2014 Arizona Fall League / Caribbean Winter League Thread

[Mass Haas]

Here's Maldy last night, umpire brought to you by Hertz --

 

[pete]

Those highlights make me wish I'd learned Spanish.

 

Mass, you are the Columbo of minor league info. Hey, you don't smoke cigars, drive an old Peugot, have a Basset Hound and wear an old raincoat do you?

[Mass Haas]

Here's where we stand with Brewers still playing in the four Caribbean Leagues -- the four league champions will battle it out in the Caribbean World Series in San Juan, Puerto Rico starting February 2nd, televised on ESPN Desportes.

 

Puerto Rico: Congrats to SS Yadiel Rivera's Santurce team, they have locked up a spot in the best-of-seven league finals that start Tuesday. Their opponent will be determined Sunday, as Martin Maldonado's Mayaguez team is in a do-or-die round-robin game. If Maldonado's team wins Sunday, then one Brewer is guaranteed to be in the Caribbean World Series (CWS). If Maldy's team loses Sunday, then only Rivera remains with a chance from Puerto Rico.

 

Note: RHP Jorge Lopez had a stellar early winter for Mayaguez, but his season wrapped up December 4th after six starts. Young OF Omar Garcia saw light activity with Rivera's club, but similarly his season is done now.

 

Dominican Republic: The best-of-nine DWL finals are underway, and there will be Brewer representation on the D.R. team that reaches the CWS.

 

SS Jean Segura and Game One starter LHP Nick Additon are on the Gigantes squad, while infielders Elian Herrera and Luis Jimenez and RHP Wirfin Obispo are on Estrellas, which holds a 1-0 game lead in the series.

 

Mexico: The best-of-seven league semifinals are underway, and RH reliever Manny Barreda's Tomateros team is down three games to two, needing to win their next two games to advance to the league finals, also a best-of-seven.

 

Venezuela: The Venezuela round-robin continues through the 22nd, and the winner of the round-robin apparently takes the league title. SS Orlando Arcia's Caribes team currently is 9-3 and has a one-game lead. The Zulia team of RHP's Tim Dillard and Gian Rizzo has work to do, currently 5-7.

 

***

 

It's quite possible each country will have a Brewer representing in the CWS.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Box Score

 

Batting 3rd (!), Martin Maldonado was 0-for-4 at the plate but guided his pitchers to a 1-0 win. No one attempted a stolen base against Maldy.

 

His Mayaguez team now will take on Yadiel Rivera's Santurce club in a best-of-seven for the Puerto Rico League Championship and a spot in the four-team Caribbean World Series to be hosted in their home country (San Juan).

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Score

 

RHP Wirfin Obispo with another perfect inning in a 7-3 win.

 

Gigantes Bottom of the 8th

 

Pitching Change: Wirfin Obispo replaces Luis Garcia.

Carlos Peguero strikes out swinging.

Jean Segura flies out to right fielder Jordany Valdespin in foul territory.

Moises Sierra grounds out softly, third baseman Audy Ciriaco to first baseman Mike Bianucci.

 

Obispo's teammates Luis Jimenez and Elian Herrera (recent stitches on/near knee) were off today.

 

Jean Segura's day -- 0-for-3 with a walk as his team trails 2-0 in the best-of-nine series. He's 1-for-his-last-13 with an HBP and two walks, but is still hitting .313 in 18 games.

 

Flied out to right field in foul territory

Walked

Struck out swinging

Flied out to right field in foul territory

 

The "Segura Tracker"

[TooLiveBrew]

Those highlights make me wish I'd learned Spanish.

 

Mass, you are the Columbo of minor league info. Hey, you don't smoke cigars, drive an old Peugot, have a Basset Hound and wear an old raincoat do you?

... Just one more question...

[jerichoholicninja]

Martin Maldonado singles on a line drive to right fielder Peter Lavin. Jesmuel Valentin scores. Luis Montanez to 3rd. Daniel Ortiz to 2nd.

 

Here's the walkoff at-bat -- love how Maldonado makes his teammates chase him deep into center field for the walkoff celebration!

 

 

Such an unclassy move. I'd love to him do that against the Cardinals.

[TooLiveBrew]

Martin Maldonado singles on a line drive to right fielder Peter Lavin. Jesmuel Valentin scores. Luis Montanez to 3rd. Daniel Ortiz to 2nd.

