The Morning Report 12.24.2015 | Mets "Adding Depth"?, Mets Following the Off-Season Plan, Monell Clears Waivers, Mets Lose 3 MILB Free Agents

Adding depth. We’ve officially agreed to a 1-year deal with Alejandro De Aza. #Mets pic.twitter.com/gqwXlrE80v

— New York Mets (@Mets) December 23, 2015

(Chris Soto: The Mets added another layer of questioning behind the whole De Aza signing fiasco. After multiple team insiders reported that De Aza was brought in to be the other half of a lefty/righty platoon with Lagares, the team published this tweet officially announcing the signing....."Adding Depth". What does this mean? De Aza's $5.75M salary certainly is quite a bit to pay for a pure bench piece.....but why would they go out of their way to make that statement?)


Joe D. | Metsmerized Online- The Mets signed a left-handed outfielder to platoon with Juan Lagares on Monday- which by the way was the team’s stated goal from the moment the hot stove season started. I thought the De Aza signing was the first misstep by the Mets this offseason. Before that I applauded every single move they’ve made. Walker is a significant upgrade all-around from Daniel Murphy and Asdrubal Cabrera is a shortstop with some power who, while he may not be the defensive stalwart you were expecting, when you have 80 percent of your rotation with strikeout rates above 10.5 that becomes barely an issue. It also frees up Wilmer Flores to become that super-utility guy I always envisioned for him.

(Chris Soto: This whole Alejandro De Aza story has really over exploded. Joe is right.....this was the Mets plan from Day 1 and they've been saying it ALL off-season. Statistically speaking, Walker is an upgrade over Murphy, Cabrera IS an upgrade over Flores, and Flores as the UT guy is an upgrade over Kelly Johnson. Now the duo of Lagares/De Aza is a step down offensively from a full season of Cespedes but as good as Cespedes was in August and early September for the Mets.....he was equally awful in late September and October. So yea, the overall stats take a hit, but the club probably gets more consistent offensive contributions. Most important in this whole thing, though, is the fact that Cespedes is STILL a Free Agent! The off-season is not over, and while the chances are small, there is still a chance that the Mets reverse course and sign him if the price is right. It's not like the team is forced to make De Aza and Lagares their starter. The club could very easily use them on the bench which would make them a nice upgrade over the 2 OF's we entered the off-season with [Kirk and Ceciliani])

HOT STOVE REPORT (courtesy of mlbtraderumor.com)

• C Johnny Monell has cleared waivers and has been assigned to AAA Las Vegas. Monell was DFA'd last week to make room on the 40 man roster for SP Bartolo Colon.
• The Mets lost 3 more minor league free agents as the mass exodus from their upper level teams continue.
• Both LHRP Scott Rice and RHP Tim Stauffer signed minor league contracts with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
• RHRP Jon Velasquez also signed a minor league contract to go play for the Washington Nationals 

12.2.2015 Winter League Results | Flores Goes Yard in DoubleHeader, Jeremy Hefner Looking Healthy in DR, Rough Days for Monell and Berrios in Marathon Game

Arizona Fall League

Completed. Final Game was November 19th

Mexican Pacific League

- Venados de Mazatlan 0 - 4 Charros de Jalisco
- Caneros de los Mochis 0 - 1 Naranjeros de Hermosillo
- Yaquis de Obregon 5 - 9 Tomateros de Culiacan
- Aguilas de Mexicali 4 - 6 Mayos de Navojoa

• C Xorge Carrillo: 0 for 3,  K

  

Venezuela Professional Baseball League

- Leones del Caracas 1 - 7 Caribes de Anzoategui
- Tiburones de La Guaira 1 - 5 Cardenales de Lara

• DH Jairo Perez: 0 for 3, BB, K

- Bravos de Margarita 2 - 6 Navegantes del Magallanes

• 2B Wilmer Flores: 1 for 3, R, HR(1), RBI(1), K

- Bravos de Margarita 3 - 4 Navegantes del Magallanes

• 2B Wilmer Flores: 0 for 2, BB

Dominican Baseball League

- Estrellas de Oriente 4 - 6 Aguilas Cibaenas
- Tigres del Licey 5 - 4 Toros del Este

• CF Juan Lagares: 0 for 3, BB, K

- Gigantes del Cibao 1 - 2 Leones del Escogido

• RHP Jeremy Hefner: 4.0 IP, 4 H

Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League

- Gigantes de Carolina 1 - 2 Indios de Mayaguez

• 2B T.J. Rivera: 0 for 2, BB

- Criollos de Caguas 4 - 3 Cangrejeros de Santurce (17 Innings)

• C Johnny Monell: 0 for 5, BB, 2 K
• LF Arnaldo Berrios: 1 for 6, 2 R, BB, 3 K
• RHP Jon Velasquez: 1.0 IP, 1 BB

11.22.2015 Winter League Results | Team USA Loses in Premier12 Championship, Becerra Makes VBL Debut, Torres Makes a Start, T.J. Rivera Sighting in Puerto Rico

USA Premier12 Baseball (Championship Game)

