Cleveland Sports Forum

Panama, December 11, 11:35 AM

Devils still alive in the final

The team of Azuero Devils won 7 runs for 2 on Saturday against the Chiriqui and Veraguas Roneros in the fourth game of the championship series of Major League Baseball Panama and getting their first win avoid being swept away. The Devils avoided being swept in the series at Cedeño Stadium in Chitre and trails the series 1-3 with some hope left in the final. The Devils had 11 hits with one error on defense, while the Roneros connected for 6 hits and no mistakes on defense. The series continues this Sunday at Rico Cedeño at 7:30 PM.

Manny is back on the market

MLB Reinstates Manny Ramirez

By Mike Axisa [December 10 at 8:34am CST]

MLB has officially reinstated Manny Ramirez from the voluntary retirement list according to ESPN's Buster Olney (Twitter links). Ramirez intends to attempt a comeback next year, but will first need to serve a 50-game suspension for his failed PED test this past season.

Manny, now 39, has been calling teams directly to find employment, though neither the Dodgers or Rays are expected to have much interest in him. There aren't many clubs in need of a DH, plus there are still several DH candidates on the free agent market that come with less baggage. Ramirez will likely have to settle for a non-roster invite to Spring Training.

Devils Crush Roneros ACHIEVE SECOND VICTORY IN FINAL SERIES

The Dominican Randor Bierden allowed three hits in five innings of work and Damaso Espino drove in four runs to lead the Azuero Devils to victory 14 for 3 over Chiriquí and Veraguas Roneros and get their second consecutive victory in the Final Series, in a match that took place at Rico Cedeño Stadium in the city of Chitre.

With this victory, the Devils put the number three for two pro-Roneros yet. The teams will rest on Monday and will play game six and game seven if necessary in the stadium Omar Torrijos of Santiago de Veraguas.

The Azuero woke up early against Roneros starter Japanese Toru Murata, when in the very first inning a double by Daniel Gonzalez to left field, with two out Concepcion Rodriguez walked, then Cory Harrilchack got an RBI single to score Gonzalez, Damaso Espino then had an rbi single for the second run and Adolfo Reina sealed the deal with an RBI double for the third run of the inning.

In the third inning, the Devils lead the charge again, Damaso Espino doubled to center field producing a fourth Devils run. In the fourth the Devils produced two more runs, using a fielder's choice, an error by second baseman Max Ayarza and RBI singles by Damaso Espino and first baseman Adolfo Reina to make it an 8-0 ballgame.

The Devils' offense continued its devastating attack in the fifth when Edgar Muñoz received a base on balls and scored on an RBI double by Mykal Jones, putting the score at nine runs with zero, then scored Jones with a sacrifice fly by Andrew Lambo. Diablicos 10 Roneros 0.

The Roneros discounted the advantage in the upper half of the sixth scoring twice on two walks, one hit and an RBI grounder by Steve Lerud and Carlos Quirós. However, the Devils got four more runs in the bottom half of the seventh inning the big hit by Javier Castillo a three-run homer. The Roneros made ​​their last run in the ninth inning. Diablicos 14 Roneros 3. For the Diablos, Damaso Espino was 3-4 with four RBIs and Javier Castillo 2-5 with three RBIs. Roneros Steve Lerud was 2-3 in defeat with an RBI. The game was won by Randor Bierden and lost by Roneros starter Toru Murata.

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Nunez homers again, plates five for Caribes

Minor League veteran goes deep for third time in five games

Venezuelan Winter League

Anzoategui 11, Margarita 4

Luis Nunez, who played in the Yankees' system last year, went 2-for-3 with a homer and five RBIs on Sunday. The 25-year-old infielder extended his hitting streak to six games and went deep for the third time in five contests. Overall, he is batting .261 with five homers and 30 RBIs in 48 games this winter. Dave Sappelt (Reds) and Matt Padgett also put together strong games, combining to go 5-for-8 with two doubles, five RBIs and three runs scored. Rangers infielder Alberto Gonzalez led the way for the Bravos, going 4-for-4 with two doubles and two runs scored out of the leadoff spot.

