USC Great & Former Major Leaguer Randy Flores Joins Baseball Coaching Staff

USC baseball and head coach Dan Hubbs has added Trojan great and former major leaguer Randy Flores to his staff as an assistant coach.

USC Official Site

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 10-14-10

Ramon Delgado leads the way in our daily report on Cardinals past and present playing worldwide this fall and winter.

The Cardinal Nation

Ricardo Rincon Invited To Algodoneros de Guasave (Mexican Pacific League) Training Camp, Ron Flores To Naranjeros de Hermosillo

Mexican Pacific League Official Site

Flores was selected by Mayos de Navojoa in the draft, Rincon by Tometeros de Culiacan.

Ron Flores Was Added To The Mayos de Navojoa Roster

The Baseball Club "Mayos" of Navojoa includes in its roster of 60 players Ronald "Ron" Joel Flores, who will place No. 51 in place of Jesus Lomeli Elías Márquez, who is free. (Translated)

Mexican Pacific League Official Site
Google Translate

Is Not Signing Minor League Veterans Really The Cardinals Problem?

In recent days, I have seen several columns in the traditional news media that regularly cover the St. Louis Cardinals engage in what for them is a continuing theme – second-guessing the organization’s commitment to building from within.

The Cardinal Nation

Ex-Cardinals Watch 4-29-09: Ron Flores, Omar Pena, & Jose Mateo Sign Deals; Rich Rundles Called Up, Dan Kantrovitz Studying At Harvard

Mark Mulder (Free Agent):
Former Mariner/White Sox/Tigers right-hander Freddy Garcia is the latest veteran starting pitcher available – and the Angels have no more interest in him than they have in Pedro Martinez, Mark Mulder, et al.
Orange County Register

Cecil Cooper (Astros):
Astros manager Cecil Cooper received a call Tuesday from baseball disciplinarian Bob Watson, who will review Cooper’s conduct after he was ejected Saturday by plate umpire Mike DiMuro.
Houston Chronicle

Jack Wilson (Pirates):
Jack Wilson will take off another five or six days to reduce the swelling in the shortstop's sprained middle finger on his left hand before trying to hit. That was the order from hand specialist Dr. Mark Baratz after examining Wilson in Pittsburgh yesterday. Once the swelling subsides, Wilson will resume hitting and, if that goes well, try catching the ball with that hand.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Darren Oliver (Angels):
Darren Oliver (strained left triceps) threw a bullpen session, and said he is "feeling better every day." Oliver is expected to be ready when he is eligible to come off the DL Monday.
LA Times

Dan Kantrovitz (Retired):
Things have a way of coming full circle for Dan Kantrovitz, which is why it’s no surprise that he’s found his way to Harvard.
The Harvard Crimson

Cesar Izturis (Orioles):
Aside from a few scattered Interleague games, Angels infielder Maicer Izturis hasn't gotten the chance to regularly play against his older half-brother, Cesar. So when Cesar, 29, signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Orioles in December, Maicer circled the Angels' early-season trip to Camden Yards on his calendar.
Angels Official Site

Rich Rundles & Anthony Reyes (Indians):
Left-handed reliever Rich Rundles was promoted from Triple-A Columbus to take Hafner's 25-man roster spot, but that is likely just a temporary move in the wake of the burden placed on the 'pen by Anthony Reyes' two-inning start against the Red Sox on Tuesday. The Indians are expected to make another roster move -- or perhaps multiple moves -- in advance of the weekend series in Detroit to bring in a position player.
Indians Official Site

Fernando Tatis (Mets):
Tatis hit his first home run in the sixth -- it was ruled a home run after the umpires reviewed replays at the request of the Marlins -- creating the lead Putz didn't protect.
Mets Official Site

Julian Tavarez & Kip Wells (Nationals):
So one of the first moves Rizzo made in March was signing right-hander Julian Tavarez, 35, to a Minor League deal. It turned out to be a good one, as Tavarez has emerged as the best reliever on the Nationals. Entering Thursday's game against the Cardinals, Tavarez has a 2.79 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings.
Nationals Official Site

J.D. Drew (Red Sox):
Red Sox manager Terry Francona had to do a fast shuffle of his starting lineup Wednesday.
Red Sox Official Site

Ron Flores (Long Island):
Was signed and activated by Long Island in the Atlantic League.

Omar Pena (Worcester):
Worcester of the Can-Am League signed him for the 2009 season.

Jose Mateo (Rockford):
Rockford of the Frontier League signed him for the 2009 season.

Minor League Transactions 4-6-09

Reds released Ron Flores.
Dodgers signed Scott Thomas.
Dodgers outrighted Danny Ardoin.
Twins released Kris Honel.
Mets released Junior Spivey.
Cardinals optioned Chris Perez and Joe Mather.
Cardinals loaned Amaury Cazana to the Triple-A Mexican League.

