KC Royals minor league outfielder Carlo Testa was coming off another solid season in the farm system, with 2012 being spent in Double-A. In the offseason, he headed to the land Down Under to play in the Australian Baseball League.

As a member of last place Melbourne, Testa hit .294 in 46 games (170 at-bats). He hit seven doubles, six homeruns, and drove in 19 runs. He walked 27 times and struck out 38 times. He stole ten bases, but was caught eight times.

To cap off the solid season, the Ohio native was one of six finalists for the ABL’s Fan Favorite Award. On Thursday, it was announced that Testa won the award with a record of over 2,000 votes.

The deeper into baseball’s winter league season we get, the lesser KC Royals players who are active. The four major winter leagues are currently in the playoffs without the use of Royals players. But I’ll update you on the playoffs anyway.

The Dominican Winter League round robin playoffs are still a bit close. Escogido, who finished the regular season at 23-28 is in first place with a 7-3 record. Regular season champion Aguilas is one game back at 6-4. Toros is 5-5, while Estrellas is 2-8.

In the Mexican Pacific League, the first round best-of-seven series are currently underway. Culiacan swept Hermosillo in four games to advance to the semifinals. Obregon leads their series over Guasave 3-2. Mazatlan also leads their series over Mexicali, 3-2.

In the Puerto Rican League, both Caguas and Mayaguez (who finished one game apart in the regular season) are tied at 4-2. Santurce and Carolina are 2-4.

The Venezuelan Winter League round robin playoffs are VERY close. Zulia and Caracas are tied for the top spot at just 3-2. Lara and Magallanes are 3-3, but just a 1/2 game back. Caribes is in last place at 2-4.

Now that you are up-to-date with the playoffs in those leagues, let’s update the Royals players who are still active in winter league baseball.

Carlo Testa

The Melbourne Aces will not be making the Australian Baseball League playoffs (last place at 13-21), but their Royals outfielder is doing his part to finish the season strong. They have also won four in a row.

Carlo Testa played in four games last week for the Aces, all in the outfield once again. He went 6-for-17 (.353) with two doubles, a homerun, and three RBIs. He walked once, stole a base, and struck out twice.

His former Wilmington teammate, Ryan Stovall, is coming off Player of the Week honors, where he hit .415 with two doubles, a triple, two homeruns, and seven RBIs for Canberra.

Moving on to Panama, where outfielder Nick Van Stratten continues to tear the cover off the ball for Herrera. He played in four games last week. He went 7-for-18 (.389) with three RBIs. He still has only struck out once in 14 games (57 at-bats).

Luis Melgar is pitching for Herrera. In two games last week, he was LIT up. Over 2.2 innings, he allowed six runs (five earned) on seven hits (including a homerun) and a walk. He struck out one.

It was another tough week for first baseman Matt Fields with Caballos de Cocle. In five games last week, he went just 3-for-16 (.188). He did however have a double, homerun, and four RBIs. He walked twice and struck out twice.

With his Venezuelan season coming to an end, outfielder Luis Durango has moved on to Panama. In five games last week, he went just 3-for-17 (.176) with two walks.

Finally, in Columbia, Mauricio Ramos had a solid week for Sacelejo. In two games at third base, he committed an error. On offense, he went 3-for-7 (.428) with a walk and a strikeout. Luis Piterson played in two games at shortstop for Monteria. He went 0-for-8 with a walk and a strikeout.

I hope you all enjoyed your New Year’s and made it home safely. It is time for another KC Royals winter league update.

Luis Mendoza

The Mexican Pacific League‘s regular season came to an end on December 30th. Playoffs are underway, as Hermosillo (16-17) faces Culiacan (21-10), Obregon (16-16) faces Guasave (16-16), and Mazatlan (16-16) faces Mexicali (18-14). All of those series begin tonight.

For the playoff push, Obregon has two current Royals. Outfielder Willy Taveras played in three games last week. He went 1-for-9 with an RBI and three strikeouts. Pitcher Luis Mendoza made one start last week in his preparation for a spot on the Royals Opening Day roster. Over five innings, he allowed four runs on five hits, three walks, and a hit batter. He did strike out three.

