I promise, this is my FINAL winter league update.

The Panama and Columbia winter leagues are not exactly popular to cover on the internet. I have tried for more than a month to search for some coverage or box scores, with zero luck. However, the KC Royals media relations department were kind enough to send along the final winter league stats for their players, including those playing in both Panama and Columbia.

Who impressed?

Outfielder Nick Van Stratten in 2012 with Wilmington

Outfielder Nick Van Stratten. The last two seasons, he started in Double-A, but was sent back to High-A by at least mid-season. He dominated last season with a return to Wilmington and carried that over to his 22 games in Panama. He hit .384 with four doubles, three triples, and 15 RBIs. Van Stratten walked seven times and only struck out five times in 86 at-bats.

Third baseman Mauricio Ramos. The infielder only played in Rookie ball in 2012, but in 35 games in Columbia, he hit .314 with nine doubles, two triples, a homerun, and 17 RBIs. He walked 18 times compared in 19 strikeouts in 137 at-bats.

Who struggled?

First baseman Matt Fields. He was a bit old for High-A in 2012, but he was glad to be back in affiliated baseball after playing independent ball. He has tons of power and showed it in pitcher friendly Wilmington. However, he struggled mightily in Panama. Fields hit just .176 with two homeruns, but the concern is the strikeouts. In 17 games (51 at-bats), he struck out 18 times compared to just six walks. He did play good defense, as he did not make an error.

Infielders Michael Liberto and Luis Piterson. Both played sparingly with Wilmington in 2012, though Liberto earned a promotion to Double-A and played more games there in less time. However, in Panama, he struggled. Liberto only recorded one hit in 18 at-bats while striking out five times and played in just eight games. He also made three errors at shortstop. Piterson hit .216 in 36 games in Columbia. He did pick up four doubles and ten RBIs, but struck out 19 times in 153 at-bats.

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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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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On Monday night, Brazil stunned Panama with a 1-0 victory (their second win over the host country) to claim the final spot in the World Baseball Classic that begins in March.

Over the course of the WBC Qualifier, KC Royals minor leaguers shined in the event.

In both of Brazil’s victories over Panama, centerfielder Paulo Orlando had big games. He was their leadoff hitter and went 2-for-4 in both games. In Game 1, he tripled and scored their first run in the 3rd inning. Orlando scored Brazil’s lone run on Monday night.

Sugar Ray Marimon (screen capped from the WBC game on MLB Network)

Columbia won their only game, which was their first game of the qualifier on Friday night. Sure they received some offense, as they won 8-1 over Nicaragua, but they also received great starting pitching. Getting the ball for the first time for the Columbians was Sugar Ray Marimon. He was a strike throwing machine. Over five innings, he allowed just one run on four hits. He struck out four and did not walk a batter. 41 of his 61 pitches were thrown for strikes.

Marimon‘s lone blip on the radar was a solo homerun he allowed in the 4th inning. That homerun went to Royals teammate Cheslor Cuthbert, who hit a good pitch just over the wall in left field. He was all smiles as he rounded the bases, especially at second base when he looked back at Marimon. Spring training conversation should be fun.

Even though Nicaragua did not win a game (0-2), Cuthbert impressed. He played pretty good defense at third base (he did make an error that cost them a run). He also hit well and batted 5th in both games. In the loss to Columbia, he went 2-for-4 with the homerun. In their 6-2 loss to Panama, Cuthbert went 2-for-4 with a run scored.

Luis Piterson was the other Royal in the WBC. Like during the regular season, he was a bench player for Columbia. He did get into their 7-1 loss to Brazil on Saturday. Piterson went 0-for-1, as he struck out as a pinch-hitter in the 8th inning. He then went in to play right field.

So congrats to Brazil and Paulo Orlando in advancing to the WBC (and shocking the world).