Jim Goulart

Milwaukee Brewers Top 10 Prospects by Christopher Crawford and Baseball Prospectus Prospect Staff Enjoy...

Bear with this please (all translated text) -- Javier Betancourt values the experience with Lions Alexander Mendoza | Press LVBP http://www.lvbp.com/img/news/big/5007.jpg CARACAS - Javier Betancourt was one of the first out to test the swing, during the final game of Lions at Jose Bernardo Perez Stadium. It is a usual practice of the rookie, who first faced the responsibility of being in the roster of Caracas. "It's an experience that will be unforgettable. I never imagined I would be here at such a young age. It is the first time I wear this shirt, "said the young infielder who just turned 20 in May. "I'm really happy with the opportunities I have received and, fortunately, things have gone well. The manager (Alfredo Pedrique) has placed such confidence in me and I could respond. I always practice early. I hope that everything remains the same. I'm enjoying it. " Betancourt has a responsibility to themselves and the team, but also with his family. His middle name is Alfonzo, one of the most reputed names in baseball in the country. "For me it is a commitment to continue the family tradition. My uncles are Edgar and Edgar. They were great players, shone in the league, one Lions and the other with Magellan. In addition Edgardo was a star with the New York Mets. I would like to continue with that dynasty. Every time I go to the field I think about it. Seeking to defend this legacy every day, "said Betancourt. Edgar Alfonzo is part of the coaching staff and must spend the same amount of time spent helping the rest of the players of the club, but the fraternal ties are always there. It is something that can not be avoided. His other uncle Robert was scout and now manages an academy. Giovanny cousins, who takes his first steps with the Miami Marlins, after being taken in the college draft, and Edgar who was part of the capital bullpen, are children of Edgar. Sometimes called Alfonzo carries significant weight. "Yes. Has its positive and negative things, because there is always the comparison, it is something you can not avoid. But I focus on the positive. I have to take my uncle Edgar near the computer at this point. We talked about the game, from the conviction with which to do this work. We talked about trying to get better every day, help the team and take advantage of opportunities to play well. " Edgar Alfonzo was also his coach in the farm system of the Detroit Tigers. "It's starting and want to start doing things right," said Alfonzo. "My sister is an annoying (laughs), always you want to be on top of it. Now there are many more distractions than when you were their age. Play Station, laptops, mobile phones. You have to keep focused. It's what we do Robert, Edgar and I ... did not expect to give him much chance, but in practice did very well and one with the big team won." "Having my uncle here is to help the team if I improve I help the team," says Betancourt. "He is a very experienced coach, but also is a support off the field. As a family, their advice is also life, because it is older and has been through what I'm living. Your comments during the games are the same as you say to any other infielder, the difference is that I know him since childhood. " Betancourt finished the season in 11th place among the top prospects in Detroit, an organization that sent him to Milwaukee nothing less than a change of Francisco Rodriguez, one of the best relief pitchers in major league history. The Brewers are in a process of renewal and shortly after the transaction will put the prospect tag number 20 the newcomer. (By the way, isn't that a great tagline -- "The Brewers are in a process of renewal") "I think to be playing in the LVBP helps a young player like me, no matter where you start in 2016," he said. "The concentration that should be in every game is something unique, something that had never before faced. I never played much talent around. I've been in spring training the majors, but is not the same. With all these fans. The adrenaline flows. It's something you have to live. " http://lvbp.com/img/news/big/5006.jpg Betancourt has appeared in three games against Magellan, the eternal rival of Caracas, a game that captures the attention of much of the country. A series in which a different championship is played regularly. "If you're not into the party in a momentico get lost and that can cost a defeat," explained the talented second baseman. "That's what I want to lead America to be better." Yorvit Torrealba, a sort of mentor in the cave of the Lions, recently said he was surprised with the talent of the next generation of leaders of Caracas. "I am extremely happy with them. They want to learn, listen, are respectful, hard to know how to play baseball. They have a great marriage. No more can be asked, especially position players", said the experienced receiver. Betancourt was one of the few rookies that has remained throughout the year with the club. Thanks to his great attitude. "I think the key was support among all. When the season started and we saw that we had made the team, all rookies sat together because we wanted to learn the game, to try to adapt to the level we were watching, waiting to be called. 'This opportunity can be yours because you're left-handed,' I said to (Harold) Castro or 'prepared' to (Yoxhian) Medina, if there was a defensive change. We kept abreast of everything that happened. Also with Dixon (Machado). 'Try to hit in the first inning to demand the ball.' All the hunger to play and do your best. If you asked the ball was because you had connected a hit to help the team. We had to earn the trust of Pedrique. That it was and still is a great motivation, "he said. Pedrique commends the efforts of the young, but he knows that as the season progresses, his playing time will be reduced. "With the additions we've had, the bank has gained in experience," said the strategist. "I think the guys have done a great job because at first had to send the ring in situations they are not used. When using a boy at the end of the game, you have to face a setup or a closer, that is, men of experience between Triple A and the majors. However, I congratulate because they have been warriors, aggressive, have not had any fear. " Betancourt ligated just three hits in 17 innings in November. Now its role is limited to pinch-runner and defensive replacement. In October shook 11-5, a home run and five RBIs in four games. "This is a job every day. Always grab pen and paper to write down everything not to miss. You have to be ready to take a turn, or running out to defend. If I'm on the roster I am what I will do. It all adds up. Pedrique manager likes to give opportunity to all players, both experience as a novice. He knows what everyone can do and that's what matters. " A subtracted Betancourt still long way to go, but the tradition of his lineage is not at risk. "Alfonzo, BETTER THAN BETANCOURT" When Javier Betancourt was a child and played in the minor baseball dreamed of being like his uncle Edgardo Alfonzo and take their name on the back. "That was a long time ago (laughs), when I was initiating me into the ball," said infielder. "I wanted to be like Edgardo, go figure. He said it was not Javier Betancourt but Alfonzo. Then I cried because Betancourt placed on my shirt. 'I Call me Alfonzo' he said and began to get the full name and looked huge in the back (laughs). It was so close, he was my idol and my family. Things dude. But as I got older, I realized that was not going to stop being Alfonzo because my last name is Betancourt. I always will be an Alfonzo".

