12/20/16

Venezuelan Winter League

Jesus Aguilar (1B, Leones del Caracas): *Game 1* 2-3, 2 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI; *Game 2* 1-3, 1 RBI. Aguilar had solid performances in both ends of Tuesday's twin bill as he went 3-for-6 with a homer and two RBI's in the two games combined. The 26-year-old first baseman now has 10 homers for Caracas so far this offseason, marking the first time since 2013 that he has clubbed double-digit homers in winter ball.

Yandy Diaz (CF, Leones del Caracas): *Game 1* 0-2, 1 BB, 1 K; *Game 2* 2-3, 1 R. The brief layoff due to injury hasn't hurt Diaz at all as he is hitting over .500 in six games since his return. After going hitless in game one of Caracas' doubleheader on Tuesday, the Cuban native got back on track going 2-for-3 in the nightcap raising his winter ball average to .383. Diaz also got the start in center field in both games and played errorless ball in 14 combined innings.

Dominican Winter League

Ronny Rodriguez (2B, Aguilas Cibaenas): 2-4, 1 K.. Ronny Rodriguez may not be hitting as well this week, but his average on the winter ball season is still above .300 as his 2-for-4 performance was his third in his last 10 games. On the whole this offseason, the 24-year-old is batting .318 with three homers and 12 RBI's in 41 games. Rodriguez has been hitting better at home this offseason batting .368 versus .268 on the road.

Abraham Almonte (DH, Toros del Este): 0-5, 3 K. Almonte has now gone hitless in his last two games with four strikeouts combined. Thanks to his hot start to the offseason, however, Almonte's average has only dropped to .321 after his 0-for-4 night on Tuesday where Toros prevailed in extra innings 5-4.

Michael Martinez (2B, Estrellas Orientales): 1-4, 1 R. Martinez may be starting to find a groove as he has now logged a base hit in four straight games and five of his last six overall. His average is still hovering around the Mendoza line, but it's still early in the winter ball campaign for the veteran infielder as Tuesday was just his 14th contest of the offseason.

Erik Gonzalez (SS, Leones del Escogido): 1-4, 1 RBI, 1 K. Outside of last Thursday, Gonzalez has only recorded single hits in games since December 11th. In that span, including his three-hit night last week, he is batting just .231 in his last 10 games. His RBI on Tuesday put him in double-digits for the winter ball campaign thus far with 10.

Aguillar: The 26-year-old first baseman now has 10 homers for Caracas so far this offseason, marking the first time since 2013 that he has clubbed double-digit homers in winter ball.

This looks an awful lot like the bio of a player on his way to Japan or the Taiwan Professional League, if no one in Japan is interested.

Lindor is the new Puerto Rican Idol

The charismatic Major League shortstop was the most acclaimed figure
for children and adults during the weekend visit of Major leaguers

National team leader Edwin Rodriguez had an enriching experience last weekend during child and teen clinics sponsored by the Major League Baseball Association in Carolina and Salinas.

Two days of sharing with some of the top national stars who participated in the clinics and who will also wear the Puerto Rican uniform in the upcoming World Baseball Classic were enough for Rodríguez to confirm the commitment of the team members.

But the most impressive thing for the veteran mentor was to be able to verify the rooting of the well-known shortstop Francisco Lindor among the local fans. With only two years of experience in the majors, the charismatic player of the Cleveland Indians is already an acclaimed figure, which was verified during the activities that took place on Friday and Saturday in the stadiums of Carolina and Salinas, respectively .

The children who attended as fans and those who participated in the different clinics were happy with the presence of so many luminaries as the Venezuelan José Altuve, the manatee Carlos Beltran and the American Chris Archer, among others. But Lindor was the most sought after.

"I was not surprised (that acclaimed) by the type of personality of Francisco. He is a very professional and serious guy in everything related to the game, "said Rodríguez. "Any conversation from professional to professional, he takes that conversation very seriously. But at the same time when interacting with fans of different ages you can see how it turns out. It changes from role of professional of baseball to figure that is being admired by so many people, especially by young people. It's amazing how he handles all that. "

In a short time, Lindor has become one of the best players of his position in the Major Leagues and has gained the attention of the United States media. The talented player has been able to combine his talent and charisma to become a prime time sports figure, both in distant lands as in his country.

