Released: RHP Jim Blueberg, RHP Francisco Cruceta, RHP Nathan Forer, RHP Mike Gipson, RHP Dustin Hobbs, RHP Corey Maines, RHP Mike Recchia, RHP Michael Solbach, LHP Trevor Johnson, C Jon Hurst, 2B Emerson Landoni, OF Mike Ferraro, OF Taylor Grote, OF Bobby Rinard

Maines officially won the “first 2011 draftee to be released” race, and Landoni has already hooked on with the Braves. Grote was probably the best prospect of the bunch, though he hit just .221/.309/.311 in nearly 1,200 plate appearances after signing for $250k as the team’s eighth round pick in 2007.

The regular seasons for the four major Latin America winter leagues are officially over, so this will be the final minor league update of the 2011 baseball season. The minor league regular seasons actually starts before the MLB regular season this year, as all four full season officiates open their season on Thursday, April 5th. The big league team plays its first game the next day. How about that?

Arizona Fall League – see Nov. 27th update for final stats

Dominican Winter League – see Dec. 26th update for final stats

Mexican Pacific League
Jose Figueroa, OF: 9 G, 3 for 10, 4 K (.300/.300/.300) – 19-year-old spend last season in the Dominican Summer League
Walt Ibarra, IF: 48 G, 25 for 151, 15 R, 5 2B, 1 3B, 5 RBI, 8 BB, 34 K, 2 SB, 1 CS, 1 HBP (.166/.213/.212)
Ramiro Pena, IF: 36 G, 32 for 130, 12 R, 4 2B, 4 HR, 22 RBI, 14 BB, 15 K, 1 SB, 1 CS (.246/.317/.369)
Jorge Vazquez, 1B/DH: 56 G, 70 for 212, 34 R, 7 2B, 18 HR, 60 RBI, 21 BB, 66 K, 3 HBP (.330/.397/.618) – finishes the year with 50 homers, 49 unintentional walks, and 232 strikeouts in 737 plate appearances
Felipe Gonzalez, RHP: 2 G, 0 GS, 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 HB (20.25 ERA, 3.00 WHIP) – 20-year-old spent the season in the Dominican Summer League
Cesar Vargas, RHP: 2 G, 0 GS, 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 1 HB (4.50 ERA, 2.50 WHIP) – soon-to-be 20-year-old struck out 85 in 71.2 IP in the Dominican Summer League this year
Pat Venditte, SwP: 32 G, 42.1 IP, 30 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 7 BB, 46 K, 6 HR, 1 WP (2.34 ERA, 0.86 WHIP)

Puerto Rican League
Ray Kruml, OF: 20 G, 13 for 59, 5 R, 3 2B, 1 3B, 4 RBI, 2 BB, 9 K, 6 SB, 2 CS (.220/.242/.305)

Venezuelan Winter League
Dan Brewer, OF: 6 G, 1 for 19, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 10 K, 1 HBP (.053/.174/.053)
Colin Curtis, OF: 32 G, 29 for 111, 17 R, 6 2B, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 16 BB, 21 K, 3 SB, 1 CS, 3 HBP (.261/.369/.369)
Jose Gil, 1B/C: 32 G, 22 for 81, 16 R, 8 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 10 RIB, 7 BB, 16 K, 1 SB (.272/.326/.432)
Gus Molina, C: 42 G, 31 for 121, 11 R, 7 2B, 5 RBI, 9 BB, 26 K, 2 HBP (.256/.313/.314)
Jose Pirela, IF: 60 G, 71 for 236, 25 R, 8 2B, 4 3B, 3 HR, 36 RBI, 13 BB, 29 K, 4 SB, 2 CS, 4 HBP (.301/.344/.407) – nice winter for him
Rich Martinez, RHP: 1 G, 0 GS, 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 2 K (0.00 ERA, 2.50 WHIP)

Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog

Winter leagues wrap up in Latin America

Anyway, the various winter leagues in Latin America are starting to wrap-up their seasons, so you’re probably only going to get one more update after this one. Then it’ll be about three months of silence before the regular season gets underway.

