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Yearly Archives: 2009

Normally, I do a pre-season analysis, where I fill in my own depth chart and playing time estimates for the upcoming Pittsburgh Pirates season, along with ZiPS projected WAR totals. This year, I'm looking at the...
All of the articles on Pirates Prospects this year will be my voice, with the exception of one: Roundtable. I wanted to find a way to give the fans a voice, but in a more structured...

My top 30 Pirate prospects

It is the time of year for prospect lists. Last year, I tried to count down my top 25 prospects, with a separate...

Rodriguez Struggles; Myrow, Gimenez, and Cruz Hitting

Pirates' players and friends in Monday's winter league action...

DOMINICAN LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

Leones del Escogido 7, Gigantes del Cibao

LF Brian Myrow went 1-for-3 with two walks for Escogido in this win. He began a rally in the 3rd inning with the first of three singles and came around to score. Myrow walked in the 5th, and then walked and scored in the 3-run rally in the 7th inning. Los Gigantes had batters on base in most innings. They only had a runner reach as far as third base in the 8th inning, when they loaded the bases with two outs, but left all three on base.

Tigres del Licey 8, Toros del Este 1

CF Jose Bautista had three hits for Licey, including a 2-RBI double in Los Tigres' 5-run 7th inning. Reliever Denny Bautista pitched a scoreless 9th inning for Licey and allowed only a single.

PUERTO RICAN LEAGUE

Lobos de Arecibo 5, Leones de Ponce 2

Shane Youman made the start for Arecibo, and he earned his first win of the season. Youman gave up 5 hits and one run over 5.2 innings, with 3 walks and 5 strikeouts. Youman walked the first two batters he faced, but then struck out two and got a ground out to get out of the jam. In the 4th inning, Youman loaded the bases with three singles, but ended the inning with a double play to keep Ponce from scoring. The only run he gave up was in the 6th, when he gave up a run on a double, an RBI single, and a throwing error. Ponce scored one more run in the 8th inning. Arecibo scored their first 3 runs in the 2nd inning on an error, two singles, and a double. Reliever RJ Rodriguez came on to pitch for Ponce in the 7th inning, when Arecibo had two outs and two runners on, and Rodriguez ended the inning with a strikeout. Rodriguez struggled in the 8th inning, though. He gave up a single, a sacrifice bunt, and another single, for one run. Then a double, a walk, and a fielding error on what could have been an inning-ending double play allowed another run (unearned). Rodriguez was replaced at that point, and his relief got the final out of the inning.

Criollos de Caguas 5, Indios de Mayaguez 4

SS Luis Figueroa had two hits and 3 RBI for Caguas. Los Criollos scored 2 runs in the 2nd inning when they loaded the bases on a double, a hit batter, and a single. Another hit batter forced in the first run, and the second scored on CF Luis Matos' sacrifice fly. Figueroa singled after the run scored, loading the bases again, but all three were left on base. Mayaguez took the lead with a run in the 5th and 2 runs in the 6th. But in the bottom of the 6th, Caguas loaded the bases on three walks. Figueroa's 3-RBI double cleared the bases and gave Caguas the win.

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

Leones del Caracas 6, Tiburones de La Guaira 2

Venezuelan League teams who are in the playoffs can draft players from non-playoff teams to replace players on the roster. 1B Hector Gimenez had been playing for Los Tigres de Aragua, but he was drafted by Los Tiburones de La Guaira and started for them in their first playoff game. Gimenez smacked the second of two singles to lead off the 2nd inning, but he was forced out at second on a subsequent play. La Guaira scored one run on an RBI double, and another runner was thrown out at the plate. Gimenez doubled to lead off the 4th inning, and he scored on another double. Caracas tied the score in the bottom of the 4th on a double and two singles, and they took the lead in the next inning on a hit batter, a bunt, and an RBI single. In the 8th inning, with Ronald Belisario on the mound for La Guaira, Caracas scored 3 insurance runs. C Carlos Maldonado led off with a walk, and after two throwing errors, two wild pitches by Belisario, two singles, and a double, Caracas had a definitive lead.