"He could be talking to Sandy Alomar, Carlos Baerga and me of 'infielders' and the next moment asked for an autograph or asked about something that was important as he changed faces. He lets himself be loved by all. He really was the figure (this weekend), "Rodriguez said.

Committed group

"I was impressed by their commitment. Although I had confirmed with each individual separately, now it was time to confirm as a group. The dynamics were very good. They were all on the same page. Positive attitudes that we will win. They commented on the possible line ups and rosters of the other teams, "said Rodríguez, who was in command of the edition of 2013. That team was runner-up of the World-wide Classic.

"They are all ready to accept the challenge and raise their game and think as a team. I was not surprised, but it was nice news. "

Rodriguez said young players like Lindor, Baez and Edwin Diaz were able to interact with veterans like Beltran. They also did it with the stars of Puerto Rican baseball like Carlos Delgado, Bernie Williams and Roberto Alomar, among others.

"I felt very positive because I could see the different generations of different times, an Edwin Diaz, Lindor, Baez share that same thought of commitment as a Beltran, a Yadier (Molina). It's nice to see that. As a leader I could feel that it is a continuation of what was given in 2013. This team is developing the same chemistry. "

Rodríguez said that Beltran and Molina assumed the role of captains and shared ideas and concerns with the team's youngsters.

"The thing about Carlos Beltrán was very interesting because his message was to understand who we represented. Those young boys have to understand that. We are representing Puerto Rico. " he claimed.

"There will be many opportunities there to defocus by the nature of the tournament. Lots of fans, lots of partying everywhere. It is a matter of staying focused. That was rather the message of Beltran that we have to think of the team and focus on what we are going to do. Along that same line Yadier also agreed. "

Puerto Rico will be part of Group D that will play in Guadalajara, Mexico, along with the country host, Venezuela and Italy.

RONNIE RODRIGUEZ

Dominican Batting Leaders Ronnie Rodriguez Also: [ Selected Aguilas Cibaenas Player Of The Year ]
[ Top 5 Candidate For League MVP ]

I don't think we can count 2015. He played less than half a season due to an injury but he still had 5 homers.
In 2014, he only had 4 homers but batted over .300.
I have high hopes for Aguilar this spring. Hopefully, he shows up!

The young patient, Gabriel Toro (left), receives the Christmas visit by players Roberto 'Bebo' Pérez, José Orlando Berríos and Christian Vázquez

Three young baseball players from the Major Leagues, led by Cleveland Indians catcher Roberto 'Bebo' Pérez, gave a Christmas party this Wednesday with music, autographs and photos for children and their families at the Hospital Auxilio Mutuo de Hato Rey .

Alongside Perez was Boston Red Sox receiver Christian Vazquez and Minnesota Twins pitcher Jose Orlando Berrios, all represented by MDR Sports Management's agent and patient organizer, Melvin Roman. As they passed through the hospital, baseball players handed out balls to relatives, doctors and nurses.

They were accompanied on a musical level by salsa singer Willito Otero and Los Pleneros de Severo, whose tambourines made the walls rumble and many of them had a Christmas flavor in their festive and lively tour of the eighth (Pediatrics) and ninth floor (Surgery).

"It's a blessing. For me it has been a year of great blessings and it is good to have the opportunity to share here with these children, giving support in the difficult situation in which they are and more so during the Christmas season. It's a dream come true, "said Perez, 27, from Añasco. "I know where I come from and I am aware of what these families are going through at a complicated time. I come to give them support and a little joy. It's not easy being in a hospital at Christmas. That's why it's important to do this. It's something that comes from my heart because since I was a little boy I know what it's like to be in difficult situations. "

Vazquez, for his part, said that "it is a pleasure to be here accompanying the children and to be able to support those who need help. It is a 'support' with music and autographs from us, hoping this will serve as motivation to leave the hospital. And we will support the parents so that they continue to take care of their children. "

Berrios, in turn, acknowledged "impressed. I had no idea what was coming, but when I arrived and saw it was to be with children I was excited. I have two children and I feel blessed to have them in health. It gives me happiness to give joy. It's a beautiful thing to bring joy to the children these Christmas days. "

For Román, the visit represents "joy and harmony at Christmas. It is exciting to see these guys devote a little time to these children who are here convalescing. We are giving a little joy under the circumstances ... every year we try to do these activities to bring joy. It's not easy being in a hospital at Christmas. " It was obvious that the mission was fulfilled in every room we visited and in the corridors of the hospital institution.

