Dominican Summer League

[cboemmeljr]

Results of 8/12:

DSL Orioles 1 lost 8-2 to DSL Reds

BOX SCORE

 

DSL Orioles 2 lost 8-3 at DSL Rockies

BOX SCORE

[BohKnowsBmore]

On 8/9/2019 at 10:18 PM, Frobby said:

One thing to know about the DSL is it’s a walk-fest.   League average .254 BA but .360 OBP.    Lots of really wild pitchers and if you get a batter with a good eye he can really rack up the walks.   There are quite a few guys averaging nearly one walk per game.   

That's good context.  Is that a function of teams grabbing a lot of raw pitchers with big physical tools/projection who are probably more throwers than pitchers at this point?

[Frobby]

4 hours ago, BohKnowsBmore said:

That's good context.  Is that a function of teams grabbing a lot of raw pitchers with big physical tools/projection who are probably more throwers than pitchers at this point?

For one thing, most of these kids are not that strong yet.   They’re young, skinny kids.  The league slash line is .247/.350/.347.    Note all the walks; not a lot of pitchers who’ve mastered throwing strikes.   And, an ISO of .100.

[Luke-OH]

5 hours ago, BohKnowsBmore said:

That's good context.  Is that a function of teams grabbing a lot of raw pitchers with big physical tools/projection who are probably more throwers than pitchers at this point?

Function of a bunch of 16-18 year olds.

[MurphDogg]

On 8/5/2019 at 2:43 PM, MurphDogg said:

Josue Cruz hit his 8th home run today, one short of the league lead.

Cruz hit his 9th home run today, still one off the league lead. Of the other two players with 9 homers, one has already been promoted to the GCL and the other is a 23 year-old just over from Cuba. The league leader, Eduarqui Fernandez of the Brewers, was ranked 28th by Baseball America in last summer's J2 class.

[Luke-OH]

Andry Mercedes is someone to watch, 18yo 6’3” LHP from Venezuela. July 22nd, 2019 signee. Has appeared in 2 games thus far. Maybe one of those late blooming pitchers.

[Ruzious]

3 hours ago, MurphDogg said:

Cruz hit his 9th home run today, still one off the league lead. Of the other two players with 9 homers, one has already been promoted to the GCL and the other is a 23 year-old just over from Cuba. The league leader, Eduarqui Fernandez of the Brewers, was ranked 28th by Baseball America in last summer's J2 class.

Too bad Cruz SO's so much - 81 in 204 at bats - even though he's improved dramatically over last year (93K's in only 178 at bats and a .395 OPS - ouch). I'm guessing Prado's the best prospect on the team.  He's struck out 34 times in 205 at bats, OPSing over .800, and playing CF.  And Prado's 17 compared to Cruz' 18.  It'll be interesting to see how several of these guys do next year - and who gets to play in the GCL.  

[cboemmeljr]

Tuesday's Scores:

DSL Orioles 1 won 10-6 at the DSL Reds

BOX SCORE

 

DSL Orioles 2 won 7-6 in 10 innings over DSL Nationals

BOX SCORE

[cboemmeljr]

Wednesday's Results:

DSL Orioles 1 lost 6-1 to DSL Diamondbacks 1

BOX SCORE

 

DSL Orioles 2 lost 12-5 at DSL Cardinals Blue

BOX SCORE

[cboemmeljr]

Thursday's Results:

DSL Orioles 1 won 4-3 at DSL Diamondbacks 1

BOX SCORE

 

DSL Orioles 2 won 7-2 over DSL Mets 1

BOX SCORE

[cboemmeljr]

FRIDAY'S RESULT:

DSL Orioles 1 won 6-5 over DSL Blue Jays

BOX SCORE

[WalkWithElias]

His name has come up on this thread a few times, but it's worth pointing out again that 17 year old shortstop Erison Placencia has been crazy consistent this season. 

Batted .364 in July. Batted .366 in August. His OBP has improved as he's drawing more walks, but as Luke has pointed out, DSL has lots of walks. It's better to show some patience with young, wild pitchers, but it's not a clear indicator of great plate discipline. In his last 10 games, he's walked 11 times and struck out just 3 times.  I'm more impressed with his low K-rate, though, that probably coincides with his underwhelming power. He's been a single hitter this summer. 

Great having all of these young guys to follow in the DSL for what seems like the first time. 

