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, 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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The Arizona Fall League isn’t the only winter league involving prospects and baseball players. The Caribbean Leagues and the Australian Baseball League have all either started or are about to start in the next month.

Outside of the eight KC Royals participating in the AFL, there are quite a few more scattered across the winter leagues.

The Venezuelan League opened on October 11th and the regular season ends on December 30th. The All-Star Game will be held on December 2nd. Mario Lisson has played in four games for Navegantes del Magallanes, both at first base and in the outfield. He is 3-for-12 with two walks, two strikeouts, and a run scored. His teammate, reliever Brandon Sisk, has made one appearance. He allowed a run on one hit over an inning of work. He walked one and picked up a hold.

Blaine Hardy has made two appearances for Bravos de Margarita. Over two innings, he has allowed one hit while striking out three. He even picked up a hold. His teammate in Margarita, Max Ramirez, has played in one game at first base. He went 1-for-3 with two walks and two runs scored.

The Mexican Pacific League opened on October 13th with the regular season ending on December 30th. Federico Castaneda is once again pitching for Tomateros de Culiacan. He has made one appearance totaling one perfect inning of relief. Anthony Seratelli is also playing in the MPL. The utility fielder has played in two games in the outfield and is 2-for-9 with a strikeout.

The Domincan Winter League began play on October 14th, with the All-Star Game taking place on December 11th. The regular season comes to an end on December 21st. Three Royals are playing in the DWL for Tigres del Licey, but only one has gotten into a game so far.

Outfielder Jorge Bonifacio pinch-hit and went 0-for-1. Pitchers Francisley Bueno and Michael Mariot have yet to appear in a game.

The ABL begins on November 1st and outfielder Carlo Testa will be a member of the Melbourne Aces. He was one of the first MLB-affiliated imports to join the ABL. For more on Testa joining the Aces, click HERE.

The Puerto Rican League begins on November 8th. Infielder Christian Colon will be making up at-bats (due to injury) with Leones de Ponce. Joining Colon in the PRL is reliever Ryan Dennick, though he will be pitching for Indios de Mayaguez.

The Caribbean Series begins on February 1, 2013 with the four Caribbean League champions facing off against each other. The championship will be held on February 7th.

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.

The Caribbean Series has an entrant into this year’s series, as the Puerto Rican League Championship wrapped up last night. The series between Caguas and Mayaguez was a battle between two KC Royals minor leaguers, Irving Falu and Rey Navarro. Both ended up batting leadoff for their teams towards the end of the series. This series meant a little more to me because I had a chance to watch Navarro play for the first half of last season with the Wilmington Blue Rocks.

Rey Navarro

The best-of-nine series began back on January 14th, as Mayaguez took the first game 10-1. Falu went 1-for-5 with a run scored in the win. The next day, Caguas won 4-0 to tie the series. Falu went 0-for-3 in the loss.

Mayaguez took a 2-1 series lead on January 17th, as they won 2-0. Falu went 0-for-3 with a walk in the win.

On January 18th, Navarro returned to the Caguas lineup as the DH (he batted ninth). He went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double, and a run scored in the 4-1 victory. In the loss, Falu went 2-for-4.

Mayaguez took a 3-2 series lead on January 20th, as they won 7-4. In the win, Falu went 2-for-5 with an RBI. Navarro went 0-for-3 with a walk, again as the DH.

The January 21st game was suspended in the top of the 9th inning with Mayaguez winning 8-4. Caguas had runners at first and third with nobody out. When the game resumed the next day, Mayaguez held on for the 8-5 win. Falu went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBIs, and two runs scored in the win.

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Being that there are only four teams in the Puerto Rican League, the playoff format is a little interesting. Mayaguez and Ponce met in the semifinals, with Caguas sitting around waiting for their opponent in the finals. Rey Navarro was a member of Caguas, so we will have to see if he is still playing.

Irving Falu was the only member of the KC Royals participating in the PRL semifinals, as he is a member of Mayaguez.

In their Game 1 win, Falu played shortstop and went 2-for-5 with a run scored. In their Game 2 loss to Ponce, he went 1-for-4.

While leading off in Game 3, Falu went 2-for-4 in their 5-4 win. In their Game 4 loss, he went 2-for-4 with a walk and a run scored. He also committed an error.

In the deciding Game 5, Falu went 1-for-4 with a walk, as Mayaguez won the game 4-1, and the series 3-2.

The PRL playoffs begin tonight, with Caguas and Mayaguez matching up in the, get this, best of NINE series.