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Tomateros de Culiacan 6, Mayos de Navojoa 5

2B Luis Cruz went 3-for-5 with an RBI for Culiacan. Cruz's RBI single plated Los Tomateros' first run in the 2nd inning. Navojoa took a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the 5th, but Culiacan came back with 3 runs in the top of the 6th. After a walk, Cruz beat out a grounder to third for the second of four singles. Cruz singled again to open the 8th inning, and scored again when his teammates added 3 more singles. Navojoa scored twice in the bottom of the inning, but Culican held on for the win.

A winning team is approaching

Neal Huntington used his first couple of years with the Pirates to replace Dave Littlefield’s aging core with a younger version of his own....

Myrow Changes Teams, Rodriguez In Too Late

Toros del Este 3, Tigres del Licey 1

Licey was held to just 4 hits, including one by CF Jose Bautista and one by Indy-area native 1B Jake Fox. Their two hits plus a double by LF Eric Byrnes (Diamondbacks) came in the 2nd inning, when Bautista also had the lone RBI for Licey, to plate Byrnes. After that RBI single, the next 11 Licey batters made outs, including 6 straight strikeouts. The remaining Licey single, plus a walk, came in the 6th inning, and they were followed by 9 more outs, including 3 strikeouts in the 7th. C Ronny Paulino was 0-for-3 with one of the 9 total strikeouts. Los Toros scored one run in each of the 3rd, 7th, and 8th innings.

PUERTO RICAN LEAGUE

Criollos de Caguas 8, Leones de Ponce 4

SS Luis Figueroa went 0-for-4 for Caguas, but he still collected an RBI with a ground out in the 2nd inning, and walked and scored in the 3-run 9th inning. CF Luis Matos smacked an RBI double in the 5th inning. Ponce remained scoreless until the 7th inning, when they got onto the scoreboard with a lead-off homer. Los Leones added 3 runs in the 8th inning, on two walks and four singles. Greg Picart pinch-ran in the 8th and advanced as far as third base, but was out at home on a force play. He remained in the game to play third base in the 9th inning. Reliever RJ Rodriguez pitched to one batter in the 9th inning for Ponce, but they didn't bring him in until Caguas had already scored 3 runs. Rodriguez came on with runners on first and second base and got the final out of the inning.

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Yaquis de Obregon 4, Algodoneros de Guasave 2

3B Yurendell de Caster had two of Guasave's four hits and added his 15th RBI of the season. He singled in the 1st and 8th innings but was left on base both times. The RBI came in the 6th, the only inning in which Guasave scored. After a walk and a single, de Caster's ground out brought in the runner from third base, and an RBI single added the second run. Obregon scored one run in the 1st inning on two singles and a stolen base, and three runs in the 4th on a double, two walks, and a bases-clearing triple.

Dominican And Venezuelan Playoffs Begin

Winter League play resumed on Saturday evening...Pirates' players and friends got into the action in the Dominican and Venezuelan Leagues' playoffs, but not in the Mexican Pacific or Puerto Rican League games. It was a rare night off for Culiacan's (Mexican Pacific League) Luis Cruz. Both the Mexican Pacific League and the Puerto Rican League finish their regular seasons on Dec 30th.

DOMINICAN LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

Tigres del Licey 4, Gigantes del Cibao 0

C Ronny Paulino went 3-for-3 at the plate, including two doubles and a walk, as Licey held Los Gigantes to just 3 hits. Paulino led off the 3rd inning with his first double, then scored on a single and an error. He singled again in the 5th inning and advanced to third base on another single and a bunt, but was out at the plate on a fielder's choice, and Licey did not score in that inning. They did score again in the 7th when Paulino led off with his second double, and went to third on a sacrifice bunt. A fielder's choice had Paulino out at the plate, but another grounder and a single by DH Wily Mo Pena brought in a run. In the 8th inning, two doubles plus walks to CF Jose Bautista and Paulino brought in one run and left the bases loaded with no outs. Los Gigantes brought reliever Juan Perez in to pitch, but Perez gave up an RBI single before getting a double play and a ground out to end the inning.

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

Aguilas de Zulia 3, Cardenales de Lara 1

Reliever Romulo Sanchez suffered the loss for Lara when he surrendered the walk-off single to Zulia in the bottom of the 9th. Los Aguilas had scored 2 runs in the 3rd inning on two singles and two errors. Lara couldn't capitalize on a bases-loaded situation in the 5th inning, but a 2-RBI double in the 7th after the bases had been loaded with a single and two hit batters, tied the game at 2-2. That tie lasted into the bottom of the 9th. Sanchez entered the game with two outs and a runner on second base in the 8th and got the final out of the inning. He struck out the first batter he faced in the bottom of the 9th, then walked two batters and struck out the next batter. A single filled the bases with Zulia runners, and another single brought in the winning run.

