PIRATES PROSPECTSPITTSBURGH PIRATES MINOR LEAGUE NEWS, TRANSACTIONS, AND ARTICLES

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.

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.

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.

Dean Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has talked to Pedro Alvarez about his off-season "boot camp" conditioning program at the Athletes' Performance Institute in Tempe, Arizona. Alvarez has been doing a lot of work, and it staying at API for most of the winter -- much longer than most other players stay there. Also, read all the way down to the end of the article, to see some projections of where the Pirates plan to have some of their prospects begin the 2010 season:

AAA Indianapolis: Brad Lincoln, Danny Moskos, Jose Tabata

AA Altoona: Gorkys Hernandez, Tim Alderson, Ramon Aguero, Chase d'Arnaud, Rudy Owens, Ronald Uviedo, Jeff Locke

A+ Bradenton: Tony Sanchez, Starling Marte, Bryan Morris, Robbie Grossman

Pirates' players and friends in Saturday's winter league action:

PUERTO RICAN LEAGUE

Criollos de Caguas 8, Leones de Ponce 5

Reliever RJ Rodriguez pitched two scoreless innings for Ponce, but a 4-run 3rd inning helped Caguas take the win. Four singles, including one each by former Indy Indians SS Luis Figueroa and CF Luis Matos, plus a bunt and a wild pitch contributed to that 4-run inning. Matos also doubled for Caguas in the 2nd inning, contributing to another run scored. Figueroa's sacrifice fly brought in yet another run in the 4th. Ponce scored their first 3 runs in the bottom of the 3rd. Caguas began the top of the 6th with a double, a triple, and a walk, and at that point Ponce brought in former Pirate farmhand Jorge Charry from the bullpen (Charry played in the independent Frontier League in 2009). Charry walked Luis Figueroa, then induced a double play, which allowed a second run to score. Charry began the 7th inning by giving up a single, and he was relieved by RJ Rodriguez. Rodriguez erased the single with a double play, then walked Matos, but Matos was caught stealing second base to end the inning. Rodriguez also pitched the 8th inning, allowing a lone single.

DOMINICAN LEAGUE

On Friday night, Los Gigantes del Cibao beat Los Estrellas de Oriente by a score of 3-0. DH Brian Myrow singled twice, and C Robinzon Diaz and LF Maiko Loyola each had a single, which accounted for 4 of Los Estrellas' 5 hits.

Tigres de Licey 5, Estrellas de Oriente 4

A walk, a stolen base, and a throwing error gave Licey the winning run in the top of the 10th inning. Los Estrellas had a 2-0 lead for most of the game. They scored those two runs in the 2nd inning, on an error by 1B Jake Fox, a double, and a 2-RBI single. In the top of the 8th, Licey finally got going, with a lead-off single by CF Jose Bautista, a triple, and a double. They added two more runs in the 9th, on singles by DH Timo Perez and Fox, and a wild pitch. But Licey came back to tie the score in the bottom of the 9th. DH Brian Myrow led off with a single, followed by another single, and a walk to pinch hitter Maiko Loyola to load the bases. A single by SS Junior Lake brought in two runs, and the score was tied at 4-4. That set up the drama in the top of the 10th, and Licey had the win.

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE

Cardenales de Lara 5, Tigres de Aragua 2

A 2-RBI triple and an RBI single gave Lara 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th, breaking a 2-2 tie. Aragua scored one run in the 2nd inning on a single, a throwing error on a pick-off attempt, and an RBI single by C Raul Chavez. SS Ronny Cedeno gave them their second run with a solo homer to lead off the 3rd inning. Lara scored on a home run in the 5th and a double and an RBI single in the 6th.

Leones del Caracas 5, Aguilas de Zulia 2

Reliever Ronald Uviedo pitched 2 scoreless innings for Caracas. He retired the side in order, including a strikeout, in the 7th. In the 8th, he gave up a single, but erased that batter with a double play that he started himself. Caracas's 5 runs all came in the 3rd inning, on three singles, a 3-RBI double, and an RBI single.