The round robin playoffs are underway in the Dominican Winter League. Currently, Aguilas and Toros are tied for first place at 3-1. Escogido follows with a 2-2 record and Estrellas has yet to win in the playoffs (0-4). None of the Royals playing in the DWL played in a game last week.

The round robin playoffs begin tonight in the Venezuelan Winter League. Five teams have advanced to the playoffs: Magallanes (36-27), Zulia (35-28), Caribes (35-28), Caracas (35-28), and Lara (34-29).

Yender Caramo was one of the newest Royals to begin play in winter ball last week. He pitched in two games for first place Magallanes. Over 1.1 innings, he allowed three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out one.

Luis Durango played in four games last week for Caribes. He went just 2-for-14 (.143) with a double and two RBIs. He walked three times and stole two bases while striking out twice.

Juan Gutierrez pitched in one game last week for Caracas. In his one inning of work, he picked up his league-leading 14th save. He walked just one in that inning. Guillermo Moscoso made one start last week. Over four innings, he allowed two runs on three hits (including a homerun) and three walks while striking out two.

Alcides Escobar played in three games for Lara and committed an error. He went 6-for-13 (.462) with two doubles, a triple, and three RBIs. He struck out twice, stole a base, and was caught stealing. Paulo Orlando played in four games. He went 4-for-16 (.250) with a double, an RBI, and four strikeouts. Jose Jimenez pitched in two games, but did not record an inning. He allowed a run on a walk.

The winter league season came to an end for a few in the VWL.

Salvador Perez went 0-for-4 in one game for La Guaira (29-33). He did drive in a run and walked once. Anthony Ortega pitched in one game. Over two innings, he struck out five.

Max Ramirez played in three games for Margarita (23-38). He went 3-for-10 with a walk and two strikeouts.

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I hope everyone had a happy holiday. I am a little late with my KC Royals winter league update, but I am back home from vacation and will be writing more regularly. This winter league update is for the week before Christmas that ended on December 23rd.

Outfielder Nick Van Stratten in 2012 with Wilmington

Panama once again has a winter league and began play last week. Four Royals minor leaguers are participating and I had a chance to see three of them play during the 2012 season in Wilmington.

First baseman Matt Fields and utility man Michael Liberto are currently playing for Caballos de Cocle. Fields played in five games last week, four at first base. He went just 1-for-15 with two walks and nine strikeouts (but you have to remember, these four haven’t played since the beginning of September). Liberto also played in five games, two at second base and three at shortstop, while committing an error. He went just 1-for-14, but scored three runs and drove in two. He walked four times and struck out four times.

Outfielder Nick Van Stratten and pitcher Luis Melgar are playing for Herrera. Van Stratten also played in five games and went 6-for-21 (.286) with five runs scored and two RBIs. He doubled, walked three times, and struck out just once. Melgar, who pitched in the Dominican Summer League in 2012, pitched in two games totaling three innings. In those three innings, he allowed two runs on three hits (including a homerun) and four walks while striking out just one.

Despite Melbourne‘s 8-20 record and sitting in last place in the Australian Baseball League, outfielder Carlo Testa continues to have himself a good winter ball season. In four games last week, he went 5-for-15 (.333) with a homerun and two RBIs. He also walked twice and struck out three times.

In Columbia, Mauricio Ramos continues to hit for Sincelejo. Last week, he played in two games at third base. He went 3-for-8 (.375) with a double and an RBI. It was a tough week for Luis Piterson for Monteria. In four games (all at shortstop), he went just 2-for-15 (.133). He did however walk twice, hit a triple, and drive in a run.

Outfielder Willy Taveras had a tough week for Obregon in the Mexican Pacific League. In five games last week, he went just 2-for-15 (.133) for his 14-15 team. He did double, walk twice, and drive in two runs. However, he also struck out three times.