Dominican Winter League (final stats)
Abe Almonte, OF: 31 G, 6 for 39, 3 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 6 K, 2 SB, 2 CS (.154/.195/.154)
Zoilo Almonte, OF: 11 G, 6 for 35, 4 R, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 9 K, 1 CS (.171/.216/.200)
Melky Mesa, OF: 20 G, 10 for 48, 6 R, 3 2B, 3 3B, 4 RBI, 4 BB, 10 K, 1 SB, 1 HBP (.208/.283/.396)
Gary Sanchez, C/DH: 8 G, 6 for 20, 3 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 9 K (.300/.364/.300)
Cesar Cabral, LHP: 20 G, 0 GS, 12.2 IP,7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 13 K, 1 WP (0.71 ERA, 0.79 WHIP) – Rule 5 Pick better hope he pitches like this in Spring Training if he wants to make the team
Juan Cedeno, LHP: 15 G, 0 GS, 8.2 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K (1.04 ERA, 1.27 WHIP)
Ronny Marte, RHP: 1 G, 0 GS, 0 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB
Hector Noesi, RHP: 10 G, 10 GS, 46.2 IP, 45 H, 22 R, 14 ER, 10 BB, 27 K, 1 HR, 2 HB (2.70 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) – finishes the year at 127.2 IP, still a good bit behind the 160.1 IP he threw in 2010
Francisco Rondon, LHP: 1 G, 1 GS, 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP)

Mexican Pacific League
Jose Figueroa, OF: 7 G, 2 for 7, 3 K (.286/.286/.286) – 19-year-old spend last season in the Dominican Summer League, where he hit .200/.337/.343
Walt Ibarra, IF: 44 G, 20 for 132, 14 R, 3 2B, 3 RBI, 8 BB, 32 K, 2SB, 1 CS, 1 HBP (.152/.206/.174)
Ramiro Pena, IF: 32 G, 31 for 118, 12 R, 4 2B, 4 HR, 4 BB, 10 K, 1 SB, 1 HBP (.263/.336/.368)
Jorge Vazquez, 1B/DH: 54 G, 70 for 205, 34 R, 7 2B, 18 HR, 60 RBI, 21 BB, 62 K, 3 HBP (.341/.409/.639)
Felipe Gonzalez, RHP: 2 G, 0 GS, 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 HB (20.25 ERA, 3.00 WHIP) – 20-year-old spent the season in the Dominican Summer League, striking out 43 in 57.1 IP
Cesar Vargas, RHP: 2 G, 0 GS, 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 1 HB (4.50 ERA, 2.50 WHIP) – soon-to-be 20-year-old struck out 85 in 71.2 IP in the Dominican Summer League this year
Pat Venditte, SwP: 30 G, 0 GS, 29 IP, 27 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 6 BB, 41 K, 6 HR, 1 WP (2.54 ERA, 0.85 WHIP)

Puerto Rican League
Ray Kruml, OF: 20 G, 13 for 59, 5 R, 3 2B, 1 3B, 4 RBI, 2 BB, 9 K, 6 SB, 2 CS (.220/.242/.305)

Venezuelan Winter League
Dan Brewer, OF: 6 G, 1 for 19, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 10 K, 1 HBP (.053/.174/.053)
Colin Curtis, OF: 32 G, 29 for 111, 17 R, 6 2B, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 16 BB, 21 K, 3 SB, 1 CS, 3 HBP (.261/.369/.369)
Jose Gil, C/1B: 31 G, 22 for 80, 16 R, 8 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 7 BB, 16 K, 1 SB (.275/.330/.438)
Gus Molina, C: 40 G, 29 for 113, 10 R, 6 2B, 5 RBI, 9 BB, 22 RBI, 2 HBP (.257/.317/.310)
Jose Pirela, IF: 55 G, 67 for 220, 24 R, 7 2B, 4 3B, 3 HR, 35 RBI, 11 BB, 25 K, 4 SB, 1 CS, 4 HBP (.305/.345/.414) – nice winter
Rich Martinez, RHP: 1 G, 0 GS, 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 2 K (0.00 ERA, 2.50 WHIP)

Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog

Winter leagues coming to a close

Anyway, the Yankees have re-signed both Noel Castillo and Kelvin Perez after they became minor league free agents. The winter ball leagues in Latin America are winding down, so we’ve only got another update or two before baseball is officially closed for business in 2011. Go back a few weeks to see the final Arizona Fall League stats…

