Cleveland Sports Forum

Abraham better lay off the rice and beans.

Roberto Alomar will seek help for the Puerto Rican winter league

Taking advantage of his privileged position as a consultant to the office of the Commissioner of the Major League, the former major league baseball player and Hall of Famer, Roberto Alomar , undertook the responsibility to get the Professional Baseball League Roberto Clemente (LBPRC) winter tournament underway.

Alomar, who a few months ago was appointed by commissioner Rob Manfred as executive consultant for the development of juvenile baseball on the island, will bring a series of petitions back to the big-league boss, including economic assistance for the LBPRC and its abbreviated tournament. which will begin on January 6th.

The information was offered by the president of the LBPRC, Hector Rivera Cruz, after holding a meeting with Alomar (who played in the winter league for thirteen seasons) last week.

"Alomar personally undertook not only the League, its Board of Directors and the players, but also proposed to personally speak with the Major League Baseball Commissioner, Rob Manfred, to support alternatives, including an economic contribution to the LBPRC to pay first year players, who begin their development in the LBPRC, as well as clinics for children, the payments to umpires, sponsorships, etc.," said Rivera Cruz through a press release.

The request of the local baseball organization will be interesting, taking into account that the Major Leagues refuse to subsidize or contribute economically to the leagues belonging to the Confederation of the Caribbean.

Rivera Cruz was confident that Alomar, with his new position, can get help to run the season, which will last for a month.

"Now we hope, with the help of Alomar, can make a specific contribution from MLB to help with the expenses of our season in January," said Rivera Cruz.

Rivera Cruz highlighted the desire, interest and commitment that Alomar showed in the meeting to work with the LBPRC, to strengthen its relationship with MLB.

He advanced the lawyer who hopes that it can carry out a series of projects and activities that he understands should be supported and even financed with economic and human resources by the Major Leagues.

Within the plans of Alomar, who won two batting titles in the winter tournament with the defunct Senators of San Juan (1995-96 with .358 and 1996-97 with .347) is the power to join the League to advise and collaborate during this next season and the ones to follow.

The winter tournament was moved to January because of the damage caused by Hurricane Maria that affected several of the stadiums where winter ball is played.

The Criollos de Caguas champions, the Mayagüez Indians (integrated with players from the Aguadilla Sharks), the Santurce Cangrejeros and the Carolina Giants are the team that will participate this season.

All the games will be played at the Hiram Bithorn stadium and Isidoro García stadium due to severe damage to the other stadiums.

Jeremy Guthrie will offer big league clinics to Cuban children

Havana, Cuba -

Jeremy Guthrie came to Cuba with a very concise mission: to transmit as much as he can of his knowledge after exhausting fourteen campaigns in Major League Baseball .

On the way, the ex pitcher of five teams in the majors was met with the pleasant surprise of discovering the enormous pool of talent that Cuba has to contribute to baseball.

" I am excited to be here and in just two days I have been very impressed by what I saw , " he told El Nuevo Dia, a former pitcher for the Indians of Cleveland, the Orioles in Baltimore, the Rockies of Colorado, the Royals of Kansas City and the Washington Nationals during the 14 years of his career.

For Guthrie, the quality of Cuban baseball is one of the best, something similar to that of Japan or his own country.


" Many of those who come to the big leagues are stars, like José Abreu, Céspedes, Chapman. They are very important players in MLB and they give hope for those who want to follow in their foot steps and achieve the goals they have already achieved in their careers ", said the pitcher in perfect Spanish, which he learned after living two years in Spain.

" The talent here is undeniable, and the more they keep coming they will continue to impact. The problem is how to get there. That is a very complicated issue that I do not completely understand, but surely if there was an open door for that arrival to flow, of course many would be playing in the big leagues. Here they play well, they have good coaches and very talented players, "said the former World Series champion with the Royals in Kansas City in 2015.

Guthrie came to Cuba as part of the baseball exchange between the United States and Cuba, which is currently living a new chapter with the completion of several clinics for children sponsored by the MLBPAA, an entity nonprofit organisation focused, among other things, on promoting this sport, raising money for charity, as well as inspiring and educating young people.

As part of that initiative, Guthrie shared his experiences on Friday with small players from the children's teams that represent various municipalities of Havana.

Here he shared the spotlight with talented former players from Havana, such as Rolando Verde , Lázaro de la Torre and Antonio Scull.

" It's a magnificent opportunity to appreciate the roots of baseball that I like very much and I did not want to waste it. I have played with many Cubans throughout my career, both in the minor leagues and in the majors. My most recent Cuban team mate was Kendrys Morales, but I also know Puig, Brian Peña, and many others. Before it was
strange, but now there are more who have arrived and that has been very good. They are very kind, very humble players that work hard and it shows that they love baseball a lot," said Guthrie.

The possibility of closer ties with Cuba was one of the reasons that prompted Jordan Rodriguez to plan the idea of ​​the clinics. For this project assistant in the MLBPAA, the obstacles - especially in the logistics part - were not a brake, because the most important thing " was to help the children, help better the exchange relations between the two countries and help the baseball."

" This is an unprecedented experience for me and I had to work very hard to find the right people to realize the idea. Luckily, we had the help of the Cuban Federation and its president Higinio Vélez Carrión, which we hope to continue having to repeat these clinics every year, " said Rodriguez, of Dominican origin.

According to the plan, the clinic given in Havana would be repeated in the cities of Matanzas and Pinar del Río. In addition, each one is expected to make donations of clothing and equipment for the practice of baseball, especially at early ages.

" I think it's a very nice experience, and especially very effective for children. They do not always have the opportunity to receive instructions and teachings from people with extensive experience as players. In addition, this constitutes a very important stimulus. They do not always have the opportunity to see a Major League player close to them, and that inspires them, "said Rolando Verde, president of the Havana Industriales team, the most popular in the country.

The emotion was remarkable not only from the children, but also from the parents who followed the practice of the children from the stands.

"You have to be always grateful with opportunities like these. At these ages there are many illusions, and it is very good that children have the best references, and that this helps them love sports and baseball. Surely many of them will be talking about this day for a long time, "said Alcides, who arrived early in the park with his son.

