We are officially through the first month of the Dominican Winer League (LIDOM). Last week, so many noteworthy players made their anticipated debuts. This week, however, there were even more enticing debuts made, with a current Blue Jay stealing the show.
Aguilas Cibaenas
Best:
It was a big week for veteran outfielder Juan Lagares, who had eight hits in 25 at bats raising his on-base percentage to .328. While not great, that’s much better than it was previously.
Victor Robles (WSH) only reached base twice, but he did showcase some power with a home run on Monday. In fact, he is one home run away from matching his season-long home run total (3) from 2020!
What else is there to say about Phillies right-hander Ramon Rosso at this point. This is his FOURTH straight appearances on this list; he struck out nine batters in five innings pitched on Friday, bringing his season-long K/9 up to 10.8.
As he tries to make a comeback attempt to the MLB, former Rangers closer Neftali Feliz certainly helped his case with eight strikeouts in three innings pitched this week.
Worst:
Mariners reliever Yohan Ramirez excited many in 2020 with his electric slider and will continue to play a role in Seattle’s bullpen. Unfortunately, he is coming off of a rough outing on Friday, in which he allowed two runs and didn’t strike out a batter, raising his ERA to 5.40.
Recently signed by the Orioles, Marcos Diplan appeared to have bounced back from a rough first game, but he struggled mightily on Wednesday. In his sole inning of work, he allowed four runs, including two walks. With 10 walks in 12 innings pitched, he’ll need to refine his command in his upcoming appearances.
Tigres del Licey
Best:
The Tigers are looking for answers in their middle infield, so could Sergio Alcantara work his way into the mix? The 24-year-old reached base 11 times this week, and now has on an OPS of 1.044.
After being cut loose for the Royals, Erick Mejia is looking to latch on with a new team, and going 7-17 with two walks and a double certainly helps with that.
Jaime Barria (LAA) appeared on this list last week, and he’s back on it after striking out five batters and allowing just one run in his five-inning appearance on Thursday. He’s worth keeping an eye on considering the Angels’ desperate need for pitching depth.
Worst:
It’s been a rough showing for veteran catcher Wellington Castillo, who is currently a free agent. Not only did he only have just four hits in 17 at bats, but he also struck out another five times, which means he is striking out in over 30 percent of his plate appearances.
Reds righty Vladimir Gutierrez was one of the top performers last week. Unfortunately, by allowing six runs in five innings of work this week, he now finds himself on the other end of the spectrum.
Expected to be a key part of the Yankees rotation this season, Deivi Garcia allowed two runs, including a home run in a two-inning appearances on Tuesday.
Leones del Escodigo
Best:
The current Blue Jay who stole the show this week? That would be Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The 21-year-old had five hits in 12 at bats this week, including two home runs on Friday.
Speaking of family members of famous former MLB players, let us give a round of applause to Joe Dunnand. The former second-round pick out of NC State went 4-12 with two doubles and a home run this season, and currently has an OPS over 1.000. He was included in Rob Cocuzzo’s Biggest Surprises piece.
This was a big week for Blue Jays righty David Paulino, who struck out nine batters in six innings of work this week.
Worst:
The White Sox are on the lookout for relievers, and Jimmy Cordero could really help them in terms of depth. Unfortunately, he allowed four runs in his 1.1 innings of work this week.
Although Franchy Cordero (KC) has walked seven times so far, he also has a subpar 26 K% and a .638 OPS on the season.
Gigantes del Cibao
Best:
The Royals have a lot of whiff-heavy outfielders with tons of raw power, including Seuly Matias. All of the 22-year-old’s three hits in his six at bats this week were extra-base hits, with two of them being round trippers.
After trading for Nate Lowe, the Rangers may not ask Ronald Guzman to be their starting first baseman. Don’t tell him that though! He has six hits in his last 17 at bats, drew another four walks, AND hit two home runs on Monday.
Non-tendering Maikel Franco could pave the way for the Royals to start Kelvin Gutierrez at third base. The 26-year-old definitely helped his case by reaching base eight times in 20 plate appearances this week.
Worst:
Jose Siri (SF) appeared to have broken out with a blazing hot start. This week, however, was from ideal for him. He had six hits in 29 at bats, failed to draw one walk, and also struck out ten times. Since whiffs have been an issue for him, this was not encouraging.
Rogelio Armenteros has been cut twice this offseason, and is hoping that the Nationals don’t do the same. Yet, allowing five walks and four runs in 3.1 innings pitched won’t help him.
Current free agent reliever Juan Minaya allowed three runs, including two home runs and a walk, on Friday.
Toros del Este
Best:
After flourishing last week, Gary Sanchez continued to make waves in the winter league. Not only did he have six hits in 17 at bats, but he also drew six walks and hit another home run.
Speaking of recent debuts, Yasiel Puig is looking to sign with a new team in free agency, and he showcased his plate discipline with three walks in eight plate appearances.
Jorge Mateo, who is expected to be the Padres’ utility player, really got off to a poor start. This was a very encouraging week, however, as he reached in base in all six games he played this week, which brought his on-base percentage up to .341.
After another scoreless inning with two strikeouts, lefty reliever Fernando Abad has yet to allow a run in seven innings pitched so far.
Worst:
Recently given a MLB contract by the Braves, Abraham Almonte had just one hit in 10 at bats, as well as five strikeouts. He’ll look to rebound to justify Atlanta’s faith in him.
Young righty Carlos Hernandez may be a part of the Royals’ pitching plans this season, but allowing four runs in 2.1 innings on Wednesday is far from ideal.
Estrellas Orientales
Best:
Former Cub Junior Lake has appeared on this list on both ends, but this week, he’s on the right side. The 30-year-old went 6-for-17 with two home runs and two walks, and now has an impressive .368 OBP.
The Dodgers are loaded with pitching talent, so perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that 22-year-old Edwin Uceta continued to perform well with four strikeouts in 3.1 scoreless innings on Thursday.
Known for his 6’7”, 240 pound frame, Domingo Acevado could work his way into the Athletics’ bullpen picture this season, as he had five strikeouts in five scoreless innings this week.
Worst:
If the Marlins were hoping Lewin Diaz would prove himself capable of being their everyday first baseman, they won’t be encouraged by his performance so far. He had just two hits in 22 at bats this week, and now has an OPS of .521.
23-year-old Jeremy Pena may be the Astros’ shortstop of the future, but he has underwhelmed recently. He went 3-14 this week, which also happens to be his BB-K ratio so far; plate discipline has been a concern. Thus, despite a .288 batting average, he only has an on-base percentage of .316.
With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. making his debut, and Yasiel Puig and Gary Sanchez making waves as well, this was a very exciting week. As we get further into the season, we’re starting to get a good read on which players are boosting/hurting their stock, as several players are hoping to earn a roster spot for the upcoming MLB season. We’ll be back next week to recap the fifth week.