2017-2018 Winter League Thread

[Mass Haas]

Australia Box

 

Workhorse C Alex Hall 0-for-4, SS Jess Williams 1-for-4, two RBI, another error for the youngster (10 in 19 games)

[Mass Haas]

Saturday in the Dominican --

 

Box Score -- 2B Wendell Rijo, 1-for-4, BB, R, SB, E

 

Last year's Rule 5 loss to the Padres, RHP Miguel Diaz, made his 4th winter appearance in this game.

 

***

 

Sunday in the Dominican --

 

Box Score -- 2B Wendell Rijo, 0-for-3, HBP, E

[Mass Haas]

Sunday in Venezuela --

 

Box Score -- 1B Jesus Aguilar 0-for-3, R, K

[Mass Haas]

Tuesday's action --

 

Kyle Lobner updates you on Jesus Aguilar and Tristan Archer within his "BrewFrostyMug" weekday tweetstorm. Click the names for the data.

 

Also on Tuesday, 2B Wendell Rijo was 0-for-2 (two BB's, one K, one CS) in the Dominican (box).

[Mass Haas]

Old friend catcher Adam Weisenburger has played in 13 Australia Winter League games thus far and is playing in their league All-Star game as of this Thursday AM post (box).

[Mass Haas]

Wednesday's games:

 

Dominican Box -- Jonathan Villar, batting 2nd and playing second base, made his official winter debut, 2-for-4, R, K.

 

His teammate was starting RHP Jorge Lopez, who took a no-decision in the 4-2 loss. Lopez' line was 5.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 4:3 GB:FO. You can follow his game log here. Lopez sports a 2.49 ERA in a whopping 68.2 IP thus far this winter. Oh wait, winter officially starts today! This fall, then...

 

***

 

Dominican Box -- Busy RHP Tristan Archer allowed one run in two innings of work.

 

Estrellas Top of the 5th

 

Pitching Change: Tristan Archer replaces Carlos Pimentel.

Gabriel Guerrero grounds out, shortstop Erik Gonzalez to first baseman Ryan Court.

Frank Schwindel grounds out, shortstop Erik Gonzalez to first baseman Ryan Court.

Hector Gomez doubles (10) on a sharp ground ball to left fielder Eury Perez.

Audry Perez doubles (2) on a line drive to left fielder Eury Perez. Hector Gomez scores.

Robert Andino grounds out, shortstop Erik Gonzalez to first baseman Ryan Court.

 

Estrellas Top of the 6th

 

Orlando Calixte flies out to left fielder Eury Perez.

Jordany Valdespin flies out to center fielder Franchy Cordero.

Junior Lake strikes out swinging.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box --

 

Seeing action in the second game of a doubleheader, LF Johnny Davis was 0-for-1 (BB, K).

 

***

 

Venezuela Box --

 

In the first game of a different doubleheader, Hernan Perez, batting 2nd and playing third base, went 0-for-3 (one K) in his winter debut.

 

In the nightcap, Perez grounded into a forceout as a pinch-hitter (box).

 

***

 

Venezuela Box --

 

His team lost in walkoff fashion, 10-9, but don't blame 1B Jesus Aguilar, who reached base in four of five plate appearances, homering for the second consecutive game, walking three times, and scoring three runs. His OPS is up to .939 (.266/.424/.516). Sweet.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box --

 

We'll let superfan and backer, BrewCrewBall editor Kyle Lesniewski, tell you how Junior Guerra did.

 

Kyle was pleased .

[Mass Haas]

VIDEO: Jesus Aguilar's Wednesday HR

[Mass Haas]

Not sure if he'll be heading back after the holidays, but a very successful stint for reliever Tristan Archer is done (at least for now, Archer's tweet).

[Mass Haas]

Dominican Box - 2B Jonathan Villar 0-for-5, K

 

***

 

Dominican Box -- 2B Wendell Rijo, 0-for-2, K

 

***

 

Venezuela Box -- 3B Hernan Perez 1-for-4, R, RBI, K

 

***

 

Venezuela Box -- 1B Jesus Aguilar 2-for-5, 2 R, RBI, K, E

 

***

 

Venezuela Box -- LF Johnny Davis 1-for-5, double, BB, R, two K, outfield assist

[Mass Haas]

Nate Orf (prior Venezuela stint) gets some respect in this article.

