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.
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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.
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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.

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