Projects like these have been affected by the tension between both governments after the arrival of Donald Trump to the White House.

During the last administration, relations between the Major Leagues and Cuban baseball had a considerable momentum, to such an extent that it was close to reaching an agreement to get players from the island to the United States signed by teams of the Majors.

The most critical point of these advances occurred during the historic visit of then President Barack Obama , when a Cuban team faced the Tampa Bay Rays in Havana .

Bateadores
Robinson, T (CF)
Tovar (SS)
Diaz, Y (3B)
Perez, F (RF)
Guzman (1B)
Rodriguez, Henry Ale (DH)
Perez, C (C)
Palma (LF)
Castro, H (2B)

1st: Yandy Diaz grounded out second to first.

3rd: Yandy Diaz grounded out to first. Wilfredo Tovar to 2nd.

6th: Yandy Diaz grounded out pitcher to first.

7th: Yandy Diaz grounded into a double play second to first.

10th: Yandy Diaz doubled with one out. Javier Betancourt ran for Diaz. Henry Rodriguez singled, Betancourt scored

Final Score in 10 innings Caracas 4 Aragua 3
Lions roared loudly in the capital

When it's good, everything goes well. This seems to be the way of life of Lions of Caracas , who on Friday walked off against the Tigres de Aragua (4-3), to reach their fourth consecutive win and reached a total of 21 so far this season.

Moscoso and Luis Diaz starred in a real pitcher's duel, allowing one run per side in six and seven innings, respectively.

Pino (0-2), took the loss by allopwing three hits and one run in one inning and two thirds of work, while the victory went to the third pitcher for Leones Fernando Nieves after the righty worked an inning with no runs.

With the game tied at three runs, extra innings were reached, and it was in the bottom of the tenth inning when Yandy Diaz doubled with one out. Javier Betancourt ran for Diaz and Henry Rodriguez struck a single against Yohan Pino's pitches which batted in Javier Betancourt and decreed victory for Mike Rojas' troop.

OF INTEREST

In the 10th inning Yandy Díaz hit a double that allowed him to reach base in his 44th consecutive game going back to the 2016-2017 season and was replaced by Javier Betancourt as a pinch runner....

Edwin Encarnación, by the way, has a wedding with his girlfriend Karen Yaport on Sunday the 26th in Casa de Campo, La Romana. This Friday (I think) will take place the wedding of his friend José Bautista, with his longtime companion Neysha Croyle, because they had not married. They have three girls and they met when he was playing with the Pirates. Bautista is a free agent ...

Suddenly, the Toros del Este have 6 defeats in a row after a tremendous streak of 7 won! What happened there?....

Vice President of Operations of the Toros del Este, Stanley Javier, appointed Arturo DeFreites yesterday as the club's new manager for the rest of the season. DeFreites will be replacing the Venezuelan Carlos Subero, who was occupying the position on an interim basis. Subero had a record of 9 wins and 11 losses with the team under his command....

Aguilas - At the start of the activity last night Ronny Rodriguez continued as leader in hits in the league with 33 ....

Toros - The management remains active, because they already announced the debut of Jeimer Candelario scheduled for this Sunday, also announced the integrations for the next week of Alex Hanson and Abraham Almonte, in the case of Hanson played in the Parallel League, while Almonte will be integrated to the roster next week.

Standings
SEASON PREVIEW: Adelaide Bite
Will the Bite make another playoff run?

After a string of near misses over the past three seasons Adelaide turns to rookie manager Chris Adamson to bring home an elusive Claxton Shield.

The SA favourite will take charge of a team that has participated in three-straight postseasons without tasting ultimate glory and finds itself needing to cover the loss of Australian stars Mitch Dening and Stefan Welch.

Adamson is confident Angus Roeger (pictured) and Jordan McArdle, fresh off his rookie season in the US, can step up alongside three Texas Rangers' prospects and Houston shortstop Rodrigo Ayarza.

The Bite have also added Taiwanese legend Chang Tai-shan in a big boost on and off the diamond.

Adelaide will rely heavily on local pitchers but will this week announce two import starters and Loek Van Mil also returns to the bullpen.

Among their local pitchers are several players likely to catch the attention of scouts, including Ky Hampton.

While one that already has, Jack O'Loughlin, will play a key role ahead of his first spring training with Detroit.

LAST SEASON

23-17 (second, lost to Bandits in ABLPF)

THREE UP, THREE DOWN

1. Filling a hole in the heart. Last season's three-four-five combination of Mitch Dening, Stefan Welch and Marcus Greene Jr will not be back, leaving Adelaide with a new-look line-up. Angus Roeger and Jordan McArdle will need to step up and Texas Rangers' infielder Stephen Lohr is likely to slot into the heart of the order.

2. Settled starters. Adelaide will be hoping a more settled starting rotation will help its cause this season. The Bite used 12 different starters last season and while it was not costly it was far from ideal. Adamson will turn to 17-year-old Jack O'Loughlin and Steven Chambers as his local pitchers while the Bite will this week announce two import starters. Last season Taylor Hawkins led Adelaide imports with six starts as the responsibility was spread around.

3. What a relief. If Adelaide's starters can hand the game to its bullpen with a lead they are in a strong spot. The Bite's bullpen finished last season with a tidy ERA of 3.27 and led the league with 13 saves. Returning import Loek Van Mil (pictured) was a standout, allowing one earned run in 22.1 innings and recording 25 strikeouts. Chris Horne and former Pittsburgh prospect Nick Hutchings are expected to get opportunity out of the bullpen in 2017/18.

WHAT MANAGER CHRIS ADAMSON SAYS

"We've learned a lot from being close over the past few years and I think we know more about ourselves and what it takes to win those big games at the back-end of the year. We're battle-hardened and hopefully we can take those moments when they present themselves. We got to blood a lot of young kids last year that took the opportunity with both hands and having been there for the disappointment I'm really excited for what that might lead to."