"I was surprised. I was sleeping here and for the time being, all these people were singing happily. I felt very happy because this is a place of much silence, "said the patient Gabriel Toro, 15 years. His mother, Heidi Garcia, indicated that "who does not like receiving these visits from athletes here? That they give of their time is well grateful for us. They have their things to do and we are grateful that they are here ... this is worth a lot and appreciated. "

Leida Pérez, mother of Leidaliz Ortiz, stated that "it is important because it encourages children. They are doing a job that not everyone does. One is here as if sad and when receiving these visits one rejoices a little. It's exciting. " Her seven-year-old daughter confessed that the autographed ball she was given "I'm going to give it to Dad."

Ángel Rolón, with his one-year-old son (Ezequiel) in his arms, pointed out that "this is good, I loved it. It brings joy to the children and us. It is a pleasure to see these players for the first time in person. "

Lindor decided not to play this season with the Santurce Cangrejeros because of fatigue after disputing the World Series with the Indians of Cleveland. (AP)

Francisco Lindor: "I apologize"

The charisma is one of the main virtues of Francisco Lindor.

He does not miss an opportunity to acknowledge every sign of affection from the thousands of Puerto Ricans who supported him during his remarkable season with the Cleveland Indians in the Major Leagues (MLB). Just his second and first complete season.

Shortly aftert the World Series, the management of the Cangrejeros de Santurce announced that the Lindor would play along side his compatriots Carlos Correa and Javier Báez at some point during the winter baseball campaign.

Immediately, the fans of Santurce and the general public was delighted with the announcement and began to make plans to attend the park. Everything was there. In a simple promise. But the players would not come. And the three players were not to blame.

Lindor (Indians) and Báez (Cubs) advanced to World Series with their respective teams. And, for his part, Correa did not receive the permission of his team (Astros).

Thus, it is still the time of great disappointment reigning in the fans of the Professional Baseball League Roberto Clemente (LBPRC). They felt, in a way, deceived. And, for that reason, Lindor wanted to close the controversy.

"I apologize to the people of Puerto Rico," Lindor told EL VOCERO during an activity of the Major League Baseball Association in conjunction with the Carlos Beltrán Foundation.

"My season ended in November. The two most important events were the World Series and now the World Baseball Classic. I thank God for the health he has given me and the whole Island for the support. Someday it will happen (play in the winter league). God's timing is perfect, "he added.

Lindor said he felt "physically well" and "focused" after a dream season where he batted .301 with 182 hits, 15 homers, 78 RBIs, 30 doubles and 19 stolen bases, among others. Outstanding statistics. He also won a Gold Glove and a Platinum Glove.

"I'm fine. But obviously the season ended up late. This season I learned a lot from everything that happened. There were many experiences and from there I get good things and nice memories. I am grateful to God. Convinced and humble that the things that happen to me are beautiful. I have worked a lot. They are blessings, "he said.

Anxious for the Classic

On the other hand, the 23-year-old said he was "excited and anxious" to debut with the Puerto Rican team in the World Baseball Classic.

"For me, representing my Island is the most important thing there is. My country is as much as I can have. I'm looking forward to playing with all these good, high-caliber players, "said Lindor, who already wore the Puerto Rico uniform at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz - 2014.

"It's a super good team. They did a very good job last time. They were Runner Up to the Dominican Republic that won the classic. It's a matter of playing the game the right way. We will be fine, "he said.

Puerto Rico will make their World Championship debut on March 10 against Venezuela for Group D to be held in Guadalajara, Mexico. Then, they will face Italy and then Mexico.

12/21/16 SAC: Almonte
CS: Almonte (2, 2nd base by Downs, D/Solano, J)
PO: Almonte (1st base by Downs, D)
E: Gonzalez, E (5, fielding)

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Classification in Dominican baseball complicated

There could be a triple tie for the fourth and qualifying place in the standings after the day today between the teams Lions of the Escogido, Eagles Cibaeñas and Bulls of the East.