Dominican Winter League
Abe Almonte, OF: 28 G, 6 for 37, 3 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 6 K, 2 SB, 2 CS (.162/.205/.162)
Zoilo Almonte, OF: 11 G, 6 for 35, 4 R, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 9 K, 1 CS (.171/.206/.200)
Melky Mesa, OF: 16 G, 9 for 41, 6 R, 2 2B, 3 3B, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 9 K, 1 SB, 1 HBP (.220/.273/.415)
Gary Sanchez, C/DH: 7 G, 5 for 15, 2 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 7 K (.333/.412/.333) – hasn’t played in about three weeks
Cesar Cabral, LHP: 18 G, 0 GS, 11 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 12 K, 1 WP (0.82 ERA, 0.82 WHIP) – one of their two Rule 5 Draft selections
Juan Cedeno, LHP: 14 G, 0 GS, 7.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K (1.17 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) – recently signed out of an independent league
Ronny Marte, RHP: 1 G, 0 GS, 0 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB (? ERA, ? WHIP)
Hector Noesi, RHP: 9 G, 9 GS, 40.2 IP, 40 H, 20 R, 12 ER, 7 BB, 24 K, 2 WP (2.66 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) – now he’s up to 121.2 IP on the season

Mexican Pacific League
Jose Figueroa, OF: 3 G, 1 for 2, 1 K (.500/.500/1.000) – 19-year-old spent this year in the Dominican Summer League
Walt Ibarra, IF: 35 G, 17 for 104, 13 R, 3 2B, 3 RBI, 7 BB, 24 K, 1 SB, 1 CS, 1 HBP (.163/.223/.192)
Ramiro Pena, IF: 21 G, 20 for 79, 7 R, 4 2B, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 8 BB, 9 K, 1 SB, 1 CS (.253/.322/.418)
Jorge Vazquez, 1B/DH: 47 G, 63 for 179, 30 R, 7 2B, 17 HR, 55 RBI, 17 BB, 54 K, 3 HBP (.352/.415/.676) – he’s played 165 games between winter ball and the regular season this year, hitting .287/.342/.562 with 49 homers, 40 unintentional walks, and 220 strikeouts in exactly 700 plate appearances
Felipe Gonzalez, RHP: 1 G, 0 GS, 1 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB (9.00 ERA, 2.00 WHIP) – 20-year-old has spent the last four seasons in the Dominican Summer League
Cesar Vargas, RHP: 1 G, 0 GS, 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 HB (9.00 ERA, 3.00 WHIP)
Pat Venditte, SwP: 25 G, 0 GS, 31.2 IP, 22 H, 10 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 32 K, 1 WP (2.84 ERA, 0.76 WHIP) – holy K/BB ratio!

Puerto Rican League
Ray Kruml, OF: 20 G, 13 for 59, 5 R, 3 2B, 1 3B, 4 RBI, 2BB, 9 K, 6 SB, 2 CS (.220/.273/.415)

Venezuelan Winter League
Dan Brewer, OF: 6 G, 1 for 19, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 10 K, 1 HBP (.053/.174/.053)
Colin Curtis, OF: 25 G, 25 for 87, 13 R, 6 2B, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 12 BB, 14 K, 2 SB, 1 HBP (.287/.386/.425)
Jose Gil, C/1B: 27 G, 20 for 27, 16 R, 8 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 7 BB, 13 K, 1 SB (.278/.342/.458)
Jose Pirela, IF: 45 G, 54 for 177, 20 R, 6 2B, 4 3B, 2 HR, 30 RBI, 10 BB, 21 K, 3 SB, 1 CS, 4 HBP (.305/.351/.418) – pretty nice winter
Rich Martinez, RHP: 1 G, 0 GS, 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 2 K (0.00 ERA, 2.50 WHIP)

Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog

Noesi and JoVa keep rolling in winter ball

Arizona Fall League (final stats)
Corban Joseph, 2B: 25 G, 22 for 97, 14 R, 8 2B, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 9 BB, 17 K, 1 SB, 3 CS (.227/.287/.371)
Ronnie Mustelier, UTIL: 16 G, 22 for 64, 8 R, 3 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 1 BB, 7 K, 3 SB, 1 CS (.344/.354/.516)
Rob Segedin, 3B/LF: 29 G, 27 for 108, 21 R, 6 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 17 BB, 25 K, 1 CS, 1 HBP (.250/.367/.407)
Dan Burawa, RHP: 12 G, 0 GS, 14.1 IP, 20 H, 16 R, 12 ER, 8 BB, 11 K, 1 HB, 1 WP (7.53 ERA, 1.95 WHIP)
Preston Claiborne, RHP: 12 G, 0 GS, 12 IP, 11 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 7 BB, 8 K, 2 HR, 1 HB, 1 WP (3.00 ERA, 1.50 WHIP)
David Phelps, RHP: 8 G, 8 GS, 32.2 IP, 36 H, 16 R, 16 ER, 9 BB, 28 K, 3 HR (4.41 ERA, 1.38 WHIP)
Chase Whitley, RHP: 12 G, 0 GS, 16.2 IP, 12 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 13 K, 2 HR, 2 HB (1.62 ERA, 1.02 WHIP)

