2015-2016 Winter League Updates

[Mass Haas]

Technically, this is the 2015-16 Winter League season, so Baseball Reference would call this the 2016 season, and won't post until season's end.

 

In all of the daily updates in this thread, just click on the players' names to get up-to-date winter league stats. Venezuela and Puerto Rico seem to update overnight; Dominican Republic seems to stagger until late the next day.

[pacopete4]

Technically, this is the 2015-16 Winter League season, so Baseball Reference would call this the 2016 season, and won't post until season's end.

 

In all of the daily updates in this thread, just click on the players' names to get up-to-date winter league stats. Venezuela and Puerto Rico seem to update overnight; Dominican Republic seems to stagger until late the next day.

 

Thanks for that. Didn't understand what all the hoopla was about

[Mass Haas]

Hopefully not a concern -- RHP Ariel Pena made his Dominican debut a week ago Friday on the 11th, four full innings his first time out (although efficient), but hasn't appeared since.

 

Well, we don't have to worry, because in start #2 Monday night, Pena retired all nine men he faced in a game his team would go on to win 2-1 -

 

Estrellas Bottom of the 1st

 

Aneury Tavarez grounds out, first baseman Jose Marmolejos-Diaz to pitcher Ariel Pena.

Michael Martinez strikes out swinging.

Jordany Valdespin grounds out softly, pitcher Ariel Pena to first baseman Jose Marmolejos-Diaz.

 

Estrellas Bottom of the 2nd

 

Rob Segedin flies out to right fielder Mel Rojas Jr.

Felix Pie grounds out to first baseman Jose Marmolejos-Diaz.

Orlando Calixte lines out to shortstop Emilio Guerrero.

 

Estrellas Bottom of the 3rd

 

Henry Charles grounds out, second baseman Ordomar Valdez to first baseman Jose Marmolejos-Diaz.

Ryan Casteel flies out to right fielder Mel Rojas Jr.

Abiatal Avelino grounds out, shortstop Emilio Guerrero to first baseman Jose Marmolejos-Diaz.

 

***

 

Outside of a Javier Betancourt pinch-running appearance in Venezuela, Pena was the only Brewer to see winter action on Monday.

 

***

 

OF Ben Guez is home in the USA from Venezuela (his tweet), he thinks he'll be heading back, but that's not set in stone, so as he indicated to me, "we'll see".

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Box Tuesday 12/22

 

Catcher Rene Garcia was 1-for-3 (sacrifice bunt, run scored, one K), in his team's 3-2 loss.

 

For the winning club, SS Yadiel Rivera as also 1-for-3 (double, run, one K).

 

***

 

Puerto Rico Box Tuesday 12/22

 

CF Omar Garcia got the start in the leadoff spot in his club's 6-4 loss. He singled in three at-bats, scored a run, stole his 4th base (in six attempts), but was pinch-hit for in the 6th.

 

Getting the win in a nice bounce-back relief stint was RHP Hiram Burgos, retiring all eight men he faced --

 

Caguas Bottom of the 6th

 

Pitching Change: Hiram Burgos replaces Tomas Santiago.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Henry Ramos replaces Omar Garcia.

Henry Ramos flies out to left fielder Danny Ortiz in foul territory.

Rey Navarro strikes out swinging.

Bryce Brentz flies out to right fielder Dylan Cozens.

 

Caguas Bottom of the 7th

 

Johnny Monell grounds out, second baseman Jesmuel Valentin to first baseman Kennys Vargas.

David Vidal strikes out swinging.

Ryan Kalish grounds out to first baseman Kennys Vargas.

 

Caguas Bottom of the 8th

 

Trever Adams called out on strikes.

Angel Sanchez flies out to center fielder Isaac Ballou.

Pitching Change: Alex Claudio replaces Hiram Burgos.

Benji Gonzalez singles on a line drive to right fielder Edwin Medina. Benji Gonzalez to 2nd on the throw.

Henry Ramos grounds out, third baseman T. J. Rivera to first baseman Kennys Vargas.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Tuesday 12/22

 

It was a 1-0 game, so quiet nights were to be expected. Orlando Arcia's club defeated Hernan Perez' team.

 

Arcia was 0-for-4 (one K), Perez 0-for-3 (one BB).