- Team USA 0 - 8 Team Korea

• RHP John Church: 0.1 IP

Arizona Fall League

Completed. Final Game was November 19th

Mexican Pacific League

- Caneros de los Mochis 3 - 7 Yaquis de Obregon
- Mayos de Navojoa 4 - 3 Naranjeros de Hermosillo
- Venados de Mazatlan 4 - 6 Tomateros de Culiacan
- Aguilas de Mexicali 12 - 3 Charros de Jalisco

• RHP Octavio Acosta: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

  

Venezuela Professional Baseball League

- Tiburones de La Guaira 4 - 1 Tigres de Aragua

• RF Wuilmer Becerra: 1 for 4, 2 K

- Aguilas del Zulia 7 - 15 Caribes de Anzoategui

• LHP Alex Torres: 3.0 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 3 K

- Bravos de Margarita 12 - 0 Leones del Caracas

• C Albert Cordero: 0 for 2

Wilmer Flores has received permission from the Mets to join the Bravos de Margarita in the Venezuelan Winter League.

— Michael Mayer (@themainemets) November 23, 2015

Dominican Baseball League

- Estrellas de Oriente 7 - 4 Gigantes del Cibao
- Leones del Escogido 9 - 0 Toros del Este

• LHP Dario Alvarez: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K

Juan Lagares has officially been added to the weekly 40 man roster of the Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Winter League.

— Michael Mayer (@themainemets) November 23, 2015

Venezuela v Dominican Republic Exhibitions
- Aguilas Cibaenas 4 - 3 Cardenales de Lara

• PH Jairo Perez: 0 for 1

- Tigres del Licey 4 - 2 Navegantes del Magallanes

• RHP Jenrry Mejia: 3.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 K

Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League

- Indios de Mayaguez 2 - 1 Cangrejeros de Santurce

• 1B T.J. Rivera: 0 for 4, RBI(1), K
• RHP Jon Velasquez: 1.0 IP, 1 H

- Gigantes de Carolina 3 - 4 Criollos de Caguas

• DH/C Johnny Monell: 1 for 4, 2 BB, 1 K
• PR Arnaldo Berrios: Run Scored

11.18.2015 Winter Leagues Results | Carrillo Catching Fire, Torres' Poor Venezuela Debut, Lara Gets 1st Win in DR

USA Premier12 Baseball

- No Games Scheduled 

Side Note: Team Korea defeated Team Japan early this Morning 4-3 and will move on to face the winner of tomorrow's semi-final game between Team USA vs Team Mexico.

Arizona Fall League

- Glendale Desert Dogs 6 - 8 Surprise Saguaros

- Peoria Javelinas 0 - 5 Scottsdale Scorpions

- Salt River Rafters 1 - 6 Mesa Solar Sox

• 1B Dominic Smith: 0 for 4, 2 K
• LHP Kyle Regnault: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K

Mexican Pacific League

- Naranjeros de Hermosillo 0 - 1 Caneros de los Mochis
- Yaquis de Obregon 2 - 4 Venados de Mazatlan
- Charros de Jalisco 1 - 3 Mayos de Navojoa

- Tomateros de Culiacan 0 - 9 Aguilas de Mexicali

• C Xorge Carrillo: 2 for 3, 2 R, 2 2B, 2 RBI(13, 14), K, Runner Thrown Out (Hits in 8 of his last 10 games)

  

Venezuela Professional Baseball League

- Navegantes del Magallanes 5 - 1 Caribes de Anzoategui
- Bravos de Margarita 3 - 1 Tiburones de La Guaira
- Tigres de Aragua 13 - 7 Cardenales de Lara

• LF Jairo Perez: 1 for 4, R, RBI(24)

- Leones del Caracas 6 - 1 Aguilas del Zulia

• C Albert Cordero: 1 for 3, R, RBI(4)
• LHP Alex Torres: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 BB

Dominican Baseball League

- Gigantes del Cibao 2 - 4 Toros del Este
- Estrellas de Oriente 3 - 10 Tigres del Licey
- Leones del Escogido 3 - 2 Aguilas Cibaenas

• RHP Rainy Lara: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K, Win(1-0) 

Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League

- Gigantes de Carolina 13 - 5 Cangrejeros de Santurce

• RHP Jon Velasquez: 1.0 IP, 2 BB

- Criollos de Caguas 0 - 5 Indios de Mayaguez

• C Johnny Monell: 0 for 4, 2 K

11.15.2015 Winter League Results | Mets RP Struggle in Premier12, Monell Stays Hot in Puerto Rico

USA Premier12 Baseball

- Team USA 2 - 10 Team Japan (Nov. 14th)

• RHP Cody Satterwhite: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K

- Team USA 3 - 2 Team Korea

• C Dan Rohlfing: 1 for 3, RBI, 2 K
• RHP John Church: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 2 BB

Arizona Fall League

- No Games Scheduled

Mexican Pacific League

- Charros de Jalisco 5 - 1 Tomateros de Culiacan
- Venados de Mazatlan 8 - 6 Naranjeros de Hermosillo
- Yaquis de Obregon 3 - 0 Mayos de Navojoa
- Caneros de los Mochis 4 - 2 Aguilas de Mexicali

• C Xorge Carrillo: 1 for 3, R, BB

  

Venezuela Professional Baseball League

- Caribes de Anzoategui 1 - 2 Leones del Caracas
- Tigres de Aragua 5 - 4 Bravos de Margarita
- Tiburones de La Guaira 3 - 1 Navegantes del Magallanes
- Aguilas del Zulia 2 - 1 Cardenales de Lara

