Archive for category Winter
Who Will Fall in Arizona?
Posted by Brian Oliver in Players, Washington (MLB), Winter on August 25th, 2009
UPDATE: The official rosters are out and five of my six are on it. Strasburg, Storen, Norris, Marrero & Espinosa will join the Phoenix Desert Dogs. The Nationals still have two pitching spots they can fill. One will be a full-time guy and one on the taxi squad, most likely.
On Sunday, both Stan Kasten and Mark Scialabba hinted that the Nationals participants in the 2009 Arizona Fall League (AFL) will be among the best classess of prospects that one MLB team has sent.
From the AFL website, here are the eligibility criteria:
Each Major League organization is required to provide six players subject to the following requirements:
- All Triple-A and Double-A players are eligible, provided the players are on at least a Double-A level roster no later than Aug. 1
- One player below the Double-A level is allowed per Major League team.
- One foreign player is allowed, as long as the player does not reside in a country that participates in winter ball, as part of the Caribbean Confederation or the Australian winter league.
- No players with more than one year of credited Major League service as of August 31 are eligible, except a team may select one player picked in the most recently concluded Major League Rule 5 Draft.
- To be eligible, players on Minor League disabled lists must be activated at least 45 days before the conclusion of their respective seasons.
I have confirmed with MilB’s Jonathan Mayo that there are two exemptions for players below Double-A with the cancellation of the Hawaiian Winter Baseball League. I have also heard conflicting reports that the deadline to Double-A was moved to August 17 as opposed to August 1 but I have been unable to confirm that.
Assuming that the deadline is 8/17 and given Kasten’s claim of the high talent level of this year’s class, my guess for the Nationals players headed to Arizona are:
- RHSP Stephen Strasburg (currently unassigned)
- RHRP Drew Storen (Harrisburg)
- LHP Aaron Thompson (Harrisburg)
- 1B Chris Marrero (Harrisburg)
- SS Danny Espinosa (Potomac)
- CA Derek Norris (Hagerstown)
The most obvious candidates for inclusion are 2009 first round draft picks Stephen Strasburg and Drew Storen. If the 8/17 deadline is to be believed, Storen slips in with six days to spare. Strasburg might get an exemption based upon the fact that he is a hish prestige guy and gives the AFL something to sell tickets around.
Thompson is my wild card choice. I added him to balance the Nats attendees at 3 pitchers and 3 hitters. He needs to be added to the 40-man this off-season or be exposed to the Rule 5 draft and I’ll wager the Nationals want to see what they have in the AFL.
Marrero gets in right under the wire in the 8/17 deadline is to be believed and he would add Q-rating value to the Nats AFL class for certain.
Espinosa and Norris were mentioned as attendees by the folks at MASN about a month ago on the TV broadcast and I think they’ll get the two below Double-A exemptions.
A class containing Strasburg, Storen, Marrero & Thompson, all former first round draft picks along with arguably the top non-Strasburg prospect in Norris along with the Nats Futures Game representative would fit the bill of an impressive AFL class.
Across the Affiliates 10/31/2007
Posted by Brian Oliver in Across the Affiliates, Fall, Winter on October 31st, 2007
The Javelinas rallied from a 3-0 deficit scoring two in the eighth, one in the ninth before edging the Scottsdale Scorpions 4-3 with a run in the tenth (box/gamer). RF Justin Maxwell was 0/4 with a walk and a run scored. Garrett Mock started for Peoria going four shutout innings allowing only three hits while striking out a pair.
Games in the Dominican Winter League were rained out.
Jon Albaladejo picked up his second save in the Venezuela Winter League with 1 1/3 hitless shutout innings striking out one for the Tiburones de La Guaria. Jesus Flores was 1/3 with a double, strikeout and passed ball and Jim Magrane went 1 1/3 scoreless innings allowing one hit for the Navegantes de Magallanes. Marcos Yepez was 1/4 with a walk and a run scored for the Leones de Caracas. Frank Diaz was 1/4 with a double and one RBI for the Bravos de Margarita.
