Yankees Minor League Winter League Notes

Being posted as a part of Syndicated Sunday... on a Saturday... from Lohud

Chad Jennings does a great job in absolutely everything that he does and he did not disappoint when he covered the Yankees players playing in the various winter leagues. HERE is the original post but I will hit the high spots here. Enjoy.

• The weird Fall League of Peter O’Brien ended appropriately. He had two hits in his last 12 at-bats, but he also had four RBI in his final two games. O’Brien hit just .190 in Arizona, but he led the Scottsdale team with 19 RBI and four home runs. None of his teammates had more than two homers, and only four Fall Leaguers went deep more times than O’Brien did. He struck out 26 times and walked only twice, but he did slug .413.

• Vidal Nuno made his final Fall League appearance more than a week ago on November 6. He finished his Fall assignment with one earned run in his final 13 innings. He got off to a brutal start — an 8.10 ERA through two starts against much lower-level competition — but he finished strong, and got a total of 19.2 innings after having missed a good chunk of the season with that groin injury.

• Three straight multi-hit games for Zoilo Almonte down in the Dominican this week. He got a turn in center field on Wednesday — he’s done that occasionally in the minors as well — and he’s hitting .305/.352/.427 through 82 at-bats. Remember that Almonte missed a lot of time in the second half of the season, so he needs this playing time.

• Two straight multi-hit games for Cuban outfielder Adonis Garcia, who continues to bounce around the three outfield positions (and even got another late-inning assignment at third base on Tuesday). Garcia is in Venezuela hitting .287/.333/.448. He’s been significantly better against righties than against lefties.

• Borderline prospect Jose Pirela continues to rake in Venezuela. The guy has 16 hits in his past seven games, and he has 14 extra-base hits in a total of 31 games. He putting up a .347/.432/.525 slash line while playing second base and left field. This is not the first time Pirela has put up big numbers, yet the Yankees have never shown any indication that they think of him as an organizational stand out. Even in Venezuelan winter ball, though, this sort of offensive production really stands out.

• You know who continues to struggle offensively this winter? Musty! Playing in Mexico, Ronnier Mustelier is hitting just .224/.333/.271. He’s taking a bunch of walks, but he’s had only three extra-base hits, none of them homers.

• Back to the Fall League, late-addition Addison Maruszak had a nice but short stint. Getting time at all four infield position, Maruszak got just 32 at-bats and hit .281/.452/.344 with twice as many walks (10) as strikeouts (5). Maruszak can play absolutely anywhere — he’s even spent some time at catcher — and has occasionally shown some ability to hit. I’ve always liked him as one of these you-just-never-know utility types.

• None of the Yankees relievers sent to the Fall League did much to really stand out. Upper-level lefty Fred Lewis probably had the best stint. He went 11 innings without an earned run, and his 1.18 WHIP is rock solid. Lefties hit .214/.313/.214 against him. He was good, but maybe not the overwhelming results that might land him a 40-man spot. … I’ve said it before, but it seems like every year some Yankees pitcher leaves Arizona with brutally bad numbers. This year it’s Brett Gerritse with a 9.26 ERA and 1.97 WHIP through 11.2 innings. … James Pazos had a much better ERA than Gerritse with a 1.74, but that stat kind of masks the other numbers. Pazos allowed 13 hits and 7 walks through 10.1 innings. The bright side is that he’s a lefty, and he held lefties to a .200 average.

Scorpions shutout by Desert Dogs, 1-0

Well, this one was absolutely terrible. In their home game tonight against the Glendale Desert Dogs, the Scorpions were able to get just 3 hits in a 1-0 loss. I get that this is just Arizona Fall League, but really, no runs and 3 hits in a home game? They're better than that. 

Anyway, Yankees outfielder Mason Williams went 0-for-4 in this one while reliever Brett Gerritse pitched two scoreless innings and reliever James Pazos threw one scoreless frame. With this loss, the Scorps record on the season is now just 10-16, 4.5 games out of first place in the AFL East. 