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Carlo Testa

The Australian Baseball League held their All-Star Game this past Sunday and pitted the Australian team expected to head to the World Baseball Classic against the World (the players representing the rest of the world in the ABL). KC Royals minor league outfielder Carlo Testa was a member of the World All-Stars and started in right field. He batted second and went 0-for-4 as the Australians won 6-4. Testa did drive in a run on a sac fly. Overall last week, he went just 1-for-14 in four games for Melbourne. He walked three times, struck out six times, and stole two bases.

Moving on to the Venezuelan Winter League.

Caracas sits in a second-place tie at 30-25. Juan Gutierrez continues to lead the league in saves, as he picked up his 13th last week. In 1/3 of an inning, he did not allow a base runner. His teammate, Guillermo Moscoso, made another start. In four innings, he allowed a run on three hits and a walk.

Lara is in fourth place at 28-26. Alcides Escobar went 6-for-21 (.286) in four games last week. He also drove in two runs. Outfielder Paulo Orlando went 4-for-16 (.250) in four games. He had two doubles and a walk, but struck out three times. Jose Jimenez pitched in just one game, but walked the only batter he faced. That hitter came around to score.

La Guaira is in sixth place at 27-28. In the three games Salvador Perez played last week, all came as the DH. He went 4-for-13 (.308) with a double, a homerun, and five RBIs. He walked once and struck out once. Anthony Ortega pitched in one game and allowed two hits and struck out two in 1.1 innings.

Margarita is just 22-30 and in seventh place. Manny Pina played in one game last week and went 1-for-3. Max Ramirez caught one game last week and went 0-for-2 with two walks and a strikeout.

On to the Dominican Winter League, where only pitcher Atahualpa Severino is active right now. For last place Licey, he pitched in two games last week. Over three innings, he allowed a run on two hits and two walks while striking out three.

Now to the Puerto Rican League.

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Another week has gone by, SO…

It’s time for a KC Royals winter league update.

There was one new edition to the winter league family last week. Well, he’s new to the Royals organization.

Lefty Jose Jimenez is 1-1 with a 3.68 ERA in 25 games with Lara (25-24 and two games back of first place) in the Venezuelan Winter League. In 14.2 innings, he has allowed nine hits and six runs. He has walked 12 while striking out 13.

Jimenez is playing with two new Royals teammates with Lara. Alcides Escobar played in six games last week. He went 6-for-24 (.250) with a walk and four strikeouts. He drove in a run and stole two bases. Outfielder Paulo Orlando played in six games and went 8-for-26 (.308) with a double. He walked twice, struck out four times, and drove in two runs.

Caracas is 28-24 and a 1/2 game back of first place. Juan Gutierrez pitched in one game last week and picked up a save. His 12 saves lead the league. In one inning, he allowed a hit while striking out one. Guillermo Moscoso pitched in two games, one of which was a start.  Over four innings, he allowed two runs on four hits (two homeruns) while striking out five.

Salvador Perez

Salvador Perez continues to rake for La Guaira, who is 24-25 and three games back of first place. He isn’t catching everyday, but is getting a ton of at-bats. In six games last week, he went 8-for-26 (.308) with a double and two RBIs. He walked twice and struck out four times. Anthony Ortega pitched in two games. In one inning, he allowed one hit while striking out three.

Margarita is just 19-25, but they have two Royals on their team. Manny Pina played in one game and FINALLY picked up a hit in winter ball. He went 1-for-1 with two RBIs. Max Ramirez played in two games. He went 1-for-1 with a walk and an RBI.

Moving on to the Puerto Rican League.

Caguas is in first place at 15-7 with a three game lead. Rey Navarro has played all over the field for them, but last week played all four games at third base. He went 6-for-13 (.462) with three RBIs. He walked twice and struck out once, while stealing two bases.

Ariel Estades played in two games last week for second place Santurce (12-10). He went 0-for-1 with a walk.

Alex Llanos played in two games last week for third place Manati (10-9). He went 0-for-1.

Irving Falu played in three games at second base last week for Mayaguez (11-10), who is tied for third place. He went 4-for-13 (.308) with two doubles. He walked once, struck out once, and stole a base.

