St. Louis Cardinals Venezuelan Parallel League Team: 2008 Hitters Part One

The St. Louis Cardinals' Parallel League team finished the 2008 winter season with a 16-33 record, second to last in the league, and 19.5 games out of first place.

The team's hitting did not fair well compared to the rest of the league, ending the season in the bottom half of the league in most if not all categories. The Cardinals had a .234 batting average, collected 74 doubles, seven triples, hit a league worst seven home runs, and drove in 131 runs.

This part of the report will cover the top eight hitters in at-bats for the winter season. The rest will follow in upcoming wrap-ups.

Cesar Valera played in 40 games batting .254 (29-for-114) with a .309 OBP and .333 SLG. The 17-year old right-handed swinger had seven doubles, one triple, 11 RBIs, 38 total bases, scored 13 runs, and walked nine times. He was 11-for-13 in stolen base attempts, struck out 20% (23) of the time, and committed 22 errors. Valera played 32 games at shortstop, two between both shortstop and third base, one at third base, two as a designated hitter, and one as a pinch hitter.

The 2008 July 2nd signing started off a little slow in the season, batting at the bottom of the order. He heated up in mid-November and was bumped to the top of the batting order and soon settled in the middle of the order before season's end. Valera was basically the team's everyday shortstop. He had his best game on Nov. 8 when he went 3-for-5 picking up his one and only triple and driving in two runs and scoring two runs for the Cardinals. He had seven multi-hit games and three game hitting streak between November 8-11 going 7-for-15 with two doubles, one triple, and four RBIs. He also showed a lot of speed leading the team in steals. (Runners left in scoring position, 2-outs: 18-2, 0 RBIs)

Valera could end up being the starting shortstop for the VSL Cardinals, if that is where he is placed in 2009. Gerardo Mannbel is most likely headed to the Gulf Coast and Wilfred Vivas is suspended for most of the season, leaving an open spot up the middle for the new Redbird.

Alberto Rivero (VSL) played in 33 games batting .261 (29-for-111) with a .297 OBP and .378 SLG. The 19-year-old left-handed swinger had nine doubles, two triples, 19 RBIs, 42 total bases, scored 11 runs, and walked six times. He was 6-for-9 in stolen base attempts, struck out 14% (16) of the time, and committed one error. Rivero played 31 games in centerfield, one in right field, and one as a pinch hitter.

The second-year VSL player started off the season pretty much where he left off the regular season at and gradually faded as the winter season went on. Rivero had a four-game hitting streak between November 7-11, collecting a hit in each game. He had three real big games during the winter season. On October 17 he went 2-for-4 with two doubles and three RBIs. November 11 Rivero drove in four runs on one double and one triple while going 2-for-4. Then on December 11 he drove in another four runs on one double and one triple. Rivero had seven multi-hit games and five multi-RBI games during the season. He finished the season leading the team in doubles, RBIs, and total bases. (Runners left in scoring position, 2-outs: 14-5, 9 RBIs)

Rivero continued to put up big numbers in the Parallel League. I still expect him to start his third season in the Cardinals organization in Venezuela, but could get a hard look for a promotion sometime during the season if he continues his progress.

Jose Cortez (VSL) played in 34 games and batted .253 (25-for-99) with a .297 OBP and .333 SLG. The 19-year old right-handed swinger had eight doubles, seven RBIs, 33 total bases, scored 16 runs, and walked four times. He was 3-for-6 in stolen base attempts, struck out 14% (14) of the time, and committed no errors during the season. Cortez played 17 games in left field, eight in center, six in right, one between both left and first base, and one between left and centerfield.

The second-year VSL player started off the winter season a little slow and heated up in the beginning of December, finishing the season off strong. He collected his first double on October 29 and drove in his first run on October 23. Cortez had a eight-game hitting streak to round out the season between December 5-18, where he went 14-for-32 (.438). He had seven multi-hit games and two games where he legged out two doubles. His best game came on November 11 when he hit two doubles, drove in two runs, and scored two runs for the Cardinals. Cortez finished the season leading the team in runs scored and second in doubles behind Rivero. (Runners left in scoring position, 2-outs: 14-4, 3 RBIs)

Cortez is most likely gonna return to the VSL Cardinals for the 2009 and his third season in professional ball. Like last summer and during the winter look for him to again be slotted in as the leadoff hitter and switching back and forth with fellow outfielder Anthony Fonseca.

Hector Garcia (VSL) played in 37 games batting .149 (14-for-94) with a .280 OBP and .191 SLG. The 18-year old right-handed swinger had one double, one home run, two RBIs, 18 total bases, scored three runs, and walked five times. He struck out 27% (25) of the time and committed three errors. Garcia played 24 games at third base, four at first base, two between first and third, two as designated hitter, and two as a pinch hitter.