Baseball America

Ex-Cardinals Watch 3-18-09: Fernando Tatis 2-Run HR, Cody Haerther 2 RBIs, Russell Branyan Doubles & 1 RBI, Cesar Izturis 2 Hits & 1 RBI

Jolbert Cabrera (Orioles): 1-for-2.
Orioles lost to Cardinals 3-2

Ron Flores (Reds): One inning, one hit, no runs, and one walk. (g/f:1-2)
Chris Richard (Rays): 1-for-1 with one stolen base.
Michel Hernadez (Rays): 1-for-2 and allowed three stolen bases.
Joe Nelson (Rays): Win (1-1), one inning, no hits or runs, and one strikeout. (g/f:1-1)
Troy Percival (Rays): One inning, no hits or runs. (g/f:1-2)
Rays beat Reds 7-3

Brett Tomko (Yankees): Hold (1), one inning, one hit, and no runs. (g/f:0-3)
John Gall (Astros): 0-for-1 with one strikeout.
Yankees beat Astros 4-1

Cody Haerther (Blue Jays): 2-for-2 with two RBIs and one fielding error.
Scott Rolen (Blue Jays): 0-for-1.
Miguel Cairo (Phillies): 0-for-5 with one run and one strikeout.
Blue Jays and Phillies tied 7-7 after 9 innings

Reid Gorecki (Braves): Left field.
Fernando Tatis (Mets): 1-for-3 with one home run, two two-out RBIs, one run, two walks, two strikeouts, and assisted in one double play.
Marlon Anderson (Mets): 0-for-1 with one strikeout.
Ron Villone (Mets): One inning, one hit, no runs, and one walk. (g/f:1-2)
Braves beat Mets 7-4

Ronnie Belliard (Nationals): 0-for-2.
Nationals lost to Marlins 7-5

Terry Evans (Angels): 0-for-1 with one strikeout.
Angels beat White Sox 4-1

Edgar Renteria (Giants): 1-for-3 with one double.
So Taguchi (Cubs): 0-for-1 with one run and two walks.
Mark Johnson (Cubs): 1-for-1.
Aaron Miles (Cubs): One walk.
Giants beat Cubs 8-6

David Eckstein (Padres): 0-for-2 with one strikeout and assisted in one double play.
Emil Brown (Padres): 0-for-3 with one strikeout.
Padres lost to Rangers 9-4

Russell Branyan (Mariners): 1-for-4 with one double, one RBI, and two strikeouts.
Coco Crisp (Royals): 2-for-4 with one strikeout.
M's beat Royals 9-3

Cesar Izturis (Venezuela): 2-for-4 with one two-out RBI, two runs, one walk, one stolen base, and assisted in one double play.
Orber Moreno (Venezuela): One inning, one hit, no runs, one walk, and one strikeout. (p-s:20-13)(g/f:1-1)
Venezuela beat Team USA 10-6

Ex-Cardinals Watch 3-6-09: Aaron Miles 2 RBIs, Marlon Anderson & Coco Crisp 1 RBI Each, Jeff Weaver Picks Up Hold

Ron Flores (Reds): One inning, no hits or run. (g/f:0-3)(ir-s:2-1)
Reds lost to Twins 3-0

J.D. Drew (Red Sox): 1-for-2 with one walk.
Red Sox beat Marlins 5-3

Marlon Anderson (Mets): 2-for-2 with one RBI
Mets beat Cardinals 5-4

Chris Richard (Rays): 0-for-2 with one walk, one strikeout, and one ground into double play.
Jack Wilson (Pirates): 0-for-2 with one walk and assisted in two double plays.
Rays beat Pirates 8-5

Jolbert Cabrera (Orioles): 0-for-1 with one strikeout.
Orioles beat Nationals 6-2

Reid Gorecki (Braves): 0-for-1.
Braves beat Astros 13-0

Miguel Cairo (Phillies): 0-for-1.
Phillies lost to Blue Jays 4-3

Placido Polanco (Tigers): 1-for-3 with one double and one run.
Timo Perez (Tigers): 0-for-1.
John Rodriguez (Yankees): 1-for-1.
Yankees beat Tigers 7-3

Randy Flores (Rockies): One inning, two hits, no runs, and two strikeouts. (g/f:1-0)
Rockies beat Padres 13-11

Hector Luna (Dodgers): 0-for-2.
Danny Ardoin (Dodgers): One Walk, one run, one throwing error, and allowed one stolen base.
Jeff Weaver (Dodgers): Hold (1), two innings, two hits, no runs, , one walk, and one strikeout. (g/f:3-2)
Aaron Miles (Cubs): 1-for-4 with two RBIs, one run, one walk, and one strikeout.
Mark Johnson (Cubs): Catcher.
So Taguchi (Cubs): 0-for-1.
Dodgers beat Cubs 5-4

Tomo Ohka (Indians): 1.2 innings, 6 hits, four earned runs, one home run, and two strikeouts. (g/f:2-1)
Rich Rundles (Indians): 0.1 innings, no hits or runs. (g/f:1-0)(ir-s:1-0)
Indians lost to Brewers 17-7

Prentice Redman (Mariners): 1-for-3 with two strikeouts.
Mariners lost to A's 12-1