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Tomateros de Culiacan 5, Algodoneros de Guasave 4

Culiacan came from behind with three runs in the last two innings to take the win from Guasave. DH Jorge Vasquez homered in the 8th inning, and two more runs came in on four singles in the 9th. 2B Luis Cruz brought in Culiacan's first run in the 1st, when he walked with the bases loaded. He also doubled in the 8th after the homer. Vasquez also had a solo homer in the 6th. 3B Yurendell de Caster went 3-for-4 for Guasave. He walked and scored in the 2-run 1st inning and hit an RBI single in the 2nd. He tripled in the 4th but was left on base, and singled in the 9th but was out in a double play.

Yaquis de Obregon 4, Mayos de Navojoa 1

Both teams recorded 7 hits, but Obregon was able to take advantage of 7 walks in the game. Navojoa scored one run in the 2nd inning on three consecutive singles. Obregon came back with one in the 4th on a walk, a double, and a sacrifice fly. Single runs in each of the last three innings gave Obregon the win. RF Chris Snelling went 0-for-3 for Obregon.

The Winter Leagues are winding down. The Dominican League ends regular season play on Monday (Dec 21st) and the Venezuelan League's regular season ends on Wednesday (Dec 23rd). Both the Mexican Pacific League and the Puerto Rican League finish up on December 30th, with a mid-week break for Christmas.

In Friday's action:

PUERTO RICAN LEAGUE

Lobos de Arecibo 7, Criollos de Caguas 3

Shane Youman pitched 4.2 innings in his start for Arecibo, though he did not get credit for the win, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 5 batters. In the 1st inning, he gave up two singles and two walks, which gave Caguas one run. In the 5th, a single and a triple brought in another run. Youman was relieved after the triple. Arecibo also scored a run in the 1st inning, and added another run in the 3rd and 3 more in the 4th, to give them a 5-1 lead, and single runs in each of the 7th and 9th. Caguas scored one more time in the 8th inning.

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE

Navegantes del Magallanes 7, Caribes de Anzoategui 4

Los Caribes jumped out to an early lead with 4 runs in the top of the 1st inning on three doubles and a single. But Los Navegantes kept chipping away at their lead, as C Robinson Chirinos went 4-for-4, including a double and a homer. Homers also gave Magallanes a run in the 1st and 2 runs in the 6th. They also scored a run in the 3rd, 2 in the 7th, and one more in the 8th. LF Mike Ryan went 0-for-3 with a walk for Magallanes. Corey Hamman earned a Hold when he pitched to two batters in the 8th and got both out. Jean Machi collected his 16th save of the season with a perfect 9th inning of work.

Tigres de Aragua 4, Aguilas de Zulia 3

Aragua scored early in the game, then held off Zulia for the win. Los Tigres started with 3 runs in the bottom of the 1st. A walk began the inning, and SS Ronny Cedeno dropped down a sacrifice bunt to move the runner into scoring position. A single and two doubles each batted in a run. Cedeno also hit the second of three singles to add another run in the 2nd, and he bunted again in the 7th inning. Zulia homered in the 2nd inning for one run and scored two more in the 6th inning, but couldn't catch up to Aragua.

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Algodoneros de Guasave 5, Tomateros de Culiacan 1

2B Luis Cruz was hitless, and so were most of his teammates, as Culiacan was held to just 3 hits. They started the game in a promising way -- two singles, a ground out, and a wild pitch opened the game. They also had a single in the 2nd inning, but that was the last hit they would record. A fielding error and four walks put runners on base, but all were either left stranded or erased in a double play. Guasave got onto the scoreboard with 2 runs in the 4th inning, on three singles, including one by 3B Yurendell de Caster, and a walk. A solo homer gave them their first run in the 6th. Then de Caster singled, moved to third base on two walks, and scored on a sacrifice fly. Guasave picked up their final run in the 8th, when a hit batter with the bases loaded forced in a run.

Mayos de Navojoa 10, Yaquis de Obregon 1

An even more lopsided game -- Navojoa scored 5 runs in the 1st inning, and added 3 more over the next two innings. Obregon scored their only run in the top of the 9th, on a double and a single, and they had only 3 other hits in the rest of the game. RF Chris Snelling went 0-for-4 for Obregon.

