February 15, 2021 at 1:00 PM
Fall/Winter League Roundup: Duran, Arauz named to Caribbean All-Tourney team
This week's roundup covers February 1 through the end of the season. For the full list of Red Sox prospects participating in these leagues, check out our Fall & Winter Leagues page.
Caribbean Series
The Red Sox organization featured the leadoff hitter for two of the four squads in the 2021 Caribbean Series, and both were honored with All-Tournament Team recognition. Jarren Duran (pictured) continued to build upon his strong finish to the season in the Roberto Clemente (Puerto Rican) League, going 10 for 25 with a homer out of the leadoff spot for Caguas. He was 2 for 3 with a walk and a stolen base in a semifinal victory over Culiacan of the Mexican League. Duran followed with a 1-for-2 effort that included two walks in a 4-1 loss in the final to Aguilas. Jonathan Arauz was 7 for 26 from the top of the order for Chiriqui, representing Panama. Jeremy Rivera (2 for 11) and Jack Lopez (2 for 6) joined Duran getting playing time for Caguas, while Joey Meneses submitted a strong .261/.375/.478 line for Culiacan.
Australian Baseball League
Colin Willis was signed by Boston to a minor league contract after the 2019 season out of the independent American Association. Despite not yet having suited up in a game for the organization, he's been one of the most prominent players in the Winter Leagues for two years. Willis helped Melbourne repeat as ABL champions, going 5 for 9 and homering in both of the Aces' playoff games. The final victory was made all the more dramatic as it was announced only hours before the first pitch that the winners bracket final would instead be the league championship due to a coming COVID lockdown.
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Thank you for joining us for an unusual Fall & Winter series. With players arriving in spring training, we will begin our Fort Report series in this space next week.
Photo Credit: Jarren Duran by Kelly O'Connor