Cardinals Winter League Notebook 2-14-16: Beau Riportella Singles & Drives In One Run; Continued Investigation Into Yulieski Gourriel & Lourdes Gourriel, Jr.; Jose Adolis Garcia Collects Three Hits & Five RBIs In Return To Cuba

Jose Adolis Garcia - Los Tigres de Ciego de Avila

California Winter League Playoffs:

Beau Riportella (former Quad Cities-Midwest) started in centerfield and batted eighth.  1-for-2 with one RBI, one run, one hit by pitch, and one stolen base.

Manitoba beat Midwest 8-2
CWL Official Site Post Game

Sunday's Championship Game:
Palm Springs Power (3-0) visits Manitoba (3-0) @ 12:00 PM


Caribbean Series:

Jose Adolis Garcia (Ciego de Avila) collected three hits (including one home run) and drove in five runs in his return from the Caribbean Series: Baseball de Cuba

No records show Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) and Lourdes Gourriel Jr (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) took flights out of the Dominican Republic: Diario de Cuba


World Baseball Classic Qualifier:

Australia beat South Africa 12-5 to lock in a spot in the 2017 World Baseball Classic: MLB Official Site

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 2-13-16: Beau Riportella Triples & Drives In One Run; John Church's Stats From The Dominican; More Info On Gourriel Brothers Escape

Midwest Haymakers - California Winter League

California Winter League Playoffs:

Beau Riportella (former Quad Cities-Midwest) started in centerfield and batted eighth.  1-for-4 with one triple, one RBI, and one stolen base.

Midwest beat Washington 8-1
CWL Official Site Post Game

Saturday's Games:
Midwest (2-0) visits Manitoba (2-0) @ 10:00 AM
Palm Springs Power (2-0) visits Toronto (2-0) @ 12:30 PM


Caribbean Series:

Who Is Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales-Ciego de Avila)? ESPN Deportes

The investigation has lead to a known human traffic operation in Haiti and both Yulieski Gourriel and Lourdes Gourriel Jr (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) are said to be well: El Nuevo Herald

Newly signed St. Louis Cardinals John Church opened the winter season with Escogido, in the Dominican, and only made two appearances in October.  He allowed two hits, no runs, one walk, and struck two out over three innings.  The right-handed reliever collected a 1-0 record, 0.00 ERA, 2.50 WHIP, and finished one game.


World Baseball Classic Qualifier:

Saturday's Game:
South Africa (2-1) visits Australia (2-0) @ 10:00 PM ET

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 2-12-16: Beau Riportella Triples & Drives In One Run; Wayne Lundgren Announces Retirement; Yulieski Gourriel & Lourdes Gourriel, Jr. Rumored To Be In Panama

Wayne Lundgren - Sydney Blue Sox/Australia

California Winter League Playoffs:

Beau Riportella (former Quad Cities-Midwest) started in centerfield and batted eighth.  1-for-3 with one triple, one RBI, one run, and one stolen base.

Midwest beat Palm Desert 7-3
CWL Official Site Post Game

Friday's Games:
Washington (1-0) Midwest (1-0) @ 9:00 AM
Bay Area (1-0) visits Manitoba (0-0) @ 10:00 AM
Palm Springs Power (1-0) visits Canada (1-0) @ 11:30 AM
British Columbia (1-0) visits Toronto (0-0) @ 12:30 PM


Caribbean Series:

Notes:
An unknown source has said that Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) and Lourdes Gourriel Jr (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) are now in Panama: Panama American

Cuba is pushing for a deep investigation into the Gourriel brothers: El Nuevo Herald

Lawyer defends against the Cuban government's accusations the Dominican military assisted in the escapes of the Gourriel brothers: Diario de Cuba


World Baseball Classic Qualifier:

Notes:
Wayne Lundgren (former Palm Beach-Sydney) will retire after the WBC: Sydney Official Twitter

Saturday's Games:
South Africa (1-1) visits New Zealand (1-1) @ 2:30 AM ET
South Africa/New Zealand visits Australia (2-0) @ 10:00 PM ET

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 2-11-16: Luis Ordaz A Candidate For Zulia Coaching Staff In 2016-17; Yulieski Gourriel Residency Questionable In Panama, Dominican Military Involvement, & Scott Boras Meeting

Luis Ordaz - Aguilas de Zulia

California Winter League Playoffs:

Final Regular Season Stats:
Beau Riportella (former Quad Cities-Midwest) played in 14 games going 6-for-30 (.200) with one triple, two RBIs, ten runs, seven walks, eight stolen bases, seven strikeouts, and grounded into one double play.

Thursday's Games:
Palm Desert (5-7-2) visits Midwest (6-7-1) @ 8:30 AM
Bay Area (4-9-1) visits Palm Springs Chill @ 9:30 AM
Palm Springs Power (5-8-1) visits Alberta (7-4-3) @ 11:00 AM
Coachella Valley (3-11) visits Canada (10-4) @ 12:00 PM
Washington (5-8-1) visits Oregon (6-6-2) @ 1:30 PM
British Columbia (4-9-1) visits New York (9-4-1) @ 2:30 PM


Caribbean Series:

Notes:
Dominican Republic is investigating reports of the military being involved in the defections of Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) and Lourdes Gourriel Jr (Industriales-Ciego de Avila): Listin Diario

Panama denies Yulieski Gourriel has established residency in their country: Panama American

Scott Boras (former Arkansas) met with Yulieski Gourriel in June 2015: El Nuevo Herald

Fans, in Cuba, celebrate the escapes of the Gourriel brothers: Diario de Cuba

Luis Ordaz (former St. Louis) is a candidate for the Zulia coaching staff next season: El Emergente


World Baseball Classic Qualifier:

Thursday's Game:
New Zealand (0-1) visits Philippines (0-1) @ 9:00 PM ET

Friday's Game:
South Africa (1-0) visits Australia (1-0) @ 3:30 AM ET

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 2-10-16: Beau Riportella Singles & Coco Crisp Guest Speaker In California Winter League; Donovan Solano Thinks Highly Of Colombia's Chances In WBCQ; Yulieski Gourriel Established Residency In Panama

Coco Crisp - Guest Speaker At California Winter League

California Winter League:

Beau Riportella (former Quad Cities-Midwest) started in centerfield and batted fourth.  1-for-4 with one run.

