In my third winter league wrap up, I will take a look at the KC Royals representatives in the Mexican Pacific League.

Luis Mendoza made just one regular season start for Obregon before the postseason. Obregon advanced to the Caribbean Series and then the finals. In that one start, he allowed four runs on five hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out three.

However, he won two games in the Caribbean Series and helped Obregon advance to the finals against the Dominican Republic (more on those starts in my upcoming Caribbean Series wrap up). Mexico won in 18 innings!

Outfielder Willy Taveras hit .255 in 52 games (192 at-bats) for Obregon. He hit 15 doubles, two homeruns, and drove in 22. He walked 14 times and struck out 30 times. Taveras stole nine bases and was caught three times. However, he did not participate in the Caribbean Series.

Anthony Seratelli played in the first half of the MPL season for Mazatlan. He hit .284 in 18 games (67 at-bats). He hit four doubles and drove in eight. Seratelli walked 12 times and struck out 12 times.

All three Royals in the MPL will be competing for Opening Day roster spots.

The Caribbean Series begins on February 1st, as the winners of the four major winter leagues (Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela) face off for supremacy. Escogido will be representing the DR, Obregon will be representing Mexico, Caguas will be representing Puerto Rico, and Lara will be representing Venezuela.

Four current KC Royals (and minor leaguers) were a part of getting their winter league team to the Caribbean Series.

Starter Luis Mendoza (who will be pitching for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic) made one start in the Mexican Pacific League finals. It came in Game 1 and he picked up the win. Mendoza allowed two runs on five hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out 11 and threw 64 of his 103 pitches for strikes. He allowed a solo homerun to former Royal Yuniesky Betancourt in front of over 17,000 fans.

Outfielder Paulo Orlando is also getting geared up for the WBC, but he will be playing for upstart Brazil. He helped Lara win the Venezuelan Winter League title. Orlando played centerfield, batted second, and hit .307 in the postseason (5-for-23 in the finals with seven strikeouts).

Jose Jimenez is Orlando’s teammate with Lara. In their first game, he pitched a perfect 1/3 of an inning. He picked up a hold the next day with 1/3 of an inning. Jimenez pitched another 1/3 of an inning in their Game Four loss.

The Puerto Rican League finals was a battle between Mayaguez and Caguas and a battle between Royals utility fielders Irving Falu and Rey Navarro. Navarro hit just .184 (5-for-26 in the finals) for champion Caguas while playing second base and batting second. Falu hit .229 (6-for-27 in the finals) while playing second base and batting leadoff for Mayaguez.

For more on the Caribbean Series, click HERE.

*The answer to Tuesday’s trivia answer is: SEVEN. The inductees were Whitey Herzog (1975-1979), George Brett (1973-1993), Orlando Cepeda (1974), Joe Gordon, (1969), Harmon Killebrew (1075), Bob Lemon (1970-1972), and Gaylord Perry (1983).

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.

» Continue reading “Royals Winter League Update”

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.

» Continue reading “Royals Winter League Update”

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.

» Continue reading “Royals Winter League Update”

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.

» Continue reading “Royals Winter League Update”

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.

» Continue reading “Royals Winter League Update”

Another week has gone by, meaning it is time for another winter league update of KC Royals players.

Let’s start in the Dominican Winter League.

Infielder Tony Abreu played five games last week, three at second base. He went 3-for-18 (.167) for Aguilas Cibaenas. He walked twice, struck out three times, and scored two runs. He also made two errors at second base.

Antonio Cruz pitched in one game last week for Tigres del Licey. He did not record an out, but allowed a run on one hit.

Moving on to the Venezuelan Winter League, where there are five Royals playing.

Three of those players are playing for Bravos de Margarita. Manny Pina caught two games, but went just 0-for-3. He struck out once. Max Ramirez played in five games (one at first base) and went 8-for-22 (.364). He doubled, scored a run, and drove in a run. He struck out three times.

Lefty Blaine Hardy pitched in two games, although he pitched just 2/3 of an inning. He allowed a hit and a walk, while striking out once.

