2017-2018 Winter League Thread

[Mass Haas]

VIDEO: After scoring 32 runs in their most recent game, Perth is involved in a tight 2-1 contest in the 7th as of this post. The game included Jesse Williams first ABL home run. Congrats to the 18-year-old Brewer signee.

 

UPDATE: Perth wins, 5-3, Williams doubled in addition to the home run

 

BOX SCORE (Alex Hall the other Milwaukee farmhand)

[Mass Haas]

Thursday's action:

 

Dominican Box -- Jonathan Villar 0-for-3, BB, SB, error at SS in a 10-5 loss

 

***

 

As of this post time, Australia finds catcher Alex Hall with a home run and a bases-loaded walk and Jesse Williams (DH today) a two-run double.

 

Box Score

[Mass Haas]

As of this post time, Australia finds catcher Alex Hall with a home run and a bases-loaded walk and Jesse Williams (DH today) a two-run double.

 

Box Score

 

UPDATE: Whoa, a combined three HR's and nine RBI for the two youngsters, sweet.

 

Now about those KBO-like box scores...

[Mass Haas]

Friday's action:

 

Dominican Box -- Jonathan Villar's team fell to 3-4 in the postseason round-robin with a 6-5 loss. Villar was productive, 1-for-3 with a sacrifice fly, driving in two runs, and scoring one. Villar played shortstop, where he has settled in as of late.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box -- Hernan Perez' team got the best of Jesus Aguilar's with a 2-1 walkoff win in ten innings. Aguilar was 1-for-4 and was caught stealing. Perez, playing third base, homered in his first inning at-bat, his lone hit in four at-bats, but certainly a big one.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wnm05rnWjss

 

***

 

Congrats to the good people of Puerto Rico, their delayed winter season got underway Friday, although no current Brewers saw action (several Brewers alumni did should you care to review the scoreboard. Expect RHP Jorge Lopez to see action this weekend.

 

***

 

Once again, the Australia game (Saturday for them) is being streamed live as of this post. Infielder Jesse Williams and his near .340 average got bumped up to the #2 spot in the order and is playing second base for the first time this season, Alex Hall is once again behind the plate.

 

 

The video can be paused and viewed as if on DVR, it will also archive should you wish to seek out specific at-bats.

 

Box Score

 

We'll summarize the box later on, but thus far, Hall has reached in all four plate appearances.

[Mass Haas]

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.

 

Box Score -- Jorge Lopez did indeed make his Puerto Rico League debut Saturday, and despite being saddled with the loss, his line was excellent: 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, 6:4 GB:FO.

 

For those wondering, Jorge Lopez does have a minor league option remaining that can be used in 2018.

 

Pretty neat that Lopez' teammate was just-turned 20-year-old Gabriel Garcia, who played at Helena last season. The corner infielder's rookie ball pro career has been excellent, and we can look forward to seeing him be a prominent piece of the Timber Rattler lineup to begin 2018. Garcia was the designated hitter in this game, 0-for-2 (strikeout, flyout) with a walk.

 

***

 

Dominican Box -- Jonathan Villar, playing second base and batting 3rd, 0-for-4 (K, GIDP) in his team's 4-1 loss.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box -- 1B Jesus Aguilar on base thrice more (1-for-3, two walks) as his team rolled 7-1 over Hernan Perez' club (1-for-3, BB, picked off second base).

 

***

 

Australia Box -- A rare 0-for-5 day for .320-hitting infielder Jesse Williams, who also committed an error at second base. But his Perth team won, as catcher http://Alex Hall doubled and walked in his four plate appearances.

[Mass Haas]

Sunday's action:

 

Puerto Rico Box -- Young OF Jay Feliciano (Helena 2017) made his winter debut, 0-for-1 with an HBP.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box -- 1B Jesus Aguilar 0-for-4, K, throwing error (his first error all winter); 3B Hernan Perez 0-for-3, BB, K.

 

***

 

Venezuela Box -- Junior Guerra's latest start -- 5.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 2 K, balk, 89 pitches (56 strikes), 7:4 GB:FO

 

His team won, 7-3, and so far Team Lara is certainly pleased with their #1 draft pick for the postseason (Guerra).

 

Zulia Bottom of the 1st

 

Ali Castillo lines out to first baseman Rangel Ravelo.

Alex Romero doubles (2) on a line drive to center fielder Elvis Escobar.

Jairo Perez grounds out softly, second baseman Ildemaro Vargas to first baseman Rangel Ravelo. Alex Romero to 3rd.

Hector Gimenez walks.

