Winter Baseball Leagues

[Jim Goulart]

Sunday 10/30:

CF Esteury Ruiz 0-for-5, zero K's

CF Jackson Chourio, 1-for-5 (double), R, one K

2B Andruw Monasterio, 3-for-5, BB, 3 RBI, one K

RHP Arnaldo Hernandez, a scoreless 7th inning, got the win, allowed one single



 

[Jim Goulart]

Monday 10/31:

CF Esteury Ruiz 1-for-3 (line drive single), HBP, run, successfully stole 2nd base, caught stealing 3rd base (different sequence). Ruiz has yet to strike out in 15 at-bats (3-for-15), but he's only 1-for-3 in SB attempts.

***

RHP JC Mejia pitched a scoreless 6th and was credited with a hold, He walked one, the only baserunner to reach (no K's).
 

[Jim Goulart]

We'll have RHP Luis Perdomo to follow soon as well.
 

 

[markedman5]

 

[markedman5]

 

[Jim Goulart]

Tuesday 11/1:

CF Esteury Ruiz 0-for-4, three K's, team was the victim of a no-hitter (more on that below)

CF Jackson Chourio, 1-for-5 (the HR in the post above), one K, one fielding error

RHP Arnaldo Hernandez, got the save. Inherited a 1st and 2nd, one out situation in the 8th and fanned the first two batters he faced to escape. In the 9th, allowed two unearned runs in the 9th, partly due to an infield single by Andruw Monasterio, but utilized a GIDP to help close the 7-6 game.

Andruw Monasterio, 2-for-5, R, played right field of all places, this was his first game at that position as a pro at any level. Monasterio is hitting .500 (11-for-22).

RHP JC Mejia - earned his 3rd hold with a 1-2-3 8th inning, fanning the side (former MLB'ers Danny Santana, Alen Hanson and Addison Russell). Oh, by the way, he was part of a combined no-hitter, and you can watch the video highlights of Mejia's effort at the linked article

 

[Jim Goulart]

Wednesday 11/2:

CF Esteury Ruiz 1-for-4 (infield hit), SB, fielding error (4-for-23 thru six games, zero walks, three K's)

CF Jackson Chourio, 0-for-5, one K (9-for-38 thru nine games, .624 OPS)

2B Andruw Monasterio, 0-for-4, BB, R, two K's, fielding error (4th in six games)

 

[Jim Goulart]

Thursday 11/3:

CF Jackson Chourio, 0-for-4, no K's, (9-for-42 thru ten games, .566 OPS, only one walk).

So close on this dive -

 

Chourio was the only player seeing action Thursday, several rainouts. 

Catching up from Wednesday, catcher Jason Lopez (Biloxi, 2022) made his winter debut and singled in his only plate appearance thus far.

[UpandIn]

On 10/30/2022 at 5:03 PM, Mass Haas said:

 

Does that short hop the catcher? I can't tell if the catcher just has to go down to catch it or if it bounces. It's not a huge deal either way, just trying to get a read on his arm. 

If he bounces it up there...it's a good, accurate throw, but not great arm strength(not Khris Davis arm strength either). If he gets it there on the fly, it's a nice throw...albeit from shallow Center. 

Incredible hands at the play. Just a smooth, easy swing, but the way he barrels it up, this kid is going to be a lot of fun to follow. 

[Jim Goulart]

Friday 11/4:

CF Jackson Chourio, 3-for-5, one K (12-for-47 thru 11 games, .633 OPS) - Chourio was shifted to 7th in the order, removed from the leadoff spot, and he responded with three singles and an RBI

Due to rainouts or sitting out, Chourio was the lone winter baller in action Friday.

[Jim Goulart]

Saturday 11/5:

CF Esteury Ruiz - Moved to the 9th spot in the lineup from leadoff, 1-for-3, bunt single (advanced to second base on an error), R, BB, zero K's - now 5-for-26, one walk, three K's

CF Jackson Chourio, again batting 7th, 1-for-3, BB - Chourio's team was shut out 2-0 despite ten base hits and five walks, 13 LOB, 0-for-10 RISP

C Jason Lopez - 2-for-3, BB, R, RBI, K including:

Busy mound day:

RHP Luis Perdomo - the 40-man roster member pitched a 1-2-3 6th inning, one K in his winter debut

RHP JC Mejia - pitched a scoreless 8th, worked around a one-out single, got the win - Mejia has been spotless thus far, eight games - 9 IP, 0.00 ERA, 3 H, 1 BB, 9 K. No team claimed Mejia after his August 18th placement on waivers, but could he be a candidate to be lost in December's Rule 5 draft?

