Which potential big leaguers shined in the Dominican?
Posted: Tuesday January 21, 2003 12:32 PM
Updated: Tuesday January 21, 2003 1:03 PM
Prospects don't make major league rosters by virtue of their play in winter ball. The competition in the winter leagues is especially weak in October and November, for instance, before big leaguers make their cameos. This is a time of year, however, when young hopefuls can improve their stock within their organization.
This winter the Venezuelan league shuttered early because of the economic and political turmoil there. The Puerto Rican league, according to two scouts, has been suffering from a decline in talent in recent years. "I've never seen so many independent league players there like I did this year,'' one scout said. The Dominican league remained strong, however, and seemed to field the highest level of talent among the three.
According to a sampling of scouts and general managers, here are some players who shined in the Caribbean, hinting that they could be heard from in the big leagues this year.
Pedro Feliz, 25, Giants: Feliz not only hit well in the Dominican Republic (.363 average with .410 OBP), but also made a positive impression on his new manager, Felipe Alou, who often watched him play. Along with Edgardo Alfonzo, who can man third or second, and Ray Durham, who can play second or the outfield, Feliz gives the Giants flexibility. Though Feliz's natural position is third base, he's expected to get 300 at-bats while seeing time at third base, first base and right field.
Victor Martinez, 24, Indians: The switch-hitting catcher continued to rate in Venezuela (.295) after putting up "the best back-to-back offensive years in our system since Manny Ramirez,'' Cleveland GM Mark Shapiro said. Martinez has Jorge Posada-like power but with better ability to make contact. Ticketed for Class AAA, Martinez needs only to refine his throwing to take the job from rookie Josh Bard.
Fernando Cabrera, 21, Indians: He probably won't join Cleveland until late in the season, but Cabrera, a future closer, impressed with his 95-mph fastball and slider. "I don't want to say he's Frankie Rodriguez yet, but he was the best pitcher in Puerto Rico,'' one NL scout said. "He stood out like a sore thumb. The kid's stuff is pretty electric.'' Cabrera posted a 2.53 ERA in 11 relief appearances, striking out 21 batters in 21 1/3 innings.
Arnie Munoz, 20, White Sox: A 5-foot-9 left-hander with a wicked curveball, Munoz continued to open eyes in the Dominican after three minor league seasons in which he whiffed 249 batters in 202 1/3 innings. His winter numbers were cartoonish: 74 strikeouts and 11 walks in 40 2/3 innings. Munoz has an above-average fastball (90 to 92 mph), which makes him more than just a left-handed specialist. He's not ready for the bigs just yet, but he is on the fast track.
"It reinforces some things we knew about Arnie,'' said White Sox director of player development Bob Fontaine. "He's coming off another solid season in which he was able to make strides. He'll go to camp on the 40-man roster for the first time. We like the depth we have in our left-handed relief and Arnie is one of those reasons. Plus, he's so young.''
Ruben Mateo, 24, Reds: Remember him? The former Rangers phenom-turned-flop ripped 10 homers in 104 at-bats while batting .317 in the Dominican. He still has youth on his side. However, he's caught in a crowded Cincinnati outfield with Ken Griffey Jr., Adam Dunn, Austin Kearns, Reggie Taylor and Wily Mo Pena, though Pena will start the season on the disabled list.
Jose Reyes, 19, and Ty Wigginton, 25, Mets: Is this the Opening Day left side of the New York infield? The duo played on the same Dominican team and continued to impress the Mets' front office, Reyes with his sure hands and competent bat and Wigginton with his surprising pop at the plate. Reyes, who hit .270 before injuring a thigh muscle, is not expected to start for the Mets until midseason, but New York isn't ruling out the chance he could win the shortstop job in spring training, the way Derek Jeter did with the Yankees in 1996. Wigginton hit nine homers in 45 games, picking up where he left off after his cameo with the Mets last year (six homers in 116 at-bats). However, his glovework at third base is considered questionable.
Sports Illustrated senior writer Tom Verducci covers baseball for the magazine and is a regular contributor to CNNSI.com.