• LF Jairo Perez: 0 for 2, BB

Dominican Baseball League

- Tigres del Licey 6 - 5 Aguilas Cibaenas
- Gigantes del Cibao 9 - 8 Estrellas de Oriente

Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League

- Indios de Mayaguez 5 - 1 Cangrejeros de Santurce

• C Johnny Monell: 2 for 4, RBI, K

- Gigantes de Carolina 3 - 1 Criollos de Caguas

• RHP Joel Huertas: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
• RHP Jon Velasquez: 1.0 IP, 1 K

11.11.2015 Winter League Results | Church Roughed Up by Venezuela, Alvarez Pitching Better for Toros, 1 Pitch Ruins Huertas Day

USA Premier12 Baseball

- Team USA 5 - 7 Team Venezuela

• RHP John Church: 2.0 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 1 K, Loss (0-1)

Arizona Fall League

- Scottsdale Scorpions 7 - 5 Glendale Desert Dogs

- Surprise Saguaros 5 - 7 Mesa Solar Sox

- Peoria Javelinas 6 - 5 Salt River Rafters 

• DH L.J. Mazzilli: 0 for 4, RBI(2)

Mexican Pacific League

- Naranjeros de Hermosillo 3 - 6 Charros de Jalisco
- Tomateros de Culiacan 8 - 0 Caneros de los Mochis
- Mayos de Navojoa 1 - 2 Venados de Mazatlan
- Aguilas de Mexicali 6 - 7 Yaquis de Obregon

• C Xorge Carrillo: 1 for 2, R, 2 BB

  

Venezuela Professional Baseball League

- Tigres de Aragua 1 - 0 Caribes de Anzoategui
- Tiburones de La Guaira 6 - 7 Bravos de Margarita
- Navegantes del Magallanes 0 - 3 Leones del Caracas

• C Albert Cordero: 0 for 4, K

Dominican Baseball League

- Tigres del Licey 5 - 6 Gigantes del Cibao
- Estrellas de Oriente 1 - 3 Leones del Escogido
- Aguilas Cibaenas 7 - 0 Toros del Este.

• LHP Dario Alvarez: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 K

Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League

- Cangrejeros de Santurce 4 - 2 Gigantes de Carolina

• RHP Joel Huertas: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, Loss(0-1)
• RHP Jon Velasquez: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 K

- Criollos de Caguas 1 - 0 Indios de Mayaguez

• C Johnny Monell: 0 for 3, R, BB, K

11.4.2015 Winter League Results | McNeil Looking Good at SS, Carrillo and Perez Go Deep, Velasquez Records 2nd Save

USA Premier12 Baseball

Side Note: Tournament Play Begins Nov. 10th. Exhibition games scheduled vs Netherlands on 11/6 and Chinese Taipei 11/7.

Arizona Fall League

- Glendale Desert Dogs 8 - 9 Surprise Saguaros

- Scottsdale Scorpions 8 - 2 Peoria Javelinas

- Salt River Rafters 12 - 6 Mesa Solar Sox

• PH-2B L.J. Mazzilli: 0 for 2
• 2B-SS Jeff McNeil: 1 for 4, 3 R, 2 RBI(6, 7)  
• RHRP Mike Hepple: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB

Mexican Pacific League

- Naranjeros de Hermosillo 8 - 1 Caneros de los Mochis

- Tomateros de Culiacan 7 - 9 Yaquis de Obregon

- Charros de Jalisco 3 - 4 Venados de Mazatlan

- Mayos de Navojoa 5 - 3 Aguilas de Mexicali

• C Xorge Carrillo: 1 for 4, R, HR(2), RBI(11)  

Venezuela Professional Baseball League

- Bravos de Margarita 7 - 5 Navegantes del Magallanes

• LHRP Adrian Almeida: 0.1 IP, 1 H
• RHRP Zach Thornton: 0.1 IP

- Cardenales de Lara 2 - 1 Leones del Caracas 

• DH Jairo Perez: 3 for 4, R, HR(5), RBI(18)   
• C Albert Cordero: 0 for 3, K

Dominican Baseball League

- Tigres del Licey 2 - 1 Gigantes del Cibao
- Estrellas de Oriente 0 - 5 Leones del Escogido

- Aguilas Cibaenas 0 - 2 Toros del Este

• LHRP Dario Alvarez: 0.2 IP, 1 K

Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League

- Criollos de Caguas 4 - 1 Indios de Mayaguez

• PR-LF Arnaldo Berrios: 0 for 0, BB

- Cangrejeros de Santurce 6 - 5 Gigantes de Carolina

• RHRP Jon Velasquez: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 K, Save(2)

11.3.2015 Winter League Results | Team USA Ties Team Canada, Strong Pitching from Jannis, 2 RBIs for Carrillo, Velasquez Records 1st Save

USA Premier12 Baseball

- Team USA 3 - 3 Team Canada

Side Note: Tournament Play Begins Nov. 10th. Exhibition games scheduled vs Netherlands on 11/6 and Chinese Taipei 11/7.