Despite the fact that Christian Colon is having a nice winter ball season, Ponce is in last place at 6-17. He played in four games last week, all at second base. He went 5-for-15 (.333) with a double and two RBIs. He walked once and struck out once.

Now to the Dominican Winter League.

Licey is in last place at 16-26. Atahualpa Severino pitched in three games last week. Over 2.1 innings, he allowed three hits and a walk while striking out one.

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No new KC Royals players have begun playing winter league baseball, but another week has gone by. So…it’s time to provide an update.

Starting in the Puerto Rican League, where there are six players, five that played last week.

Infielder Rey Navarro in 2011 with Wilmington

Infielder Christian Colon is mainly playing second base for Ponce (who is in last place). In five games last week, he went 5-for-20 (.250) with a double and a triple. Colon walked once, struck out once, and scored a run. He was also caught stealing twice and committed an error.

Irving Falu played four games last week at second base for Mayaguez, who is tied for second place. He went 5-for-17 (.294) with a homerun, three runs scored, and four RBIs. He walked once and struck out twice. Ryan Dennick made one start for Mayaguez. In five innings, he allowed 11 hits and four runs. He struck out two.

Rey Navarro played in five games at second base last week for Caguas, who is in first place. He went 9-for-26 (.346) with four doubles and a walk. He scored four runs and drove in five.

Alex Llanos got into one game for Manati (who is in fourth place), but did not record an at-bat. The same for Ariel Estades, but for Santurce (who is tied for second place).

Moving on to the Venezuelan Winter League.

Salvador Perez continues to be red hot for La Guaira (who is in sixth place). In five games last week, he went 9-for-21 (.429) with two doubles and a homerun. He drove in six and scored six runs. Anthony Ortega pitched in two games for La Guaira. Over two innings, he allowed one run on two hits and two walks while striking out two.

Caracas sits in first place and has two Royals players carrying the back end of the bullpen. Juan Gutierrez pitched in two games and picked up saves in both. Over two innings, he walked one and struck out two. Guillermo Moscoso pitched in three games and picked up a save. Over four innings, he allowed two runs on five hits while striking out two.

Two catchers are teammates with Margarita (who is in seventh place). Manny Pina went 0-for-4 in one game. Max Ramirez went just 1-for-12 (.083) in three games. He walked once and scored a run while striking out twice.

Lara, who is in fifth place, has two Royals players. Shortstop Alcides Escobar played in five games (and committed an error). He went 11-for-21 (.524) with a double and two walks. He scored six runs and drove in two. Outfielder Paulo Orlando played in six games. He went 8-for-27 (.296) with a double. He drove in four runs and scored five. He did strike out six times.

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Another week has gone by, meaning it is time for another update on the KC Royals participating in winter ball. Four more players have joined the ranks, two in Venezuela and two in Columbia.

Let’s start in the Venezuelan Winter League.

Alcides Escobar

Shortstop Alcides Escobar began his winter ball season with Lara and played in three games last week. He went 2-for-13 with three runs scored and two RBIs. He walked once and struck out twice. Outfielder Paulo Orlando, who just finished up his time playing for Brazil to qualify for the World Baseball Classic, is Escobar‘s teammate. In six games, he went 10-for-24 with a double, a triple, five runs scored, and three RBIs. He did strike out five times.

Max Ramirez played in five games last week and went 5-for-16 (.313) for Margarita. He hit two doubles, walked five times, and scored two runs. Manny Pina is his teammate and got into two games, but went just 0-for-1 at the plate.

Catcher Salvador Perez continues to light up VWL pitching. With La Guaira in five games last week, he went 7-for-20 (.350) with three doubles and a homerun. He walked twice, scored three runs, and drove in five runs. Anthony Ortega pitched in three games last week. In 2.2 innings, he allowed two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out two.

Juan Gutierrez and Guillermo Moscoso continue to rack up saves for Caracas. Gutierrez went 2-for-2 in save opportunities last week. In four games totaling four innings, he allowed an unearned run on one hit and a walk. Moscoso went 1-for-1 in save opportunities. In two games totaling three innings, he allowed two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out three.