The second-year VSL participant went in the exact opposite direction unlike his 2008 regular season. He was pretty much stone cold throughout the season even though he was given plenty of time to come out of the slump he was in. Garcia drove in his first run on October 22 and clubbed his only home run on November 19. One of his few best games came December 11 when he went 3-for-5 with a double. He only has two multi-hit games, but his play at third did improve compared to the regular season. (Runners left in scoring position, 2-outs: 5-2, 1 RBI)

Garcia again should see a return to the Venezuelan Summer League Cardinals in 2009 and hopefully he can put together the improvement at third base and his bat he showed over the 2008 season to be an impact player for the squad.

Roberto Perez (VSL) played in 36 games batting .267 (24-for-90) with a .359 OBP and .367 SLG. The 20-year old right-handed swinger had six doubles, one home run, 12 RBIs, 33 total bases, scored 14 runs, and walked nine times. He struck out 17% (15) of the time and committed five errors. Perez played 26 games at first base and eight as the designated hitter.

The second-year VSL player showed a great deal of improvement at the plate during his time in the Parallel League. He started off real solid and calmed to a steady to finish out the season. For most of the winter season he was tapped as the clean-up hitter for the team and ended the year second, behind Rivero, in runs driven in. Perez opened the season on a four-game hitting streak going 6-for-15 (.400) with two doubles, six RBIs, and scored four runs. And between November 30-December 4, he had another four-game hitting streak where he went 7-for-14 (.500 with three doubles, three RBIs, and two runs. He clubbed his only home run, a solo shot, on October 29. Perez had three multi-hit games, including a three hit game on October 18 and four hit game on December 2. (Runners left in scoring position, 2-outs: 12-3, 4 RBIs)

Perez is gradually improving and has shown it comparing his 2007 stats with his 2008 stats. In 2009 I would expect him to see time as the starting first baseman for the VSL Cardinals and continue his upward progress.

Yorbel Alcala (VSL) played in 33 games batting .244 (21-for-86) with a .313 OBP and .314 SLG. The 19-year old switch hitter had three doubles, one home run, 11 RBIs, 27 total bases, scored six runs, and walked nine times. He was 1-for-1 in stolen base attempts, struck out 22% (19) of the time, and committed three errors. Alcala played 31 games behind the plate, one at first base, and one as the designated hitter.

The second-year VSL participant started off his first week real hot then cooled and ended the winter season on a high note. The three games following his first, he went 4-for-8 with one double, one home run, five RBIs, and three runs. He had his best game on October 22 going 2-for-3, slugging his first home run and driving in four runs. Alcala had four multi-hit games and two multi-RBI games. He had a five-game hitting streak between December 10-15, where he went 6-for-16 (.375). (Runners left in scoring position, 2-outs: 17-4, 6 RBIs)

Alcala was pretty steady carrying over from the regular to winter season. He still looks to be returning to the Venezuelan League for the 2009 season as the starting catcher and will have some competition from Limbert Rivas and Jesus Montero.

Anthony Fonseca (VSL) played in 30 games batting .274 (23-for-84) with a .392 OBP and .310 SLG. The 19-year old right-handed swinger had three doubles, seven RBIs, 26 total bases, scored nine runs, and walked eight times. He was 5-for-8 in stolen base attempts, struck out 18% (15) of the time, and committed four errors. He played ten games in left, eight in right, seven in centerfield, and split two games between righ and left.

The second-year VSL player kept rolling from the regular season on into the winter season, stats staying right about the same. Fonseca had a four-game hitting steak running from October 23-27, where he went 5-for-8 (.625) with three RBIs. He picked up his first of three doubles on November 6 and four multi-hit games. Fonseca also had a six-game hitting streak between November 8-14, going 7-for-18 (.388). His best game came on Nov.8 when he went 2-for-4 with one double, one RBI, one run, and stole one base. He finished third on the team in batting average and on base percentage. (Runners left in scoring position, 2-outs: 12-3, 1 RBI)

Fonseca is another that will probably make a return to VSL in 2009. He's a very versatile guy that can play all three spots in the outfield, either starting in one position or covering for everyday players. He can also bat in the leadoff or second spot in the batting order and be successful there also.

Billy Bolivar (VSL-Free Agent) played in 38 games batting .256 (21-for-82) with a .361 OBP and .354 SLG. The 20-year old right-handed swinger had five doubles, one home run, four RBIs, 29 total bases, scored 13 runs, and walked 13 times. He was 2-for-2 in stolen base attempts, struck out 17% (14) of the time, and committed three errors. Bolivar played 11 games in right field, six at third base, three in center, two at first base, three in left field, one at shortstop, two as the designated hitter, four as a pinch hitter, and the rest split over the previous listed positions.