[bobmc]

23 hours ago, WalkWithElias said:

His name has come up on this thread a few times, but it's worth pointing out again that 17 year old shortstop Erison Placencia has been crazy consistent this season. 

Batted .364 in July. Batted .366 in August. His OBP has improved as he's drawing more walks, but as Luke has pointed out, DSL has lots of walks. It's better to show some patience with young, wild pitchers, but it's not a clear indicator of great plate discipline. In his last 10 games, he's walked 11 times and struck out just 3 times.  I'm more impressed with his low K-rate, though, that probably coincides with his underwhelming power. He's been a single hitter this summer. 

Great having all of these young guys to follow in the DSL for what seems like the first time. 

Steve Melewski weighs in after a convo with DSL 1 manager, Felipe Rojas Alou, Jr., son of former MLB'er and black and oranger (SF Giants) Felipe Alou:

"Alou talked about outfielder Isaac Bellony, who was signed last Aug. 20 at 16 out of the Dominican Republic and was born in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He was signed to a $220,000 bonus.

In 56 games, he is batting .255/.351/.410 with 13 doubles, a triple, six homers, six steals, 36 runs and 43 RBIs.

“He’s a 17-year-old switch-hitting outfielder that can play all three positions,” Alou said. “Really goes and gets the ball out there and takes good jumps. Maybe a possible five-tool guy, but he’s just starting to develop. He has over 40 RBIs in about 200 at-bats and also has some pop. Pretty interesting season for a 17-year-old kid.”

Also talks about Elio Prado, Stiven Acevedo Josue Cruz, @RZNJ's boy, and others many here have crowed about.

My favorite "Oriole-to-be", Elio Prado, sounds like a table setter in 2022 and beyond (or perhaps the next Ozzie Albes?)

Out of Caracas, Venezuela, Elio Prado is an outfielder originally signed by Boston on July 2, 2018. On July 13, the Orioles acquired him from the Red Sox, along with infielder Noelberth Romero, for pitcher Andrew Cashner.

Prado has played in 25 games with the Orioles since the trade and is batting .289/.402/.367 with seven doubles, 13 runs and 12 RBIs.

“Another 17-year-old kid, right-handed hitter. Kind of a leadoff, second hitter type of guy,” Alou said. “Runs well, puts the ball in play, uses the gaps. Really mature. Very good defensive player in center and gets good jumps.”

Also lots of talk on the young pitchers contained below like:

From Santo Domingo, R.R., lefty Jesus Chavez was signed by the Orioles in February 2019 by the new regime. In 13 starts, he is 2-4 with a 3.27 ERA. In 63 1/3 innings, he has allowed 60 hits, 20 walks, 53 strikeouts and a .250 average against.

“He’s a 17-year-old lefty. Been a starter all season. He’s a command-type of lefty and not afraid to throw in and attack with his fastball,” Alou said. “Got a good slider. Getting a feel for a changeup. Good presence out there, under control and fields his position well.”

A 17-year-old from Valencia, Venezuela, Angel Vargas was signed by the Orioles in April 2019. He pitched in his first game earlier this week and impressed Alou. Over two innings, Vargas allowed four hits and one earned run with no walks and five strikeouts.

“He pitched Thursday for the first time, a right-hander. It was fun to watch him attack the zone and throw 90 to 92 (mph) with some movement,” Alou said. “Good composure for his first ever pro outing. He challenged hitters and that was very encouraging.”

https://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2019/08/a-look-at-the-orioles-improving-dominican-summer-league-program.html

Lots of photos on instagram at @oriolesbeisbol.

[cboemmeljr]

Saturday's DSL Results:

DSL Orioles 1 lost 9-2 ar DSL Blue Jays

BOX SCORE

 

DSL Orioles 2 SUSPENDED in 10th inning with the DSL Phillies Red

GAMEDAY

[Frobby]

I found this part of Melewski’s article interesting:

Quote

This all took a huge step forward on July 2 when the Orioles announced they opened the 2019-20 international signing period with 27 agreements. The club signed 16 players from the Dominican Republic, eight from Venezuela, and one each from Aruba, the Bahamas and Colombia.

Those players are not yet playing in official DSL games but play four games a week in something called the “Tricky League.” I know, strange name. But it’s where the new signees get on the field although we don’t see any box scores or stats. They’ll begin play in the DSL next summer.

I was wondering what these kids did after we signed them.