A few of the 2012 winter leagues got started over the weekend, with the Dominican, Mexican, and Venezuelan Winter Leagues joining the Arizona Fall League as the active leagues that are currently playing. The Puerto Rican league and the Australian Baseball League have yet to start their seasons.
Below is a list of players in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization who are playing in the 2012 winter leagues, along with a brief note on each player. Links go to their MILB.com pages, where you can see their stats. I’ll also be posting the results each morning from the previous day’s action.
Dominican Winter League
Gigantes del Cibao
Porfirio Lopez – The left-hander put up a 2.22 ERA in 28.1 innings in relief in Bradenton this year, with an 18:9 K/BB ratio.
Carlos Paulino – A strong defensive catcher with a plus arm, although his bat didn’t progress this year in his second straight year in the FSL.
Eric Avila – Hit for a .291 average and an .891 OPS in 165 at-bats in the second half of the SAL season, along with 11 homers. Eligible for minor league free agency.
Oscar Tejeda – Was claimed off waivers this year from the Boston Red Sox, and put up sub-par numbers in Double-A. Eligible for minor league free agency.
Tigers del Licey
Kyle McPherson – Got his first start in the DWL last night.
Anderson Hernandez – Spent the 2012 season with Indianapolis. Eligible for minor league free agency.
Toros del Este
Jose Diaz – Big 350 pound reliever who spent the year in Triple-A. Eligible for minor league free agency.
Alen Hanson – One of the biggest breakout players in the minor leagues this year, and one of the top draft picks in the Dominican Winter League draft.
Mexican Winter League
Venados de Mazatlan
Jovany Lopez – Spent his fourth season in the international rookie leagues, posting a 2.73 ERA in 26.1 innings in relief.
Venezuelan Winter League
Bravos de Margarita
Jhonathan Ramos – The left-hander posted a 2.61 ERA in 20.2 innings with Altoona this year, along with a 14:6 K/BB ratio.
Elevys Gonzalez – Had a strong season at the plate in high-A in 2011, but struggled offensively between high-A and Double-A in 2012.
Caribes de Anzoategui
Jesus Paredes – Put up a 2.40 ERA in 30 innings in his second year in the international rookie leagues.
Carlos Ruiz – Had a 3.24 ERA in 33.1 innings in his third year in the international rookie leagues.
Carlos Marquez – Hit for a .256/.439/.302 line in 43 at-bats in his third year in the international rookie leagues.
Jose Tabata – Hasn’t played a game yet.
Leones del Caracas
Ramon Cabrera – Hit for a .276/.342/.367 line in 384 at-bats with Altoona this year, really coming on at the end of the year.
Navegantes del Magallanes
Doug Salinas – Pitched for Bradenton this year after signing mid-season as a free agent. Eligible for minor league free agency.
Brandon Boggs – Hit for a .259 average and a .767 OPS with Indianapolis this year. Eligible for minor league free agency.