Happy Holidays!

The two winter leagues who are still in their regular season play, the Mexican Pacific League and the Puerto Rican League, have a couple of days off.

Here's a list of Sports Illustrated's thoughts on the top prospects in all of baseball, naming the Pirates' Pedro Alvarez as Number 7.

Best wishes to all for a happy holiday season!

Venezuelan League Ends, Gimenez Homers, Hernandez Saves #16

The Venezuelan League wrapped up their regular season on Wednesday, and the Puerto Rican and Mexican Pacific Leagues will begin a short break for the Christmas holiday.

PUERTO RICAN LEAGUE

Gigantes de Carolina 7, Criollos de Caguas 3

Carolina scored 4 runs in the 2nd inning and 6 runs over the first three innings to take and hold the lead throughout the game. SS Luis Figueroa led off the game with a single, and came around to score on two more singles and a double play. Caguas added one more run with a solo homer in the 6th, and another run in the 9th.

Leones de Ponce 4, Lobos de Arecibo 3

Shane Youman suffered his second loss of the season, as he allowed 4 runs on 9 hits and 2 walks in 3.2 innings for Arecibo. The first run came in the 3rd inning on a walk and two singles. In the 4th, Youman began the inning by giving up two singles and a walk to load the bases. A ground out brought in one run, and two more singles added two more runs for Ponce, and at that point Youman was relieved. Arecibo scored one run in each of the 1st, 4th, and 9th innings. Reliever RJ Rodriguez pitched 3 innings for Ponce. He let two batters get on base -- with a single and a walk -- but erased both of them with double plays.

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Naranjeros de Hermosillo 9, Tomateros de Culiacan 4

Hermosillo scored 3 runs in the early innings, 3 in the middle innings, and 3 in the late innings to get the win over Culiacan. Los Tomateros couldn't keep up the pace. They scored one in the 1st and another in the 2nd inning. In the 6th, a lead-off walk, a single by 2B Luis Cruz, followed by two more singles brought in that lead runner and Cruz with Culiacan's last two runs.

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE

Cardenales de Lara 9, Leones de Caracas 2

Los Leones began the scoring with 2 runs in the 2nd inning, on three singles. But their roar was cut short as Los Cardenales started scoring in the 5th and continued scoring for 4 consecutive innings. C Carlos Maldonado went 0-for-3 in this final game.

Navegantes del Magallanes 4, Tigres de Aragua 3

C Wilson Ramos and 1B Hector Gimenez led off the 2nd inning with back-to-back homers for Aragua, and two singles with a sacrifice bunt sandwiched between them added another run in the 3rd. They led Magallanes 3-1 until the bottom of the 7th, when Los Navegantes batted around and took advantage of 4 walks and a fielding error, combined with two singles, to collect 3 more runs and take the win. SS Ronny Cedeno had two singles for Aragua. SS Argenis Diaz went 0-for-4 for Magallanes.

Aguilas de Zulia 4, Bravos de Margarita 2

Zulia scored 4 runs in the top of the 1st, with 3 doubles and 4 singles. They didn't have a lot of offense after that, though they held on to get the final win of the season. Margarita scored their two runs in the bottom of the 8th on three straight singles and an RBI grounder. Chris Hernandez earned his 16th save of the season for Zulia with a perfect 9th inning, including a strikeout and two pop outs to his first baseman. RF Jonel Pacheco went 0-for-4 for Margarita.

Final standings: Los Leones de Caracas and Los Navegantes del Magallanes finished the regular season tied with a 41-22 record. Los Tiburones de La Guaira came in third with a 32-31 record, and Los Bravos de Margarita also made the playoffs with a fourth place finish and a 30 -33 record.

Among the players who were big winners: Jean Machi, Chris Hernandez, Ronald Uviedo, Ronny Cedeno, Hector Gimenez, and Mike Ryan

Some stats:

Chris Hernandez (Aguilas de Zulia): 23 relief appearances, 0-3 record with 16 saves and a 2.49 ERA; 21.2 innings, 25 hits, 6 earned runs, 5 BB, 14 K; opponents batted .278 against him.