The third-year VSL player started off his winter season pretty hot and slowly cooled, much like his regular season. After his first game he had a five-game hitting streak where he went 6-for-10 (.600) with one home run, two RBIs, and scored five runs. He clubbed his first and only home run on October 24 and had three multi-hit games during the season. Bolivar didn't start a heavy load of games but was able to play quite a few positions for the team when needed. he finished the season second on the team in walks. (Runners left in scoring position, 2-outs: 8-1, 1 RBI)

Unfortunately Bolivar's time with the organization ran out after 2008. He had played his three years in the rookie level Venezuelan League and didn't fit in to the Cardinals plans for the future. He was released after Parallel League ended.

More to come.....

Cardinals Release A Dozen Minor Leaguers

This is the time of the year when organizations are seriously taking stock in the players they have and comparing that with what they need to start the 2009 season.

The Cardinal Nation

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 12-11-08

*Mexican Pacific League*

Fernando Salas (Springfield): Did not pitch for Mazatlan.
Mazatlan gave up the winning run in the seventh and lost 6-5 to Guasave: Boxscore
Mazatlan (30-22) visit Guasave (29-23) Thursday @ 7:30pm MST.

Hugo Castellanos (Memphis-free agent): Entered in the eighth and pitched one inning. Allowed one hit, no runs, and struck out one for his seventh hold of the winter season. (ground out-fly out:2-0)
Former Memphis Redbird Iker Franco hit a two-run home run for Obregon.
Former Memphis Redbird Reggie Taylor legged out a triple for Obregon.
Obregon scored four in the third to take the lead and take the game, beating Culiacan 5-2: Boxscore
Obregon (19-32) host Culiacan (21-31) Thursday @ 7:30pm MST.

*Veracruz Instructional League (Mexico)*

Francisco Rivera (Quad Cities): Did not play for Acayucan.
Acayucan (8-9-2) @ Cordoba (8-11) was suspended Wednesday, doubleheader scheduled for Thursday.

Joe Rogers (Memphis): Did not pitch for Minatitlan.
Minatitlan gave up six runs in the firs two innings and struggled to make a comeback, losing 9-6 to Soledad: Boxscore
Minatitlan (10-6-1) visits Soledad (12-8) on Thursday.

*Venezuelan League*

Jose Martinez (Springfield) and Jose Rada (GCL): Did not play for Aragua.
Aragua lost 8-5 to Caribes: Boxscore
Aragua (23-19) visits Caribes (19-27) Thursday @ 7:30pm VST.

The St. Louis Cardinals have decided to bring Luke Gregerson home from his winter vacation. The Margarita official site reports the Cardinals felt he had logged enough innings and the team plans to add Gregerson to the 40-man roster. He made 19 relief appearances posting a 3-1 record, 0.82 ERA, and six holds. The right-hander allowed 19 hits, two earned runs, one home run, hit two batters, walked eight, and struck out 18 over 22 innings. Gregerson, 24, did not allow an earned run in his first 15.1 innings that he pitched: Link

Cesar Izturis will no longer be included in the daily reports, but will be highlighted like I have done with other former players. He will soon be signing a contract with teh Baltimore Orioles.

*Venezuelan Parallel League*

Jose Garcia (Batavia): Entered late in the game as a pinch runner and took over at second base. 0-for-1 with one stolen base.
Reynier Gonzalez (Johnson City): Entered in the seventh and pitched to three batters. Allowed not hits or runs, walked one, and threw one wild pitch. (ground out-fly out:2-0)(inherited runners-scored:1-1)
Pablo Ortiz (GCL): Followed Gonzalez and pitched two innings. Allowed three hits, no runs, threw one wild pitch, and struck out one en route to his fourth win in league play. (ground out-fly out:3-2)
Aragua scored two in the eight and beat Detroit 9-7: Boxscore

Kevin Moscatel (GCL): Started at catcher and batted 7th. 0-for-3 with two strikeouts.
Orlando Munoz (GCL): Entered in the fifth and pitched two innings. Allowed two hits, two runs (one earned), hit one batter, and struck out two. (ground out-fly out:2-0)(inherited runners-scored:3-0)
Caribes was doubled up 8-4 by the NY Mets: Boxscore

