Tijuana Cimarrones

[ChicoOutlawsFan]

I saw on the GBL Wikipedia that the Tijuana team is now being called the Tijuana Cimarrones instead of the Tijuana Potros. They are still set for the upcoming season, but I haven't seen anything about a name change or anything.

Does anybody know about this since the league can't post it on their website?

[Hawk87]

Still think it's a big mistake to try to make a go of it in Tijuana.

[ChicoOutlawsFan]

Agreed. They should just abandon Tijuana altogether.

[ChicoOutlawsFan]

Apparently the Tijuana team will still be called the Potros. Wikipedia changed it back after someone failed to to substantiate the change to the Cimarrones, which was posted there before. Isn't that a surprise? (sarcastic)

[Hawk87]

Still a horrible idea to try to go there. The violence in northern Mexico has had enough cases recently to become worrisome. A baseball team in Tijuana would be a huge target. Are American players going to be on the Tijuana roster?? If not, then we've got teams of Colombians and Mexicans playing in the league, traveling to Canada....

[ChicoOutlawsFan]

Hawk, you should try and contact the GBL offices. I don't expect anything to come out of it though.

[nksports]

Still a horrible idea to try to go there. The violence in northern Mexico has had enough cases recently to become worrisome. A baseball team in Tijuana would be a huge target. Are American players going to be on the Tijuana roster?? If not, then we've got teams of Colombians and Mexicans playing in the league, traveling to Canada....

Yes, a lot of bad things are happening in Mexico right now. We can all cower in fear or we can choose to live normal lives, I suppose including baseball. If the team is all Columbians and Mexicans, and they can all pass the background checks needed by the immigration departments and ministries to play in the U.S. and Canada, let them play.
Now, on the other hand, the naughty side of my brain says the state of minor league sports these days doesn't preclude a drug mob using a minor league team to launder drug money. Minor league teams lose money on a regular basis, so it would be a perfect cover.

[Hawk87]

Cowering in fear and trying to include a Tijuana franchise are completely separate. The GBL is desperate to place teams, considering the Long Beach team may no longer be feasible, and thus, they continue to try to work things out with Tijuana. It seems trying to do any business in TJ now is a bad idea.

[ChicoOutlawsFan]

The Potros website is down and it looks like for good, but I am not convinced yet. Unless I see a press release or something, I will not believe it.

[DCNationals1]

Still a horrible idea to try to go there. The violence in northern Mexico has had enough cases recently to become worrisome. A baseball team in Tijuana would be a huge target. Are American players going to be on the Tijuana roster?? If not, then we've got teams of Colombians and Mexicans playing in the league, traveling to Canada....

Completely disregarding the fact that it is American drug laws and American drug users who finance the chaos and violence presently gripping Mexico, I find this fear of Mexico to be almost shameful. Once upon a time, Americans were afraid serious powers like the Soviet Union. Now we are afraid of Mexico? Who next, Lichenstein? There is a simple solution for anyone afraid of Tijuana. Don't go.

The above poster mentions that American players will become "targets". I suggest he google Derrick White, Eric Owens (former Padre) George Arias (former Padre) and Andy Shibilo, Americans all, who played for the Mexican League Potros between 2004 and last season. Somehow, they all survived, and White, in particular, was by far the most popular player on the team.

[Pietsch Fan]

Completely disregarding the fact that it is American drug laws and American drug users who finance the chaos and violence presently gripping Mexico, I find this fear of Mexico to be almost shameful. Once upon a time, Americans were afraid serious powers like the Soviet Union. Now we are afraid of Mexico? Who next, Lichenstein? There is a simple solution for anyone afraid of Tijuana. Don't go.

The above poster mentions that American players will become "targets". I suggest he google Derrick White, Eric Owens (former Padre) George Arias (former Padre) and Andy Shibilo, Americans all, who played for the Mexican League Potros between 2004 and last season. Somehow, they all survived, and White, in particular, was by far the most popular player on the team.

Yeah, it's all the evil American's fault. A couple weeks ago when 69 people were murdered in just one day, it was almost as if the American flag itself pulled all those triggers.

TJ will be able to support their own team, without any help from us shamefully fearful gringos going down there to help them.

