The final part of the St. Louis Cardinals in winter league play will cover the Puerto Rican League. After missing the whole entire 2007-08 season for lack of finances, players made their ways back to play in the country of Puerto Rico in 2008-09.
St. Louis Cardinals third base coach Jose Oquendo picked up the managing reigns again to coach the Gigantes de Carolina and brought along with him P.J. Walters, Bryan Anderson, and later on Yadier Molina joined the team. Luis Mateo was selected in the fourth round of the player draft by Carolina. Oquendo also tried to contact former 2008 Cardinal spring training invite Juan Gonzalez for his services, but phone calls were never returned. Carolina started out the year slow and ended with a 17-24 record and 9 1/2 games out of first.
Joe Thurston began the season out with Leones de Ponce under former St. louis Cardinal player and now Ponce manager Eduardo Perez. Perez and Oquendo both teamed together during the winter season to get Thurston a minor league contract with the Cardinals, much like they did for Gonzalez. Ponce ended the year with a 27-15 record and four games ahead in first place. They ran through the Puerto Rican playoffs easily and finished tied for third place in the Caribbean Series.
Rigoberto Lugo was selected in the sixth round of the player draft by Cangrejeros de Santurce and only pitched once for the team. Santurce finished 19-22, barely sneaking into the first round of the playoffs and were eliminated then.
Bryan Anderson (Memphis) played in 13 games batting .240 (6-for-25) with a .406 OBP, .240 SLG, and .646 OPS. The 22-year old left-handed swinger had two RBIs, six total bases, scored two runs, and walked five times. He was 1-for-2 in stolen base attempts, struck out 16% (4) of the time and committed three errors. Anderson played nine games behind the plate, two as pinch hitter, and one at both first base and catcher. He caught 2-of-17 base stealing attempts, picked off one runner, and had one passed ball while behind the plate.
The fourth-year Cardinals hitter didn't really generate too much while at the plate this winter, this seemed to be more of a chance to work on his catching skills than anything. Anderson did pick up his first hit and RBI on November 7 which started off an on base streak of six games that ended on November 16. He scored two runs on two walks on November 8 and stole his only base on November 21. On November 25 opponents stole a season-high five bases on Anderson while catching. (Runners left in scoring position with 2-outs: 3)
Anderson will probably spend the 2009 season at Triple-A Memphis. There are so many ideas being tossed around about what could happen to him during the season from being traded and being moved to a different position. As far as I know his trade value is very low, because teams see his defense skills lagging compared to various other catchers. But the clock is ticking on him this coming year to improve behind the plate, be moved to a new position, or get traded to another team.
P.J. Walters (Memphis) made eight starts posting a 3-3 record and 4.34 ERA. The 23-year old right-hander allowed 42 hits, 21 runs (18 earned), three home runs, hit two batters, walked 11, and struck out 38 over 37.1 innings. He had a ground out-to-fly out ratio of 44-to-24.
The third-year Cardinals pitcher started out the winter season pretty solid with his first two starts being for 7.2 innings with eight hits, one run, and striking out 11. But when the middle of November came he was being slapped around. In his final three outings Walters had Molina on hand to catch him and he seemed more comfortable on the hill. Between December 9-19, he made three starts pitching 17.3 innings giving up 14 hits, five runs, one home run, four walks, and striking out 14. Walters also picked up the wins in those games. He didn't allow a run in two appearances and struck out five or more in five games. One of Walters' best starts came on December 14, when he pitched a season-high seven innings, giving up four hits, two runs, and striking out a season-high eight.
If Walters pitches real well during spring training, he could be looking at being one of the first to get a call for a spot start in St. Louis in 2009. But if there is any problems in camp, look for Walters to make a push for one of the spots in the rotation at least as a short-term solution to begin the season. He had great chemistry with Molina at the end of the season, just imagine that in the majors.
Luis Mateo (Johnson City) played in six games batting .222 (2-for-9) with a .222 OBP, .222 SLG, and .444 OPS. The 18-year old right-handed swinger had one RBI, two total bases, scored two runs, stole one base, and committed one error. He played four games at second base, one in left field, and one as a pinch runner.