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Box Wednesday 12/23

 

In a 3-0 win, SS Yadiel Rivera was 1-for-3 (run scored).

 

***

 

Puerto Rico Box Wednesday 12/23

 

In a 6-3 loss, catcher Rene Garcia (quite the workhorse lately) was 1-for-4 (RBI).

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Wednesday 12/23

 

3B Hernan Perez was 2-for-5 (one K) in a 6-5 loss. Perez stole two bases to give him nine in twelve attempts in 55 (55!) winter games.

 

For the winning squad, SS Orlando Arcia had another on-base fest, walking three times, scoring two runs, and driving in the gamewinner with a sacrifice fly. Officially he was 0-for-1. He's at .295/.391/.421 (.812 OPS) after 28 games.

 

Be careful, don't hurt him!

 

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box Saturday 12/26

 

In his 56th game of the winter, Hernan Perez, who started at shortstop and moved to third base, was 5-for-5 (all singles) with two runs scored, two RBI, and his 10th stolen base in 13 attempts. Perez' OPS jumped to .782.

 

Aragua Top of the 2nd

 

Hernan Perez singles on a line drive to right fielder Luis Domoromo.

 

Aragua Top of the 3rd

 

Hernan Perez singles on a line drive to left fielder Jorge Parra. Alberto Callaspo to 3rd. Eduardo Escobar to 2nd.

 

Aragua Top of the 5th

 

Hernan Perez singles on a ground ball to right fielder Luis Domoromo. Jose Zambrano scores. Alberto Callaspo scores. Hernan Perez advances to 2nd, on a throwing error by right fielder Luis Domoromo.

 

Aragua Top of the 7th

 

Hernan Perez singles on a line drive to center fielder Alberth Martinez.

 

Aragua Top of the 9th

 

Hernan Perez singles on a line drive to right fielder Jorge Parra.

 

His teammate, new Milwaukee 40-man catcher Josmil Pinto, playing first base in this one, was 2-for-5 with an RBI in the 7-0 win. Since this is our first Pinto update, we'll tell you he's at .247/.329/.342 in 19 games (18-for-73, four XBH's.)

 

***

 

Puerto Rico Box Saturday 12/26

 

Catcher Rene Garcia was 2-for-4 (double) in a 4-2 win. He threw out one of two baserunners. Garcia sports a .299/.337/.371 line (.708 OPS) in 32 winter contests.

 

***

 

Catching up on a debut that happened on Monday the 21st, 22-year-old Timber Rattler OF Jose Pena lined out in a pinch-hit appearance.

[Mass Haas]

Please bear with the Google translation --

 

Orlando Arcia aspires to extend its participation with Caribes, but did not receive permission from Milwaukee

Eduardo Acosta | Press LVBP

 

Puerto La Cruz.- Orlando Arcia is about to leave the hut Caribes de Anzoategui. Only you subtract two games in Venezuela, by previous orders of the Milwaukee Brewers, his organization in the majors, and before leaving the eastern hopes to help sort.

 

"I'd like to play, really, but I must obey what I ordered Milwaukee. Limits are established and we must meet them, because they want to be in good shape for spring training, "said Arcia, who tried to convince management of the lupulosos to continue for several games in January.

 

"If. There was insistence, in fact I again spoke a few days ago to see if they let me play during the playoffs, but were repetitive to say that I need for those days rested. It's a shame, because I want to help the team. I like playing here. It only remains to wish my colleagues the best of luck, "he said.

 

So far, his second season in Venezuela has met expectations. In only 28 challenges he was one of the best Caribbean in attack. Displays .295 with eight extra-base and .421 slugging striking while his fielding percentage is .961. You have to play some more How far would come? One question that it can not help wondering prospectus.

 

"Everything I learned this year in the United States apply it every day. I worked hard to hit against breaking pitches, something that was affecting me before. I feel I have improved a lot compared to last year, playing in the LVBP helps improve. So it will not stop here to play well for a short time, "he said.

 

TRUST YOUR TEAM

 

His departure will leave a huge void in the Caribbean alignment, if the club gets access to the postseason. Currently, Aboriginal people are in a difficult situation where they need to win their last two games to force at least a draw that could take until January.

