Twenty Former Osprey Play in '11 Winter Leagues
Published on December 30, 2011 under Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release
MISSOULA, MONT - While most baseball players are enjoying what time they have away from the game to get ready for next season, 20 former Missoula Osprey have continued to work on their craft by playing in one of four Winter Leagues, with the majority of players with Missoula ties just finishing up their seasons in the Dominican Winter League.
In fact, 13 of the 20 players found their way to the Dominican league this off-season, most of whom were born in the Dominican Republic. Three former Osprey played in the Mexican Pacific League, three others played in the Venezuelan Winter League, and one former Osprey player took part in the Puerto Rican Winter League.
The winner of all four leagues will meet in the Caribbean Series, which will get underway in late January.
The slight favorite to represent the DWL in the Caribbean Series is Aguilas Cibales (30-20), who won the regular-season title and sports four former Osprey - right-handed reliever Tony Pena (2002 Osprey), left-handed starter Greg Smith (2005), infielder Pedro Ciriaco (2005) and right-handed reliever Victor Capellan (2009). Ciriaco joined the squad in time for the playoffs.
Three other former Osprey helped Leones del Escogido (26-24) reach the post season, and a fourth has joined the cause as well. Utility player Wilkin Castillo (2004), and right-handed pitchers Jordan Norberto (2006) and Yonata Ortega (2007) played on the squad during the regular season, and left-handed reliever Eury De La Rosa (2009) joined the club for the playoffs. Castillo led all playoff hitters with a .364 batting average in the first four games of the round-robin post-season.
De La Rosa - who was second in the DWL in appearances (26), and held opponents to a .143 batting average while posting a 2-0 record and a 1.03 ERA during the regular season - was one of four former Osprey with Estrellas de Oriente (20-30). The other included former Osprey infielder-turned-pitcher Jerry Gil (2000), who was 0-1 with five saves and a 1.46 ERA, catcher JD Closser (1999) and right-handed reliever Esmerling Vasquez (2004).
The reigning Mexican League MVP, and latest addition to the Colorado Rockies, Luis Terrero (1999-2000), played for Tigres del Licey this season. In 15 total games for both Licey and Escogido, Terrero hit just .130, but had a hit in three at-bats with Licey during the regular season.
Former Osprey pitcher Diogenes Rosario (2009) also managed to get into a game for Toros del Esta (24-27), but was touched up for four runs in his lone start of the winter season.
The other three winter leagues are still in regular-season mode, with playoffs still awaiting teams in the Mexican Pacific League, the Puerto Rican Winter League and the Venezuelan Winter League.
The lone former Osprey playing in the Puerto Rican Winter League is former shortstop Reynaldo Navarro (2007-08), who is now seeing time at second, short and third base for his hometown team, Criollos de Caguas. Navarro, who was selected to play in the California-Carolina League All-Star Game this past summer, is hitting .212 in 23 games, with two doubles, a triple, a home run and 11 RBIs, as well as collected three stolen bases.
Three former Osprey are playing in the Mexican Pacific League this winter - first baseman/outfielder Jesus Cota (2001), who is currently with Caneros de los Mochis, and is hitting .211 for the season; third baseman Agustin Murillo (2003), who is hitting .296 in 54 games with three home runs and 16 RBIs for Yaquis de Obregon, and has helped his team to a 37-30 record; and pitcher Sergio Lizarraga (2001), who is 2-5 in 14 appearances for Mayos de Navojoa.
Two of the three former Osprey playing in the Venezuelan Winter League are with Aguilas del Zulia. Outfielder Ender Inciarte (2009) has played in 29 games, sporting a .274 batting average with three RBIs and a pair of stolen bases. Winter teammate Gerardo Parra (2006) has played in 17 games, and is batting .242 with four doubles, four RBIs and a stolen base.
Utility player Javier Brito (2003-04) has played in 42 games for Bravos de Margarita, hitting .244 with five doubles, two home runs and 16 RBIs, plus has added a stolen base.
The 2012 Osprey will open their season on June 18, with season tickets available now at the MSO Hub Box Office located at 140 North Higgins in Downtown Missoula and by phone (406) 543-3300.
Pioneer League Stories from December 30, 2011
- Twenty Former Osprey Play in '11 Winter Leagues - Missoula PaddleHeads
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