Billy Bolivar (VSL): Started at third base and batted 5th. 1-for-3 with one double and one strikeout.
Peter Jaspe (VSL): Started in left field and batted 6th. 2-for-4 with one RBI.
Heyrich Martina (DSL): Started as designated hitter and batted 8th. 1-for-3 with one double and two strikeouts.
Geney Rios (VSL): Started and pitched four innings. Allowed three hits, no runs, one walk, hit one batter, committed one error, and struck out five. (ground out-fly out:4-3)
Francisco Guzman (VSL): Followed Rios and pitched three innings. Allowed three hits, no runs, two walks (one intentional), threw one wild pitch, and struck out four en route to his third win in league play. (ground out-fly out:4-1)
David Brito (VSL): Followed Guzman and pitched one inning. Allowed two hits, no runs, and struck out one. (ground out-fly out:1-0)
St. Louis shut out Pittsburgh 1-0: Boxscore

Thursday's games:
Caribes (31-11) @ Margarita (30-18)
Magallanes (25-20) @ St. Louis (15-28)
Philadelphia (19-23) @ Aragua (31-17)

*Venezuelan Parallel Western League*

Richard Castillo (Quad Cities): Pitches for Marineros-Lara.
Jose Penaloza (GCL): Pitches for Zulia.

*Dominican Republic League*

Amaury Marti (Memphis) and D'Angelo Jimenez (Memphis-free agent): Play for Licey.
Licey (21-20) had Wednesday off, visit Azucareros (23-18) Thursday @ 7:30pm AST.

Both Andruw Jones and Rafael Furcal are set to join Aguilas: Link
Pedro Martinez has been training with Licey and has decided not to join the team for the winter season: Link

Former Memphis Redbird Nerio Rodriguez will pitch an inning in a game this coming weekend, for Escogido, as he begins recovery from surgery: Link

*Colombian League*

Wednesday's scores:
Barranquilla pounded Catagena 15-6
Monteria slipped by Sincelejo 4-3

Thursday's games:
Cartagena (18-17) @ Barranquilla (19-16)
Sincelejo (14-21) @ Monteria (19-16)

*Puerto Rican League*

Yadier Molina (St. Louis): Started at catcher and batted 8th. 1-for-3 with one walk. Molina had one missed catch for an error in the first, only letting the runner advance and not scoring. He also assisted in one double play.
Luis Mateo (Johnson City) and P.J. Walters (Memphis): Did not play for Carolina.
Carolina lost 7-3 to Cagua: Boxscore
Carolina (9-16) has Thursday off, welcome Mayaguez (11-12) Friday @ 7:30pm AST.

Ex-Cardinal John Rodriguez hit a two-run home run for Santurce: Boxscore

Four Arecibo pitchers held Mayaguez to just one hit: Boxscore

*Nicaraguan Prospect League*

Jen Argenal (November 28 Signing) and Cheslor Cuthbert: Play for Cardenales da la Unica.

Unica lost both games to UAM on Wednesday. 7-2 in the first game and 9-5 in the second.
While UAM extended their winning streak to seven games, they also eliminated Unica from the playoffs. Playoffs begin Saturday: Post game

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 12-10-08

*Mexican Pacific League*

Fernando Salas (Springfield): Did not pitch for Mazatlan.
Mazatlan lost 5-3 to Guasave: Boxscore
Mazatlan (30-21) visit Guasave (28-23) Wednesday @ 7:30pm MST.

Hugo Castellanos (Memphis-free agent): Entered in the seventh and pitched to four batters. Allowed two hits and no runs picking up his sixth hold of the winter season. (ground out-fly out:1-1)(inherited runners-scored:3-2)
Former Memphis Redbird Iker Franco went 2-for-4 with one home run and three RBIs.
Obregon beat Culican 5-3: Boxscore
Obregon (18-32) hosts Culiacan (21-30) Wednesday @ 7:30pm MST.

*Veracruz Instructional League (Mexico)*

Francisco Rivera (Quad Cities): Started at designated hitter and batted 4th. 1-for-4 with one RBI, reached on an error, and struck out once (looking).
Acayucan gave up three runs in the third and never recovered losing 4-1 to Cordoba: Boxscore
Acayucan (8-9-2) visit Cordoba (8-11) on Wednesday.

Joe Rogers (Memphis): Did not pitch for Minatitlan.
Minatitlan scored the go ahead run in the sixth and held off Soledad for a 4-3 victory: Boxscore
Minatitlan held a parade on the their day off Monday: Link
Minatitlan (10-5-1) visit Soledad (11-8) on Wednesday.

*Venezuelan League*

Venezuela beat the Dominican Republic 4-3 in the All-Star game between the two.

Luke Gregerson (Springfield): Pitches for Margarita.
Margarita (17-26) welcomes Magallanes (18-27) Wednesday @ 8:00pm VST.