Jordan McArdle (pictured) is just 19 but could prove to be a wildcard for the Bite. After signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier the year he made a promising start to his affiliated career. McArdle hit .191 after a mid-season dip in form coupled with injury. But he finished hot, hitting .314 in his final ten games. The utility was also a fast-finisher in the ABL season last year. He hit .288 and all 17 of his RBIs came in the back end of the season.

WHY TO WATCH THEM

The Bite roster includes two of the brightest Australian pitching prospects in teenagers Jack O'Loughlin and Ky Hampton. While O'Loughlin established himself in the starting rotation last season after signing with the Detroit Tigers, Hampton made a couple of appearances and will aim to cement his spot in 2017/18. Both showed nerves of steel last season and were not overawed by any situation.

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

Adelaide covers the loss of key offensive players Stefan Welch and Mitch Dening and its pitching continues to get the job done. The Bite's bullpen was outstanding last season and its mix-and-match starting rotation tied with Melbourne for a league-high 15 wins. That was despite turning to 12 different options to make a start, and being led by a then -16-year-old Jack O'Loughlin who was not parting of the rotation blueprint entering the season.
SEASON PREVIEW: Brisbane Bandits
Will the Bandits create ABL history?

Brisbane will look to create history and win an unprecedented third-straight Australian Baseball League crown in 2017/18.

The Bandits have bolstered their pitching stocks with the return of Major League experienced Travis Blackley and addition of national team pitcher Tim Atherton.

Rick Teasley will be back later in the season after a strong stint in the Chinese Professional Baseball League and left-handed import Ryan Bollinger looks set to lead the rotation.

Donald Lutz (pictured) and TJ Bennett will return to join Brisbane's offence, which will again be led by locals Aaron Whitefield, Logan Wade and Mitch Nilsson.

Taiwanese home-run king Lin Chih-sheng will also join the Bandits' offence in a big boost, while catcher Adam Weisenburger adds a load of Minor League experience.

But as he hones in on history, manager David Nilsson says it is again Brisbane's local players, including experienced campaigners David Sutherland, Andrew Campell and Wade Dutton, who the team will be built around.

With a load of depth and guys that have been there before, Bandits' fans have every reason to believe their team will be in action come February.

LAST SEASON

21-18 (third, defeated Aces in ABLCS)

THREE UP, THREE DOWN

1. How high is the ceiling? Aaron Whitefield, Mitch Nilsson and Logan Wade have become integral parts of the Brisbane set-up in recent seasons. The trio enjoyed stellar 2016/17 campaigns. Whitefield finished with the second-highest batting average in the league while leading it in stolen bases, Nilsson hit a team-high seven home runs and Wade ranked behind just Whitefield at the Bandits with 46 hits. With the prime of their career ahead of them, just how good can they become?

2. Aussie arms. Travis Blackley (pictured) returns to Brisbane and the Bandits have also added national team pitcher Tim Atherton. It gives their starting rotation a strong look after last season finishing with the second-worst ERA (5.24) in the league. In part due to playing 20 games at Holloway Field, Brisbane gave up more runs than any other side but with the addition of Blackley and Atherton they will be harder to face.

3. Fast-finishers. Manager David Nilsson is not too worried about a slow start as he tweaks his line-up to get the best out of it. The experienced manager knows the second half of the season is the business end and where the Bandits need to be at their best. It has shown the past two seasons. Brisbane finished last regular season with a 10-5 run after going 12-3 in January a year earlier. It was momentum they then carried into the postseason successfully.

WHAT MANAGER DAVID NILSSON SAYS

"We're really pleased with the team we have and our position but there are five other teams stacked and capable of winning. Every other team looks like they've upgraded from last year so it's going to be extremely tough. "

Amongst all the experienced imports on the Brisbane roster, a local could just be the biggest key. Aaron Whitefield (pictured), 21, was an offensive star in the ABL last season. The outfielder led the ABL with 53 hits and 20 stolen bases last season. Batting first most of the season he gave the Bandits early runners on base and put his speed to good use. He hit .369 in the second half of last season as Brisbane roared into the postseason.

WHY TO WATCH THEM

Because, #Beli3ve. The Bandits are chasing a third-straight ABL crown and that storyline alone is worth watching. If Brisbane's season pans out anything like last time around, when it stumbled through to the halfway point before getting hot, it is going to be one heck of a ride. Can the Bandits do what Perth has twice been unable to and complete a three-peat?

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

The Bandits see off all challengers and claim their third title in succession. Brisbane has some of the best depth in the league with a wealth of homegrown talent that has been with the team since the early days. They will also have close to a full-strength roster for Opening Weekend, unlike last season when they did not assemble their best line-up until the second half of the campaign. It shapes well for a three-peat, but with five teams eager to knock them off anything could happen.
SEASON PREVIEW: Canberra Cavalry
Will the Cavs' offence power it to playoffs?

Canberra sat inside the top-three for much of last season before being pipped at the post by eventual champions Brisbane.

The Cavs' much-feared offence saw its numbers drop as Canberra went on a 4-8 run to finish the season against contenders Melbourne and Brisbane and lowly Sydney.

After giving up their spot so close to the finish line, the Cavalry will he hoping a postseason berth is not far away.

And with an extra playoff spot available and key offensive cogs Robbie Perkins, Boss Moanaroa, Kyle Perkins and David Kandilas returning Canberra is in good shape.

The Cavs have beefed up their pitching options with the addition of imports Lake Bachar, Tayler Saucedo, Steve Janas, Daniel Lietz and Frank Gailey.

Brian Grening (pictured) will also return to Canberra along with Michael Click and national team pitcher Steve Kent headlines the list of local pitchers.

Another local product, Detroit Tigers' prospect Cam Warner, will return home to make his ABL debut in the infield while outfielder Ryan Kalish brings Major League experience.

LAST SEASON

20-20 (fourth)

THREE UP, THREE DOWN

1. Filling the gaps. The Cavs had the best offence in the league for the first three quarters of last season. In a boost to its chances in 2017/18 it was returning stars Robbie Perkins (pictured), Boss Moanaroa and Kyle Perkins who produced much of it. But with a new crop of imports around them, as well as some young players looking to make their way in the ABL, the question is whether the loss of Scott Kelly, River Stevens and Josh Almonte can be offset. All three outgoing players hit above .300.

