

Magallanes Top of the 8th

 

Pitching Change: Kelvim Escobar replaces Romulo Sanchez.

Eliezer Alfonzo strikes out swinging.

Mario Lisson walks.

Pitching Change: Jose Jimenez replaces Kelvim Escobar.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Darwin Perez replaces Mario Lisson.

Ezequiel Carrera grounds out to pitcher Jose Jimenez. Darwin Perez to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Yoervis Medina replaces Jose Jimenez.

Carlos Maldonado walks. Wild pitch by pitcher Yoervis Medina. Darwin Perez to 3rd.

Endy Chavez singles on a soft fly ball to left fielder Yangervis Solarte. Darwin Perez scores. Carlos Maldonado to 2nd.

Elvis Andrus hit by pitch. Carlos Maldonado to 3rd. Endy Chavez to 2nd.

Pablo Sandoval grounds out, shortstop Cesar Izturis to first baseman Ernesto Mejia.

[Mass Haas]

The Caribbean World Series begins Friday in Mexico. The field is now set.

 

The Brewers had no representatives play in the Mexican League, on any team, all winter.

 

***

 

The Venezuelan champ was crowned last night, as Pablo Sandoval led Magallanes over Lara 11-9, knocking out Kelvim Escobar and Anderson De La Rosa (along with Chris Jakubauskas, who last pitched on 12/20).

 

Two Brewers may end up with "rings", as RHP Jesus Sanchez and 1B Sean Halton played for Magallanes early this winter season.

 

***

 

In the Dominican, RHP Fautino De Los Santos pitched in the postseason for champ Escogido and may be the lone Brewer to actually participate in the Caribbean World Series actively. Taylor Green played a bit for that club to begin the season.

 

***

 

No Brewer played for Caguas, the Puerto Rico champ, during the regular or post-season this winter, although youngster Jose Sermo was listed on their roster.

 

***

 

Fautino or bust!

[Mass Haas]

Via Tom Haudricourt --

 

Gord Ash said Alfredo Figaro had been invited to pitch for the Escogido team that advanced from the Dominican Republic to the Carribean World Series but had not decided if he would participate.

[Mass Haas]

The Dominican Republic moved to 4-1 in the round robin Caribbean Series and clinched a spot in the championship game. Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela are all at 2-3 and battling for the other championship spot.

 

New Brewers RHP Alfredo Figaro got the start Tuesday as the D.R. won 11-7, but his stat line wasn't all that sharp (box).

 

Figaro's cousin, Rays closer Fernando Rodney, closed out the win for the Dominican squad.

[Mass Haas]

Link Report Bonus:

 

Looking purely at the numbers, it was hard to fault the Brewers for releasing 2009 18th round LHP Caleb Thielbar after the 2010 season.

 

Thielbar, the Minnesota native and South Dakota State product, persevered via the indy ball route in St. Paul and was subsequently noticed by his home state Twins. Now, in less than one season in their system, Thielbar is just one step from the big leagues.

 

Awesome for Thielbar, his path thus far is remarkbaly similar to another released Brewer farmhand southpaw.

 

***

 

Thielbar will represent the Twins in the Arizona Fall League.

 

More "latest":

 

And despite a weak AFL performance, the Twins have now added Thielbar to their 40-man roster.

 

Have to admit, I just can't get past these Brewer lost loogy's. Still waiting for a five-team trade in which Thielbar, Craig Breslow, Joe Thatcher, and Lucas Luetge are all re-acquired .

 

Search on the date 7/11 from the list, this includes a worthwhile podcast with Caleb.

 

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May 20th Update:

 

Former SDSU player Caleb Thielbar called up by Twins

 

Left-handed relief pitcher Caleb Thielbar on Monday was called up by the Minnesota Twins, becoming the first former South Dakota State player to make it to the big leagues.

 

The 26-year-old is 1-1 with a 3.76 ERA in 17 appearances this season with Triple-A Rochester, striking out 34 in 26.1 innings.

 

Thielbar was drafted by Milwaukee in the 18th round in 2009, but was cut after two seasons in the minors. He had a stint with the St. Paul Saints of the American Association in 2011 before being signed by the Twins.

 

A Minnesota native, the 6-foot, 195-pounder left SDSU as the career leader in starts (44) and innings pitched (274.0), while ranking second in strikeouts (196) and fourth in victories (20).

 

The Twins start a three-game series in Atlanta tonight.

 

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Wow, that's an awesome ride, good for the young man!

 

I guess sometimes you just have to tip the cap to the player. Was this an awful oversight by the Brewers (hate losing free talent)? Did Thielbar learn something in indy ball that the Brewers couln't tap from his skills?

 

Either way, congratulations Caleb!