January 7, 2014

Minor League Update

International Winter League Games of January 6

by Jeff Moore

Printer-friendly

Hitter of the Night

Joey Terdoslavich, 1B, Braves (Aguilas Cibaenas, DWL): 4-5, K. Terdoslavich continues a solid winter with a great showing in the Dominican playoffs. He’s not a high-end prospect, but I believe in the bat if used properly, and he should be on a veteran-laden Braves team that doesn’t need him to start.

The Good

• Francisco Peguero, CF, Orioles (Gigantes del Cibao, DWL): 1-4, R, HR. Peguero now has six home runs this winter in an uncharacteristic show of power.
• Engel Beltre, CF, Rangers (Tigres del Licey, DWL): 3-4, 2 R, 2B, 3B. Beltre is in the mix for playing time in the Rangers outfield this spring and will get his share of it because of his defensive abilities. If he hits at all, he could steal a decent portion.
• Eduardo Escobar, SS, Twins (Caribes de Anzoategui, VWL): 3-4, R, HR, BB. As an all-glove infielder, Escobar should fit in well with the Twins. It’s his defensive versatility, not his bat, however, that will keep him in the majors.
• Ender Inciarte, CF, Diamondbacks (Aguilas del Zuila, VWL): 3-5, R, 2B. Inciarte has controlled the strike zone well this winter, which is exactly what he needs to do to be successful on offense. Balls in play are his friend, and that coupled with plus defense and base running could make for a useful player.

Still Tickin’

• Bobby Abreu, RF, Free Agent (Leones del Caracas, VWL): 2-5, 2 R, HR, K. I’ve been having some fun with Abreu this winter, but he just keeps hitting, so it’s not that funny anymore. His home run on Monday was his fourth of the Venezuelan League playoffs alone and he showed during their regular season that he still knows how to get on base. Perhaps he really wouldn’t be the worst DH option for some teams?