2. Free passes. Canberra gave up 203 runs - second most tied with Sydney - in 2016/17. Their cause was not helped by a league-high 165 walks. Cavs' pitchers also walked 40 hitters leading off an inning, most in the ABL. Keeping runners off base, especially early in an inning, will be a focus for Michael Collins' side as they look for pitching improvement. Too many times Canberra found itself in a shootout last season and ultimately down the stretch its offence could no longer bail out the pitching staff.

3. Homecoming time. Cam Warner returns home to make his ABL debut after a successful college career. The 23-year-old was rewarded when his name was called by the Detroit Tigers in the 28th round of the MLB Draft. The infielder looked at home in a short Minor League stint. In 31 games he hit .294 with 10 RBIs and a home run. Warner was twice selected in the All-Big 12 First team during his time at the TCU Horned Dogs.

Outfielder Ryan Kalish (pictured, left) arrives in Canberra looking to relaunch his career after battling injuries in recent seasons. The 29-year-old did not play at all in 2017 but brings with him 153 games of Major League experience with the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox. Kalish is a career .245 hitter in the MLB and last appeared with the Cubs in 2016.

WHY TO WATCH THEM

In season one of the ABL a raw 20-year-old import put up mediocre numbers in the nation's capital. That of course was DIdi Gregorius, now shortstop for the New York Yankees. Fast forward to season eight and 17-year-old Gabriel Arias will front for the Cavs. There are plenty of reasons to watch Canberra, but the chance to see such a highly-touted young gun with a big chance of making it to the Big Leagues is as good a reason as any.

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

The Perkins brothers, Kandilas and Moanaroa do not see their offensive numbers dip and the Cavs' import hitters transition seamlessly. If this can happen and Canberra's bulked up pitching comes through the Cavs will be hard to beat and well in the mix again. With Warner returning to Canberra and several other local youngsters expected to get opportunity, there could even be a bolter that takes the Cavs to another level.
SEASON PREVIEW: Melbourne Aces
Can the Aces get back to the big stage?

Melbourne completed a stunning turnaround last season as it went from last to first in the space of 12 months under Jon Deeble before falling to Brisbane in the ABL Championship Series.

Now the question is whether the Aces can go one better.

Working in Melbourne's favour is the fact starting pitcher Mark Hamburger will rejoin the team for a second season after leading the ABL with 86 strikeouts in 2016/17.

Hamburger will be joined by former MLB first overall pick Delmon Young, as he looks to relaunch his ailing career in the ABL, and left-handed reliever Matt Marksberry.

The Aces will also field a Japanese trio to start the season, including catcher Tomoya Mori as he continues his comeback from an elbow injury that delayed his start to the NPB season.

Deeble is hoping Melbourne's young players can step up and contribute around their star-studded import line-up.

Jarryd Dale had his first taste of ABL action last season, while Ryan Dale (pictured) and Matt Beattie keep getting better.

Pitchers Daniel McGrath, Jon Kennedy and Sam Street will also look to continue their rise when they join the Aces in the second half of the season.

Brad Harman and Dushan Ruzic's departure also open the door for younger players to step up.

LAST SEASON

26-14 (first, lost to Bandits in ABLCS)

THREE STRIKES

1. Unfinished business. The Aces were so dominant through the opening two months of last season and even despite slowing in January wrapped up top spot and a home ABLCS with time to spare. But on the big stage they failed to deliver as Brisbane went back-to-back. With the main parts of the puzzle back and a strong list of imports Melbourne will no doubt be in the mix again this season.

2. Stingy pitching. Melbourne's pitching staff did not give up much last season, posting an ERA of 3.23. The Aces' starters were even stingier, led by Hamburger they gave up 2.86 runs per nine innings and picked up a league-high 15 wins tied with Adelaide's rotation. With Hamburger back for another stint Melbourne will be hoping they can keep opposition offences just as silent in 2017/18.

3. You can't steal on me. With veteran Allan de San Miguel (pictured) at backstop rival teams appeared reluctant to steal against the Aces last season. Only 31 times did an opposition side try and Melbourne caught them a league-high .419 percent of them. De San Miguel stopped 10 of 23 stolen base attempts to lead the league.

WHAT MANAGER JON DEEBLE SAYS

"We're really looking forward to this year. We've got most of our team back from last season, and one of our keys is getting those young Australian kids more game time. Look for guys like Ryan Dale, Jarryd Dale and Matt Beattie to take a few more steps forward this season."

It is hard to go past Delmon Young. The former first round pick has arrived in Melbourne and is deep into his preparation for the new season. Young has a point to prove and ambitions to return to the MLB, making him a dangerous proposition for rival sides. Young's arrival should take some pressure off de San Miguel in the middle of the order, and his experience will be a huge bonus for the Aces' younger players.

WHY TO WATCH THEM

Because they are stacked with Major League talent. Former MLB top pick Delmon Young, returning starter Mark Hamburger (pictured), relievers Matt Marksberry and Virgil Vasquez along with Aussie Peter Moylan when he joins the ballclub in the second half of the season. Tomoya Mori - one of three Seibu Lions imports set to spend part of the season in Melbourne - arrives with more than 300 games of experience in Japan.

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

The Aces pick up the pieces from last season's near-miss to return and succeed on the ABL's biggest stage. Melbourne was by far the best team during the regular season and with the addition of Young and return of Hamburger they are again going to be tough to beat. Tomoya Mori is a star and will be a force during his time down under.
SEASON PREVIEW: Perth Heat
Will the Heat return to their glory days?

The only way is up for Perth after its most disappointing Australian Baseball League season on record.

And with new manager Andy Kyle at the helm along with a crop of exciting imports and homegrown young guns to support its veterans, there is cause for Heat fans to be excited.

Perth adds four Tampa Bay prospects ­- 2015 first round pick Garrett Whitley, infielder Mike Brosseau, outfielder Jake Fraley and catcher Zac Law - and welcomes starting rotation options Alex Boshers and Kyle Simon.

