Arizona Fall League / Winter League Thread -- Full Brewers Details for Each Game

[Mass Haas]

Thursday's Winter League action --

 

Dominican Box Score

 

Licey finally drops one in this series (6-5 score at home), so their lead in the best-of-nine is three games to one.

 

Actually, the loss was no fault of Juan Francisco (3-for-4, solo HR, one K) or Eugenio Velez (2-for-4, run scored).

 

The Francisco HR was pulled to RF off a LHP (former Cardinal Evan MacLane, pitched in Japan in 2011-2012).

 

Game Five in the series is Friday.

[Mass Haas]

Friday's Winter League action --

 

Puerto Rico Box Score

 

And we're even at two games apiece in the best-of-seven as Mayaguez wins over Caguas 7-4.

 

For Mayaguez, leading off and playing second base, Irving Falu was 0-for-2 (walk, sacrifice bunt, one K), and catcher Martin Maldonado was 1-for-4 (two K's, GIDP). Nobody chose o run against Maldy's arm. Game five is Saturday night.

 

***

 

Dominican Box Score

 

And suddenly we have a series here, as Licey drops a second game in a row, smoked 8-0, and now leads the best-of-nine series only by a three games to two margin.

 

First baseman Juan Francisco was 0-for-3 for Licey (HBP, one K), and committed an error at first base (only his 2nd in 23 postseason games). Eugenio Velez, playing right field, was 0-for-2 (walk, one K). Game six is Sunday.

[Mass Haas]

Via the Brewers Player Development Twitter account and then MLB Trade Rumors:

 

The Brewers have signed outfielder Jeremy Hermida and infielder Joe Thurston to minor-league contracts, according to a team release. Hermida, formerly an everyday player with the Marlins, played the entire 2013 for Triple-A Columbus in the Indians organization, batting .247/.365/.416. Thurston collected 307 plate appearances for the Cardinals in 2009 and last appeared in the big leagues in 2010. He played in Mexico in 2013.

 

Thurston is 34, Hermida will turn 30 this week.

 

***

 

The Nashville roster is filling up when you consider the 40-man roster members who will be optioned, AAA signees, and likely callups from Huntsville's 2013 team.

 

Hermida did not play winter ball, Thurston did.

 

In Venezuela, Thurston posted an .840 OPS in 56 regular winter season games for Lara.

 

In the 16-game round-robin postseason (MiLB.com does not track those numbers cumulatively), Thurston raked, hitting .429 which included eight doubles and 13 RBI. That will catch a scout's attention.

[Mass Haas]

Saturday's Winter League action --

 

Puerto Rico Box Score

 

Martin Maldonado had tweeted that he was sorry he was missing Brewers FanFest today, but he was busy with his Mayaguez Winter League Championship Series.

 

Busy he was, driving in the go-ahead 8th inning run in a 2-1 win that gives his team a three games to two lead in the best-of-seven, meaning Mayaguez can punch their ticket to February's Caribbean Series in Venezuela on Sunday afternoon.

 

Maldonado's late sacrifice fly came against Brewers 40-man roster RHP Jose De La Torre.

 

Mayaguez Top of the 8th

 

Pitching Change: Jose De La Torre replaces Joe Torres.

Luis Figueroa singles on a ground ball to shortstop Luis Mateo.

With Eddie Rosario batting, passed ball by Ramon Castro, Luis Figueroa to 2nd.

Eddie Rosario strikes out swinging. Wild pitch by pitcher Jose De La Torre. Luis Figueroa to 3rd. Eddie Rosario to 1st.

With Randy Ruiz batting, Eddie Rosario steals (1) 2nd base.

Randy Ruiz walks.

Ruben Gotay strikes out swinging.

Martin Maldonado out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Edgardo Baez. Luis Figueroa scores. Eddie Rosario to 3rd.

Kennys Vargas grounds out, second baseman Rey Navarro to first baseman Neftali Soto

 

Earlier in the game, Maldonado was hit by yet another pitch as part of his 0-for-2 night (one K). Team Caguas did manage a double steal off him early in the contest.

 

Irving Falu, playing second base, was 1-for-5, and stole his second base of the postseason. He'll be in camp with the big league club, challenging Jeff Bianchi for the backup shortstop job.

[Mass Haas]

Sunday's (early) Winter League action --

 

Puerto Rico Box Score

 

Celebration photo

 

Congratulations to Martin Maldonado and Irving Falu (also Hiram Burgos, who wrapped up a phenomenal winter in the regular season)! Josh Prince, too, who joined in with some bench fun within the last week...