Edgar Renteria (Giants): 1-for-4 and assisted in one double play.
Darren Oliver (Angels): One inning, one hit, and no runs. (g/f:3-0)
Angels beat Gaints 5-4

Coco Crisp (Royals): One RBI, two walks, and one sac fly.
Royals beat Rangers 8-7

Edgar Gonzalez (Mexico): 2-for-2 with one double, assisted in two double plays, and one throwing error.
Mexico lost to D-Backs 4-2

Ex-Cardinals Watch 3-2-09: Emil Brown Hits 3-Run HR, Adam Kennedy 2 Hits & 1 RBI, Miguel Cairo 1 RBI, Chris Richard & Terry Evans 2 Hits Each

Mike Lincoln (Reds): Hold (1), one inning, no hits or runs, and one strikeout. (g/f:1-1)
Ron Flores (Reds): Hold (2), one inning, no hits or runs, one walk, and one strikeout. (g/f:2-0)
Jack Wilson (Pirates): 0-for-2.
Pirates beat Reds 2-1

Brett Tomko (Yankees): Two innings, one hit, one earned run, one walk, one wild pitch, and two strikeouts. (g/f:4-1)
Chad Paronto (Astros): Two innings, one hit, no runs, and one strikeout. (g/f:2-2)
Yankees and Astros tied 5-5 after 9 innings

Miguel Cairo (Phillies): 1-for-6 with one RBI, one run, one strikeout, and assisted in one double play.
Phillies beat Blue Jays 12-7

Adam Kennedy (Rays): 2-for-3 with one two-out RBI, one run, and one throwing error.
Chris Richard (Rays): 2-for-3 with two runs and one strikeout.
Rays beat Cardinals 8-5

Dan Haren (Diamondbacks): Started, two innings, no hits or runs, one walk, and two strikeouts. (g/f:1-3) 0-for-1 with one strikeout at the plate.
Aaron Miles (Cubs): 1-for-3 with one strikeout.
So Taguchi (Cubs): 0-for-1 with one walk and one strikeout.
D-Backs beat Cubs 9-1

Jeff Suppan (Brewers): Started, three innings, three hits, three earned runs, one home run, two walks, and one strikeout. (g/f:5-2)
Emil Brown (Padres): 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBIs, one run, and one strikeout.
Padres beat Brewers 4-3

Prentice Redman (Mariners): 1-for-3 with one run, one stolen base, and one strikeout.
M's beat White Sox 5-3

Josh Phelps (Giants): 0-for-2 with one ground into double play.
Jamey Wright (Royals): One inning, one hit, no runs, and one strikeout. (g/f:2-0)
Royals beat Giants 14-5

Tomo Ohka (Indians): One inning, one hit, no runs, and two strikeouts. (g/f:1-0)
Indians lost to Rangers 8-7

Terry Evans (Angels): 2-for-4 with two runs, one walk, one strikeout, one caught stealing/pick off, and one outfield assist.
Angels beat Rockies 12-3

Ex-Cardinals Watch 2-27-09: Russell Branyan Triples & 2 RBIs, Tagg Bozied Doubles & 1 RBI, Edgar Gonzalez 3 Hits & Doubles, David Eckstein Triples

Jack Wilson (Pirates): 0-for-2 and assisted in one double play.
Pirates lost to Braves 5-2

Jolbert Cabrera (Orioles): 0-for-3 with one strikeout and one throwing error.
Orioles lost to Marlins 3-2

Placido Polanco (Tigers): 1-for-3.
Timo Perez (Tigers): 0-for-2 with one RBI.
Chris Lambert (Tigers): Two innings, no hits or runs. (g/f:3-3)(ir-s:3-2)
Scott Rolen (Blue Jays): 1-for-2 with one double.
Matt Clement (Blue Jays): Started, two innings, one hit, one earned run, two walks, and one strikeout. (g/f:3-2)
Blue Jays beat Tigers 6-4

Chad Paronto (Astros): One inning, one hit, no runs, and one strikeout. (g/f:1-1)
Dmitri Young (Nationals): 0-for-2.
Ronnie Belliard (Nationals): 0-for-2 with one strikeout and assisted in one double play.
Nationals beat Astros 2-0

John Rodriguez (Yankees): 0-for-1 with one strikeout and one caught stealing.
Yankees lost to Twins 5-4

Miguel Cairo (Phillies): 0-for-1.
Ron Flores (Reds): Hold (1), one inning, one hit, no runs, one walk, and two strikeouts. (g/f:0-1)
Reds beat Phillies 10-3

Marlon Anderson (Mets): 0-for-3 with one RBI.
Mets lost to Cardinals 9-8

Felipe Lopez (Diamondbacks): 0-for-3 with one strikeout.
Diamondbacks lost to White Sox 10-1

Mark Johnson (Cubs): 0-for-1 with one run and one walk.
So Taguchi (Cubs): 0-for-3 with one run.
Cubs beat Rangers 10-4

Terry Evans (Angels): 0-for-3 with one RBI and one fielding error.
Angels beat Rockies 5-3