Across the Affiliates 10/30/2007
Posted by Brian Oliver in Across the Affiliates, Fall, Winter on October 30th, 2007
There was only action in the Arizona Fall League where the Peoria Javelinas blasted Team China 20-4 (box/gamer). Team China is participating in the AFL as part of their training for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Justin Maxwell started at designated hitter and was 2/4 with a double, two runs scored and three RBI. Kory Casto started in right field was 2/3 with a double, home run, two runs scored and three RBI (he was also hit by a pitch twice). Alex Morales pitched an inning of relief allowing two runs on two hits and two walks with one strikeout.
Across the Affiliates 10/23/07
Posted by Brian Oliver in Fall, Winter on October 23rd, 2007
The Javelinas were blanked by the Rafters 2-0 (box/gamer). RF Justin Maxwell (latest journal entry here) was 1/3 with his fifth stolen base in the AFL. LF Kory Casto was 0/3 with a walk and a strikeout.
Today: The Javelinas visit Scottsdale at 10:05PM EDT
From Sunday in the Dominican Winter League. RF Abraham Nunez was 1/3 with a walk for Estrellas de Oriente. There were no games in the Dominican League on Monday.
On Monday, CA Jesus Flores was 0/3 with a sacridice fly and a strikeout for the Navegantes del Magallanes.
Across the Affiliates 10/22/07
Posted by Brian Oliver in Fall, Winter on October 22nd, 2007
The Javelinas dropped a 9-3 decision to the Scottsdale Scorpions on Friday (box/gamer). RF Justin Maxwell was 1/4 with two runs scored and his fourth stolen base of the season. CA Devin Ivany was 2/4 with a pair of doubles and one RBI. On Saturday, the Javelinas bounced back with a 5-4 victory over the Peoria Saguaros (box/gamer). RF Justin Maxwell was 0/3 with a strikeout. Adam Carr started the game for the Javelinas going two scoreless innings allowing one hit and striking out five. Alex Morales pitched one inning allowing two runs on one hit and two walks. Zech Zinicola picked up the save with a perfect ninth. There were no games on Sunday.
Today: The Javelinas host the Surprise Rafters at 3:35PM EDT
Dominican Winter League
- Friday … Estrellas de Oriente: RF Abraham Nunez 2/4 2HR 3RBI 2R 2BB 2K; PR Michael Martinez 1CS
- Saturday … Estrellas de Oriente: RF Abraham Nunez 1/3 2RBI 1K 1SB
- no Sunday box scores as of 7:30AM
Venezuela Winter League
- Friday … Tiburones de la Guaria: RP Jon Albaladejo 1.1IP 1H(1HR) 1R(1ER) 0BB 2K loss; Navegantes del Magallanes: CA Jesus Flores 1/4 1K
- Saturday … Leones del Caracas: 2B Marcos Yepez 2/4 2R 1RBI; Navegantes del Magallanes: CA Jesus Flores 1/3 double 2RBI 1K
- no Sunday box scores as of 7:30AM
Across the Affiliates 10/19/07
Posted by Brian Oliver in Fall, Winter on October 19th, 2007
In the Arizona Fall League
- WED … The Peoria Javelinas dropped a 6-3 decision to the Phoenix Desert Dogs (box/gamer). Justin Maxwell continued to start in right field and finished the game 0/4 with two strikeouts. Devin Ivany caught the game going 0/2 with two walks and two runs scored. Alex Morales pitched 2/3 of an inning of relief walking three and striking out one. Zech Zinicola pitched a scoreless eighth inning allowing one hit and striking out one batter.
- THU … Peoria lost again to Phoenix, this time 7-5 at home (box/gamer). Justin Maxwell was 1/4 with a double, walk, stolen base, run scored, and three strikeouts. He made one fielding error. Garrett Mock started for the Javelinas allowing two unearned runs on one hit and two walks over three innings of work. Mock struck out four batters.
- FRI … the Javelinas visit the Scottsdale Scorpions at 10:05PM EDT
In the Dominican Winter League
- WED … Estrellas de Oriente: Abraham Nunez RF 0/4 1R 1BB 1K
- THU … Tigres del Licey: Jason Bergmann SP 4 2/3IP 6H 2R(2ER) 1BB 5K
In the Venezuela Winter League
- WED … Tiburones de La Guaria: Jonathan Albaladejo RP 1IP 0H 0R 1BB 0K; Navegantes del Magallanes: Jim Magrane SP 3IP 4H 3R(3ER) 3BB 2K
- Thursday games not updated as of 7AM
Across the Affiliates 10/17/07
Posted by Brian Oliver in Fall, Winter on October 17th, 2007
The Javelinas bounced back from Monday’s loss to the Mes Solar Sox, blasting them 9-1 on Tuesday afternoon (box/gamer). The only Nationals player to play was Kory Casto who started at 1B finishing the game 2/4 with a double and a run scored.