Arizona Fall League

- Mesa Solar Sox 5 - 14 Peoria Javelinas

- Surprise Saguaros 4 - 0 Scottsdale Scorpions

- Glendale Desert Dogs 2 - 6 Salt River Rafters

• RHSP Mickey Jannis: 6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 K, Win(1-1)
• RHRP Beck Wheeler: 1.0 IP, 1 H

Mexican Pacific League

- Naranjeros de Hermosillo 3 - 6 Caneros de los Mochis

- Tomateros de Culiacan 2 - 3 Yaquis de Obregon

- Charros de Jalisco 2 - 7 Venados de Mazatlan

- Mayos de Navojoa 0 - 10 Aguilas de Mexicali

• C Xorge Carrillo: 1 for 4, R, 2B, 2 RBI(9, 10)  

Venezuela Professional Baseball League

- Aguilas del Zulia 11 - 6 Caribes de Anzoategui

- Leones del Caracas 3 - 2 Tigres de Aragua

- Tiburones de La Guaira 6 - 11 Cardenales de Lara

• DH Jairo Perez: 1 for 4, R, BB

Dominican Baseball League

- Leones del Escogido 4 - 8 Gigantes del Cibao

- Toros del Este 0 - 4 Tigres del Licey

• LHRP Dario Alvarez: 1.0 IP, 1 H

Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League

- Indios de Mayaguez 1 - 4 Criollos de Caguas

- Gigantes de Carolina 1 - 3 Cangrejeros de Santurce

• RHRP Jon Velasquez: 1.0 IP, 1 K, Save(1)

11.1.2015 Winter League Results: Team USA Defeats Team Canada, Jairo Perez Hits HR #4, Mejia Rocked Again In 3rd Winter Start

Team USA Premier12 Team
- Team USA 2 - 2 Team Canada
- Team USA 2 - 0 Team Canada


Side Note: These were exhibition games so no box scores were available. Mets SS Gavin Cecchini, RHP Cody Satterwhite, RHP John Church, and C Dan Rohfling will be playing with this team for the next 2 weeks in Taiwan with the official tournament play starting 11/10/2015 against Team Dominican Republic.



Arizona Fall League
No Games Scheduled on Sundays

Mexican Pacific League

- Caneros de los Mochis 9 - 8 Charros de Jalisco
- Tomateros de Culiacan 2 - 1 Naranjeros de Hermosillo
- Aguilas de Mexicali 6 - 3 Venados de Mazatlan

• C Xorge Carrillo: 0 for 2, BB

- Aguilas de Mexicali 2 - 4 Venados de Mazatlan

• C Xorge Carrillo: 1 for 1, RBI(8) 

Venezuelan Winter League

- Caribes de Anzoategui 5 - 7 Tiburones de La Guaira
- Aguilas del Zulia 5 - 2 Bravos de Margarita
- Cardenales de Lara 3 - 6 Navegantes del Magallanes

• LF Jairo Perez: 2 for 4, R, 2B, HR(4), 2 RBI(16, 17), BB
• RHP Zach Thornton: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, Hold(9) 

- Leones del Caracas 2 - 3 Tigres de Aragua

• C Albert Cordero: 1 for 4, 2 K, Runner Thrown Out

Dominican Winter League
- Estrellas de Oriente 5 - 0 Gigantes del Cibao
- Aguilas Cibaenas 10 - 7 Tigres del Licey

• RHP Jenrry Mejia: 3.0 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Roberto Clemente Puerto Rican League
- Indios de Mayaguez 0 - 3 Gigantes de Carolina
- Cangrejeros de Santurce 4 - 5 Criollos de Caguas

• RHP Jon Velasquez: 0.1 IP

The Morning Report 2.23.2015 | Is Harvey Ready?, Stinkin' Dynamite, SS Competition, Jon Velasquez, Issues for Collins, The Leather Rocket.

Anthony DiComo | MLB.com - "Matt Harvey climbed atop a mound on Sunday to throw his first official bullpen session of spring. In zipped a fastball as cameras beeped and clicked. In came a slider. In came a fastball, and so on and so forth. Then off walked a satisfied Harvey. Though the former All-Star began throwing bullpens shortly before the start of camp, this was his first session since organized workouts began. "The elbow feels great," Harvey said. "Picking up the ball, it's like I never left. I honestly forget that something happened."

(Chris Soto: It's fantastic to hear that Harvey's first official bullpen session went extremely well. We'll see how his arm feels in the morning though. Word out of camp is that he is scheduled to throw to live batters for the 1st time this Thursday.)

Mike Vorkunov | NJ Advance Media - "Harvey took another step by throwing his first bullpen session since pitchers and catchers reported. Throwing more than just fastballs, Harvey unleashed a curveball so destructive that Collins simply described it as "stinkin" dynamite. "It's all there," Collins said. "Now it's just a matter of tightening up and making sure his arm strength is back when he gets back on the mound when he's in competition."

(Chris Soto: You can never get enough Matt Harvey news. A healthy Matt Harvey is a organizational changing player. Now...generally when a player comes back from an arm injury, his breaking pitches are the last things that come back to him. Based on TC's comments though, it sounds like Harvey's breaking stuff is already back. This led him to say that Harvey may even make a short 5 inning start before the Mets come to New York for the home opener. The team could use a 6 man rotation during the 1st road trip then drop down to 5 afterwards. This would put Harvey in line for the season opener AND the home opener.)