Jamey Wright (Royals): Hold (1), one inning, no hits or runs. (g/f:2-1)
Edgar Renteria (Giants): 0-for-2.
Josh Phelps (Giants): 0-for-3.
Royals beat Giants 6-1

Hector Luna (Dodgers): 0-for-1 and one fielding error.
Russell Branyan (Mariners): 2-for-3 with one triple, two RBIs, one run, and assisted in two double plays.
Prentice Redman (Mariners): 2-for-4 with two runs.
Mariners beat Dodgers 18-2

Chris Narveson (Brewers): Hold (1), one inning, three hits, one earned run, and one strikeout. (g/f:0-2)
Tagg Bozied (Athletics): 1-for-3 with one double and one RBI.
Daric Barton (Athletics): 0-for-1.
Russ Springer (Athletics): One inning, two hits, one earned run, and two strikeouts. (g/f:0-1)
Brewers beat A's 8-5

David Eckstein (Padres): 1-for-3 with one triple and assisted in two double plays.
Edgar Gonzalez (Padres): 3-for-3 with one double, one run, and one throwing error.
Padres lost to Indians 5-3

St. Louis Cardinals In The Venezuelan League 2008-09

Next part of the Cardinals in winter league roundup will cover the Venezuelan League. The Redbirds had five players that are still in the organization participate this winter which included Luke Gregerson, David Freese, Jose Rada, Jose Martinez, and Richard Castillo. One joined the Venezuelan League late in the season and was signed to a minor league contract, that being Katsuhiko Maekawa. Five others I have included that played in the Cardinals system in the last year and were free agents at the time of their start in the VWL, they included Ron Flores, Rico Washington, Juan Lucena, Cesar Izturis, and Gustavo Martinez.

Gregerson and Flores pitched for Bravos de Margarita and also employed St. Louis Cardinals' Minor League Hitting Coordinator Dan Radison as the hitting coach. Margarita finished the winter season with a 23-40 record and dead last in the standings, even firing their manager mid-season.

Izturis joined Cardenales de Lara in November with Castillo getting the call up in December. Lara end the season with a 33-30 record and were eliminated in the semi-finals of the tournament.

Rada and Jose Martinez began the winter season with Tigres de Aragua, with Lucena getting the call up later in October for a short stay. Aragua finished with a 36-27 record but took out Caracas for the Venezuelan league title and as we all know claimed the Caribbean Series crown.

Washington and Freese started the year with Caribes de Anzoategui and both left the team early November. Washington was released and Freese was returned home after suffering an injury to his wrist. After a slow start the team fired their manager and brought in former GCL Cardinals' manager Enrique Brito, who lead the club to a 28-35 finish and missed the playoffs by three games.

Gustavo Martinez was loaned to Lara by the Tigres de Licey of the Dominican Republic League and played for the team for the rest of their season. While Maekawa joined Caribes after being released by Gigantes del Cibao of the Dominican Republic League. He would be one of four players to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals, out of winter play, after Caribes MGR Brito scouted him and gave the thumbs up.

Luke Gregerson (Springfield) made 19 relief appearances posting a 3-1 record, 0.82 ERA, and six holds. The 24-year old right-hander allowed 19 hits, two earned runs, one home run, hit two batters, walked eight, and struck out 18 over 22 innings. He had a ground out-tofly out ratio of 34-to-13, let three of nine inherited runners score, and a 1.23 WHIP.

The third-year Cardinal pitcher started off the winter season dominant and finished out on the same note. Gregerson did not give up a run in his first 14 outings (spanning 15.1 innings) and did not give up a hit in seven games total. After his run less streak was up, he started to show a little fatigue giving up ten hit over his next five games. He struck out two or more in six appearances and a season-high three on December 4. Gregerson earned his first win on October 15 and picked up his first hold on October 16. His best game came on November 1 when he pitched three innings (going into extras) and giving up three hits, no runs, and striking out two. Gregerson earned the Venezuelan League 2008-09 Set-Up Man of the Year award

Gregerson should see a promotion to Triple-A Memphis in 2009 and could follow a similar role to what Jason Motte did for the team in 2008. Either he'll be the set-up man Fernando Salas or alternate with him in the closer role. With his performance in winter ball he might of caught some scouts eyes for a future promotion to the big leagues, sooner rather than later.

Ron Flores (Memphis, signed with Cincinnati) made ten relief appearances posting an 0-1 record, 7.36 ERA, and four holds. The 29-year old left-hander allowed six hits, four runs (three earned), one home run, three walks, and struck out four over 3.2 innings. He had a ground out-to-fly out ratio of 2-to-4, let four of nine inherited runners score, and a 2.45 WHIP.

The newly signed Cincinnati Red had a tough season from the start in winter ball as he experimented with a new arm slot, somewhat of a sidearm motion. His first two outings he was on target picking up two holds in both games. Then in his third it starting going downhill, with him not keeping runners on base and by the time November came around he was letting runs score. Flores didn't give up a run in his first five appearances (spanning 2.2 innings) and struck out a season-high two on November 2. He just didn't seem to fit the lefty specialist role for the team so he was released mid-November.

