It’s Finals week in the Caribbean! Many Cubs’ prospects are playing key roles in their team’s quest for the championship.
To find out which prospects, check this week’s Down on the Farm Report … Dominican Winter League
Escogido
The Lions’ season has come to a close, as they were eliminated by Estrellas. In their last game on January 16, Luke Sommer pitched two innings and gave up two runs (one earned) on three hits. He suffered the loss, as the Stars defeated Escogido 10-1. Starlin Castro ended up batting .212 with a home run and 11 RBI in 14 playoff games for the Lions. Brad Snyder had a .132 average with a double, a home run, and an RBI in 13 games.
Estrellas
Oriente earned a spot in the Dominican finals on January 17 with a 3-0 victory over Gigantes. In that game Marcos Mateo pitched two innings with five strikeouts and earned his second post-season save. Click Here for Box Score
Polin Trinidad was a valuable pitcher for Oriente this past week. On January 19, he tossed 1.1 innings and allowed an earned run on two hits and kept the Stars close in a 5-3 loss to Toros.
In the series’ second game on January 20, Marcos Mateo threw 0.2-inning scoreless relief, as the Stars lost a close game to Toros, 3-1.
On January 22, Polin Trinidad stepped up for beleaguered starter Dan Reichart and pitched five innings. Trinidad gave up five hits, but no earned runs, as he tried to keep the Stars in an 11-2 loss to Toros. Polin Trinidad lowered his post-season ERA to 0.79 ERA.
Toros
Este garnered a finals appearance despite an 8-2 loss to Gigantes on January 16. In that game, Nelson Perez was 2-for-3 with a walk. Click Here for Box Score
The Bulls then took a commanding 4 games to 0 lead over Estrellas in an 11-2 victory on January 22. Nelson Perez was 0-for-1 in a pinch-hitting role.
Venezuelan Winter League
Caracas
Continuing round-robin play this week, the Lions were pitted against the Aragua Tigers. Marwin Gonzalez played a key role for Caracas, batting at a 5-for-18 clip, including a double, a triple, and two RBI. His best game was in an 8-6 win over Aragua on January 17…going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Click Here for Box Score
On January 22, Marwin Gonzalez went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk, and a stolen base. The Lions ended up losing to Aragua 5-2. Click Here for Box Score
Mexican Pacific League
Obregon
The Yaquis began the league championship series again Algodoneros de Guasave on January 21. The Cotton Pickers sported a 17-16 record during the regular season. Former Cub Jose Macias is on their roster, but is currently on the seven-day disabled list.
On January 22, the Tribe took a 2 games to 0 lead over Guasave with a 7-4 victory. Marco Carrillo gave up a two-run homer in the sixth inning, but also had a strikeout and earned a hold. Click Here for Box Score
Puerto Rican Winter League
Caguas
The Creoles hold a 2 games to 1 advantage over the Lions of Ponce in the Puerto Rican finals. Newly re-acquired outfielder Lou Montanez has played a significant role. On January 19, Lou Montanez was 2-for-5, with a walk and an RBI, as Caguas defeated Ponce7-6. Click Here for Box Score
In a wild, 15-inning affair, Lou Montanez delivered the game-winning single as the Creoles outlasted the Lions 7-6 on January 22. Lou Montanez ended up with a 3-for-6 night, to go along with two walks. In the seven-hour marathon, former Iowa Cubs manager and current Cubs’ bench coach Pat Listach, managing for the Lions, was ejected in the 15th inning. Click Here for Box Score
Australian Baseball League
Brisbane
As the Bandits returned to action this week, Ryan Searle gave his best “Nuke LaLoosh” impression in the second half of a doubleheader on January 20. In five innings of work, Ryan Searle gave up five runs (three earned), on seven hits, including a home run. However, he did strikeout five as Brisbane lost to the Adelaide Bite 6-5. Click Here for Box Score