Jhonatan Ramos (Bravos de Margarita): only one relief appearance (Nov 12th), when he pitched one inning and allowed one hit, no BB, no K.

Edgar Gutierrez (Bravos de Margarita): two relief appearances, one when he gave up a hit to the only batter he faced, and one when he gave up one hit and got two outs; neither time did he allow a run.

Derek Hankins (Cardenales de Lara): 5 games, 4 starts, 0-1 record with a 9.15 ERA; 20.2 innings, 25 hits, 21 runs, 10 BB, 12 K; opponents batted .301 against him.

Ronald Uviedo (Leones del Caracas): 21 relief appearances, 3-0 record with a 2.63 ERA; 24 innings, 17 hits, 7 earned runs, 6 BB, 24 K; opponents batted .202 against him.

Corey Hamman (Navegantes del Magallanes): 11 relief appearances, 0-1 record and a 1.42 ERA; 6.1 innings, no hits, one run, 3 BB, 2 K; opponents couldn't get a hit off him.

Jean Machi (Navegantes del Magallanes): 31 relief appearances, 2-0 record and 16 saves, and a 1.25 ERA; 36 innings, 22 hits, 5 earned runs, 6 BB, 27 K; opponents batted .177 against him.

Rafael Quintero (Tiburones de La Guaira): only one relief appearance, in which he pitched 1.2 innings and gave up 2 runs (one earned) on 3 hits and a walk.

Bobby Livingston (Tiburones de La Guaira): 6 starts, 1-1 record, with a 7.58 ERA; 19 innings, 29 hits, 16 earned runs, 6 BB, 9K; batters went wild hitting .367 against him.

Wil Ledezma (Tigres de Aragua): 11 starts, 2-4 record, with a 4.89 ERA; 49.2 innings, 54 hits, 32 runs (27 earned), 20 BB, 44 K; opponents hit .278 against him.

Neil Walker (Bravos de Margarita): 34 games, avg .267 (almost the same as he had in Indianapolis, .264), 9 doubles, 4 homers, 16 RBI, 17 BB, 24 K, 1 stolen base

Jonel Pacheco (Bravos de Margarita): 26 games, avg .214, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 12 K, 1 stolen base

Adenson Chourio (Caribes de Anzoategui): 11 games, 0-for-4, one run scored, no walks or strikeouts, one stolen base.

Gorkys Hernandez (Caribes de Anzoategui): 33 games, avg .245, 4 doubles, 1 homer, 9 RBI, 13 BB, 32 K, 3 stolen bases

Argenis Diaz (Navegantes del Magallanes): 47 games, avg .194, 3 doubles, 5 RBI, 9 BB, 26 K, 2 stolen bases

Mike Ryan (Navegantes del Magallanes): 54 games, avg .322 (10th in the league), 12 doubles, 2 triples, 9 homers (5th in the league), 45 RBI (3rd in the league), 24 BB, 33 K, one stolen base

Ronny Cedeno (Tigres de Aragua): 40 games, avg .300, 4 doubles, 2 triples, 10 homers (tied for 4th in the league), 20 RBI, 6 BB, 24 K, 3 stolen bases

Hector Gimenez (Tigres de Aragua): 62 games, avg .319 (11th in the league), 14 doubles, 8 homers, 40 RBI, 39 BB (4th in the league), 57 K (2nd in the league -- oops!)

A Lefty Reliever: Taschner

The Pirates have added another lefty reliever to the mix. Today they signed 31-year old Jayson (Jack) Taschner to a minor league contract, and invited him to big league spring training. Taschner is a Wisconsin native, who was drafted by the Giants in the 2nd round of the 1999 draft. Taschner moved up through the Giants' organization, and by the time he reached the AA level, he was moving from the starting rotation to the bullpen. He reached the major league level for the first time in 2005, when he made his debut in June, and that was the first season in which he pitched entirely in relief. The 2005 season was a good one for Taschner. He made 44 appearances in AAA Fresno, with a 3-0 record and 10 saves, and a 1.64 ERA. In 49.1 innings, he gave up 30 hits, 24 walks, and struck out 62 batters. For the Giants, he had no saves, but earned a 2-0 record and a 1.59 ERA, with 22.2 innings pitched, 15 hits, 13 walks, and 19 strikeouts. Taschner also split 2006 between the AAA and major league level, but without such good results-- more hits, more runs, and higher ERA (3.65 in Fresno and 8.38 with the Giants), though more saves (14).