Flores troubles that plagued him during 2008 regular season kind of carried over into the winter season. And the Cardinals didn't seem to interested in bringing him back letting him get picked up by former Cardinals GM Walt Jocketty. Two Flores brothers in the system at the beginning of 2008, both gone by the end of the year.

Rico Washington (Memphis-Free Agent) played in 15 games batting .163 (7-for-43) with a .321 OBP, .233 SLG, and .553 OPS. The 30-year old left-handed swinger had one home run, two RBIs, ten total bases, scored three runs, and walked nine times. He was perfect with two stolen bases, struck out 21% (nine) of the time, and committed three errors. Washington played 11 games in left field, two at third base, and two spread across left field, first base, and third base.

The two-year Cardinal affiliate just couldn't get the bat going for himself during the winter, much like throughout the 2008 regular season. He started off with one hit in each of his first two games, then two games here without a hit and another two games, throughout the season. Washington had his only multi-hit game on October 30 going 2-for-3 with a solo home run. He had two two-game hitting streaks and drove in his first run on October 15. Washington was released in early November due to his lack of performance. (Runners left in scoring position with 2-outs: 3)

Washington is getting older and the years are starting to add up (12 years in the minor leagues), so I'm not surprised to see his contract not get picked up by the Cardinals. Plus the Redbirds have three up and coming prospects in David Freese, Allen Craig, and Brett Wallace coming along great. I'm not sure he will get signed by a Major League organization this coming season, may have to dabble in the Triple-A Mexican League or any one of the Independent Leagues.

David Freese (Memphis) played in 14 games batting .235 (12-for-51) with a .273 OBP, .451 SLG, and .724 OPS. The 25-year old right-handed swinger had two doubles, three home runs, eight RBIs, 23 total bases, scored five runs, and walked three times. He was caught stealing in his only attempt, struck out 37% (19) of the time, and committed five errors. Freese played all of his games at the hot corner except for one, his last, as the teams designated hitter.

The first-year Cardinals hitter started off pretty well in the first week of winter ball and he started to slide and miss a lot of pitches in the final couple weeks. His power did not leave him during the down period, but he struck out two or more times in the last six games. Freese had three multi-hit games and two multi-RBI games. He legged out his first double on October 15 and clubbed his first home run on October 22. Freese had his best game on October 29 as he connected for his only grand slam. He left the team in early November under advisement of his agent and the St. Louis Cardinals after trying to play through a wrist injury. (Runners left in scoring position with 2-outs: 5)

Freese had a huge opportunity that was dropped in his lap a couple weeks ago, with Troy Glaus going under the knife. Freese will go to camp and compete to earn a spot on the 25-man roster for the regular season. This could be a make or break season for him as Glaus' contract is up at the end of the season and such hot prospects as Brett Wallace and Allen Craig are breathing down his neck for the chance to crack the big leagues. Three talents at the hot corner ready for the bright lights, only one is gonna take over and the other two could end up in trades or as bench players.

Jose Rada (GCL) made 18 appearances (two starts) posting a 2-1 record, 2.30 ERA, and three holds. The 20-year old right-hander allowed 25 hits, eight earned runs, three home runs, hit two batters, walked nine, and struck out 18 over 31.1 innings. He had a ground out-to-fly out ratio of 32-to-42 and let four of six inherited runners score.

The second-year Cardinals pitcher started off on the same path as Gregerson, very explosive out of the bullpen. Rada didn't allow a run in his first six outings (spanning ten innings) and didn't allow a run in a total of 13 games. He struck out two or more in five game including a season-high three on November 21. Rada pitched well enough to earn himself two spot starts, where he combined for six innings and gave up four hits, no runs, one walk, and struck out two. He had only two appearances where he gave up two or more runs and blew one save coming December 19. Rada made one playoff appearance on January 10 and did not pitch for the club in the Caribbean Series, even though he was considered to be one of the top relievers on the team.

Rada has spent the last two seasons on the Gulf Coast Cardinals team and should see a promotion to one of the short-season clubs in 2009. His walks are low, strikeouts are high, he's just leaving the ball out over the plate and not getting the plays behind him. He has also shown a lot of potential the last two winter seasons that I have been paying attention to him and hope to see that carry over into his regular season play.

Jose Martinez (Springfield) played in six games batting .118 (2-for-17) with a .118 OBP, .235 SLG, and .353 OPS. The 24-year old right-handed swinger had two doubles, four total bases, two runs, three strikeouts, and committed one error.

The fourth-year Cardinal affiliate only played for a short time in October before he left to witness his first child being born. Martinez rejoined the team on November 5 to only play one game and leave again as the club already had Ronny Cedeno covering shortstop. On October 18, he picked up his only two hits going 2-for-5 with two doubles and scored two runs.

Martinez could be headed to Triple-A in 2009 even if he missed a lot of time in 2008 with an injury and struggled when he did play. He's still one of the top position players up the middle for the organization and will look to regain that status in 2009.