Perth natives Jake Turnbull (infielder, pictured) and Jake Baker (left-handed pitcher) will both join the Heat's ranks for 2017/18, while reliever Travis McDonald returns to WA after previously playing in the State League.

Luke Hughes and Tim Kennelly will be back to provide experience and Perth will hope outfielder Ulrich Bojarski, infielder Jess Williams and catcher Alex Hall continue their development.

If they can - and with an extra postseason spot available - then Perth is in good shape to feature in February and fight for the Claxton Shield.

LAST SEASON

14-26 (sixth)

THREE UP, THREE DOWN

1. Toughing out the close ones. The Heat finished well off the pace last season but could have been in the postseason mix if a few close games had gone their way. Perth lost a league-high 11 one-run games (winning just five). The Heat lost three games in walk-off fashion and Kyle will be hoping they can grind out some victories in close games in 2017/18 to boost their chances.

2. Getting a good start. Perth spent a large portion of last season playing catch up. The Heat were outscored 36-13 in the first inning of games and by 42 runs across the opening three innings of games. Of the 198 runs Perth conceded, 94 came in innings 1-3. While Tom Bailey (pictured) and Nick Veale toiled hard, making 10 starts each, the Heat's starters were too often beaten up early. Take out the first three innings of games and Perth outscored opponents 106-104 last season.

3. There is extra motivation. For a ball club so used to success there is no doubt last season's performance sits poorly with them. The fact that almost have their losses came in one-run games not blowouts would be extra frustrating but also provide reason for optimism. They also have a new relationship with Tampa Bay and no doubt the Rays' prospects will be keen to make an impression.

WHAT MANAGER ANDY KYLE SAYS

"Obviously the team was disappointed with last year, but I don't think when you look at the games they were as far off as what the numbers show. I think it's a good squad with a good local talent pool to choose from. The biggest thing is getting good starting pitching, getting deep into the game and getting on top of the close ball games."

With a young core veterans Luke Hughes (pictured) and Tim Kennelly will play a huge role mentoring the Heat's emerging talent. At 40 games the season is a sprint but it is still long enough to endure the ups and downs that come with young players. For Perth it is about making sure those down periods do not stretch out too long. If Hughes and Kennelly can put up the offensive numbers they did last season it will also help the Heat's chances of success.

WHY TO WATCH THEM

Perth has assembled a strong list of imports to complement its up-and-coming homegrown talent. Whitley, the 13th pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, is the pick of the crop. The 20-year-old outfielder has played more than 200 Minor League games in three seasons and posted strong numbers with Class-A Bowling Green Hot Rods in the Midwest League in 2017. In 104 games Whitley averaged .249, hitting 18 doubles, 13 home runs and finishing with 61 RBIs and 21 stolen bases.

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

The imports live up to the hype, the young locals keep improving and veterans Luke Hughes and Tim Kennelly continue to do their thing as the Heat return to the postseason following a two-year absence. To do that the starting rotation will need to carry its weight and go deeper. If Tom Bailey gets continues to excel, Nick Veale finds his form of two seasons ago and the offence warms up, Perth fans should have every reason to be optimistic.
SEASON PREVIEW: Sydney Blue Sox
Can the Blue Sox return to the playoffs?

Sydney will be aiming to end a two-year postseason absence under new manager Tony Harris.

The former Adelaide Bite mentor will take the helm of a Blue Sox team that started brightly in 2016/17 before fading badly.

A 2-12 run during the middle of the season effectively snuffed out any chance Sydney had of making the top three.

But there were positives despite the fifth-place finish.

Michael Campbell's emergence on the ABL scene was one, as was the continued rise of infielder Jacob Younis.

Another was the performance of relievers Todd Van Steensel and Josh Guyer (pictured).

Guyer is set to step up into the starting rotation this season and the Blue Sox have added former Brisbane Bandit Connor MacDonald to their offence.

They welcome back starting pitcher Trevor Foss and reliever Sven Schueller and will announce further imports this week.

With a list of exciting prospects, seasoned veterans and several big name imports to come, Sydney is ready to make a run in 2017/18.

LAST SEASON

15-24 (fifth)

THREE UP, THREE DOWN

1. A ton of opportunity. The Blue Sox offence struggled to drive in runs in 2016/17, but that was not through lack of opportunity. Sydney stranded a league-high 313 runners on base last season, 18 more than next-worse ranked Perth. Younis (pictured) led the local players with 15 RBIs. The Blue Sox will need to capitalise on their chances and provide better run support this season if they are to climb the standings.

2. Cleaning up their act. Sydney came up with a league-high 58 errors in 39 games last season. The tally was just five shy of the team record 63 errors the Blue Sox committed in 2015/16 when they played 55 games. In a 40-game season giving opposition sides anymore than 27 outs is entering dangerous territory. Harris says the defensive aspect of the game has been a big focus for Sydney ahead of the new season.

3. Finding a way on the road. The Blue Sox tied with Perth for a league-low four road wins in 2016/17, a season after recording the worst away record (8-20) in the ABL. Sydney's inability to win road games cost it dearly. The Blue Sox gave up a league-high 6.9 runs per game away from Blacktown. ABL history shows seven road wins is the fewest by a team to reach the postseason (Melbourne in 2010/11). Can Sydney find at least three more wins on the road this season?

WHAT MANAGER TONY HARRIS SAYS

"We've made some good changes in terms of playing personnel and our import selection. The imports need to be impact players and hopefully we've been able to achieve that. We've got plus make-up guys, (and) our second-year imports will be key. We've also got a good balance of younger players and veterans."

The second-year imports. Starter Trevor Foss and reliever Sven Schueller's return to Sydney for a second ABL season is a huge plus for the Blue Sox. Right-handed Foss finished last season with a 2-3 record and 3.57 ERA, striking out a team-high 56 hitters. Schueller compiled a 4.50 ERA in 14 appearances out of the bullpen. Second-year imports have historically been like gold in the ABL, benefiting from the first-time around experience.