Dominican Box Wednesday 12/2 SS Jonathan Villar was 1-for-3 and drove in a run on a sacrifice fly in his club's 6-4 win. Villar remained perfect on the basepaths with his (league-leading -- tied) 8th theft. Until he possibly re-signs with the Crew, we'll make a final Elian Herrera note here -- 1-for-4 (double, walk, RBI, two runs scored, error at second base). *** Dominican Box Wednesday 12/2 Jason Rogers'Licey club won 5-4, as Rogers, batting 3rd as the designated hitter in this one, was 1-for-4 with an HBP, RBI, run, K. Rogers was bumped from the first base spot by old friend Sean Halton, making his winter debut for this season. Their teammate Domingo Santana, in LF and batting 7th, was 0-for-4 with a run scored, two K, as his very quiet winter continued (.211, 12-for-57, only one extra-base hit). Twitter translation is the worst, but the amount of venom that is sent Santana's way by passionate Dominican fans on a nightly basis is massive. This box score featured four other players who were Milwaukee property at one point (kudos if you get all four, as one was traded by the Crew before he ever appeared in an official game for the organization -- answer at the bottom of this post). It would be too much to report on all Brewer alumni consistently here, naturally, as they're scattered everywhere in these daily box scores. *** Puerto Rico Box Wednesday 12/2 17 innings, five hours, 32 minutes. And SS Yadiel Rivera's team didn't win, dropping a 4-3 decision. Rivera was 2-for-7 (triple, walk, run, one K). Rivera's teammate, Omar Garcia, appeared as a pinch-runner. *** Puerto Rico Box Wednesday 12/2 Catcher Rene Garcia (big league training camp invite) 0-for-3, two K's in a 2-1 loss. *** Venezuela Box Wednesday 12/2 20-year-old 2B Javier Betancourt was 1-for-2 (walk, K) in his team's 7-1 loss. That's a .777 OPS in 13 games (30 at-bat small sample). Betancourt committed his first error of the winter in this one. On the other side of the box score, the possible future big league middle-infield tandem partner, SS Orlando Arcia, batting 9th, was 0-for-3 with a walk. *** Venezuela Box Wednesday 12/2 Recent Brewer alumnus Luis Sardinas made his winter debut, going 3-for-5. RHP Jim Miller dodged a bullet or two but stranded a runner and had a bounceback scoreless outing after a rough one last time out -- Lara Bottom of the 7th Gabriel Noriega flies out to center fielder Yonathan Daza. Rubi Silva strikes out swinging. Maikol Gonzalez singles on a fly ball to right fielder Jose Martinez. Ildemaro Vargas singles on a line drive to center fielder Yonathan Daza. Maikol Gonzalez to 2nd. With Jairo Perez batting, wild pitch by Kyler Newby, Maikol Gonzalez to 3rd. Ildemaro Vargas to 2nd. Jairo Perez reaches on a fielding error by left fielder Carlos Arroyo. Maikol Gonzalez scores. Ildemaro Vargas scores. Pitching Change: Jim Miller replaces Kyler Newby. Rangel Ravelo flies out to center fielder Yonathan Daza. Lara Bottom of the 8th Paulo Orlando singles on a ground ball to third baseman Sean Burroughs. With Carlos Guzman batting, Paulo Orlando steals (1) 2nd base. Wild pitch by pitcher Jim Miller. Paulo Orlando out at home, left fielder Carlos Arroyo to catcher Jorge Alfaro. Carlos Guzman singles on a fly ball to center fielder Yonathan Daza. Anderson De La Rosa flies out to center fielder Yonathan Daza. Gabriel Noriega singles on a ground ball to right fielder Jose Martinez. Carlos Guzman to 2nd. Rubi Silva pops out to shortstop Luis Sardinas. OK, so man on first is running, stolen base, also advances to 3rd on a wild pitch. Catcher must have sailed a throw to third base into left field, upon which the runner makes a dash for home but is thrown out, right? *** TRIVIA ANSWER: Eugenio Velez, Matt Clark, Hector Gomez, and RHP Jairo Asencio (Wikipedia: Asencio signed a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training with the Milwaukee Brewers on Nov. 5, 2012.[9] On March 25, 2013, he was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for a player to be named later or cash (it would be cash).