[Mass Haas]

Couple of Venezuelan tweets -- Via translations (always an adventure), Manny Pina was denied a Venezuelan Winter League stint by the Brewers, and is also traveling to Milwaukee to have a sore hand examined.

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Box -- Jesus Aguilar singled in all four plate appearances, he's now at .315/.447/.534 (.981 OPS) through 22 games.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box -- Hernan Perez, playing third base, 0-for-3, walk, sacrifice fly

[Mass Haas]

Wednesday's action in the Dominican Republic:

 

Box Score -- Jonathan Villar with a line drive single in his lone at-bat. Former Brewers 40-man roster OF Rymer Liriano didn't like a somewhat hard extra tag that Villar applied. Liriano throws his helmet at Villar, who had his back turned, hitting Villar in the leg. Both players were ejected, benches cleared, Villar's ejection could certainly be questioned.

 

This was the first game of the prolonged "round robin" postseason portion of the Dominican winter ball season. Six umpires, yeah they take things seriously in the D.R.

 

By the way, on this extended rundown, notice the awesome play by the catcher who saves Villar from a pretty bad pickle overthrow.

 

[Mass Haas]

Wednesday's action in Venezuela:

 

Box Score -- Over 20,000 in attendance as two of the country's biggest rival teams did battle. 1B Jesus Aguilar (OPS now 1.014 through 23 games) cracked a bottom of the 9th inning home run that tied the game, a contest his team would walk off win in the 12th.

 

All I know is that here in my Massachusetts town, the expected high today of 14 degrees will be the lowest "high" for this date on record. So the video of the Aguilar moonshot (not the first we've linked to this winter) is a welcome sight.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box -- Speaking of home runs, Hernan Perez cracked his first of the season (5th game). Perez also walked, scored three runs, and stole a base.

[WV Brew]

You're probably not going to get a lot of sympathy on those temperatures there Mass. It was -2 F when I left the house at 10 yesterday in Wisconsin.

[Mass Haas]

Thursday in Australia (Friday for the locals):

 

Box Score -- Single for Alex Hall, single and walk for DH Jess Williams. Perth added a more veteran shortstop this week to provide Williams a defensive break, where he has struggled. They love the 18-year-old's bat, though. Hall has been a workhorse, catching every game since the Brewers signed him, I believe. Remember, it's normally a Thursday - Sunday workweek Down Under.

 

Both Hall and Williams contributed in the 9th, but the Heat rally fell a run short.

 

Doubleheader Friday night (their Saturday).

 

Perth Bottom of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Michael Click replaces Tayler Saucedo.

Robbie Glendinning walks.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Jake Turnbull replaces Ulrich Bojarski.

Jake Turnbull strikes out swinging.

Alex Hall singles on a ground ball to right fielder Jake Amos. Robbie Glendinning to 3rd.

Jesse Williams singles on a ground ball to right fielder Jake Amos. Robbie Glendinning scores. Alex Hall to 2nd.

Jake Fraley strikes out swinging.

Tim Kennelly strikes out swinging.

 

***

 

Thursday in Venezuela:

 

Box Score --

 

1B Jesus Aguilar 1-for-4, as was 3B Hernan Perez, who doubled and had an RBI. Perez also stole a base and committed a throwing error in his club's 4-1 win.

[Mass Haas]

Friday in the Dominican --

 

NOTE: With the round-robin underway, the box score batting averages and ERA's only reflect postseason play, and when you click on a player's name, the postseason numbers won't be included. That being said, we'll no longer directly link to the player pages in these posts, just focusing on the game-to-game performances.

 

RHP Jorge Lopez' line -- 4 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 2 K, 65 pitches (39 strikes), 8:0 GB:FB, Lopez' team won, 9-3

 

Teammate Jonathan Villar -- Playing SS and batting second, 2-for-3, double, two BB's, three RBI, one caught stealing, one throwing error

 

Lopez' night --

 

Escogido Top of the 1st

 

Ryan Court singles on a ground ball to second baseman Ronny Rodriguez.

