Brewers Winter League Action 2020-2021

[Mass Haas]

Will work to keep this updated --

 

Tweet: Young RHP Santiago Elizondo saw October action in his native Mexico

 

***

 

Tue. 11/17 Box Score:

 

RHP Miguel Sanchez debuted in the Dominican League, his team was down 3-1 when he was brought in, the game ended up suspended --

 

Estrellas Bottom of the 7th

 

 

Pitching Change: Miguel Sanchez replaces Anthony Gose.

Jeremy Pena strikes out swinging.

Gustavo Nunez grounds out, pitcher Miguel Sanchez to first baseman Yamaico Navarro.

Eric Filia pops out to first baseman Yamaico Navarro.

 

Estrellas Bottom of the 8th

 

Estrellas challenged (play at 1st), call on the field was upheld: Junior Lake grounds out, shortstop Jorge Mateo to first baseman Yamaico Navarro.

Status Change - Delayed: Rain

[jerichoholicninja]

That Toros pitching staff is a little bit of a Brewers reunion with Paolo Espino, Jhan Marinez, and Frankie de la Cruz.

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Winter League is underway, but the Brewers players involved thus far are:

 

1B/3B/2B Luis Castro was a longtime Rockies farmhand when the Brewers signed him as a minor league free agent in November of 2019. Even with the missed 2020 season, Castro's 2021 campaign will only be his age 25 season.

 

Castro is off to a 3-for-21 start (1 HR, 3 BB, 5 K), and you can track him going forward at the link above as Baseball Reference includes this league's stats.

 

Castro was in the Rockies organization and this past season 2080 Baseball published the following scouting notes on Castro:

 

Prospect Spotlight

 

The 23-year-old Castro came out of nowhere in the first half of 2019 for Lancaster, pacing the California League with a cartoonish .313/.440/.607 slash line. He was named to the circuit’s mid-season all-star game (and the home run derby), but is likely more a mirage from Lancaster’s inflated offensive environment than a true prospect. He’s old for the level and has spent the last six seasons at or below A-Ball. A big-bodied 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, Castro is very strong but limited to 1B defensively. This is likely an organizational player in the midst of a career season; in the best case, maybe Castro is starting to mash his way into an upper-level/4A depth role.

 

***

 

Corner OF (primarily RF) Alexander Palma originally signed with the New York Yankees on 7/2/12 for $800,000 as an international free agent out of Miranda, Venezuela. The Brewers announced his signing the same November day as Castro's. He recently turned 25.

 

Palma is 7-for-24 thus far, three doubles, 1 BB, 5 K, .763 OPS. Once again, Baseball Ref's link will update this winter.

 

***

 

RHP Brayan Salaya will be 21 years old in February. Salaya signed for $250,000 at the July 2nd, 2016 international signing period.

 

The youngster struggled in his last relief outing, so through two appearances, the ERA is spiked at 16.20 as seen at the link, which includes his Maryvale numbers from the past two summers.

 

***

 

Quite often through the year, we'll see the very youngest of the Brewers international signings listed on winter league rosters, but they often won't reach the box scores. But they will suit up, and get work in.

 

Here's a photo of 2019 catching signee Jesus Garcia with the Tiburones de La Guaira squad. Baseball America's Ben Badler tweeted this photo when Garcia became a Brewer at the 2019 July 2nd day.

 

***

 

Another 2019 catcher signee, Blayberg Diaz, is listed on the Cardenales de Lara roster. He won't even turn 18 until January 31st.

 

Catcher was a lower dollar signing who has trended up. Offensive minded but has made significant progress with catch and throw skills since signing.

 

***

 

Things are still quiet from a Milwaukee perspective in the Dominican Republic and Mexico. The D.R. seems to be past its Covid-suspension stage. Looks like Puerto Rico gets underway Tuesday 12/8.

 

We'll keep this thread updated with occasion posts of note.

[Mass Haas]

Brewers send six prospects to play in Australian Baseball League

Five with play for the Brisbane Bandits as part of a recently announced partnership

By Kyle Lesniewski, BrewCrewBall

[Mass Haas]

Venezuela Winter League is underway, but the Brewers players involved thus far are:

 

 

Corner OF (primarily RF) Alexander Palma originally signed with the New York Yankees on 7/2/12 for $800,000 as an international free agent out of Miranda, Venezuela. He recently turned 25.