Very nice, thanks -- outside of incorrectly still listing LHP Cesar Jimenez as a Brewer, this sortable stat page is also very helpful.

Some more from Sickels with a list of his top 37 Brewers prospects, but merely listed in alphabetical order at this point. Milwaukee Brewers preliminary prospect list EDIT: Make sure to check out the comments section as Sickels made some adjustments to his original list (now at 35) and gives a preview by including his ranking (A-) and commentary of Orlando Arcia. In the comments, in addition to giving Arcia an A-, he says that Hader is at least a B - maybe a B+ prospect. He also mentions that Jorge Ortega and David Denson are C prospects (and didn't make his list). He noted the really low K rate for Ortega as a red flag. Sickels hasn't posted his specific grades to each player, but he did post the grade breakdown of the Brewers: A = Zero A- = 1 (we know this is Arcia) B+ = 3 B = 3 B- = 8 C+ = 9 C = 11 This was based on 35 guys he was considering for the list. Very important - prior to 2014 we had 1 B (nelson) and 4 B- prospects. This year we are going to have 15 guys who are B- and above. That's a huge jump in two years. We can probably make educated guesses at the B+ guys - Clark, Lopez, Phillips. Maybe Hader. Hader was mentioned in the earlier posts as at least a B guy. Other B prospects could come from Lara or Kodi - and Sickels has always like Houser, Coulter and Devin Williams - so you never know. No matter what, it's a greatly improved farm system. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2015/12/1/9814784/milwaukee-brewers-preliminary-prospect-grade-distribution-breakdown December 2nd update: To complete the three-part analysis process, John Sickels unveils his Brewers Top 20.

Via the Timber Rattlers' site -- Frosty Microbrews: New Beginnings & Fresh Starts Trent Clark and Malik Collymore starting in the Brewers system By Kyle Lobner / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

Just as MiLB.com did, the ultimate team honor lands in Biloxi, via Baseball America.

Latest Rattler Radio podcast with Chris Mehring and Kyle Lobner discussing Trent Clark, Malik Collymore and much more

Latest Rattler Radio podcast with Chris Mehring and Kyle Lobner discussing Trent Clark, Malik Collymore and much more *** AUDIO via WSSP's "Chuck and Wickett" -- Brian Anderson joins the show for the hour (42 minute podcast sans commercials) to discuss the Brewers, but naturally, much more with the versatile (and busy) broadcaster *** AUDIO Via WSSP's "Big Show" -- MLB.com Mike Bauman