Midwest and Palm Springs Powers tied 8-8
CWL Official Site Post Game

Notes:
Coco Crisp (former New Haven) spoke to the players on February 3, 2016: CWL Official Site

Playoffs Begin On Thursday


Caribbean Series:

Notes:
Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) has already established residency in Panama: El Nuevo Herald


World Baseball Classic Qualifier (February 11, 2016):

Notes:
Donovan Solano (former Memphis) thinks Colombia will qualify for the WBC: El Universal

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 2-9-16: Beau Riportella Drives In One Run; More On Yulieski & Lourdes Gourriel Escape From Cuba; Donovan Solano Begins Training For WBC Qualifier

Lourdes Gourriel, Jr. - Ciego de Avila (Cuba)

California Winter League:

Beau Riportella (former Quad Cities-Midwest) started at first base and batted fourth.  0-for-2 with one RBI and one strikeout.

Alberta beat Midwest 4-3
CWL Official Site Post Game

Tuesday's Final Regular Season Games:
Washington (4-8-1) visits Oregon (6-5-2) @ 9:00 AM
Manitoba (8-3-2) visits Coachella Valley (3-10) @ 9:30 AM
Canada (9-4) visits Alberta (7-5-1) @ 11:30 AM
Palm Desert (5-7-1) visits Palm Springs Chill (7-4-2) @ 12:00 PM
New York (8-4-1) visits Bay Area (4-8-1) @ 2:00 PM
Midwest (5-8-1) visits Palm Springs Power (6-7) @ 2:30 PM


Caribbean Series:

Notes:
Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) and Lourdes Gourriel, Jr (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) traveled to Haiti and plan to establish residency in Costa Rica.  Jose Adolis Garcia (Ciego de Avila) was also feared to have defected, but returned home with the team: Listin Diaro

The Gourriel brothers were targeted the hardest by hustlers: El Caribe

Scouts say Yulieski waited too long to defect and Lourdes doesn't have the tools to be a big impact and both may not have the major-league material: El Nuevo Dia

The Castro regime's affect on players defecting from Cuba: Diario de Cuba


World Baseball Classic Qualifier (February 11, 2016):

Notes:
Donovan Solano (former Memphis) was in camp first day of Colombian workouts: El Heraldo

Luis Urueta (former Palm Beach-Colombia MGR) and Neder Horta (former St. Louis Latin scout-Colombia coach) lead the Colombian team in workouts: El Universal

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 2-8-16: Yulieski Gourriel, Named To Caribbean Series All-Star Team, & Lourdes Gourriel, Jr Defect From Cuban Team; Ramon Vazquez Gets More Experience Managing Santurce

Yulieski Gourriel - Ciego de Avila (Cuba)

California Winter League:

Monday's Games:
Oregon (5-5-2) visits Manitoba (8-2-2) @ 1:30 AM
British Columbia (4-8-1) visits Toronto (9-4) @ 8:30 AM
Palm Springs Power (6-6) visits New York (7-4-1) @ 10:00 AM
Palm Springs Chill (7-4-1) visits Washington (4-8-1) @ 11:00 AM
Midwest (5-7-1) visits Alberta (6-5-1) @ 1:30 PM


Caribbean Series:

Mazatlan beat Aragua 5-4 to win the championship: MLB Official Site

Notes:
The level of baseball is much lower in Cuba compared to the other Caribbean countries: ESPN Deportes

Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) was named to the 2016 Caribbean Series All-Star Team: LVBP Official Site

Pinar del Rio has yet to receive their prize money for winning the 2015 Caribbean Series: Lider

Ramon Vazquez (former Memphis-Santurce MGR) learned a lot of things being a manager that he will bring with him as he coaches in the Houston minors system and has not discussed a return with Santurce: Noticel

Toronto won the Colombian Development League Championship: El Universal

Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales) and Lourdes Gourriel, Jr. (Industriales) have defected from the Ciego de Avila team: El Nuevo Herald

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 2-7-16: Beau Riportella Singles, Walks, & Scores Two Runs

Alfredo Despaigne - Cuba (Caribbean Series)

California Winter League:

Beau Riportella (former Quad Cities-Midwest) started at first base and batted fourth.  1-for-2 with two runs, one walk, one stolen base, and one strikeout.

Midwest beat Palm Desert 7-6

No Games Scheduled For Super Bowl Sunday


Caribbean Series:

Jose Adolis Garcia (Ciego de Avila) started in right field and moved centerfield, batting leadoff.  1-for-5 with one strikeout.
Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) started at second base and batted third.  1-for-3 with one run, two walks, one stolen base, and assisted in one double play.
Alfredo Despaigne (Granma-Ciego de Avila) started in left field and batted fourth.  1-for-3 with one double, one RBI, one walk, one hit by pitch, and grounded into one double play.
Lourdes Gourriel (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) entered late in the game in right field and batted seventh.  One run and two walks.

Mazatlan beat Ciego de Avila 7-2

Sunday's Championship Game:
Aragua (4-1) visits Mazatlan (5-0) @ 3:00 PM ET

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 2-6-16

Edgar Renteria - Colombia World Baseball Classic MGR

Australian Baseball League Championship:

Brisbane won the championship two games to none over Adelaide: ABL Official Site


California Winter League:

Beau Riportella (former Quad Cities-Midwest) entered late in the game at third base and batted third.  0-for-1 at the plate.

