2014 Arizona Fall League / Caribbean Winter League Thread

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box Score

 

Congratulations to the brothers Arcia! (Twitter photos)

 

The Twins' big league OF Oswaldo and the Brewers young gun shortstop Orlando are on their way to Puerto Rico, representing Venezuela in the Caribbean World Series. Their Caribes team took the best-of-seven, four games to one.

 

Orlando was 0-for-2 with a sacrifice bunt and a stolen base before being lifted for a pinch-hitter (Alexi Amarista) in a key 7th inning.

 

It is true that Orlando Arcia's playing time has been cut back in recent weeks, as his club feared the Brewers could end his winter at any time. However, via Twitter, last evening, it was confirmed that the Brewers have given permission for the 20-year-old to participate on the grand stage in the CWS.

 

When Arcia takes part next week, it'll be his 11th month of baseball in 12 (September off), going back to last spring training.

 

By the way, RHP Chris Leroux, recently signed to a minor league deal by the Crew, was the starting pitcher for the losing club here (4 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 5 K, 1 WP). Leroux split his time between the Dominican and Venezuelan Leagues this winter, his numbers are at the link.

 

We'll update folks about the Caribbean World Series schedule (starting Monday February 2nd), including the ESPN Desportes TV schedule, in the coming days.

 

If there's an SAP button for Spanish, does it work in reverse?

 

Brewers in the CWS (not a lock each player is in uniform for the tournament):

 

Dominican Republic (Gigantes del Cibao) -- SS Jean Segura, LHP Nick Additon

 

Puerto Rico (Cangrejeros de Santurce) -- SS/3B Yadiel Rivera, OF Omar Garcia

 

Mexico (Tomateros de Culiacan) -- RHP Manny Barreda

 

Venezuela (Caribes de Anzoátegui) -- SS Orlando Arcia

 

Additon hasn't pitched since his Game One start in the Dominican Championship Series.

 

Garcia saw limited action through November 29th, the young Timber Rattler will get a ring out of his league championship, at minimum.

[JohnBriggs12]

Arcia's development is being accelerated by playing. They can rest him when he gets to Arizona.

[Mass Haas]

Good MLB.com article for background on the Caribbean Series

 

***

 

Schedule (starts Mon. 2/2) - ESPN Desportes for TV

[Eye Black]

Good luck to alumnus Zelous in Japan.

Zelous was introduced by the Rakuten Eagles in a press conference yesterday with a very peculiar welcome from his new team's twitter account (full story here):

 

Rakuten__Eagles: #40 Wheeler's press conference. Is he Mr. Potato Head or Genie from Aladdin!?? #rakuteneagles #mlb #mlbjp

[TheCrew07]

Arcia's development is being accelerated by playing. They can rest him when he gets to Arizona.

 

Right, because the Brewers will give him a month off of spring training?

 

Furthermore, I have serious doubts that his development is being accelerated. He faces his first big jump in talent for 2015 and I'd rather have him rested than messing around in meaningless winter league games (as far as I'm concerned).

[Noche]

Arcia's development is being accelerated by playing. They can rest him when he gets to Arizona.

 

Right, because the Brewers will give him a month off of spring training?

 

Furthermore, I have serious doubts that his development is being accelerated. He faces his first big jump in talent for 2015 and I'd rather have him rested than messing around in meaningless winter league games (as far as I'm concerned).

 

I bet Orlando would disagree with the these games being "meaningless". And hopefully that kind of player friendly stuff is important to the Brewers. These are real live people after all.

 

From a development standpoint, these are high stakes games with plenty of big league talent sprinkled amongst the rosters. Additionally, these games can be a major marketing tool and relationship builder within those communities for the Brewers. I have zero problem with any of our prospects playing more baseball. That goes double if it leads to the a Brewers signing the next Gilbert Lara or Marcus Diplan.

 

My last quibble, the kid went from the DSL to the MWL in one jump as an 18 year old. That is very significant and he did it after missing a year.

[Mass Haas]

The Caribbean World Series opened Monday -- Mexico defeated the Cuban squad, 2-1 (Brewer RH reliever Manny Barreda didn't see action for the winners).