Juan Lucena (Springfield-Free Agent) played in three games going 0-for-4 with one walk, one strikeout, and a .200 OPB. The 25-year old right-handed swinger got lucky when Jose Martinez and another infielder left the team. Ronny Cedeno was not available so the team called him up to fill the holes for a short time before sending him back to the Parallel League.

Cesar Izturis (St. Louis, signed with Baltimore) played in 16 games batting .292 (19-for-65) with a .370 OBP, .369 SLG, and .739 OPS. The soon to turn 29-year old switch hitter had three doubles, one triple, three RBIs, 24 total bases, scored nine runs, and walked seven times. He was perfect with five stolen bases, struck out 6% (four) of the time, and committed two errors. Izturis played all of his games at shortstop except for one where he split time between both shortstop and second base.

The one-time Cardinal joined the team after Thanksgiving and was slotted in the leadoff spot of the batting order most of the winter season. Izturis began the season with a seven-game hitting streak going 13-for-32 (.406) with three doubles, three RBIs, scored six runs, and stole three bases. He had his best game on November 27 going 4-for-5 with one double, two RBIs, and one run. Izturis legged out his first triple on December 21 and had four multi-hit games during the regular winter season. During the VWL playoffs he went 27-for-66 (.409) and opened it up with a seven-game hitting streak. Izturis had four doubles, two triples, one RBI, scored 11 runs during the 16 post-season games he played.

Izturis was picked up by the Baltimore Orioles after the Cardinals decided to go in a different direction at shortstop and traded for Khalil Greene from the San Diego Padres. We all hope Greene can turn it around in 2009 and get back to his 2007 season form or else letting Izturis walk will look bad on the Redbirds. The former All-Star had his best season since getting back to full form after suffering an injury in the 2005 season.

Richard Castillo (Quad Cities) made four appearances (one start) posting an 0-0 record and 1.74 ERA. The 19-year old right-hander allowed eight hits, two earned runs, two walks, hit two batters, walked five, and struck out five over 10.1 innings. He had a ground out-to-fly out ratio of 5-to-17, let one of five inherited runners score, and a 1.26 WHIP.

The second-year Cardinals pitcher got the call to the big league Venezuelan League in early December and made his first and only start on December 7. Castillo was moved to the bullpen in a long-relief role for his final three outings. He pitched his best game on Dec 17 going 3.1 innings and giving up three hits and no runs. Castillo didn't give up a run in two of his games and no hits in one game. He struck out a season-high two on December 7 and 27.

Gustavo Martinez (GCL-Free Agent) made three relief appearances posting an 0-0 record, 0.00 ERA, and one hold. The 20-year old right-hander allowed four hits, no runs, one walk, and struck out two over three innings. He had a ground out-to-fly out ratio of 5-to-2 and a 1.67 WHIP.

The former GCL Cardinals was loaned to Lara by Licey of the DWL and joined the team in late-December. Martinez made his VWL debut on December 27 and had his best outing on December 30 striking out two over one hit less and scoreless inning. He accompanied the team into the playoffs and pitched in five games giving up nine hits, five runs (two earned), four walks, and striking out nine over 7.2 innings. Martinez did not allow a run in his final three appearances of 4.2 innings.

Katsuhiko Maekawa (Memphis?) made four starts posting an 0-2 record and 6.39 ERA. The 30-year old left-hander allowed 12 hits, nine earned runs, two home runs, hit two batters, walked 15, and struck out 12 over 12.2 innings. He had a ground out-to-fly out ratio of 18-to-7 and a 2.13 WHIP.

The newly signed minor league free agent joined Caribes after being released by Gigantes of the DWL, where he also was slapped around. Maekawa made his VWL debut on November 26 pitching four innings and giving up one hit, one earned run, one home run, five walks, and striking out a season-high five. He struck out five on two diffeerent occasions, but walked three or more in three of his four starts.

This signing was truly puzzling to myself, but I'm guessing that Brito and various other Cardinals' scouts saw something in person that we all can't see by looking at the stats. If Maekawa is assigned to Triple-A Memphis, he will be one of a possible five lefties on the staff along with Joe Rogers, Brad Furnish, Justin Fiske, and Charlie Manning. He just has to make it through spring camp first.

Others linked to the league:
Blake Hawksworth (Memphis) was a late scratch from the Bravos de Margarita roster after an ankle injury took him off the trip.
Reynier Gonzalez (Johnson City) was sent to the Parallel League after not making the Tigres de Aragua team.
Geney Rios (VSL) and Carlos Oraa (VSL) were sent to Parallel League after not making the Aguilas de Zulia team.
Mark Worrell (St. Louis, traded to San Diego) was rumored to be pitching for Aguilas de Zulia, but that was later scratched and he was shipped out.
Marcos Chavez (VSL-Free Agent) was also in Aguilas de Zulia camp but like the others listed above did not crack the roster.
Henry Guerrero (Springfield-Free Agent) was listed on the preliminary roster for the Caribes de Anzoategui, but never played.