Scorpions finally snap losing streak with 7-4 win in Peoria

Tonight, the Scorpions finally snapped their 8 game losing streak by beating the Peoria Javelinas on the road, 7-4. This one was tied after nine innings of play, but due to three Scottsdale runs in the top of the tenth the Scorps were able to come out with a much-needed W. 

Pinstripes outfielder Mason Williams did not start this one, but did pinch run in the tenth, scoring one of those three runs. Besides him, reliever Brett Gerritse also appeared in this victory, giving up 2 runs in 1 inning. That's not great, but you know, they won. Who cares?

Nuno dominant as Scorpions lose again

Yankees pitcher Vidal Nuno pitched 5 scoreless innings tonight as the Scorpions lost again to the Solar Sox, 7-3, dropping their record to 7-13. This losing streak's been tough on the Scorps, but at least Nuno pitched well in this one. They lost, but this was still overall a good night for them. 

Besides Nuno, Yankees pitchers Brett Gerritse and James Pazos also appeared in this loss. Neither of them pitched very well, as Gerritse gave up 3 earned runs in just one third of inning, bringing his ERA up to 9.39, while Pazos gave up a run while recording just two outs, bringing his ERA up to 2.84. They both had bad nights, but you'd prefer they struggle now in the AFL than when the minor league seasons pick up again in the spring. 

The holy Pinstripes hitter who played in this one, Peter O'Brien, actually played really well, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs. His nice effort came in a loss, but, you know, it was still a nice effort.

Scorpions beat Desert Dogs in 10, 2-1

Yankees prospect Mason Williams went 1-for-5 and scored the game winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning last night as the Scottsdale Scorpions pulled off somewhat of an upset at home over the Glendale Desert Dogs, 2-1. Going into this one, the Desert Dogs were 5-2, first in the AFL East while the Scorpions were 2-6, last in the AFL East. So, while it is still early in the season, you can't deny that this win was a nice one to get, as it moves the Scorps to within 2.5 games of first place in the East. 

Pinstripes prospect Peter O'Brien, who has struggled lately, went 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts in this game, continuing his strikeout troubles. Pitcher Brett Gerritse, who had an ERA of over 9 going into last night, pitched two scoreless innings of relief, earning him his first hold of the season. So, that's good and this win was good. Let's hope they do this some more. 

Nuno struggles in first AFL start

Vidal Nuno gave up 4 runs (2 earned) in just 2.2 innings of work last night as the Scorpions lost their fourth straight game to the Mesa Solar Sox, 7-6. Nuno took the loss in this one, which he really couldn't have deserved more. 

Brett Gerrittse, the only other Yankee pitcher who threw in this game, wasn't that good either, giving up a run in his one inning of work. As for the hitters, outfielder Mason Williams went 0-for-5 with an RBI and infielder Tyler Austin went 2-for-4 with an RBI. With this loss, the Scorpions are now just 1-4 on the season, last in the AFL East. 

Arizona Fall League Roster Is Complete

The New York Yankees have announced their final rosters for the Arizona Fall League. Earlier we reported that Vidal Nuno would be heading down to play for the Scottsdale Scorpions to join Mason Williams, Tyler Austin, and Peter O' Brien. Now we learned that RHP Brett Gerritse, LHP Fred Lewis, and LHP James Pazos will be joining them in Arizona. Should be a fun fall league to watch especially with some of our bigger name prospects down there.

Braves Batter Charleston Bullpen, Win 8-4

Braves Batter Charleston Bullpen, Win 8-4

RiverDogs can't hold slim lead, fall in series opener

CHARLESTON, SC - The Rome Braves scored five runs in the seventh inning to erase a 3-2 deficit and cruise to an 8-4 win on Friday night over the Charleston RiverDogs in South Atlantic League action in front of 5,768 fans at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

With the loss, the RiverDogs fall to 34-33 in the second half and 73-62 overall. The Braves improve to 36-31 in second half play and 72-64 overall with the win.