Cesar Izturis (St. Louis-free agent) and Richard Castillo (Quad Cities): Play for Lara.
Lara (26-20) hosts Zulia (23-22) Wednesday @ 7:30pm VST.

Jose Martinez (Springfield) and Jose Rada (GCL): Play for Aragua.
Aragua (23-19) visits Caribes (19-27) Wednesday @ 7:30pm VST.

*Venezuelan Parallel League*

Juan Lucena (Free Agent): Started at third base and batted 7th. 1-for-4 with two two-out RBIs.
Jose Calero (GCL): Started and pitched six innings. Allowed six hits, two runs (one earned), one walk, threw one wild pitch, and struck out four. (ground out-fly out:7-6)
Ruben Alvarado (VSL): Entered in the seventh and pitched to three batters. Allowed no hits or runs, one walk, and struck out one. (ground out-fly out:1-0)
Jorge Rondon (Quad Cities): Entered in the eighth and pitched 1.2 innings. Allowed one hit, no runs, one walk, and struck out five of seven batters faced en route to his second win in league play. (inherited runners-scored:1-0)
Aragua scored three in the eighth and beat ALB Orkas 8-5: Boxscore

Jose Cortez (VSL): Started in centerfield and batted leadoff. 2-for-4 with one double, one two-out RBI, and one caught stealing.
Billy Bolivar (VSL): Started in right field and batted 5th. 1-for-3 with one double, one run, and one strikeout.
Peter Jaspe (VSL): Started in left field and batted 7th. 2-for-2 with one double, two RBIs (one with two-outs), one run, one walk, and stole one base.
Sergio Nieves (July 2nd Signing): Started and pitched five innings. Allowed five hits, two unearned runs, two walks, hit two batters, and struck out two. (ground out-fly out:7-4)
Fabian Marquez (VSL): Followeed Nieves and pitched three innings. Allowed two hits, no runs, and struck out two. (ground out-fly out:3-4)
Carlos Oraa (VSL): Followed Marquez and pitched to three batters, giving up two hits and two unearned runs en route to his third loss in league play.
David Brito (VSL): Followed Oraa and pitched one hitless and scoreless inning. (ground out-fly out:1-1)(inherited runners-scored:1-0)
St. Louis gave up two runs in the ninth losing 4-3 to La Guaira: Boxscore

Wednesday's games:
St. Louis (14-28) @ Pittsburgh (17-28)
Detroit (24-19) @ Aragua (30-17)
NY Mets (18-24) @ Caribes (31-10)

*Venezuelan Parallel Western League*

1. Cardenales 20-11
2. Marineros-Lara 18-14 (Richard Castillo)
3. Seattle 18-15
4. Cleveland 13-18
5. Zulia 9-20 (Jose Penaloza)

*Dominican Republic League*

Hector de la Cruz was dismissed by Licey and Jose Offerman was named interim manager: Link

Amaury Marti (Memphis) and D'Angelo Jimenez (Memphis-free agent): Play for Licey.
Licey (21-20) have Wednesday off, visit Azucareros (23-18) Thursday @ 7:30pm AST.

*Colombian League*

Players participating: Donovan Solano (Springfield), Alexander Castellano (DSL), Davis Bilardello (Palm Beach), Pete Parise (Palm Beach), and Ryan Bird (Instructional).

*Puerto Rican League*

Yadier Molina (St. Louis): Started at catcher and batted 8th. 0-for-4 with three strikeouts (one looking and two swinging).
P.J. Walters (Memphis): Started and pitched 5.2 innings. Allowed five hits, three runs (two earned), one walk, and stuck out five en route to his first win in league play. (ground out-fly out:6-5)
Luis Mateo (Johnson City): Did not play for Carolina.
Ex-Cardinal Kiko Calero made his first appearance, for Carolina, striking out his only batter faced and picking up the hold.
Carolina beat Mayaguez 7-4: Boxscore
Carolina (9-15) hosts Caguas (10-13) Wednesday @ 7:30pm AST.

*Nicaraguan Prospect League*

Jen Argenal (November 28 Signing) is batting .340 with three doubles, one triple, seven RBIs, three runs, three stolen bases, six walks, five strikeouts, .421 OBA, and .440 SLG in 18 games.
Cheslor Cuthbert (Unsigned) is batting .333 with two doubles, one home run, nine RBIs, seven runs, one stolen bases, five walks, five strikeouts, .484 OBA, and .542 SLG in ten games.

Cardenales de la Unica (8-10) visit Jaguares de la UAM (11-7) for a doubleheader on Wednesday.

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 11-28-08

Joe Rogers’ 4 2/3 innings of shutout ball in Mexico headlines Thursday’s St. Louis Cardinals prospects news in winter ball.