The first-year Cardinal affiliate didn't really get much time to play and get at-bats. Mateo scored his first run on November 7 as a pinch runner, tapped his first hit on November 8, drove in his only run on December 28, and stole his only base on November 30. (Runners left in scoring position with 2-outs: 1)
Mateo could be looking at a return to Johnson City in 2009, depending on who the Cardinals pick up in the upcoming MLB draft. There's also a possibility of playing somewhere in the infield at Short-Season Single-A Batavia.
Yadier Molina (St. Louis) played in 14 games batting .190 (8-for-42) with a .244 OBP, .238 SLG, and .483 OPS. The 26-year old right-handed swinger had two doubles, two RBIs, ten total bases, scored one run, and walked three times. He was caught stealing in one attempt, 12% (5), and committed one error. Molina played all his games behind the plate except for two games as the team's designated hitter. He caught 3-of-8 base stealing attempts and picked off two runners.
The nine-year Cardinal affiliate joined the team at the end of November, roughly a couple days early. Molina opened his winter season going 2-for-4 with one double and one two-out RBI. He drove in his second run on December 2, scored his only run on December 30, and legged out his second double on January 2. Molina had two multi-hit games and a two-game hitting streak running between December 30-January 2 (3-for-6).
Molina was expected to join Carolina last winter before the Puerto Rican League cancelled for the season, so it was no surprise that he was there this year. One of the main things he was working on was getting back in shape behind the plate after missing time at the end of the 2008 regular season with the Cardinals. He is also confirmed to be playing for Jose Oquendo in the World Baseball Classic. I think everyone knows what to expect from Molina during the upcoming regular and lets hope there's another gold glove involved at the end.
Rigoberto Lugo (Batavia) pitched on November 7 entering in the seventh and going one inning, allowing no hit, one unearned run, one walk, hit one batter, and struck out one. He got the other two outs on grounders.
Joe Thurtston (Memphis?) played in 33 games batting .293 (39-for-133) with a .387 OBP, .421 SLG, and .808 OPS. The 29-year old left-handed swinger had six doubles, one triple, three home runs, 14 RBIs, 56 total bases, scored 22 runs, walked 16 times. He stole 7-of-11 bases, struck out 11% (14) of the time, and committed one error. Thurston played 13 games in left field, 11 at second base, three at shortstop, and six spread across left field, second base, centerfield, shortstop, and right field.
The newly signed Cardinal began the winter season as the team's starting left fielder and moved to the infield in late-November and early December. Thurston had ten multi-hit games, including four for three hits. He had a seven-game hitting streak between November26-December 6, going 12-for-30 (.400) with three doubles, two RBIs, and scored seven runs. Between December 9-December 12, Thurston had a three-game multi-hit streak going 6-for-14 (.429). He had his best game on November 12, when he went 3-for-5 with his first home run, two RBIs, and scored two runs. Thurston had two on base streaks, one running from November 7-November 21 for 11 games and the other running from November 23-December 17 for 16 games. In the playoffs, he went 5-for-15 (.333) with two doubles, two RBIs, six runs, three walks, and four strikeouts. He left before the finals and Caribbean Series. (Runners left in scoring position with 2-outs:8)
I'm gonna say right now, I think Thurston cracks the Cardinals major league roster even before the regular season starts. Even if Adam Kennedy wasn't released, he still had a really good chance to slip in on the bench for the Redbirds. He plays multiple positions, something Tony LaRussa keeps a keen eye on when building his rosters, and is a strong left-handed bat that can hit both righties and lefties with similar results. Thurston brings a lot more to the table unlike last years minor league free agent infielder, D'Angelo Jimenez, brought.
Juan Gonzalez (Memphis-Free Agent) was reached out to by Carolina's MGR, Jose Oquendo, a couple times and apparently didn't want to play. Since he did not play in winter league, do not expect him to show up on the World Baseball Classic roster either. One of Oquendo's stipulations to playing for him during WBC is to play your position in the Puerto Rican League so he can scout the player.