 

"Right now we do not know whether we are in or not, all I do know is that you have to leave the field to give our best, play by play, inning by inning, so that things go well for us. I think we can do it, the guys have done a great job all year together. Always ahead and eager to play good baseball, "he said Arcia, he does not think his absence is felt in Caribbean, once it achieves the pass to the playoffs.

 

"Of course not, what characterizes this team is that everyone contributes, not dependent on anyone in particular. Just follow our playing baseball, fighting every game. If you keep it that way, and I hope it does, they get very far, "he added.

 

THE CHALLENGE OF 2016

 

Many eyes will be on Arcia, once their internship ends by Venezuelan baseball. It is one of the top prospects in the farm system MLB and although Milwaukee will take it easy, several reports of scouts ensure that debut in the majors in 2016. As of Anaco will shine our eyes to this possibility and ensures that you're ready for the challenge.

 

"We are prepared to be in the big leagues, God willing. That makes me very excited, I just hope they get the training to do my best and see if we can start again in the big league. Otherwise, just always be ready, "he said.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Box Sunday 12/27

 

SS Yadiel Rivera (.411 OPS in 21 winter games - ouch), 0-for-3 with his 5th error. He was also HBP by good friend RHP Hiram Burgos.

 

Burgos was very good in long relief in his club's 2-1 win and netted the victory --

 

3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 1 HBP, GB:FB 0:3, one throwing error

 

Burgos also contributed to a triple play:

 

Santurce Top of the 5th

 

Pitching Change: Hiram Burgos replaces Tomas Santiago.

Yadiel Rivera hit by pitch.

Ruben Sosa singles on a line drive to left fielder Danny Ortiz. Yadiel Rivera to 2nd.

Robert Andino pops into a triple play, catcher Yovan Gonzalez to second baseman Jesmuel Valentin to pitcher Hiram Burgos to catcher Yovan Gonzalez to shortstop Elmer Reyes to second baseman Jesmuel Valentin. Yadiel Rivera out at 2nd. Ruben Sosa out at 1st.

 

Santurce Top of the 6th

 

Reymond Fuentes flies out to left fielder Danny Ortiz.

Javier Baez called out on strikes.

Neftali Soto singles on a fly ball to center fielder Edwin Medina.

Jose Lozada strikes out swinging.

 

Santurce Top of the 7th

 

Rene Rivera strikes out swinging.

Roberto Pena flies out to center fielder Edwin Medina.

Yadiel Rivera flies out to right fielder Dylan Cozens.

 

Santurce Top of the 8th

 

Ruben Sosa singles on a ground ball to center fielder Edwin Medina.

With Robert Andino batting, throwing error by Hiram Burgos on the pickoff attempt, Ruben Sosa to 2nd.

Robert Andino strikes out swinging.

Pitching Change: Alex Claudio replaces Hiram Burgos.

Reymond Fuentes flies out to center fielder Edwin Medina. Ruben Sosa scores. Throwing error by center fielder Edwin Medina.

Javier Baez singles on a line drive to left fielder Danny Ortiz.

Pitching Change: Randy Fontanez replaces Alex Claudio.

Neftali Soto lines out to third baseman Luis Figueroa.

 

***

 

Puerto Rico Box Sunday 12/27

 

In his team's 9-0 win, CF Omar Garcia was 0-for-2 as a later-inning pinch-hitter and replacement.

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box Monday 12/28

 

SS Orlando Arcia was 2-for-5 (double, run, RBI) in his team's 10-8 win.

 

From previous reports, it's believed Arcia's winter season will end Tuesday, per the Brewers' request. His team has hopes he'll get an extension still.

 

 

***

 

Dominican Box Monday 12/28

 

The postseason has begun in the Dominican in the form of a lengthy four-team round robin tournament. Domingo Santana's team qualified, and as the designated hitter Monday, Santana helped his club even its record with a 1-for-3 effort (double, two RBI, run, BB, one K) in a 7-1 win.

 

Saw a tweet or two indicating Santana may be stepping aside soon, replaced on the roster by Hanley Ramirez of all people; we'll see...

 

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Box Tuesday 12/29

 

In a 5-3 win, year-round non-stop SS Yadiel Rivera was 1-for-3, two runs scored.