The Birdhouse

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 11-19-08

Outfielder Amaury Marti’s 3-for-4 game including a double in the Dominican Republic headlines Tuesday’s St. Louis Cardinals prospects news in winter ball.

The Birdhouse

VSL Cardinals Position Players Of The Year: 2008

Gerardo Mannbel and Alberto Rivero delivered the top performances by position players on the 2008 Venezuelan Summer League Cardinals.

The Birdhouse

2008 VSL Cardinals Starting Position Players Recap

The third of a four-part series looks at season highlights for the 2008 Venezuelan Summer League Cardinals’ starting position players.

The Birdhouse

VSL: Cardinals & Rays Tie 3-3 After 11 Innings:

Individual Highlights:
Anthony Fonseca 1-for-3 with 1 Run, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 1 K, & 1 GIDP.
Alberto Rivero 3-for-4 with 1 Two-Out RBI & 1 BB.
Gerardo Mannbel 0-for-3 with 2 BB's, 1 K, 1 GIDP, & 1 Throwing Error.
Yorbel Alcala 1-for-4 with 1 HBP & 2 K's.
Limbert Rivas 1-for-3 with 1 Run, 1 BB, 1 K, & 1 PB.
Wilfred Vivas 0-for-3 with 1 RBI, 1 BB, & 1 Sacrifice.
Yonathan Gonzalez Started, 7 Innings, 5 Hits, 3 Runs(2 ER), 1 IBB, 1 PO Error, & 5 K's(ground out-fly out:14-2).
Carlos Oraa 3 Innings, 2 Hits, 0 Runs, & 6 K's(ground out-fly out:2-1).
Miguel Lopez 0.2 Innings, 0 Hits Or Runs, & 1 K(ground out-fly out:0-1)(inherited runners-scored:2-0).

Rough Outing:
Rest Of The Team

Boxscore

VSL: Pirates Beat Cardinals 9-5: Vargas 2 Hits, 2 Runs, & 1 RBI; Montero 1 RBI; Bolivar 2 Hits & 1 Double; Rivero Doubles & 1 OF Assist

Individual Highlights:
Wilson Perez 1-for-4 with 1 3B, 1 RBI, & 1 K.
Alberto Rivero 1-for-3 with 1 2B, 1 GIDP, & 1 OF Assist.
Moises Marquez 1-for-1 with 1 Run.
Billy Bolivar 2-for-3 with 1 2B.
Jesus Montero 0-for-3 with 1 RBI, 2 Throwing Errors, & 1 PB.
Ildemargo Vargas 2-for-4 with 1 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 SB, & Assisted In 1 Double Play.

Rough Outing:
Rest Of The Team

Boxscore

VSL: Cardinals Beat Mets 6-4: Mannbel Doubles & 2 RBI's; Rivero Doubles & 1 RBI; Fonseca, Cortez, & Bolivar 1 RBI Each, Rios Impressive Start

Individual Highlights:
Wilson Perez 2-for-4 with 2 2B's, 1 Run, 1 BB, & 2 K's.
Anthony Fonseca 2-for-3 with 1 RBI, 1 Run, 1 BB, 1 HBP, & 1 SB.
Alberto Rivero 3-for-3 with 1 2B, 1 RBI, & 2 Runs.
Jose Cortez 1-for-1 with 1 RBI.
Gerardo Mannbel 2-for-5 with 1 2B, 2 RBI's, 1 SB, 1 GIDP, & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Hector Garcia 1-for-4 with 1 BB, 1 SB, & 1 K.
Billy Bolivar 0-for-3 with 1 RBI & 1 BB.
Geney Rios Win(4-3), Started, 6 Innings, 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, & 5 K's(ground out-fly out:6-7).
Yonathan Gonzalez (SV, 9), 1 Inning, 1 Hit, 0 Runs, & 1 K(ground out-fly out:1-1).

Rough Outing:
Kaizer Inojoza 0-for-1 with 1 K.
Limbert Rivas 0-for-3 with 1 GIDP.
Jackson Solarte 0.2 Innings, 2 Hits, 4 Runs(All ER), 2 BB's, & 1 HBP(ground out-fly out:1-1).
David Brito (H, 2), 1.1 innings, 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 7 1 K(ground out-fly out:2-1)(inherited runners-scored:3-2).