Lara 5, La Guiara 2

Marlins infielder Jose Lopez homered, doubled, drove in two and crossed home twice, while Astros outfielder Joe Thurston also collected a pair of hits and knocked in two. Major League veteran Gregor Blanco tripled and singled out of the leadoff spot for the Tiburones, scoring one of their two runs. Braves prospect Luis Avilan improved to 3-2 after tossing 2 1/3 hitless innings of relief.
Luis Nunez hit .234 with two homers and 27 RBIs in 78 games at Triple-A last season. (Kevin Pataky/MiLB.com)

Aragua 4, Zulia 3

Marlins farmhand Alex Romero went 3-for-4 with a pair of RBIs, while Rangers prospect Yangervis Solarte recorded two hits and two RBIs. Former Minor Leaguer Rodney Medina recorded three singles and crossed home plate once for Zulia. Tigres starter Alberto Acosta lasted only 3 1/3 innings in his winter debut, but he held the Aguilas scoreless while limiting them to three hits. Twins reliever Jose Mijares allowed one run on two hits, recording just one out, but was credited with the win to improve to an unbeaten 4-0.

Magallanes 3, Caracas 1

Eric Junge (Angels) yielded one run on four hits over six innings, striking out nine and walking one. Five relievers then combined to toss three scoreless innings, anchored by Giants farmhand Jean Machi, who pitched the final 1 2/3 frames to record his ninth save. Jesus Flores (Nationals) went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored for the Navegantes, raising his average to .353 in 45 games. Yorvit Torrealba (Rangers) plated the Leones' only run on a solo homer.

Dominican Winter League

Este 1, Cibao 0

Miguel De Los Santos held the Gigantes to one hit in four scoreless frames of relief, striking out eight and walking one as he lowered his ERA to 1.59 and improved to 2-0. Toros starter Aneury Rodriguez (Astros) also put forth a strong performance, yielding just one hit over three shutout innings as his ERA moved to 2.93. Angels farmhand Cole Armstrong drove in the only run of the game with a sacrifice fly in the third, driving in Victor Mercedes (Mexican League).

Licey 4, Estrellas 3

Yamaico Navarro, who played 22 games for the Royals and Red Sox last year, hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth to give the Tigres the win. He also came through with an RBI single in the fourth. Major League veteran Wily Mo Pena and Reds prospect Juan Francisco drove in the team's other two runs with a sacrifice fly and a bunt single respectively. Fautino De Los Santos (A's) picked up the win by recording the final two outs in the top of the ninth.

Escogido 11, Cibaenas 2

After entering as a defensive replacement in the fourth, Major League veteran Julio Lugo smacked a three-run homer in the fifth before walking and scoring in the seventh. Wilkin Castillo, who played in the Braves organization last year, went 3-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored. Leones starter Edward Valdez (Mexican League) gave up just two hits and one walk, striking out five, over five scoreless innings as he ran his record to 3-2.

Mexican Pacific League

Mochis 6, Obregon 4

Tigers prospect Jamie Johnson and Cardinals farmhand Jermaine Curtis combined to go 4-for-7 with two RBIs, two runs scored and three walks out of the first two spots in the Caneros lineup. Mochis starter Mike Loree, who played four games in the Pirates system last year, gave up two runs -- neither earned -- on four hits over five innings. Irving Jimenez (Mexican League) followed by surrendering one run on two hits over two frames to improve to 2-0.

Mexicali 10, Mazatlan 5

Mexican Leaguer Jorge Guzman homered twice and drove in four runs for the Aguilas, giving him 11 long balls and 34 RBIs in 46 games. On the other side, Ruben Rivera (Mexican League) homered, doubled, knocked in two and crossed home twice for the Venados. Major League veteran Jorge Campillo earned the win after yielding one run on four hits over five innings.

