2014 Arizona Fall League / Caribbean Winter League Thread

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Score

 

Elian Herrera lives! First appearance since leaving a game early on November 24th, Herrera struck out a pinch-hitter, and went in to play a bit of center field.

 

Herrera's teammate, Luis Jimenez, was the DH, and went 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored.

 

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Dominican Box Score

 

Hector Gomez, playing second base, was 0-for-3 with an HBP.

 

***

 

Dominican Box Score

 

Hunter Morris singled twice in five at-bats, drove in one, scored a run, and stole a base!

 

Morris did not attempt a single stolen base in 103 regular season games in 2014.

 

Licey Top of the 3rd

 

Diory Hernandez grounds out, shortstop Rafael Ynoa to first baseman Dan Black.

Juan Francisco grounds out, second baseman Derek Dietrich to first baseman Dan Black.

Domingo Santana walks.

Hunter Morris singles on a soft line drive to right fielder Ricardo Nanita. Domingo Santana to 3rd.

With Anderson Hernandez batting, Hunter Morris steals (1) 2nd base.

[Mass Haas]

Learn all about new Brewer RHP Wirfin Obispo here, as he'll be part of the Dominican Winter League updates, unless he's just wrapped up his season.

[Mass Haas]

News gleaned from a couple of translated articles in Puerto Rico --

 

Martin Maldonado was scheduled to make his Puerto Rico winter debut Wed. night, but the game was rained out.

 

Congratulations 21-year-old RHP Jorge Lopez, named to start in the Puerto Rico League All-Star Game this Sat. Well deserved!

 

Some of you may have seen this tweet on Lopez from MiLB.com tonight, but that game was actually the completion of the November 21st suspended game (our write-up on that one), so Lopez didn't actually pitch tonight.

 

***

 

Puerto Rico Box Score

 

SS Yadiel Rivera was 0-for-4 (now 16-for-78, .205), but he managed an eventful night on the basepaths in his team's 4-1 loss, and is now just 1-for-5 in winter stolen base attempts.

 

Santurce Top of the 5th

 

Jonathan Rodriguez doubles (4) on a line drive to left fielder Juan Silva.

Yadiel Rivera reaches on a fielder's choice out, shortstop Luis Mateo to third baseman Angel Sanchez. Jonathan Rodriguez out at 3rd.

Jack Lopez strikes out swinging and Yadiel Rivera caught stealing 2nd, catcher Roberto Pena to shortstop Luis Mateo.

 

Santurce Top of the 7th

 

Jonathan Rodriguez strikes out swinging.

Yadiel Rivera reaches on a fielding error by shortstop Luis Mateo.

With Jack Lopez batting, Yadiel Rivera caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Roberto Pena to shortstop Luis Mateo.

Jack Lopez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Juan Silva.

Reymond Fuentes singles on a line drive to right fielder Henry Ramos. Jack Lopez to 2nd.

Jorge Padilla grounds out, shortstop Luis Mateo to first baseman Trever Adams.

 

This game also saw the winter debut of big money Cuban Red Sox signing Rusney Castillo.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Score

 

First baseman Hunter Morris, batting 6th, singled in four AB's (three K's, one fielding error) in a 9-3 loss.

 

On the winning side of the ledger, Elian Herrera, playing second base, was 0-for-3 (walk, run, K, lifted for a pinch-hitter late) and 3B Luis Jimenez posted the same line as Herrera, except he also drove in a run on a sacrifice fly.

 

Also for the victors, RHP Wirfin Obispo celebrated his Brewers signing in grand style, striking out the side --

 

Licey Top of the 8th

 

Pitching Change: Wirfin Obispo replaces Edgar Garcia.

Diory Hernandez strikes out swinging.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Jose Ruiz replaces Juan Francisco.

Jose Ruiz called out on strikes.

Tigres del Licey designated hitter Jose Ruiz ejected by HP umpire Santo Castillo.

Domingo Santana hit by pitch.

Hunter Morris strikes out swinging.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Score

 

Hector Gomez, playing second base, went 0-for-4 in a 7-3 loss. Gomez is now 5-for-33 (.152) in his small sample DWL stint.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Score

 

Like Mr. Obispo, here's another excellent Brewer debut, this one from LH starter Nick Additon -- 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, GB:FB 6:3

 

Aguilas Top of the 1st

 

Rafael Ynoa doubles (7) on a sharp ground ball to left fielder Cory Spangenberg.