Kristie Ackert | Daily News - "The shortstop issue never seems to die with the Mets. After being unable to trade for or sign a shortstop this winter and repeatedly saying they are comfortable coming into spring training with Wilmer Flores there, Terry Collins said Sunday that it is still an open competition with Ruben Tejada."

(Chris Soto: Be sure to read the whole story on this one. TC does acknowledge that Flores will most likely be the opening day SS, but, also states that it would be unfair to not give Tejada, at least, an opportunity to win the job. I'm ok with that, competition breeds better results and personal advancement. In the same article, Flores even agrees that Tejada should at least be given the chance to compete.......He won't win though.)

Adam Rubin | ESPN New York - "When right-hander Jon Velasquez’s cell phone rang as he roamed a mall in Puerto Rico during the offseason, he did not recognize the number and let it go to voicemail. It turned out to be Dickie Scott, the Mets’ director of player development, offering him an invitation to big-league camp. “It’s a blessing to me honestly,” Velasquez said. “I heard the voicemail. As soon as I heard what it was, I almost dropped my phone and I started jumping in the air. I was like, ‘I can’t believe this.’ I was with a couple of my teammates and I was just yelling in the mall. Just to get this opportunity, I’m definitely grateful and thankful to be here.”

(Chris Soto: There is always at least one great effort story every year and Velasquez may be the owner of this year's. He is an interesting arm though. After 4 years of Indy ball, Velasquez spent the 2014 season in Binghamton and threw extremely well. His success careered over to the winter leagues too where he produced a 1.93 ERA and 10 SV in 18 appearances. With a 93-95 mph fastball, a cutter, and a change-up, Velasquez carved up AA hitters K'ing over 8 per 9 innings. Too bad he was born right handed.)



 TIM ROHAN | NY Times.com “The issues facing the Mets entering spring training, Collins’s fifth with the team, are relatively simple. Collins has to choose a leadoff hitter between Curtis Granderson and Juan Lagares. Collins said Gee would go to the bullpen if he or one of the other starters is not traded, so Collins would have to make sure that transition goes smoothly. And he has to anoint a closer. He indicated Saturday that Bobby Parnell, who is also returning after Tommy John surgery, would have to re-earn his job. Yes, Collins thinks the Mets are a playoff team — especially with a healthy Harvey returning. “I say, ‘Hey, it’s time,’ ” Collins said. “We’ve been sitting around for four years, asking everybody to be patient, even the players. ‘Hey, it’s not going to happen overnight.’ Well, it’s time.”

Herb G. You have to like Collins joining the chorus and singing the post season song. Often, Collins has put his foot in his mouth when speaking off the cuff, but he seems to have identified some real issues here. Despite performing poorly last year as a leadoff batter, Curtis Granderson has hit in the leadoff spot more than any other place in the lineup over his career, and done pretty well at it. Lagares had a very good year when leading off last year, showing that he can use his speed to advantage on the base paths during the second half. Selecting a leadoff batter is a legitimate question for Terry. Also, I think he is right to point out that Parnell will have to earn the closer’s job. Mejia did very well in the role last year, Familia showed he has what it takes to close effectively, and Black cannot be discounted.

　
Adam Rubin | ESPN New York “Triple-A pitching coach Frank Viola offered a 1980s-era Met as a comparison when discussing 24-year-old lefty reliever Jack Leathersich. “You remember Sid Fernandez? He’s very much like Sid,” Viola said Saturday. “The ball comes out of his hand, it looks like it’s coming 100 mph. And you look at the radar gun, it’s 92. But it just sneaks up on you because of the angle of the arm slot.” The area for improvement, though, is control. Las Vegas manager Wally Backman recently compared Leathersich to former reliever Mitch Williams, whose nickname happened to be “Wild Thing.” Leathersich has walked 36 in 37 1/3 career Triple-A innings. “All he’s got to do is slow down, take a deep breath and slow the pace of the game down, he’s going to be fine,” Viola said.”

 (Herb G. The Leather Rocket has impressed since the first day he donned a Brooklyn Cyclones uniform in 2011, striking out 26 batters and walking only 3, while compiling a 0.71 ERA and 0.711 WHIP, in 12.2 innings of relief, thus serving notice that he was a prospect to be reckoned with. Since that time, however, control has been an issue, perhaps because he tries to be too precise. If Leathersich can learn to relax this spring, and trust his naturally deceptive motion, he could be a force in the Mets’ bull pen for years to come.)

2014 Winter Leagues: 12/11/2014 Results

Venezuelan Winter League

- Aguilas del Zulia 7 - 19 Navegantes del Magallanes
- Caribes de Anzoategui 7 - 3 Tiburones de La Guaira
- Bravos de Margarita 12 - 0 Cardenales de Lara

• SS Wilmer Flores: 1 for 4, R, HR(2), 2 RBI(6), BB
• PH Jairo Perez: 1 for 1, 2B

Mexican Pacific League

- Tomateros de Culiacan 5 - 2 Charros de Jalisco
- Venados de Mazatlan 12 - 0 Yaquis de Obregon
- Aguilas de Mexicali 5 - 7 Caneros de los Mochis

• C Xorge Carrillo: 1 for 4, R, RBI(27), Runner Thrown Out

 Dominican Winter League

- Gigantes del Cibao 6 - 4 Aguilas Cibaenas
- Estrellas de Oriente 6 - 1 Toros del Este

