2017-2018 Winter League Thread

[Mass Haas]

Nice to see Brad and Miller Park Prospects back in action --

 

Herrera, Diplan, Sanchez to play in Dominican Winter League

[Mass Haas]

In Venezuela Tuesday, a big 4-for-4 debut for 2B Nate Orf, on the opposing side 2B Javier Betancourt reached three times. Each committed an error. Orf stole a base, Betancourt was caught stealing. Oddly, all 21 hits in this game were singles (box score).

 

***

 

Venezuela Wednesday - Skyrocketing RH reliever Wuilder Rodriguez tossed 2.1 innings, allowing only one unearned run (box score).

 

Orf 1-for-4 with a double, Betancourt 0-for2 with his second walk in two games (box)

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Thurs. 10/12 -

 

Nate Orf singled and walked in three plate appearances as the DH in a 5-0 loss (box score)

 

2B Javier Betancourt was 1-for-2 as a mid-game replacement in a 4-1 loss. In that game, 23-year-old LHP Frank Lopez (2017 Mudcats) made the start for Betancourt's squad, allowing two runs (just one earned) over 4.1 innings (box score)

 

NOTE: Normally we don't note the winter league Brewers scheduled to become minor league free agents five days after the World Series, and it appears Lopez would normally qualify. But the info we have on his mid-season signing is conflicting, and we'll have to wait until the formal minor league free agent list comes out to learn whether Lopez is under Brewers control in 2018. Until then, we'll post Lopez' stats.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box as that league began action on Friday --

 

RHP Jorge Lopez allowed two runs in four innings, walking one and striking out three in his team's 9-3 victory. On the opposing squad, CF Kyle Wren was 0-for-3 (BB, K), leading off, and had an eventful night in the field, with an error and an assist.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box -

 

Big 3-for-4 night for 2B Javier Betancourt in his team's 7-1 win, including a double. Javy's 6-for-11 with two walks in the early going.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box -

 

Nate Orf, playing third base and batting 2nd, 1-for-4 in his team's 1-0 loss. Nate is 7-for-14 with a walk after four games.

[Mass Haas]

As we await word to find out if RHP Angel Ventura will re-sign a minor league deal with the Brewers, or be added to the 40-man, or be allowed to seek minor league free agency, we will note he's on Kyle Wren's Dominican team, and we'll likely see him in an upcoming box score.

[Mass Haas]

The only new names on Dominican League rosters among current Brewers are catcher Tyler Heineman on the Leones del Escogido squad, where he'll share playing time with Boston's Blake Swihart and the Yankees' Wilkin Castillo. Also, young utility infielder Wendell Rijo is on the Toros del Este team. The number of former Brewers from over the years on rosters is too many to count, you'll see them as you peruse box scores this winter (Rob Scahill got a save Saturday).

 

As for Saturday in the Dominican, only one game saw a current Brewer in action, and it was Kyle Wren (LF, 0-for-3, leading off, pulled late in a blowout loss).

 

RHP Angel Ventura's winter debut was "wildly" uneven -- Ventura is scheduled for minor league free agency five days after the World Series, and the Brewers have yet to announce any post-season minor league free agent re-signings, so we may not be following Ventura in detail for very long here.

 

Estrellas Top of the 3rd

 

Jason Leblebijian grounds out, shortstop Michael De Leon to first baseman Yamaico Navarro.

Mike Ford grounds out, second baseman Miguel Gomez to first baseman Yamaico Navarro.

Hector Gomez singles on a sharp line drive to left fielder Kyle Wren.

Gabriel Guerrero singles on a line drive to left fielder Kyle Wren. Hector Gomez to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Angel Ventura replaces Jair Jurrjens.

Fernando Tatis hit by pitch. Hector Gomez to 3rd. Gabriel Guerrero to 2nd.

Audry Perez hit by pitch. Hector Gomez scores. Gabriel Guerrero to 3rd. Fernando Tatis to 2nd.

Socrates Brito grounds out sharply to first baseman Yamaico Navarro.

 

Estrellas Top of the 4th

 

Junior Lake lines out to right fielder Jose Marmolejos.

Ryder Jones doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Jose Marmolejos.

Jason Leblebijian called out on strikes.

Mike Ford called out on strikes.

 

Estrellas Top of the 5th

 

Hector Gomez walks.

With Gabriel Guerrero batting, passed ball by Jhonatan Solano, Hector Gomez to 2nd.

Gabriel Guerrero flies out sharply to right fielder Jose Marmolejos.

With Fernando Tatis batting, wild pitch by Angel Ventura, Hector Gomez to 3rd.

Fernando Tatis walks.

Pitching Change: Jonathan Aro replaces Angel Ventura.

Audry Perez flies out to right fielder Jose Marmolejos.

Pitching Change: Leyson Septimo replaces Jonathan Aro.