Navojoa 12, Hermosillo 5

Former Astros farmhand Wes Bankston went 3-for-4 with a homer and four RBIs, raising his average in 21 games to .356. The two hitters in front of Bankston -- Steve Moss (Mexican League) and Javier Colina -- also went deep, combining to knock in three. For the Naranjeros, Major League veteran Jorge Cantu went 2-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs, giving him round-trippers in back-to-back contests. Major League veteran Karim Garcia was one of three other players to collect two hits for Hermosillo, increasing his average to .412 through five games.

Culiacan 4, Guasave 3

Mexican Leaguer Andres Meza gave up two runs on seven hits over 6 2/3 innings, striking out four without issuing a walk. He ran his record to 6-1 while lowering his ERA to 2.47 in 73 innings. Dodgers farmhand Luis Cruz led the offense by smacking a two-run double in the opening frame. Eloy Gutierrez (Mexican League) enjoyed a solid game as well, collecting a homer, a single, an RBI and two runs scored out of the leadoff spot.

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Dominican Republic Winter League

•Felix Pie (CF, Estrellas de Oriente): 0-for-4, 3 K. Pie’s first (unofficial) day as an Indian and he puts up a clunker going hitless and getting the hat trick with 3 strikeouts.

Venezuelan Winter League

•Asdrubal Cabrera (SS, Leones del Caracas): 0-for-4, 2 K, 2 E. Cabrera’s roughest game so far this offseason and the first time in 5 games he did not reach base. He also has 2 errors – one fielding and one throwing.

•Jesus Aguilar (DH, Leones del Caracas): 1-for-4, 2B, 2 K. Another extra base hit for Aguilar, who now has 15 in 29 games this offseason. On the flip side, he also has 30 strikeouts in 93 at bats.

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PANAMA GAME 5 LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES - RONEROS LEAD SERIES 3-2 VS DIABLOS

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PANAMA

The Roneros took a 3 games to none advantage over the Diablos but have lost the last two games convincingly. The Roneros return to their home park on Tuesday to try and nail this series down. Otherwise the 4th and deciding game will be played on Wednesday evening.

Felix Fermin (Outside Source)

Baseball

Dominican baseball team travels to Venezuela for All-star game Tuesday 12/13/11

11/12/2011 07:45 PM - Ivan Felix

The Dominican Republic team that will participate on Tuesday 13th in the All-Star game in 2011, will leave tomorrow at noon to Caracas, where they will face the Venezuela allstars.

This game will be held at the Estadio Universitario de Caracas and is the second time since the beginning of 2003, these countries face off where Venezuela emerged victorious 4-3.

The Dominican team will consist of 28 players, who were selected by vote of journalists covering the Autumn Winter Baseball Tournament.

The players belong to different teams in the league and were selected for their performances so far this season.

The team manager is Felix Fermin (Eagles), who have as coaches Ricardo Aponte (Gigantes), Guadalupe Jabalera (Estrellas), Alberto Castillo (Tigres), Melquiades Rojas (Leones), Carlos Febles (Toros) and Jose Mejia (Aguilas ) and the players are:

Brayan Pena (Leones), Wilkin Castillo (Leones), Francisco Peña (Aguilas) and Robinzon Diaz (Gigantes), receivers...................Edward Rogers (Estrellas), Luis Jimenez (Estrellas), Eric Almonte (Gigantes), Alexi Casilla (Gigantes), Jimmy Paredes (Gigantes), Yordany Valdespino Tigres), Audy Ciric (Aguilas) and Elian Herrera (Aguilas), infielders.