 

Palma is 7-for-24 thus far, three doubles, 1 BB, 5 K, .763 OPS. Once again, Baseball Ref's link will update this winter.

 

Palma was a triple shy of a cycle Monday night, now .361/.375/.583 (.958 OPS) through ten games and 36 AB's.

 

But we also learn his nickname is "El Tanque" (The Tank), and this video of his home run tells us why. Guessing he's not playing at his listed 6'0", 201 anymore (likely for a few years now). Wouldn't mind seeing some video of his work in right field from last night, also.

[Mass Haas]

But we also learn his nickname is "El Tanque" (The Tank), and this video of his home run tells us why. Guessing he's not playing at his listed 6'0", 201 anymore (likely for a few years now). Wouldn't mind seeing some video of his work in right field from last night, also.

 

Hey Britney, he did it again!

[Mass Haas]

The Puerto Rico League opened its season Tuesday night.

 

2019 Timber Rattler corner IF/OF Gabriel Garcia, soon to be 23 years old, batted 9th and played left field.

 

He clubbed a three-run HR, singled twice, and added a stolen base, huge night.

 

Somehow however, his club lost a 7-1 lead in the bottom of the 9th, an inning that saw Garcia commit one of the three errors for his squad in that frame.

 

Mayaguez Bottom of the 9th

 

Pitching Change: Edwin Sanchez replaces Pedro Garcia.

Emmanuel Rivera singles on a line drive to center fielder Danny Mars.

Danny Ortiz singles on a line drive to center fielder Danny Mars. Emmanuel Rivera to 2nd.

T.J. Rivera doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Gabriel Garcia. Emmanuel Rivera scores. Danny Ortiz scores. Throwing error by left fielder Gabriel Garcia.

With Brian Navarreto batting, T. J. Rivera advances to 3rd on a balk.

Brian Navarreto homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. T.J. Rivera scores.

Pitching Change: Eddy Tavarez replaces Edwin Sanchez.

Jesmuel Valentin strikes out swinging, catcher Juan Centeno to first baseman Jose Sermo.

Jeremy Rivera reaches on a fielding error by first baseman Jose Sermo.

Henry Ramos singles on a line drive to center fielder Danny Mars. Jeremy Rivera to 2nd.

Khalil Lee singles on a ground ball to right fielder Johnathan Rodriguez. Jeremy Rivera scores. Henry Ramos scores. Khalil Lee to 3rd. Fielding error by right fielder Johnathan Rodriguez.

Wild pitch by pitcher Eddy Tavarez. Khalil Lee scores.

[Mass Haas]

2019 35th round middle infielder and Maryvale Gold Brewer Odrick Pitre debuted (box score) in his native Puerto Rico Wednesday (0-for-2, two K's, one BB).

 

Pitre's tea scored nine runs. They allowed 21.

 

Now 20 years old, it was a rough introduction to pro ball as the link above shows. For more background, scroll to the bottom of this 2018 Perfect Game profile.

[Mass Haas]

By the way, in extra innings, they are using the "man opens on 2nd" rule in the Dominican, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico Leagues.

 

Not in Mexico.

[Mass Haas]

Thanks to Cream City Prospects on Twitter, we know the page where the Nicaraguan Winter League has new LHP Leo Crawford's (Corey Knebel trade) stats.

[Mass Haas]

Go to the 05:28 minute mark as first baseman Luis Castro hits a three-run HR in Venezuela Saturday night. Castro also singled twice in a 3-for-6 night.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PK3R4fb-PSw

[Mass Haas]

If you blink, you'll miss it! Go to the 02:27 minute mark to see RF "El Tanque" Alexander Palma's 3rd HR this week, this one off old friend LHP Johan Belisario.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly3eK4j7zkY

 

Palma was 3-for-4 in this game and continues to post video game numbers in Venezuela.

 

A better view of Palma's elite frame comes at the 00:53 second mark as he heads back to the dugout a bit out of breath after scoring on a single.

 

Who is up for a Vogelbach / Palma designated hitter platoon? Please, MLB.

[Mass Haas]

TWEET: I love that we get an Alexander Palma spray-chart-like hitting tendency post out of Venezuela.