Venados de Mazatlan 6, Caneros de Mochis 5

Rogelios Noris got into the game for Mazatlan for the first time in about 3 weeks. Mazatlan was trailing 5-3 going into the bottom of the 8th, but they tacked on a run in the 8th on a double and a single, and another in the 9th on a double, a sacrifice bunt, and a sacrifice fly to tie the score. Los Venados loaded the bases in the 10th, but couldn't push a run across. The bottom of the 11th began with a walk and a single, but the lead runner was thrown out trying to steal third base. The second runner slid in to second base safely, and Noris was brought in to pinch-run for his hometown team. After an intentional walk, C Miguel Ojeda singled into left field, and Noris flew around third and scored the winning run.

Two pitchers released by the Pirates have found new homes. Phil Dumatrait has signed a minor league contract with the Tigers, and Eric Hacker has signed the same with the Giants. Meanwhile, the Pirates have signed southpaw Javier Lopez, who has been in the Red Sox system, to fill the lefty void in their bullpen.

On the field staff front-- since the Pirates promoted Ray Searage up to Pittsburgh from Indianapolis, a new pitching coach was needed for the Indians. That job has gone to Dean Treanor, who has been the pitching coach in Altoona. A new hire, Tom Filer, is going to fill the vacancy in Altoona. Filer's playing career spanned 16 years, from 1978 until 1993, and he pitched in several organizations: Yankees, Cubs, Blue Jays, Brewers, and Mets. He has been a pitching coach since 1997, most recently in the Phillies organization. In 2009, he was the pitching coach in Williamsport in the New York-Penn League. </p.

Mike Lum has been hired as a coach for the GCL Bradenton Pirates. Lum, a Honolulu native, pitched for the Atlanta Braves from 1967 to 1981. He has coached for the White Sox and Royals in the mid- to late-80's.

I am listening to an interview with Neal Huntington on 104.7 right now, and I thought I should reiterate how refreshing it is to...

The Pirates signed left-handed reliever Javier Lopez today. Lopez posted some very good ERA’s with Boston in 2006-2008 before imploding in a short...

Pirates' players and friends in Thursday's winter League action. The Dominican League had the day off.

PUERTO RICAN LEAGUE

Indios de Mayaguez 12, Leones de Ponce 2

Mayaguez scored 5 runs in the 4th, and kept going from there. Ponce's reliever RJ Rodriguez had a rare bad outing. He entered the game in the 7th inning with the bases still loaded after one run had been walked in, and he got the ground out to end the inning. But when he came back out in the 8th, a throwing error by 3B Greg Picart, who had just entered the game, plus a double and a homer gave Mayaguez three more runs.

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE

Cardenales de Lara 5, Bravos de Margarita 3

Tim Harikkala made the start for Margarita and allowed Lara 2 runs on 6 hits over 5 innings. Both runs were solo homers, one in the 1st and one in the 2nd inning. Margarita took the lead with a single run in the 2nd, and two more runs in the 4th. Another solo homer by Lara tied the score in the 6th, and Lara won on a 2-run homer in the 8th. Reliever Romulo Sanchez was the pitcher of record at the time, after he'd gotten two outs to finish the top of the 8th inning, so he was credited with the win.

Aguilas de Zulia 7, Navegantes del Magallanes 6

Chris Hernandez earned his 15th save for Zulia with a perfect 9th inning, as Zulia held off Magallanes for the win. Zulia had an early 2-0 lead. Magallanes scored their first run on DH Mike Ryan's lead-off double and a sacrifice fly. Two singles and another sacrifice fly added their second run in the 6th inning. In the 7th, SS Argenis Diaz led off with a single, and another single and Ryan's walk loaded the bases. A single combined with a throwing error brought in three runs, and the third sacrifice fly of the game plated the fourth run of the inning. Magallanes was leading 6-3 going into the bottom of the inning, which began with two walks for Zulia. Corey Hamman came on in relief and walked the next batter to load the bases. Then a ground out, a sacrifice fly, and a single each brought in one run, to give Zulia the lead and eventually the win. Hamman was charged with the loss.