WHY TO WATCH THEM

Many ABL pundits would not have the Blue Sox in their postseason predictions but with Harris at the helm Sydney seem happy to embrace the darkhorse tag. The former Adelaide manager has flagged defence and pitching as areas that need improvement and Sydney fans should be keeping an eye on those aspects. In the short-term keep an eye on some big import announcements from the Blue Sox front office this week.

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

The Blue Sox buy into the blue-collar tag. If Sydney can improve its defence then playoffs beckon in 2017/18. The Blue Sox gave up too many extra outs through errors last season and can ill-afford a repeat if they are to make the playoffs. Finding a solid option for the fourth spot in their starting rotation would also help after going 1-8 in game four of a series last season.

Baseball clinics began
Havana hosted the first one. Matanzas and Pinar del Río will host clinics on Saturday and Sunday.

Havana.-

Fruit from the joint work between the Cuban Baseball Federation and the Association of Retired Baseball Players of the United States Major League Baseball (MLBPAA), since this Friday, hosted at three stadiums on the Island, improvement clinics aimed at the youth.

These exchanges began on the 50th Anniversary of Havana park (known as DESA) and will continue on Saturday and Sunday in Palmar de Junco, Matanzas, and Capitán San Luis, in Pinar del Río, respectively.

The MLBPAA will be represented by former pitcher Jeremy Guthrie, winner of a World Series with Kansas City, who will share his experiences with the youth.

In Havana, the selected ones were Lázaro de La Torre, Rolando Verde, Antonio Scull, Jokel Gil and Irakli Chirino.

Pinar del Río will contribute with Omar Ajete, Juan Carlos Linares, Giraldo Gonzalez, Pedro L. Dueñas and Lázaro Madera, and at Matanzas Evelio Hernández, Eduardo Cárdenas, Lázaro Junco, Lázaro Garro and José Estrada.

The organizers of these meetings coincided in emphasizing that they enrich a relationship based on respect and approach from a sport that constitutes passion in both countries.

Venezuelan League: (LVBP)

Luis Lugo (RP, Cardenales de Lara) 1.0 IP, 0 ER. Lugo had a perfect inning of relief retiring all three batters he faced. This was a good bounce back performance after he allowed five earned in his last outing. He has been used as a starter in the Indians organization, but has made just one start in his six appearances.

Yandy Diaz (3B, Leones del Caracas) 1-5, 2B. Diaz roped his first double in his fourth game with Caracas. He has gotten off to a hot start batting .308 with three walks despite just starting his season last Sunday.

Japan starter Shota Imanaga fires a pitch in the first inning of Saturday's game against Taiwan during the Asia Professional Baseball Championship at Tokyo Dome. Japan beat Taiwan 8-2. | AFP-JIJI

Samurai Japan southpaw Shota Imanaga baffles Taiwan batters in dazzling 12-strikeout performance

he way Shota Imanaga was pitching with a one-run lead took almost all the mystery out of Samurai Japan’s game against Taiwan. Well, all of the mystery except the question of whether the next batter would strike out swinging or looking.

Fresh off a Japan Series in which he turned in two great performances for the Yokohama BayStars, the lefty starter was on top of his game again under the bright lights. This time, it was for Samurai Japan and it was the Taiwanese national team he was mowing down.

Imanaga went on a six-inning strikeout spree and got plenty of run support as Japan bulldozed Taiwan 8-1 on the third day of the Asia Professional Baseball Championship on Saturday at Tokyo Dome.

“Had we lost tonight we might not have advanced to the final so it was a must-win for us,” Japan manager Atsunori Inaba said. “Now we are able to go to tomorrow’s game, so I feel a little relieved.”
Japan defeated Korea in its first game on Thursday and will face the Koreans, who beat Taiwan on Friday, in a final-round rematch on Sunday night. Taiwan heads home with two losses.

“I’m going to do my best to think of our starting lineup tonight,” Inaba said. “We’re not going to hesitate to use as many pitchers as necessary.”

The first pitcher he’s going to use is Yomiuri Giants left-hander Kazuto Taguchi. The Korean starter is Park Se-woong.

Although the biggest surprise of the night came when Imanaga, fresh off throwing 106 pitches, said he’d be ready for the final if needed. Inaba quickly turned toward his pitcher with a shocked look on his face before breaking into a grin.

“That sounds very promising, but he’s probably not going to pitch for us,” Inaba said.

Imanaga was on fire from the start on Saturday and ended up with 12 strikeouts in six scoreless innings.

“I tried to have good communication with (catcher Tatsuhiro) Tamura,” Imanaga said. “Whatever sign he gave me, I was able to pitch with confidence.”

He could hardly ask for more in his first start with the national team.

“I was very nervous before the game,” Imanaga said. “Even on the mound I didn’t feel the way I normally feel. But I feel relieved I was able to do my job.”

The BayStars lefty allowed three hits and hit one batter. He sent eight batters down swinging and punched out four looking. He’d already struck out eight of Taiwan’s nine starters after 3 1/3 innings.

“The Japanese pitcher held us down completely,” Taiwan manager Hong I-chung said. “We couldn’t do anything at all against him.”

Imanaga was in similar form during this fall’s Japan Series against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, finishing with 21 strikeouts over 13-plus innings in two starts. He said the game. The major difference was his team came out on top this time. He also said he learned a lot from his outing. “The biggest thing I learned is I need to pitch as hard as I can,” Imanaga said. “That’s my No. 1 priority. Even just looking at today’s game, I had some things I have to reflect on.

When I faced Wang Po-jung, Tamura actually put his mitt low, but I tried to do something different,” Imanaga said, referring to the single he allowed in the sixth. “I was facing a hitter who could change the momentum with one swing, so I shouldn’t have done that. That’s one of the things I’ve learned from today’s game.”
While Imanaga dominated from the mound, his teammates got to work at the plate.

Shuta Tonosaki drove in the first run with a homer in the second inning and connected on an RBI double to pad a big lead in the ninth. Yoda Kyoda hit a two-run single in the fifth and then an RBI single in the eighth. Go Matsumoto drove in two runs with a double in the seventh and Seiji Uebayashi drew a bases-loaded walk in the same inning.