The Estrellas team, who are in third place with 23-24 mark and 3.0 games behind first place, have three games remaining, including one suspended game with the Cibao Giants.

The Toros close the regular season with two games in their stadium, Francisco Micheli in La Romana, today and tomorrow against the Tigres del Licey.

The Leones today receive in the Stadium Quisqueya Juan Marichal the Giants of the Cibao who qualified and are a half game behind the first place Tigers of the Licey, whereas Estrellas faces the Eagles in the Cibao stadium of Santiago.

12/22/16 Report From The Dominican

* Ronny Rodriguez would win the batting title with a hit tonight. If he goes 0-4 he would lose, as he would be at .304 and Ramon Torres was .306. Beware of Sosa, who has a .303 average

* Ruben Sosa has heavy arguments with Ronny Rodriguez in his MVP candidacy if the Leones man makes the postseason pass. Sosa is the top five batting average (.303-3), hits (43 -5), driven (23-1), OBP (.411-2), BB (24-2), OPS (.711-4), stolen bases (11-2). He also leads sometimes trying to steal (8)

* Robinson Cano will debut tonight at Tetelo Vargas with Estrellas. The Stars only have two games left to qualify, but if they do, Cano will be available for the round robin

* After the results of Thursday, the situation is if the Aguilas and Leones win in their games tonight against the Gigantes and Estrellas, respectively, the regular series would have four qualifiers for the round robin tournament.

* Defeats by the Aguilas and Leones combined with a victory by the Toros would produce a triple tie that would be quadruple if Estrellas beat the Gigantes tomorrow. Otherwise Estrellas will be eliminated and the others will qualify for the final two positions.

* Estrellas qualifies if they win today and tomorrow. If that happens and the Leones, Aguilas, and Toros lose, then Leones and Aguilas would play for the tiebreaker. If Aguilas and Leones loses combined with a Toros victory there would be a triple tie between those teams.

* If there is a tie-breaker the team statistics for the regular season will be part of the process

* WOW

* Questioning an executive of a team that already qualified on the players that his office would be interested to select as replacement players between the four clubs that fight for two positions and his response was as follows: From Aguilas (Jonathan Villar and Juan Carlos Pérez, From Leones (Jorge Polanco and Kelvin Mars), From Estrellas (Junior Lake), and From Toros (Abraham Almonte and Raúl Valdés)

Félix Hernández debuts with Magallanes: "I can not say how happy I am"

I'm already here," laughter everywhere and words of thanks were continually heard in the Estadio Nueva Esparta. Finally Felix Hernandez has reported to the Navegantes del Magallanes and every one of his movements made it clear that he was fulfilling a dream.

Whatever the situation, launching with the ship is something unique "

"I have no words to describe how happy I am , " said the journalist Jesus Ponte and, after negotiations, preparations and publicity events, finally Felix is on the "Turkish Ship". "It's something unique."

One of the main reasons for Felix Hernandez big smile from ear to ear, was the reception given him by his new teammates. It is true that he already knew the majority, but being the main incorporation to the team, there were some doubts. "Since I got to Margarita, everything has been different and for the better," explained the right-hander.

But the "King" knows that he returns to Venezuela with responsibilities. The Navegantes del Magallanes are trying to qualify for the post season, and although my first outing will only be two episodes, they need to be quality innings. "Whatever the situation, throwing with the ship is something unique," said Hernandez. "I trust my team and I am fully confident that we will qualify."

12/22/16 2B: Martinez, M 2 (4, Marte, K, Kussmaul)
HR: Gonzalez, E (3, 4th inning off O'Grady, 1 on, 0 out)
RBI: Gonzalez, E 2 (12); Martinez, M 2 (7)
SAC: Almonte
SB: Gonzalez, E (2, 2nd base off O'Grady/Perez, A)
CS: Almonte (3, 2nd base by Figaro/De La Cruz, M)
E: Gonzalez, E (6, throw)
SV: Josh Judy (15)