Canada beat Midwest 9-2

Saturday's Games:
New York visits Coachella Valley
Palm Springs Chill visits Canada @ 10:00 AM
Palm Springs Power visits Bay Area @ 11:00 AM
British Columbia visits Toronto @ 12:30 PM
Palm Desert visits Midwest @ 1:30 PM


Caribbean Series:

Jose Adolis Garcia (Ciego de Avila) started in right field and moved to center, batting leadoff.  1-for-6 with two two-out RBIs and three strikeouts.
Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) started at second base and batted third.  2-for-3 with one RBI, one walk, one sac fly, and assisted in two double plays.
Alfredo Despaigne (Granma-Ciego de Avila) started in left field and batted fourth.  1-for-5 with one run.
Lourdes Gourriel (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) entered late in the game in right field and batted eighth.  0-for-3 with one strikeout.

Ciego de Avila beat Escogido 4-2 in 11 innings

Notes:
Lourdes Gourriel, Jr. (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) has dreams of playing in the MLB: MLB Official Site

Commissioner of Baseball of the Caribbean is considering Panama for the sixth team in the series: El Emergente

Saturday's Games:
Santurce (2-2) visits Aragua (3-1) @ 2:30 PM ET
Santurce/Aragua visits Mazatlan (4-0) @ 6:50 PM ET


World Baseball Classic Qualifier (February 11, 2016):

Notes:
Colombia will begin workouts on Monday for the team: El Universal

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 2-5-16: Donovan Solano Could Play In World Baseball Classic For Colombia

Donovan Solano - Colombia (World Baseball Classic)

Australian Baseball League Championship:

Sunday's Game:
Adelaide (0-1) visits Brisbane (1-0) @ 6:00 PM AEST


California Winter League:

Friday's Games:
Palm Desert (5-5-1) visits Palm Springs Power (5-5) @ 8:30 AM
Canada (8-3) visits Midwest (4-6) @ 10:00 AM
Oregon (5-5-1) visits Alberta (6-5) @ 11:00 AM
Manitoba (7-2-2) visits Bay Area (3-7-1) @ 12:30 PM
Coachella Valley (2-9) visits Washington (4-7) @ 1:30 PM


Caribbean Series:

Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) started at third base and batted third.  2-for-5 with one ground into double play, one throwing error, and assisted in two double plays.
Alfredo Despaigne (Granma-Ciego de Avila) started as designated hitter and batted fourth.  0-for-3 with one walk.
Lourdes Gourriel (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) entered late in the game in left field and batted fifth.  1-for-2 with one strikeout.
Jose Adolis Garcia (Ciego de Avila) started in centerfield and batted seventh.  2-for-4 with one triple, one run, one stolen base, one strikeout, one outfield assist, and assisted in one double play.

Aragua beat Ciego de Avila 3-1

Friday's Games:
Mazatlan (3-0) visits Santurce (2-1) @ 2:30 PM ET
Ciego de Avila (0-3) visits Escogido (0-3) @ 6:50 PM ET


World Baseball Classic Qualifier (February 11, 2016):

Notes:
Donovan Solano (former Memphis) could play for Colombia: El Universal

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 2-4-16: Tony Pena Inducted Into The Caribbean Series Hall Of Fame; Beau Riportella Singles; Ramon Vazquez Knows Importance Of Next Game

Tony Pena - Caribbean Series Hall Of Fame

Australian Baseball League Championship:

Friday's Game:
Adelaide (30-26) visits Brisbane (37-19) @ 6:00 PM AEST


California Winter League:

Beau Riportella (former Quad Cities-Midwest) started in left field and batted fourth.  1-for-3 with one stolen base.

Midwest beat New York 2-1

Thursday's Games:
Washington (4-5-1) visits Canada (7-3) @ 8:30 AM
Oregon (4-5-1) visits Coachella Valley (2-8) @ 10:00 AM
Toronto (7-4) visits Palm Springs Chill (6-3-1) @ 11:00 AM
Alberta (6-4) visits New York (5-4-1) @ 12:30 PM
British Columbia (4-6-1) visits Manitoba (6-2-2) @ 1:30 PM


Caribbean Series:

Jose Adolis Garcia (Ciego de Avila) started in right field and batted leadoff.  0-for-4 with one strikeout.
Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) started at second base and batted third.  2-for-4 and one fielding error.
Alfredo Despaigne (Granma-Ciego de Avila) started as designated hitter and batted fourth.  0-for-2 with one strikeout.
Lourdes Gourriel (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) started in left field and batted ninth.  0-for-2 with two strikeouts.

Santurce beat Ciego de Avila 12-1

Notes:
Alfredo Despaigne (Granma-Ciego de Avila) hopes his chance to play in the MLB comes soon: El Universal

Tony Pena (former St. Louis) and three others were inducted into the Caribbean Hall of Fame: Listin Diario

Ramon Vazquez (former Memphis-Santurce MGR) knows how important the game against Escogido is: Noticel

Panama League put in a request to be included in the Caribbean Series: TV Max Deportes

Thursday's Games:
Aragua (2-1) visits Ciego de Avila (0-2) @ 2:30 PM ET
Escogido (0-2) visits Santurce (1-1) @ 6:50 PM ET

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 2-3-15: Ramon Vazquez To Make Changes To Santurce Lineup; Tony Pena To Be Inducted Into Caribbean Series Hall Of Fame

Ramon Vazquez - Cangrejeros de Santurce MGR

California Winter League:

Beau Riportella (former Quad Cities-Midwest) started in centerfield and batted fourth.  0-for-2 at the plate.