Imanaga’s only real jam came in the fourth. Daikan Yoh began the inning with an infield single for Taiwan and a throwing error by first baseman Hotaka Yamakawa put runners on the corners with no outs. Imanaga got out of the jam unscathed by striking out the next three batters.

“Yamakawa played aggressively and made an error,” Imanaga said. “So I tried to not think of it as a jam, but rather a chance to gain the trust of my teammates. I was very pleased after I was able to strike out the last batter.”

Taiwan starter Lin Cheng-Hsien allowed three runs on five hits in 4 2/3 innings on the mound. He struck out two and walked one.

“Facing a strong team like this, I gave it everything I had,” Lin said. “I made mistakes with my pitches in the second and fifth innings.”

First baseman Chu Yu-Hsien gave the Taiwanese, who lost 1-0 in their previous game, their first run of the tournament with a solo home run to begin the ninth. Taiwan got its second run when Chen Chieh-hsien drew a bases loaded walk.

“Even though we lost both games, we’ve learned from this,” Hong said. “When you’re winning, you tend to forget what you’ve learned, but when you lose, it sticks and gives you what you need to move forward.

So it was a good experience for our players, and they know where they need to improve.”

The leader of the Puerto Rican team, Yadier Molina, expressed his satisfaction with what was observed during the match that was played in 10 innings. (Supplied)

Solid Puerto Rican pitching in exhibition game

The U23 National Team dominated 7-0 to the team from Hillsborough Community College in friendly match up.

The 10 pitchers of the Under 23 National Team combined to dominate the Hillsborough Community College hitters by a 7-0 score during a practice game at the St. Louis Cardinals' training complex in Jupiter, Florida.

It is the first and only exhibition game that the national team will have before their commitment to the U23 Baseball Premundial Tournament that will begin on November 24, in Panama.

The leader of the Puerto Rican team, Yadier Molina, expressed his satisfaction with what was observed during the game that was played in 10 innings.

"The boys make things easier for you. They are joseando, taking good at bats. We pitched very well, the defense was very good. I am very happy with what I saw today. We continue preparing for the tournament, "said Molina through a written communication.

Puerto Rico took the lead in the first inning with four-run outburst. Ryan Vega broke the ice with a single that drove in the first run, Jose Miranda's sacrifice fly brought home the second run and Jan Hernández's double scored two runs.

In the fifth episode, Yariel Gonzalez's sacrifice fly produced the fifth run. In the seventh, a single by Jay Feliciano drove home the sixth run and in the ninth inning, Jorge Fernandez's single batted in the seventh.

Feliciano went 4-for-4 in the game, while Kevin Rivera had two hits in three official turns.

They sent to the mound Puerto Rican José Espada, Sidney Duprey, Christian Flecha, Alexis Bauzó, Luis Amaury Sánchez, Joe Alsina, Angel Miguel Alicea, Javier Torres, Alexis Joel Ortiz and José Ayala.

The pitching coach of the national team, Víctor "Tavo" Ramos, highlighted the effective work of the Puerto Rican arms.

"The pitchers attacked the strike zone and that is positive. Many of the first throws were strikes and only two batters were taken to a 3-2 count, "explained Ramos.
In total, pitchers in Puerto Rico conceded two walks and allowed five hits. In addition, they struck out 11 opponents.

Carmen Yulín Cruz

Time magazine nominates Carmen Yulín Cruz as "Person of the Year"

After grabbing headlines in the US and international press for harshly criticizing the response of the administration of Donald Trump after the passage of hurricane Maria on the island, the mayor of San Juan, Carmen Yulín Cruz, was nominated as "Person of the Year " of the magazine "Time" .

Cruz thanked the nomination on her Twitter account . "This is a great honor. Thank you Times for realizing the great fight that lies ahead for the recovery of Puerto Rico, "he wrote in English.

After the passage of the devastating Hurricane Maria for Puerto Rico, on September 20, Cruz criticized the "slow" emergency response offered by the government of the United States. Trump, as usual, replied to the mayor through his Twitter account . From this platform she criticized the leadership capacity of the executive and stated that she had previously praised him, but "but now the Democrats have told her that she should be unfriendly to Trump".

Later, Cruz wore a T-shirt with the word "Nasty" in a television interview after Trump used the term repeatedly to describe it.

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Jonathan Albaladejo won four consecutive starts after losing his first two games in Venezuela.

Puerto Rican baseball players scatter across the Caribbean in search of work
Many of them left their families on the island

Among the thousands of Puerto Ricans who left the country to seek sustenance for their families after the ravages caused by Hurricane Maria, professional players have not been exempt because they were also unemployed on the island.

Although the Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (LBPRC) will start its season in January, Puerto Rican players are active in the winter leagues of the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Venezuela. Playing outside Puerto Rico the past two months has not been easy at all. They have had to throw themselves on the ground with their minds set on their loved ones here on the island, and on their needs.

In total, there are 17 Puerto Ricans playing in the other three leagues of the Caribbean Baseball Confederation, as confirmed by the president of the Association of Professional Ball Players of Puerto Rico, Yamil Benítez. At least five others will be integrated between this month and December.

"It has been an adjustment experience. I spent a lot of time doing nothing (of baseball) in Puerto Rico running out of time, "said outfielder Noel Cuevas, referring to the weeks he was inactive without training after the hurricane.

The outfielder, a member of the Mayagüez Indians in the LBPRC and the Colorado Rockies in organized baseball, has been active since October in the Mexican Pacific League with the Cañeros de los Mochis. "I always have my family in my mind. I'm from Camuy, who still does not have much signal (phone). My family is between Camuy, San Sebastián and Moca, and I have to be on the phone trying to communicate. "

"I was going to go on October 6 for Mexico. When the hurricane passed and I saw everything that was happening, I decided that I was not going to play and I stopped doing everything baseball. I dedicated myself to help the way I could. My family owns gas stations and I was there since the hurricane until the day I left for Mexico, "said Cuevas, who on entering the second week of October still did not believe he would play in Mexico because of the situation in the island.