RHP Arnaldo Hernandez - pitched a 1-2-3 7th, one K. In four games (4.2 IP), Hernandez also has an ERA of 0.00 (two unearned runs), zero BB, 3 K

Also - 

Catcher Brian Navarreto is no longer listed on the roster of his Dominican League team. 

From a translated article of October 29th:

The Toros del Este announced the hiring of catcher David Bañuelos, who will replace Brian Navarreto, also a mask on his roster.

Bañuelos has several days in the country and will be ready to debut this Saturday in Santiago, replacing Navarreto who had to leave last night's game after receiving a blow to the head, which will take him out of the game for what remains of his contract.

The manager explained that Navarreto was interested in fulfilling the remaining days of his contract, but the medical staff recommended rest due to the blow he received.

NOTE: Navarreto is a native of Puerto Rico and is now listed on the roster of Gigantes de Carolina of the Puerto Rico Winter League, which begins play today (Sunday the 6th), or so it appears. Navaretto's MiLB Player Page also lists the switch.

[Jim Goulart]

Sunday 11/6:

CF Esteury Ruiz batted 9th, 0-for-4, one K, now 5-for-30, yet to walk in eight games (.388 OPS)

CF Jackson Chourio, 1-for-2 (double), sacrifice bunt, OPS climbing at .681 after 52 at-bats, just two walks thus far (one intentional)

2B Andruw Monasterio, who has seen limited time this week, struck out in a pinch-hit appearance

C Jason Lopez had a pinch-hit double. He's 4-for-5 on the winter and sports a 2.433 OPS!

C Brian Navarreto, as we noted in yesterday's post, has made his way to his native Puerto Rico. That league began play Sunday, and Navarreto singled and walked in three plate appearances.

The only other known Brewer in Puerto Rico is RHP Matt Hardy, who did not pitch on his team's Opening Day.

RHP JC Mejia was brought in to pitch the bottom of the 9th after his team had just scored two runs in the top of the frame to tie things at 5-5. After a groundout and pop out this happened:

 

[Outlander]

On 11/6/2022 at 6:08 AM, Mass Haas said:

RHP JC Mejia - pitched a scoreless 8th, worked around a one-out single, got the win - Mejia has been spotless thus far, eight games - 9 IP, 0.00 ERA, 3 H, 1 BB, 9 K. No team claimed Mejia after his August 18th placement on waivers, but could he be a candidate to be lost in December's Rule 5 draft?

I think there is a pretty good chance Mejia is selected. The rule 5 restrictions don't really matter since he is out of options anyway. If a team picks him and he works out, great, otherwise he is DFA and can be claimed.

[Joseph Zarr]

8 hours ago, Mass Haas said:

Sunday 11/6:

CF Esteury Ruiz batted 9th, 0-for-4, one K, now 5-for-30, yet to walk in eight games (.388 OPS)

CF Jackson Chourio, 1-for-2 (double), sacrifice bunt, OPS climbing at .681 after 52 at-bats, just two walks thus far (one intentional)

2B Andruw Monasterio, who has seen limited time this week, struck out in a pinch-hit appearance

C Jason Lopez had a pinch-hit double. He's 4-for-5 on the winter and sports a 2.433 OPS!

C Brian Navarreto, as we noted in yesterday's post, has made his way to his native Puerto Rico. That league began play Sunday, and Navarreto singled and walked in three plate appearances.

The only other known Brewer in Puerto Rico is RHP Matt Hardy, who did not pitch on his team's Opening Day.

RHP JC Mejia was brought in to pitch the bottom of the 9th after his team had just scored two runs in the top of the frame to tie things at 5-5. After a groundout and pop out this happened:

 

You might remember my in-season request the Brewers seek out a trade of Jerar Encarnación from the Marlins to pair the corner outfield upstart, one Joey Wiemer. Encarnación is a 5-Tool prospect. He has size, speed, range, massive power, improving. contact, and a cannon of an arm. Of course, after he was promoted from Pensacola it was left a mere dream of my own making?. He's a stud.