Caribes de Anzoategui 2, Tigres de Aragua 1

New Pirate Wil Ledezma suffered a tough loss for Aragua. He pitched into the 6th inning and gave up only 3 hits and 3 walks, with 9 strikeouts. A walk, a missed catch error, and a single gave Los Caribes an unearned run in the top of the 1st. Ledezma then retired 11 straight batters, taking him into the 5th inning, when he allowed a walk in the midst of three strikeouts. He gave up an earned run in the 6th on a walk and two singles, and was then removed from the game. Ledezma's teammates could not give him much run support, as Aragua scored only one run, and that came in the 3rd inning on a solo home run by C Raul Chavez. SS Ronny Cedeno went 0-for-4 in the game. 1B Hector Gimenez had two of the team's hits, both singles. Jorge Cortes started the game in center field but was replaced in the middle of the 3rd inning -- no reason specified.

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Naranjeros de Hermosillo 8, Algodoneros de Guasave 3

Hermosillo scored in four consecutive innings and benefitted from 7 strong innings by their starter Travis Blackley, to beat Guasave. 3B Yurendell de Caster was 0-for-3 with a walk for Guasave. The walk led off the 6th inning, and de Caster advanced to third base, but was left stranded at the end of the inning.

Yaquis de Obregon 4, Venados de Mazatlan 3

Obregon broke a 3-3 tie with a double, a sacrifice bunt, and an RBI single in the bottom of the 9th to take the win. RF Chris Snelling had the second single in Obregon's one-run rally in the 6th inning, though he was left on third base when the rally ended.

Mayos de Navojoa 6, Tomateros de Culiacan 1

The teams' stats for runners left on base tell the story of this game: Navojoa had 11 hits and left 4 base runners on, while Culiacan had 10 hits but left 12 runners on base. Culican had a runner on base in all but two innings, but only scored a run in the 6th, when 2B Luis Cruz led off with a double, moved to third base on a single, and scored on a sacrifice fly. Cruz walked in the 4th inning, when two walks and a single loaded the bases for Culiacan, but they were left loaded a few minutes later.

Wednesday's winter league action involving Pirates' players and friends....

PUERTO RICAN LEAGUE

Lobos de Arecibo 8, Leones de Ponce 1

Four runs in the 3rd inning got Arecibo started, and they just kept going from there, collecting a total of 14 hits. Ponce was limited to 7 hits and one run, which came in the top of the 9th. Pinch-hitter Greg Picart pinch-hit for Ponce in the 8th inning, but grounded out. He remained in the game at second base.

Indios de Mayaguez 7, Criollos de Caguas 3

Mayaguez was out-hit 9 to 6, but they made better use of the hits they did get. Los Indios scored one run in each of the first three innings, and then capped it off with 4 runs in the 7th. Caguas scored one in the 2nd and two more runs in the top of the 9th, but couldn't catch up. SS Luis Figueroa kept up his hot hitting (.363) with a single and a double. He doubled in the 3rd inning, but was out at the plate when he tried to score on the next batter's single. CF Luis Matos went 0-for-4.

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE

Cardenales de Lara 6, Tigres de Aragua 5

Aragua also out-scored their opponent, 14 - 7, but lost, as Lara came from behind to score 5 runs in the last three innings. Romulo Sanchez earned the win for Lara when he pitched 1.1 scoreless innings, with three strikeouts, and was the pitcher of record when his teammates scored the winning run in the bottom of the 9th. Aragua scored their first run in the top of the 1st inning, on SS Ronny Cedeno's solo homer. Cedeno walked to lead off the 5th inning, and came around to score on 1B Hector Gimenez's RBI single. Cedeno also walked in the 6th inning but was picked off base. CF Sam Fuld (Cubs) hit an RBI triple in that inning, and he scored while Lara was busy with Cedeno on the base paths. Gimenez also singled in the 9th inning, but did not score.