 

Before over 9,600 fans in Mayaguez, the Indios scored four times in the 8th to break a 1-1 tie, and win the championship of the Liga de Beisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente, four games to two.

 

Mayaguez will move on to Venezuela February 1st - 8th to compete against the champions of the leagues in that host country, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico, in the Caribbean World Series. Those games are often televised, so if the Brewers players continue to take part, there should be some opportunities to watch. Cuba will also play each team once, it appears in an exhibition sidenote.

 

Falu, playing second base and again leading off, was 1-for-4. Maldonado went 1-for-3 with a walk, both scoring and driving in a run.

 

Unfortunately from a Brewers perspective, the big rally came against RHP Jose De La Torre, who probably has a tenuous hold on a 40-man roster spot (he does have two minor league options remaining).

 

Mayaguez Bottom of the 8th

 

Pitching Change: Jose De La Torre replaces Andres Santiago.

Luis Figueroa flies out to right fielder Edgardo Baez.

Eddie Rosario walks.

Randy Ruiz grounds out, third baseman Andy Gonzalez to first baseman Neftali Soto. Eddie Rosario to 2nd.

Jose De La Torre intentionally walks Ruben Gotay.

Martin Maldonado walks. Eddie Rosario to 3rd. Ruben Gotay to 2nd.

Kennys Vargas hits a grand slam (1) to right field. Eddie Rosario scores. Ruben Gotay scores. Martin Maldonado scores.

Luis Montanez grounds out, shortstop Luis Mateo to first baseman Neftali Soto.

 

***

 

Game six of the best-of-nine Dominican series is underway as this is typed (5th inning), and the Licey club of Juan Francisco and Eugenio Velez is losing, so that series could be tied tonight after Licey won the first three games.

[Mass Haas]

Game six of the best-of-nine Dominican series is underway as this is typed (5th inning), and the Licey club of Juan Francisco and Eugenio Velez is losing, so that series could be tied tonight after Licey won the first three games.

 

Dominican Box Score

 

Sure enough, things are all even at 3-3 apiece in the best-of-nine, game seven is Monday, and games eight and nine are Tuesday - Wednesday, as there will be little time to hightail it to Venezuela for the Caribbean World Series if this one goes the distance.

 

Licey committed seven errors (one by right fielder Eugenio Velez) in this 9-6 loss.

 

We have not seen RHP Alfredo Figaro in quite some time, starting to think he may not be on the Licey roster at this point in the postseason, we'll see.

 

Juan Francisco finished 0-for-2 with a sacrifice fly and HBP (one RBI, one run scored). His Licey teammate Velez was 1-for-2 (double, walk, sacrifice bunt, run scored).

[Mass Haas]

Monday's Winter League action --

 

Dominican Box Score

 

Licey managed to turn the best-of-nine around after losing the prior three ganes. They took a 3-1 road win Monday and are now up four games to three, one win from a league championship. They host Game Eight early Tuesday evening.

 

Juan Francisco reached twice (walk, HBP) and scored a run. Eugenio Velez was moved up to the number two spot in the order and was 1-for-4 (two K's) with a run scored.

[Mass Haas]

Tuesday's Winter League action --

 

Dominican Box Score

 

It's another league championship for some Brewers, as Licey rides a 3-1 win for a five games-to-three series win.

 

First baseman Juan Francisco was the only player to take part here, although he was 0-for-4 (one K, hit only .219 in 27 postseason games, although with six home runs).

 

Eugenio Velez had the night off (he played exclusively in the outfield for the winter, best to our recollection); Alfredo Figaro did not pitch for Licey in the eight finals games; back at the beginning of the winter, Sean Halton (15 games) and RHP Ariel Pena (two games) also played for Licey.

 

On to Venezuela now for the Caribbean World Series starting Saturday.

 

From MLB.com:

 

Licey became the Dominican champions Tuesday with a comeback win over Escogido in the eighth game of the best-of-nine series. Rene Rivera hit a game-tying home run in the fifth inning for Licey, and Emilio Bonifacio drove home the go-ahead run on a single in the seventh. Carlos Marmol worked a scoreless eighth in relief, and veteran Juan Cruz locked up the title with a save in the ninth.

 

***

 

Reminder for those linking here via Twitter -- catch up on the Brewers' Puerto Rico League representatives a few posts above.

[Mass Haas]

Here's the schedule for the Caribbean series.

 

It appears all games will be telecast on ESPN Deportes, but not online at ESPN3 (unlike last year).