Zoilo Almonte singles on a ground ball to right fielder Jimmy Paredes. Rafael Ynoa scores. Fielding error by right fielder Jimmy Paredes.

Dan Black flies out to right fielder Jimmy Paredes.

Manny Ramirez called out on strikes.

Derek Dietrich strikes out swinging.

 

Aguilas Top of the 2nd

 

Dionys Cesar grounds out, shortstop Erik Gonzalez to first baseman Brad Glenn.

Audry Perez grounds out, second baseman Jorge Polanco to first baseman Brad Glenn.

Willy Garcia walks.

Angel Franco flies out to center fielder Freddy Guzman.

 

Aguilas Top of the 3rd

 

Rafael Ynoa grounds out, third baseman Pedro Ciriaco to first baseman Brad Glenn.

Zoilo Almonte grounds out, shortstop Erik Gonzalez to first baseman Brad Glenn.

Dan Black lines out to shortstop Erik Gonzalez.

 

Aguilas Top of the 4th

 

Manny Ramirez grounds out, shortstop Erik Gonzalez to first baseman Brad Glenn.

Derek Dietrich flies out to right fielder Jimmy Paredes.

Dionys Cesar grounds out, shortstop Erik Gonzalez to first baseman Brad Glenn.

 

***

 

This was Additon's 3rd winter appearance, and first start after two brief relief appearances.

[Mass Haas]

On the winning side of the ledger, Elian Herrera, playing second base, was 0-for-3 (walk, run, K, lifted for a pinch-hitter late) and 3B Luis Jimenez posted the same line as Herrera, except he also drove in a run on a sacrifice fly.

 

Doug Melvin mentioned in his WSSP audio today that Asian teams are inquiring with the Brewers about Jimenez.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Box Score

 

Not upset but a bit puzzled to see RHP Jorge Lopez get the Thursday start, when we had read he was starting Saturday's All-Star Game in Puerto Rico. Now even an inning is not happening on one day's rest.

 

Lopez' club lost 2-1 on a walkoff home run.

 

Oh yes, Martin Maldonado made his winter debut, catching Lopez. Maldy was 0-for-2 with a sacrifice bunt, and drove in his club's only run with a sacrifice fly.

 

Maldonado threw out one of two baserunners attempting to steal.

 

Lopez worked out of trouble during his 4.2 inning stint, but only allowed one run and now sports a 1.73 ERA through 26 innings.

 

4.2 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K, 2 WP, GB:FB 3:4, bullpen stranded two of his baserunners by retiring a former Brewer farmhand

 

Holy defense and bad baserunning helping out Lopez in this game!

 

Caguas Bottom of the 1st

 

Rusney Castillo singles on a line drive to center fielder Fehlandt Lentini.

Angel Sanchez flies out to right fielder Luis Montanez.

With Rey Navarro batting, Rusney Castillo steals (1) 2nd base.

Rey Navarro walks.

Jaime Ortiz doubles (3) on a line drive to right fielder Luis Montanez. Rusney Castillo scores. Rey Navarro out at home, right fielder Luis Montanez to second baseman T. Rivera to third baseman Luis Figueroa to catcher Martin Maldonado to third baseman Luis Figueroa.

Ramon Castro strikes out swinging.

 

Caguas Bottom of the 2nd

 

Edgardo Baez called out on strikes.

Henry Ramos strikes out swinging.

Luis Mateo strikes out swinging. Wild pitch by pitcher Jorge Lopez. Luis Mateo to 1st.

Miguel Abreu singles on a ground ball to shortstop Jesmuel Valentin. Luis Mateo to 2nd.

Rusney Castillo singles on a ground ball to center fielder Fehlandt Lentini. Luis Mateo out at home on the throw, center fielder Fehlandt Lentini to catcher Martin Maldonado.

 

Caguas Bottom of the 3rd

 

Angel Sanchez reaches on a throwing error by third baseman Luis Figueroa.

Rey Navarro flies out to left fielder Daniel Ortiz.

Jaime Ortiz singles on a line drive to left fielder Daniel Ortiz. Angel Sanchez out at 3rd on the throw, left fielder Daniel Ortiz to third baseman Luis Figueroa. Jaime Ortiz to 2nd on the throw.

Ramon Castro called out on strikes.

 

Caguas Bottom of the 4th

 

Edgardo Baez flies out to right fielder Luis Montanez.

Henry Ramos singles on a line drive to center fielder Fehlandt Lentini.