Also, Pedro Zapata Tigres), Moses Sierra (Gigantes), Juan Carlos Perez (Aguilas) and Carlos Peguero (Gigantes), outfielders.................... and pitchers Winston Abreu (Toros), José Rafael Diaz (Toros), Osiris Matos (Toros) Lorenzo Barcelo (Aguilas), Cesar Cabral (Aguilas), Luis Perdomo (Aguilas), Angel Castro (Aguilas), Jorge Sosa (Leones), Edward Valdez (Leones), Jose Cabrera (Leones), Jerry Gil (Estrellas) and Manauris Baez Estrellas).

Some of these players are substitutes for others who were selected but can not participate for various personal reasons.

All-Star 2011 is organized jointly by the FENAPEPRO and Venezuelan Professional Baseball League.

Franco has his stars

The Players Were Announced Who Will Represent the Venezuela All Star Team

Tuesday December 6, 2011 12:00 AM

Everything is ready. Gregor Blanco (center fielder), José Altuve (second base), Ernesto Mejia (first base), Luis Jimenez (DH), Jose Pirela (third base), Alex Romero (right fielder), Ezequiel Carrera (left fielder), Jesus Flowers (receiver) and Gregorio Petit and Alexi Amara (shortstop) make up the lineup of Venezuela, who will face on Dec. 13 at University Stadium Caracas the Dominican Republic All Stars.

The president of the Venezuelan Winter League José Grasso Vecchio, general manager, Domingo Alvarez, Angel Vargas of the Players Association, and the Venezuelan team manager Julio Franco (named for being the last years manager of the league champion Anzoantegui Caribes, announced the players who received the most votes from fans, from the earliest days of November voted for their favorite players.

Mejia, with 20,122 votes, was the favorite of the fans, while Oscar Salazar (19 107) and Jesus Flores (17 705) followed at the polls.

Meanwhile, Cesar Izturis, who received 12,866 votes to be the shortstop for Venezuela with Lara Cardinals will be the great absentee from the party due to personal issues to be resolved in the U.S. .

Instead, according to Grasso Vecchio, Izturis place on the team could be occupied by the leader of the league in batting and potential batting champion as well as Rookie of the Year candidate, Hector Sanchez, who by his late inclusion on the list of candidates did not receive enough votes to be on the roster.

"It is illogical that Hector is not in the All-Star Game. A vacancy in either Izturis can be taken by him. Franco will make changes as necessary," said Vecchio.

Among the pitchers are Renyel Pinto, Andrew Baldwin, Yusmeiro Petit, Austin Bibbens, Dwayne Polllok, Yohan Pino, Scott Patterson, Jean Machi, Francis Butt, Ramon Ramirez, Franklin Morales, Wilfredo Ledezma, Jon Hunton, among others.

The Venezuelan Winter League and Pepsi will sponsor the Home Run Derby on Monday 12, where competing stars like Pablo Sandoval, Carlos Gonzalez, Bobby Abreu, Miguel Montero, Andruw Jones, among others will perform.

"It's a strategic alliance. This will be the great festival of baseball," said Vecchio.

CARACAS .-

HOME RUN DERBY


The stage is set at the Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas to display a few dazzling jewels than normal when carrying out the home run derby of the tenth Event sponsored by Pepsi today at 7:30 in the evening.

With the confirmed presence of the Creoles Bob Abreu, Carlos Zambrano, Pablo Sandoval, Carlos Gonzalez, Miguel Cabrera, Luis Jimenez, Jesus Guzman, Oscar Salazar and Miguel Montero and guest of honor Andrew Jones who will attend tonight and will have the opportunity to witness the Derby made mainly of pure major league material (only Jimenez has not had a game in the majors but is the current home run leader in the LVBP).

The marketing manager of Empresas Polar, Carlos Martinez said in a press release that there will be a first round in which the 10 players announced will participate and then pass to the second round, the four contestants to connect for the most home runs. Then, there will be a final of two batters who will compete for the home run title.