Jermaine Curtis flies out to center fielder Elvis Escobar.

 

Zulia Bottom of the 2nd

 

Jose Pirela singles on a ground ball to center fielder Elvis Escobar.

Herlis Rodriguez grounds into a force out, first baseman Rangel Ravelo to shortstop Juniel Querecuto. Jose Pirela out at 2nd. Herlis Rodriguez to 1st.

With Jose Queliz batting, Herlis Rodriguez advances to 2nd on a balk.

Jose Queliz lines out to left fielder Eugenio Velez. Herlis Rodriguez to 3rd.

Emmanuel Avila strikes out swinging.

 

Zulia Bottom of the 3rd

 

Ali Castillo flies out to right fielder Henry Urrutia.

Defensive Substitution: Deiner Lopez replaces shortstop Juniel Querecuto, batting 2nd, playing shortstop.

Alex Romero reaches on a fielding error by second baseman Ildemaro Vargas.

Jairo Perez grounds into a double play, third baseman Carlos Rivero to second baseman Ildemaro Vargas to first baseman Rangel Ravelo. Alex Romero out at 2nd.

 

Zulia Bottom of the 4th

 

Hector Gimenez grounds out, second baseman Ildemaro Vargas to first baseman Rangel Ravelo.

Jermaine Curtis doubles (1) on a line drive to center fielder Elvis Escobar.

Jose Pirela flies out to center fielder Elvis Escobar.

Herlis Rodriguez grounds out, first baseman Rangel Ravelo to pitcher Junior Guerra.

 

Zulia Bottom of the 5th

 

Jose Queliz strikes out swinging.

Emmanuel Avila flies out to center fielder Elvis Escobar.

Ali Castillo lines out softly to second baseman Ildemaro Vargas.

 

Zulia Bottom of the 6th

 

Alex Romero singles on a line drive to left fielder Eugenio Velez.

Jairo Perez doubles (2) on a sharp ground ball to left fielder Eugenio Velez. Alex Romero to 3rd.

Hector Gimenez reaches on a fielder's choice out, first baseman Rangel Ravelo to catcher Yojhan Quevedo to third baseman Carlos Rivero. Alex Romero out at home. Jairo Perez to 3rd on the throw.

Jermaine Curtis walks. Hector Gimenez to 2nd.

Jose Pirela walks. Jairo Perez scores. Hector Gimenez to 3rd. Jermaine Curtis to 2nd.

Pitching Change: Scott Maine replaces Junior Guerra.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Cade Gotta replaces Herlis Rodriguez.

Cade Gotta pops out to second baseman Ildemaro Vargas.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Jose Flores replaces Jose Queliz.

Jose Flores called out on strikes.

 

Inherited runners-scored: Maine 3-0

 

That was huge in protecting Guerra's 6th inning line.

[Mass Haas]

Monday's action:

 

Dominican Box -- Jonathan Villar's teammate is newest Brewer Christian Bethancourt and their team rolled to a 9-0 win. Villar was 1-for-5 and Bethancourt 1-for-2 with a walk and two runs scored.

[Mass Haas]

Tuesday's action --

 

See Kyle Lobner's tweets here and here.

[Mass Haas]

Frosty Microbrews: Archer & Davis Get First Taste of Winter Ball

By Kyle Lobner / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

[Mass Haas]

Wednesday's action --

 

See Kyle Lobner's tweets here and here.

[Mass Haas]

On Thursday / Friday, Australian catcher Alex Hall went 2-for-7, 2 BB, double, 1 R, 2 RBI, 2 K. He also threw out two of three basestealers.

 

Infielder Jesse Williams missed both games with an illness, but is back in action for Saturday's doubleheader, underway as of this post.

[Mass Haas]

UPDATES (Youngsters alert!)

 

Friday in Puerto Rico -- Box Score: Gabriel Garcia had an RBI pinch-hit double. DH Jay Feliciano, batting cleanup no less, 2-for-4, double, run, RBI.

 

***

 

Friday in the Dominican Republic -- Box Score: Jonathan Villar 0-for-5, Christian Bethancourt 2-for-3, BB, RBI.

 

***

 

Friday in Venezuela -- Box Score: Junior Guerra 5.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 3 K, 2 WP, his bullpen stranded two of his runners in the win

 

Magallanes Top of the 1st

 

Endy Chavez flies out to left fielder Alex Romero.

Ali Castillo grounds out, second baseman Ildemaro Vargas to first baseman Rangel Ravelo.

Ronny Cedeno singles on a line drive to left fielder Alex Romero.

Dustin Martin strikes out swinging.

