2015-2016 Winter League Updates

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box 11/17

 

Look who made his winter debut Tuesday -- Mr. Orlando Arcia

 

He singled in four AB's here, scoring one run.

 

Stay healthy, kid, and enjoy the accolades in your homeland.

 

 

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Tuesday 11/17

 

So our mini-break from Hernan Perez updates is over, welcome back!

 

His team is 19-14, but lost 7-2 here. Perez has played in 29 of those 33 games, getting a sizable 110 AB's.

 

He was 1-for-4 (one K) in this one, playing third base.

 

His line is now .264/.308/.464 (.771 OPS), 12 of his 29 hits going for extra bases. Five walks vs. 110 AB's, sigh. He's 4-for-6 in SB attempts.

 

***

 

His Tweet: INF Luis Sardinas about to join in the Venezuelan Winter League fun soon.

 

***

 

Puerto Rico Box Tuesday 11/17

 

Young RHP Joshua Torres made his 2nd appearance of the winter, closing out an 8-2 win

 

Carolina Top of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Joshua Torres replaces Hoby Milner.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Jobduan Morales replaces Jonathan Rodriguez.

Jobduan Morales grounds out to first baseman Kennys Vargas.

Ozzie Martinez grounds out, second baseman Jesmuel Valentin to first baseman Kennys Vargas.

Jan Vazquez walks.

Jesus Feliciano grounds out, shortstop Elmer Reyes to first baseman Kennys Vargas

 

***

 

Dominican Box Tuesday 11/17

 

Domingo Santana with a night off, but teammate Jason Rogers returned to action as the DH, and he singled and walked in four plate appearances (two runs scored, one RBI).

 

***

 

Dominican Box Tuesday 11/17

 

As he promised earlier in the week, Elian Herrera made his winter debut, playing second base, 1-for-4 (double, two K's).

 

[JohnBriggs12]

Santana striking out at an alarming rate early on.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Wednesday 11/18

 

1B Jason Rogers blasted two solo shots in a 10-3 win, and you can watch each below --

 

 

 

Elian Herrera, playing 2B for the losing squad here opposite Rogers' squad, was 0-for-5 with two K's in his second winter game.

 

Rogers' teammate RF Domingo Santana was 1-for-5 (run, two K, SB, error -- 14 K's in 34 AB's).

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Box Wednesday 11/18

 

Congrats to young OF Omar Garcia, it was a 13-5 loss for his team, but he entered his 4th game of the winter but got his first at-bat and made the most of it --

 

Santurce Bottom of the 8th

 

Pitching Change: J. Romero replaces Adam Kolarek.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Christian Vazquez replaces Edgardo Baez.

Christian Vazquez flies out to center fielder Johneshwy Fargas.

Juan Centeno grounds out to first baseman Jonathan Rodriguez.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Omar Garcia replaces Ian Miller.

Omar Garcia doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Dayron Varona.

Ruben Sosa strikes out swinging.

 

Batting 1.000, baby!

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Wednesday 11/18

 

RHP Gian Rizzo pitched briefly in a 6-1 loss --

 

Caracas Top of the 8th

 

Pitching Change: Leonel Campos replaces Alex Torres.

Jesus Aguilar grounds out to first baseman Mike Jacobs.

Henry Urrutia strikes out on a foul tip.

Aguilas del Zulia pitcher Leonel Campos left the game due to an injured leg.

Pitching Change: Gian Rizzo replaces Leonel Campos.

Daniel Mayora walks.

Jesus Guzman singles on a line drive to center fielder Franklin Barreto. Daniel Mayora to 2nd.

Cleuluis Rondon grounds out to first baseman Mike Jacobs.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Wednesday 11/18

 

SS Orlando Arcia's club lost 5-1, and Arcia had a mixed-bag game, 1-for-2 with two walks (one K, one caught stealing, one fielding error).

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Wednesday 11/18

 

Hernan Perez, playing SS and batting 3rd, was 1-for-5, run, SB, K in his club's 13-7 win. His team was up 13-1 after three innings.