Leones del Caracas 11, Caribes de Anzoategui 6

A total of 18 pitchers participated in this 12-inning game, with 8 of those for Caracas and 10 for Los Caribes. Ronald Uviedo was one of the arms out of the Caracas pen. He pitched to two batters in the 6th, and struck them both out -- but, strike three on the first batter was a wild pitch, which allowed a run to score. Caracas scored 3 runs in the top of the 9th to tie the game, and send it into extras. Two walks, two doubles, and a 2-RBI homer gave them 5 runs in the top of the 12th for the win. Carlos Maldonado pinch-hit for Caracas in the top of the 9th, but popped out.

Navegantes del Magallanes 11, Aguilas de Zulia 4

Five runs in the top of the 1st gave Magallanes a lead they never gave up. Two walks and a throwing error loaded the bases, and an RBI single brought in one run before an out was recorded, then a homer, a double, and an RBI single did the rest of the damage. DH Mike Ryan had one of two walks in the 3rd inning, and he scored one of 3 runs. Ryan singled in the 4th inning, and two more doubles added to another 3-run rally. Ryan also doubled in the 6th, but did not score. Argenis Diaz was a late-inning replacement at shortstop for Magallanes, and he singled in his lone plate appearance.

DOMINICAN LEAGUE

Leones de Escogido 6, Estrellas de Oriente 0

Only 4 hits for Los Estrellas, though one was a single by C Robinzon Diaz in the top of the 1st. LF Brian Myrow was 0-for-3 with a walk. After Myrow's walk, which followed Diaz's hit in the 1st, the next 10 Estrellas' batters went down in order. They threatened in the 5th, loading the bases with three singles, but two strikeouts and a ground out left all three runners stranded. Los Leones scored all 6 of their runs in the 6th inning, on a single, five walks, and a 3-RBI double.

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Naranjeros de Hermosillo 4, Algodoneros de Guasave 3

These two teams took a scoreless tie into the bottom of the 7th, when Hermosillo finally scored two runs on two singles and a double. Guasave answered back with 3B/1B Yurendell de Caster's solo home run which led off the 8th inning. They took the lead with two more runs in the top of the 9th, on three singles and a throwing error. But Hermosillo won with a walk-off 2-run homer in the bottom of the 9th.

Tomateros de Culiacan 4, Mayos de Navojoa 3

Three runs in the bottom of the 8th gave Culiacan the win. They entered that inning behind 3-1, and put runners onto the corners with a walk, a ground out, and a fielder's choice grounder. 2B Luis Cruz reached on a fielding error, allowing the runner to score from third base. Another grounder forced Cruz out at second and again left runners on the corners. Then two RBI singles gave Culiacan the lead and the win. Cruz was hitless in three other trips to the plate. He was not having a good day in the field, either. His throwing error in the 3rd inning contributed to one of Navojoa's runs. He also committed a fielding error in the bottom of the 9th, though that turned out to be meaningless.

Venados de Mazatlan 7, Yaquis de Obregon 3

Mazatlan scored 4 runs in the 3rd inning, which began with a solo homer, and included two singles, a double, and a fielding error. LF Jon Weber homered twice for Mazatlan. Obregon scored two of their three runs with solo homers, one in the 2nd and one in the 5th. Three singles gave them their final run in the 9th. RF Chris Snelling singled in the 2nd, following that home run.

Former Indy Indian (2005) Jorge Velandia had been giving some suggestions over this past season that he was interested in coaching when his playing career was over. The Phillies have announced that they have hired Velandia to coach at NY-P League Williamsport for 2010. Tuesday evening, and the winter leagues are full of action, with some Pirates' players and friends:

PUERTO RICAN LEAGUE

Leones de Ponce 3, Indios de Mayaguez 0

The Ponce pitching staff held Mayaguez to just 5 hits for a shutout. Reliever RJ Rodriguez came in to pitch in the 8th inning, with one out and a runner on first base. Rodriguez gave up a single, then struck out the next two batters he faced, earning him a Hold.

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE

Leones de Caracas 4, Caribes de Anzoategui 3

Caracas came from behind to score three runs in the last two innings, and the winning run in the top of the 9th on CF Josh Kroeger's (White Sox) solo homer. Carlos Maldonado pinch hit for Caracas in the 8th inning but grounded out. Reliever Ronald Uviedo pitched to two batters for Caracas in the bottom of the 7th, and got both out.

