We are now through the regular season Dominican Winer League (LIDOM). As always, let us take a look at the best and worst performances by players of note this past week.
Aguilas Cibaenas
Best:
Tigers reliever Gregory Soto pitched a scoreless inning on Sunday. He had allowed a run in each of his past two outings, so this was certainly encouraging.
Speaking of AL Central relievers, Jorge Alcala of the Twins also threw a scoreless inning, striking out two batters in his lone appearance of the week on Tuesday.
Worst:
Utility infielder Robel Garcia reached base just two times in eleven plate appearances, and also struck out 11 times. He hasn’t produced as much as he’d hoped for — he’s fighting for a roster spot with the Mets.
After allowing an earned run on Sunday, Mariners reliever Yohan Ramirez has now allowed five earned runs in his past 3.2 innings of work. Plus, despite having a wipeout slider, he only has two strikeouts during that span.
Tigres del Licey
Best:
After getting off to a hot start, Anderson Tejeda had slowed down as of late. Well, he certainly got back on track by reaching on base seven times in 16 plate appearances this week! These reps are huge for him, as he is currently battling with multiple players for a spot on the Rangers’ middle infield last week.
Veteran right-hander Ervin Santana, who is still committed to pitching in the big leagues, continued his strong performance in the winter league with zero earned runs allowed in five innings pitched on Sunday.
After struggling in his past two appearances, Reds young right-hander Vladimir Gutierrez made a major statement on Wednesday, striking out eight batters in five scoreless innings pitched.
Free-agent reliever Hansel Robles pitched a scoreless inning with two strikeouts on Sunday.
Worst:
Continuing on with a “Jekyll and Hide” experience in the winter league, Albert Abreu (NYY) wasn’t able to build off his previously strong performance, this time allowing four runs and two walks in three innings pitched on Monday.
The Angels still haven’t signed a starting pitcher this offseason, so Jamie Barria allowing six baserunners in just two innings pitched isn’t exactly exciting news, to say the least.
Leones del Escogido
Leones only played one game this week, and didn’t have any standout performers in either sense in an 8-4 loss to the Toros on Sunday.
Gigantes del Cibao
Best:
It’s been quite the showing for Royals third baseman Kelvin Gutierrez, who now has a 1.096 OPS, after reaching base seven times in 13 plate appearances this week.
Speaking of high-end production, Ronald Guzman is not particularly keen on letting Nate Lowe be the Rangers’ starting first baseman. He reached base 11 times in 21 plate appearances this week, including a home run on Tuesday, and now boasts an absurd .360/.450/.523 slash line.
It was an encouraging week for Pirates lefty Miguel Del Pozo, who pitched 1.2 scoreless inning this week and has yet to allow a run in six inning pitched so far.
Worst:
Jose Siri just signed with the Astros, but going 4-21 with six strikeouts this week continues a recent downward trajectory of production in the winter league.
In the regular season, Pirates 6’6” shortstop prospect Oneil Cruz posted just a .260 on-base percentage. Plate discipline was a major issue for him, as he posted a 2% walk rate to go along with a 28% strikeout rate.
Toros del Este
Best:
It hasn’t been the winter league experience that free-agent slugger Peter O’Brien was hoping for, but he rebounded nicely with three extra-base hits, including a home run, and a walk in 10 plate appearances this week.
It was quite the week for lefty relievers; free-agents Fernando Abad and Anthony Gose (CLE) combined for five scoreless innings.
Worst:
With a .371 on-base percentage, more walks than strikeouts, and 11 stolen bases, it’s clear that Vidal Brujan is going to be a key part of the Rays moving forward. However, hitting for power has been a concern for him, and slugging .317 in the winter league hasn’t help appease those worries.
A recent addition to the Toros, free-agent reliever Hunter Strickland got roughed up to the tune of two earned runs allowed in his lone inning of work on Sunday.
Estrellas Orientales
Best:
One of the most talked about players of the winter league, Astros shortstop prospect Jeremy Pena had a big week, reaching base 10 times in 21 plate appearances. His plate discipline remains a concern, but many are high on him given his contact skills and defense at a premium position.
Marlins first base prospect Lewin Diaz showcased his power this week, slugging two home runs and a triple in 20 at bats.
The Dodgers are loaded with arms, but don’t forget about Edwin Uceta. He pitched four scoreless innings with five strikeouts on Sunday, and has performed rather well in the winter league.
Worst:
With Rodolfo Duran (PHI) inserted as the team’s starting catcher, Francisco Mejia finished the regular season with a .440 OPS. With his standing on the Padres in question, this performance may be a very tough pill to swallow.
After consistently being on earlier editions of this piece as a top performer, regression hit lefty Nestor Cortes hard on Tuesday- he allowed six runs in 2.2 innings pitched.
Obviously, with Christmas on Friday, there weren’t as many games this week. Still, there were plenty of prospects who either continued to perform at a high level or bounced back after slow starts. The regular season is officially over and now, in addition to keeping an eye on young players, it will be exciting to see how the playoffs play out.