 

***

 

By the way, for those calling for the Brewers to sign RHP Jhoulys Chacin, he debuted in fine fashion tonight.

[Mass Haas]

Love this translation --

 

Restriction

 

Despite its great layout, Orlando Arcia is in Extreme Fatigue list by the Commissioner of the majors, so you will have a time constraint to act Caribbean.

 

"I will play until the last game of December. I would continue after that date, but I must talk to my lawyer to see if you can get permission to Milwaukee and thus extend my stay. "

[Mass Haas]

By the way, new Brewer Javier Betancourt is playing winter ball in Venezuela (for Caracas), his last game was the 14th.

 

Eight games thus far, started five of them, an .833 OPS through 20 at-bats.

[JohnBriggs12]

By the way, new Brewer Javier Betancourt is playing winter ball in Venezuela (for Caracas), his last game was the 14th.

 

Eight games thus far, started five of them, an .833 OPS through 20 at-bats.

 

Hoping the Brewer scouts that targeted him are keeping an eye on teammate there Chacin.

[Mass Haas]

By the way, new Brewer Javier Betancourt is playing winter ball in Venezuela (for Caracas), his last game was the 14th.

 

Eight games thus far, started five of them, an .833 OPS through 20 at-bats.

 

Brewers only trading for players currently in winter ball, Jonathan Villar in 15 Dominican games:

 

11-for-52 (.212, .586 OPS), three doubles, three RBI, 8 BB, 13 K, 4-for-4 in SB attempts

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Thursday 11/19

 

RF Domingo Santana on base four times (three singles, walk, run, two RBI, throwing error); 1B Jason Rogers 1-for-5, run, two K

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Thursday 11/19

 

Hernan Perez, playing shortstop, 2-for-6, one K, throwing error

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Thursday 11/19

 

SS Orlando Arcia 0-for-4, BB, 1 K

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Thursday 11/19

 

22-year-old RHP Gian Rizzo made his 11th appearance (2.19 ERA), wrapping up in a 10-2 loss --

 

Lara Bottom of the 7th

 

Freddy Parejo remains in the game as the left fielder.

Gabriel Lino grounds out, second baseman Jose Flores to first baseman Mike Jacobs.

Rubi Silva strikes out swinging.

Pitching Change: Gian Rizzo replaces Jose Guanchez.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Elvis Escobar replaces Maikol Gonzalez.

Elvis Escobar doubles (2) on a soft line drive to left fielder Freddy Parejo.

Ildemaro Vargas grounds out, first baseman Mike Jacobs to pitcher Gian Rizzo.

 

Lara Bottom of the 8th

 

Jose Queliz remains in the game as the catcher.

Chad Oberacker strikes out swinging.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Guilder Rodriguez replaces Rangel Ravelo.

Guilder Rodriguez flies out to right fielder Rene Reyes.

Carlos Rivero pops out to shortstop Bryant Flete.

[Mass Haas]

HIS TWEET: OF Ben Guez will be playing in Venezuela this winter

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Box Friday 11/20

 

New catcher Rene Garcia homered (1-for-3) in his club's 5-2 win.

 

Guess there were fisticuffs/ejections in this one, but Garcia wasn't involved.

 

***

 

Puerto Rico Box Friday 11/20

 

In the first of a three-game series in Orlando, FL (details on that), RHP Hiram Burgos made his winter debut (in relief). Burgos was aided by his follow-up reliever. He was the 5th of 12 pitchers his team used in a 2-1 14-inning win (how big is that traveling party?).

 

Santurce Bottom of the 6th

 

Edwin Medina remains in the game as the right fielder.

Pitching Change: Hiram Burgos replaces Dennis Torres.

Rene Rivera singles on a fly ball to center fielder Lewis Brinson.

Neftali Soto grounds into a double play, shortstop Elmer Reyes to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Rene Rivera out at 2nd.