Navegantes del Magallanes 3, Aguilas de Zulia 0

Corey Hamman and Jean Machi each pitched a scoreless inning for Magallanes. Hamman walked a batter, but erased him with a double play. Machi gave up a single, but then retired the next three batters to earn his 15th save. The rest of Los Navegantes' pitchers allowed only 3 other hits and kept Zulia from scoring. Magallanes scored a single run in each of the 3rd, 5th, and 7th innings. DH Mike Ryan singled in the 8th inning, but was left on base.

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Algodoneros de Guasave 8, Naranjeros de Hermosillo 2

Guasave was leading by one run when they burst out with 5 more runs in the top of the 9th to seal the deal. Two doubles, including one by 3B Yurendell de Caster, plus four singles and a walk added up to those 5 runs. De Caster also led off the 5th inning with a double and singled in the 1st inning.

Tomateros de Culiacan 3, Mayos de Navojoa 2 (11 innings)

A bases-loaded single in the bottom of the 11th gave Culican the win. Each team had scored one run in the 4th inning to get things started. Culican scored another run in the 6th, when 2B Luis Cruz doubled with two outs, and then scored on an RBI single. A solo homer by Navojoa tied the score in the top of the 9th. Culiacan threatened in the bottom of the 10th, when Cruz had the first of two walks, but both runners were left on base.

Yaquis de Obregon 10, Venados de Mazatlan 1

Obregon scored in four consecutive innings, including 4 runs in the 5th, and then two more in the 7th. Mazatlan posted 14 hits but left 12 runners on base and scored only one run in the 1st inning. Chris Snelling pinch-hit for Obregon and then remained in the game as the DH, but went 0-for-2.

DOMINICAN LEAGUE

Gigantes del Cibao 5, Estrellas de Oriente 4

An RBI double in the 9th broke the 4-4 tie to give Cibao the win. Los Estrellas took the early lead with a single, an error, and a sacrifice fly by Robinzon Diaz in the 1st inning. They added another run in the 5th inning and two more on a 2-run homer in the 6th.

The new Pirates' A+ affiliate located in Bradenton will be the Marauders. The team name and logo were announced today. Check out the logo on their home page here. The logo is a pirate with an eye patch like the parent team, but with a hat instead of a red bandanna and a fuller beard. The team colors will be black and gold with a little red, like those of Pittsburgh. Not a bad choice -- similar enough to the Pirates, but different enough to have their own identity too. The Marauders will be playing in the Florida State League. Remember that the Pirates and the Reds swapped A+ affiliates, with the Reds taking over the Lynchburg Hillcats. The Pirates acquired the team in Sarasota, and then moved them to Bradenton.

If you're already dreaming about the upcoming season (which begins in just 15 weeks, in case you haven't been counting), milb.com urges you to consider a road trip right here in Indiana. You can visit Victory Field to see our Indianapolis Indians, then continue on to the Fort Wayne Tin Caps (Padres) and the South Bend Silver Hawks (Diamondbacks), both in the Midwest League.

Some signing updates: Former Pirate/Indy Indian RHP TJ Beam has signed a minor league contract with the Diamondbacks for 2010. LHP Juan Perez has signed with the Dodgers. 1B Chris Richard has resigned with the Rays. Former Indy Indian (2004) C Chris Coste has signed a minor league contract with the Mets, and we may see him again when the Buffalo Bison are in town.

The Pirates have resigned C Milver Reyes to a minor league contract. Reyes was with the Altoona Curve for the 2009 season, though he also spent a lot of time on the disabled list. Despite only getting into 14 games, he hit .282. He had only 11 hits in the season (11-for-39) but 5 of the hits --nearly half-- were doubles. Reyes will probably be back in Altoona in 2010.

I found this interesting: The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees have had a lot of problems with drainage on their field -- or rather, the lack of drainage. The least bit of rain had them trying to play in a swamp. So, they have had a total make-over of their playing surface this fall, beginning just after the last game was played. You can see some photos of the process at the International League's page.