Season Ending Reports: Dominican Summer League Red Sox (1 and 2)

[Cuzittt]

Final Records:

DSL1: 30-41 (7 of 8 in Northwest)
DSL2: 33-38 (5 of 8 in North)

In 2017, the sole Dominican Summer League Red Sox team won 47 games to top the Northwest Division; the ending of a string of five incredible seasons for the DSL Red Sox who placed six of seven teams over that period into the playoffs (In 2015 and 2016, The Red Sox fielded two teams. In 2016, both teams won their respective divisions and the 50-18 regular season Red Sox 1 winning the championship).

But, the benches were largely empty entering the 2018 season with the ban from signing international free agents in the 2016-17 period depleting their roster of youngsters. Not to be deterred, the Red Sox front office went off on a rather ambitious signing program, inking 72 young players from around the world. Most would begin their professional career this season on one of the two Red Sox squads in the DSL.

Of course, nothing comes easy as the Red Sox top signings showed. SS Antoni Flores played in 13 games (batting .347/.439/.510) before going down with a hamstring injury; he would play two games in the GCL at the end of the season. Danny Diaz was showing his power potential with six dingers in 26 games (.238/.283/.476) before hitting the DL and undergoing hamate bone surgery. And, of course, there is the unfortunate passing of catcher Danny Flores who was taken away too soon due to the scourge of cancer.

Team Stats:

Red Sox1:

Finished below the median batting line (.237/.337/.331) of the 44 DSL teams with a .240/.325/.305 line; primarily due to their lack of patience (only three teams had fewer walks than the Sox) and their lack of power (they were one of only five teams that did not reach double digits in homers (8)).

In the pitching world, the Sox were above the median in ERA (3.45 vs. 3.84), RA/9 (4.60 vs. 5.08) and WHIP (1.290 vs. 1.370)

Red Sox2:

As opposed to the Red Sox1 squad, the Red Sox2 basically was a median performer with a .242/.329/.328 line. But, they still weren't huge walkers (262 - league high was 477) or power performers (13 homers... seven for players not named Danny Diaz).

The pitching was slightly worse that the Sox1 squad, with an ERA of 3.81, and RA/9 of 4.82, and a WHIP of 1.415.

So, what does this all mean? Eh, not a lot. The question (as is always the case with EVERY SINGLE MINOR LEAGUE team) is, are there any players who are interesting? The answer is a resounding of course... and we'll start with the pitching... in the next post.

 

[Cuzittt]

Pitching:

Brayan Bello: When the Red Sox tossed their net out in casting for players last year, they did so with less regard for age than one normally sees from new signings. Bello was one of the new recruits that didn't fit the normal criteria, beginning his professional career when he had just turned 19. But the RHP did not disappoint, putting up a 6-2 record over his 13 starts with a 1.68 ERA (2.24 RA/9) and a miniscule WHIP of 0.731 (fourth in the league). Bello whiffed 68 batters in 64 1/3 innings while walking only 10 and giving up only 37 hits (none for four-bases). He got a brief taste of his future with three innings of work in the GCL at the end of August.

Miguel Suero: Suero was another older prospect the Sox scooped up last year, entering the season at a relatively ancient 21 years of age. Suero started his season with Bello in the DSL2 squad before flipping over to the DSL1 squad as a starter at the end of June. Over his 12 games in the DSL, Suero put up a record of 3-2 with one save, a 1.54 ERA, and a 0.769 WHIP over 52 innings. Suero struck out 45 while walking only eight before being brought up the the GCL, where he pitched 5 1/3 innings over two appearances.

Isaias Ozoria: Another of the more seasoned signings, Ozoria was a fireballing relief ace, striking out 44 in 36 1/3 innings of relief. Ozoria, however, didn't mind walking people with a 4.2 BB/9. At 20, Ozoria will likely be pushed up to the states next season.

Yoelvis Guedez: Of the younger pitchers, Guedez may be it in terms of one-and-done in the DSL. The 17-year-old right hander put up a 2.39 ERA and a 0.895 WHIP over 16 games and 60 1/3 innings. Guedez punched out 43 while walking only nine.

Jeison Pena: In his second season in the DSL, Pena improved in all areas, putting up a 3-1 record with a 2.64 ERA and a 1.005 WHIP over 64 2/3 innings. Pena punched out 42 and walked a dozen. One major area of concern, however, has to be with his home runs allowed, an unpalatable (for the league) four.

