Fall/Winter League Roundup: Moncada shines in AFL

This is the first in our series of weekly roundups of the Fall/Winter Leagues. Coverage will continue every Monday into January. For the full list of Red Sox prospects participating in these leagues, check out our Fall & Winter Leagues page, which will be updated continuously through January. This week's roundup covers the period of October 6-16.

Arizona Fall League

Games started on October 6, with seven Red Sox prospects playing for the Surprise Saguaros. Third baseman Yoan Moncada (pictured, right) has been the star for Surprise thus far, appearing in three games, going 6 for 14 with a double, home run, two RBI and five runs scored.

Mauricio Dubon has gone 4 for 14 with a home run and an RBI in three contests, and the shortstop got his first taste of center field in Saturday's contest as he and the organization seek to further his development as a potential utility player at the MLB level. Outfielder Danny Mars has gone 3 for 12 with an RBI in his three appearances. 

On the mound, Michael Kopech made his first start of the offseason on Saturday, going three hitless innings, striking out five in a victory over Scottsdale. Trey Ball has made two relief appearances, walking three and striking out three across 3 1/3 innings. Jamie Callahan has also made two outings out of the bullpen, allowing four hits in two innings of work. Jalen Beeks has made just one appearance, allowing two runs on five hits in his two innings of relief. 

Venezuelan Professional Baseball League

Since action started on October 6, there has been limited action, with three prospects and two pending minor league free agents seeing game time.

On the mound, William Cuevas has gone 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in three starts for La Guaira. Dedgar Jimenez holds a 2.08 ERA after two relief outings.

At the plate, Cody Decker and Deiner Lopez both have not recorded a hit in limited action. Carlos Tovar has gotten off to a fast start, going 3 for 8 with an RBI in his first three games.

Mexican Pacific League

Ali Solis, a pending minor league free agent, is the lone player from a Sox affiliate at the end of the season currently on a roster in Mexico's top winter circuit. He has gone 1 for 8 in his first four games. 

Venezuelan Liga Paralela

The Liga Paralela is essentially a minor league for the Venezuelan winter league. Of the 22 players on the "Boston" squad, 19 are Sox minor leaguers. Since action began on October 11, the Boston squad is 3-1. At the plate, Victor Acosta is 8 for 16 with two doubles, a home run, and 8 RBI in 16 at-bats. Catcher Eduard Conte has also gotten off to a good start with the bat, going 3 for 8 with two doubles and four RBI in his first two games.   

Jose Gonzalez and Jose Zacarias have each picked up a victory in limited action.

Coming Up

The offseason action will continue to pick up in the coming weeks, as the Dominican Baseball League and Puerto Rico's Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League begin play on the 20th and 27th, respectively. Rosters are still being finalized and announced for both circuits, but a number of Red Sox farmhands can be expected to suit up in both circuits.

Photo Credit: Yoan Moncada by Kelly O'Connor.

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