Today: The Javelinas visit the Phoenix Desert Dogs at 3:35PM EDT
Nationals catcher Jesus Flores was hit by a pitch while playing for Magallanes in the Venezuelan Winter League. He left the game for a pinch runner. No word as yet on his status.
Wuillys Bravo pitched for the Caribes, throwing 2/3 perfect innings.
Marcos Yepez started in left field for Caracas going 0/3 with a strikeout.
Frank Diaz started in right field for the Bravos de Margarita. He went 2/4 with one RBI and two runs scored.
Across the Affiliates 10/16/07
Posted by Brian Oliver in Fall, Winter on October 16th, 2007
The Peoria Javelinas dropped a 9-3 decision to the Mesa Solar Sox (box/gamer). Justin Maxwell again started in right field going hitless in three at-bats. Adam Carr pitched 2 2/3 innings of scoreless/hitless relief, walking one and striking out one.
Today: The Javelinas host the Solar Sox at 3:35PM EDT
There were no games scheduled in the Venezuelan League.
Dominican Winter League
Posted by Brian Oliver in Winter on September 19th, 2007
The Dominican Winter League held their draft yesterday and there were eight Nationals prospects among the players selected in the 20 round draft …
| Round | Player | POS | Team | 2007 Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Núñez, Jhonny | RHP | Licey | Hagerstown |
| 7 | Cabral, Marcos | 2B | Aguilas | Hagerstown |
| 8 | Novoa, Yunior | LHP | Escogido | Hagerstown |
| 11 | Martínez, Michael | SS | Estrellas | Hagerstown |
| 15 | Germán, Agustín | C | Licey | Vermont |
| 19 | Abreu, Edulín | RHP | Licey | Hagerstown |
| 19 | De la Cruz, Jorge | OF | Gigantes | Vermont+ |
| 20 | Alvarez, Jean | SS | Escogido | Vermont |
‘+’ De la Cruz was released by the Nationals this season per his request
Núñez, Cabral, and Novoa will likely be starters (Núñez & Novoa in the rotation) for their respective teams this winter. While the others will likely fill bullpen or bench roles. The season begins in mid-October.
Across the Affiliates 08/31/07
Posted by Brian Oliver in Across the Affiliates, Columbus (Former AAA), Dominican Summer League, Fall, Hagerstown (A), Harrisburg (AA), Potomac (A), Vermont (SS), Winter on August 31st, 2007
Minor League News & Notes … Mark Zuckerman has a few of the names of the Nationals farmhands attending the Instructional League “Forty-nine Nationals farmhands will participate in the Fall Instructional League. Workouts begin Sept. 17 in Viera, Fla., with a 16-game schedule beginning Sept. 22. Among the organization’s top prospects playing this fall are pitchers Luis Atilano, Glenn Gibson, Josh Smoker, Colton Willems and Jordan Zimmermann; infielders Stephen King and Esmailyn Gonzalez; and outfielders Michael Burgess, Mike Daniel and Chris Marrero.” … I am working on getting the complete list of attendees … speaking of fall/winter league baseball, I have confirmed that given the Nationals will be holding an Instructional League, they will not be sending any players to the Hawaii Winter Baseball League
Columbus had a forgettable evening in Indianapolis, dropping the game 9-3 (box). Billy Traber allowed eight runs (four earned) on nine hits in only 3 2/3 innings. 2B Bernie Castro was 2/4 with a run scored; 1B Larry Broadway was 1/3 with a solo home run; and 2B Brent Abernathy was 3/4 with a double, run scored and RBI.
Tonight: Columbus opens up their final home stand of the season, a two-game series against Toledo with Clippers LHP Chris Michalak (5-7, 3.13) versus Mudhens RHP Virgil Vasquez (12-5, 3.48) at 7:25PM
Harrisburg fell behind early and never got back into it, losing 7-2 to Erie (box). Garrett Mock made his final Eastern League start of the season surrendering all seven runs (four earned) on nine hits and five walks over six innings, striking out five. Devin Perrin and David Trahan provided a combined three shutout innings of relief, allowing only one hit and striking out three. CF Roger Bernadina was 2/4 with his 40th stolen base of the season. And, DH Josh Whitesell was 1/3 with a double, run, and RBI, returning to the lineup after back spasms caused him to miss the last week.