St. Louis Cardinals In The Venezuelan Parallel Leagues 2008
St. Louis Cardinals In The Mexican Pacific League 2008-09

St. Louis Cardinals In The Mexican Pacific League 2008-09

Now that the Caribbean Series is wrapping up we are going to focus in on the Cardinals players that participated in the Mexican Pacific League, Venezuelan league, Dominican Republic League, and Puerto Rican League during this past winter season.

First to serve will be the Mexican Pacific League with Hugo Castellanos, Fernando Salas, Francisco Rivera, Joe Rogers, and D'Marcus Ingram. Castellanos and Salas pitched in the big league LMP while Rivera, Rogers, and Ingram played in the Veracruz Instructional League or minor league version of the Mexican Pacific League.

Castellano pitched for Yaquis de Obregon and the team finished with a 29-38 record, 11 1/2 games out of first, and tip toed into the playoffs where they were eliminated first round. Salas pitched for Venados de Mazatlan in the month of December. Mazatlan finished the winter season with a 41-27 record, rebounding from a 4th place ending to their first half. They went on to claim the Mexican Pacific League championship and are gonna hold second place in the Caribbean Series. Salas did not pitch for the team in the playoffs.

Rivera was listed on the roster for Tomateros de Culiacan (LMP), but later was placed on the inactive list and latched on with Tobis de Acayucan in the Veracruz League. Ingram joined him for a couple games in December. Rogers made his long awaited return to the mound for Gavilanes de Minatitlan, after missing most of the 2008 season recovering from elbow surgery. Minatilan finished with a 36-19-1 record (2nd place in the South Division) and Acayucan with a 16-39-2 record (4th in the South Division). Both teams made the playoffs are were swept in four games.

Hugo Castellanos (Memphis-Free Agent) made 36 appearances (one start) posting a 1-3 record, 4.50 ERA, one save, and 12 holds. The 28-year old right-hander allowed 35 hits, 19 runs (18 earned), one home run, hit five batters, walked 18, and struck out 25 over 36 innings. He had a ground out-to-fly out ratio of 45-to-30, let 11 of 21 inherited runners score, and a 1.47 WHIP.

The former Memphis Redbird pitched a decent winter even if his overall numbers don't look that great. 27 of his appearances he did not give up a run and 13 no hits. This leaves nine games without a run allowed and only three of those were for three or more. Castellanos' only start came on October 22, where he was knocked out in the second inning. He gave up seven hits, six runs, one home run, and struck out one. Between December 3-19, he had a steak of nine games with a run spanning 12.2 innings. His best outing came on December 3, when he pitched three hit less and scoreless innings and struck out a season-high four. Castellanos had five appearances where he struck out two or more. However, Castellanos was the pitcher that gave up the losing run to end Obregon's season in the playoffs.

He should pick up with a team sometime during the 2009 season. I won't go out on a limb and say it will be a MLB team, but probably he'll make a return back in the Triple-A Mexican League when it opens for play on March 24 and 25.

Fernando Salas (Springfield) made seven relief appearances posting a 2-0 record, 9.39 ERA, and one hold. The 23-year old right-hander allowed eight hits, eight earned runs, three home runs, four walks, and struck out five over 7.2 innings. He had a ground out-to-fly out ratio of 7-to-10 and 1.57 WHIP.

The second-year Cardinal pitcher was activated on December 1 and made his debut on the third, much like last winter. Salas had a warm welcome in his debut when he chalked up a solo home run in his first inning pitched and gave up another three runs in his next outing. As soon as the rust wore off he was pitching lights out. Over his next four appearances he gave up one hit, no runs, and struck out three in 5.2 innings. But his very last game ended badly with him allowing four hits, four runs, two home runs, and one walk. Salas picked up his first of two wins on December 12 and only hold on December 16.

The 2008 Futures Games participant has been getting a lot of praise from the Cardinals scouts and had a great first full-season in the organization in 2008. I'd look for him to get a big look during the 2009 St. Louis Cardinals spring camp, and a spot on the Triple-A Memphis roster when all is said and done. I also wouldn't rule out him getting a cup of coffee later in the regular season in the big leagues if he continues to pitch like he did last year, especially if the current closer options do not work out.

Joe Rogers (Memphis) made five appearances (four starts) posting a 1-0 record and 3.88 ERA. The 27-year old left-hander allowed 18 hits, seven earned runs, four home runs, three walks, and struck out eight over 16.2 innings. He had a ground out-to-fly out ratio even at 18-to-18.

The second-time Cardinal affiliate made his return debut to the mound on November 21 after missing the 2008 season with Tommy John surgery. The club started him out slow and he was pitching up to five innings into his fourth start before being moved into the bullpen. Rogers didn't allow a hit or run in his first game and no runs in his second. But gradually start showing signs of fatigue as the winter season went on giving up two or three runs in his last three outings. He struck out a season-high three on November 28 and picked up his only win on December 11.