Dominican Winter League
Abe Almonte, OF: 21 G, 3 for 24, 2 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 2 K, 1 SB, 1 CS (.125/.192/.125) – I wonder if he’s just out of has, he just stayed healthy for a full season for the first time in his career and is now playing winter ball
Zoilo Almonte, OF: 5 G, 2 for 12, 3 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 3 K (.167/.286/.167) – hasn’t played in a while
Melky Mesa, OF: 16 G, 9 for 41, 6 R, 2 2B, 3 3B, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 9 K, 1 SB, 1 HBP (.220/.273/.415)
Gary Sanchez, C/DH: 7 G, 5 for 15, 2 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 7 K (.333/.412/.333)
Ronny Marte, RHP: 1 G, 0 GS, 0 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB (? ERA, ? WHIP)

Mexican Pacific League
Walt Ibarra, IF: 23 G, 10 for 61, 6 R, 2 2B, 1 RBI, 4 BB, 15 K, 1 CS (.165/.215/.197)
Ramiro Pena, IF: 16 G, 17 for 57, 5 R, 3 2B, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 7 BB, 7 K, 1 SB, 1 CS (.298/.375/.456) – Rakin’ Ramiro
Jorge Vazquez, 1B/DH: 37 G, 52 for 149, 24 R, 5 2B, 14 HR, 44 RBI, 12 BB, 43 K, 1 HBP (.349/.399/.664)
Pat Venditte, SwP: 19 G, 0 GS, 23.2 IP, 15 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 1 BB, 21 K, 4 HR, 1 WP (3.04 ERA, 0.68 WHIP)

Puerto Rican League
Ray Kruml, OF: 13 G, 9 for 40, 3 R, 2 2B, 1 RBI, 6 K, 2 SB, 2 CS (.225/.225/.275)

Venezuelan Winter League
Dan Brewer, OF: 6 G, 1 for 19, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 10 K, 1 HBP (.053/.174/.053) – need to make up the at-bats he lost due to injury this year
Colin Curtis, OF: 15 G, 14 for 51, 9 G,4 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 BB, 9 K, 1 SB, 1 HBP (.275/.351/.471)
Jose Gil, C/1B: 22 G, 18 for 63, 15 R, 7 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 6 BB, 12 K (.286/.348/.476)
Jose Pirela, IF: 35 G, 47 for 140, 15 R, 5 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 26 RBI, 6 BB, 16 K, 2 SB, 1 CS, 3 HBP (.336/.368/.457)
Rich Martinez, RHP: 1 G, 0 GS, 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 2 K (0.00 ERA, 2.50 WHIP)
Hector Noesi, RHP: 6 G, 6 GS, 23.1 IP, 25 H, 14 R, 6 ER, 6BB, 15 K, 1 WP (2.31 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) – he’s up to 104.1 IP on the season after throwing 160.1 IP in 2010 … I think they might have shut him down because he hasn’t pitched in close to two weeks

Based on his Twitter feed, Zach Varce is playing winter ball in Colombia this year. If I knew where to find those stats, I’d pass them along.

Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog

Noesi, Sanchez, Pena continue strong winter ball showings

Hard-throwing Grant Duff has re-signed with the Yankees after becoming a minor league free agent at the end of the season. He’s been battling arm injuries for a few years ago. Also, David Phelps was named the Arizona Fall League Pitcher of the Week last week.