 

***

 

Puerto Rico Box Tuesday 12/29

 

Making his 5th appearance overall and first since December 1st, 21-year-old RHP Joshua Torres tossed a spotless inning wrapping up a 6-1 win --

 

Carolina Bottom of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Joshua Torres replaces Tyler Herron.

Johneshwy Fargas pops out to catcher Kevin Torres in foul territory.

Jesus Feliciano strikes out swinging.

Irving Falu flies out to left fielder Danny Ortiz.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Tuesday 12/29

 

In a 10-6 win, SS Orlando Arcia 2-for-5 with two RBI (one K). If this was Arcia's last game (as per the Brewers' apparent wishes), he finishes with a fantastic .305/.392/.429 line (.821 OPS) in 30 games (14 BB, 15 K). Oddly, he only attempted one stolen base this winter, and was caught.

 

On the other side of the box score, Hernan Perez, playing shortstop and hitting cleanup, had a mammoth game, 4-for-5 (double, three RBI). Remember, Perez was 5-for-5 in his prior game on the 26th. His OPS is now .804 through a whopping 57 games.

 

***

 

Dominican Box Tuesday 12/29

 

In a 4-3 ten-inning win, Domingo Santana, as the DH, was 0-for-2 (two BB's, two K's). He was pinch-hit for in the 9th.

 

Working in relief, Santana's teammate, RHP Ariel Pena, netted a hold, was aided by his bullpen buddies --

 

Estrellas Bottom of the 6th

 

Pitching Change: Ariel Pena replaces Wandy Rodriguez.

Alberto Rosario grounds out, shortstop Marco Hernandez to first baseman Joey Terdoslavich.

Jordany Valdespin walks.

With Hanser Alberto batting, Jordany Valdespin caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Yermin Mercedes to second baseman Anderson Hernandez.

Hanser Alberto lines out to third baseman Diory Hernandez.

 

Estrellas Bottom of the 7th

 

Garabez Rosa walks.

Wilin Rosario pops out to third baseman Diory Hernandez in foul territory.

Pitching Change: Chase Huchingson replaces Ariel Pena.

Felix Pie grounds into a force out, second baseman Anderson Hernandez to shortstop Marco Hernandez. Garabez Rosa out at 2nd. Felix Pie to 1st.

Pitching Change: Luis Vasquez replaces Chase Huchingson.

Audy Ciriaco strikes out swinging.

 

***

 

NOTE: Have linked prior player names to their stat pages, but once postseason round robin begins, as with the Domincan game above, these statistics no longer update and won't be linked.

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box Wednesday 12/30

 

SS Orlando Arcia sneaks in one last game, and of course, it's a 2-for-4 (sacrifice bunt) effort that puts his team into the postseason tournament. We imagine Arcia's camp will make a final push for playing time in January, we'll see if the Brewers recant their earlier stance.

 

Here's the final inning celebration --

 

 

***

 

Puerto Rico Box Wednesday 12/30

 

RHP Hiram Burgos earned a "hold" with a brief relief appearance -- in eight mound efforts this winter (all but one in relief), Burgos has fanned 19 and walked just three in 15.1 innings. He allowed three runs in one sour effort earlier this month, otherwise no earned runs allowed.

 

Caguas Bottom of the 6th

 

Rey Navarro lines out to shortstop Elmer Reyes.

Pitching Change: Hiram Burgos replaces Hoby Milner.

Bryce Brentz walks.

With Johnny Monell batting, wild pitch by Hiram Burgos, Bryce Brentz to 2nd.

Johnny Monell grounds out, second baseman Jesmuel Valentin to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Bryce Brentz to 3rd.

Trever Adams strikes out swinging.

[AKCheesehead]

Looking at the box score I noticed that the somewhat forgotten former Brewer Dickie Thon's son plays for Puerto Rico. Looking further, it turns out also that Dickie's brother Frankie is the team's GM.

[jerichoholicninja]

Does anyone know how these rosters work? It seems like teams can pick up players whenever they want. Rusney Castillo is going to be playing for someone in the playoffs despite not playing for them at all before, that doesn't make any sense.

[Mass Haas]

Does anyone know how these rosters work? It seems like teams can pick up players whenever they want. Rusney Castillo is going to be playing for someone in the playoffs despite not playing for them at all before, that doesn't make any sense.