[Mass Haas]

Here's the Gameday Link for the Dominican Republic vs. Puerto Rico game kicking off the Caribbean World Series in Venezuela today, game started at 2:00 PM Central

 

A couple of surprises --

 

Juan Francisco is not on the Dominican Republic roster with the rest of his Team Licey mates, so he will not be taking part in the series.

 

Also for the Dominican, although he was not on the DWL championship squad, SS Hector Gomez has been pulled in from another team and is in today's lineup, batting 7th, along with Eugenio Velez, playing left field and batting 5th.

 

***

 

Two Brewers, as expected, are part of the active Puerto Rico team and are in today's starting lineup.

 

Catcher Martin Maldonado is batting 6th today, while Irving Falu, like Gomez and Velez a non-roster invite to big league spring training, is playing third base and batting 2nd. The Puerto Rico team is managed by former big league second baseman Carlos Baerga.

 

***

 

There are no current Brewers on teams Venezuela or Mexico, although old friend and former Milwaukee 40-man roster member Zelous Wheeler (now a Yankee farmhand) has spent the entire winter season in Mexico and will be taking part.

 

***

 

If you get ESPN Deportes, all the games are being televised.

 

Here's the homepage for all Caribbean Series info.

[Mass Haas]

HR Falu, now that's how you kick things off!

[Mass Haas]

Two former Brewers are on Puerto Rico's pitching staff, including today's starter, Carlo Alvarado, entering his 16th pro season but never a big leaguer. He saw time as a free agent signing with the Brewers' High Desert club in 2002.

 

RHP Saul Rivera was acquired by the Crew in this trade, pitched for Huntsville in 2004:

 

June 7, 2004: Traded by the Montreal Expos with Peter Bergeron to the Milwaukee Brewers for Jason Belcher (minors) and Jason Childers.

 

Rivera would go on to have a nice three-year big league run with the Nationals starting in 2006.

 

Puerto Rico infielder Luis Figueroa briefly played for Nashville in 2011.

 

Former big league Brewer RHP's Guillermo Mota and Claudio Vargas are on the Dominican staff.

 

Longtime pro catcher Eliezer Alfonzo (Team Venezuela) got his start in the Brewers' chain way back when.

[Mass Haas]

As of 5:15 Central, it's 6-6 in the 9th, Gameday here if you're reading live.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico scores a run in the top of the 10th for a 7-6 win over the Dominican Republic, P.R. once trailing 6-1 after four innings.

 

You'll find the box score and game log links here.

 

Irving Falu (P.R.) and Hector Gomez (D.R.) homered.

 

While Martin Maldonado was 0-for-4, he did throw out both baserunners attempting to steal, including fellow spring training mate Eugenio Velez.

 

I briefly sampled the ESPN Deportes audio online just for fun (of course, not understanding a thing -- do Spanish announcers ever come up for air ?)

 

The emotion was evident throughout, great kickoff to the Caribbean Series, wish I had the video available for each game. High-stress baseball on February 1st, good stuff.

[Mass Haas]

MLB.com:

 

Puerto Rico posts another solid start in Series

 

Looks like Cuba is a full (5th) participant, so those games are not exhibitions, as noted earlier...

 

***

 

Dominican idle Sunday.

 

Here's where you'll find the box score link for Mexico at Puerto Rico (Maldonado, Falu), 1:30 Central.

[Mass Haas]

Martin Maldonado singled in a run in a three-run Puerto Rico 9th inning, but the rally fell far short as Mexico defeated Maldonado's and Irving Falu's (one single, one error) team, 6-3.

 

Former Brewers 40-man roster member Zelous Wheeler, playing left field for Mexico, homered twice and drove in four. Wow.

 

Box Score

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico (with Martin Maldonado, Irving Falu) gets a rest Monday.

 

The Domincan squad (0-1) plays against the Cuban team (0-2) this afternoon at 2:00 PM Central, so we will probably see spring training invites Eugenio Velez and Hector Gomez in action.

 

Gameday Link (once available)

[Mass Haas]

Dominican defeats Cuba, 9-3

 

SS Hector Gomez again has us wondering how he posted a sub-.500 OPS at Huntsville in 2013 -- 2-for-5, walk, two stolen bases, run, RBI (two K's). LF Eugenio Velez 1-for-5 with a double, RBI (one K).

 

Jon Leicester (no, not Boston's, but it sounds the same) dominated over seven innings. The former Cub, Oriole and Japanese League RHP, now 34, hasn't pitched professionally in the summer since 2011. Ah, the uniqueness of the winter leagues...

 

Caribbean Series standings show host Venezuela on top at 2-0.