AzFL Phoenix (5-0 loss to Surprise) Monday’s Game
Corban Joseph, 2B: 0 for 4, 2 K
Ronnie Mustelier, 3B: 1 for 3, 1 K
Rob Segedin, LF: 0 for 3, 1 K

AzFL Phoenix (12-8 win over Surprise) Tuesday’s Game
Rob Segedin, DH: 0 for 4, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Dan Burawa, RHP: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, 1-1 GB/FB – 17 of 25 pitches were strikes (68%) … he’s had a tough time out here, good to see him finish on a high note

DWL Licey (10-9 win over Toros)
Hector Noesi, RHP: 1.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 2-2 GB/FB – a dud after three straight stellar starts

AzFL Phoenix (12-7 win over Salt River) Wednesday’s Game
Rob Segedin, LF: 1 for 3, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 HBP
Ronnie Mustelier, 3B: 2 for 5, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 RBI
Corban Joseph, 2B: 2 for 4, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 SB – finished with a crappy .227/.287/.371 batting line
Chase Whitley, RHP: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 4-1 GB/FB - 11 of 19 pitches were strikes (57.9%)

AzFL Phoenix (2-2 tie with Peoria in seven innings) Thursday’s Game … that’s it for them, the season is over
Ronnie Mustelier, DH: 1 for 3, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 K – finished at .344/.354/.516
Rob Segedin, LF: 0 for 3, 1 K – hit .250/.367/.407, which kinda sucks in this league
David Phelps, RHP: 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, 5-3 GB/FB – 47 of 64 pitches were strikes (73.4%) … 20 strikeouts and just three walks in his final five starts (23.1 IP)

Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog

Phelps finishes AzFL strong

By the way, the Arizona Fall League season ends next Thursday, with the Championship Game scheduled for Saturday. Phoenix has the worst record in the league and has already been eliminated from postseason play.

AzFL Phoenix (5-0 win over Scottsdale) Wednesday’s game
Rob Segedin, LF: 0 for 4, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K – threw a runner out at third
Ronnie Mustelier, 3B: 0 for 4
Dan Burawa, RHP: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 2-0 GB/FB – 13 of 19 pitches were strikes (68.4%)

DWL Licey (5-1 win over Gigantes) Wednesday’s game
Hector Noesi, RHP: 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 11-1 GB/FB – damn Hector, way to go … 17 IP, 10 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 12 K, 27-3 GB/FB in his last three starts

AzFL Phoenix (10-8 loss to Mesa) Thursday’s game
Rob Segedin, LF: 2 for 5, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 K
Corban Joseph, 2B: 0 for 2, 1 R, 2 BB
Chase Whitley, RHP: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 1-1 GB/FB – six of 11 pitches were strikes (54.5%)

AzFL Phoenix (3-2 loss to Scottsdale) Friday’s game
Ronnie Mustelier, 3B: 0 for 3
Corban Joseph, DH: 1 for 3, 1 2B, 1 K

AzFL Phoenix (8-2 win over Mesa) Saturday’s game
Rob Segedin, LF: 2 for 3, 1 R, 2 2B, 1 BB – doubled off a brand name, old buddy Gerrit Cole
Corban Joseph, 2B: 1 for 3, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 BB, 2 K
David Phelps, RHP: 4.1 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 1 Balk, 5-3 GB/FB – 50 of 84 pitches were strikes (59.5%)
Preston Claiborne, RHP: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 1 HB, 0-2 GB/FB – 11 of 18 pitches were strikes (61.1%)

Dominican Winter League
Abe Almonte, OF: 16 G, 3 for 22, 2 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 2 K, 1 SB, 1 CS (.136/.208/.136)
Zoilo Almonte, OF: 5 G, 2 for 12, 3 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 3 K, 1 HBP (.167/.286/.167)
Melky Mesa, OF: 10 G, 7 for 24, 4 R, 2 2B, 1 3B, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 5 K, 1 SB, 1 HBP (.292/.346/.458)
Gary Sanchez, C: 3H, 1 for 4, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K (.250/.500/.250)
Hector Noesi, RHP: 5 G, 5 GS, 21.2 IP, 20 H, 9 R, 4 ER, 5 BB, 14 K, 1 WP (1.66 ERA, 1.15 WHIP)

Mexican Pacific League
Walt Ibarra, IF: 11 G, 5 for 29, 2 R, 2 BB, 9 K, 1 CS (.172/.226/.172)
Ramiro Pena, IF: 8 G, 8 for 24, 3 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 4 BB, 5 K, 1 SB, 1 CS (.333/.429/.500) – Rakin’ Ramiro always puts on a show in winter ball
Jorge Vazquez, 1B: 26 G, 33 for 102, 16 R, 2 2B, 9 HR, 29 RBI, 11 BB, 33 K (.324/.386/.608)
Pat Venditte, SwP: 15 G, 0 GS, 15.2 IP, 12 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 BB, 13 K, 1 WP (4.02 ERA, 0.83 WHIP)