• RHP Gonzalez Germen: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 K

Roberto Clemente Puerto Rican League

- Gigantes de Carolina 13 - 4 Criollos de Caguas

• DH Johnny Monell: 1 for 3, R, HR(1), RBI(13), BB, K

- Indios de Mayaguez 0 - 2 Cangrejeros de Santurce

• 2B T.J. Rivera: 0 for 4
• RHP Jon Velasquez: 1.0 IP, SV(6)

2014 Winter Leagues: 12/7/2014 Results

Venezuelan Winter League

- Tiburones de La Guaira 12 - 10 Leones del Caracas
- Cardenales de Lara 7 - 3 Caribes de Anzoategui
- Tigres de Aragua 6 - 4 Aguilas del Zulia

• PR/DH Wuilmer Becerra: Run Scored

- Bravos de Margarita 11 - 5 Navegantes del Magallanes

• SS Wilmer Flores: 4 for 5, R, 2 RBI(4), SB(3) 

Mexican Pacific League

- Aguilas de Mexicali 2 - 3 Charros de Jalisco
- Caneros de los Mochis 8 - 0 Mayos de Navojoa
- Caneros de los Mochis 2 - 3 Mayos de Navojoa
- Venados de Mazatlan 0 - 8 Tomateros de Culiacan
- Yaquis de Obregon 5 - 2 Naranjeros de Hermosillo


 Dominican Winter League

- Estrellas de Oriente 2 - 3 Gigantes del Cibao
- Tigres del Licey 1 - 3 Aguilas Cibaenas
- Toros del Este 7 - 3 Leones del Escogido

• PR/RF Cesar Puello: Run Scored, SB(2)

Roberto Clemente Puerto Rican League

All-Star Game
- Team Feliciano 3 - 3 Team Figueroa

• 2B/1B T.J. Rivera: 2 for 4, R, 2B
• RHP Jon Velasquez: 1.0 IP, clean

2014 Winter Leagues: 12/03/2014 Results

Venezuelan Winter League

- Leones del Caracas 6 - 2 Cardenales de Lara
- Navegantes del Magallanes 6 - 7 Tiburones de La Guaira

Side Note: So much for OF Bobby Abreu's retirement. He has been added to the Leones del Caracas roster and was 0 for 3 in last night's game.

Mexican Pacific League

- Naranjeros de Hermosillo 3 - 4 Caneros de los Mochis
- Charros de Jalisco 3 - 2 Venados de Mazatlan
- Tomateros de Culiacan 4 - 2 Yaquis de Obregon

• SS Daniel Muno: 0 for 3, BB, K 

- Mayos de Navojoa 10 - 2 Aguilas de Mexicali

• C Xorge Carrillo: 0 for 3, K

 Dominican Winter League

- Aguilas Cibaenas 6 - 5 Leones del Escogido
- Tigres del Licey 3 - 9 Estrellas de Oriente
- Toros del Este 3 - 7 Gigantes del Cibao

• CF Cesar Puello: 1 for 4, RBI(2), K 

Roberto Clemente Puerto Rican League

- Indios de Mayaguez 0 - 1 Gigantes de Carolina

• 2B T.J. Rivera: 0 for 4, K

- Cangrejeros de Santurce 1 - 4 Criollos de Caguas

• DH Johnny Monell: 1 for 4, R
• RHP Jon Velasquez: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 K

2014 Winter Leagues: 11/20/2014 Results

Venezuelan Winter League

- Aguilas del Zulia 0 - 5 Cardenales de Lara
- Leones del Caracas 12 - 3 Navegantes del Magallanes
- Tigres de Aragua 1 - 7 Caribes de Anzoategui
- Bravos de Margarita 4 - 6 Tiburones de La Guaira

• SS Wilfredo Tovar: 1 for 4, RBI(7), K

Side Note: OF Wuilmer Becerra has been added to the Tigres de Aragua roster

Mexican Pacific League

- Mayos de Navojoa 2 - 9 Charros de Jalisco
- Caneros de los Mochis 7 - 6 Naranjeros de Hermosillo
- Venados de Mazatlan 6 - 5 Yaquis de Obregon

Side Note: OF Cory Vaughn has been deactivated by the Charros de Jalisco and is now on the reserve roster

 Dominican Winter League

- Toros del Este 2 - 3 Estrellas de Oriente

• RF Cesar Puello: Defensive Replacement

Roberto Clemente Puerto Rican League

- Criollos de Caguas 8 - 0 Gigantes de Carolina

• DH Johnny Monell: 2 for 5, R, RBI(5), K

- Indios de Mayaguez 6 - 4 Cangrejeros de Santurce

• 2B T.J. Rivera: 2 for 4, RBI(6), Caught Stealing
• RHP Jon Velasquez: 2.0 IP, 1 BB

2014 Winter Leagues: 11/19/2014 Results

MLB Japan All-Star Series

- Samurai Japan 6 - 4 MLB All-Stars

• RF Lucas Duda: 3 for 3, 2B, BB

Side Note: Poor Lucas looked so lost out in RF. A total of 6 balls were hit towards him and he only converted 1 of them into an out. The other 5? 3 singles, a double, and a triple. This series was fun to watch and while Japan did take the matchups 5 to 3, its worth noting that Japan threw the absolute best they had in the country out there. Meanwhile the US brought only 1 true OF (Dexter Fowler) and the best pitcher we brought over was Matt Shoemaker and Chris Capuano. Trust me folks, Japan is still no where near the talent level of the US although they have some nice arms in Kenta Maeda and Shohei Otani.