Taschner pitched for the Giants for all of the 2007 and 2008 season, making 130 appearances over those two years. He had a combined 6-3 record, no saves, though he finished 23 games. In 98 innings, he earned a 5.14 ERA, with 101 hits, 53 walks, and 90 strikeouts. He was mostly used as a lefty specialist, doing well against right-handed batters. In March 2009, Taschner was traded to the Phillies in exchange for former Pirate catcher Ronny Paulino. He began the season with the Phillies, but had an up-and-down few months. In April (7 games), he allowed 6 runs in 10.1 innings (ERA 5.23), and in June (5 games), he allowed 7 runs in 6 innings (10.50 ERA). May wasn't bad: 3 runs in 10.1 innings (0.87 ERA). But it added up to a 1-1 record and a 5.20 ERA with 34 hits, 20 walks, and 17 strikeouts, and Taschner was designated for assignment on July 3rd. Things were better in AAA Lehigh Valley, where he did not allow more than one run in any of his 20 appearances, and kept his opponents scoreless in his last 7 appearances. He had two saves and an 0-2 record, with a 1.80 ERA in July and a 2.31 ERA in August. In 21.1 innings, he allowed 16 hits, 10 walks, and 15 strikeouts.

Taschner got a September call-up and rejoined the Phillies for the last month of the season. He appeared in 3 games, going 1.2 innings without allowing a run or a walk. He did give up 4 hits and struck out 2. Taschner was outrighted to AAA at the end of the season and became a free agent. Taschner will have a shot at a bullpen spot with the Pirates, but it's a long shot. He and his change-up will be more likely to be in Indianapolis in 2010.

Cedeno Is Swinging Away, But Uviedo Wins

Tuesday's action in the winter leagues with Pirates' players and friends.... starting to get a little thin, as the Dominican League has finished their regular season, and the other leagues are slowing a bit for the upcoming holiday. The Venezuelan League ends their regular season with their final games on Dec. 23rd.

PUERTO RICAN LEAGUE

Indios de Mayaguez 7, Leones de Ponce 4

Mayaguez scored 3 runs in the 2nd and another 3 runs in the 4th, and despite Ponce scoring 3 runs in the 7th, they couldn't catch up. All of Ponce's runs came on two homers -- a solo shot in the 4th and a 3-run blast in the 7th. SS Greg Picart was hitless in 3 trips to the plate.

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE

Leones del Caracas 10, Tigres de Aragua 4

Ronald Uviedo earned his 3rd win of the season, and it only took him one batter. Uviedo took the mound for Caracas with a runner on second base and two outs in the 6th, and he got a ground out to end the inning. Caracas' starting pitcher, Franklin Morales, gave up all 4 of Aragua's runs and was in danger of giving up more when Uviedo came in, and Uviedo was the pitcher of record when Caracas scored the winning run. Aragua scored their first run in the top of the 1st, on a single, a sacrifice bunt by SS Ronny Cedeno, a ground out, and a wild pitch. C Raul Chavez doubled to lead off the 2nd inning, went to third on 1B Hector Gimenez's ground out, and scored on a sacrifice fly. Cedeno gave Aragua two more runs in the 3rd inning on a 2-run homer, his 10th of the season. But that was all the scoring that Aragua would do, and just as they wound down, Caracas was gearing up. A solo homer gave Los Leones their first run in the bottom of the 3rd. They scored 3 runs in the 5th on three singles, a walk, and a double. Two doubles brought in another run in the 6th. Then they burst out with 5 runs in the 7th inning, which featured 3 doubles, including DH Carlos Maldonado's second double of the game, and a 2-run homer.

Cardenales de Lara 8, Navegantes del Magallanes 6

Each team had a 4-run inning, but it was a 2-run 6th that gave Lara the edge. SS Argenis Diaz went 1-for-3 with a single for Magallanes, but did not score. Jean Machi pitched a perfect top of the 9th for Magallanes, including 2 strikeouts. Romulo Sanchez pitched 1.2 innings for Lara, giving up a walk and a single, and striking out 3 batters.