Reymond Fuentes called out on strikes.

 

Santurce Bottom of the 7th

 

Edgardo Baez doubles (6) on a fly ball to right fielder Edwin Medina.

Pitching Change: Hoby Milner replaces Hiram Burgos.

Jose Lozada out on a sacrifice bunt, third baseman T. Rivera to second baseman Jesmuel Valentin. Edgardo Baez to 3rd.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Jorge Padilla replaces Kevin Rivera.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Ian Miller replaces Edgardo Baez.

Jorge Padilla grounds out, third baseman T. Rivera to first baseman Kennys Vargas.

Hoby Milner intentionally walks Ruben Sosa.

Pitching Change: Tyler Herron replaces Hoby Milner.

Christian Vazquez grounds out, shortstop Elmer Reyes to first baseman Kennys Vargas

 

Young OF Omar Garcia was used as a pinch-runner in the game.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Friday 11/10

 

Leadoff man Elian Herrera, playing second base, was 1-for-4 (triple, walk) with two runs scored in his team's 6-2 win.

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box Friday 11/20

 

Hernan Perez, playing third base (throwing error), was 0-for-3 before departing in a 10-0 loss.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Friday 11/20

 

SS Orlando Arcia 1-for-4, run scored in a 6-4 win.

 

On the other side, RHP Junior Guerra, scaled back to relief as of late after seven starts, 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 2 K, 35 pitches (20 strikes).

 

Caribes Bottom of the 5th

 

Pitching Change: Junior Guerra replaces Tyler DeLoach.

Niuman Romero walks.

Gorkys Hernandez out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Junior Guerra to first baseman Miguel Rojas. Niuman Romero to 2nd.

Orlando Arcia singles on a fly ball to right fielder Jose Martinez. Niuman Romero to 3rd.

Jose Castillo doubles (6) on a line drive to center fielder Yonathan Daza. Niuman Romero scores. Orlando Arcia scores.

Jeremy Hazelbaker flies out to left fielder Ronnier Mustelier.

Jose Gil strikes out swinging.

 

Caribes Bottom of the 6th

 

Defensive switch from first base to shortstop for Miguel Rojas.

Raul Padron remains in the game as the first baseman.

Oscar Salazar grounds out, second baseman Jorma Rodriguez to first baseman Raul Padron.

Willians Astudillo grounds out, shortstop Miguel Rojas to first baseman Raul Padron.

Cesar Valera strikes out swinging.

[Mass Haas]

In this notes article (via translation), RHP Junior Guerra's innings are being limited now to avoid fatigue but he likely will return to starting later this winter season.

 

Also -- recently signed RHP Jim Miller is expected to join Guerra's club in Venezuela around December 22nd.

[Mass Haas]

12,141 enthusiastic fans were on hand in Marlins Park (more than for many Miami games), and the Brewers were well-represented in this Dominican Winter League game.

 

Learn more about the set-up --

 

Marlins Park set for Serie de las Americas

Ballpark will host games featuring teams from DR, Venezuela this weekend

by Joe Frisaro, MLB.com

 

***

 

Villar has 3 hits, Rogers homers, as Aguilas advances in Serie de las Americas

Associated Press

 

MIAMI — Jonathan Villar got three hits and drove in two runs as Aguilas Cibaenas defeated Tigres de Licey 4-2 Saturday night in the inaugural Serie de las Americas.

 

The first-ever meeting of Dominican Winter League teams off Dominican soil was played at Marlins Park.

 

Villar was traded from the Houston Astros to Milwaukee this week. The 24-year-old infielder/outfielder hit .284 in 53 games during the season, then stole a base and scored a run in Houston’s win at Yankee Stadium in the AL wild-card game.

 

Jose Adames pitched five shutout innings for the win.

 

The two-day tournament matches a pair of Dominican and Venezuelan teams against each other before having them cross over in Sunday’s games. Aguilas will now face Cardenales de Lara at night.