Puerto Rico Box Tuesday 12/1 21-year-old RHP Joshua Torres made his 4th appearance of the winter, and first since November 24th -- Caguas Top of the 6th Pitching Change: Joshua Torres replaces Jonathan Sanchez. Trever Adams strikes out swinging. Ryan Kalish singles on a fly ball to center fielder Isaac Ballou. David Vidal doubles (8) on a line drive to left fielder Danny Ortiz. Ryan Kalish scores. Pitching Change: Hoby Milner replaces Joshua Torres. Henry Ramos singles on a ground ball to third baseman Ruben Gotay. David Vidal scores. Henry Ramos to 2nd. Throwing error by third baseman Ruben Gotay. Arnaldo Berrios called out on strikes. Juan Silva called out on strikes *** Puerto Rico Box Tuesday 12/1 In a suspended game tied 2-2 after nine innings, catcher Rene Garcia was 1-for-3 (walk, RBI, one stolen base against on defense). On the other side of the box score, shortstop Yadiel Rivera left his hot bat in Arizona, as an 0-for-4 night (one K) has him at .105 (3-for-28, no walks) in his some-might-say "rushed" winter league stint. *** Dominican Box Tuesday 12/1 Save some for the regular season, Jonathan Villar! Playing shortstop, Villar reached base three times (triple, single, intentional walk), and remained perfect on the basepaths with his 7th steal in 21 games. He did commit his 6th winter error in his team's 5-4 loss. *** Dominican Box Tuesday 12/1 First baseman Jason Rogers (1-for-4) and RF Domingo Santana (0-for-3) saw their team drop a 3-1 contest. *** The Venezuelan League concluded their mid-season break Tuesday, back to action Wednesday.

Top portion here originally posted November 26th -- From the overnight twitterverse December 1st -- Luis Cordero already w/Brewers. Infinite thanks to God for another chance one of our players and scouts Alcides Melendez, Fernando Veracierto and Manny Batista to believe in our players. The Brewers don't have a Venezuelan academy nor field a Venezuelan Summer League team (all the kids go to the Dominican complex), but they have a strong scouting presence there, and in recent seasons, several of the higher-end Latin talents in the system hail from Venezuela, so signings like this are always welcome news. Similar to the other signings listed above, we'll wait on the media guide and/or prospect blurbs from Baseball America if warranted. As for the Brewers' search beyond the Dominican, let's remember that RHP Carlos Luna, who earned Dominican Summer League All-Star MVP (and season-long All-Star honors) was signed out of Panama in July 2013 and broke out in his second pro season. Signs with his left hand, and yes, he is a pitcher -- Brief bullpen video

Surprisingly, Martin was released on June 12th. We wish the young man well going forward. Looks like Martin, after not playing in 2015, has signed with the Marlins, listed as a catcher, as per Baseball America. Congrats to him.

Dominican Box Monday 11/30 2B Elian Herrera's quiet early winter continued (.205 average through nine games) with an 0-for-4, one error. Fans of former Brewer Matt Clark will note his name in the box (2nd game of the winter). *** Dominican Box Monday 11/30 1B Jason Rogers was 0-for-3 but drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in his team's 6-2 win. *** No games in Venezuela or Puerto Rico Monday.

Catcher Juan Centeno to Minnesota the latest update...

Written from a fantasy perspective, but a solid Top 10 from SB Nation Fake Teams.

Orlando Arcia indicated he will play winter ball until the last week of December, but may petition the Brewers to continue into January should his club qualify for continued post-season play. As many will remember, all the winter leagues play a convoluted extended round-robin season with the majority of teams qualifying after what they consider the "regular season" is complete.