 

Via the Series home page, look for links on the right sidebar later Tuesday for Puerto Rico vs. Cuba and D.R. vs. Venezuela.

[Mass Haas]

Brewers players fell on the short side of a couple of 2-1 games Tuesday, as Cuba defeated Puerto Rico and Venezuela nipped the Dominican Republic.

 

Yes, Venezuela is now 3-0 (standings), but hardly assured a title.

 

There are five teams, and after Wednesday's games each will have played each other once. Only the 5th place team will be eliminated at that point. Teams will then play a single semifinal game (1 vs. 4 on Friday, 2 vs. 3 on Thursday), with those winners meeting in Saturday's championship game.

 

Puerto Rico needs a win Wednesday night against first place Venezuela to avoid elimination. Considering the host country doesn't "need" the win, well, we'll see what unfolds.

 

Back to Tuesday now --

 

Puerto Rico Box Score:

 

Wow, complete game win for the 33-year-old Cuban starter. Irving Falu (0-for-4, one K) and Martin Maldonado joined their mates with quiet games at the plate.

 

But Maldonado also did this --

 

http://elabonado.com.ve/noticias/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/machete.gif

 

You've got to be kidding. Thanks to Todd Milewski for the tweet that pointed us to that.

 

Maldonado also picked a runner off second base.

 

However, both of Cuba's runs were unearned, and unfortunately, Irving Falu's error led to one of those runs --

 

Cuba Bottom of the 7th

 

Ramon Lunar singles on a ground ball to center fielder Eddie Rosario.

Yulexis La Rosa out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Joel Pineiro to second baseman Rey Navarro. Ramon Lunar to 2nd.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Ariel Borrero replaces Andy Zamora.

Ariel Borrero reaches on a fielding error by second baseman Rey Navarro. Ramon Lunar to 3rd.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Yordanys Linares replaces Ariel Borrero.

Yuniet Flores called out on strikes.

Yordan Manduley reaches on a fielding error by third baseman Irving Falu. Ramon Lunar scores. Yordanys Linares to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Steve Smith replaces Joel Pineiro.

Yulieski Gurriel grounds into a force out, fielded by second baseman Rey Navarro. Yordan Manduley out at 2nd.

 

***

 

Back to Maldonado, the Spanish arm of MLB.com posted this article. Bear with this as we post the Google-translated version here --

 

Maldonado is on a rebound at bat with Brewers

 

MARGARITA ISLAND , Venezuela - Martin Maldonado has always been known more for his defense than by catching his bat. In fact , we saw your "bracelet" on Saturday when we caught in robbery attempt at the fastest runners Eugenio Velez and Emilio Bonifacio in the match between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean Series .

 

The next day he returned to teach the barrel , "hunting " Gil Velazquez of Mexico in another attempt to scam.

 

Maldonado , 27 , completes its winter season in the Caribbean Classic with Indios de Mayagüez . After this engagement, the native of Naguabo, Puerto Rico seek to cause a great impact on the training of Cerveceos Milwaukee.

 

"There are new perspectives , improve batting and the little things ," Maldonado said of the challenge that awaits you at the facilities in the area of ​​Milwaukee in Maryvale Phoenix , Arizona. "To play good baseball and stay in the big leagues ."

 

Indeed, the evolution as big leaguer Maldonado found some obstacles. After a solid first season in 2012 in which he hit .266 with OPS ( on-base percentage plus slugging ) of .729 to accompany his good defense, average fell to .169 in 67 games and 183 innings last season official .

 

In 2013 , Maldonado much of the training of Cerveceos was lost due to its presence as a substitute catcher Yadier Molina in the Puerto Rican team in the World Baseball Classic . Molina catching dominated the Puerto Rican team , of course , Puerto Rico and reached the final of the tournament. This resulted in very little preparation of Maldonado at bat during spring.

 

At the same time , Jonathan Lucroy had an excellent season. Essentially , Maldonado was designated to play every five days as the "personal catcher " the right-hander Wily Peralta.

 

If Lucroy not injured , as was the case in 2012 , which opened the doors to the Puerto Rican - 2014 could be the same story a year ago .

 

But whatever happens , Maldonado is determined to make a rebound in the batter's box , it was just part of the reason to play both during the winter.

 

"You want to keep working and keep playing to prepare and be ready," said catcher , who hit .271 with a .354 on-base percentage in 28 games for the Indians in the winter season. "With game one more perfect things."

 

***

 

Dominican Box Score

 

SS Hector Gomez, batting 5th, drove in the D.R.'s only run (1-for-4, double, two K's). Eugenio Velez, playing left field, was 0-for-3 (one K).