British Columbia beat Midwest 7-2

Wednesday's Games:
Palm Springs Chill (5-3-1) visits Palm Desert (5-4-1) @ 8:30 AM
Bay Area (2-7-1) visits British Columbia (4-5-1) @ 10:00 AM
Palm Springs Power (5-4-1) visits Oregon (3-5-1) @ 11:00 AM
New York (5-3-1) visits Midwest (3-6) @ 12:30 PM
Manitoba (6-1-2) visits Toronto (6-4) @ 1:30 PM


Caribbean Series:

Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) started at second base and batted third.  2-for-5 with one double, one run, one strikeout, and one throwing error.
Alfredo Despaigne (Granma-Ciego de Avila) started as designated hitter and batted fourth.  1-for-5 with two strikeouts.
Jose Adolis Garcia (Ciego de Avila) started in centerfield and moved to right, batting seventh.  1-for-4 with one run.
Lourdes Gourriel (Industriales-Ciego de Avila) started in left field and batted ninth.  1-for-4 with two two-out RBIs and grounded into one double play.

Mazatlan beat Ciego de Avila 9-3

Notes:
Hundreds of scouts are on hand to check out the Cuban players: El Universal

Cuban players are being targeted by hustlers: El Caribe and El Caribe

Tony Pena (former St. Louis) will be inducted into the Caribbean Hall of Fame Wednesday: El Caribe

Ramon Vazquez (former Memphis-Santurce MGR) will make some adjustments to the lineup to avoid losing a second game: El Nuevo Dia

Wednesday's Games:
Aragua (2-0) visits Mazatlan (2-0) @ 2:30 PM ET
Santurce (0-1) visits Ciego de Avila (0-1) @ 6:50 PM ET

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 1-23-16: Ronny Cedeno Singles Twice; Beau Riportella Singles & Walks; Jonathan Rivera Singles; Tidbits On Carlos Peguero, Ozzie Canseco, Gustavo Martinez, & Fidencio Flores

Carlos Peguero - Gigantes del Cibao/Leones del Escogido

Venezuelan League Championship:

Jorge Rondon (former St. Louis-Aragua) entered in the fifth and pitched 1.2 innings.  He allowed two hits, one earned run, hi one batter, threw two wild pitches, and struck one out.  (p-s:22-13)(g/f:1-2)(ir-s:2-2)

Ronny Cedeno (former MLB signing-Magallanes) started at shortstop and batted eighth.  2-for-3 with one strikeout.  He left the game with a pulled right calf.
Jose Martinez (former Springfield-Magallanes) entered late in the game at shortstop and batted eighth.  0-for-1 with one run and one hit by pitch.

Magallanes beat Aragua 14-3
LVBP Official Site Post Game

Notes:
Jose Martinez (former Springfield-Magallanes) will get the start at shortstop on Saturday so Ronny Cedeno (former MLB signing-Magallanes) can rest: El Emergente

Saturday's Game:
Aragua (0-1) visits Magallanes (1-0) @ 5:30 PM VET


Mexican Pacific League Championship:

Saturday's Game:
Mexicali (1-1) visits Mazatlan (1-1) @ 6:00 PM MT


Dominican League Championship:

Notes:
The newly signed St. Louis outfielder Carlos Peguero played in 25 games going 17-for-87 (.195) with one double, one triple, two home runs, 11 RBIs. 26 total bases, four runs, 15 walks, one stolen base, 31 strikeouts, .333 OBP, .299 SLG, and 632 OPS with Cibao.  Escogido picked him up for the playoff run before Christmas.  He is currently listed at day-to-day with a groin pull: El Caribe

Saturday's Game:
Licey (0-3) visits Escogido (3-0) @ 5:00 PM AST


Australian Baseball League:

Sunday's Games:
Melbourne (20-34) visits Sydney (25-29) for a doubleheader beginning @ 12:00 PM AET - Wayne Lundgren (former Palm Beach-Sydney) is scheduled to start game two
Canberra (31-24) visits Adelaide (29-26) @ 12:00 PM ACT
Perth (23-32) visits Brisbane (36-19) @ 2:00 PM AEST


Puerto Rican League Championship:

J.C. Romero (former St. Louis-Santurce) entered in the sixth and pitched 1.1 innings.  He allowed two hits, no runs, threw one wild pitch, and struck two out.  (g/f:0-1)(ir-s:2-2)

Mayaguez beat Santurce 4-0
LBPRC Official Site Post Game

Saturday's Game:
Mayaguez (1-0) visits Santurce (0-1) @ 7:15 PM AST


Colombian League Championship:

Saturday's Game:
Monteria (2-3) visits Barranquilla (3-2) @ 5:00 PM


Panama League Championship:

Jonathan Rivera (GCL-Metro) started in right field and batted seventh.  1-for-3 at the plate.

Panama beat Metro 7-0
Panama American Post Game

Panama wins the championship three games to one and will head to the Latin American Series


California Winter League:

January 21, 2016:
Beau Riportella (former Quad Cities-Midwest) started as designated hitter and batted fifth.  1-for-3 with one run and one walk.

Midwest beat Coachella Valley 14-4


Arizona Winter League (January 30, 2016):

Notes:
Meet Ozzie Canseco (former St. Louis): AWL Official Site


Caribbean Series (February 1, 2016):

Notes:
Yuliesky Gourriel (Industriales), Alfredo Despaigne (Granma), and Lourdes Gourriel (Industriales) are listed on the Ciego de Avila roster for the Cuban team: Lider


Latin American Series (February 2, 2016):

Notes:
Gustavo Martinez (former GCL-Granada) and Fidencio Flores (former GCL-Boer/Granada) were added to the Rivas roster: La Prensa

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 1-15-16: Nick Additon Strikes Out Three & Induces Ten Ground Outs Over Six Scoreless Innings; Eugenio Velez Singles, Walks, & Drives In One Run; Alberto Rosario Singles & Knocks In One Run

Nick Additon - Leones del Escogido

Venezuelan League Playoffs:

Notes:
Philadelphia has pulled Edubray Ramos (former VSL-La Guaira) from further action in LVBP: El Emergente

Friday's Games:
Magallanes (1-1) visits Caribes (1-1) @ 7:30 PM VET
La Guaira (1-1) visits Aragua (1-1) @ 7:30 PM VET


Mexican Pacific League Playoffs:

Iker Franco (former Springfield-Obregon) started at catcher and batted seventh.  0-for-3 with one run, one walk, one strikeout, and allowed one stolen base.