Osvaldo De La Rosa: The 20-year-old debuted as a bullpen arm for the DSL1 squad, putting up a 1.63 ERA and a 1.012 WHIP over 27 2/3 innings (and 19 appearances). The big (6'4", 210 lb) righty punched out 36 (11.7 K/9).

Emerson Ortiz, Kelvin Sanchez, and Cristofe Tineo (each 21) may find their way to the GCL next season.

Players to watch for in 2019:

Richardson Jimenez: signed as part of the 2018 class, Jimenez put in nine games for the DSL2 squad and put up a 4-0 record with a 2.95 ERA and a 1.473 WHIP. The raw 18-year-old is likely to need more seasoning in the DSL next season, but his 23 Ks in 18 1/3 innings is tantalizing.

Irvin Villaroroel: The numbers are nothing to write home about: 2-6 record, 3.70 ERA, 1.389 WHIP. But, Irvin did strikeout 57 over 58 1/3 innings. As a 16-year-old.

Aldo Ramirez: The 17-year-old Mexican went 1-2 over five starts, but gave up only one earned run (0.39 ERA). His WHIP (0.565) would have led the league if eligible and he struck out 17 in 23 frames.

 

[Lose Remerswaal]

Is there any meaning to if a player was put onto team 1 vs team 2?

 

[Cuzittt]

Is there any meaning to if a player was put onto team 1 vs team 2?

Besides a different manager, not really.

 

[santadevil]

Thanks Cuzittt for the write up. Nice to see this additional information each year

I don't know the history of the minors very well, but who have been some of our more notable hits to come through the DSL in the past few years that are contributing to the ML team now, either by playing, or being flipped for players. Just a 10,000 foot view is good enough for me

 

[ookami7m]

Thanks Cuzittt for the write up. Nice to see this additional information each year

I don't know the history of the minors very well, but who have been some of our more notable hits to come through the DSL in the past few years that are contributing to the ML team now, either by playing, or being flipped for players. Just a 10,000 foot view is good enough for me

Hanley, Xander, and Devers all spent some time there .
Anderson Espinoza (traded for Pomeranz)
Manuel Margot (in the Kimbrel trade)

 

[Cesar Crespo]

Eduardo Rodriguez came through the DSL too but with the Orioles.

 

[Cuzittt]

Some others:

Gerson Bautista (traded to the Mets in the Addison Reed deal, somehow has five games with the Mets this season)
The Basabe Brothers (Luis Alejandro traded to Arizona for Brad Ziegler, Luis Alexander traded to the White Sox for Chris Sale)
Javier Guerra (sent to San Diego for Kimbrel)
Jonathan Aro, William Cuevas, Frankie Montas (all class of 2011)
Raul Alcantara (spent time in Oakland in 2016)
Nefi Ogando (Philadelphia in 2015, Miami in 2016)
Roman Mendez (Texas and Boston in 2015)
Cesar Cabral (Brief Appearances with the Yankees and Baltimore in 2013-15)
Stolmy Pimentel (see Cabral except with Pirates and Rangers)
Yamaico Navarro (You might remember him from his 36 games for Boston in 2010 and 11)

 

[Lose Remerswaal]

Ah yes, Stolmy. We had such high hopes for him

 

[Cuzittt]

Offense:

Possibly US Bound:

Lewis Baez: Baez was a cheaply purchased 2017 signing that immediately was pressed into action last year, to the tune of .127/.138/.200. With no expectations coming into this season, the 21-year-old likely earned himself a trip to the states next season by with a line of .314/.333/.495 with seven doubles and six triples in 29 games (missing all of July due to injury). Given age and apparent inability to walk (three in 112 PAs), he's not a likely candidate to go far. But, after last season, who would have expected an .800+ OPS?

Leonel Jimenez: Started out the year super-hot with a .467/.550/.467 line with seven hits and four walks over the first six games. Then, I assume, went on the DL for a month. His return in July was mediocre (.531 OPS) but he returned to intriguing status in August with a .370/.446/.493 line with 27 hits in 20 games. Largely split time between 2nd and 3rd when on the field... but was behind the plate in his first two games of the season.