 

Here's the walkoff at-bat -- love how Maldonado makes his teammates chase him deep into center field for the walkoff celebration!

 

 

Such an unclassy move. I'd love to him do that against the Cardinals.

That right there is the stuff dreams are made of. That would be so unbelievably hilarious.

[Mass Haas]

Mexico Box Score

 

Great night for RHP Manny Barreda - his Culiacan squad walked off an 11-inning Game Seven series-clinching 9-8 win, and advances to the finals of the Mexican league playoffs.

 

Not only that, but Barreda, who has been with his club from the start, going back to October, contributed in a dominant manner --

 

Mexicali Top of the 5th

 

Chris Roberson doubles (3) on a line drive to left fielder Maxwell Leon.

Walter Ibarra strikes out swinging, catcher Ali Solis to first baseman Joey Meneses.

Pitching Change: Jorge Reyes replaces Hector Daniel Rodriguez.

Gil Velazquez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Maxwell Leon. Chris Roberson to 3rd.

Dave Sappelt homers (2) on a fly ball to left field. Chris Roberson scores. Gil Velazquez scores.

Humberto Cota called out on strikes.

Luis Juarez walks.

Pitching Change: Manny Barreda replaces Jorge Reyes.

John Lindsey pops out to catcher Ali Solis.

 

Mexicali Top of the 6th

 

Ricardo Serrano strikes out swinging.

Josh Whitesell strikes out swinging.

Chris Roberson strikes out swinging.

 

Barreda has two teammates of note - former Brewer Eric Farris has had a fine winter season, and yes, Russell the Muscle was 3-for-5 last night.

 

The best-of-seven finals begins Wednesday.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Score

 

Just added this to our "Segura Tracker"

 

Game nineteen 01/19 --

 

Singled on a sharp ground ball to center field

Grounded out to second base

Grounded out to shortstop

Grounded out to shortstop

Doubled on a line drive to left field, driving in a run

 

Jean Segura's team grabbed a much-needed 4-0 win, and thus trail in the best-of-nine Dominican Championship Series two games to one.

 

On the other side of the ledger, Elian Herrera remained sidelined (knee, stitches). Luis Jimenez was 0-for-3, and again flashed the leather at his secondary position of first base. Only a right-handed first baseman makes this play.

 

LINK to VIDEO

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box Score

 

SS Orlando Arcia singled on a ground ball to left in a 1-for-4 night. He scored one run, drove in another.

 

Surely a countryman he looks up to, Alcides Escobar, was playing the same position for his opponent.

 

Arcia's team has already qualified for the Venezuelan League Championship Series, which begins this weekend. So has it's opponent, but the league is continuing with round-robin play this week regardless. Escobar's team did not qualify.

 

And yes, Venezuelan media is abuzz now that two of their own, Arcia and Luis Sardinas, will be teammates and/or competing for status in the Brewers' chain of shortstops.

 

Ironically, Arcia's team defeated the team Sardinas played for this winter, in this game. Sardinas got in 137 at-bats in the Venezuelan Winter Regular Season, and posted a .647 OPS as seen here.

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box Score

 

RHP Tim Dillard struck out the only man he faced, stranding two baserunners --

 

Magallanes Top of the 7th

 

Mario Lisson strikes out swinging.

Frank Diaz doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Ali Castillo.

Ezequiel Carrera called out on strikes.

Carlos Maldonado walks.

Pitching Change: Tim Dillard replaces Alex Torres.

Elio Castillo strikes out swinging.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Score

 

The best-of-nine Dominican Championship Series is now tied at two games apiece. Jean Segura's team won 5-3, but it was a quiet night for Jean, this added to the "Segura Tracker" --

 

Game twenty 01/20 --

 

Struck out swinging

Flied out to right field

Popped out to second base

Flied out to right field

 

Both Elian Herrera and Luis Jimenez were on the sideline for the losing Estrellas team.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Box Score

 

Even after his team scored seven runs in the 2nd inning of an 8-2 win, workhorse catcher Martin Maldonado played the entire game behind the plate. Maldonado was 1-for-2 with two walks, scoring a run and driving in one. His Mayaguez team now leads the Puerto Rico Championship Series one game to none.

 

Yadiel Rivera did not play for Santuce, as the Cubs' Javier Baez played SS (0-for-4, three K's).

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box Score

 

SS Orlando Arcia batted leadoff, but it was an 0-for-4 night in his team's 3-1 loss. Arcia's team has already qualified for the Venezuela League Championship Series which begins this weekend.

