January 13, 2014 at 6:32 PM
Fall/Winter League Roundup: Playoffs roll on as spring draws near
One month and two days. That’s all that stands between the Red Sox and the date their pitchers and catchers are supposed to report to Fort Myers, Fla., as they begin their title defense.
But for now, the remainder of the offseason leagues will suffice for action-starved baseball fans. In most of those leagues, the playoffs continued last week as the number of Sox minor leaguers seeing time continues to dwindle.
This week’s roundup covers Jan. 6-12.
Venezuelan Winter League:
J.C. Linares went 3 for 4 with a run while playing in two of Zulia’s five games. He saw one at-bat in right field in the first game, then had three plate appearances as designated hitter the next day before not playing in the final three contests. His team, Zulia, is 1-7 in round-robin play.
The only other Sox minor leaguer to see action was Heiker Meneses, who was 0 for 16 with three strikeouts and a walk. La Guaira is 4-5 in round-robin play.
Mexican Pacific League:
The MPL is into its semifinal series, with Hermosillo — the team Nate Reed and Jesus Loya play for — matching up against Los Mochis. The best-of-seven series is tied 1-1 with Game 3 set for Tuesday.
Reed earned the win in the quarterfinal series clincher over Guasave last week. He went six innings while fanning three and striking out one.
Loya, meanwhile, was retired in his lone semifinal at-bat and went 1 for 9 with a double on the week.
Puerto Rican (Roberto Clemente) Baseball League:
Round-robin play continued for Jeremy Kehrt’s Mayaguez squad (7-1) and Henry Ramos’ Ponce team (4-4).
Ramos went 4 for 20 with seven strikeouts, a double and home run. The long ball came off of Kehrt, who was unspectacular in his one game this week. He lasted 3 2/3 innings while allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits while striking out two.
Australian Baseball League:
The Sox’ lone representative, Stefan Welch, went 2 for 13 in four games. He drove in two runs, homered once, strike out twice and scored thrice.
Photo credit: J.C. Linares by Kelly O'Connor.
Tim Healey is a staff writer for SoxProspects.com. Follow him on Twitter @timbhealey.