Tonight: Harrisburg opens their final series of the season, a four-game home stand with Reading. Senators LHP Justin Jones (1-0, 4.91) matches up with Phillies RHP Carlos Carrasco (6-3, 4.48) at 6:35PM
Potomac won their tenth straight game, riding strong pitching from Marco Estrada and home runs from Justin Maxwell and Ian Desmond to a 3-2 victory over Lynchburg (box). Estrada finished hisCarolina League season 5-3 after throwing six innings allowing two runs on six hits with nine strikeouts. Estrada finished the month of August 4-1 with a 2.61ERA and 1.03WHIP with 33 strikeouts and only five walks in 31IP. CF Justin Maxwell was 2/4 with a pair of solo home runs. Maxwell now has twenty-six combine home runs, twelve in the Carolina League, and ten alone in the month of August. SS Ian Desmond was 2/4 with a double and a solo home run. And LF Mike Daniel was 3/3 with a walk.
Tonight: Potomac plays their final home game of the season tonight against Lynchburg. P-Nats RHP Shairon Martis (13-8, 4.47) throws against Hillcats RHP Derek Hankins (8-5, 5.20 ERA) at 7:35PM
Hagerstown’s game with Delmarva was called due to inclement weather in the eighth innings with game knotted at 2-2, neither teams will be credited with a win or charged with a loss, but the statistics will count (box). Chris Lugo pitched five innings allowing only one run on six hits. Yader Peralta threw two shutout innings of relief allowing one hit and two walks. Josh Wilkie allowed the game-tying run on one hit in one inning of work. SS Michael Martinez was 3/3 with a run scored. RF Joe Napoli was 1/3 with one RBI. And, CA John Poppert was 2/3 with one RBI.
Tonight: Hagerstown opens their final home series of the season, a two-gamer against Lakewood at 7:05PM. Suns LHP Zach Baldwin (4-5, 3.76) faces BlueClaws LHP Antonio Bastardo (9-0, 1.87)
Vermont finally got back on track with Jordan Zimmermann starting in his second straight shutout, blanking Oneonta 6-0 (box/gamer). Zimmermann allowed only one hit in his five innings of work, walking one and striking out nine to move to 5-1 on the season. Zimmermann is 3-0 in August with a 1.17ERA and 1.09WHIP with 31 strikeouts and seven walks in 23 IP. Caleb Staudt and Luke Pisker pitched the final four innings allowing only one additional hit and striking out a combined six. SH Boomer Whiting was 1/5 with his 31st steal of the season (in 54 games). 1B Aaron Seuss was 2/3 with a run and RBI. RF Michael Burgess was 3/3 with one run and one RBI. CF Stephen Englund was 1/4 with one RBI.
Tonight: LHP Glenn Gibson (4-2, 2.79) wraps up the quick two-game home series with Oneonta at 7:05PM. He’ll be opposed by Tigers RHP Jay Sborz (0-0, 4.32)
The DSL Nationals1 got their first taste of playoff action as they rallied from a 9-8 deficit to walk off with a 10-9 victory over the DSL Angels on an Eduardo Urbina single in the bottom of the ninth (box). Urbina was 2/4 with a double and three RBI. RF/LF Valerio Heredia was 1/4 with three runs scored and one RBI. DH Danny Taveras was 2/4 with a double, stolen base, two runs, and two RBI. LF Juan Beltre was 2/4 with a double, one RBI and two runs scored. Federico Tanco started for the DSL Nats1 allowing five runs (two earned) on six hits and three walks over 5 2/3 innings,s triking out six. Juan Jamie pitched 1 1/3 innings allowing a run on two hits but getting all four outs on strikeouts. Carlos Peralta blew the save allowing an unearned run in his two innings of work but picked up the win when the Nats rallied in the ninth.
Today: The DSL Nationals1 look to close out the best-of-three series with an 11:00AM game in San Pedro de Macorís at Anaheim’s Complex. The winner of this series will take on the winner of the DSL Yankees1 and DSL Pirates series (Yankees1 leading 1-0)