 

F-7, 5-4-3 GIDP, 4-3 groundout, 1-3 groundout

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Score

 

SS Jean Segura, batting 5th, is hanging on to his .300 batting average through 21 games (1-for-4, 1 K Wednesday night).

 

Just added this to our "Segura Tracker"

 

Game twenty-one 01/21 --

 

Struck out swinging

Grounded out to second base

Singled on a ground ball to left field

Lined out sharply to first base

 

Segura's team won 3-1 for their third straight win in the best-of-nine Dominican Championship Series.

 

On the other side of the box score, second baseman Elian Herrera (stitches, knee) returned to action. He was 0-for-3 (walk, two K's). Luis Jimenez was idle, there have been Spanish tweets voicing some disappointment in him not being in the lineup.

 

And we finally saw a letdown after we built RH reliever Wirfin Obispo up to legend status --

 

Gigantes Top of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Wirfin Obispo replaces Waldis Joaquin.

Carlos Paulino doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Michael Martinez.

Mel Rojas out on a sacrifice bunt, catcher Wilkin Castillo to second baseman Elian Herrera. Carlos Paulino to 3rd.

Leury Garcia singles on a soft line drive to left fielder Michael Martinez. Carlos Paulino scores.

Alexi Casilla doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Jordany Valdespin. Leury Garcia scores.

Maikel Franco singles on a line drive to left fielder Michael Martinez. Alexi Casilla to 3rd.

Pitching Change: Pat McCoy replaces Wirfin Obispo.

Carlos Peguero grounds into a double play, shortstop Gustavo Nunez to first baseman Alex Valdez. Maikel Franco out at 2nd.

 

Herrera almost makes the play here -- video link.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Box Score

 

This is the 6th time catcher Martin Maldonado has taken part in the Puerto Rico League Finals, wow.

 

In this Game Two of the Finals, however, it was young Yadiel Rivera who was the hero of an epic 14-inning 3-2 win that evened the best-of-seven with Maldonado's team at one game apiece.

 

Rivera didn't enter the game until the 11th as a pinch-hitter (struck out).

 

But Twitter was raving about this play Rivera made at third base (hope we get video later) --

 

Mayaguez Top of the 14th

 

T. J. Rivera singles on a ground ball to center fielder Reymond Fuentes.

Randy Ruiz grounds into a double play, third baseman Yadiel Rivera to second baseman Robert Andino to first baseman Ruben Gotay. T. J. Rivera out at 2nd.

Daniel Ortiz flies out to center fielder Reymond Fuentes.

 

Then, in the next half-inning, Rivera led off with a single and eventually scored the winning run.

 

Santurce Bottom of the 14th

 

Ruben Gotay pops out to shortstop Ozzie Martinez.

Yadiel Rivera singles on a ground ball to third baseman Luis Figueroa.

Rene Rivera singles on a ground ball to right fielder Luis Montanez. Yadiel Rivera to 3rd.

Pitching Change: Alex Burgos replaces Tyler Herron.

Reymond Fuentes strikes out swinging. Rene Rivera steals (1) 2nd base.

Alex Burgos intentionally walks Javier Baez.

Pitching Change: Freddie Cabrera replaces Alex Burgos.

Robert Andino walks. Yadiel Rivera scores. Rene Rivera to 3rd. Javier Baez to 2nd.

 

Here's the "exciting" walkoff walk video.

 

Maldonado finished 1-for-5, one K.

[Mass Haas]

Mexico Box Score

 

In the first game of the Mexican Winter League best-of-seven finals, the Culiacan team of fireballing RH reliever Manny Barreda jumped out to an 11-2 lead after five innings, and then held on for an 11-8 win.

 

Barreda, coming off a fantastic outing last time out, topped himself Wednesday with this lights-out stint --

 

Jalisco Bottom of the 7th

 

Jesus Lopez doubles (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Rico Noel.

Pitching Change: Jose Meraz replaces Francisco Campos.

Eduardo Arredondo lines out to right fielder Eric Farris. Jesus Lopez to 3rd.

Jose Manuel Rodriguez doubles (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Rico Noel. Jesus Lopez scores.

Leo Heras reaches on a fielder's choice out, pitcher Jose Meraz unassisted. Jose Manuel Rodriguez out at 3rd.