 

Magallanes Top of the 2nd

 

Mario Lisson called out on strikes.

Alberth Martinez called out on strikes.

Jose Martinez grounds out, second baseman Ildemaro Vargas to first baseman Rangel Ravelo.

 

Magallanes Top of the 3rd

 

Juan Apodaca lines out to shortstop Juniel Querecuto.

Rayder Ascanio singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Carlos Rivero.

Cardenales challenged (play at 1st), call on the field was overturned: Endy Chavez grounds out, shortstop Juniel Querecuto to first baseman Rangel Ravelo. Rayder Ascanio to 2nd.

Ali Castillo walks.

With Ronny Cedeno batting, wild pitch by Junior Guerra, Rayder Ascanio to 3rd. Ali Castillo to 2nd.

Ronny Cedeno flies out to right fielder Henry Urrutia.

 

Magallanes Top of the 4th

 

Dustin Martin walks.

With Mario Lisson batting, wild pitch by Junior Guerra, Dustin Martin to 2nd.

Mario Lisson walks.

Alberth Martinez singles on a ground ball to right fielder Henry Urrutia. Dustin Martin scores. Mario Lisson to 3rd.

Jose Martinez grounds into a double play, second baseman Ildemaro Vargas to shortstop Juniel Querecuto to first baseman Rangel Ravelo. Mario Lisson scores. Alberth Martinez out at 2nd.

Juan Apodaca pops out to third baseman Carlos Rivero.

 

Magallanes Top of the 5th

 

Rayder Ascanio grounds out, second baseman Ildemaro Vargas to pitcher Junior Guerra.

Endy Chavez grounds out, second baseman Ildemaro Vargas to first baseman Rangel Ravelo.

Ali Castillo doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Henry Urrutia.

Ronny Cedeno flies out to right fielder Henry Urrutia.

 

Magallanes Top of the 6th

 

Dustin Martin pops out to third baseman Carlos Rivero.

Mario Lisson singles on a line drive to left fielder Alex Romero.

Alberth Martinez singles on a line drive to left fielder Alex Romero. Mario Lisson to 3rd.

Pitching Change: Jesus Sanchez replaces Junior Guerra.

Jose Martinez lines out to shortstop Juniel Querecuto.

Juan Apodaca grounds out, second baseman Ildemaro Vargas to first baseman Rangel Ravelo.

 

***

 

That seems to have been Guerra's last scheduled winter appearance, but these winter assignments can take twists and turns. We'll see...

[Mass Haas]

Saturday's action:

 

Dominican Box -- Jonathan Villar 2-for-5, but was caught stealing and committed two errors (throwing, fielding) at second base

 

***

 

Puerto Rico Box Score -- Helena Brewer Jay Feliciano 2-for-4, BB, double, two runs as the designated hitter; fellow youngster Gabriel Garcia 0-for-1, K, action at first base. Feliciano is listed at 6'2", 215, wouldn't be surprised to learn he's now beyond that beef in Wisconsin this spring.

[Mass Haas]

On Thursday / Friday, Australian catcher Alex Hall went 2-for-7, 2 BB, double, 1 R, 2 RBI, 2 K. He also threw out two of three basestealers.

 

Infielder Jesse Williams missed both games with an illness, but is back in action for Saturday's doubleheader, underway as of this post.

 

Following up with those results:

 

Australia Saturday Game One Box -- Perth wins, 15-6. Jesse Williams 1-for-3, BB, R, two RBI, K as the designated hitter.

 

***

 

Australia Saturday Game Two Box -- Perth wins, 10-9. Perth led 9-0 in the 8th where they surrendered a nine-spot. Catcher Alex Hall was 2-for-4 with a run scored.

 

***

 

Australia Sunday Box -- Perth lost, 22-19. Williams was 3-for-6, HR, two R, five RBI, two K, played second base. Hall was 2-for-4, two BB, HR (seen below), four runs, two RBI. Check out Hall's recent games -- in his last nine, 14-for-33, three HR's.

 

Yes, it's an offensive league - this stat page will give you a sense of that, with Team Perth leading the way.

 

***

 

[Mass Haas]

Sunday's action:

 

Puerto Rico Box -- DH Jay Feliciano, 0-for-3, K

 

***

 

Puerto Rico Box -- 1B Gabriel Garcia, 0-for-2, K

 

Garcia left mid-inning, usually not a great sign --

 

Santurce Bottom of the 5th

 

Yadiel Hernandez strikes out swinging.

Juan Silva walks.