St. Louis Cardinals third base coach Jose Oquendo picked up the managing reigns again to coach the Gigantes de Carolina and brought along with him P.J. Walters, Bryan Anderson, and later on Yadier Molina joined the team. Luis Mateo was selected in the fourth round of the player draft by Carolina. Oquendo also tried to contact former 2008 Cardinal spring training invite Juan Gonzalez for his services, but phone calls were never returned. Carolina started out the year slow and ended with a 17-24 record and 9 1/2 games out of first.
Joe Thurston began the season out with Leones de Ponce under former St. louis Cardinal player and now Ponce manager Eduardo Perez. Perez and Oquendo both teamed together during the winter season to get Thurston a minor league contract with the Cardinals, much like they did for Gonzalez. Ponce ended the year with a 27-15 record and four games ahead in first place. They ran through the Puerto Rican playoffs easily and finished tied for third place in the Caribbean Series.
Rigoberto Lugo was selected in the sixth round of the player draft by Cangrejeros de Santurce and only pitched once for the team. Santurce finished 19-22, barely sneaking into the first round of the playoffs and were eliminated then.
Bryan Anderson (Memphis) played in 13 games batting .240 (6-for-25) with a .406 OBP, .240 SLG, and .646 OPS. The 22-year old left-handed swinger had two RBIs, six total bases, scored two runs, and walked five times. He was 1-for-2 in stolen base attempts, struck out 16% (4) of the time and committed three errors. Anderson played nine games behind the plate, two as pinch hitter, and one at both first base and catcher. He caught 2-of-17 base stealing attempts, picked off one runner, and had one passed ball while behind the plate.
The fourth-year Cardinals hitter didn't really generate too much while at the plate this winter, this seemed to be more of a chance to work on his catching skills than anything. Anderson did pick up his first hit and RBI on November 7 which started off an on base streak of six games that ended on November 16. He scored two runs on two walks on November 8 and stole his only base on November 21. On November 25 opponents stole a season-high five bases on Anderson while catching. (Runners left in scoring position with 2-outs: 3)
Anderson will probably spend the 2009 season at Triple-A Memphis. There are so many ideas being tossed around about what could happen to him during the season from being traded and being moved to a different position. As far as I know his trade value is very low, because teams see his defense skills lagging compared to various other catchers. But the clock is ticking on him this coming year to improve behind the plate, be moved to a new position, or get traded to another team.
P.J. Walters (Memphis) made eight starts posting a 3-3 record and 4.34 ERA. The 23-year old right-hander allowed 42 hits, 21 runs (18 earned), three home runs, hit two batters, walked 11, and struck out 38 over 37.1 innings. He had a ground out-to-fly out ratio of 44-to-24.
The third-year Cardinals pitcher started out the winter season pretty solid with his first two starts being for 7.2 innings with eight hits, one run, and striking out 11. But when the middle of November came he was being slapped around. In his final three outings Walters had Molina on hand to catch him and he seemed more comfortable on the hill. Between December 9-19, he made three starts pitching 17.3 innings giving up 14 hits, five runs, one home run, four walks, and striking out 14. Walters also picked up the wins in those games. He didn't allow a run in two appearances and struck out five or more in five games. One of Walters' best starts came on December 14, when he pitched a season-high seven innings, giving up four hits, two runs, and striking out a season-high eight.
If Walters pitches real well during spring training, he could be looking at being one of the first to get a call for a spot start in St. Louis in 2009. But if there is any problems in camp, look for Walters to make a push for one of the spots in the rotation at least as a short-term solution to begin the season. He had great chemistry with Molina at the end of the season, just imagine that in the majors.
Luis Mateo (Johnson City) played in six games batting .222 (2-for-9) with a .222 OBP, .222 SLG, and .444 OPS. The 18-year old right-handed swinger had one RBI, two total bases, scored two runs, stole one base, and committed one error. He played four games at second base, one in left field, and one as a pinch runner.
