Fall/Winter League Roundup: Castillo, Vazquez impress in PR finals

Here is a recap of the past week's action in Fall and Winter leagues. 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 the offseason. This week's roundup covers the period of January 16 - January 22.

Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (Puerto Rico)

Caguas and Santurce continue to face off in the league's championship series, with Caguas leading 4-3 in the best-of-nine series after a win on Sunday. Rusney Castillo (pictured), who has been starting in left field, has been a key factor in Caguas' success as he went 8 for 21 in five games during the week, swatting two doubles and two home runs. Christian Vazquez has been similarly impressive for Santurce, as he is coming off a 7-for-15 week which saw him knock two doubles, a triple, and two walks. 

Dominican Baseball League

The Tigres del Licey and Aguilas Cibaenas have advanced from the league's round-robin semifinals and the finals are currently tied at two games apiece. Hanley Ramirez played in one game this week, going 0 for 2 with two walks as the designated hitter for Licey on Monday. However, he has not played at all in the finals. Left-handed reliever Fernando Abad also only appeared once this week, failing to record an out while allowing three runs on two hits and a walk on Sunday for the Aguilas. 

Venezuelan Professional Baseball League

The Venezuelan Winter League has also progressed to the league's championship as Zulia and Lara are the two teams remaining, with Zulia leading 2-0. Second baseman Heiker Meneses was 4 for 8 with two RBI in the semifinals before La Guaira was eliminated on Tuesday. 

Australian Baseball League

Left-hander Daniel McGrath made the start for Melbourne on Saturday. McGrath tossed three innings, allowing four runs on five hits and four walks while punching out three. He now holds a 6.75 ERA in eight innings over three starts.

The ABL, which plays on weekends, will wrap up its regular season this week. The number two and three seeds square off in the playoffs' first round from February 3-5, with the winner facing the top seed in the league championship from February 8-12. Melbourne needs one win to clinch the top seed, and has at least clinched a playoff berth, meaning McGrath will have the opportunity to make at least two more starts this offseason.

Photo Credit: Rusney Castillo by Kelly O'Connor

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