Boxscore

VSL: Cardinals Beat Tigers 4-1: Rivas Doubles & 2 RBI's, Bolivar 2 RBI's, Mannbel Doubles, Garcia 2 Hits & 2 Runs, Noguera Nice Outing, Brito 3rd Save

Individual Highlights:
Kaizer Inojoza 1-for-4 with 1 K.
Gerardo Mannbel 1-for-3 with 1 2B, 1 Run, 1 BB, & 1 K.
Hector Garcia 2-for-4 with 2 Runs.
Billy Bolivar 3-for-4 with 2 RBI's(1 w/Two-Outs), 1 Run, 1 GIDP, & Assisted In 2 Double Plays.
Limbert Rivas 2-for-4 with 1 2B, 2 RBI's, 1 K, & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Carlos Noguera Win(2-3), Started, 5.2 Innings, 10 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 Thrwoing Error, & 4 K's(ground out-fly out:2-6).
David Brito (SV, 3), 1.2 Innings, 0 Hits Or Runs(ground out-fly out:5-0)(inherited runners-scored:3-0).

Rough Outing:
Rest Of The Team

Boxscore

VSL: Mariners Beat Cardinals 5-4: Fonseca, Bolivar, Perez, & Medina 1 RBI Each; Cortez Triples, Rivero & Alcala 2 Hits Each

Individual Highlights:
Jose Cortez 1-for-4 with 1 3B, 1 Run, & 1 K.
Anthony Fonseca 1-for-4 with 1 RBI, 1 Run, 2 K's, & 1 OF Assist.
Alberto Rivero 2-for-4.
Billy Bolivar 1-for-4 with 1 RBI, 1 Run, & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Yorbel Alcala 2-for-4 with 1 K.
Wilson Perez 1-for-4 with 1 RBI, 2 K's, & 1 GIDP.
Osmir Medina 1-for-4 with 1 RBI & Assisted In 1 Double Play.

Rough Outing:
Wilfred Vivas 0-for-3 with 1 Sacrifice, 2 K's, & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Deimer Bier Started, 5 Innings, 5 Hits, 3 Runs(All ER), 2 BB's, 1 WP, & 1 K(ground out-fly out:6-8).
Carlos Oraa (BS, 3), Loss(3-2), 3 Innings, 5 Hits, 2 Runs(Unearned), 1 IBB, 1 WP, & 2 K's(ground out-fly out:5-0).

Boxscore

VSL Official Site Post Game

VSL: Phillies Beat Cardinals 2-0 In Game 1, Game 2 Cancelled: Team Held To 4 Hits, Fonseca 2 Hits, Montero 1 SB, Corpas Decent Outing

Individual Highlights:
Anthony Fonseca 2-for-3 with 1 BB & 1 OF Assist.
Billy Bolivar 1-for-3 with 1 K & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Jesus Montero 1-for-3 with 1 SB, 1 K, Allowed 1 SB, & Gunned Down 1 Runner.
Hector Corpas Loss(4-8), Started, 5 Innings, 4 Hits, 2 Runs(Unearned), 1 BB, 1 Fielding Error, 2 K's, & 1 PO(ground out-fly out:7-4).
Miguel Lopez 3 Innings, 3 Hits, 0 Runs(ground out-fly out:6-2).

Rough Outing:
Rest Of The Team

Boxscore

Cardinals @ Phillies Game 2 Of Doubleheader Cancelled Due To Rain

Venezuelan Summer League Cardinals Report 7-27-08

After ten weeks of play in the 2008 Venezuelan Summer League, the VSL Cardinals rookie-level club remains below .500 at 29-31-4, in fifth, 11 games out of first place in the eight-team league. Alberto Rivero and Geney Rios are again among this week’s standouts.

The Birdhouse

VSL: Cardinals Beat Astros 2-1 In Game 2 Of DH: Boliver Solo HR, Garcia 2 Hits & 1 RBI, Cortez 2 Hits, Gonzalez Impressive Outing

Individual Highlights:
Jose Cortez 2-for-3 with 1 PO.
Alberto Rivero 1-for-3 with 1 Run & 1 K.
Hector Garcia 2-for-3 with 1 Two-Out RBI.
Billy Bolivar 2-for-3 with 1 HR, 1 RBI, & 1 Run.
Yonathan Gonzalez Win(4-2), Started, 7 Innings, 4 Hits, 1 Run(ER), 1 BB, 1 HBP, & 4 K's(ground out-fly out:8-9).

Rough Outing:
Anthony Fonseca 0-for-2 with 1 BB & 1 K.
Peter Jaspe 0-for-2 with 1 BB & 1 K.
Wilfred Vivas 0-for-2 with 1 BB.