Mario Lisson played in five games (all in the outfield) with Navegantes del Magallanes. He went 5-for-21 (.238) with a double and a homerun. He scored two runs and drove in five. He did strike out seven times and committed an error.

Juan Gutierrez pitched in three games for Leones del Caracas. Over 2.2 innings, he allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out three. He converted two of his three save opportunities.

» Continue reading “Royals Winter League Update”

Two current KC Royals minor leaguers got into the winter league action last week. Both were pitchers.

Left-hander Antonio Cruz, who pitched with High-A Wilmington in 2012, has pitched in one game for Tigres del Licey in the Dominican Winter League. In that one game, he faced seven batters in one inning of work. Cruz allowed three runs on four hits while striking out one.

Jorge Bonifacio (right) with Cougars first base coach Julio Bruno via Craig Wieczorkiewicz/Midwest League Traveler

His teammate in the DWL with Licey is outfielder Jorge Bonifacio. He played in two games last week, but recorded just one at-bat. He went 1-for-1 and played the outfield.

The other pitcher to make his winter league debut last week was right-hander Juan Gutierrez. He pitched in two games for Leones del Caracas in the Venezuelan Winter League. Gutierrez pitched two innings and walked one while striking out three. He also picked up two holds.

Elsewhere in the VWL, Mario Lisson played two games in the outfield with Navegantes del Magallanes. He went just 1-for-7 and struck out twice. He also walked twice but committed an error. His teammate with Magallanes, lefty Brandon Sisk, pitched in two games last week. He picked up two holds in 1.2 innings. He did allow two runs on two hits while facing eight batters.

Catcher/first baseman Max Ramirez and pitcher Blaine Hardy are teammates with Bravos de Margarita. Ramirez played both positions in two games last week. He went 4-for-8 with a double and four runs scored. The left-handed Hardy pitched in just one game and pitched a perfect inning. He struck out one.

Moving on to the Mexican Pacific League, where the Royals have two farmhands participating in winter ball.

Utility guy Anthony Seratelli is currently playing for Venados de Mazatlan. He played three games in the outfield last week. He only went 1-for-8. However, Seratelli hit a double, walked twice, scored a run, drove in two runs, and sacrificed a runner over.

Right-handed pitcher Federico Castaneda is once again a member of Tomateros de Culiacan. He pitched in just one game last week. In his one inning of work, he walked one while striking out one and picked up a hold.

The Caribbean Series begins today, as the champions from the four Caribbean winter leagues face off, first in a round robin format. Each team will face the other teams twice, with the top two advancing to the championship on February 8th.

So each team is guaranteed at least six games. There will be six straight days of doubleheaders at Estadio Quisqueya in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, with the first game beginning at 2pm.

Last year’s champion, Yaquis de Obregon, returns to defend its title as the Mexican Pacific League’s champion. If their roster stays the same, Obregon will have two KC Royals representatives in pitchers Luis Mendoza and Marlon Arias.

Leones del Escogido, the DR’s champion, won the title back in 2010. A team from the DR has won the Caribbean Series title 12 times since 1990 (18 titles since 1970).

Tigres de Aragua with Jose Mijares as the closer, won the Venezuelan Winter League title. Venezuela has won the title seven times, with two coming more recently (2006 and 2009).

Indios de Mayaguez is the Puerto Rican League champion. Puerto Rico has won the title 14 times overall, which is second to the DR. Irving Falu helped carry Mayaguez to the title, as he usually batted leadoff and hit over .300.

It is tough to tell what the four teams actual rosters will be, as they add a few players from other teams to strengthen the staff.

You can get you history lesson of the Caribbean Series HERE, courtesy of MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez, along with Cleveland Indians manager Manny Acta’s thoughts on the series.

After attending the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006 at the Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, I have always wanted to attend a winter league game. There, I had the opportunity to watch the DR and Venezuela compete on the very first day. I don’t know what was more entertaining: the game or the two teams fans.

In the first year of MLB Network, they televised the Caribbean Series. Unfortunately over the last two years, they have decided not to air it. It really is unfortunate because us Americans really are missing out.

Keep it here for your Caribbean Series updates, or you can check out the Caribbean Series website.