 

How about this from a Brewers' perspective? As you know, we've been following catcher Rene Garcia's winter in Puerto Rico, as the minor league free agent signee received a big league camp invite with the Crew. Garcia had a really solid winter in Puerto Rico (.708 OPS in 32 games), and was spectacular in throwing out baserunners.

 

We were just about to tell you that Garcia's winter was over, as his Puerto Rico club was the only one in the four-team league not to qualify for the round-robin postseason.

 

And now, out of nowhere, he appears in the Dominican Republic as a teammate of Licey's Domingo Santana.

 

Dominican Box Saturday 1/2

 

In a 16-5 win, Santana was 1-for-5 with a walk (run scored) as the designated hitter. Garcia flied out as a 7th inning pinch-hitter and remained in the game behind the plate.

 

***

 

Puerto Rico Box Saturday 1/2

 

In the postseason tournament opener, Omar Garcia scored the winning run as a pinch-runner in a 2-1 ten-inning win.

 

Much earlier in the game for the losing club, RHP Hiram Burgos had a rough night with the strike zone, allowed a run, and was fortunate to have three of his baserunners stranded --

 

Caguas Top of the 6th

 

Pitching Change: Hiram Burgos replaces Jonathan Sanchez.

Bryce Brentz walks.

Johnny Monell singles on a line drive to left fielder Anthony Garcia. Bryce Brentz to 2nd.

David Vidal out on a sacrifice bunt, first baseman Kennys Vargas to second baseman Jesmuel Valentin. Bryce Brentz to 3rd. Johnny Monell to 2nd.

Hiram Burgos intentionally walks Jeff Dominguez.

Angel Sanchez out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Danny Ortiz. Bryce Brentz scores.

Benji Gonzalez walks. Johnny Monell to 3rd. Jeff Dominguez to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Hoby Milner replaces Hiram Burgos.

Henry Ramos lines out to second baseman Jesmuel Valentin.

 

***

 

Quick Venezuela note -- The team of young RHP Gian Rizzo, who last pitched on November 22nd, did not qualify for the postseason, which in that country, is a more traditional seven-game playoff series format.

[Mass Haas]

Orlando Arcia's Caribes Venezuelan team has released its roster of 36 available players for their first-round best-of-seven, and Arcia is on it.

 

The weekly roster of the Caribbean, presented on Saturday before the start of the series against the Sharks, has shortstop Orlando Arcia, although still not received permission to see action in the playoffs LVBP.

 

Arcia's team lost game one 9-1, and Arcia is not in the starting lineup for Game Two.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Box Sunday 1/3

 

SS Yadiel Rivera's team won their opening postseason game by a 1-0 score. Rivera remains mired in a tough slump, 0-for-3 in this one.

 

While the Brewers have seemingly put the hammer down on Orlando Arcia's offseason playing time, they have yet to do that with Rivera.

 

Consider this -- if Rivera's Santurce team takes the Puerto Rico League championship and advances to the Caribbean World Series to be played in the Dominican Republic this February, Rivera could do the nearly unthinkable. He could report to big league camp with the Brewers having effectively gone a full year without any significantly measurable time off.

 

- Spring Training 2015

- Full AA / AAA season in Biloxi and Colorado Springs

- Postseason with the Shuckers

- A productive Arizona Fall League

- An immediate switchover to the Puerto Rico Winter League

- (Potentially) Caribbean World Series

- Directly to Spring Training 2016

 

***

 

Details later tonight on the Sunday efforts of Domingo Santana and Hernan Perez, possibly others...

[Mass Haas]

Details later tonight on the Sunday efforts of Domingo Santana and Hernan Perez, possibly others...

 

Dominican Box Sunday 1/3

 

In a 2-1 win, Domingo Santana was 1-for-2 with a walk as the designated hitter (one K). He was pinch-hit for with a LH bat in the 9th, something that's occurred several times as of late. Santana's Licey team is off to a strong 5-1 start in the round-robin postseason.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Sunday 1/3

 

Hernan Perez, batting 5th and playing shortstop, was 0-for-4 but his team won 4-3 to tie up the best-of-seven series at one apiece.

 

***

 

No longer Brewers' property, but Mariners infielder Luis Sardinas made big news in Venezuela Sunday with a 6-for-6 effort.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Box Monday 1/4

 

SS Yadiel Rivera was 2-for-4 (double, one K) in a 7-4 loss. Omar Garcia scored as a pinch-runner for the winning club.