[Jim Goulart]

Monday 11/8:

C Mario Feliciano - Feliciano made his Puerto Rico winter ball debut batting 2nd as the designated hitter, going 2-for-5, three RBI (one K) in a 7-3 win. Feliciano had a two-run ground ball single to center in the 4th, and a line drive RBI single to center in the 8th. (Box / Log)

C Brian Navarreto - Feliciano's teammate at Nashville in 2022, Navarreto is again a teammate. He was 1-for-4 (line drive single to center), scoring a run. Navarreto always shines defensively and threw out the lone baserunner who dared.

RHP Matt Hardy - Made his 2022 debut in the Puerto Rico League in style, netting a hold and helping his team combine on a shutout in a 2-0 win, tossing scoreless 6th and 7th innings. The very first two batters Hardy faced had ground ball singles that reached the outfield, before a GIDP and K quickly ended things. Hardy then pitched a 1-2-3 7th with two more ground ball outs. (Box / Log)

The Dominican and Venezuelan Leagues were both idle on Monday. The Brewers have yet to have a Mexican League participant in 2022. The Arizona Fall League was also off, but 4th place Glendale returns to action Tuesday afternoon (current standings with AFL action winding down).

Reminder - we are up to ten Brewers participating this winter season, including three 40-man roster members (Feliciano, Esteury Ruiz, Luis Perdomo). Track all players' statistical exploits here.

[Jim Goulart]

Tuesday 11/8:

CF Esteury Ruiz needed this game - 3-for-3 along with a walk and stolen base, scoring two runs. The knocks for the RH hitter were described as on a ground ball to left field, a line drive to left field and a line drive to right field (Box / Log) For his efforts, Ruiz, won the "Bull Chain"

CF Jackson Chourio, 2-for-3 (double), RBI, K. But ouch, Chourio was picked off 3rd base with two outs in the 7th after his team had just added a run to go up 2-0 (which was the final score). Also, Chourio started in right field before shifting back over to center. (Box / Log)

That Chourio box score can also be used to check in on RHP Arnaldo Hernandez. Hernandez allowed a line drive single to center to his late-season Biloxi teammate Chourio within that 7th inning, allowing one run on two hits and an HBP.

Catcher Mario Feliciano had a personal night to forget though his team prevailed by a 3-1 score with him behind the plate - 0-for-5, one K. Four baserunners stole bags, one on a double steal at home. (Box / Log)

RHP Luis Perdomo earned a hold with a hitless 7th inning, one HBP in the mix, no K's (Box / Log)

Reminder - we are up to ten Brewers participating this winter season, including three 40-man roster members (Feliciano, Esteury Ruiz, Luis Perdomo). Track all players' statistical exploits here.

[wibadgers23]

Chourio certainly holding his own in a league where the average age is 10 years older than him.

[Jim Goulart]

Wednesday 11/9:

CF Esteury Ruiz - 0-for-3, one K in his team's 1-0 win, batted 9th (Box / Log) 

CF Jackson Chourio - 0-for-4, one K in his team's 4-0 loss, batted 5th (Box / Log) 

There were two outs, so the 3rd base coach was in "go" mode, but still a decent throw here -

RHP Arnaldo Hernandez - Allowed a single and a walk in a scoreless 7th opposing Chourio's team in the above box score, including a strikeout of Chourio.

1B Mario Feliciano - yes, playing first base for the first time since a single game six years ago in this same Puerto Rico League as a 17-year-old - 0-for-4, one K (Box / Log)

C Brian Navarreto - Feliciano's teammate had a huge game in the 3-1 win, 3-for-3 with a walk (HR, double, two RBI), threw out one of two baserunners. We likely will not see much, if any, video out of Puerto Rico this winter season.

C Jason Lopez - With a 3-for-5 night (R, RBI, K), the 24-year-old Lopez is now 7-for-10 and sports a 1.827 OPS. That's good, right? (Box / Log)

RHP JC Mejia - Allowed one run in his inning, after two K's, single, SB, single (Box / Log)

Reminder - we are up to ten Brewers participating this winter season, including three 40-man roster members (Feliciano, Esteury Ruiz, Luis Perdomo). Track all players' statistical exploits here.