Pitching Change: Manny Barreda replaces Jose Meraz.

C. J. Retherford strikes out swinging.

 

Jalisco Bottom of the 8th

 

Japhet Amador strikes out swinging.

Jon Weber strikes out swinging.

Marquez Smith strikes out swinging.

 

For those keeping track, Barreda has now struck out the last seven men he's faced, all swinging.

 

Wow.

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box Score

 

The only Brewer in action Monday was RHP Tim Dillard, who completed his winter stint --

 

Magallanes Bottom of the 5th

 

Pitching Change: Tim Dillard replaces Marcos Tabata.

Luis Nunez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Luis Ugueto.

With Henry Alejandro Rodriguez batting, Luis Nunez caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Carlos Perez to shortstop Erick Salcedo.

Henry Alejandro Rodriguez pops out to second baseman Reegie Corona.

Adonis Garcia flies out to left fielder Luis Ugueto.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Box Score

 

Martin Maldonado's club took a 2-1 series lead in the best-of-seven finals with a 2-0 victory.

 

Maldonado had an excellent game, doubling twice in three at-bats, both scoring and driving in a run, while guiding his pitchers to the shutout, and gunning down Javier Baez on his only stolen base attempt against.

 

For the losing Santurce squad, Yadiel Rivera struck out as an 8th inning pinch-hitter and entered the game at third base.

 

***

 

Dominican Box Score

 

With its 4th straight win, Jean Segura's Gigantes team is now just one victory away from taking the best-of-nine Dominican Championship.

 

"Segura Tracker" -

 

Game twenty-two 01/23 --

 

Singled on a soft line drive to right field

Grounded out to shortstop

Grounded out to shortstop

 

Segura did commit his 6th error (no harm in the 1-0 win).

 

On the other side, 1B Luis Jimenez (0-for-3, walk) and SS Elian Herrera (0-for-3, three K's, error) couldn't snap their club's skid.

 

Here's video of the Herrera error (it did not lead to a run).

 

More Herrera video - no error here, but a fun bobble.

 

So how did the only run score for Segura's team? It was a 6th inning Carlos Peguero HR, linked here for the fun of the announcer call and the batboy celebratory handshake:

 

[Mass Haas]

In that Puerto Rico game, Javier Baez also accidentally clipped Martin Maldonado with his bat. Fortunately, Maldy remained in the game.

 

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Box Score

 

The LCS is tied at two games apiece.

 

Martin Maldonado (they'll need the Jaws of Life to extricate him from this starting lineup) was 1-for-3 with one K in a 6-0 loss. Maldy was lifted for a pinch-hitter late to get a brief break in the non-competitive contest. He threw out one of three basestealers.

 

For the winning Santurce team, Yadiel Rivera was a late defensive replacement.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Score

 

Luis "Lucho" Jimenez gave his team an early 1-0 lead with this:

 

 

Along with teammate Elian Herrera, his Estrellas ("Stars") team held on for a 2-1 victory, breaking a four-game losing streak and moving their deficit in the best-of-nine LCS to four games to three.

 

Herrera, batting 2nd and playing second base, was 1-for-3 with a sacrifice bunt. Jimenez' lone hit in three AB's was the big HR. He played first base and batted 7th.

 

Also contributing to the win was RH reliever Wirfin Obispo --

 

Gigantes Top of the 8th

 

Pitching Change: Wirfin Obispo replaces Edgar Garcia.

Carlos Paulino strikes out swinging.

Mel Rojas pops out to shortstop Gustavo Nunez.

Leury Garcia strikes out swinging.

 

For the losing Gigantes club, Jean Segura did his best in the low-scoring game:

 

Singled on a soft pop-up to second base

Popped out foul to first base

Doubled on a line drive to left field, driving in a run

Grounded out to second base

[Mass Haas]

Elsewhere, although he wasn't needed, RH reliever Manny Barreda's team won 4-2 to take a 2-1 game lead in the best-of-seven Mexico League Championship Series.

 

***

 

SS Orlando Arcia did not play as his Venezuelan Caribes squad won the opener in the best-of-seven LCS by a 6-0 score. Based on some Spanish tweets, Arcia's time with the club may have finally come to a close, though it may be too early to say for sure.

[Mass Haas]

Please review the last several tweets on my timeline for the latest -- we'll get back to detailed updates here shortly.

 

As for Tuesday night, follow along here --

 

Puerto Rico

 

Venezuela