[Mass Haas]

2019 Timber Rattler Gabriel Garcia continues to see regular action in Puerto Rico. On Friday, he started in CF, a position he had never played as a Brewer farmhand (fielding stats).

[Mass Haas]

The two Venezuelan players discussed much in this thread faced off in a doubleheader Sunday.

 

1B Luis Castro (1-for-3) only played in Game One, but his HR can be seen just after the 1:00 minute mark here.

 

RF Alexander Palma played in both games (1-for-7 with a double).

 

***

 

TWEET: LHP Leo Crawford (Knebel trade) made an impressive start in Nicaragua in his first game since becoming a Brewer.

 

***

 

Gabriel Garcia (0-for-3, played CF) and youngster Odrick Pitre (0-for-3, designated hitter) each saw action in Puerto Rico Sunday.

[Mass Haas]

As also posted in our Minor League transaction thread:

 

According to this report out of Nicaragua, the Brewers are negotiating to have newly-acquired LHP Leo Crawford (Corey Knebel deal w/Dodgers) transfer his winter ball obligation from Nicaragua to the Dominican Republic.

 

Could be a combination of factors, including the organization wishing to get Crawford to a higher level caliber of play.

 

Crawford is dominating in Nicaragua -- five appearances (two starts, including his most recent outing, a five-inning scoreless start):

 

18.1 IP, 0.98 ERA, 12 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 16 K, .190 BAA

[Mass Haas]

In this feature by Kyle Lobner at Shepherd Express, which has quotes from VP of Minor League Operations Tom Flanagan, we learn that 2019 21st round RHP Eddy Tavarez is pitching in Puerto Rico (two appearances thus far).

[Mass Haas]

Alexander Palma was 2-for-8 with a walk in a doubleheader Tuesday, and one of his hits was this opposite field home run. Palma's four HR's (18 games) has him tied for 2nd in the Venezuelan League lead. Palma's 17 RBI leads the league.

 

Palma had never played a professional inning at first base until this winter, as he has played there in six of those 18 games thus far.

 

Still hope for the Vogelbach / Palma combo...

 

Translated Quotes from Palma:

 

"This year is difficult because we are used to playing with people, with the public. In the same way, we adapt to this new circumstance to be able to bring joy to the fans who support us on TV"

 

"I'm a different player from 2017 when I started in the League. Now I have more patience, I know more about the championship when I get home. There is an evolution with respect to the season where I was Rookie of the Year"

 

"It is not easy to get here to Venezuela after spending a year without playing. Because it was practically a year, where we arrived cold and that affects. However, like everything: one must adapt to what there is to help the team win"

 

***

 

Speaking of first basemen, Luis Castro had never played outfield until this winter, and has now played LF in five of his 16 games. He has three HR's, just one behind Palma.

 

Castro played in a doubleheader of his own Tuesday, 3-for-6 (two doubles, a walk, two RBI), and his OPS up to .808.

[JohnBriggs12]

Newly signed OF/1B Dustin Peterson is playing for Sultanes de Monterrey in the Mexican Pacific Winter League and doing quite well: .316/.373/.602

[Mass Haas]

Speaking of first basemen, Luis Castro had never played outfield until this winter, and has now played LF in five of his 16 games. He has three HR's, just one behind Palma.

 

Castro played in a doubleheader of his own Tuesday, 3-for-6 (two doubles, a walk, two RBI), and his OPS up to .808.

 

Castro played LF on Wednesday - 1-for-3, double, walk, two RBI

 

Translated tweet: "Luis Castro (LF) with the double connected tonight, reaches Five (5) games in a row connecting indisputable. In this journey he has a total of 8 hits in 17 times at bat with 2 HR and 3 2B"

 

***

 

Alexander Palma 1-for-4 on Wednesday.

 

***

 

RHP Eddy Tavarez with two perfect innings in Puerto Rico:

 

RA12 Top of the 4th

 

Pitching Change: Eddy Tavarez replaces Michael Mediavilla.

Angel Lopez pops out to second baseman Irving Falu.

Jadiel Sanchez flies out to left fielder Wendell Marrero.

Xavier Valentin strikes out swinging.

 

RA12 Top of the 5th

 

Landy Pena grounds out, pitcher Eddy Tavarez to first baseman Jose Sermo.

Erick Rivera grounds out, first baseman Jose Sermo to pitcher Eddy Tavarez.