[Ro Mueller]

26-year old RHP Luis Contreras joined the Arizona Fall League late (injury filler for RHP Logan Henderson) and left early, as he pitched a 1-2-3 inning (and was credited with a win) for Cardenales de Lara in Venezuela yesterday.

Ah, and the C Jason Lopez Winter Sensation experience continues: 3-for-3 yesterday, now 10-for-13 (.769 average) as the 24-year old helped lift Bravos de Margarita to a win.

[Ro Mueller]

Summation of Thursday (11/10) – Sunday (11/13) Results

I'll try to post these Winter League updates daily, but here's a catch-up covering 4 days of action (well, mainly inaction for our stud position player prospects). At least C Jason Lopez is mashing and our pitchers are performing well:

• C Jason Lopez – 4-for-7, HR, double, RBI
• 2B Andrew Monasterio – 2-for-11, HR, double, 2 walks, 2 RBIs
• C Brian Navarreto – 1-for-8, double
• C Mario Feliciano – 1-for-14
• OF Esteury Ruiz – 0-for-5, walk
• OF Jackson Chourio – 0-for-7, walk
• RHP Arnaldo Hernandez – 2 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 3 Ks
• RHP Luis Perdomo – 1 2/3 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 Ks
• RHP Matt Hardy – 1 1/3 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 3 Ks
• RHP Luis Contreras – 1 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 1 K
• RHP JC Mejia – 1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 1 K

[Ro Mueller]

Here's a nice defensive highlight for OF Esteury Ruiz in the Dominican Republic: 

 

[Ro Mueller]

Winter League Action from Monday, November 14

• C Mario Feliciano – 1-for-6 – as Carolina split a doubleheader of 1-0 games
• C Brian Navaretto – 1-for-5, double – for the same Carolina team in Puerto Rico
• RHP Matt Hardy – 1 1/3 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 3 Ks – in Caguas 4-1 defeat to RA12 (Roberto Alomar’s club) in Puerto Rico
• OF Esteury Ruiz entered as a pinch runner in the 8th inning, stole two bases and scored an important insurance run in Toros’ 6-5 win over Gigantes in the Dominican Republic
• RHP Luis Perdomo – 2/3 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 K – pitched in defeat for Gigantes
• RHP JC Mejia – 1 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 1 K – in Tigres’ 3-1 victory over Estrellas in the Dominican Republic

[Robocaller]

Has anyone seen a cost-benefit of having prospects play in winter ball? I'm sure it varies from player to player--some didn't get enough work during the regular season, some got more than enough--but I wonder if it's generally a good idea. 
I'd want some time off (and a chance to concentrate on building strength/speed/etc. in the weight room and track).

[Ro Mueller]

Winter League Action from Tuesday, November 15

• RF Jackson Chourio – 1-for-3 – in Aguilas’ 5-3 loss to Tigres
• 1B Jesus Chirinos (welcome to Winter League Ball!) – 1-for-4 – in Aguilas’ loss
• 2B Andruw Monasterio – 2-for-4, RBI – in Caribes’ 4-3 victory over Leones
• RHP Luis Contreras (credited with the win) – 1 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 0 K – in Cardenales’ 14-5 win over Bravos
• CF Esteury Ruiz – 0-for-2, walk – in Toros’ 3-1 loss to Gigantes
• 1B Mario Feliciano – 0-for-3, walk – in Carolina’s 1-0 loss to Mayaguez
• C Brian Navarreto – 2-for-4 – in Carolina’s loss

[Jim Goulart]

Latest from Wednesday 11/16 -

Esteury Ruiz: Late defensive sub only

Jackson Chourio: 2-for-4, double, one R, one RBI

Jesus Chirinos: 0-for-1, K as pinch-hitter

Brian Navarreto: 2-for-4, R, as the DH

Andruw Monsterio: 1-for-3, 2 BB, RBI, played second base

Jason Lopez: 1-for-4, BB, R; threw out both attempted basestealers, but did commit one throwing error

JC Mejia - scoreless 9th inning in an 8-1 win, no K's; only allowed a two-out double

Matt Hardy - got the save. Came in up 6-3 with one out and a man on 1st in the 9th. Walked the first man he faced, then induced a GIDP to end it.

Reminder - we are up to 11 Brewers participating this winter season, including three 40-man roster members (Mario Feliciano, Esteury Ruiz, Luis Perdomo). Track all players' statistical exploits here.