Both teams played long ball early with solo homers by Edison Sanchez for Rome and Ericson Leonora for Charleston in the second inning.

Still tied at 1-1 in the top of the fifth, Kyle Wren smacked just his second home run of the year to put the Braves up 2-1.

However, that lead didn't last long because after a walk to Greg Bird, righty slugger Dante Bichette, Jr. slammed his 11th homer of the year. The two-run shot gave the Dogs their first lead of the game, a 3-2 advantage.

RiverDogs' starter Brett Gerritse departed after six solid innings having allowed just four hits, two runs, two walks, and six strikeouts. The two homers were the first two he allowed all year. Gerritse wouldn't factor in the decision.

Righty Victor Beriguete came out of the bullpen to begin the seventh and was no relief for Charleston. In his debut for the Dogs, Beriguete allowed five run, four earned, on three hits, two walks, two wild pitches, and recorded just one out. He got tagged with the loss to fall to 1-0.

Lefty Matt Chaffee was great for Rome out of the bullpen tossing 2.1 scoreless, hitless innings. He walked two and fanned six en route to the win to improve to 2-1.

Greg Bird had another great game for the RiverDogs with three walks and a single. He now has a league leading 103 walks on the season.

BALLPARK FUN: The RiverDogs red, white, and blue digi camo jerseys were auctioned off during the game, and following the completion of the game were handed directly off the team's backs to the fans who purchased them via the silent auction.

COMING UP: Game two of this four game series will see RHP Luis Niebla (4-6, 4.99 ERA) start for Charleston and RHP Rafael Briceno (5-8, 6.34 ERA) throw for Rome on Saturday night at Riley Park with first pitched scheduled for 6:05. It's Roller Derby Night at The Joe! There will be roller derby-themed promotions throughout the night and the Lowcountry Highrollers team will be at the game. The RiverDogs will offer Baseball Bingo with a new twist to the classic game as it will be available to be downloaded as an app to your smartphone so you can follow the action and go for the win simultaneously via your mobile device. Fans can also enjoy craft beer specials that will be on tap including Leinenkugel Summer Shandy, Third Shift Amber Lager and more. The Blood Alliance team will be on-site from 4:30-7:30 pm and everyone who registers to donate will receive a FREE 4-pack of RiverDogs tickets. Plus, kids get the chance to have fun and run the bases after every Saturday home. Fans can purchase tickets atwww.riverdogs.com, over the phone at 843/723-7241, or in-person at the Riley Park Box Office. Fans may also listen to the game live locally on ESPN Radio 910AM or online at www.riverdogs.com.

Box Score: http://atmilb.com/19Uhe6i

Being posted with permission from the Charleston Riverdogs organization. The original article can be seen HERE. 

Eight Run Ninth Gives Charleston Improbable Victory

Eighth Run Ninth Inning Gives Charleston Improbable Victory

Erase 2-0 deficit, score eight unanswered to even up the series

ASHEVILLE, NC - The Charleston RiverDogs scored eight times in the ninth inning to emerge victorious 8-2 over the Asheville Tourists in one of Charleston's wildest games of the year at McCormick Field in Asheville in South Atlantic League play.

With the comeback win, the RiverDogs improve to 31-31 in the second half and 70-60 overall. The Tourists fall to 23-38 in second half play and 61-68 overall with the victory. The series is tied at 1-1 with the finale coming up on Sunday.

Trailing 2-0 heading to the ninth inning, it looked like Charleston was going to come up short on Saturday on a beautiful night in the mountains. However, that was not the case.

Asheville righty Raul Fernandez had a night he hopes to soon forget. Daniel Aldrich led off the ninth with a single against Fernandez, then Ty Afenir reached on a bunt single, and Jake Cave walked to load the bases with nobody out. Jackson Valera came through for the Dogs and lined a single into right field to plate Aldrich and Afenir and tie the game at 2-2.

The next batter Greg Bird walked to reload the bases with nobody out, and Jose Rosario lifted a sacrifice fly to right to score Cave and give Charleston a 3-2 advantage, their first lead of the game. The RiverDogs were nowhere near done.