Gabriel Cancel singles on a line drive to right fielder Jiandido Tromp. Juan Silva to 2nd.

Jan Hernandez grounds into a force out, shortstop Yadiel Rivera to second baseman Jesmuel Valentin. Juan Silva to 3rd. Gabriel Cancel out at 2nd. Jan Hernandez to 1st.

Defensive Substitution: Danny Ortiz replaces first baseman Gabriel Garcia, batting 8th, playing first base.

Roberto Pena flies out to right fielder Jiandido Tromp.

 

***

 

Dominican Box --

 

In a 7-6 win, big game for 2B Jonathan Villar, 4-for-5 (all singles) as the leadoff man (one rune scored). Teammate catcher Christian Bethancourt was 1-for-4, R, K.

[Mass Haas]

Garcia left mid-inning, usually not a great sign --

 

Santurce Bottom of the 5th

 

Yadiel Hernandez strikes out swinging.

Juan Silva walks.

Gabriel Cancel singles on a line drive to right fielder Jiandido Tromp. Juan Silva to 2nd.

Jan Hernandez grounds into a force out, shortstop Yadiel Rivera to second baseman Jesmuel Valentin. Juan Silva to 3rd. Gabriel Cancel out at 2nd. Jan Hernandez to 1st.

Defensive Substitution: Danny Ortiz replaces first baseman Gabriel Garcia, batting 8th, playing first base.

Roberto Pena flies out to right fielder Jiandido Tromp.

 

Translated tweet -- Moments of tension when the baseman Mayaguez Gabriel Garcia's in search of a bat in foul area fell from face to face in the pit of photographers. But out by walking, a little dazed but goes well. Leave the game while applauds it fans."

 

Glad you'll be OK, Gabriel!

[Eye Black]

I think we are all well aware that we are lucky to have Mass Haas (Jim) as the primary contributor on this site, but this Gabriel Garcia find is a quintessential example of just how incredible he is at scouring the interwebs for information we would otherwise likely never be privy to.

[Mass Haas]

Monday's action:

 

Dominican Box -- Catcher Christian Bethancourt 1-for-4, K, throwing error

[Mass Haas]

Wednesday's action:

 

Puerto Rico Box -- Jay Feliciano, playing first base, 1-for-3, two K's; Feliciano has seen action at first base 17 times in his 103 rookie league games.

 

***

 

Dominican Box -- Jonathan Villar, seeing time at both middle infield spots in this one, 3-for-5, a double, two RBI, but his 5th caught stealing and 6th error, each just within the postseason round-robin.

 

In the same game, teammate catcher Christian Bethancourt was 1-for-3, BB, RBI, K, error on a pickoff attempt, his 5th of the postseason.

[Mass Haas]

Thursday's action:

 

Puerto Rico Box -- 1B Jay Feliciano 0-for-4, K, fielding error

 

***

 

Dominican Box -- Jonathan Villar, playing second base, 1-for-4, R, K

 

Catcher Christian Bethancourt 1-for-4, one SB against while behind the plate in the 6-2 loss.

 

***

 

Australia Box -- Despite a 7-3 loss, catcher Alex Hall had a super effort, 3-for-3 with a walk, a triple shy of a cycle, two RBI. The 18-year-old's 6th HR has his OPS up to .863 (29 games).

 

 

Teammate second baseman Jesse Williams (.839 OPS) was 1-for-4, K.

 

***

 

Australia Box (Friday) -- As of this post time, Perth leads 8-3 in the 6th, Alex Hall 0-for-3 with an RBI, K thus far, Jesse Williams idle

 

The game is streaming live and will archive --

 

[Mass Haas]

The only action from Friday was in Australia with a doubleheader (actually, their Saturday).

 

Game One Box Score - Alex Hall and Jesse Williams each on twice more

 

Game Two Box Score - Hall gets a "rest" game as the designated hitter, and draws a walk, but otherwise a quiet game for the two youngsters

 

Ironically, Perth lost Game One and won Game Two (no-hit bid broken up in the 7th), given the results of the Brewers' dynamic duo listed above.

 

If you'd like to review the game logs available at the box score links, particularly from Game One, you can try to match up the video to search for the base knocks of note.

[Mass Haas]

Saturday's action:

 

Venezuela Box -- In Game One of the Venezuelan League Championship Series, Junior Guerra received a no-decision in his club's 4-2 loss.

 

His line: 5.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB (one intentional), 0 K, 80 pitches (48 strikes), GB:FB 10:3, bullpen helped, stranding two runners in the 6th

 

Caribes Top of the 1st

 

Rafael Ortega lines out to center fielder Elvis Escobar.

