The Caribbean Winter League playoffs are now under way, so in this post, let’s look at how a few Indians prospects did in the Dominican Winter League. Later in the week, I’ll continue to run through the other winter league’s for Indians prospects as well.
Dominican Winter League
Aguilas Cibaenas
OF Tim Fedroff (.239/.333/.282 1 HR 5 RBI) Fedroff had a contract signed through mid-November and was able to see action in all three outfield spots. His regular season earned him a spot on the Indians 40 man roster. It seems that he will come to camp in February to try and battle for the fourth outfielder spot with possibly Thomas Neal or Ezequiel Carerra. While his winter numbers may have been a little underwhelming, the competition and intensity of play in these leagues are good exposure to players like Fedroff.
Estrellas de Oriente
SS Juan Diaz (39 GP, .259/.289/.371 2 HR 13 RBI) Diaz struggled much like Fedroff, but still sort of mirrored his skill set; low on base percentage, some pop and a pretty solid glove. I thought there might have been a shot that Diaz could have competed for a backup infielder spot, but unless Asdrubal Cabrera is moved, with Mike Aviles on the roster, it seems unlikely. He’s decent depth for the Indians in short term roster issues.
Tigres del Licey
RHP Danny Salazar (5 G 3 GS 0-3 14 IP 3.86 ERA 17K/4BB) A number of members in the Indians front office, including a few coaches, headed down to the Dominican and a few got to see Salazar throw and reportedly came back very impressed with how he looked. Much like Fedroff, Salazar is getting the chance to face a few current and former major leaguers playing in this league and came out with good results. His last game came before Thanksgiving, so while his winter was brief, he pleased the front office with the work he’s done down there this winter.
Toros del Este
2B Jose Ramirez (38 G .312/.389/.362 5 2B 1 3B 22 RBI 10 SB) Ramirez had a great winter after not playing much at first, then forcing himself into the lineup. He came in and hit everything in the Midwest League and that hasn’t changed much, despite facing what is better competition in the Dominican. As the winter went on, he certainly has forced himself on the Indians radar, as well as other baseball minds. Someone you certainly want to keep an eye and ear out for in 2013.
1B Mike McDade (24 G .286/.356/.351 5 2B) With Russ Canzler now out of the fold, McDade is looking for a shot at possibly splitting 1st base and the DH role with Mark Reynolds and maybe Rule 5 pick, Chris McGuiness. McDade has proven he has power and some scouts feel it’s something he can carry over to the major league level. What they don’t like however, is his defense. He did get a lot of reps at the position over the winter, looking to improve on that and give himself a better shot at breaking camp with the Indians in 2013.
C Yan Gomes (17 G .186/.269/.424 4 HR) Gomes showed some decent power early on in the winter league. He’s been a solid hitter in the minors, though it’s unclear that his power spike in 2012 was a real development or a product of the friendly Pacific Coast League and cozy Las Vegas hitter’s haven.
C Carlos Santana (20 G .197/.326/.254 4 2B) Santana didn’t appear in a game at catcher in the league, handling the DH duties. He drew walks like the typical Santana and struck out, however I thought maybe he might get some work in behind the plate after his concussion this year, it felt like he took a step back. With Sandy Alomar Jr still around though, he should continue to get better.
Even though he’s no longer and Indians prospect, or because I like torturing Indians fans and myself, but RHP Steven Wright (5 GS 29 IP 0-1 2.48 ERA 19 K/7 BB) had a good winter in the Dominican. In addition to the good numbers, Wright also welcomed a daughter with his wife and was added to the Red Sox 40 man roster. As I’ve said before, this will end up being a move the Indians will regret, even if Lars Anderson, did play a small part in the Tribe landing Trevor Bauer.
You can read more of Justin’s coverage of the Indians minors league’s at LakeCounty-Sentinel.com
I’m not familiar with Jose Ramirez. Can you tell me more about him, like his age, what levels he’s played at and how we acquired him?
Ramirez is a 20 year old switch hitter from the Dominican Republic, signed as a free agent in 2009. He’s a short, spark plug type player. High energy, good, compact swing. Doesn’t have much power, but he has good speed to make up for the lack of extra bases. Also has tremendous hands and great range at second base. I’ve never seen him play shortstop in person, but I have heard he’s capable there, but probably doesn’t have the arm to stick there. Someone I wouldn’t bet against.