The first-year Cardinal affiliate didn't really get much time to play and get at-bats. Mateo scored his first run on November 7 as a pinch runner, tapped his first hit on November 8, drove in his only run on December 28, and stole his only base on November 30. (Runners left in scoring position with 2-outs: 1)
Mateo could be looking at a return to Johnson City in 2009, depending on who the Cardinals pick up in the upcoming MLB draft. There's also a possibility of playing somewhere in the infield at Short-Season Single-A Batavia.
Yadier Molina (St. Louis) played in 14 games batting .190 (8-for-42) with a .244 OBP, .238 SLG, and .483 OPS. The 26-year old right-handed swinger had two doubles, two RBIs, ten total bases, scored one run, and walked three times. He was caught stealing in one attempt, 12% (5), and committed one error. Molina played all his games behind the plate except for two games as the team's designated hitter. He caught 3-of-8 base stealing attempts and picked off two runners.
The nine-year Cardinal affiliate joined the team at the end of November, roughly a couple days early. Molina opened his winter season going 2-for-4 with one double and one two-out RBI. He drove in his second run on December 2, scored his only run on December 30, and legged out his second double on January 2. Molina had two multi-hit games and a two-game hitting streak running between December 30-January 2 (3-for-6).
Molina was expected to join Carolina last winter before the Puerto Rican League cancelled for the season, so it was no surprise that he was there this year. One of the main things he was working on was getting back in shape behind the plate after missing time at the end of the 2008 regular season with the Cardinals. He is also confirmed to be playing for Jose Oquendo in the World Baseball Classic. I think everyone knows what to expect from Molina during the upcoming regular and lets hope there's another gold glove involved at the end.
Rigoberto Lugo (Batavia) pitched on November 7 entering in the seventh and going one inning, allowing no hit, one unearned run, one walk, hit one batter, and struck out one. He got the other two outs on grounders.
Joe Thurtston (Memphis?) played in 33 games batting .293 (39-for-133) with a .387 OBP, .421 SLG, and .808 OPS. The 29-year old left-handed swinger had six doubles, one triple, three home runs, 14 RBIs, 56 total bases, scored 22 runs, walked 16 times. He stole 7-of-11 bases, struck out 11% (14) of the time, and committed one error. Thurston played 13 games in left field, 11 at second base, three at shortstop, and six spread across left field, second base, centerfield, shortstop, and right field.
The newly signed Cardinal began the winter season as the team's starting left fielder and moved to the infield in late-November and early December. Thurston had ten multi-hit games, including four for three hits. He had a seven-game hitting streak between November26-December 6, going 12-for-30 (.400) with three doubles, two RBIs, and scored seven runs. Between December 9-December 12, Thurston had a three-game multi-hit streak going 6-for-14 (.429). He had his best game on November 12, when he went 3-for-5 with his first home run, two RBIs, and scored two runs. Thurston had two on base streaks, one running from November 7-November 21 for 11 games and the other running from November 23-December 17 for 16 games. In the playoffs, he went 5-for-15 (.333) with two doubles, two RBIs, six runs, three walks, and four strikeouts. He left before the finals and Caribbean Series. (Runners left in scoring position with 2-outs:8)
I'm gonna say right now, I think Thurston cracks the Cardinals major league roster even before the regular season starts. Even if Adam Kennedy wasn't released, he still had a really good chance to slip in on the bench for the Redbirds. He plays multiple positions, something Tony LaRussa keeps a keen eye on when building his rosters, and is a strong left-handed bat that can hit both righties and lefties with similar results. Thurston brings a lot more to the table unlike last years minor league free agent infielder, D'Angelo Jimenez, brought.
Juan Gonzalez (Memphis-Free Agent) was reached out to by Carolina's MGR, Jose Oquendo, a couple times and apparently didn't want to play. Since he did not play in winter league, do not expect him to show up on the World Baseball Classic roster either. One of Oquendo's stipulations to playing for him during WBC is to play your position in the Puerto Rican League so he can scout the player.
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