Baseball Mexico Preview: Campeche Piratas
by Bruce Baskin
March 7, 2011 - Mexican League (ML)
Piratas de Campeche
A monster season from Ruben Rivera and a solid starting staff led by Francisco Campos and Hector Velazquez weren't enough for Campeche to gain a playoff berth in 2010 despite a winning record and a second-half Mexican League Southern Zone title.
Rivera hit .360 with 21 homers and 73 RBIs in CF and was a legitimate MVP candidate. LF Nelson Teilon, who can play infield or outfield, joined the Piratas from Saltillo a month into the season and finished .313/14/72. They'll be joined by RF Roberto Valencia (.333). 1B Pedro Diaz (.303/7/43 for Monclova in 2010) and vet 3B Roque Sanchez (.330) will man the corners while former Detroit Tigers Rookie of the Year 2B Jose Macias (.312/9/46) and ageless SS Javier Robles (.274/8/35) cover the middle. Catching will be split by Jesus Vega (.242) and Rogelio Del Campo (.223).
The venerable Campos (7-6/3.94) and Rookie of the Year Velazquez (6-4/2.93) anchor a rotation that includes lefty Alejandro Armenta, who was solid third starter (6-8/3.32). Ex-MLBer Francis Beltran (3-1/2.08) had 4 saves and could emerge as a closer in Campeche.
The Piratas could reach the playoffs, but lack the batting to go far in the postseason.
Mexican League Stories from March 7, 2011
- Baseball Mexico Preview: Campeche Piratas - OSC Original by Bruce Baskin
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- Baseball Mexico Preview: Mexico City Diablos Rojos - OSC Original by Bruce Baskin
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