Luis Mateo strikes out swinging.

With Miguel Abreu batting, wild pitch by Jorge Lopez, Henry Ramos to 3rd.

Miguel Abreu grounds out, pitcher Jorge Lopez to first baseman Kennys Vargas.

 

Caguas Bottom of the 5th

 

Rusney Castillo singles on a line drive to center fielder Fehlandt Lentini.

Angel Sanchez flies out to right fielder Luis Montanez.

Rey Navarro grounds into a force out, first baseman Kennys Vargas to shortstop Jesmuel Valentin. Rusney Castillo out at 2nd. Rey Navarro to 1st.

Jaime Ortiz singles on a ground ball to center fielder Fehlandt Lentini. Rey Navarro to 3rd.

Pitching Change: Kanekoa Texeira replaces Jorge Lopez.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Sergio Miranda replaces Ramon Castro.

Sergio Miranda strikes out swinging.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Box Score

 

Not only did 40-man roster catcher Juan Centeno go 0-for-3 to drop his average to .159 (7-for-44, one XBH), he "guided" his pitchers in a 17-0 loss. Two baserunners stole bases before they reigned things back.

 

On the bright side of this game, amidst all the carnage, Arizona Rookie League ERA champ RHP Joshua Torres, 20 years old, tossed two scoreless innings in his first outing since November 24th.

 

Carolina Bottom of the 4th

 

Pitching Change: Joshua Torres replaces Eddie Camacho.

Anthony Garcia flies out to center fielder John Andreoli.

Masayoshi Tsukada walks.

Danny Dorn singles on a line drive to center fielder John Andreoli. Masayoshi Tsukada to 3rd.

Carlos Corporan grounds into a double play, pitcher Joshua Torres to shortstop Ivan De Jesus to first baseman Rene Rivera. Danny Dorn out at 2nd.

 

Carolina Bottom of the 5th

 

Jobduan Morales flies out to left fielder Jose Lozada.

Jeff Dominguez grounds out, shortstop Ivan De Jesus to first baseman Rene Rivera.

Irving Falu grounds out, shortstop Ivan De Jesus to first baseman Rene Rivera.

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box Score

 

Everyday SS Orlando Arcia (.833 OPS in a whopping 164 winter AB's), 1-for-4 with a sacrifice bunt and a fielding error in his club's 6-2 loss.

[Mass Haas]

No Brewers in Dominican action Thursday, but one former Brewer looking to latch on somewhere, Mat Gamel, made his debut, 1-for-3 (two K's).

 

Gamel, with two completely lost seasons (no regular season AB's), receives our best wishes, would be a great story.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Score

 

Three Brewers on the winning side of a 3-1 win --

 

Aguilas Bottom of the 8th

 

Pitching Change: Wirfin Obispo replaces Edgar Garcia.

Zoilo Almonte flies out to center fielder Derrick Robinson.

Ricardo Nanita strikes out swinging.

Dan Black strikes out swinging.

 

Luis Jimenez 0-for-4, just 7-for-his-last-43, now with six errors in limited time at third base.

 

Elian Herrera, DH'ing here, had a strong game -- 2-for-3, double, walk, run scored.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Score

 

Hector Gomez, playing second base, singled and walked in four trips to the plate in his team's 3-0 loss.

 

On the winning side, 1B Hunter Morris was 0-for-3 (two K's) before being subbed out after seven innings.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Box Score

 

Although his club lost 4-2, SS Yadiel Rivera did his part, 2-for-3 (double, walk, RBI, run). Toss in a throwing error as well...

 

***

 

Puerto Rico Box Score

 

Martin Maldonado, playing first base, 1-for-4 (run, K), as his team cruised 8-2.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Box Score

 

New 40-man roster SS Yadiel Rivera was the lone Brewers rep in the PWL All-Star Game.

 

Coming in as a sub at third base, he was 0-for-3 (two K's), but it looks like he enjoyed his time there via his Twitter feed.

 

Shades of Miller Park! Game ended in a tie 3-3 after ten innings.

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box Score

 

SS Orlando Arcia continued an extended slow period with an 0-for-4 night (caught stealing after reaching on a forceout, only the 2nd SB attempt of his winter; 31-for-42 in the 2014 regular season).

 

Arcia's OPS is still impressive at .814, but he's now up to 666 2014 AB's.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Score

 

Hey, we're liking this Wirfin Obispo dude!

 

Licey Bottom of the 8th

 

Pitching Change: Wirfin Obispo replaces Waldis Joaquin.