 

In the nightcap, in front of 11,000 in the host country of Puerto Rico (San Juan), Venezuela knocked off Puerto Rico, 5-2.

 

For Venezuela, SS Orlando Arcia was a late addition to the starting lineup, he was 0-for-4 with two K's, but was part of turning two double plays on defense.

 

For Puerto Rico, RHP Hiram Burgos was effective in a relief stint --

 

Venezuela Top of the 6th

 

Pitching Change: Hiram Burgos replaces Nelvin Fuentes.

Oscar Salazar pops out to second baseman Robert Andino.

Orlando Arcia strikes out on a foul tip.

Gorkys Hernandez pops out to first baseman Ruben Gotay.

 

Venezuela Top of the 7th

 

Jose Gil strikes out swinging.

Niuman Romero walks.

Pitching Change: Juan Romero replaces Hiram Burgos.

Ehire Adrianza grounds into a double play, second baseman Robert Andino to shortstop Osvaldo Martinez to first baseman Ruben Gotay. Niuman Romero out at 2nd.

 

Thanks to young Brewers farmhand OF Omar Garcia, we can see that Arcia foul tip K vs. Burgos here.

 

One thing that's puzzling, worth noting, is that all winter, Hiram Burgos pitched on Mayaguez, the same Puerto Rican League team of Martin Maldonado, but is on the Santurce roster competing in the CWS.

 

By the way, SS Yadiel Rivera did not see the field for Santurce Monday night.

 

On Tuesday, it's Cuba vs. the Dominican Republic in the matinee, and Puerto Rico vs. Mexico in the nightcap (both on ESPN Desportes), 11:05 AM / 5:30 PM Central Time starts.

[Mass Haas]

One thing that's puzzling, worth noting, is that all winter, Hiram Burgos pitched on Mayaguez, the same Puerto Rican League team of Martin Maldonado, but is on the Santurce roster competing in the CWS.

 

And although their respective teams did not win the Dominican title, Luis Jimenez and Elian Herrera are starting today for the D.R., and Hector Gomez is on their bench.

 

Meanwhile, Jean Segura, whose club did win, is not on the Caribbean Series roster.

 

Which all means I won't even mention anything but raw stats in next winter's updates .

[Mass Haas]

Here's MiLB.com's home page for the Caribbean Series (standings, box scores, schedule, etc.).

 

What a disappointing 0-3 run for host country Puerto Rico.

 

In the top of the 9th of a 2-2 game vs. Cuba, Yadiel Rivera struck out swinging with the bases loadeded to end the frame. Cuba won it in the 10th, 3-2.

 

***

 

This was the fateful 9th as the Domincan Republic lost to Venezuela, 6-5.

 

Dom. Rep. Top of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Pedro Rodriguez replaces Hassan Pena.

Luis Jimenez strikes out swinging.

Elian Herrera grounds out, second baseman Alexi Amarista to first baseman Niuman Romero.

Hector Gomez strikes out swinging.

 

To be fair, Gomez singled twice earlier, Herrera walked and had a sacrifice fly, and Jimenez was 1-for-5 with an RBI (box).

[Mass Haas]

 

That's Elian Herrera after his walkoff fly ball over the center fielder gave the Dominican Republic a 3-2 win over Mexico Thursday night.

 

 

Box Score

 

The D.R. trailed 2-0, but scored one run in the 8th and two in the 9th for the win. Late entrant Hector Gomez contributed in both rallies --

 

Dom. Rep. Bottom of the 8th

 

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Hector Gomez replaces Yefri Perez.

Pitching Change: Jesus Castillo replaces Carlos Vazquez.

Hector Gomez walks.

Maikel Franco reaches on a fielding error by third baseman Marquez Smith. Hector Gomez to 2nd.

Audy Ciriaco hits a sacrifice bunt. Fielding error by pitcher Jesus Castillo. Hector Gomez to 3rd. Maikel Franco to 2nd. Audy Ciriaco to 1st.

With Elian Herrera batting, wild pitch by Jesus Castillo, Hector Gomez scores. Maikel Franco to 3rd. Audy Ciriaco to 2nd.

Elian Herrera called out on strikes, catcher Ali Solis to first baseman Joey Meneses.

Willy Garcia called out on strikes.