 

Aguilas won in front of a festive 12,141 fans who were dancing, sounding artificial noisemakers and waving Dominican flags.

 

Unlike the earlier Venezuelan game Saturday between Cardenales de Lara and Navegantes del Magallanes, the Dominican matchup did not count toward the winter league standings.

 

For Adames, a 22-year-old righty who pitches in the Miami Marlins farm system, it was a chance to play in the stadium in which he one day aspires to take the mound.

 

“I was very happy to get to pitch here,” he said. “I wanted to give the best that I had in this opportunity that they gave me and prove that I’m capable.”

 

Villar tripled home in the seventh and drove in another run in the ninth.

 

“It’s something we’re very proud of to get to play in the United States,” he said. “Even in an exhibition, we wanted to put on the same show we would in Santo Domingo.”

 

Angel Franco and Francisco Pena hit RBI singles for Aguilas, who led 3-0 in the seventh.

 

Tigres starter Yunesky Maya, the Cuban-born pitcher who had relatives from Miami in the stands and has pitched for the Washington Nationals, exited after 4 2/3 due to discomfort in his hand.

 

“I was happy to pitch in front of family and friends, but I just focused on my outing and helping the team, which is most important,” Maya said.

 

Jason Rogers homered for Tigres and Emilio Bonifacio hit an RBI single to cut the Aguilas lead to 3-2 heading into the ninth.

 

Said Tigres manager Lino Rivera of the atmosphere: “It really surprised me. It was quite a spectacle.”

 

Box Score

 

Shortstop Jonathan Villar was on base four times -- three hits including a triple and a HBP. He was 1-for-2 on the basepaths.

 

 

Villar is on the right. Miguel Tejada (center) is his manager at this press conference.

 

 

A taste of what Dominican baseball sounds like

 

Jason Rogers had his podium moment as well --

 

 

What the horns sound like as Rogers rounds the bases

 

The HR was Rogers' lone hit in four at-bats (one K).

 

RF Domingo Santana was 0-for-2 with a walk and a K, but was lifted in the top of the 8th (no apparent reason, likely to give others a chance to play in this unique game).

 

Not sure why, maybe it's the laid-back attitude, but night after night, Santana is vilified on Dominican twitter. Folks just see him as an under-performer who doesn't care. Voices of the very few, place no stock in it -- just an observation.

 

Brewers' Villar sparks Aguilas Cibaenas' victory

Infielder logs 3 hits to help set up Serie de las Americas title game

by Joe Frisaro, MLB.com

[Mass Haas]

Meanwhile, back on the island --

 

Dominican Box Saturday 11/21

 

2B Elian Herrera singled and walked in his team's extra-inning win.

 

***

 

Puerto Rico Box Saturday 11/21

 

C Rene Garcia 0-for-2 as a mid-game replacement in a 10-6 loss

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Saturday 11/21

 

SS Orlando Arcia had a huge 3-for-5 game, with a double, two RBI, and a run scored in his team's 3-2 walkoff win.

 

And he walked them off --

 

Caribes Bottom of the 9th

 

Franklin Barreto remains in the game as the designated hitter.

Francisco Arcia remains in the game as the catcher.

Pitching Change: Elvis Araujo replaces Tyler Sturdevant.

Cesar Valera singles on a soft ground ball to shortstop Ray Olmedo.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Emerson Landoni replaces Jesus Flores.

Emerson Landoni strikes out on a foul bunt.

Niuman Romero walks. Cesar Valera to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Yorman Bazardo replaces Elvis Araujo.

With Gorkys Hernandez batting, wild pitch by Yorman Bazardo, Cesar Valera to 3rd. Niuman Romero to 2nd.

Yorman Bazardo intentionally walks Gorkys Hernandez.

Orlando Arcia singles on a fly ball to right fielder Alex Romero. Cesar Valera scores. Niuman Romero to 3rd. Gorkys Hernandez to 2nd.

 

 

Disappointing, no video for the game-winner....