Eagles blank Estrellas and climb to third place

Bueno, who threw a masterful six innings, in which he faced 20 hitters, gave up only three hits, no walks and fanned six. He was relieved by Richard Rodriguez (7), Juan Grullón (8) and Josh Judy (9). While on the Stars Alexis Candelario gave way to Jose Molina (4), Malcom Culver (4), Colt Hynes (6), Esmeiling Vasquez (7). The Offensive of the Eagles was led by Johan Camargo and Francisco Peña, with a double; Hector Luna, two singles; Danny Santana, Zoilo Almonte and Juan Carlos Pérez with single. For the Stars Jason Krizan, two hits; Michael Martinez and Alberto Rosario, a single.
Leones wins 6-5 over the Giants and ties Eagles in third

Ryan Kussmaul (1-0, 0.00), who worked for 2.1 innings, gave up two hits and retired four via strike out. Kevin McCarthy scored his seventh save, having pitched 1.0 two-run, two runs and struck out two. For the Giants losing Adonis Rosa (2-2, 2.29), who would give up three runs, two earned. Chesny Young, 2-3, and a run scored, Ruben Sora, 1-3, tworbi, one run and Jorge Polanco,1-4, two rbi, one scored, led the offensive. For the Giants , Wilmer Difo, went 2-5, homered, drove in one and scored another, while Cam Perkins, batted 3-4, a double, an RBI and a run scored.
Toros beat the Tigers closer to qualifying

The Bulls who excelled in the season series (5-4) over the Tigre del Licey, relied on a good pitching from opener Matthew Zielinski, who worked 4.2 innings for 5 hits, 2 runs, no walks, 3 strikeouts. Also Michael Dimock, who entered the fifth, pitched 2.0 innings a hit and a strike out; Fernando Abad (7), one inning, and Preston Claiborne, who was credited with the victory in relief with 4 outs, 1.1 innings, a walk and a strike out. For the Tigers starter Darin Downs, covering 3.1 innings, 3 hits, a run, a strike out; Wander Suero (4), Tim Hill (6), Esmarlin Charity (6), Rafael Soriano the loss (8), covered 0.2 innings, 2 hits, two runs, two walks, and Eduard Santos threw a third of an inning. For the Toros Cristhian Adames 3-4, a double, an RBI, two runs scored; Abraham Almonte of 2-3; Héctor Gómez 1-4, a double with two rbi; Deibinson Romero 1-4, one hit; Angelys Nina and Alen Hanson one hit each, with a run scored. For the Stars Emilio Bonifacio 2-3, an rbi; Marco Hernandez 2-3, one scored; Mel Rojas Jr. 1-4, one scored.

Cardinals Leave Lions in intensive care

Lara Cardinals defeated the Caracas Lions 6-2 at Estadio Antonio Herrera Gutiérrez de Barquisimeto and dealt a blow to the Lions in their aspirations to achieve qualification. With this defeat the Lions remained in intensive care in last place in the standings.

Caracas could not maintain the advantage they gained in the very first inning since the Cardinals displayed their offense with timely hits off of Luis Nuñez as Gustavo Molina shot his second homer with two men on base to turn the board around. Elvis Escobar with a single would bat in one more run for the Cardinals.

Luis Valbuena joined the game in the bottom of the third ringing a double to right field to bat in one more run on the feet of Rangel Ravelo.

In the end, Caracas could not deploy their offensive. The winning pitcher N.Molina (4-3) while the defeat was on W.Font (3-5).

NOTES

* Ronny Rodriguez would win the batting title with a hit tonight. If he goes 0-4 he would lose, as he would be at .304 and Ramon Torres was .306. Beware of Sosa, who has a .303 average

[ The Giants did not start Torres tonight. The Giants qualified earlier this week. Torres batting average remains .306.

On the other hand, the Aguilas have not qualified yet and had to play Ronny Rodriguez who was 0-3 with 2 walks. Rodriguez's average dropped to .306 tied with Torres.

* Ruben Sosa has heavy arguments with Ronny Rodriguez in his MVP candidacy if the Leones man makes the postseason pass. Sosa is the top five batting average (.303-3), hits (43 -5), driven (23-1), OBP (.411-2), BB (24-2), OPS (.711-4), stolen bases (11-2). He also leads sometimes trying to steal (8).

[ Ruben Sosa was 1-3 tonight. Sosa's average dropped to .299. ]