Glenn Santiago strikes out swinging.

 

A couple of former Brewers there, LHP Michael Mediavilla and utility IF Jose Sermo.

[Mass Haas]

Go to the 02:25 minute mark to see 1B Alexander Palma (that's where the often-RF played again in this game) walk off the opposition with a ground ball single up the middle in the 10th inning. The celebration with the big man is more entertaining than the hit itself.

 

Palma was 2-for-5 in the game, including two GIDP's. His OPS is up to .890 and he maintains his league-leading RBI total.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-6hkBFrutk

 

Prince Fielder celebration lookalike vibes, no?

 

***

 

The other league 1B/OF, Luis Castro, was back at his familiar 1B spot Thursday, 1-for-4, double, walk, his own OPS up to .841.

 

MiLB.com is not providing team stats this year, only individual, but yes, the league does appear to favor offense, best I can tell.

[Mass Haas]

Box score from Puerto Rico Thursday, where Brewer farmhands Gabriel Garcia (playing LF) and Odrick Pitre (playing 3B) faced each other's teams.

 

Garcia, who just turned 23 on Wednesday, is 5-for-26 (zero BB, nine K's, .541 OPS).

 

Pitre, 20 years old, is 0-for-12, eight K's. His 2019 numbers from Maryvale were rough as well. Keep plugging away, Odrick!

[Mass Haas]

Friday 12/18:

 

Luis Castro, who has played some second base in both his affiliated and winter careers, started there.

 

This happened, which isn't ideal:

 

Margarita Bottom of the 3rd

 

Luis Castro singles on a ground ball to left fielder Alberth Martinez.

Diego Rincones pops out to first baseman Reynaldo Rodriguez.

Francisco Diaz grounds into a double play, shortstop Engelb Vielma to second baseman Yordan Manduley to first baseman Reynaldo Rodriguez. Luis Castro out at 2nd. Francisco Diaz out at 1st.

 

Magallanes Top of the 4th

 

Defensive Substitution: Kevin Maitan replaces second baseman Luis Castro, batting 7th, playing third base.

 

Hopefully he'll be back in a lineup soon.

 

***

 

Alexander Palma 1-for-4 in his game.

[Mass Haas]

On Friday, this happened, which isn't ideal:

 

Margarita Bottom of the 3rd

 

Luis Castro singles on a ground ball to left fielder Alberth Martinez.

Diego Rincones pops out to first baseman Reynaldo Rodriguez.

Francisco Diaz grounds into a double play, shortstop Engelb Vielma to second baseman Yordan Manduley to first baseman Reynaldo Rodriguez. Luis Castro out at 2nd. Francisco Diaz out at 1st.

 

Magallanes Top of the 4th

 

Defensive Substitution: Kevin Maitan replaces second baseman Luis Castro, batting 7th, playing third base.

 

Hopefully Castro will be back in a lineup soon.

 

Missed Saturday's doubleheader, listed as day-to-day with a right leg injury (actually translated as bloating in the right leg).

[Mass Haas]

Saturday's action:

 

Alexander Palma 3-for-7 in a doubleheader, with two doubles, three runs scored and three RBI. Now with 22 RBI in 23 games, leading the Venezuelan League (next is 19).

 

Palma started one game at 1B, the other in RF.

 

VIDEO HIGHLIGHT: Palma finds a hole on the right side of the infield here.

 

***

 

In Puerto Rico, Gabriel Garcia was 0-for-2 as he seeks a groove there.

 

6'6" fireballing RHP Eddy Tavarez made a relief appearance, allowing an inherited runner to score. His team was down 2-1 at the time, the run pushed it to a 3-1 lead (and final score).

 

Mayaguez Top of the 7th

 

Jack Lopez flies out to center fielder Danny Mars.

Vicente Conde walks.

Pitching Change: Eddy Tavarez replaces Jason Garcia.

Henry Ramos singles on a ground ball to center fielder Danny Mars. Vicente Conde to 3rd.

Brett Rodriguez called out on strikes.

Kennys Vargas singles on a ground ball to shortstop Ozzie Martinez. Vicente Conde scores. Henry Ramos to 3rd.

Emmanuel Rivera strikes out swinging.

 

***

 

In Australia, Brisbane played their first two exhibition games, but no Brewers took part.