December 13, 2013

Minor League Update

International Winter League Games of December 12

by Jeff Moore

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The Good

• Cesar Puello, CF, Mets (Toros del Este, DWL): 2-3. Perhaps being suspended in early August left some rust on the Mets outfielder, because he’s struggled to hit this winter. His athleticism is his best tool, but some believe in his ability to hit, as well.
• Jorge Polanco, 2B, Twins (Leones del Escogido, DWL): 3-5, R. At some point, after a prospect hits over .300 for an extended period of time, you have no choice but to believe in the hit tool.
• Francisco Peguero, CF, Orioles (Gigantes del Cibao, DWL): 2-3, 2 R, HR, K. Not known for his power, Peguero homered on Thursday for the second time in three nights. He’s had multi-hit games in four straight now but still has just a .315 OBP in 13 DWL games, which sums up a lot of Peguero’s problems.
• Jordan Lennerton, 1B, Tigers (Leones de Ponce, PRWL): 2-3, R, 2B, BB, K. It’s easy to ignore soon-to-be 27-year-olds who have yet to reach the majors, but Lennerton is going to make it as tough as possible. Now with 12 extra-base hits in 27 games and strong plate discipline, Lennerton has shown he can do enough with the bat to earn a look this spring.
• Ender Inciarte, CF, Diamondbacks (Aguilas del Zuila, VWL): 2-5, R, 2 K. Inciarte has some flaws and needs to prove his hit too works somewhere outside of the California League, but he seems rather gritty, so the Diamondbacks will give him a shot.
• Wilmer Flores, 2B, Mets (Bravos de Margarita, VWL): 3-4, R, 2B, K. Flores has been red-hot and is hitting .395 since joining the Bravos 11 games ago.
• Jesus Aguilar, 1B, Indians (Leones del Caracas, VWL): 1-3, R, 2 BB. Aguilar didn’t homer for once this winter, but with his power on full display, it will be interesting to see how he reacts to pitchers pitching around him. This is a good start.

Random Major Leaguers

• Jordany Valdespin, UTIL, Free Agent (Tigres del Licey, DWL): 2-3, 3 R, 2B, BB. Valdespin is currently without a team, but he can do enough things well that he’s worth someone taking a shot on him.
• Wilin Rosario, C, Rockies (Aguilas Cinaenas, DWL): 1-3, R, HR, K. It has to be a long season for a major-league catcher who goes on to play winter ball. That hasn’t stopped Rosario from swinging away, however, as the Rockies catcher walks about as infrequently in the Dominican as he does in Denver.