Following a pop out to second by Ericson Leonora, a weak grounder towards shortstop resulted in an RBI infield single for Reymond Nunez, and then a base hit by Fu-Lin Kuo plated another to put Charleston up 5-2.

The man who began the inning with a single Daniel Aldrich then stepped up to the plate, and the former College of Charleston Cougar launched his first home run as a professional, a three run blast over the right field wall to complete the miraculous comeback and give the RiverDogs the 8-2 lead.

Finally, Fernandez was removed from the game. The righty reliever recorded just two outs and gave up eight runs on six hits, two walks, and a homer. His ERA rose from 4.70 to 6.89 on the year. He earned the loss to fall to 2-2.

Brett Gerritse was very good for Charleston spinning six solid innings and allowing two runs, one earned, on seven hits and recorded six strikeouts. Lefty Tyler Webb retired all nine men he faced and fanned six en route to the win to improve to 3-1.

Offensively, the RiverDogs were paced by Aldrich (2-5, two runs, three RBI), and they also got multi-hit games from Reymond Nunez, Jackson Valera, Jake Cave and Greg Bird.

Asheville got a fantastic start from T.J. Oakes, but he didn't factor in the decision. Oakes shut down the Charleston offense with six scoreless, six hit innings.

COMING UP: The rubber match of this three game series is Sunday afternoon at McCormick Field in Asheville at 2:05. Charleston will send out RHP Luis Niebla (4-6, 4.76 ERA) and the Tourists will counter with RHP Ben Hughes (8-10, 5.75 ERA) in the series finale. Fans can listen to the game live locally on ESPN Radio 910AM or online at www.riverdogs.com.

Box Score: http://atmilb.com/171nf2f

Being posted with permission from the Charleston Riverdogs organization. The original article can be seen HERE. 

RiverDogs Come Up Short, Drop Third Straight

RiverDogs Come Up Short, Drop Third Straight

Braves use five run fifth inning to cruise to series clinching win

ROME, GA - The Rome Braves scored five runs in the third inning and coasted to their third straight win over the Charleston RiverDogs 5-3 on Monday night at State Mutual Stadium in Rome, GA in South Atlantic League action. The Braves took the series three games to one from the Dogs.

Charleston got the scoring started in the first inning thanks to a single and stolen base by leadoff man Jake Cave and a two out, RBI single by Dante Bichette, Jr. to take a 1-0 lead after half an inning.With the loss, the RiverDogs fall below .500 to 28-29 in the second half and 67-58 overall. Rome advances to 29-28 in the second half and 65-61 overall with the victory. Rome moves into sole possession of fourth place in the Sally League Southern Division standings while Charleston falls to fifth place.

The game stayed that way until the bottom of the fifth inning where the Braves exploded for five runs on five hits, one walk, and a hit batter. Edison Sanchez provided the big blow with a bases clearing double to knock in three runs and put Rome up 4-1.

Sanchez finished the series on fire reaching base safely in his final 11 plate appearances. On Monday he was a perfect 3-3 and got hit by a pitch.

The RiverDogs had a golden opportunity in the top of the sixth to get right back in the game, but failed to take advantage. Angelo Gumbs knocked in a run with a one out RBI single to load the bases, but reliever Matt Chaffee came in and struck out Reymond Nunez and Danny Oh to end the inning and strand the bases loaded for Charleston with Rome up 5-2.

In the top of the ninth inning Charleston loaded the bases with only one out, but a sacrifice fly by Jackson Valera and strikeout by Greg Bird ended the ballgame with the tying run at first base.

Bird went 0-1 with four walks in the contest to move his league leading total to 95 walks on the season.

Brett Gerritse started for the Dogs and allowed five runs on six hits, walked one, and fanned four. Gerritse earned the loss to fall to 8-7. Charleston's bullpen was dynamite with Adam Smith tossing two perfect innings, and James Pazos not allowing a run in his lone inning of work.