[Mass Haas]

Venezuelan Box Tuesday 1/5

 

In a wild 12-11 walkoff loss, Hernan Perez did his part, 3-for-6 (triple, two RBI, one K); Perez played third base in this one. His team trails two games to one in the first round best-of-seven.

 

 

***

 

In other games in Venezuela, young 2B Javier Betancourt saw action as a late defensive replacement, and a sidelined (by the Brewers) Orlando Arcia is missed, his team is down three games to none in their series.

 

***

 

Puerto Rico Box Tuesday 1/5

 

SS Yadiel Rivera was 0-for-2 in his team's 2-0 loss. Rivera reached on a force out and was subsequently caught stealing on a strike 'em out, throw 'em out double play. He was pinch hit for in the 9th. His team falls to 1-2 in the round robin.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Wednesday 1/6

 

RHP Ariel Pena has now made four winter appearances (three starts), covering 12.2 innings, and has allowed only one earned run.

 

He made a postseason round-robin start Wednesday -- 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 WP, GB:FB 5:5

 

In the game (still underway as of this post), his batterymate was Rene Garcia, who will be in big league camp with the Crew on a minor league deal.

 

***

 

The rest of the Brewer winter league updates will be posted by the early AM.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Wednesday 1/6

 

RHP Ariel Pena has now made four winter appearances (three starts), covering 12.2 innings, and has allowed only one earned run.

 

He made a postseason round-robin start Wednesday -- 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 WP, GB:FB 5:5

 

In the game (still underway as of this post), his batterymate was Rene Garcia, who will be in big league camp with the Crew on a minor league deal.

 

***

 

The rest of the Brewer winter league updates will be posted by the early AM.

 

Pena's team would go on to win, 4-2. Garcia finished 0-for-4 (two K's), one stolen base against.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Wednesday 1/6

 

Hernan Perez, playing shortstop and batting 2nd, finished 3-for-6 (home run shy of the cycle, three RBI) in his club's 5-4 11-inning win.

 

Josmil Pinto, as the DH, didn't seem phased by his designation for assignment, 3-for-5 (one run, two K's).

 

Perez' double plated the go-ahead run --

 

 

And here's your daily Hernan Perez triple --

 

[Mass Haas]

This was the breakdown of RHP Ariel Pena's Wednesday start, discussed in the prior post --

 

Estrellas Bottom of the 1st

 

Jordany Valdespin singles on a ground ball to center fielder Leonys Martin.

Aneury Tavarez flies out to left fielder Zoilo Almonte.

Wilin Rosario grounds into a double play, shortstop Ozzie Martinez to second baseman Anderson Hernandez to first baseman Joey Terdoslavich. Jordany Valdespin out at 2nd.

 

Estrellas Bottom of the 2nd

 

Sean Burroughs flies out to center fielder Leonys Martin.

Junior Lake flies out to center fielder Leonys Martin.

Michael Martinez flies out to left fielder Zoilo Almonte.

 

Estrellas Bottom of the 3rd

 

Hanser Alberto grounds out, third baseman Diory Hernandez to first baseman Joey Terdoslavich.

Gustavo Nunez flies out to left fielder Zoilo Almonte.

Audry Perez strikes out swinging.

 

Estrellas Bottom of the 4th

 

Jordany Valdespin grounds out, second baseman Anderson Hernandez to first baseman Joey Terdoslavich.

Aneury Tavarez grounds out, shortstop Ozzie Martinez to first baseman Joey Terdoslavich.

Wilin Rosario singles on a ground ball to shortstop Ozzie Martinez.

With Sean Burroughs batting, Wilin Rosario caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Rene Garcia to shortstop Ozzie Martinez.

 

Estrellas Bottom of the 5th

 

Sean Burroughs grounds out to first baseman Joey Terdoslavich.

Junior Lake walks.

With Michael Martinez batting, Junior Lake steals (2) 2nd base.

With Michael Martinez batting, wild pitch by Ariel Pena, Junior Lake to 3rd.

Michael Martinez doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Juan Carlos Perez. Junior Lake scores.

Pitching Change: Mario Santiago replaces Ariel Pena.

Hanser Alberto lines out to shortstop Ozzie Martinez.