[Alejandro Robles]

Hi, I'm a Tijuana Native and a Baseball Fan. Currently, we don't actually know what is exactly happening concerning this issue. Furthermore, there isn't nothing for sure about the Tijuana Cimarrones. However, i think the incorporation of Tijuana to the Golden Baseball League would be a great idea because it will somehow trigger the expansion of the league. For example, the Lab will be the Golden League, and the experiment will be Tijuana, i'm using this as a metaphor. If the experiment is successful, then you'll probably see other border cities from Mexico such as Mexicali, Nogales, El Paso, and even Monterrey, Mexico. Therefore, as a fan, i am thrilled to possibly have the Golden Baseball League in Tijuana.
However, i agree with you fellas that the violence in Tijuana is real and increasing even more; but is gang related, which means innocent people don't have nothing to do with this.
Lastly, the Tijuana Baseball Stadium has extremely good security; if you stay in a good hotel, you have nothing to worry about, but if you are alone in a bar or in the streets at night, you're asking for trouble. Haha

[Hawk87]

Bottom-line: Tijuana really needs to step up to the plate and honor the schedule.

If the schedule is blown wide open with another set of open dates from another closing...it'll be the GBL Office's fault just as much as Tijuana's for trying to make this work.

As you can tell, I'm a pessimist on this franchise. But...I do like the above idea by Alejandro. I'd not once thought of a successful TJ leading to further expansion. I think Mexicali and perhaps San Luis/Nogales would fit perfectly.

[YumaHeat]

LOL, you guys are jokes, the violence is all over, Mexico is bad, USA is bad, go to the wrong part in Long Beach, Orange county or Yuma and there are bad places. Why does everyone have a hard on for Mexico, if you go and act civilized and are in the right areas there isn't anything goi ng to happen to a minor league baseball fan, they want the big money boys, trust me on that. So tonite turn on the news in L.A., PHX and Mexico and yes there is killings, I say go for it and play in Mexico..

[YumaHeat]

They woulodn't be able to get into mexicali and San Luis wouldn't support it and plus the liga Norte is aleady there..

[TOROSFAN]

I seriously doubt that this team will make the season...as with last year, they had no $$$...the swine flu was a joke, no $$ is the fact. This year will be no different as the inside scoop from TJ says the franchise will never develop..and, once again we will have open schedules and days off that ruin the flow of baseball. I hope my info is wrong, but the source knows Mexican Baseball and called the Potros debaucle early last year as well. Let's hope he is wrong!!

[jd_aka_monty]

I have quite a few friends, players I've helped place in the past, who played for or against the Potros. While I don't agree that it's a debacle, since they did pretty well in TJ, I do know that they have had money troubles. What was funny is a few of the players were willing to play without the guarantee of knowing when they would get paid, in exchange for the opportunity to get seen. Unfortunately, as you know, it fell apart and they wound up not becoming a part of the league. I fear much the same may take place again, but like you mentioned, "there's always the element of hope"...

Monty

[Alejandro Robles]

Well guys, i've got some points to clear out for you. First of all, i think Tijuana will perfectly fit in the league. Second, The Liga Norte de Mexico had problems with the Mexican League, and they recently got separated, so they dont work together anymore, therefore, it aint a Mexican League Farm like it used to be.
Mexicali doesnt belong anymore to the Liga Norte de Mexico because the franchise moved to Tijuana. Perhaps some of you would ask... They moved to Tj? Well, the answer is yes, which means that if Tijuana plays in the Golden Baseball League, we will have 2 leagues at the same time in the city.
Therefore, Mexicali would perfectly fit for next Golden Baseball League's season. I think the incoporation of Tijuana to the Golden Baseball League will mean a lot for the league and will ''create'' a certain interest among the Mexican Northern Cities to play in an International baseball league.
Furthermore, i know last year's intention of incorporating Tijuana to the Golden Baseball League was a total failure but it was due to economic issues and Government Non Support.
Now, i think the Government is really interested in this project, and as many of you know, Tijuana is already in the schedule of the league, which means this is serious, and i think the GBL wouldnt put Tj in the schedule if it wasnt serious and for sure.
I think trying this ''experiment'' will be a great challenge for the league as well as an advantage and a pro.

[Alejandro Robles]

An update, in the last 3 days, there have been 2 press conferences. One, by the Tijuana Truenos, that will play in the Liga Norte de Mexico, and the other one by a group of people that want to bring back the Mexican Winter League.
However, there isn't nothing in the media about the Tijuana Cimarrones. In addition, i think the credibility of the Golden Baseball League is low because is not very professional to role a team, without an official announcement by either the GBL or the comissioner. I have spoken with several fans and nobody believes this project will come true.
Anyways, i still have hope.