Obregon beat Mazatlan 5-4 in 10 innings
LMP Official Site Post Game

Friday's Games:
Mexicali (2-2) visits Navojoa (2-2) @ 7:30 PM MST
Obregon (3-1) visits Mazatlan (1-3) @ 8:00 PM MT


Dominican League Playoffs:

Alberto Rosario (Memphis free agent-Estrellas) started at catcher and batted eighth.  1-for-4 with one two-out RBI, three strikeouts, one caught stealing, and allowed one stolen base.

Estrellas beat Licey 4-0
LIDOM Official Site Post Game

Eugenio Velez (former Memphis-Azucareros) started in left field and batted third.  1-for-3 with one RBI, one run, one walk, and one sacrifice.

Nick Additon (former Memphis-Escogido) started and pitched six innings.  He allowed five hits, no runs, one walk, and struck three out.  (g/f:10-1)

Azucareros beat Escogido 8-3
LIDOM official Site Post Game

Notes:
Jorge Sosa (former St. Louis-Escogido) comments about the first female physiotherapist in the clubhouse: El Caribe

Friday's Games:
Escogido (6-9) visits Estrellas (5-10) @ 7:30 PM AST
Azucareros (7-8) visits Licey (12-3) @ 7:30 PM AST


Australian Baseball League:

Saturday's Games:
Sydney (23-26) visits Canberra (28-21) for a doubleheader beginning @ 4:00 PM AET
Brisbane (32-18) visits Melbourne (18-32) @ 6:05 PM AET
Adelaide (26-24) visits Perth (22-28) @ 7:05 PM AWST


Nicaraguan League Championship:

Friday's Game:
Rivas (2-0) visits Granada (0-2) @ 6:00 PM


Puerto Rican League Playoffs:

Luis Mateo (former Memphis-Caguas) started at shortstop and batted second.  1-for-4 with one double, one strikeout, one fielding error, and assisted in one double play.

J.C. Romero (former St. Louis-Santurce) entered in the ninth and pitched to one batter.  He allowed no hits or runs.  (g/f:1-0)(ir-s:2-0)

Santurce beat Caguas 8-2
LBPRC Official Site Post Game

Friday's Game:
Caguas (3-5) visits Mayaguez (6-2) @ 7:15 PM AST


Colombian League Championship:

Friday's Game:
Monteria (23-19) visits Barranquilla (26-16) @ 5:00 PM


Veracruz League Championship:

Hugo Castellanos (former Memphis-Acayucan) entered in the tenth and pitched a third of an inning.  He allowed no hits or runs.

Xalapa and Acayucan tied 2-2, suspended after 11th inning
LIV Official Site Announcement


Panama League:

Jonathan Rivera (GCL-Metro) started in right field and batted fifth.  1-for-4 with two strikeouts.

Veraguas beat Metro 4-0

Friday's Games:
Veraguas (8-20) visits Panama (17-9) @ 4:00 PM
Metro (16-11) visits Cocle (13-14) @ 7:00 PM


Cuban League:

Notes:
Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales) was named Player of the Week: Baseball Cuba

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 2-9-15: Edgard Montiel Collects Four Singles, One Double, & Scores One Run In Two Games; Gustavo Martinez Strikes Out Three & Allows Two Runs Over Six Innings; Carney Lansford A Guest Coach In China

Edgard Montiel - Indios del Boer

Caribbean Series

Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales/Pinar del Rio) 2-for-4 with one home run, one RBI, and two runs.
Alfredo Despaigne (Granma/Pinar del Rio) 2-for-3 with one hit by pitch.
Frederich Cepeda (Sancti Spiritus/Pinar del Rio) 2-for-4 with one two-out RBI and one strikeout.
Hector Mendoza (Isla de la Juvetud/Pinar del Rio) entered in the eighth and pitched 1.1 innings.  He allowed one hit, no runs, and struck one out for the save (1).  (p-s:21-15)(g/f:1-2)(ir-s:2-1)

Russell Branyan (former St. Louis-Culiacan) started as designated hitter and batted fifth.  0-for-2 at the plate.

Pinar del Rio beat Culiacan 3-2
ESPN Deportes Post Game
MLB Official Site Post Game
Cuba won their first title for the first time since 1960

Notes:
New commissioner Rob Manfred talks about the relations between MLB and Cuba: ESPN Deportes

Frederich Cepeda (Sancti Spiritus/Pinar del Rio) was named Caribbean Series MVP: ESPN Deportes

Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales/Pinar del Rio), Frederich Cepeda (Sancti Spiritus/Pinar del Rio), and Hector Mendoza (Isla de la Juvetud/Pinar del Rio) were named to the 2015 All-Caribbean Series Team: LMP Official Site

Yosvani Torres (Pinar del Rio) proves to be dominant: Listin Diario

The Caribbean Series format is causing controversy where Caribes had a record of 4-1 and Pinar del Rio, who finished 3-3, won the title: Lider

Omar Lopez (Caribes MGR) will return for the 2015-16 season: Lider

Hector Olivera (Santiago de Cuba) and Yadier Alvarez (Matanzas) will work out for clubs on Wednesday in the Dominican: Jesse Sanchez Twitter

Alejandro Ortiz (Isla de la Juvetud) petitioned for free agency: Jesse Sanchez Twitter

Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. will showcase for scouts on Monday in the Dominican: Jesse Sanchez Twitter