Gustavo Nunez strikes out swinging.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Box Thursday 1/7

 

RHP Hiram Burgos spun a beauty as his team romped 11-1, facing just one over the minimum -- five no-hit innings (one BB, 6 K).

 

Behold:

 

Caguas Bottom of the 1st

 

Henry Ramos flies out to center fielder Blake Tekotte.

Jesus Feliciano strikes out swinging.

Rey Navarro grounds out to first baseman Kennys Vargas.

 

Caguas Bottom of the 2nd

 

Bryce Brentz flies out to right fielder Dylan Cozens.

Johnny Monell walks.

Rusney Castillo called out on strikes.

Jeff Dominguez strikes out swinging.

 

Caguas Bottom of the 3rd

 

David Vidal pops out to shortstop Elmer Reyes.

Benji Gonzalez grounds out, second baseman Jesmuel Valentin to first baseman Kennys Vargas.

Henry Ramos grounds out, shortstop Elmer Reyes to first baseman Kennys Vargas.

 

Caguas Bottom of the 4th

 

Jesus Feliciano called out on strikes.

Rey Navarro grounds out to first baseman Kennys Vargas.

Bryce Brentz strikes out swinging.

 

Caguas Bottom of the 5th

 

Johnny Monell grounds out to first baseman Kennys Vargas.

Rusney Castillo called out on strikes.

Jeff Dominguez flies out to center fielder Blake Tekotte.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Thursday 1/7

 

After a 7-1 loss, the team of Hernan Perez and DFA-limbo'd Josmil Pinto trails in a best-of-seven series, three games to two.

 

Here, Perez, playing shortstop, was 1-for-4, while Pinto was 0-for-3.

[Mass Haas]

Puerto Rico Box Friday 1/8

 

SS Yadiel Rivera was 0-for-2 with a sacrifice bunt in a 4-1 win.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box Saturday 1/10

 

Catcher Rene Garcia was 1-for-3 in a 4-3 win that pushed his Licey team to a 10-1 record in the Dominican round-robin postseason.

 

But that was just the start of Garcia's night -- this dude is unbelievable behind the dish, this is just a synopsis of his entire winter:

 

Estrellas Top of the 3rd

 

Aneury Tavarez singles on a line drive to left fielder Zoilo Almonte.

With Junior Lake batting, Aneury Tavarez caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Rene Garcia to second baseman Anderson Hernandez.

 

Estrellas Top of the 5th

 

Gustavo Nunez reaches on a fielding error by shortstop Ozzie Martinez.

Aneury Tavarez strikes out swinging.

Junior Lake strikes out swinging and Gustavo Nunez caught stealing 2nd, catcher Rene Garcia to second baseman Anderson Hernandez.

 

Are you kidding us on this throw?

 

 

Estrellas Top of the 7th

 

Audry Perez walks.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Orlando Calixte replaces Audry Perez.

Gustavo Nunez out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Cesar Valdez to second baseman Ozzie Martinez. Orlando Calixte to 2nd.

Aneury Tavarez grounds out to first baseman Joey Terdoslavich. Orlando Calixte to 3rd.

Junior Lake walks.

Pitching Change: Atahualpa Severino replaces Cesar Valdez.

Jordany Valdespin singles on a ground ball to second baseman Ozzie Martinez. Orlando Calixte scores. Junior Lake to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Luis Vasquez replaces Atahualpa Severino.

With Audy Ciriaco batting, Rene Garcia picks off Jordany Valdespin at 1st on throw to Joey Terdoslavich.

 

That's a week off for Licey's Domingo Santana, who last played on Sunday the 3rd. His winter may be done.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box Saturday 1/9

 

On to a deciding Game Seven on Sunday!

 

Breaking a 5-5 tie in the bottom of the 7th, Aragua went on to a 12-6 win. On the winning side, Hernan Perez, batting 3rd and playing shortstop, was on base three times (1-for-3, two walks, two runs, one RBI).

 

In DFA limbo, Josmil Pinto was 2-for-3 with a walk and RBI as the designated hitter.

 

***

 

We can end the Orlando Arcia watch. His Caribes squad lost their series, four games to two. Arcia, as was previously strongly hinted at earlier, did not play in the series, instructed to rest for spring training by the Brewers.