Puerto Rico Box Sunday 11/28 Catcher Rene Garcia was 0-for-2, one walk, before being pinch-hit for in the 9th inning of a 3-1 loss. *** Puerto Rico Box Sunday 11/28 RHP Hiram Burgos retired all nine men he faced for a save in a 7-1 win -- in six scoreless innings over three appearances, Burgos has struck out seven and walked none. Santurce Bottom of the 7th Pitching Change: Hiram Burgos replaces Kanekoa Texeira. Neftali Soto grounds out, second baseman Jeremy Rivera to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Dickie Joe Thon strikes out swinging. Robert Andino strikes out swinging. Santurce Bottom of the 8th Juan Centeno flies out to center fielder Isaac Ballou. Omar Garcia grounds out, first baseman Kennys Vargas to pitcher Hiram Burgos. Ian Miller grounds out, third baseman Jesmuel Valentin to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Santurce Bottom of the 9th Ruben Sosa strikes out swinging. Christian Vazquez pops out to second baseman Jeremy Rivera. Yadiel Rivera pops out to catcher Roberto Perez in foul territory. That was CF Omar Garcia's lone at-bat, and SS Yadiel Rivera was 0-for-4, one K. *** Dominican Box Sunday 11/28 A returning Jason Rogers singled in his pinch-hit at-bat, while teammate Domingo Santana appears in the box score but did not play as it was a pinch-hit for the pinch-hitter situation. Their team defeated that of SS Jonathan Villar, who went 0-for-2 before this happened -- Aguilas Top of the 4th Wilin Rosario flies out to center fielder Arismendy Alcantara. Alfredo Marte strikes out swinging. Jonathan Villar reaches on a throwing error by third baseman Emilio Bonifacio. With Pedro Severino batting, Hector Noesi picks off Jonathan Villar at 1st on throw to Diory Hernandez. Licey Bottom of the 4th Aguilas Cibaenas shortstop Jonathan Villar ejected by 1B umpire Juan Diaz. Rogers and Santana's team won 3-2 on a 10th inning walkoff fielder's choice. *** Dominican Box Sunday 11/29 2B Elian Herrera was 0-for-3 with a walk and two stolen bases, but his team was shutout 2-0. The two runs were unearned thanks to a Herrera 5th inning error, one of two he made in the game (and his first two errors in eight winter games). *** Venezuela Box Score Sunday 11/29 A seven-run 7th inning set up their team for an 8-3 win, and Hernan Perez, playing third base, was huge, 3-for-4 (two HR's, four RBI), while RF Ben Guez contributed with a 1-for-3 game (run, RBI). Perez has five home runs and 20 RBI in 39 games. Watch both his home run swings in this clip -- *** Venezuela Box Score Sunday 11/29 In a 4-2 win, SS Orlando Arcia was 2-for-4 with a run scored and did this --

Three impressive Josh Hader photos here.

Dominican Box Saturday 11/28 Switch-hitting SS Jonathan Villar was 4-for-4, singling in all four trips (including a big 8th-inning knock, watch here) in his team's 7-4 win; Villar scored one run and knocked in two. He stole two bases, now successful on all six winter attempts. He did commit his 5th error on the winter (19 official games). *** Dominican Box Saturday 11/28 Domingo Santana was 0-for-5 as the DH in his team's 3-2 loss, has just three RBI in 12 games thus far. *** Puerto Rico Box Saturday 11/28 SS Yadiel Rivera 1-for-4 (RBI, SB) in a 3-0 win; teammate pinch-runner Omar Garcia (stolen base) later fanned in his lone at-bat as the DH. *** Venezuela Box Saturday 11/28 Quiet evenings for 3B Hernan Perez (o-for-3, walk, two K's) and RF Ben Guez in a 4-1 home loss. *** Venezuela Box Saturday 11/28 SS Orlando Arcia drove in a run with a sacrifice fly but was 0-for-3 otherwise in his club's 5-4 loss. For the winning club, RHP Jim Miller's third winter outing did not go well, as he was charged with all four runs his club surrendered while retiring just one batter -- Caribes Top of the 7th Pitching Change: Jim Miller replaces Edgmer Escalona. Jeremy Hazelbaker walks. With Jose Castillo batting, Jeremy Hazelbaker steals (10) 2nd base. Jose Castillo doubles (9) on a fly ball to right fielder Jose Martinez. Jeremy Hazelbaker scores. Rene Reyes doubles (8) on a sharp ground ball to right fielder Jose Martinez. Jose Castillo scores. Oscar Salazar singles on a soft fly ball to center fielder Yonathan Daza. Rene Reyes to 3rd. Denis Phipps out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Ronnier Mustelier. Rene Reyes scores. Oscar Salazar to 2nd. Pitching Change: Ramon A. Ramirez replaces Jim Miller. Jesus Flores singles on a line drive to left fielder Ronnier Mustelier. Oscar Salazar to 3rd. Orlando Arcia out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Yonathan Daza. Oscar Salazar scores. Niuman Romero walks. Jesus Flores to 2nd. Gorkys Hernandez grounds out, second baseman Reegie Corona to first baseman Sean Burroughs.