GIOVANNY URSHELLA

COLUMBIA

The Tigers from Cartegena played two yesterday. Giovanny Urshella is struggling again. He had a tough time last year. On Sunday, Giovanny was 0-3 with a strikeout in the seven inning ballgame. Urshella did not play in game 2. In twelve games, Gio is hitting .205 on 9 hits in 44 at bats. Included in his 9 hits are 2 doubles and 1 triple. He's struck out 4 time, 3 swinging, 1 looking, and has walked 3 time.

December 13, 2011, 1:50 PM

Carlos Santana Just Wants to be Healthy

Written by: Chaplain Alsi ( alsicapellan@gmail.com )

The catcher for the Cleveland Indians, Carlos Santana said he was proud of the great season he had in 2011.

"This was my first full year, it was a challenge coming back from an injury, but thank God everything came back at one hundred per cent, while I thank Manny Acta as manager for the opportunity given to me by putting me in the field and playing every day, "said Santana who added he hopes to have a healthy new year and to keep putting the numbers up in the majors.

The Dominican had his first full season in the majors as he accumulated 27 homers, 79 RBIs, 35 doubles and batted .239. This last aspect Carlos expects to improve for next year.

The receiver is now working every day with a trainer who wa sent by the team of the Cleveland Indians to work with Ubaldo Jimenez, so that both can maintain an excellent fit during the winter and arrive in good condition for spring training .

Carlos also stressed the great work done by the Indians who remained in contention for a long stretch this season, at the same time gave credit to the team the Detroit Tigers who won the Central Division of the American League.

"We have a young team but this year we will be better with Ubaldo from the start, also with the hiring of Derek Lowe, we have a veteran who can win about 15 games."

BÉISBOL | 12/12/2011 05:59:42 a.m.

Caracas-Magallanes is Pure Excitement

Asdrubal Cabrera believes that the clash between the rivals is unparalleled

Over the years, the classic between the rivals has become the epitome of Venezuelan sport. There are some who say that a Caracas and Magallanes baseball game is like no other and shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera says these games "have no comparison."

Cabrera acknowledges that this is an event that is expected in a good way and is big at any stage. "The Caracas-Magallanes ballgame is unparalleled. In Cleveland I have never seen anything like this. Here the fans are the best of all, because from the first inning they start making noise and that puts us in the game and there is more enthusiasm," highlighted the player.

But Cabrera knows how to analyze the situation and despite being a very public figure recognizes that you should not think too much before the game and only mentalize before stepping on the field to do the best you can.

"I really believe that. I know what everyone expects at a Caracas-Magallanes game, but I only go out focused to do what I do," said the shortstop.

The major leaguer's preparation also tends to be different, because Cabrera sees this clash of titans, a game for all. "This is my job and I do like every day. I do not deny that there is a little more excitement but I try not to let that destroy my concentration" he added.

A typical player

Asdrubal Cabrera says that in his childhood he was never a player who liked to watch the games of professional baseball on television. Quite the contrary: just wanted to practice it. "I saw very few baseball games, except for some big game or a final. I just liked to play them as often as possible," said the Caracas shortstop.

This intrigue was what led Cabrera to continue playing the sport of baseball and today is considered one of the best shortstops from Venezuela, apart from that now lives up close and personal what is a Caracas-Magallanes game is all about.

Luis Jimenez is the Home Run King

Well, I don't know about THAT. Not quite the spectacle the event has become at the major league level. A Josh Hamilton, Luis Jimenez is not. It only took a total of 11 homers to win this derby. But, the fans showed up and they did have some fun.

Well, speaking of the Devil. Juis Jimenez just homered in the bottom of the second and gives Venezuela a 1-0 lead over the visiting team from the Dominican Republic.

I'll take my remarks about Luis Jimenez back. Maybe he is the second coming of Josh Hamilton Jimenez has been to the plate three times and has two solo homers and a basehit. Venezuela leads the Dominicans 4-0 in the 8th. Gotta tell y'a, those were not cheap home runs, they were well struck and so was that basehit. Ezekiel Carrera must be on his way to Cleveland for that winter program they run because he's not appeared in this game yet.