Manuel Margot singles on a line drive to center fielder Danny Santana. Ryan Court to 2nd.

Franchy Cordero lines out to shortstop Jonathan Villar.

Ronny Paulino reaches on a force attempt, throwing error by shortstop Jonathan Villar. Ryan Court scores. Manuel Margot to 2nd.

With Danny Richar batting, Manuel Margot steals (1) 3rd base. Ronny Paulino steals (1) 2nd base.

Danny Richar called out on strikes.

Willy Garcia hit by pitch.

Rafael Ynoa singles on a sharp ground ball to left fielder Junior Lake. Manuel Margot scores. Ronny Paulino to 3rd. Willy Garcia to 2nd.

Audry Perez grounds out softly, pitcher Jorge Lopez to first baseman Edwin Espinal.

 

Escogido Top of the 2nd

 

Erik Gonzalez grounds out to first baseman Edwin Espinal.

Ryan Court walks.

Manuel Margot grounds into a force out, shortstop Jonathan Villar to second baseman Ronny Rodriguez. Ryan Court out at 2nd. Manuel Margot to 1st.

Franchy Cordero doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Juan Perez. Manuel Margot scores. Franchy Cordero to 3rd on the throw.

Ronny Paulino grounds out, shortstop Jonathan Villar to first baseman Edwin Espinal.

 

Escogido Top of the 3rd

 

Danny Richar singles on a line drive to right fielder Juan Perez.

Willy Garcia grounds into a double play, pitcher Jorge Lopez to second baseman Ronny Rodriguez to first baseman Edwin Espinal. Danny Richar out at 2nd.

Rafael Ynoa grounds out, second baseman Ronny Rodriguez to first baseman Edwin Espinal.

 

Escogido Top of the 4th

 

Audry Perez singles on a line drive to right fielder Juan Perez.

Erik Gonzalez grounds into a double play, third baseman Johan Camargo to second baseman Ronny Rodriguez to first baseman Edwin Espinal. Audry Perez out at 2nd.

Ryan Court strikes out swinging.

[Mass Haas]

Friday in Australia (Saturday for the locals):

 

Box Score -- In a 5-2 win, first game of a doubleheader, catcher Alex Hall homered, his 2nd in 18 games, in a 1-for-2 effort, BB, two runs, one passed ball.

 

Jess Williams, again as the DH, was 0-for-2, one K.

 

Game Two is underway as of this post, neither 18-year-old is in the starting lineup for Perth.

[Mass Haas]

Game Two is underway as of this post, neither 18-year-old is in the starting lineup for Perth.

 

As it turns out, the Perth catcher for Game Two injured his arm early on, and Alex Hall had to enter yet again, he went 0-for-4 (RBI fielder's choice).

 

Perth won 10-9, and if you caught me on Twitter this AM, I was pretty excited about seeing this wild ending live, and even if it didn't involve either of the Brewers kids directly, at least they got to join in the celebration.

 

[Mass Haas]

Saturday in the Dominican Republic:

 

Box Score -- Jonathan Villar, playing SS, 1-for-3, BB

 

Jonathan being Jonathan...

 

Aguilas Bottom of the 1st

 

Danny Santana bunt pops out to pitcher Adalberto Flores.

Jonathan Villar singles on a sharp ground ball to shortstop Erik Gonzalez.

With Junior Lake batting, Jonathan Villar steals (1) 2nd base.

Junior Lake walks.

With Zoilo Almonte batting, Jonathan Villar picked off and caught stealing 3rd base, pitcher Adalberto Flores to shortstop Erik Gonzalez to third baseman Danny Richar to shortstop Erik Gonzalez, Junior Lake to 2nd.

Zoilo Almonte walks.

Ronny Rodriguez called out on strikes.

[Mass Haas]

Sunday in Australia:

 

Box Score -- Just your run of the mill 32-10 victory for Perth

 

Hall and Williams combined to go 6-for-8 with three doubles, two walks, and nine RBI. Enjoy!

 

***

 

Winter leagues idle now through New Year's.