Venezuelan Winter League

- Tiburones de La Guaira 4 - 3 Caribes de Anzoategui
- Tigres de Aragua 11 - 12 Leones del Caracas
- Bravos de Margarita 3 - 0 Cardenales de Lara


Mexican Pacific League

- Mayos de Navojoa 3 - 6 Charros de Jalisco
- Caneros de los Mochis 11 - 4 Naranjeros de Hermosillo
- Venados de Mazatlan 4 - 5 Yaquis de Obregon
- Aguilas de Mexicali 0 - 1 Tomateros de Culiacan

• C Xorge Carrillo: 1 for 2, BB

 Dominican Winter League

- Tigres del Licey 3 - 6 Gigantes del Cibao
- Estrellas de Oriente 9 - 4 Leones del Escogido
- Aguilas Cibaenas 1 - 2 Toros del Este

• RF Cesar Puello: 0 for 1, SAC, K

Roberto Clemente Puerto Rican League

- Gigantes de Carolina 5 - 3 Cangrejeros de Santurce

• RHP Jon Velasquez: 0.1 IP, clean

- Senadores de San Juan 8 - 3 Criollos de Caguas

• C Johnny Monell: 2 for 4, R, 2B, 1 RTO

2014 Winter Leagues: 11/17/2014 Results

MLB Japan All-Star Series

MLB All-Stars 3 - 1 Samurai Japan

• LF Lucas Duda: 1 for 3, R, 2B 

Venezuelan Winter League

- Navegantes del Magallanes 2 - 0 Aguilas del Zulia

Mexican Pacific League

- Aguilas de Mexicali 3 - 6 Tomateros de Culiacan

• C Xorge Carrillo: 0 for 4, 2 SB allowed, 1 RTO, Throwing Error(6)

 Dominican Winter League

(No Game Scheduled)

Roberto Clemente Puerto Rican League

- Cangrejeros de Santurce 7 - 8 Indios de Mayaguez

• 2B T.J. Rivera: 2 for 5, R
• RHP Jon Velasquez: 1.0 IP, SV(5)

2014 Winter Leagues: 11/14/2014 Results

MLB Japan All-Star Series

- Samurai Japan 4 - 0 MLB All-Stars (Combined No-Hitter by Samurai Japan)

• 1B Lucas Duda: 0 for 2, BB, 2 K

Venezuelan Winter League

- Leones del Caracas 3 - 5 Navegantes del Magallanes
- Cardenales de Lara 1 - 2 Aguilas del Zulia

• PH/LF Jairo Perez: 0 for 1, K

- Caribes de Anzoategui 4 - 7 Bravos de Margarita

• RF Brandon Allen: 0 for 3, BB, K

- Tigres de Aragua 5 - 1 Tiburones de La Guaira

• LF Alex Castellanos: 0 for 2, BB

Mexican Pacific League

- Mayos de Navojoa 0 - 2 Yaquis de Obregon
- Naranjeros de Hermosillo 6 - 2 Venados de Mazatlan
- Tomateros de Culiacan 3 - 4 Charros de Jalisco

• LF Cory Vaughn: 0 for 2, BB

- Aguilas de Mexicali 4 - 2 Caneros de los Mochis

• C Xorge Carrillo: 0 for 4, RTO

 Dominican Winter League

- Estrellas de Oriente 4 - 3 Toros del Este
- Gigantes del Cibao 9 - 8 Aguilas Cibaenas
- Tigres del Licey 5 - 6 Leones del Escogido

• 2B Dilson Herrera: 0 for 5, K
• RHP Hansel Robles: 1.0 IP, K
• RHP Rafael Montero: 5.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

Roberto Clemente Puerto Rican League

- Cangrejeros de Santurce 5 - 0 Senadores de San Juan

• RHP Jon Velasquez: 1.2 IP, 1 BB, 1 K, SV(4)

- Criollos de Caguas 4 - 2 Indios de Mayaguez

• 2B T.J. Rivera: 2 for 3, BB, K

2014 Winter Leagues: 11/11/2014 Results

MLB Japan All-Star Series

- MLB All-Stars 0 - 2  Samurai Japan

Arizona Fall League

- Peoria Javelina 4 - 4 Salt River Rafters
- Surprise Saguaros 5 - 1 Mesa Solar Sox
- Glendale Desert Dogs 8 - 4 Scottsdale Scorpions

• LF Brandon Nimmo: 1 for 3, R, BB, K
• SS Matt Reynolds: 1 for 4, K
• RHP Robert Whalen: 2.2 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
• RHP Jake Kuebler: 1.1 IP, 2 H
• RHP Julian Hilario: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 K, 1 HR
• RHP Paul Sewald: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER

Side Note: Regular Season ends Thursday, November 13th.