Infielder Rey Navarro played in two games last week for Caguas. He went just 1-for-9 with a strikeout. He scored a run and drove in a run.

Outfielder Luis Durango played in just two games last week for Caribes. He went 1-for-2 with a run scored.

The VWL All-Star Game is this Sunday.

Moving on to the Dominican Winter League where Licey houses the majority of Royals players.

Francisley Bueno made one start last week. In 3.1 innings, he allowed one hit, two walks, and a wild pitch, while striking out four. Michael Mariot also made one start for Licey. In three innings, he allowed one run on two hits, two walks, and a hit batter, while striking out three. Atahualpa Severino pitched in four games out of the bullpen. In 2.1 innings, he allowed two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out one.

Infielder Tony Abreu played in just one game last week for Aguilas. He went 1-for-3 with a strikeout.

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Another week has gone by, so it is time for another KC Royals winter league update. Five more have begun playing winter ball.

Salvador Perez

Let’s start in the Venezuelan Winter League, where Royals starting catcher Salvador Perez is now a member of La Guaira. In his game on Sunday, he hit two homeruns and drove in four. In five games played so far, he is 9-for-23 (.391) with four runs scored and nine RBIs.

His teammate is a new member of the Royals, pitcher Anthony Ortega. In 17 games, he is 1-1 with a 2.82 ERA. Over 22.1 innings, he has allowed nine runs (seven earned) on 19 hits. He’s walked eight while striking out 22.

Elsewhere in the VWL, outfielder Luis Durango played in six games for Caribes. He went 6-for-24 (.250) with a triple and an RBI. He walked six times compared to four walks. He was 1-for-2 in stolen base attempts.

Catchers Manny Pina and Max Ramirez are teammates with Margarita. Pina played in two games last week, but went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. Ramirez played in four games last week. He went 3-for-11 (.273) with a walk and two strikeouts.

Relievers Juan Gutierrez and Guillermo Moscoso are teammates with Caracas. Gutierrez pitched in two games last week and picked up a save. In 1.1 innings, he allowed one hit while striking out three. Moscoso pitched in two games and picked up a save. In two innings, he allowed a hit while striking out two.

Infielder Rey Navarro played in five games for Caguas last week. He went 8-for-21 (.381) with a double and a triple, while walking twice.. He scored four runs and drove in five.

Moving on to the Dominican Winter League.

Tony Abreu played in three games last week for Aguilas. He went just 1-for-8 (.150), though he walked three times and scored two runs.

Michael Mariot pitched in two games last week for Licey. Over 2.1 innings, he allowed two hits while striking out one. His new teammate with the Royals is Atahualpa Severino. In 15 games so far in winter ball, he is 0-0 with a 4.35 ERA. Over 10.1 innings, he has allowed six runs (five earned) on ten hits. He has walked five while striking out 12.

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Another week has gone by in the winter leagues. Ten KC Royals players have begun play, while there is an update on the newest Royals player in winter ball.

The one player I am most jealous of with his choice of winter league location is outfielder Carlo Testa. He began play last week in Australia with the Melbourne Aces. In three games, he went 2-for-11 (.182) with two walks, two runs scored, and a stolen base. He did strike out three times.

The other winter league that got started last week was the Puerto Rican League, where the Royals have four players participating.

Christian Colon played in three games last week for Leones de Ponce, two at shortstop and one at second base. He went 3-for-13 (.231) with two runs scored. His teammate is Cesar Ogando, who was drafted by the Royals in 2011. In his one game, he pitched two perfect innings of relief while striking out two.

There is also a Royals duo with Indios de Mayaguez. Irving Falu played in four games last week, all at second base. He went 3-for-15 (.200) with two doubles. He scored three runs and drove in two. He walked twice and struck out once, while stealing a base. Lefty Ryan Dennick made one start. Over 3.1 scoreless innings, he allowed four hits and one walk while striking out four.

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