Your 2015 Dominican Summer League Brewers

[Mass Haas]

Originally posted in March --

 

21-year-old Yunior Santana (career numbers) has been an outfielder in the Brewers' system for three years (two in the Dominican Summer League, one stateside in Maryvale). Coming off a .495 OPS last summer (but with 16 steals in 19 attempts), the decision has been made to convert Santana to a pitcher, and that transition looks like it will begin back in the Dominican Republic this summer.

 

Should be noted that Santana is no longer 6'3", 210 but a hefty mound presence at 6'4", 241.

[Mass Haas]

Finally, there is one pending signee, awaiting MLB paperwork approval -- RHP Joel Pinto is 6'3", 180, 18 years old out of Venezuela, so we may see him debut later in the DSL season.

 

This signing has been approved, so we may see Pinto in a box score at any time. His full name is "Maiker Joel Pinto", so box scores will list him as "Maiker", but should he advance in the system, we'll probably be reading about "Joel" once he's in Helena, for instance.

[Mass Haas]

With only two healthy catchers on the DSL roster, Brewers have gone out and signed another "veteran", this one 22-year-old (23 in July) switch-hitter Sandy Martinez, who was released by the Angels last November.

 

Martinez played two seasons in the DSL, one in Arizona Rookie, then saw action in 44 Midwest League games with Burlington in 2013. So he either was injured for all of 2014 or was idle for another unknown reason.

 

PHOTO: Via Four Seam Images

 

Photo (along with Chris Mehring's wit) in this Rattler Radio Blog Entry of May 20th, 2013.

 

http://mlblogsrattlerradio.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/may-20-2013-003.jpg?w=555&h=416

 

Sandy Martinez waits for the ball and Adam Giacalone at the plate after the single by Alfredo Rodriguez. The ball would get there first. By a lot.

[rarjake]

when is gilbert lara expected to make his debut in the DSL? Been waiting a bit for him. Also excited about seeing Diplan the sp we got in the gallardo trade pitch

[Mass Haas]

when is gilbert lara expected to make his debut in the DSL? Been waiting a bit for him. Also excited about seeing Diplan the sp we got in the gallardo trade pitch

 

Both will begin play with one of the two rookie teams, guessing perhaps Helena for both. We'll see. Neither will be in the DSL.

[rarjake]

ah wow, is that normal for a guy like gilbert lara? to never be in the DSL?

Helena if i remember right starts up in August, along with the other draft picks. I guess i have to wait anther few months to see how they are going.

[miggs721]

Helena starts june 18

[rarjake]

haha i am way way way out of the loop. Thank you.

[Mass Haas]

Hat tip to Nicholas from Disciples of Uecker who retweeted a link to this video:

 

VIDEO (nine minutes) : The Education Crisis Crippling Dominican Baseball Players

[Mass Haas]

In what must be a first, we link to an interview with a member of the Dominican Summer League Brewers. Not sure how you pulled it off, Brad, but kudos to our Link Reporter.

 

Brad's fine website:

 

Miller Park Prospects -- Profile: Franly Mallen

[Mass Haas]

Via the MLB Tribune, a fascinating look at the Dominican players' introduction to pro ball via the Blue Jays' Jose Bautista

[Mass Haas]

Reviewing the Brew -- DSL Brewers Wrap-Up

[And That]

Picture of the 2015 DSL squad from before the season (I believe).

 

If you can pick out any individual players, you're doing better than me.

[Mass Haas]

Miller Park Prospects - 2015 DSL Brewers Season Review

[Mass Haas]

A fine read (not quite through it myself), but one has to set aside some time for this one.

 

Inside baseball in the Dominican Republic