Caribbean Update

Posted on January 15, 2009 by Duman in From the Bus Stop

Here is the latest from the tropical climates.

Mexico

Tomateros de Culiacan

John Gall- OF- Recently signed to minor league contract. Through 12/30 he was hitting .306 with 1 HR, his season is over as the Tomateros didn’t make the playoffs.

Puerto Rico

Gigantes de Carolina – didn’t make the playoffs
Tyler Lumsden, LHP – his last 3 outings were solid going a combined 4 1/3 innings giving up 3 hits, 2 walks and no runs while fanning 3. This dropped his ERA down to 6.87 for the winter season.

Lobos de Arecibo – made playoffs
Edwin Maysonet, SS – his average has dipped down to .278 on the season by hitting .243 over his last 10 days. He has 4 errors in the field. He hasn’t seen action in the playoffs.Read More

Bud Norris going camping

Posted on January 14, 2009 by Duman in From the Bus Stop

His hometown newspaper does a story on Bud and his chances of making the jump to the Bigs.

On his AFL performance:

“Team ERAs were around five or six, so a lot of (pitchers) went down there and did not succeed,” Norris said. “But the guys that did go down there and succeed were obviously, I feel, a lot more prepared for the next level.”

Minor Winter League Update

Posted on January 2, 2009 by Duman in From the Bus Stop

For those players who are not ready for the Caribbean leagues but who are from that country, there is the Parallel league. Yesterday, I found the Venezuelan League’s page for it’s liga paralela. Houston has a team by itself in the league for the time being. I am sure this will cease now that the Astros are closing their academy in Venezuela. Here are some notable performances from the Parallel League Season:

Jose Altuve – The little 2nd baseman was 5th in the league in average (.341), tied for 3rd with 3 triples and finished 9th with a slugging % of 0.480. He lead the team in the following categories: hits (42), doubles (8), RBI (20), total bases (59), walks (19), Stolen bases (9 in 12 attempts), on base % (.441). Altuve did commit 15 errors in 35 games, which also lead the team.
Read More

Playoffs Looming in Caribbean

Posted on December 27, 2008 by Duman in From the Bus Stop

It is playoff time in the tropics. The Dominican League’s playoffs have already started and the other two are close behind. Let’s check on the progress of those with Astros connections.

Puerto Rico

Gigantes de Carolina

Tyler Lumsden, LHP – Had two good outings before Christmas. Combined 3 1/3 innings with no runs, 2 hits, 2 walks & 2 Ks. Season ERA is sitting at 7.27 through 17 1/3 IP.

Lobos de Arecibo

Edwin Maysonet, SS – Appeared in two games since the last update. Season average down to .295 in 61 AB. Has made 3 errors.
Read More

Towles in DR

Posted on December 15, 2008 by Duman in From the Bus Stop

J. R. has made an appearance in the Dominican Winter League. He is on Aguilas Cibaenas. So far he is 0 for 6 with an RBI and a run scored. We will add him to our list of players to watch in the Caribbean.

Caribbean Update

Posted on December 11, 2008 by Duman in From the Bus Stop

Here is the latest from warmer climates. We are still waiting to see J. R. Towles show up on a roster in the DWL. I have stopped tracking the Minor League Free Agents, so the list is shorter this time.

Puerto Rico

Gigantes de Carolina

Tyler Lumsden, LHP -Had one appearance since our last visit. He gave up 1 earned run on 2 hits and a walk in 1 IP.

Lobos de Arecibo

Edwin Maysonet, SS -Hasn’t appeared in a game since 11/28. Hitting .302 on the season.Read More