[Alejandro Robles]

Although still in the construction, at least the club Cimarrones has a website. Visit the site www.cimarronesdetijuana.com
I'll keep you posted.

[Sal_in_Edmonton]

Well I can't wait for Tijuana to come here to Edmonton; I miss baseball a lot and being able to see my old home town play against Edmonton will be exciting....

[Lazer]

LOL, you guys are jokes, the violence is all over, Mexico is bad, USA is bad, go to the wrong part in Long Beach, Orange county or Yuma and there are bad places. Why does everyone have a hard on for Mexico, if you go and act civilized and are in the right areas there isn't anything goi ng to happen to a minor league baseball fan, they want the big money boys, trust me on that. So tonite turn on the news in L.A., PHX and Mexico and yes there is killings, I say go for it and play in Mexico..

Go down to the wrong areas of downtown Victoria, B.C. and find out what sort of troubles you can get in. Every town & city has its't danger areas.

[Alejandro Robles]

Yesterday, the Tijuana Cimarrones (Rams) announced on their website (forum in twitter) the signing of several ballplayers:
Jackson Melian RF from Venezuela
Raul Gonzalez OF from Puerto Rico
William Bergolla 2B from Venezuela
Denny Abreu (AAA)

The manager will be Enrique Brito, brother of the famous scout Mike Brito. They are in the process of signing five more players and will have several tryouts here in Tijuana.
We are still waiting for the press conference that will be, as i understand, the next weekend.
After striking out twice in the GBL, this time we are expecting from the Cimarrones of Tijuana a big HIT..... with the Fans and the GBL..
Hasta la cima!

[Alejandro Robles]

It's official we got the biggest stadium in all the Minor League Stadiums in the U.S. Read this link...
http://www.goldenbaseball.com/ArDisplay.aspx?ID=5313&SecID=303

[FlyerFan]

It's official we got the biggest stadium in all the Minor League Stadiums in the U.S. Read this link...
http://www.goldenbaseball.com/ArDisplay.aspx?ID=5313&SecID=303

ummm... in the US? Did something happen I didn't know about?

[Mr.Ed]

ummm... in the US? Did something happen I didn't know about?

You didn't hear the news ?

It was hidden in the health plan.

Mexico= 51st state !

[Hawk87]

We're a few weeks out and there isn't much news from Tijuana regarding players, etc.

??? I still am skeptical. I could see this working out well if a Tijuana team is lead by some Mexican MLB veterans...like Raul Gonzalez, I think who was announced as signed.

[ARM]

Hawk87.....The only things that we know here in Tijuana are:

A.- Opening day will be the 21th of may and...
B.- the name of the manager: Enrique Brito from Venezuela

There is no Info. on the roster, uniforms, tryouts,tickets, website (only facebook) etc.,etc., etc.

I hope that this would not be another sport disaster for Tijuana and the GBL.

[Rock Strongo]

It looks like it ain't happening, Were only 10 days away from the season opener and still no news from the team.

[ARM]

Rock Strongo is right, but this time don't blame it on Tijuana because, according to WIKIPEDIA, the owner(s) of the Cimarrones is the GBL.

[Hawk87]

I wouldn't judge this by Wikipedia. Obviously, I don't think the GBL has ownership whatsoever of the Tijuana team. The GBL is actually doing great, having pared itself all the way down to only owning one team, Chico. Hence, more money to spend on former MLB'ers in Chico.

I seriously think the GBL is picking up momentum in becoming a destination for the 25-35 year old ex-MLB-AA's looking for one summer to hit .400 and get the call again.

TJ ain't happening. You know how I know it never was going to happen...Chico has TJ scheduled the first two weeks. Either by design or by fire, they set themselves up with the best possibility of having not to play the first couple series of the season....

Maybe I'm wrong and it will happen...just like Rich Ehrenreich is going to open his Northern League team in a ballpark he's yet to build by June or July in Zion, IL, as he panders it. GBL should've stopped messing with a TJ franchise a long time ago and tried to revive the Surf Dawgs instead.

[elpaso]

It's a joke.
No roster.
Don't answer emails.
Now the nuestro FORO doesn't work.

What's next?