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Yaquis de Obregon 2, Algodoneros de Guasave 1

3B Yurendell de Caster got the game started with a solo home run for Guasave in the top of the 1st inning. Unfortunately, that was the only run Guasave would score, and it was also their only extra-base hit of the game. They had only 4 more hits, plus one walk, scattered over the rest of the game. After de Caster's single in the 6th, the next 11 batters went down in order to finish the game. Obregon tied the game with a run on a hit batter and two singles in the 2nd, and scored the winning run in the 5th on a single and an RBI double.

Tomateros de Culiacan 8, Naranjeros de Hermosillo 2

Culiacan got down to business in the bottom of the 1st inning with 5 runs on two singles, a walk by 2B Luis Cruz and three doubles. Five straight singles to lead off the 4th gave Los Tomateros two more runs, and they added one more on a walk, a stolen base, and a single in the 6th. Cruz was 0-for-3 in his other plate appearances, but he started two double plays.

Pirates Re-Sign Myrow, Powell, and Hamman; Release Benitez

The Pirates signed three players from the 2009 Indianapolis Indians to minor league contracts for 2010. None of these three contracts include an invitation to major league spring training. Expect to see all three back in Indianapolis in... just over 14 weeks! (not that anyone is counting or anything....)

Corey Hamman split the 2009 season between Indianapolis and Altoona. He struggled in Indy at the beginning of the season. In April, Hamman had one good 1.1 inning outing, but four difficult relief appearances -- in the worst, giving up 8 runs in 1.1 innings. May started out with more of the same, allowing 5 earned runs in the first 5 innings over 3 games. Then it looked like he was turning the corner. The lefty kept the opponents from scoring any earned runs in his next 6 appearances, over 5 innings, while allowing four hits -- and three of those were in one game. He had two more pretty good relief appearances, but at that point, his ERA was 8.01 in a total of 30.1 innings, with 38 hits and 32 strikeouts and 15 walks. Hamman was sent to Altoona in early June. His first outing there was not good -- 4 runs on 1 hit and 3 walks in 1.2 innings. Then he got his act together again and allowed only one earned run in his next 9 appearances in the rest of June. He went on to make a total of 29 relief appearances for the Curve, with a 3.68 ERA in 29.1 innings, with 28 hits, 8 walks, and 21 strikeouts. Hamman has been playing winter ball with Magallanes in the Venezuelan League, where he has made 11 relief appearances. In 6.1 innings, he has allowed just one earned run on no hits and 3 walks (not all in the same game), for a 1.69 ERA. If he can keep that up in spring training, Hamman should get the chance to return to Indy in the spring.

Righty Jeremy Powell was the most versatile pitcher on the Indians' staff in 2009. He started, he relieved, and he did whatever was asked of him. He appeared in a total of 34 games, with 10 of those being starts. As a starter, Powell pitched 51.1 innings, allowing 69 hits and 28 earned runs (ERA 4.91), with 9 walks and 27 strikeouts. In 47.1 relief innings, Powell won 4 games and saved 2. he gave up 45 hits and 13 earned runs (ERA 2.47) with 17 walks and 34 strikeouts. August was Powell's most effective month, when he pitched 20.1 innings in 7 relief appearances and one start, for a 0.89 ERA, allowing 21 hits and 2 runs, with 2 walks and 14 strikeouts. At the end of the season, the 33-year old expressed his interest in returning to Indianapolis for 2010, and apparently the Pirates were interested too.

1B Brian Myrow wasn't sure he was going to be back in 2010. Also 33 years old, Myrow led the International League in OBP (.412 with the Indians). And, it was the third straight year that he led his league in OBP, though it was the Pacific Coast League in 2007 and 2008. Myrow came to the Indians from the Charlotte Knights (White Sox) in June. He hit .277 for Charlotte and .281 for the Indians, with a total of 19 doubles, 11 homers, and 42 homers. July was his best month with the Indians, when he hit .316 and a .472 OBP. Nor has he missed a beat by heading south for the winter, where he's been playing for Los Estrellas de Oriente in the Dominican League. In 33 games for Los Estrellas, Myrow ended the season with a .330 average, 9 doubles, one triple, and 11 RBI, plus a .409 OBP. While Myrow probably did not have enough at-bats (112) to qualify for the official stat leaders, that .409 OBP is second only to league leader Erick Almonte (.457). Look for Myrow to be back in Indianapolis, getting on base, in 2010.