Todd Cunningham singles on a bunt ground ball to second baseman Gustavo Nunez.

Anderson Hernandez called out on strikes.

Diory Hernandez flies out to right fielder Jordany Valdespin.

Juan Francisco strikes out swinging.

 

Obispo's teammates Elian Herrera (DH) and Luis Jimenez (3B) each were 0-for-4 in their team's 3-0 win, although Herrera did walk once.

 

Jimenez now at .231 (11 walks, ten XBH's) after 117 winter AB's.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Score

 

Hector Gomez, playing second base (one throwing error), was 1-for-4 in his team's 5-1 loss.

[Mass Haas]

Here are your winter regular season end dates --

 

Mexico - 12/29

 

Domincian Republic - 12/21

 

Venezuela - 12/30

 

Puerto Rico - 12/30

 

But remember, then you have these crazy round-robin style tournament postseasons that most, but not all, of the teams qualify for. For instance, the postseason in Puerto Rico doesn't end until 1/28, a month after the "regular season" ends.

 

League champs qualify for the Caribbean World Series, during the week of 2/2 through 2/8.

[Mass Haas]

Mexico Box Score

 

RHP Manny Barreda closed out an 8-0 win --

 

Mazatlan Top of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Manny Barreda replaces Arturo Barradas.

Ricardo Alvarez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Ronnier Mustelier.

Doug Clark grounds into a double play, second baseman Oscar Robles to shortstop Ramiro Pena to first baseman Mario Valdez. Ricardo Alvarez out at 2nd.

Paul Leon flies out to center fielder Daniel Hinojosa.

[Mass Haas]

He hasn't been in Venezuela for weeks, but Tim Dillard's recent recollections of the game atmosphere there are enlightening.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Score

 

SS Orlando Arcia 0-for-4 with three K's.

 

Arcia is now just 7-for-40 (all singles) in his last ten games, 670 total AB's in 2014.

 

***

 

This tweet (translated) from a Venezuela journalist seems to indicate the Caribes management knows they will need to hold Arcia back to have the Brewers allow to keep him active --

 

"Continuing what he said the idea is to prevent #Brewers decide to stop the prospect Arcia but give it time."

 

Pedro Mena, sports manager #Caribes, applauds the idea of rest for two days straight to Orlando Arcia ...

 

Mena: "Orlando (Arcia) has played too much, remember that it is an important prospect and we can send stop" ...

 

Mena: "We do not want Orlando plays longer than necessary, and the Mariners stopped us on (RHP Mayckol) Guaipe. Can you imagine if we call for us to stop at Arcia?" ...

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Score

 

With an 0-for-5 night dropping his average to .221, 3B Luis Jimenez remains in a horrendous slump, 6-for-44 (.136, three walks in that span).

 

Teammate Elian Herrera was 1-for-5 as the DH in his team's 3-2 11-inning loss and this happened, opposite of good --

 

Estrellas Top of the 3rd

 

Elian Herrera singles on a line drive to center fielder Jeremias Pineda.

Junior Lake walks. Elian Herrera to 2nd.

Luis Jimenez grounds into a double play, second baseman Leury Garcia to shortstop Ketel Marte to first baseman Oscar Tejeda. Elian Herrera to 3rd. Junior Lake out at 2nd.

With Jordany Valdespin batting, Webster Rivas picks off Elian Herrera at 3rd on throw to Hanser Alberto.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Score

 

1B Hunter Morris 0-for-3 in a 3-1 loss. He's 5-for-22 (.227, all singles, no walks, seven K's).

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Score

 

Hector Gomez, playing third base, doubled and walked (run, RBI) in his team's 7-3 win.

[Mass Haas]

Winter League related tweets from the Winter Meetings --

 

McCalvy - #Brewers have let SS prospect Orlando Arcia play deep into winter ball bc "we think playing against the advanced level is good for him," Melvin said

 

Haudricourt - Doug Melvin said Carlos Baerga told him #Brewers prospect Jorge Lopez is best pitcher in Puerto Rican Winter League. 1.73 ERA in 6 starts.

 

Haudricourt - #Brewers GM Doug Melvin on Luis Jimenez: "We hope he turns out to be a good waiver claim like Casey McGehee was."

 

***

 

Apparently there are trades in winter ball, and two new members of the Brewers' 40-man roster, C Juan Centeno and SS Yadiel Rivera, were traded for each other as part of a six-player deal (tweet).