Boxscore

VSL Official Site Doubleheader Post Game

VSL: Cardinals Beat Rays 10-0: Rios & Alvarado Allow 2 Hits, Medina Triples & 2 RBI's, Rivero & Rivas 2 RBI's Each

Individual Highlights:
Jose Cortez 1-for-4 with 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 BB, & 1 SB.
Anthony Fonseca 1-for-2 with 1 3B, 1 Run, 2 BB's, 1 K, & 1 CS.
Peter Jaspe 1-for-1 with 1 3B.
Alberto Rivero 2-for-3 with 2 RBI's(1 w/Two-Outs), 2 Runs, & 2 BB's.
Gerardo Mannbel 1-for-4 with 1 2B, 1 Run, & 1 BB.
Billy Bolivar 1-for-2 with 1 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 BB, 1 HBP, & 1 CS.
Limbert Rivas 1-for-3 with 2 RBI's, 1 Run, 1 BB, & 1 K.
Wilson Perez 1-for-4 with 1 2B, 1 RBI, & 2 K's.
Osmir Medina 2-for-5 with 1 3B, 2 Two-Out RBI's, 2 Runs, & 2 K's.
Ildemargo Vargas 1-for-4 with 1 Two-Out RBI & 1 Run.
Geney Rios Win(3-3), Started, 6 Innings, 1 Hit, 0 Runs 1 BB, & 7 K's(ground out-fly out:7-4).
Ruben Alvarado (SV, 1???), 3 Innings, 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, & 4 K's(ground out-fly out:2-3).

Rough Outing:
Carlos Yegues 0-for-1 with 1 K.
Kaizer Inojoza 0-for-1 with 1 K.

Boxscore

VSL Official Site Post Game

VSL: Mets Beat Cardinals 6-5: Completion Of 7-15-08 Game

Individual Highlights:
Jose Cortez 1-for-5 with 1 Run, 1 K, & 1 OF Assist.
Anthony Fonseca 2-for-5 with 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 Run, & 1 K.
Alberto Rivera 1-for-3 with 1 2B, 2 BB's, 1 SB, & 1 K.
Gerardo Mannbel 1-for-5 with 1 2B & 1 Two-Out RBI.
Roberto Perez 1-for-2 with 1 HR, 2 RBI's, 1 Run, 1 K, & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Wilson Perez 1-for-3 with 1 2B, 1 Run, & 1 BB.
Deimer Bier Started, 6 Innings, 4 Hits, 2 Runs(All ER), 1 BB, 1 HBP, & 8 K's(ground out-fly out:3-6).

Rough Outing:
Hector Garcia 0-for-5 with 1 K & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Billy Bolivar 0-for-3 with 1 BB & 1 K.
Carlos Viloria 0-for-2.
Fernando Cedeno (BS, 3), Loss(3-7), 2.1 Innings, 6 Hits, 4 Runs(All ER), & 3 BB's(1 IBB)(ground out-fly out:3-4).
Fabian Marquez Hit His Only Batter, Scoring Winning Run

Boxscore

VSL: Tigers Beat Cardinals 9-1: Team Held To 4 Hits, Montero 1 RBI, Alcala Doubles, Brito Makes Return, Pitching Struggles

Individual Highlights:
Kaizer Inojoza 0-for-2 with 1 Run & 2 BB's.
Yorbel Alcala 1-for-3 with 1 2B, 1 K, & Allowed 1 SB.
Jesus Montero 1-for-1 with 1 Two-Out RBI.
Billy Bolivar 0-for-3 with 1 HBP, 1 K & 2 OF Assists.
Ildemargo Vargas 1-for-1 with 2 Fielding Errors & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
David Brito 1 Inning, 1 Hit, 0 Runs, & 1 K(ground out-fly out:0-2).

Rough Outing:
Rest Of The Team

Boxscore

VSL Official Site Post Game

VSL: Mariners Beat Cardinals 4-3: Bolivar 2 RBI's, Montero 1 RBI, Garcia & Perez Both Double, Colorado Struggles, Gonzalez Nice Outing

Individual Highlights:
Hector Garcia 1-for-4 with 1 2B & 1 Run.
Roberto Perez 1-for-3 with 1 2B, 1 Run, 1 BB, & 1 Misssed Catch Error.
Billy Bolivar 1-for-4 with 2 RBI's.
Jesus Montero 0-for-3 with 1 RBI, 1 Sacrifice, & 1 PB.
Moises Marquez 0-for-2 with 2 BB's, 1 K, & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Yonathan Gonzalez 5 Innings, 3 Hits, 0 Runs, & 3 K's(ground out-fly out:9-2).

Rough Outing:
Anthony Fonseca 0-for-3 with 1 BB.
Moises Colorado Loss(0-2), Started, 4 Innings, 6 Hits, 4 Runs(3 ER), 3 BB's, 1 WP, 1 Balk, & 3 K's(ground out-fly out:6-3).

Boxscore