With Socrates Brito batting, wild pitch by Leyson Septimo, Hector Gomez scores. Fernando Tatis to 2nd.

Socrates Brito triples (1) on a line drive to right fielder Jose Marmolejos. Fernando Tatis scores.

Junior Lake singles on a line drive to left fielder Kyle Wren. Socrates Brito scores.

Ryder Jones hit by pitch. Junior Lake to 2nd.

Jason Leblebijian singles on a ground ball to center fielder Arismendy Alcantara. Junior Lake scores. Ryder Jones to 2nd.

Mike Ford flies out to right fielder Jose Marmolejos.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box: 3B Nate Orf 0-for-2 before being pinch-hit for in the 7th with his team well behind

 

***

 

Venezuela Box: You go, Javier Betancourt. It was only one plate appearance for the red-hot second baseman, but an RBI pinch-hit single in the 8th was huge in his team's one-run win.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box: Just three days after a 2.1 inning effort in which he allowed only one unearned run, 24-year-old RHP Wuilder Rodriguez was even better (perfect, in fact) over 2.2 frames --

 

Caribes Bottom of the 4th

 

Cesar Valera grounds out, shortstop Carlos Penalver to first baseman Carlos Garay.

Pitching Change: Wuilder Rodriguez replaces Robert Zarate.

Denis Phipps strikes out swinging.

Luis Jimenez strikes out swinging.

 

Caribes Bottom of the 5th

 

Michael Crouse flies out to center fielder Ericson Leonora.

Erick Castillo flies out to center fielder Ericson Leonora.

Carlos Tovar flies out to right fielder Osniel Madera in foul territory.

 

Caribes Bottom of the 6th

 

Juan Hernandez grounds out, first baseman Carlos Garay to pitcher Wuilder Rodriguez.

Keyder Aristigueta strikes out swinging.

Edwin Garcia lines out to shortstop Carlos Penalver.

[Mass Haas]

Dominican box: Catcher Tyler Heineman 2-for-4 in his debut, his first hit a bunt single

 

That was it for Sunday, Venezuela was idle.

[Mass Haas]

Thursday Venezuela Box - Nate Orf, playing 2B, 1-for-4

 

Thursday Venezuela Box - Javier Betancourt, playing 2B, 0-for-2

 

In that Betancourt box, LHP Frank Lopez allowed a base hit to the lone man he faced in a relief stint. I do think we'll see him on the minor league free agent list soon, he just completed his 7th pro year despite being just 23.

[Mass Haas]

Surprised how little talk there has been this fall with the prospects we have.

 

Part of that may be on me, as I've taken and plan on continuing to maintain a lower-key online presence for a while.

 

I will always invite our community's members to post links and such of note within our various threads, please don't rely on just yours truly.

 

The guys at Miller Park Prospects are doing a great job with daily recaps in a combined post on AFL and winter league players.

 

The easiest way to catch up on all things "Miller Park Prospects" is to read their latest article (like this Mailbag), and then at the bottom of the article, scroll to the left to read additional articles/posts until you've caught up.

 

But absolutely everyone continue to keep the conversation going in any number of threads on this forum, always worthwhile banter, thanks!

[Mass Haas]

Via MiLB.com -- bookmark the Brewers' combined AFL / Winter League stats link

[Mass Haas]

Through 16 games in Venezuela, Nate Orf sports a .345/.455/.364 line (18 singles among 19 hits, but still impressive).

 

Via this tweet, we learn Orf's winter league deal runs through November 22nd. His team wanted to extend that deadline, but the Brewers have denied that request.

[dacbrewers]

Through 16 games in Venezuela, Nate Orf sports a .345/.455/.364 line (18 singles among 19 hits, but still impressive).

 

Via this tweet, we learn Orf's winter league deal runs through November 22nd. His team wanted to extend that deadline, but the Brewers have denied that request.

Hopefully they add him to 40 man roster. Down in winter league to make a living and he's shut down by Brewers, they should pay him what he would of made.

[CheezWizHed]

I think Orf is going to be a good backup IF for the team. Versatile, smart player that gets on base. He may never be a starter, but he just seems like you can't keep him down.

[Mass Haas]

NOTE: Normally we don't note the winter league Brewers scheduled to become minor league free agents five days after the World Series, and it appears LHP Frank Lopez would normally qualify. But the info we have on his mid-season signing is conflicting, and we'll have to wait until the formal minor league free agent list comes out to learn whether Lopez is under Brewers control in 2018. Until then, we'll post Lopez' stats.

 

Lopez (player page) indeed remains in the Brewers' organization.

[Mass Haas]

TWEET: Looks like it may be an ankle injury that has either cut short or delayed catcher Tyler Heineman's Dominican season

[Mass Haas]

Via a translation of this Venezuelan article --

 

Nate Orf played with Tiburones until November 15, because he must leave for the United States, but management did not rule out the return of the American infielder, who belongs to the Milwaukee Brewers.