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Saturday 11/21

 

Hernan Perez, playing shortstop, singled in four trips and scored a run. Perez has already played in 33 winter games since the Brewers' season ended.

[Mass Haas]

OF Ben Guez getting ready to debut in Venezuela

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box Sunday 11/22

 

Yeah, the kid's good.

 

One day after SS Orlando Arcia had a 3-for-5 walk-off game (which we documented here), he followed up by reaching base five times (double, three singles, and a walk) in his club's 12-7 rout win.

 

Unfortunately, among Arcia's pitching "victims" was 2015 Timber Rattler RHP Gian Rizzo, who had a tough, brief outing --

 

Caribes Bottom of the 5th

 

Jose Gil strikes out swinging.

Cesar Valera singles on a fly ball to left fielder Jose Pirela.

Niuman Romero singles on a line drive to right fielder Alex Romero. Cesar Valera to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Gian Rizzo replaces Mark Lamm.

With Gorkys Hernandez batting, wild pitch by Gian Rizzo, Cesar Valera to 3rd. Niuman Romero to 2nd.

Gorkys Hernandez doubles (6) on a line drive to left fielder Jose Pirela. Cesar Valera scores. Niuman Romero scores.

Orlando Arcia singles on a line drive to right fielder Alex Romero. Gorkys Hernandez scores. Orlando Arcia to 3rd. Fielding error by right fielder Alex Romero.

Jose Castillo pops out to first baseman Mike Jacobs in foul territory.

Jeremy Hazelbaker singles on a ground ball to right fielder Alex Romero. Orlando Arcia scores.

Pitching Change: Marcos Tabata replaces Gian Rizzo.

Oscar Salazar doubles (9) on a line drive to left fielder Jose Pirela. Jeremy Hazelbaker scores.

Denis Phipps grounds out, second baseman Jose Flores to first baseman Mike Jacobs.

 

***

 

Arcia's OPS is 1.000 after six winter league games.

[Mass Haas]

Marlins Park Box Score Sunday 11/22 Championship Game

 

As these two tweets will attest -- Brewers trade newcomer Jonathan Villar had himself one heck of two-game tournament.

 

Please refresh your memory from Saturday's update if you missed that via Twitter Sunday AM.

 

On Sunday afternoon, Villar led his team to a 4-3 victory (2-for-3, HR, two walks, three runs scored).

 

 

Apparently this game was on MLB network (advertise that better next time, MLB!)

 

***

 

Marlins Park Box Score Sunday 11/22 Consolation Game

 

Jason Rogers was 1-for-4 (double, run scored) in his Dominican team's 4-2 win.

 

Learned that Rogers will be wrapping up this Dominican stint around Thanksgiving.

[Mass Haas]

For the rest of Sunday's winter league updates, click the name, see the box score:

 

Hernan Perez, 1-for-4, 6th stolen base in eight attempts

 

Perez' teammate, Ben Guez, made his winter debut in LF, was 0-for-4 with two K's; coming off such a serious hamstring injury last May, Guez had worked some rust off in Matyvale in August. Keep pushing, Benny!

 

Elian Herrera, playing second base, was 0-for-5 in the leadoff spot, but his club won despite that effort, 7-4

 

Newcomer catcher Rene Garcia was 0-for-3 but threw out a baserunner in his Puerto Rico League game.

[Mass Haas]

Crew's Arcia among those thriving in winter leagues

By Mike Rosenbaum / MLB.com

[Mass Haas]

Nice play at second base, Elian Herrera

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box Monday 11/22

 

In the only Monday Brewers-related winter league game, an 11-3 loss for their club, Hernan Perez, playing shortstop, was 1-for-3 with an RBI, and teammate RF Ben Guez was 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBI, including this for the RH bat --

 

Aragua Top of the 7th

 

O'Koyea Dickson flies out to right fielder Jose Martinez.

Francisco Caraballo singles on a ground ball to right fielder Jose Martinez.