Luis Montanez (former Memphis-Mayaguez) to play for Fajardo and Carlos Baerga (former St. Louis) will manage Juncos in the Puerto Rican Double-A League: El Nuevo Dia


Nicaraguan Spring/Summer League

Saturday's Results:
Fidencio Flores (former DSL-Leon) allowed two hits and one earned run without recording an out as Leon beat Matagalpa 10-7: CNBS Official Site

Edgard Montiel (former DSL-Boer) went 2-for-5 at the plate as Boer beat Frente Sur Rivas 7-4: CNBS Official Site

Sunday's Results:
Edgard Montiel (former DSL-Boer) went 3-for-4 with one double and one run as Frente Sur Rivas beat Boer 4-2 in game one of doubleheader: CNBS Official Site

Gustavo Martinez (former GCL-Dantos) tossed six innings allowing four hits, two runs, four walks, and struck three out as Costa Caribe beat Dantos 3-2 in game one of doubleheader: CNBS Official Site

Carlos Teller (Boer-Dantos) has signed on to pitch for Puebla (Triple-A Mexican League): MiLB Official Site


Nippon Professional Baseball

Notes:
Rainel Rosario (former Springfield-Hiroshima) visited the hospital for acute appendicitis: Yakyubaka


Chinese Professional League

Notes:
Carney Lansford (former St. Louis coach) is being brought in by Lamingo as a guest coach: Now News

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 2-8-15: Russell Branyan Singles, Walks, & Drives In One Run; Pedro Rodriguez Strikes Out One Over One Hitless/Scoreless Inning; Pedro Guerrero & Felix Jose Honored By Latino Hall Of Fame

Russell Branyan - Tomateros de Culiacan

Australian Baseball League Championship

Perth beat Adelaide 12-5 to win the championship two games to one


Caribbean Series

Russell Branyan (former St. Louis-Culiacan) started as designated hitter and batted fifth.  1-for-2 with one two-out RBI, one run, one walk, one stolen base, and one strikeout.

Culiacan beat Cibao 5-4
ESPN Deportes Post Game

Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales/Pinar del Rio) started at second base and batted third.  2-for-5 with one RBI, two runs, one strikeout, and grounded into one double play.
Alfredo Despaigne (Granma/Pinar del Rio) started in left field and batted fourth.  1-for-5 with two runs and one outfield assist.
Frederich Cepeda (Sancti Spiritus/Pinar del Rio) started as designated hitter and batted sixth.  4-for-5 with two doubles, one triple, five RBIs, and one run.
Norge Ruiz (Camaguey/Pinar del Rio) entered in the fourth and pitched 4.1 innings.  He allowed five hits, no runs, one walk, hit one batter, and struck two out for the winning decision (1-1).  (p-s:77-44)(g/f:6-2)(ir-s:2-1)
Hector Mendoza (Isla de la Juventud/Pinar del Rio) entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck two out.  (p-s:14-9)

Pedro Rodriguez (former MiLB signing-Caribes) entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck one out.  (p-s:9-8)(g/f:1-1)

Pinar del Rio beat Caribes 8-4
ESPN Deportes Post Game

Notes:
Julio Franco (Fort Worth free agent) has signed on as a player-manager for Ishikawa (Independent Japan BC League): Ishikawa Official Twitter

Frederich Cepeda (Santci Spiritus/Pinar del Rio) talks about his stellar game on Saturday: ESPN Deportes

Diosdany Castillo (Villa Clara) will continue to work out for MLB teams this coming week: JR Ricket Twitter

Johan Santana (Baltimore free agent-Magallanes) underwent stem cell treatment on his shoulder: Lider

Pedro Guerrero (former St. Louis) and Felix Jose (former St. Louis) were honored by the Latino Hall of Fame: Lider

Sunday's Game:
Pinar del Rio (2-3) visits Culiacan (3-2) @ 4:30 PM ET : ESPN Deportes Preview


Nippon Professional Basbeall

Notes:
Shohei Otani (Nippon Ham) may not be selected for the Samurai Japan roster set for March 10 and 11 due to spring training scheduled: Yakyubaka

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 2-6-15: Pedro Rodriguez Strikes Out One Over One Scoreless Innings; Russell Branyan Singles; Jem Argenal Has No Contract For Upcoming Nicaraguan Spring League

Russell Branyan - Tomateros de Culiacan

Australian Baseball League Championship

Adelaide beat Perth 3-2 in game one

Notes:
Baseball Australia will induct Grant Balfour (Tampa Bay) into the Hall of Fame: Baseball Australia

Saturday's Game:
Perth (0-1) visits Adelaide (1-0) @ 7:00 PM ACT


Caribbean Series

Pedro Rodriguez (former MiLB signing-Caribes) entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed two hits, no runs, and struck one out.  (p-s:18-12)(g/f:1-1)

Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales/Pinar del Rio) started at second base and batted third.  1-for-4 with one strikeout and assisted in one double play.
Alfredo Despaigne (Granma.Pinar del Rio) started as designated hitter and batted fourth.  2-for-4 with one strikeout.
Frederich Cepeda (Sancti Spiritus/Pinar del Rio) entered late in the game as a pinch hitter and batted ninth.  0-for-1 at the plate.

Caribes beat Pinar del Rio 6-2
ESPN Deportes Post Game

Russell Branyan (former St. Louis-Culiacan) started as designated hitter and batted fifth.  1-for-4 with one strikeout.