[Rock Strongo]

According to a local newspaper Kit Pellow is in Tijuana getting ready for this upcoming season. Here's the link (it's in spanish but i'll try to post a translaion later)

http://www.el-mexicano.com.mx/noticias/Deportes/2010/05/19/410801/ya-reporto-pellow-con-cimarrones.aspx

[Rock Strongo]

Here's a fragment of the article published by the "El Mexicano" newspaper from Tijuana:


Kit Pellow Already reported with Cimarrones (Printed Edition)
Sports, Wednesday, May 19 from 2010

TIJUANA .- Former Major Leaguer Kit Pellow has reported in practice at the Cerro Colorado field, which will come into action for the next season of the Golden Baseball League.

Pellow has just completed its participation with the Saraperos of Saltillo in the Mexican League and has joined the Tijuana team to cover up as fielder or first baseman.

The slugger was grateful for the opportunity given by the team, making sure not to disappoint the confidence shown so far by manager Enrique Brito.


The first home game of Cimarrones in the Estadio del Cerro Colorado will be Friday May 21 vs the Chico Outlaws at 19:30.

[alkalinefan]

Is this the same Kit Pellow who played in Lansing back in '97

[Rock Strongo]

Hi alkalinefan,


I'm not sure if he played on the team you're mentioning but what i'm really sure of is that he's an extremely good player, actually too good for minor leagues but for some reason never established in the majors.

I'm sure i'm not the only person here in TJ looking forward to see him play.

Here's the guy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kit_Pellow

[alkalinefan]

Thanks for the reply.Looks like the Kit Pellow I saw back in '97 at Oldsmobile Park.The Lugnuts were a KC Royal farm team back then and Kit played in his first game with the Royals in '02

[dpdale]

Is this the same Kit Pellow who played in Lansing back in '97

Yes.

http://www.hognation.net/bios/pellow2.html

[ARM]

Hi from Tijuana.

In a local newspaper there was an add fron the Cimarrones Club invaiting the public to the home opener against the Outlaws.

General admission is going to cost 10 pesos, that's less the a dollar.
Beer (TECATE) will probably be around 20 pesos.

Imagine what you can do with 20 Dlls.........go to the game, eat some tacos and have about 6 or 7 beers.......not bad :redface:

[Rock Strongo]

Hi Arm,

Do you know at what time will the game start?

On what paper did you see the add? You know, so i can tell my friends to check it out.

[ARM]

Rock Strongo, the add was in the newspaper el mexicano (Last page of sports).

It will start at 7:00 P.M.

See you at the stadium :D

[Rock Strongo]

Thanks for the reply.

I'll be there.

[TOROSFAN]

looks like we were all wrong...what a recovery...hope it holds up.

[plasmon]

The El Mexicano paper ran this story (http://www.el-mexicano.com.mx/noticias/deportes/2010/05/21/411241/inaugura-cimarrones-temporada.aspx) before the first game, and here is an (amusing) English translation (http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done&tt=url&intl=1&fr=bf-home&trurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.el-mexicano.com.mx%2Fnoticias%2Fdeportes%2F2010%2F05% 2F21%2F411241%2Finaugura-cimarrones-temporada.aspx&lp=es_en&btnTrUrl=Translate) of the article.

And their coverage of one of the games (http://www.el-mexicano.com.mx/noticias/Deportes/2010/05/23/411586/cimarrones-dejaron-escapar-a-forajidos.aspx) published this Sunday, and the English translation (http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done&tt=url&intl=1&fr=bf-home&trurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.el-mexicano.com.mx%2Fnoticias%2FDeportes%2F2010%2F05% 2F23%2F411586%2Fcimarrones-dejaron-escapar-a-forajidos.aspx&lp=es_en&btnTrUrl=Translate).

Mark

[Silver Sox Fan]

So does anyone know where we can see the TJ roster? There are no box scores for any of their games and, with as bad as Chico is smoking them (20-0 in one game) I'd like to see the experience level of the team. Most of the GBL teams are more experienced this year including Chico which has mostly AA and AAA players as well as a few MLBers. Is TJ even fielding a competitive roster or are they all low minor types?

[WallysWorld]

I follow the GBL games through Pointstreak which has the box scores for the Tijuana games.

http://www.pointstreak.com/baseball/scoreboard.html?leagueid=130&seasonid=242

[TOROSFAN]

Funny...they postpone opening day to Friday...convenient or are they having trouble fielding a team that has passports? Also convient that the GBL owned team gets them the first 8 games?? Something is just not right...or maybe I am just a sceptic...whatever!