Down on the Farm: Winter League Recap- December 16
Credit: LIDOM
A total of eight players were in action on Saturday throughout the globe.
The San Diego Padres system is developing, and even though it’s the off-season, there is much to keep tabs on.
Jose Pirela and Manuel Margot have just started action with their teams and so has Miguel Diaz. Each of these men will be in the pro camp during the spring, so it;s not just minor leaguers out there playing this time of year.
Margot is assured a starting job and Pirela should be the man in left, but Diaz has much to prove if he is going to make the team out of the spring.
Here is a rundown of Saturday’s action.
Australian Winter League
Buddy Reed went 1-5 on Saturday with a double and a run scored. The switch hitter also struck out three times in the game and is hitting .303 on the year. Reed needs to make more contact if he is to truly utilize the game-changing type speed he has on the base paths.
Gabriel Arias went 1-4 with a long homer to center. He also struck out once, but the power he is showcasing is very exciting for the Padres. At the very least, he will be a power threat and a defensive wizard once he reaches the major leagues. He is only 17, so his upside is amazing.
Mexican Winter League
Fernando Perez was 1-3 with a run and a walk. He also struck out twice on the night. Perez looks to advance through the Padres system in 2018 after a disappointing 2017 season with the Missions and Storm.
Cesar Vargas was roughed up a little bit, as he allowed two earned runs on one hit and one walk. He also struck out a batter. A two-run homer off the bat of Agustin Murillo got him in his one inning of relief. Vargas has his ERA at 3.83 on the year in Mexico.
Dominican Winter League
Franchy Cordero was 1-4 with a strike out and is hitting .339 on the season. He played center for his Dominican team and batted third. Full steam ahead for Cordero in 2018 as he might be a sleeper candidate on the team.
Miguel Diaz threw 0.2 innings on Saturday, allowing one unearned run on a walk. His ERA is at 7.71 so far on the year. The hard-throwing reliever will need to have an impressive spring to make the Padres team to begin the 2018 season.
Venezuelan Winter League
Jose Pirela was 1-3 with a walk and a strikeout on Saturday. He is hitting .278 on the year and has been playing mostly outfield. Very interesting, as he appears to have made the full transition into an outfielder. Pirela has great versatility.
Trevor Frank allowed two hits and struck out a batter in his third of an inning pitched. His ERA is at 3.00 on the year.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.