[Mass Haas]

Tuesday's action:

 

Venezuela Box -- There was a reason that team Lara made Junior Guerra the #1 overall pick from the non-playoff teams in last week's draft. Guerra didn't get the win in the 4-3 game, but he posted a fantastic seven-inning line, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 2 WP, 83 pitches, 54 strikes.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box -- Jesus Aguilar's team defeated Hernan Perez' squad, 11-8. Perez walked and scored a run in four plate appearances, but Aguilar trumped that with two singles, a walk, two RBI, and two runs scored.

 

***

 

Dominican Box -- Jonathan Villar, playing shortstop, was 0-for-2, but walked twice in his team's 4-2 loss.

[Mudville9]

Having the 2016 version of Junior would be nice for the rotation in 2018.

[jerichoholicninja]

Tuesday's action:

Venezuela Box -- There was a reason that team Lara made Junior Guerra the #1 overall pick from the non-playoff teams in last week's draft.

 

So the playoff teams get to pick up players from non playoff teams? These winter league roster rules are basically the same as a church picnic softball tournament. Anyone can play for any team whenever they want.

[Mass Haas]

Wednesday's action:

 

Dominican Box -- Jonathan Villar, again playing SS, continues to get on base (and off base). Villar was 1-for-3 with a walk and RBI. Also,

 

Aguilas Bottom of the 7th

 

Pitching Change: Rhiner Cruz replaces Louis Head.

Edwin Espinal singles on a ground ball to center fielder Leury Garcia.

Alfredo Marte singles on a line drive to center fielder Leury Garcia. Edwin Espinal to 2nd.

Christian Bethancourt singles on a line drive to right fielder Moises Sierra. Edwin Espinal to 3rd. Alfredo Marte to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Joely Rodriguez replaces Rhiner Cruz.

Danny Santana singles on a soft line drive to right fielder Moises Sierra. Edwin Espinal scores. Alfredo Marte to 3rd. Christian Bethancourt to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Carlos Frias replaces Joely Rodriguez.

Juan Perez doubles (1) on a sharp ground ball to left fielder Rob Refsnyder, deflected by second baseman Hanser Alberto. Alfredo Marte scores. Christian Bethancourt scores. Danny Santana to 3rd.

Pitching Change: Rafael Perez replaces Carlos Frias.

Jonathan Villar singles on a ground ball to right fielder Moises Sierra. Danny Santana scores. Juan Perez to 3rd.

Pitching Change: Roman Mendez replaces Rafael Perez.

Junior Lake strikes out swinging.

Zoilo Almonte singles on a line drive to left fielder Rob Refsnyder. Juan Perez scores. Jonathan Villar advances to 3rd, on a fielding error by left fielder Rob Refsnyder.

Ronny Rodriguez strikes out swinging and Jonathan Villar caught stealing home, catcher Adrian Nieto to third baseman Anderson Feliz.

 

Gigantes Top of the 8th

 

Aguilas Cibaenas Manager Lino Rivera ejected by 3B umpire Verman Mejia.

Aguilas Cibaenas Third Base Coach Guadalupe Jabalera ejected by 3B umpire Verman Mejia.

 

It goes down in the box score as picked off third base. Could it have been a suicide squeeze? Unlikely with two strikes. Apparently Villar's coaches had a beef with the umps somehow. His club would win, 6-3.

 

UPDATES: We don't see the entirety of the pickoff, just the tail end, but we do see the argument aftermath in this video. Villar with the finger pointing was lucky he wasn't also ejected.

 

BONUS TWEET: This translates as "Jonathan Villar has nothing in the brain..."

 

***

 

Venezuela Box -- Jesus Aguilar again rakes, and again his club defeats Hernan Perez' team.

 

Perez was 0-for-3 (walk, stolen base).

 

Aguilar was 3-for-4, a triple shy of a cycle, and drove in four runs. Stud.

 

VIDEOS!

 

Aguilar's HR (Oh, my goodness)

 

Aguilar's single

 

***

 

TWEET: This (translated) tells us that RHP Jorge Lopez will be transitioning from the Dominican starting rotation to his native Puerto Rico when that league begins its truncated winter season (due to the ravages of Hurricane Maria). Lopez already has thrown 72.2 Dominican winter innings after tossing 103.2 swingman innings with Biloxi last season.