Pitching Change: Gary Majewski replaces Jesus Castillo.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Luis Jimenez replaces Robinzon Diaz.

Luis Jimenez grounds out, second baseman Jose Manuel Rodriguez to first baseman Joey Meneses.

 

Dom. Rep. Bottom of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Oscar Villarreal replaces Gary Majewski.

Carlos Paulino singles on a line drive to right fielder Dave Sappelt.

Jonathan Villar out on a sacrifice bunt, third baseman Jose Manuel Rodriguez to second baseman Eric Farris. Carlos Paulino to 2nd.

Leury Garcia singles on a line drive to left fielder Maxwell Leon. Carlos Paulino scores.

Hector Gomez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Rico Noel. Leury Garcia to 3rd.

Maikel Franco strikes out swinging. Hector Gomez steals (1) 2nd base.

Audy Ciriaco walks.

Pitching Change: Jay Jackson replaces Oscar Villarreal.

Elian Herrera singles on a line drive to center fielder Rico Noel. Leury Garcia scores. Hector Gomez to 3rd. Audy Ciriaco to 2nd.

 

Herrera's big hit came off late-season 2014 Brewer pickup RHP Jay Jackson, who recently signed with the Padres.

 

You'll notice former Brewers Eric Farris and Russell Branyan on Team Mexico.

[Mass Haas]

Earlier Thursday, Venezuela remained undefeated at 3-0, defeating Cuba 6-2.

 

Box Score

 

SS Orlando Arcia was 1-for-5 (R, RBI, and this stolen base --)

 

[Mass Haas]

So here's how the rest of the Caribbean Series works out --

 

Venezuela 3 0 1.000 -

Dom. Rep. 2 1 .667 -

Mexico 2 1 .667 -

Cuba 1 3 .250 -

Puerto Rico 0 3 .000

 

The host country Puerto Rico was eliminated when Elian Herrera gave the D.R. the walkoff win.

 

Friday's games (Mexico - Venezuela and Dominican - Puerto Rico) are for positioning only.

 

The #1 seed will face Cuba on Saturday while #2 plays #3.

 

Then on Sunday, the winners meet for the championship game (5:30 CT - ESPN Desportes).

[Mass Haas]

The #1 seed will face Cuba on Saturday while #2 plays #3.

 

Then on Sunday, the winners meet for the championship game (5:30 CT - ESPN Desportes).

 

Based on Friday's games we now know that --

 

Undefeated Venezuela (4-0) hosts Cuba (1-3) Saturday night.

 

Dominican Republic (2-2) hosts Mexico (2-2) Saturday afternoon.

 

Box Score

 

Venezuela defeated Mexico, 4-2.

 

We've been waiting for RHP Manny Barreda to make his Series debut, after one scoreless inning, he was touched up for the loss in the 8th.

 

Venezuela Bottom of the 7th

 

Pitching Change: Manny Barreda replaces Carlos Vazquez.

Jesus Flores pops out to first baseman Marquez Smith in foul territory.

Tomas Perez walks.

Gorkys Hernandez walks. Tomas Perez to 2nd.

Orlando Arcia pops out to second baseman Eric Farris on the infield fly rule.

Alexi Amarista flies out to center fielder Rico Noel.

 

Venezuela Bottom of the 8th

 

Balbino Fuenmayor singles on a ground ball to center fielder Rico Noel.

Felix Perez flies out to center fielder Rico Noel.

With Jose Castillo batting, wild pitch by Manny Barreda, Balbino Fuenmayor to 2nd.

Jose Castillo strikes out swinging.

Oswaldo Arcia homers (1) on a fly ball to right center field. Balbino Fuenmayor scores.

Jesus Flores grounds out softly, pitcher Manny Barreda to first baseman Marquez Smith.

 

For the victors, SS Orlando Arcia was 1-for-4, run scored (batted 2nd).

 

***

 

Box Score

 

Host country Puerto Rico, already eliminated pre-game, at least got to enjoy a walkoff 3-2 win over the D.R. here.

 

Something to watch Saturday - Hector Gomez missed the game with a sore left shoulder.

 

The D.R. was so short-handed in this game that Luis Jimenez started in right field, his first outfield appearance in an eight-year pro career (he caught the one line drive hit his way). Batting cleanup, Jimenez was 0-for-3 (three K's, one BB).