 

***

 

On Wednesday, go to the home page for the Caribbean Series and their right-hand sidebar, particularly for the do-or-die Puerto Rico game (6:30 Central).

[TooLiveBrew]

But Maldonado also did this --

 

http://elabonado.com.ve/noticias/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/machete.gif

 

You've got to be kidding. Thanks to Todd Milewski for the tweet that pointed us to that.

 

Maldonado also picked a runner off second base

His arm is just sensational. What a play!

[kalle8]

what a play!

i really hope Maldonado can find some groove at the plate, i know a 2012 like season is asking too much, but 2013 should be a fluke too...

[Mass Haas]

More details later, as the game is still on as of this post, but --

 

Dominican Republic vs. Mexico Box Score

 

Eugenio Velez has homered twice in the Dominican Republic's game today, but he wasn't even supposed to play. He entered when fellow Brewer farmhand Hector Gomez left with an apparent injury sliding into second base.

 

Gomez left another game earlier this winter when the game log specifically mentioned a hand injury, yet he returned the next night. We'll see here.

 

UPDATE: Thanks to Twitter, we have a picture of Gomez in the training room, with an explanation:

 

Source: Hector Gomez suffered a strained a muscle, is expected to be ready for next game

 

Gomez has a long history of groin injuries, that's a bullet dodged.

 

Dom. Rep. Bottom of the 2nd

 

Francisco Peguero walks.

Hector Gomez singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Zelous Wheeler. Francisco Peguero to 2nd.

Ronny Paulino grounds into a double play, shortstop Gil Velazquez to second baseman Carlos Alberto Gastelum to first baseman Daryle Ward. Francisco Peguero to 3rd. Hector Gomez out at 2nd.

Julio Lugo singles on a line drive to right fielder Luis Fonseca. Francisco Peguero scores.

Ed Rogers grounds out, second baseman Carlos Alberto Gastelum to first baseman Daryle Ward

 

Mexico Top of the 3rd

 

Defensive switch from second base to shortstop for Leury Garcia.

Defensive switch from center field to second base for Emilio Bonifacio.

Defensive switch from left field to right field for Juan Perez.

Defensive switch from right field to center field for Francisco Peguero.

Defensive Substitution: Eugenio Velez replaces shortstop Hector Gomez, batting 5th, playing left field.

Sebastian Valle strikes out swinging.

Gil Velazquez flies out to right fielder Juan Perez.

Chris Roberson grounds out, second baseman Emilio Bonifacio to first baseman Ed Rogers.

 

***

 

Martin Maldonado and Irving Falu play their must-win game for Puerto Rico Wednesday night vs. host Venezuela.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico hangs on for a 5-4 win over Venezuela (box score), and thus moves on the "Final Four" (semi-finals, one-game elimination). Cuba is out (standings).

 

While Irving Falu, playing second base, was 0-for-4 (one K), Martin Maldonado had a much more productive night. Maldy was 2-for-4 (run, RBI), and again shined behind the plate --

 

Venezuela Top of the 4th

 

Alberto Callaspo singles on a line drive to right fielder Luis Montanez.

Adonis Garcia walks. Alberto Callaspo to 2nd.

With Cory Aldridge batting, Martin Maldonado picks off Alberto Callaspo at 2nd on throw to Osvaldo Martinez.

Cory Aldridge called out on strikes. Adonis Garcia steals (1) 2nd base.

Ramon Hernandez reaches on a throwing error by third baseman Luis Figueroa. Adonis Garcia scores.

Endy Chavez grounds out to first baseman Kennys Vargas.

 

***

 

Great games in this tournament -- as was initially reviewed in the prior post, the Dominican squad hung on to knock off Mexico, 7-6.

 

Box score

 

Check in later Thursday, we'll set up the two semi-final games, one will take place Thursday, another Friday.

[Mass Haas]

Cuba ousted as Series enters semifinal round

 

So it's the Dominican Republic (Hector Gomez, Eugenio Velez) taking on Mexico Thursday, and Puerto Rico (Martin Maldonado, Irving Falu) facing Venezuela Friday.

 

The two winners meet Saturday night for the championship.

 

You can follow box scores and Gameday via the right-hand sidebar on the CWS home page.

[Mass Haas]

Mexico scores a walkoff win over the Dominican Republic to earn a spot in Saturday's Championship Game vs. Friday's Puerto Rico - Venezuela winner.

 

Quiet endings to the winter seasons of the Dominican's shortstop Hector Gomez (0-for-3, HBP) and Eugenio Velez (0-for-3, walk), playing left field.

 

Box Score