 

"The level of this league is very good, I also like the atmosphere and the treatment of the fans. I would like to go back", said Orf.

 

Also, Cristóbal Colón, sports manager of La Guaira, reported that: "We are negotiating, we talked to him (Orf) and he left us good feelings and it is possible that he will return in mid-December."

 

Orf fulfilled since he arrived, not in vain he had the fourth best average of Sharks (.337).

 

"I'm leaving Venezuela being a better player, of course this experience will help me to have more opportunity to reach the Major Leagues. It's also an honor to play for a manager like 'Ozzie' Guillen, "said Orf.

[Mass Haas]

If there's one place we know Junior Guerra is comfortable, it's in his native Venezuela.

 

I've been meaning to tweet/post how I think Guerra will begin the season in the Brewers' rotation. Would have looked even better if I had posted prior to today's stellar game . Click Guerra's name above to see his stat lines from the four appearances he's made thus far.

 

Sunday's performance - 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K, 8/6 GB/FO, 89 pitches, 57 strikes (box score)

 

Aragua Top of the 1st

 

Carlos Arroyo strikes out swinging.

Leandro Castro grounds out, third baseman Jose Castillo to first baseman Jose Martinez.

Alberto Callaspo flies out to left fielder Alonzo Harris.

 

Aragua Top of the 2nd

 

Jose Vargas flies out to left fielder Alonzo Harris.

Rey Navarro grounds out, shortstop Jose Gomez to first baseman Jose Martinez.

Luis Villegas grounds out, pitcher Junior Guerra to first baseman Jose Martinez.

 

Aragua Top of the 3rd

 

Alberti Chavez grounds out, third baseman Jose Castillo to first baseman Jose Martinez.

Osniel Madera pops out to first baseman Jose Martinez.

Engelb Vielma grounds out, first baseman Jose Martinez to pitcher Junior Guerra.

 

Aragua Top of the 4th

 

Carlos Arroyo grounds out, first baseman Jose Martinez to pitcher Junior Guerra.

Leandro Castro singles on a ground ball to third baseman Jose Castillo.

Alberto Callaspo flies out to right fielder Teodoro Martinez.

With Jose Vargas batting, Leandro Castro steals (2) 2nd base.

Jose Vargas walks.

With Rey Navarro batting, passed ball by Miguel Gonzalez, Leandro Castro to 3rd. Jose Vargas to 2nd.

Rey Navarro walks.

Luis Villegas flies out to center fielder Omar Carrizales.

 

Aragua Top of the 5th

 

Alberti Chavez flies out to right fielder Teodoro Martinez.

Osniel Madera grounds out, shortstop Jose Gomez to first baseman Jose Martinez.

Engelb Vielma bunt pops out to third baseman Jose Castillo in foul territory.

 

Aragua Top of the 6th

 

Carlos Arroyo strikes out swinging.

Leandro Castro pops out to shortstop Jose Gomez.

Alberto Callaspo flies out to center fielder Omar Carrizales.

 

Aragua Top of the 7th

 

Jose Vargas strikes out swinging.

Rey Navarro walks.

Luis Villegas singles on a ground ball to left fielder Alonzo Harris. Rey Navarro to 2nd.

Alberti Chavez flies out to center fielder Omar Carrizales.

Osniel Madera grounds into a force out, second baseman Heiker Meneses to shortstop Jose Gomez. Luis Villegas out at 2nd.

[trwi7]

I wouldn't call a 1/1 K/BB ratio stellar and if he's still throwing 90 he's probably going to be crap.

[JohnBriggs12]

I wouldn't call a 1/1 K/BB ratio stellar and if he's still throwing 90 he's probably going to be crap.

 

Guerra was hitting 94 with regularity out of the pen in September. In his start on the next to last regular season game, his 4 seamer by pitch was: 92.8, 92.2, 92.5, 93.3, 93.4, 92.8, 93.2, 93.2, 91.9, 92.9, 92.3, 91.6, 92.4, 92.9, 92.1, 91.0, 91.3, 91.0, 91.0, 92.1, 92.1, 92.5, 92.5, 92.5, 92.2, 93.7, 93.1, 93.4, 93.6.

 

I'm in the camp that Guerra is poised to rebound and might be the better in the short term than most of the high priced FA.

[trwi7]

I wouldn't call a 1/1 K/BB ratio stellar and if he's still throwing 90 he's probably going to be crap.

 

Guerra was hitting 94 with regularity out of the pen in September. In his start on the next to last regular season game, his 4 seamer by pitch was: 92.8, 92.2, 92.5, 93.3, 93.4, 92.8, 93.2, 93.2, 91.9, 92.9, 92.3, 91.6, 92.4, 92.9, 92.1, 91.0, 91.3, 91.0, 91.0, 92.1, 92.1, 92.5, 92.5, 92.5, 92.2, 93.7, 93.1, 93.4, 93.6.