Although he only hits .222 in 23 games in Mexico, Cuevas comes from an explosive reaction tonight on Thursday, when the Cañeros beat Guadalajara 12-2, led by the attack of the Puerto Rican, who batted 4-4 with a homer, two scored and two driven. Before that game he only averaged .182. It was only a month of action, but he is second in the team in home runs (4) and third in the runs batted in race (14).

Right-handed pitchers Jorge López and Jonathan Albaladejo also had similar situations. Lopez, also of the Indians in the Puerto Rican winter ball, and of the Milwaukee Brewers in the United States, is active with the Cibaeñas Eagles in the Dominican Republic, so he had to separate from his relatives in Cayey. Albaladejo, who remained a free agent in the Puerto Rican winter baseball, plays with the Tiburones de La Guaira in Venezuela.

"It was not easy. I was there (in Cayey) because of María. When María passed, she arrived in the Dominican Republic, but we had to travel to Miami to be able to leave for the Dominican the next day. It has been a sacrifice to have to leave the family there in Puerto Rico, "said Lopez, who however is positive for how well he has done in the Dominican league, where he owns a 2-1 record with 2.65 ERA and 31 strikeouts in seven starts and 37.1 innings.

For Las Cibaenas Águilas, López is one of five Puerto Ricans playing or coaching for the team. The others are relievers Joseph Colón (Santurce) and Giovanni Soto (Carolina), manager Lino Rivera and pitching coach David Rosario.

This, according to López, has made it easier to stay away from home. "Here they have received us as brothers. Since I arrived in Santiago, people received me with a lot of love. They live the game with a passion. Everyone was praying, because we are all far away and there was no communication at the beginning, "said Lopez.

The case of Albaladejo, whose family lives in Vega Alta, is a little more complicated.

"It's been a bit difficult because in addition to playing there every year (on the island), it's a time I use to visit my family in Puerto Rico," said Albaladejo, who resides a few years ago in Tampa, Florida. "You want to see them more now than ever, because things are not as usual. But thank God they're fine and they're recovering. "

The mother and grandmother of the right handed pitcher reside in Vega Alta, where Albaladejo's greatest fear was the thefts that his mother told him were taking place at night, in the absence of electrical power.

Albaladejo, although he was not in the decision of his last game on Thursday, has come from less to more. In seven starts and 36 innings, he has a 4-2 record with 4.50 ERA, with 20 strikeouts and eight walks. His four victories were consecutive after starting with 0-2 and 5.23 of ERA.

Bateadores
Robinson, T (CF)
Tovar (SS)
Diaz, Y (3B)
Perez, F (RF)
Guzman (1B)
Rodriguez, Henry Ale (DH)
Perez, C (C)
Palma (LF)
Castro, H (2B)

1st: Yandy Diaz hit by pitch.

3rd: Yandy Diaz walked.

5th: Yandy Diaz singled on a line drive to right field. Trayvon Robinson scored Wilfredo Tovar to third.

8th: Yandy Diaz grounded out short to first.

RBI: Diaz, Y (1)
2-out RBI: Diaz, Y.
The Lions remain hungry and ate the Tigers

Duel of cats in Maracay where Tigres de Aragua would try to defeat some inspired Caracas Lions who have improved their performance in a spectacular way, the tigers would advance on the board but the timely batting of the Lions would appear again to flip the scoreboard and ensure Lion win 3-2.

The scoring would open for the Tigers in the bottom of the first inning when Carlos Peñalver scored on a Passed Ball, the Bengalis would try to increase their advantage but the defense of the Lions team was attentive and prevented more runs by the Tigers.

The Caracas team would tie the game in the top of the fifth inning when Yandy Díaz connected on a line drive to right field batting in Trayvon Robinson. In the next inning Caracas would take the lead, Henry Rodriguez connected for a base hit so that Jesús Guzmán scored from the second pad, the board would be 2-1. Those led by Buddy Bailey would tie the action in the bottom half of the inning.

The final run would be provided by Cuban Felix Pérez in the top of the eighth inning, when he connected for a long homer to right field that would put the final figures in the game 3-2. With this victory Caracas reached 22 games won and is on top of the standings after the three game sweep in the series played against the Tigers.

Dominican League:

Ronny Rodriguez (2B, Aguilas Cibaenas): 1-3, 1 2B. The utility player continued to get on-base after collecting another hit. His future with the Cleveland Indians may be coming to an end but he's made great strides at becoming a much-more versatile player, which is becoming a huge asset in the new era of baseball.

Henry Martinez (RP, Leones del Escogido): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 1 K. The right-hander had another successful outing out of the bullpen. All in all he's only had two bad games so far in the Dominican League with the rest of his games showcasing him putting up zeroes on the board. The most encouraging sign is that he's punched out 10 batters in just 14.2 innings of work.

Eric Haase (C, Leones del Escogido): 0-4, 1 RBI, 3 SO, 1 BB. It's been a slow start for the slugging catcher as he is still yet to record his first in the Dominican League. He's only played two games throughout the winter ball season so there is not cause for panic at all. Once he records his first hit, hopefully he can get going from there.

Patrick McCoy (RP, Toros del Este): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 1 K. The left-hander was able to continue his strong start in the Dominican League as he put up another scoreless outing. He did give up a hit, but that's only the second hit he's given up through his first five outings of the young season in the Dominican Republic.

Australian League:

Christian Meister (SP, Melbourne Aces): 3.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R/ER, 2 BB, 6 SO, 2 HR. It was not a pristine outing for Meister as he was touched up for quite a number of runs in a short frame of work in his 2017 Australian League debut. He may have struck out a high number of batters but appeared to have difficulty finding the strike zone on a consistent basis.

OF INTEREST

Yandy Diaz reached base 45 straight games and batted in his first Leones run of the season.

The winning pitcher last night was the reliever Henry Martinez who threw an inning and a third, a single hit, without runs and a strike out.

The best hitters for the Lions were Wilkin Castillo, three hits; Eric González, two.