A few other transactions:

The Pirates have released infielder Deybis Benitez. Benitez, who is just 22, appeared in 8 games for State College in August. He went 2-for-15 with 2 RBI, 3 walks, and 8 strikeouts.

Former Indy Indian (2006) Scott Strickland, who has pitched for Los Bravos de Margarita in Venzuela this winter, has signed a minor league contract with the Marlins for 2010. The righty reliever pitched for AAA Albuquerque (Dodgers) in 2009 and had 32 saves and a 2.98 ERA in 50 relief appearances.

SS Anderson Machado, who spent part of the 2009 season with the Indians and the Altoona Curve, has signed a minor league contract with the Brewers for 2010.

Reliever Mike Koplove re-signed with the Mariners for 2010. Koplove pitched briefly for the Indy Indians in 2009, but was traded to the Mariners in August for... Deybis Benitez, who was just released.

Former Indy Indian (2006) 1B Chris Richard resigned with the Rays, where he's played for the past 3 seasons. In 2009, he got into 13 games with the Rays, but hit just .105.

Dominican League Closes; de Caster Homers

The Dominican League wrapped up their regular season on Monday night. Los Leones del Escogido won the division with a 30-19 record. In second place, 2.5 games behind were Los Tigres del Licey with a 28-22 record. Los Gigantes del Cibao came in 3rd, at 27-22, and Los Toros del Este were 4th at 27-23. All four of those teams will proceed on to the playoffs. Los Aguilas Cibaenas and Los Estrellas de Oriente finished at the bottom of the heap.

Aguilas Cibaenas 2, Toros del Este 0

CF Starling Marte got one more chance start for Los Aguilas in center field. He was hitless in 4 at-bats. Los Aguilas scored one run in the 4th and another in the 6th. Reliever Ramon Aguero pitched a perfect 8th inning with one strikeout.

Tigres del Licey 11, Estrellas de Oriente 0

Licey went out with a bang, holding Los Estrellas to just 4 hits, and only one over the first 6.2 innings. 1B Brian Myrow had no hits but walked twice. LF Maiko Loyola also had no hits but worked one walk. Meanwhile, Los Tigres collected 15 hits, including two singles and an RBI by Indy-area native 3B Jake Fox (A's). C Ronny Paulino went 0-for-2. Reliever Denny Bautista pitched to 2 batters in the 7th inning for Licey, giving up one of Los Estrellas' hits, and getting one fly out.

A few final stats:

Ramon Aguero (Aguilas Cibaenas): 15 relief appearances, 15 innings, 0-1 record; ERA 3.00, 10 hits, 5 runs, 7 BB, 16 K; average against .185

Denny Bautista (Tigres del Licey): 11 relief appearances, 7.2 innings, 0-0 record; ERA 4.70, 6 hits, 4 runs, 9 BB, 5 K; avg against .222

Starling Marte (Aguilas Cibaenas): 11 games, avg .231 (3-for-13), 1 BB, 2 K, 2 SB

Erik Kratz (Aguilas Cibaenas): 16 games, avg .065 (2-for-31), 1 double, 4 RBI, 5 BB, 11 K

Robinzon Diaz (Estrellas de Oriente): 38 games, avg .333 (47-for-141), 7 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run, 20 RBI, 4 BB, 6 K

Brian Myrow (Estrellas de Oriente): 33 games, avg .330 (37-for-112), 9 doubles, 1 triple, 11 RBI, 15 BB, 25 K

Pedro Lopez (Estrellas de Oriente): 19 games, avg .313 (15-for-48), 2 doubles, 4 RBI, 7 BB, 2 K

Maiko Loyola (Estrellas de Oriente): 30 games, avg .333 (10-for-30), 2 doubles, 1 homer, 4 RBI, 3 BB, 6 K

Ronny Paulino (Tigres del Licey): 9 games, avg .125 (3-for-24), 1 homer, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 3 K

Otherwise, it was a limited schedule in the winter leagues.

Yaquis de Obregon 10, Algodoneros de Guasave 5

Five runs in the 2nd inning gave Obregon a good start in the only Mexican Pacific League game, and Guasave could not catch up. The first nine Guasave batters went down in order, and they continued to struggle at the plate until the 7th inning. 3B Yurendell de Caster began the 7th with a single, and three more singles plus a fielding error brought in 3 runs. De Caster added two more in the 8th with a 2-run homer, his 4th of the season and second this week.