 

I'm in the camp that Guerra is poised to rebound and might be the better in the short term than most of the high priced FA.

 

The pen is not starting and his last start went less than 3 innings which is basically a long outing out of the bullpen and in that start you reference he gave up 3 runs and walked 2 in those 2.1 innings.

 

Expecting anything from Guerra next year other than some innings out of the pen would be foolish.

[Mass Haas]

From Friday 11/24 in Venezuela --

 

Box Score -- Junior Guerra's latest start, he's limiting earned runs, but in 25.1 IP, he's walked 13 and struck out 16

 

***

 

Box Score -- Big league first baseman Jesus Aguilar made his debut, and was productive, driving in a run with a sacrifice fly and walking twice. Young second baseman Javier Betancourt made his first start in some time here, he's sporting a .310/.349/.345 line in 58 AB's.

[Mass Haas]

RHP Tristan Archer, the recently-turned 27-year-old Rule 5-eligible RH reliever entering his 6th season in the Brewers system, debuted in the Dominican Republic Saturday (box score). He allowed an inherited runner to score taking over for former Milwaukee minor league free agent signee LHP Nick Additon, but then retired four in a row. The box indicated Archer threw just seven pitches against the five batters.

 

Of course, everyone's favorite Tristan Archer stat is that he posted the same exact effective ERA (3.42) in each of the 2014, 2015, and 2016 seasons. The conditions at Colorado Springs altered that last season.

 

Aguilas Bottom of the 3rd

 

Wilmer Difo walks.

Juan Perez singles on a line drive to center fielder Starling Marte. Wilmer Difo to 3rd. Juan Perez advances to 2nd, on a throwing error by center fielder Starling Marte.

Zoilo Almonte grounds out, shortstop Erik Gonzalez to first baseman Alex Valdez. Wilmer Difo scores.

Edwin Espinal grounds out, second baseman Pablo Reyes to first baseman Alex Valdez. Juan Perez to 3rd.

Luis Jimenez reaches on a missed catch error by first baseman Alex Valdez, assist to second baseman Pablo Reyes. Juan Perez scores.

Rey Fuentes singles on a ground ball to right fielder Xavier Batista. Luis Jimenez to 3rd.

Pitching Change: Tristan Archer replaces Nick Additon.

Francisco Pena singles on a ground ball to center fielder Starling Marte. Luis Jimenez scores. Rey Fuentes to 2nd.

Danny Santana strikes out swinging.

 

Aguilas Bottom of the 4th

 

Ronny Rodriguez grounds out, third baseman Ryan Court to first baseman Alex Valdez.

Wilmer Difo lines out to left fielder Franchy Cordero.

Juan Perez lines out to left fielder Franchy Cordero.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box - In his second game of the winter (and second productive game), first baseman Jesus Aguilar singled and walked, driving in two runs.

[Mass Haas]

Scoreless appearance #2 for reliever Tristan Archer on Monday, although he had help behind him stranding runners -- box score

 

Aguilas Top of the 5th

 

Pitching Change: Tristan Archer replaces Carlos Pimentel.

Ronny Rodriguez singles on a line drive to first baseman Ryan Court.

Danny Santana grounds into a double play, shortstop Erik Gonzalez to first baseman Ryan Court. Ronny Rodriguez out at 2nd.

Juan Perez singles on a ground ball to right fielder Aristides Aquino.

Zoilo Almonte pops out to third baseman Danny Richar in foul territory.

 

Aguilas Top of the 6th

 

Edwin Espinal grounds out, shortstop Erik Gonzalez to first baseman Ryan Court.

Johan Camargo walks.

Rey Fuentes singles on a fly ball to left fielder Patrick Kivlehan. Johan Camargo to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Henry Martinez replaces Tristan Archer.

Francisco Pena flies out to right fielder Aristides Aquino.

Luis Valenzuela strikes out on a foul tip.

 

That was the lone winter league appearance by a Brewer on Monday.

[Mass Haas]

Wed. in Venezuela --

 

Tristan Archer:

 

Gigantes Bottom of the 6th

 

Pitching Change: Tristan Archer replaces Kelvin Marte.

Jose Siri doubles (5) on a line drive to left fielder Ruben Sosa.

Abiatal Avelino grounds out, shortstop Erik Gonzalez to first baseman Ryan Court. Jose Siri to 3rd.

Ketel Marte out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Ruben Sosa. Jose Siri scores.

Aderlin Rodriguez strikes out swinging.

 

***

 

Jesus Aguilar (after four games); RBI double Wednesday (box)

 

***

 

Catching up Tuesday -- Another seven strong innings from Jorge Lopez

[brewmann04]

Lopez hopefully will be back on the radar as a starter