The Cubs reliever’s continue to strut their stuff, while a shortstop heats up the playoffs. But which shortstop is it?
Find out in this week’s Down on the Farm Report … Dominican Winter League
Escogido
Starlin Castro had a forgettable week, committing two errors and being benched twice by the Lions. He started out well, going 3-for-5 with a triple, a home run, and four RBI in a wild 9-7 loss to Toros on January 10. Castro also committed his ninth error. Click here for box score
Starlin Castro then went 0-for-3 with a walk, as the Lions lost a squeaker to Toros on January 11, 2-1. In that game, Luke Sommer struck out one in 1.0 innings. Click here for box score
On January 13, Starlin Castro came off the bench as a pinch hitter and put together a 1-for-3 effort with a double and a walk, but also committed his tenth error. The Lions defeated Gigantes 4-3. Click here for box score
Brad Snyder also had a miserable week … 0-for-9 in three games. He did have a walk, a stolen base, scored two runs, and made two outfield assists, including gunning one runner down at home, in a 9-3 defeat by Estrellas on January 9. In that game, Luke Sommer struck out one in 1.2 innings.
On January15, Brad Snyder posted a 1-for-3 mark with a run scored, as the Lions lost a laugher to Gigantes 7-1. Click here for box score
Estrellas
Relief pitching came up big for the Stars this past week. Polin Trinidad tossed 1.2 innings of scoreless baseball for a hold on January 9. He notched a strikeout in a 9-3 victory over Escogido. Click here for box score
Marcos Mateo blanked Gigantes for two innings … struck out two and earned a save in a 6-4 win on January11. Click here for box score
Polin Trinidad and Marcos Mateo then hurled 1.2 innings apiece in a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to Gigantes on January 14. They both allowed no earned runs, while Marcos Mateo struck out three. Click here for box score
Toros
On January 13, Nelson Perez came in to pinch hit in seventh inning and promptly cracked an RBI double. However, the Bulls still lost 10-3 to Estrellas. Click here for box score
Nelson Perez was rewarded with a start at DH on January 14. He ended up going 1-for-2 with another RBI in a 3-2 win over Escogido. Click here for box score
However, on January15, Nelson Perez came back down, with a 0-for-3 night in the Bulls’ 6-1 victory over Estrellas.
Venezuelan Winter League
Caracas
Marwin Gonzalez continues to be white hot in the playoffs, posting a .318 average with two doubles and two RBI for the week. His best game was a January 10 victory over Zulia, 8-5. In that game, Marwin Gonzalez went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Click here for box score
Marwin Gonzalez went 2-for-4 with a double, as the Lions defeated Caribes 10-6 on January 11. Click here for box score
On January15, Marwin Gonzalez went 1-for-3, but committed two errors, in a 10-1 loss to Aragua. Click here for box score
Caribes
Eduardo Figueroa had an up-and-down week for the Indians. On January 9, he pitched two innings and recorded three strikeouts. He was awarded the Win, as the Indians defeated Caracas 5-4. Click here for box score
Eduardo Figueroa pitched only 0.1 inning and gave up two earned runs on three hits, and a wild pitch, in a lopsided 11-0 loss to Zulia. Click here for box score
Mexican Pacific League
Obregon
With a 6-5 victory over Mochis on January15, the Yaquis earned a spot in the title game for the Mexican Pacific League.
Marco Carrillo dazzled in a 7-3 win for the Tribe on January 14. He tosses 2.1 innings, with four strikeouts, as he was credited with the Win over Mochis. Click here for box score
Puerto Rican Winter League
Caguas
Aaron Shafer scuffled in a 5-2 loss to Ponce on January 11. The starter lasted only three innings and gave up three earned runs on five hits, with two walks and two strikeouts. Click here for box score
Australian Baseball League
Brisbane
The Bandits’ games since January 12 have been postponed due to flooding, which has claimed 18 victims and left 12, 000 homeless.