Ben Guez homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. Francisco Caraballo scores.

Jose Zambrano grounds out, first baseman Carlos Colmenares to pitcher Juan Gonzalez.

Teodoro Martinez flies out to right fielder Jose Martinez.

 

Even in a lopsided loss, that had to feel good for Guez, he's allowed us through social media to follow along with his extensive torn hamstring rehab.

[Mass Haas]

40-man roster RHP Junior Guerra will be idle from his Venezuela team for a week as the club seeks to limit future pitching restrictions on him placed by the Brewers.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Tuesday 11/24

 

Elian Herrera, playing second base exclusively thus far this winter season, had his first multi-hit game in his 6th appearance thus far. In an 11-1 win, Herrera reached four times (three singles and a walk, one RBI). He was also picked off 2nd base and thrown out when he tried to advance to 3rd on that play.

 

***

 

Dominican Box Tuesday 11/24

 

In a 6-4 win, 1B Jason Rogers was 2-for-5 including this -- run Jason, run!

 

Licey Top of the 3rd

 

Emilio Bonifacio strikes out swinging.

Jason Rogers triples (1) on a line drive to right fielder Moises Sierra.

Juan Francisco strikes out swinging.

Diory Hernandez grounds out, third baseman Charlie Culberson to first baseman Cheslor Cuthbert.

 

Teammate RF Domingo Santana, batting 6th, was 1-for-3 with two walks, two runs, one K, and his 4th error (this one throwing) in just ten games. Just one XBH thus far...

 

***

 

Puerto Rico Box Tuesday 11/24

 

A combined 3.1 scoreless innings for veteran RHP Hiram Burgos and young RHP Joshua Torres in a 3-0 win; Burgos got the start --

 

Carolina Bottom of the 1st

 

Irving Falu grounds out, second baseman Jesmuel Valentin to first baseman Kennys Vargas.

Anthony Garcia grounds out, third baseman Ruben Gotay to first baseman Kennys Vargas.

Dayron Varona strikes out swinging.

 

Carolina Bottom of the 2nd

 

Felipe Lopez grounds out, shortstop Jeremy Rivera to first baseman Kennys Vargas.

Jonathan Rodriguez strikes out swinging.

Jesus Feliciano doubles (4) on a line drive to center fielder Danny Ortiz.

Jobduan Morales strikes out swinging.

 

Carolina Bottom of the 3rd

 

Pitching Change: Tomas Santiago replaces Hiram Burgos.

 

Then later --

 

Carolina Bottom of the 4th

 

Pitching Change: Joshua Torres replaces Tomas Santiago.

Anthony Garcia strikes out swinging.

Dayron Varona singles on a ground ball to center fielder Danny Ortiz.

Felipe Lopez grounds into a double play, second baseman Jesmuel Valentin to shortstop Jeremy Rivera to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Dayron Varona out at 2nd.

 

Carolina Bottom of the 5th

 

Jonathan Rodriguez called out on strikes.

Pitching Change: Luis Anthony Collazo replaces Joshua Torres.

 

***

 

Similar to the Omar Garcia article we linked to elsewhere on the forum tonight, this Hiram Burgos article is a translated version --

 

Pitcher Hiram Burgos returned to Bethune-Cookman University to meet his educational goal

 

http://rec-eph.gfrcdn.net/images/tnph3/615/304/1/1/615/304/2015/11/22/hiramburgos.jpg

 

Nice job, Hiram, congrats -- making Mom proud!

 

***

 

Puerto Rico Box Tuesday 11/24

 

Wow, pause to catch your breath, Yadiel Rivera!

 

Full minor league season (including Biloxi's playoffs), then a couple of weeks on the big league roster, followed by an excellent Arizona Fall League stint, then jumps on a plane and immediately suits up for his Santurce club. Rivera was 1-for-4 in his winter debut in this game, playing shortstop and batting 2nd in the lineup.