Venezuelan Winter League

- Leones del Caracas 4 - 2 Cardenales de Lara
- Tigres de Aragua 0 - 5 Bravos de Margarita

• SS Wilfredo Tovar: 0 for 2, RBI(5), BB, K, SB(1)

Mexican Pacific League

- Caneros de los Mochis 6 - 3 Tomateros de Culiacan
- Venados de Mazatlan 5 - 2 Mayos de Navojoa
- Charros de Jalisco 11 - 2 Naranjeros de Hermosillo

• LF Cory Vaughn: 2 for 5, 2 R, 2B, K

- Yaquis de Obregon 2 - 4 Aguilas de Mexicali

• C Xorge Carrillo: 1 for 3, R, BB, Runner Thrown Out, Pick-off Attempt Error(5)

Side Note: LHP Daniel Herrera was spotted pitching for the Aguilas de Mexicali. He has not pitched in the MLB since 2012 for the Mets after suffering Tommy John recovery setbacks. While he is no longer with the Mets, I'm glad to see him back in the game and healthy. Hope you make it back to the bigs Danny!

 Dominican Winter League

- Tigres del Licey 4 - 1 Estrellas de Oriente
- Toros del Este 8 - 5 Aguilas Cibaenas

Roberto Clemente Puerto Rican League

- Gigantes de Carolina 4 - 5 Senadores de San Juan
- Cangrejeros de Santurce 4 - 1 Indios de Mayaguez

• RHP Jon Velasquez: 1.0 IP, 1 H, SV(3)

2014 Winter Leagues: 11/06/2014 Results

Arizona Fall League

- Surprise Saguaros 6 - 3 Glendale Desert Dogs 

- Scottsdale Scorpions 3 - 5 Peoria Javelinas

- Mesa Solar Sox 4 - 2 Salt River Rafters 

• CF Brandon Nimmo: 0 for 3, BB, 2 K
• RHP Julian Hilario: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K 
• RHP Jake Kuebler: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 K 

Venezuelan Winter League

- Aguilas del Zulia 12 - 1 Bravos de Margarita

• SS Wilfredo Tovar: 1 for 3, Fielding Error(6)

- Navegantes del Magallanes 3 - 2 Leones del Caracas

• RHP Miguel Socolovich: 1.0 IP, 2 H

- Tiburones de La Guaira 1 - 4 Cardenales de Lara

• DH Jairo Perez: 0 for 3, BB, K

- Tigres de Aragua 4 - 0 Caribes de Anzoategui

• RF/LF Brandon Allen: 0 for 4, K

Mexican Pacific League

- Yaquis de Obregon 2 - 1 Tomateros de Culiacan
- Aguilas de Mexicali 5 - 3 Mayos de Navojoa
- Venados de Mazatlan 0 - 16 Charros de Jalisco

• LF Cory Vaughn: 1 for 5, R, 2B, K, Caught Stealing

- Caneros de los Mochis 9 - 7 Naranjeros de Hermosillo

• LF/2B Brian Burgamy: 1 for 4, R, BB, K

Dominican Winter League
- Gigantes del Cibao 1 - 12 Aguilas Cibaenas

Roberto Clemente Puerto Rican League
- Cangrejeros de Santurce 4 - 5 Gigantes de Carolina

• RHP Jon Velasquez: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, Blown Save(1), Loss(1)

- Criollos de Caguas 3 - 1 Senadores de San Juan

• C Johnny Monell: 0 for 3, RBI(2), K

2014 Winter Leagues: 11/1/2014 Results

Arizona Fall League

- Arizona West All-Stars 2 - 6 Arizona East All-Stars

• LF Brandon Nimmo: 2 for 2, R
• SS Matt Reynolds: 0 for 2, K

Venezuelan Winter League

- Leones del Caracas 9 - 2 Tiburones de La Guaira
- Caribes de Anzoategui 2 - 6 Tigres de Aragua
- Aguilas del Zulia 2 - 1 Cardenales de Lara

• PH Leon Canelon: 0 for 1, R
• DH Jairo Perez: 1 for 4, K

- Navegantes del Magallanes 2 - 6 Bravos de Margarita

• SS Wilfredo Tovar: 0 for 4, K

Mexican Pacific League

- Mayos de Navojoa 4 - 6 Yaquis de Obregon

- Naranjeros de Hermosillo 3 - 4 Tomateros de Culiacan

- Venados de Mazatlan 6 - 4 Aguilas de Mexicali

• C Xorge Carrillo: 1 for 3, R, 2B, BB, Runner Throw Out

- Charros de Jalisco 4 - 5 Caneros de los Mochis

• LF Cory Vaughn: 1 for 5, R, HR(3), 3 RBI(11), K
• LF Brian Burgamy: 1 for 3, BB, K

Dominican Winter League
- Toros del Este 11 - 6 Aguilas Cibaenas
- Leones del Escogido 2 - 5 Estrellas de Oriente

• RHP Rainy Lara: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

- Gigantes del Cibao 1 - 4 Tigres del Licey

• RHP Hansel Robles: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 K

Roberto Clemente Puerto Rico League

- Senadores de San Juan 3 - 6 Cangrejeros de Santurce

• RHP Jon Velasquez: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K, SV(2)

- Gigantes de Carolina 8 - 1 Indios de Mayaguez

• 3B T.J. Rivera: 1 for 3
• RHP Giancarlo Alvarado: 4.0 IP, 4 H, 1 K