Puerto Rican League
Ray Kruml, OF: 5 G, 5 for 15, 1 R, 2 2B, 2 K, 2 SB (.333/.333/.467)

Venezuelan Winter League
Colin Curtis, OF: 5 G, 6 for 16, 5 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 3 BB, 3 K, 1 SB, 1 HBP (.375/.500/.625) – the homer came off Carlos Zambrano
Jose Gil, C/1B: 14 G, 10 for 39, 8 R, 2 2B, 1 3B, 5 RBI, 4 BB, 5 K (.256/.326/.359)
Jose Pirela, IF: 24 G, 35 for 94, 9 R, 3 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 20 RBI, 5 BB, 7 K, 2 SB, 1 CS, 3 HBP (.372/.413/.479)
Rich Martinez, RHP: 1 G, 0 GS, 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 2 K (0.00 ER, 2.50 WHIP)
Josh Schmidt, RHP: 5 G, 5 GS, 27.2 IP, 19 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 13 BB, 28 K, 3 WP (1.95 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) – he’s actually a minor league free agent now

Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog

Noesi continues to dominate in winter ball

Also, the Yankees have re-signed minor league free agents Reegie Corona and Ronny Marte. Gabriel Tatis was released.

AzFL Phoenix (4-3 win over surprise) Monday’s game
Corban Joseph, 2B: 1 for 4, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 K
Rob Segedin, LF: 1 for 3, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K
David Phelps, RHP: 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 8-2 GB/FB – 43 of 70 pitches were strikes (61.4%) … that’s four runs, two walks, and ten strikeouts in his last three starts (14 IP)
Preston Claiborne, RHP: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 3-0 GB/FB – nine of 16 pitches were strikes (56.3%)

Tuesday’s AzFL Phoenix game was canceled for some reason. Probably bad weather or something.

Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog

Sanchez makes winter ball debut

AzFL Phoenix (9-2 loss to Scottdale) Friday’s game
Ronnie Mustelier, 3B: 2 for 5
Corban Joseph, 2B: 0 for 4, 2 K – down to .221/.262/.364 in 19 games out here
Chase Whitley, RHP: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 0-2 GB/FB – 18 of 30 pitches were strikes (60%)

No Yankees farmhands played in yesterday’s AzFL Rising Stars Showcase, but here’s the box score anyway.

Dominican Winter League
Abe Almonte, OF: 13 G, 3 for 16, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 SB (.188/.235/.188)
Zoilo Almonte, OF: 5 G, 2 for 12, 3 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 3 K (.167/.286/.167)
Melky Mesa, OF: 5 G, 3 for 8, 1 R, 1 2B, 2 K, 1 SB, 1 HBP (.375/.444/.500)
Hector Noesi, RHP: 4 G, 4 GS, 15.2 IP, 17 H, 9 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 10 K, 1 WP (2.30 ERA, 1.34 WHIP)

Mexican Pacific League
Walt Ibarra, IF: 7 G, 3 for 25, 2 R, 8 K (.120/.120/.120)
Ramiro Pena, IF: 4 G, 5 for 12, 3 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 SB (.417/.500/.750)
Jorge Vazquez, 1B/DH: 22 G, 27 for 86, 13 R, 2 2B, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 11 BB, 27 K (.314/.388/.547)
Pat Venditte, SwP: 12 G, 0 GS, 13 IP, 10 R, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 11 K, 1 WP (4.15 ERA, 0.85 WHIP)

Puerto Rican League
Ray Kruml, OF: 2 G, 3 for 7, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 SB (.429/.426/.571)

Venezuelan Winter League
Colin Curtis, OF: 1 G, 0 for 3, 1 K – first game of the year after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in Spring Training
Jose Gil, 1B/C: 13 G, 10 for 39, 8 R, 2 2B, 1 3B, 5 RBI, 4 BB, 5 K (.256/.326/.359)
Luis Nunez, IF: 19 G, 17 for 64, 10 R, 4 2B, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 6 BB, 9 K, 5 SB, 2 CS, 1 HBP (.266/.329/.422)
Jose Pirela, SS: 20 G, 32 for 81, 7 G, 1 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 14 RIB, 2 BB, 6 K, 2 SB, 1 CS, 2 HBP (.395/.424/.494)
Rich Martinez, RHP: 1 G, 0 GS, 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 2 K (0.00 ER, 2.50 WHIP)
Josh Schmidt, RHP: 4 G, 4 GS, 21.2 IP, 15 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 11 BB, 24 K, 3 WP (1.66 ERA, 1.20 WHIP)

Matt Duran, Jorge Posada, Pedro Feliciano, and Kruml are among the players on Puerto Rican League rosters. That doesn’t necessarily mean they will play though, and in Feliciano’s case, we’re certain he’s not going to play because he’s recovering from September shoulder surgery.

Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog

Curtis returns to action in Venezuela

New York Yankees (21)
RHP: Francisco Castillo (Hi A), Noel Castillo (Hi A), Grant Duff (AA), Logan Kensing (AAA), Jeff Marquez (AA), Kelvin Perez (Lo A), Mark Prior (AAA), Josh Schmidt (AA), Kanekoa Texeira (AA), Eric Wordekemper (AAA)
LHP: Wilkins Arias (AA), Steve Garrison (AA), Brad Halsey (AA), Kei Igawa (AA), Jose Quintana (Hi A), Josh Romanski (Hi A)
C: P.J. Pilittere (AAA)
1B: Mike Lamb (AAA)
SS: Doug Bernier (AAA), Luis Nunez (AAA)
OF: Jordan Parraz (AAA)

The biggest loss is easily Jose Quintana, who I hope the Yankees re-sign. The 22-year-old southpaw broke out with a 2.96 FIP in 102 IP for High-A Tampa this year. Here’s a mini-scouting report. Parraz, meanwhile, has already signed a minor league contract with the Braves. He had a pretty nice year for Triple-A Scranton in 2011 (.358 wOBA), but it’s not a surprise the outfielder left for a team that offered him a great opportunity once he hit free agency.

Also, Mason Williams and Dante Bichette Jr. were named the Topps Players of the Year in the NY-Penn League and Gulf Coast League, respectively. Congrats to both.

AzFL Phoenix (8-7 win over Mesa, walk-off style) Thursday’s game
Corban Joseph, 2B: 1 for 2, 1 CS – left the game after getting thrown out trying to steal third to end the fourth inning … hopefully he didn’t get hurt
Dan Burawa, RHP: 1 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0-1 GB/FB – 21 of 30 pitches were strikes (70%) … brutal stint out here continues
Preston Claiborne, RHP: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 1-0GB/FB – 14 of 24 pitches were strikes (58.3%)

Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog

Rough day for Yankees farmhands in AzFL

Also, Josh Norris spoke to David Adams‘ agent, who said the second baseman “feels good and is preparing for a long and productive year next season.” Adams has played just a handful of games since breaking his ankle sliding into second base way back in May 2010.

And finally, the Short Season Staten Island Yankees were named the Short Season Team of the Year, so congrats to them. They finished with the best record in the circuit and won the league title.

AzFL Phoenix (3-1 loss to Mesa) Monday’s game
Ronnie Mustelier, 3B:1 for 4, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 K – hitting .405/.405/.649 through nine games
Rob Segedin, LF: 1 for 3, 1 2B, 1 BB
Corban Joseph, 2B: 1 for 4, 1 2B, 1 K
David Phelps, RHP: 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 6-5 GB/FB, 1 E (pickoff) – 41 of 67 pitches were strikes (61.2%) … easily his best start out here so far … they cap the starters at five innings, but he definitely could have gone longer
Dan Burawa, RHP: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 2-1 GB/FB – 13 of 20 pitches were strikes … really having a rough go of it out here, that’s seven walks and six strikeouts in 11 IP
Preston Claiborne, RHP: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 1-2 GB/FB – ten pitches, eight strikes

AzFL Phoenix (10-7 loss to Salt River) Tuesday’s game
Rob Segedin, DH: 1 for 3, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 BB, 1 K
Chase Whitley, RHP: 0.1 IP, zeroes, 1-0 GB/FB – threw just one pitch

AzFL Phoenix (11-8 win over Mesa) Wednesday’s game
Ronnie Mustelier, 3B: 1 for 4, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 SB, 1 CS
Rob Segedin, LF: 1 for 3, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 CS
Corban Joseph, DH: 1 for 3, 1 R, 1 BB – second time he’s DH’d in the last week, I wonder if he’s banged up

Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog

Phelps has best start of winter in AzFL