Rogers is as far I know still apart of the Cardinals organization at this moment and it's always good when you can find a quality lefty for the rotation or bullpen when needed. The thing that rose a little concern was how his ground out-to-fly out ratio flip flopped from his first start to his last. He was keeping the ball down and it gradually turned into mostly fly balls, this not counting the four home runs he gave up in the last two starts. Possibility he was not fully recovered just yet.

Francisco Rivera (Quad Cities) played in 38 games batting .285 (35-for-123) with a .374 SLG and .376 OBA. The 20-year old left-handed swinger had two doubles, three home runs, 17 RBIs, scored 19 runs, and walked once. He was 2-for-3 in stolen base attempts, struck out 14% of the time and committed four errors. Rivera played 17 games in right field, 16 as designated hitter, two at shortstop, one at first base, and two as pinch hitter.

The first-year Cardinals hitter opened the winter season reaching base in his first nine games, including a five-game hitting streak (7-for-18, .388). Rivera also had a 11-game hitting streak that ran from November 11-December 3, where he went 14-for-38 (.368). He had eight multi-hit games and four multi-RBI games. He drove in his first run on October 21 and clubbed his first home run on November 29. Rivera's best game came on November 30 when he went 4-for-4 with one double, one home run, three RBIs, and scored two runs. In the playoffs he had a .545 AVG with one double, one home run, three RBIs in four games.

Rivera will probably see a promotion to A-Advanced Palm Beach. It seems he's recovered real well from the injury he sustained at the end of the 2008 season and swung the bat well in Instructional League. He could see a little more time in the outfield as the season progresses.

D'Marcus Ingram (Quad Cities) played in three games (between December 4-6) batted .083 (1-for-12)with a .166 SLG and .083 OBA. The 20-year old right-handed swinger had one double (December 5), one run, and struck out twice. All three of his games he manned right field.

Other players that were rumored to be playing in the Mexican Pacifc League:

Jason Motte (St. Louis) had been announced to be pitching for Naranjeros de Hermosillo. But it was later scratched.

Ron Flores (Memphis-free agent) was another earlier announcment by Mayos de Navojoa. He went on to pitch for Bravos de Margarita in the Venezuelan League, experimenting with a new arm slot and signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds.

Amaury Marti (Memphis) signed a contract with intent to play the outfield for Algodoeros de Guasave and continue in Mexico after spending the majority of the 2008 season with the Triple-A Mexican League's Diablos Rojos de Mexico. The Cardinals stepped in a sent him to the Domincian Republic League where he played for Licey de Tigres.

St. Louis Cardinals In Venezuelan Parallel Leagues 2008

Ron Flores Invited To Reds Big League Camp

The Reds revealed on Wednesday that 11 players have been invited to Major League Spring Training as non-roster players.

MLB

Katsuhiko Maekawa Signs Minors Deal With Cardinals

The Cardinals confirmed on Friday that they have signed Japanese pitcher Katsuhiko Maekawa to a Minor League contract. Maekawa will not receive an invitation to Major League Spring Training.
Cardinals Official Site

Former Orix pitcher Katsuhiko Maekawa (30) and the Cardinals had signed a minor league contract with 17 days (18 hours), said. Matt Slater's assistant GM two forces, "Maekawa, nice to deal with. Blanks about a year and a half, so accustomed to gradually exert real hope," he said. The Dominican Republic in late November to participate in the Winter League, the Maekawa months after the military passed the tryout contract.
Sponichi (via Google)

Guess this is the week for a Japanese focus around The Cardinal Nation. First, we had all the excitement because the club’s GM met with the agents for two 33-year-old free agents, Koji Uehara and Kenshin Kawakami. Then, I posted an unflattering comparison between Cubs “star” Kosuke Fukudome and former Cardinal So Taguchi.
The Cardinal Nation

Katsuhiko Maekawa: Import Joins Cardinals On Minors Deal

I was asked what I thought of the signing of Japanese pitcher Katsuhiko Maekawa. What better way to answer then with a haiku?
Future Redbirds

Minor League Moves: Couple Memphis Redbirds Move On

Mark Johnson: Casts His Lot With The Cubs

Ron Flores: Signs With Cincy

Former Cardinal Affiliated Players:
Carmen Cali & Chris Gibson signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Tagg Bozied signed with the Oakland Athletics

Cardinals Add Lefty Ian Ostlund

Minor league free agent left-handed relief pitcher Ian Ostlund signs a minor league deal with the St. Louis Cardinals that includes a major league spring training invite.

The Birdhouse

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 11-15-08

Tyler Greene’s 2-for-4 day with two RBI in Arizona headlines Friday’s St. Louis Cardinals prospects news in winter ball.

The Birdhouse

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 11-14-08

Tyler Greene’s home run in Arizona headlines Thursday’s St. Louis Cardinals prospects news in winter ball.

The Birdhouse

Cardinals Winter League Notebook 11-12-08

P.J. Walters’ 5 1/3 shutout innings in Puerto Rico headlines Tuesday’s St. Louis Cardinals prospects news in winter ball.

The Birdhouse