Cibao beat Culiacan 3-2
ESPN Deportes Post Game

Friday's Games:
Culiacan (2-1) visits Caribes (3-0) @ 12:05 PM ET
Cibao (2-1) visits Santurce (0-3) @ 6:30 PM ET

Notes:
Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales/Pinar del Rio) makes scouts wonder what he would be like in the MLB: MLB Official Site

Vladimir Gutierrez (Pinar del Rio) is trying to apply for asylum in Puerto Rico: MLB Official Site

Valdimir Gutierrez (Pinar del Rio) and Dainer Moreira (Matanzas/Pinar del Rio) are safe and Gutierrez is leaning towards signing with Roc Nation: Dairio de Cuba

Activists use simple method to help Cubans defect: KSDK

Hector Mendoza (Isla de le Juventud/Pinar del Rio) dazzles in Caribbean Series: El Nuevo Dia

Eduardo Perez (former St. Louis-Santurce MGR) talks about what needs to happen in order for Santurce to stay in the chase: NotiCel

Jem Argenal (former GCL-Chinandega) will not play for Chinandega in the CNBS because he could not negotiate a contract with the team: La Prensa

Newly signed Jesus Daniel Garcia (MiLB signing-Veracruz) posted a 4-4 record (had at least six starts), 2.35 ERA, and one save in the Mexican Academy League.  He allowed 53 hits, 24 runs (15 earned), 17 walks, hit seven batters, threw five wild pitches, and struck 40 out over 57 innings.


Chinese Professional League

Notes:
Lamigo signed Jonathan Arias (Monterrey): Now News

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 2-5-15: Anthony Garcia Singles & Drives In One Run; Pedro Rodriguez Strikes Out Two Of Three Batters Faced For The Save; Jose Gonzalez Spent 2014-15 Winter Season With La Guaira In Venezuelan

Pedro Rodriguez - Caribes de Anzoategui

Australian Baseball League Championship

Friday's Game:
Perth (0-0) visits Adelaide (0-0) @ 7:00 PM ACT - Preview


Caribbean Series

Pedro Rodriguez (former MiLB signing-Caribes) entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck two out for the save (1).  (p-s:14-10)(g/f:1-0)

Caribes beat Cibao 6-5
ESPN Deportes Post Game

Anthony Garcia (Palm Beach-Carolina/Santurce) started in left field and batted fifth.  1-for-4 with one RBI and one strikeout.
Ruben Gotay (former Memphis-San Juan/Santurce) started as designated hitter and batted sixth.  0-for-4 with one sacrifice and two strikeouts.
Ivan Maldonado (former MiLB tryout-Santurce) started and pitched one inning.  He allowed two hits, two earned runs, one walk, hit one batter, and struck one out.  (p-s:19-10)
Pedro Feliciano (former Memphis-Santurce) entered in the eighth and pitched to one batter.  He allowed no hits or runs.  (p-s:1-1)(g/f:1-0)

Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales/Pinar del Rio) started at second base and batted third.  1-for-4 with one RBI, one strikeout, and one caught strealing.
Alfredo Despaigne (Granma/Pinar del Rio) started as designated hitter and batted fourth.  1-for-4 with one strikeout.
Hector Mendoza (Isla de la Juventud/Pinar del Rio) entered in the seventh and pitched 3.2 innings.  He allowed two hits, no runs, four walks (one intentional), hit one batter, and struck four out for the winning decision (1-0).  (p-s:63-31)(g/f:2-1)(ir-s:1-0)

Pinar del Rio beat Santurce 3-2 in 10 innings
ESPN Deportes Post Game

Thursday's Games:
Caribes (2-0) visits Pinar del Rio (1-2) @ 12:05 PM ET
Culiacan (2-0) visits Cibao (1-1) @ 6:30 PM ET

Notes:
Vladimir Gutierrez (Pinar del Rio) falls under the July 2nd guidelines since he isn't 23 and hasn't played at least five season in professional ball: MLB Official Site

Yoan Moncada (Cienfuegos) would like to sign as soon as possible and get to training right away: MLB Official Site

St. Louis is not considered one of the likely destinations for Yoan Moncada (Cienfuegos): MLB Official Site

Aroldis Chapman (Holguin-Cincinnati) visited Puerto Rico to watch the Cuban team: ESPN Deportes

Alfonso Urquiola (Pinar del Rio MGR) had some harsh comments on the recent defections: Lider

The International Prospect League will host a showcase on February 11, 2015 featuring Cubans Elier Sanchez, Hector Olivera, and Yadier Alvarez: IPL Official Twitter

Licey extended the contract of Manny Acta (former Cleveland MGR) through next season: Listin Diario

The Nicaraguan National Championship will use instant replay and Edgard Montiel (former DSL-Chinandega) has requested to keep playing for Boer: La Prensa

Jay-Z is interested in adding Vladimir Gutierrez (Pinar del Rio) to his Roc Nation roster: El Nuevo Herald

24-year old right-handed pitcher Orlando Barroso (Santiago de Cuba) has defected from Cuba: Diario de Cuba

Nettuno 2 (Italian Baseball League) is interested in adding Jose Angel Garcia (Artemisa): Mister Baseball

Newly signed Carlos Villanueva (MiLB signing) belongs to the Cibaenas (Dominican League) organization.

Newly signed Jose Gonzalez (MiLB signing) spent this past winter playing for La Guaira (Venezuelan League) getting in 31 games going 24-for-94 (.255) with three doubles, one home run, nine walks, 30 total bases, eight runs, ten walks, 25 strikeouts, .324 OBP, .319 SLG, and .643 OPS.