Mauricio Cabrera earned just his third win of the year for Rome to advance to 3-7. He threw 5.1 innings and allowed six hits and two runs with three walks and two strikeouts. Chaffee walked one and allowed no hits in his 2.2 scoreless innings. Zach Jadofsky gave up one run on two hits and struck out two in the ninth to collect his third save of the season for the Braves.

COMING UP: Charleston returns home to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park to kick off their second to last homestand of the season on Tuesday. The West Virginia Power come to town for three games. Game one will feature a pitching matchup of RHP Luis Severino (1-1, 4.08 ERA) for the RiverDogs and RHP John Kuchno (8-5, 4.01 ERA) for the Power. Each Tuesday the RiverDogs team with MUSC Wellness to promote healthy lifestyle choices. Tuesdays at The Joe feature a healthy menu item and lifestyle tips throughout the game. The new 2-for-$20 Date Night includes two tickets, two slices of pizza, two sodas and one bag of popcorn all for $20. Also, local Italian restaurant La Fontana presents the "Lucky Couple of the Game" as one fortunate pair will be selected at random to win a free and romantic Italian dinner. The restaurant will bring in two specialty dishes and the couple will enjoy that dinner in a singular seating arrangement down the right field line while enjoying the game. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm on Tuesday. Fans can listen to the game live locally on ESPN Radio 910AM or online at www.riverdogs.com.

Box Score: http://atmilb.com/19FjHVB

--RIVERDOGS--

Being posted with permission from the Charleston Riverdogs organization. The original article can be seen HERE. 

Rome Braves Squeak By Charleston RiverDogs

Rome Squeaks By RiverDogs

Braves win rainy, one run game to take 2-1 series lead

ROME, GA – On a cool, rainy night in Northwest Georgia, the Rome Braves took a wet ballgame from the Charleston RiverDogs 5-4 on Sunday night at State Mutual Stadium in South Atlantic League action. There were two delays that combined for 1:51 minutes that affected the contest.

With their second straight loss, the RiverDogs fall to 28-28 in the second half and 67-57 overall. Rome advances to 28-28 in the second half and 63-62 overall with the victory.

Greg Bird paced Charleston offensively again going 3-4 with a double, two RBI, and a run scored.

After Bird’s RBI double in the top of the first inning, Rome got a two-run homer from Edison Sanchez in the bottom of the first to go up 2-1.

Sanchez had a huge night for the Braves finishing 3-3 with a homer, two singles, a walk, three RBI, and two runs scored.

Ericson Leonora tied it for Charleston in the top of the third inning with an RBI single that scored Bird. But, again Rome responded in their half of the inning. With the bases loaded and two outs, Chase Anselment lined a base hit to right field that scored two runs and put the Braves back on top 4-2.

The game stayed that way until the bottom of the fifth inning when Sanchez was at again knocking in another run to put Rome up 5-2.

Both starters factored in the decision. Derek Varnadore made the spot start for the RiverDogs and allowed four runs, only two earned, on five hits, and walked three in four innings to earn the loss and fall to 1-6. Rome’s starter Frank Lafreniere limited Charleston to two runs, one earned, on four hits, one walk, and fanned three over six solid innings to improve to 6-12 with the victory.

Charleston added two runs in the eighth inning on RBI’s by Bird and Leonora, but wouldn’t get any closer.

After the game’s second rain delay occurred in the top of the eighth inning, Alex Wilson came out of the bullpen for the Braves and got the final six outs. He gave up no runs on two hits and struckout two.

The finale of the four game series is Monday night at State Mutual Stadium in Rome. Charleston will send out RHP Brett Gerritse (8-6, 3.43 ERA) for a spot start, and the Braves will counter with RHP Mauricio Cabrera (2-7, 3.91 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for7pm on Monday. Fans can listen to the game live locally on ESPN Radio 910AM or online at www.riverdogs.com.

Box Score: http://atmilb.com/19CRWgj

--RIVERDOGS--

Being posted with permission from the Charleston Riverdogs organization. The original article can be seen HERE.