Gilberto Jimenez: The other Jimenez, Gilberto was a consistent presence in the DSL1 lineup, playing all but four games. And, he put up a competent line of .319/.384/.420 with the slugging largely due to his speed (10 doubles, 8 triples). However, he still is in refinement mode... he was second on the team with 16 steals... but first on the team with 14 caught stealing.

Angel Maita: Maita played in 45 games for the DSL2 squad, putting up a .320/.378/.409 with eight doubles and four triples. Not to be confused with his twin brother Jesus who struggled on the DSL1 squad, batting .220/.323/.280 over 56 games.

Kleiber Rodriguez: Kleiber came back after missing the entire 2017 season due to injury. Batted .310/.389/.397 with 15 doubles and 33 walks (against 28Ks). Largely saw time at first base, but also saw ten games behind the plate. Saw action in all but four contests for the DSL2 squad.

Oscar Rangel: Rangel drilled 13 extra-base hits and walked 24 times (vs. 22 Ks) in 45 games for the DSL2 squad, batting .247/.346/.370 on the season. Rangel saw all his time on the field behind home plate (starting 28 games, throwing out 47% of would be stealers).

Ceddanne Rafaela: Primarily played at 3rd base (with an occasional foray at SS) in his 54 games with the DSL1 squad. The man from Curacao led the team with 3 homers (and was second on the team with 9 doubles), compiling a .271/.326/.379 line.

Nelfy Abreu: Nelfy notched a line of .254/.341/.359 with 15 doubles (tied for the team lead with Kleiber), four triples, 33 walks, and 13 steals over 65 games in his professional debut. Saw most of his action in centerfield... but also had starts at 2nd and 3rd.

Ronaldo Pulgar: The veteran of the DSL2 squad put together his best overall season in his third trek; batting .264/.351/.347 with eight doubles, two triples, two homers, and a team high 17 steals. Pulgar split his time between 2nd and 3rd (with a one-off start at 1st).

Fabian Andrade: Another third-year veteran, Andrade also put up his best professional season with a line of .278/.365/.313 with eight doubles and 27 walks. Started games at every position in the outfield as well as first.

Players that Intrigue Me:

Angel Gonzalez: Put up a .286/.388/.369 line over 25 games before being put on the injury list in July. OBP was juiced due to being hit nine times (but, it might be a skill... he was hit 10 times in 32 games last season) and stole 9 of 12 bases. Like Andrade, he is a multi-positioned outfielder.

Wilker Vargas: To understand why I find Vargas interesting... it is necessary to break out his usage by month.

June: 1 GP. Pinch-ran in the 8th (and scored). Bunt Ground out in the 9th.
July: 4 GP. Pinch-ran twice. 0-for-8 in two starts (July 20 and 24).
August: 14 GP. .300/.375/.340 with two doubles and six walks. Five Multi-hit games.

I don't recall ever seeing a player utilized in quite this fashion over an entire season. It makes me wonder what comes next.

Gamaliel Gonzalez: Gonzalez was the youngest position player on the Red Sox DSL squads (with a birthday of 7/4/01). So, his .164/.277/.182 in 19 games wasn't fantastic. But, if you consider him a sophomore (or a young Junior) in high school...

The Bonus Baby who Failed (in his first try)

I always try to avoid looking at the list of players who had a bad bad bad line over a season in these lower leagues as disappointments. There is no reason that a Carlos Martinez (.386 OPS in 38 games) could not come back and do what Lewis Baez did this year. The same can be said for Ruben Hernandez (.390 OPS), Jose Navas (.485 OPS), Andres Gari (.506 OPS), Luis Mota (.511), Gabriel Quintero (.538 OPS), Juan Rojas (.549 OPS), and Carlos Sanchez (.542 OPS). We'll see how they progress next season with a second year of seasoning. Just like we will with

Denny Daza: Daza gets a special mention simply due to the fact that he had a reported bonus of $250K, the fifth highest of the 2017-18 class (Flores, Diaz, Flores, and Nelfy Abreu were above him). And, this season, Daza did very little to impress. The shortstop batted .160/.239/.170 with 30 singles and 2 doubles, 12 walks and 9 HBPs, and 37 Ks. He stole one base in seven attempts. Also committed 26 errors in 60 games. But, he's still only 17.