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 2-4-15: Juan Gonzalez & Carlos Baerga Honored; Joel Pineiro Strikes Out One & Allows Two Runs Over Six Innings; Anthony Garcia Singles Twice

Juan Gonzalez - 1995 Puerto Rican Dream Team Celebration

Caribbean Series

Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales/Pinar del Rio) started at second base and batted third.  2-for-4 at the plate.
Alfredo Despaigne (Granma/Pinar del Rio) started in left field and batted fourth.  2-for-4 at the plate.
Frederich Cepeda (Sancti Spiritus/Pinar del Rio) started as designated hitter and batted fifth.  1-for-4 with two ground into double plays.
Norge Ruiz (Camaguey/Pinar del Rio) started and pitched five innings.  He allowed nine hits, three earned runs, threw one wild pitch, and struck three out for the losing decision (0-1).  (p-s:84-58)(g/f:7-4)

Cibao beat Pinar del Rio 6-1
ESPN Deportes Post Game

Anthony Garcia (Palm Beach-Carolina/Santurce) started in left field and batted fourth.  2-for-4 at the plate.
Ruben Gotay (former Memphis-San Juan/Santurce) started at first base and batted sixth.  0-for-3 with one run, one walk, and grounded into one double play.
Joel Pineiro (former St. Louis-Santurce) started and pitched six innings.  He allowed six hits, two earned runs, threw one wild pitch, and struck one out.  (p-s:82-55)(g/f:8-8)

Culiacan beat Santurce 3-2
ESPN Deportes Post Game

Wednesday's Games:
Cibao (1-0) visits Caribes (1-0) @ 12:05 PM ET
Santurce (0-2) visits Pinar del Rio (0-2) @ 6:30 PM ET

Notes:
Caribbean Series payed tribute to the 1995 Puerto Rican team which featured Juan Gonalez (former MiLB signing) and Carlos Baerga (former St. Louis): ESPN Deportes

Justin Christian (former Memphis-Mochis) signed with Quintana Roo (Triple-A Mexican League): MiLB Official Site

Pedro Rodriguez (former MiLB signing-Caribes) has re-signed with Puebla (Triple-A Mexican League): MiLB Official Site

Josh Lueke (Tampa Bay free agent) signed with Cuidad del Carmen (Triple-A Mexican League): MiLB Official Site

Yoan Moncada (Cienfuegos) has been cleared to sign with a MLB club: MLB Official Site

Matt Slater (St. Louis scout) is one of the many scouts eyeing the Cuban team for possible future talent: New Zealand Herald

Dainer Moreira (Matanzas/Pinar del Rio) and Vladimir Gutierrez (Pinar del Rio) have defected from the Cuban team: USA Today

Cuban officials have come out and said a group is encouraging players to defect from the team: Diario de Cuba

Cuban officials say Vladimir Gutierrez (Pinar del Rio) has attrached attention from scouts: Cafe Fuerte

Cuban defectors no longer need an official permit to sign contracts with MLB teams: ESPN Deportes

Felix Fermin is leaving Lara (Venezuelan League) to manage Azucareros (Dominican League) next winter: Lider


Nippon Professional Baseball

Notes:
Shohei Otani (Nippon Ham) will play in an intra-squad game as a position player: Yakyubaka

Yokohama signed Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales) to a one-year deal and Lourdes Gourriel, Jr. (Industriales) to a two-year pact: Yakyubaka

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 2-3-15: J.C. Romero Pitches One & A Third Hitless/Scoreless Inning & Held One Inherited Runner On Base; Lino Rivera Denies Rumors Of Managing In The Dominican; Anthony Garcia Walks

Joel Pineiro & J.C. Romero - Cangrejeros de Santurce

Caribbean Series

Yulieski Gourriel (Industriales/Pinar del Rio) started at second base and batted third.  0-for-3 with one run, one stolen base, grounded into one double play, and assisted in one double play.
Alfredo Despaigne (Granma/Pinar del Rio) started in left field and batted fourth.  0-for-4 with one strikeout.
Frederich Cepeda (Sancti Spiritus/Pinar del Rio) started as designated hitter and batted fifth.  1-for-3 with one two-out RBI.

Culiacan beat Pinar del Rio 2-1
ESPN Deportes Post Game

Pedro Rodriguez (former MiLB signing-Caribes) entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed two hits, one earned run, and struck one out.  (p-s:21-15)(g/f:2-0)

Anthony Garcia (Palm Beach-Santurce) started in left field and batted fourth.  0-for-3 with one walk.
Ruben Gotay (former Memphis-Santurce) started at first base and batted sixth.  0-for-4 with two strikeouts.
J.C. Romero (former St. Louis-Santurce) entered in the seventh and pitched 1.2 innings.  He allowed no hits or runs.  (p-s:11-6)(g/f:4-0)(ir-s:1-0)

Caribes beat Santurce 5-2
ESPN Deportes Post Game

Notes:
Fernando Martinez (New York-A free agent) signed with Veracruz: MiLB Official Site

MLB held a showcase for Puerto Rican players in Caguas for the 2015 draft: John Blundell Twitter

Lino Rivera (former Arkansas-Mayaguez MGR) denied rumors he was in talks for the Licey MGR job: Primera Hora

Bomb squad was called in for a suspicious package at the stadium: Primera Hora

Eduardo Perez (former St. Louis-Santurce MGR) knew he was coming up against a very good Caribes team and said his club needs to be more aggressive: El Nuevo Dia

Opening ceremony of the Carribean Series: El Nuevo Dia

Joel Pineiro (former St. Louis-Santurce), J.C. Romero (former St. Louis-Santurce), Eduardo Perez (former St. Louis-Santurce MGR), Robinson Cancel (former Memphis), and Armando Rios (former Memphis) all played together on the 2000 Santurce team: El Nuevo Dia

Edmundo Sosa (State College-Metro) and Jonathan Rivera (DSL-Metro) came out of the PYT Academy: Metro Official Twitter

Nettuno 2 (Italy) confirmed Norberto Gonzalez (Ciefuegos) will return this summer: Mister Baseball

Caribbean Series the start of turning point for Cuba: MLB Official Site

Tuesday's Games:
Pinar del Rio (0-1) visits Cibao (0-0) @ 12:05 PM ET
Santurce (0-1) visits Culiacan (1-0) @ 6:30 PM ET - Joel Pinerio (former St. Louis-Santurce) is scheduled to start