Niuman Romero grounds out, second baseman Ildemaro Vargas to first baseman Rangel Ravelo.

Rene Reyes grounds out, second baseman Ildemaro Vargas to first baseman Rangel Ravelo.

 

Caribes Top of the 2nd

 

Balbino Fuenmayor flies out to center fielder Elvis Escobar.

Luis Jimenez grounds out, third baseman Carlos Rivero to first baseman Rangel Ravelo.

Tomas Telis lines out to center fielder Elvis Escobar.

 

Caribes Top of the 3rd

 

Willians Astudillo grounds out, shortstop Juniel Querecuto to first baseman Rangel Ravelo.

Alexi Amarista lines out to second baseman Ildemaro Vargas.

Luis Sardinas triples (1) on a line drive to center fielder Elvis Escobar.

Rafael Ortega singles on a ground ball to right fielder Henry Urrutia. Luis Sardinas scores.

Niuman Romero grounds out softly, pitcher Junior Guerra to first baseman Rangel Ravelo.

 

Caribes Top of the 4th

 

Rene Reyes grounds out sharply to first baseman Rangel Ravelo.

Balbino Fuenmayor lines out sharply to second baseman Ildemaro Vargas.

Luis Jimenez flies out to center fielder Elvis Escobar.

 

Caribes Top of the 5th

 

Caribes challenged (play at 1st), call on the field was upheld: Tomas Telis bunt grounds out, third baseman Carlos Rivero to first baseman Rangel Ravelo.

Willians Astudillo singles on a ground ball to left fielder Alex Romero.

Alexi Amarista grounds out to first baseman Rangel Ravelo. Willians Astudillo to 2nd.

Luis Sardinas grounds out, second baseman Ildemaro Vargas to first baseman Rangel Ravelo.

 

Caribes Top of the 6th

 

Rafael Ortega walks.

Niuman Romero out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Junior Guerra to first baseman Rangel Ravelo. Rafael Ortega to 2nd.

Junior Guerra intentionally walks Rene Reyes.

Balbino Fuenmayor singles on a fly ball to center fielder Elvis Escobar. Rafael Ortega to 3rd. Rene Reyes to 2nd.

Luis Jimenez out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Elvis Escobar. Rafael Ortega scores.

Pitching Change: Alejandro Soto replaces Junior Guerra.

Tomas Telis grounds into a force out, shortstop Juniel Querecuto to second baseman Ildemaro Vargas. Balbino Fuenmayor out at 2nd.

 

***

 

Dominican Box -- Jonathan Villar, playing shortstop, 0-for-3, BB, K; Christian Bethancourt 0-for-2, BB, threw out both baserunners trying to steal in a 2-0 victory

 

***

 

NOTE from the Puerto Rico League -- Back on the 13th, in his only appearance to date, soon-to-be 20-year-old LHP Jose Alberro pitched two scoreless innings, striking out two and walking two.

 

Those numbers mirror Alberro's 2017 season pitching for the shared Brewers/Indians Dominican Summer League team, where the 2nd year pro posted a fine 2.89 ERA over 37.1 innings in 19 relief appearances. But Alberro maintained that ERA despite walking 40 and throwing 16 wild pitches in those 37.1 frames (44 K's). Also remarkably, the Puerto Rico native only plunked one batter.

[Mass Haas]

Sunday's Brewers farmhand birthday is a 25th for RHP Wuilder Rodriguez, who appeared in eight Venezuela Winter League games back in October and November.

 

Rodriguez, who got a late start to his pro career as a 22-year-old three years older than the competition in his native Dominican Summer League in 2015, jumped over Wisconsin to begin 2017 and posted ridiculous numbers for the Mudcats (1.63 ERA with only 36 hits allowed in 60.2 IP, 23 BB, 65 K's).

 

Rodriguez was crushed in three Biloxi appearances, and even made a spot three-inning start for Colorado Springs, but there is still something there to follow.

[Mass Haas]

The Brewers' recent signing of RHP Ernesto Frieri wasn't based on his 2017 Mexican Winter League season, where Frieri was raked for an 11.17 ERA over 12 appearances. Stats at the linked name.

[Mass Haas]

Tuesday's action:

 

Venezuela Box -- In an opening game of a new series (no longer just round-robin), Jonathan Villar and Christian Bethancourt's club enjoyed an 8-1, scoring seven runs over the final two innings.

 

Villar was 1-for-4 (BB, R, two K, caught stealing again) while Bethancourt was 3-for-4, R, threw out Erick Aybar trying to steal.