 

Elian Herrera was 1-for-3 (double, sacrifice bunt).

 

For Puerto Rico, SS Yadiel Rivera got the start (0-for-2, sacrifice bunt).

 

RHP Hiram Burgos' winter season ended with a scoreless outing --

 

Dom. Rep. Top of the 7th

 

Audy Ciriaco strikes out swinging.

Luis Jimenez walks.

Pitching Change: J. Romero replaces Jorge Martinez.

Elian Herrera out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher J. C. Romero to first baseman Neftali Soto. Luis Jimenez to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Hiram Burgos replaces J. Romero.

Maikel Franco called out on strikes.

 

Dom. Rep. Top of the 8th

 

Robinzon Diaz grounds out, second baseman Enrique Hernandez to first baseman Neftali Soto.

Francisco Pena grounds out, third baseman Luis Figueroa to first baseman Neftali Soto.

Carlos Paulino singles on a ground ball to center fielder Reymond Fuentes.

Yefri Perez walks. Carlos Paulino to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Pedro Feliciano replaces Hiram Burgos.

Jonathan Villar lines out to left fielder Daniel Ortiz.

[Mass Haas]

Box Score

 

Mexico hangs on to defeat the Dominican Republic 5-4 and moves into Sunday's Championship Game in the Caribbean Series.

 

Nice to see Hector Gomez starting at third base for the D.R. (so certainly any shoulder discomfort is mild), but one of his two errors at the hot corner cost his club badly.

 

Mexico Top of the 2nd

 

Joey Meneses flies out to right fielder Elian Herrera in foul territory.

Russell Branyan walks.

Jose Manuel Rodriguez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Leury Garcia. Russell Branyan to 2nd.

Walter Ibarra singles on a line drive to left fielder Leury Garcia. Russell Branyan to 3rd. Jose Manuel Rodriguez to 2nd.

Oscar Robles reaches on a force attempt, throwing error by third baseman Hector Gomez. Russell Branyan scores. Jose Manuel Rodriguez scores. Walter Ibarra to 3rd. Oscar Robles to 2nd.

Ali Solis out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Leury Garcia. Walter Ibarra scores.

Rico Noel singles on a line drive to left fielder Leury Garcia. Oscar Robles out at home on the throw, left fielder Leury Garcia to catcher Carlos Paulino.

 

Hector Gomez did double in a run in the 8th (also an HBP earlier).

 

Luis Jimenez, who has had a pretty miserable winter, popped out to 3rd as a pinch-hitter in the 9th, with a man on 3rd and one out, down one run. He was pretty much taken to task on Twitter by the emotional D.R. fans.

 

Elian Herrera played both corner OF spots and was 1-for-4.

 

Former Brewers who saw action -- Russell the Muscle, Eric Farris, Jay Jackson (Mexico), Robinzon Diaz, Zach Jackson (D.R.).

 

Mexico (with reliever Manny Barreda) will play in the Caribbean Series Championship Game vs. Saturday night's Cuba - Venezuela (Orlando Arcia) winner.

[Mass Haas]

Box Score

 

Cuba, with only one prior win in the tournament, stunned previously undefeated Venezuela 8-4 (Cuba trailed 4-0 after five innings).

 

Cuba now faces Mexico Sunday for the Caribbean Series championship.

 

For Venezuela, SS Orlando Arcia entered the game in the 6th, just as things slipped away.

 

Frederich Cepeda triples (1) on a line drive to right fielder Felix Perez. Yulieski Gourriel scores. Alfredo Despaigne scores. Frederich Cepeda scores. Throwing error by shortstop Orlando Arcia.

 

Arcia did single on a sharp ground ball to center in the 7th, but was stranded. He was called out on strikes in the 9th.

 

***

 

Enjoy whatever rest you can get pre-spring training, young man. You've been at it since last March, although you have to believe Arcia has benefited quite a bit from the experience.

[Mass Haas]

We'll let Jeff at Reviewing the Brew put a cap on our months-long winter league coverage.

[Outlander]

It kind of amazes me that Jimenez could play that bad for so long. You would think he would get hot at some point.