Disciples of Uecker podcast

Dominican Box Friday 11/26 Elian Herrera's club defeated Domingo Santana's, 5-2. Herrera has solely played second base this winter, he was 2-for-5 with a run scored here. Santana played left field and was 0-for-4 (two K's). *** Dominican Box Friday 11/27 Jonathan Villar, playing shortstop, was 0-for-2 with an HBP (one K) *** Puerto Rico Box Friday 11/26 In Game One of a doubleheader, SS Yadiel Rivera 0-for-4, but his team prevailed 5-2 *** Puerto Rico Box Friday 11/26 In Game Two (another win, 7-3), Rivera was 1-for-4 (run, RBI, SB, one K); teammate OF Omar Garcia pinch-ran, scored a run, and later grounded out as the DH. *** Venezuela Box Friday 11/26 SS Orlando Arcia, suddenly batting 9th, was 2-for-4 (triple, two runs, two RBI, two K) in his club's 11-8 win. On the other side of the box score, 2B Javier Betancourt was 0-for-2 as a mid-game replacement. *** Venezuela Box Friday 11/26 With his second clean outing, RHP Jim Miller has now retired all six men he's faced -- Margarita Bottom of the 6th Pitching Change: Jim Miller replaces Alexis Candelario. Thomas Neal pops out to first baseman Sean Burroughs. Breyvic Valera bunt grounds out, pitcher Jim Miller to first baseman Sean Burroughs. Elias Diaz flies out to left fielder Ronnier Mustelier. *** Venezuela Box Friday 11/26 Teammates (and likely April Colorado Springs teammates) RF Ben Guez and 3B Hernan Perez celebrated a 3-2 road win. Guez singled in four trips (three K's) and Perez was 1-for-2 (walk, sac bunt, run, RBI) and he also stole his 7th base in nine tries (37 winter games).

VIDEO: Jonathan Mayo discussing Brewers' AFL players

Venezuela Box Thursday 11/26 SS Orlando Arcia was 0-for-3 (one K) and was pulled early as his club fell behind big in an eventual 13-3 loss. For the winning club, young 2B Javier Betancourt was a late entry and lined a single in his lone at-bat, scoring a run.

As per the Brewers transaction page-- We won't learn much more about these international signings until the March media guide comes out, and even then it will be minimal. If these turn out to be higher profile signings, we'll see blurbs this winter from Baseball America and the like, perhaps with some bonus info. Hopefully one of these turns out value like the Orlando Arcia $90,000 signing, or the 2003 signing of Alcides Escobar ($33,000). Edwin Sano, a switch-hitting 5'9" 160 lb. shortstop out of La Romana, Dominican Republic, turns 17 on December 12th Henry Medina, 18 years old (9/5/1997), 6'0", 175 RHP from Barcelona, Venezuela Harold Chirino, 17 years old (1/12/1998) from Pueblo Nuevo, Venezuela; no details on height, weight, or even which arm he throws with (maybe both!), he is listed as a "pitcher" Good luck on the Google searches, but we can assuredly believe each will debut for the Dominican Summer League Brewers next spring. And when one (or all) makes their big league debut, we'll point to this post to mark the remembrance.

Dominican Box Wednesday 11/25 Jonathan Villar, leading off and playing shortstop, doubled (1-for-4), but his team lost, 3-2. *** FYI, Jason Rogers is back in the U.S. for Thanksgiving weekend, but returns to the Dominican Republic Sunday. *** Puerto Rico Box Wednesday 11/25 SS Yadiel Rivera was 0-for-4 (one K), he did steal third base after reaching in a 2-1 ten-inning win *** Puerto Rico Box Wednesday 11/25 Catcher Rene Garcia was 1-for-2 with a walk, but his team fell, 5-2 *** Venezuela Box Wednesday 11/25 SS Orlando Arcia's team dropped a 4-3 12-inning contest. Arcia was 1-for-5 with an HBP (one K). *** Venezuela Box Wednesday 11/25 K-Rod trade return second baseman Javier Betancourt was a late game entry and fouled out to left field in his lone at-bat. This was Betancourt's second winter appearance since the trade, he was 1-for-4 last Sunday. In this same game on the other side of the box score, new minor league free agent signee RHP Jim Miller made his winter debut and tossed a perfect inning in a 9-1 win -- Caracas Bottom of the 6th Pitching Change: Jim Miller replaces Tyler DeLoach. Alex Gonzalez lines out to left fielder Brian Burgamy. Felix Perez grounds out to first baseman Carlos Colmenares. Jesus Aguilar flies out to right fielder Jose Martinez.