Ups And Downs For Cedeno

Sunday's winter league action with some Pirates' players and friends:

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE

Leones del Caracas 5, Aguilas de Zulia 4

Caracas came from behind to score all 5 runs in the last three innings and take the win. Zulia scored 1 run in the 5th and 2 more in the top of the 7th. Caracas' first run came in the bottom of the 7th on DH Carlos Maldonado's solo homer. Zulia got that run back in the top of the 8th, but Los Leones were not done yet. Two walks put runners on first and second bases with two outs, and reliever Chris Hernandez came on to pitch for Zulia. Hernandez gave up an RBI single, and a fielding error brought in another run to make the score 4-3. In the bottom of the 9th, three straight singles tied the score. A sacrifice bunt put two runners into scoring position and an intentional walk loaded the bases. Hernandez struck out the next batter, but then gave up a line drive single which drove in the winning run, and Hernandez was charged with the loss.

Tigres de Aragua 4, Caribes de Anzoategui 2 -- Game 1

Two doubles and an RBI single by 1B Hector Gimenez gave Aragua their first two runs in the bottom of the 1st. Los Caribes tied the game in the top of the 4th on two singles nad a double, but Aragua returned fire with two more runs in the bottom of the inning. A single, a stolen base, and a throwing error put a runner on third, and he scored on a wild pitch. Another wild pitch and a single brought in the second run. SS Ronny Cedeno was 0-for-3 in the game, and C Raul Chavez was hitless in 2 trips to the plate. Gimenez also doubled in the 6th inning was was doubled up on a line drive right to the second baseman.

Tigres de Aragua 3, Caribes de Anzoategui 0 -- Game 2

SS Ronny Cedeno had much better luck in the nightcap. He put down a successful sacrifice bunt in the 1st inning, singled in Los Tigres' rally in the 3rd inning, and hit an RBI single in the 5th inning. Aragua scored in the 2nd inning on two doubles, one by 1B Hector Gimenez. Raul Chavez went 0-for-2 again.

Navegantes del Magallanes 10, Cardenales de Lara

Magallanes exploded for 6 runs in the 4th inning as they sent 12 batters to the plate, stunning Los Cardenales. SS Argenis Diaz entered the game as a defensive replacement in the 7th inning. He made two plays at short but did not get a plate appearance. Reliever Jean Machi pitched the 9th inning for Magallanes, and allowed a walk but promptly erased the runner with a double play.

PUERTO RICAN LEAGUE

Leones de Ponce 5, Criollos de Caguas 3

Reliever RJ Rodriguez pitched 1.2 scoreless innings for Ponce and was credited with a Hold. With Ponce ahead 3-1 in the bottom of the 7th, a double and a ground out put a runner on third base for Caguas. Rodriguez entered the game at that point and kept the runner on third with a strikeout and a foul pop out. In the 8th, Rodriguez got the first out, then gave up a double and a walk, but got out of the inning with a double play. Caguas had only two hits over the first 6 innings -- a double to lead off the 3rd, and a solo homer to begin the 5th. They rallied for 2 more runs in the 9th but fell short. SS Luis Figueroa was 0-for-2 for Caguas, and CF Luis Matos had the double off Rodriguez in the 8th.

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Algondoneros de Guasave 6, Tomateros de Culiacan 2

Guasave jumped out to an early lead and did not let Culiacan catch up. A single by 3B Yurendell de Caster followed by a home run gave Guasave 2 runs in the 1st inning. Two singles and two doubles produced two more runs in the 3rd. Three more singles and an RBI ground out added another two in the 4th. After that, it was just a matter of holding on. Culiacan totalled 5 hits, and two of those were solo homers for their only scoring. 2B Luis Cruz singled after the homer in the 5th, and walked in the 7th, but was left on base both times.

DOMINICAN LEAGUE

Leones de Escogido 10, Tigres del Licey 1

Escogido rolled over Licey in this feline battle, with a 7-run 7th inning. During that inning, one batter walked on this sequence of pitches: passed ball, wild pitch, passed ball, wild pitch. The Licey catcher involved in that inning was NOT Ronny Paulino. Paulino had been in the game and went 0-for-3 at the plate, but had sat down in favor of a defensive replacement at the beginning of the 7th. Indy area native RF Jake Fox went 0-for-2 for Licey but was also replaced prior to the 7th inning.

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