 

http://rec-end.gfrcdn.net/images/tn/0/44/2000/1040/900/447/2015/11/24/20151124_end_deportes_baseball_jlcc_01_1.jpg

 

Yadiel Rivera joins Cangrejeros

Shortstop debuted last night after visiting the Arizona Fall League

 

Rivera's debut was big news in Puerto Rico, please bear with us as we throw more translated text your way --

 

On Saturday, infielder Yadiel Rivera started for the Surprise Saguaros in the championship game of the Arizona Fall League (AFL). On Sunday he got on a plane and debuted with the champions last night Santurce Crabbers in the winter league.

 

The year has been so, so good for Rivera that have not winning the AFL Championship Game did not seem to bother him much. Rivera was honored with the Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award that the same players and coaches who participate in the AFL give the player that stands out for his generosity, leadership and hard work.

 

"Really 2015 has been an incredible year. Santurce won the championship, I went to the Caribbean Series, I went to my first 'spring training', I debuted in the majors and then to the Arizona Fall League, Rivera said. "A lot of new things. Hopefully that keeps growing my resume. But for now I'm focused on helping Santurce out of its slump (5-12). "

 

"I came to Puerto Rico on Sunday and said, 'I want to play right away." I'm fit and I'm not tired so there is no reason to take a break, "said Rivera. "Definitely, I want to repeat the championship again. After you get it, all you want is to repeat it, "said Rivera.

 

So Rivera was placed immediately in the second spot of the lineup for last night's game against the Caguas Criollos at Hiram Bithorn. He said the Brewers' organization knew of his intentions to be polished in the winter in Puerto Rico and would not put obstacles to his participation.

 

Rivera, 23, debuted in the majors last September 22 when he was called to the big team of Milwaukee, with whom he played seven games at the end of the campaign.

 

"The team is really happy. They say that exceeds expectations, I had a good average (.315) in the AFL, ran the bases well and had good defense. In the winter I come to continue working on the running and hitting. I come to winter ball to be aggressive on the bases, to steal more, because they saw that I want to use speed and lose shyness, "he said.

 

(Be aggressive, we imagine...)

 

In the AFL Rivera scored 11 times, drove in 11 runs and stole seven bases.

 

He added that what he has heard is that it is considered for the position of 'utility Brewers.

 

"What I've heard is that I have a chance to sneak into the computer as 'utility' or in any position. It sounds a lot about the 'utility', but I think you have to get there and get the job, "he said. "I've been told that's in me. They asked me what is you get more robust, so that means these two months and will be working with weights to get well 'ready' to spring", concluded the shortstop born in Caguas.

 

***

 

From another translated Rivera article --

 

Yadiel Rivera was sent to the Arizona Fall League with the task of working speed baserunning. Two days of returning to Puerto Rico, one could say that he exceeded expectations by far.

 

"They asked me to go to work with my speed to run the bases. They wanted me a little more aggressive. They gave me this guideline and I quickly began to work hard at it, "said Rivera, who debuted in the majors Sept. 22 this year.

 

Rivera stole seven bases in 21 games. However, even he shone with his bat.

 

Now with the Santurce Crabbers in the League of Professional Baseball Roberto Clemente batted .315 with one home run, 11 runs scored and 11 RBIs in the Fall League.

 

"I went to my game, but also left a good impression on my game. I went to do my job and exceeded expectations of what they had asked me, "Rivera said.

 

"My defensive play has always been there and the offense began to flow. That caused was in the All-Star and later received the Stenson award. I know that the experience there helped me and brought so much to my development. Now it's a matter of keep working hard with the Crabbers, "said Rivera.

 

***

 

Puerto Rico Box Tuesday 11/24

 

Catcher Rene Garcia was 2-for-3 and scored the only run in his team's 4-1 loss. Garcia 's hitting .297 in a still-small 37 at-bat sample size.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Tuesday 11/24

 

SS Orlando Arcia lifted his OBP through seven games to .500 as he singled and walked in four plate appearances in a 2-1 loss.