Keeping Track

Twins in the Puerto Rican League

The regular season is over now, so we'll take a look at how Twins players did there.

J. J. Fernandez batted .253/.327/.364 in 99 at-bats for Carolina.  He's twenty-two and had a poor year in Cedar Rapids in 2016.  Originally a catcher, he mostly played outfield last season.

Benji Gonzalez batted .250/.336/.310 in 100 at-bats for Mayaguez.  He'll be twenty-seven in a couple of weeks and had a decent but not particularly good year in AA with Seattle in 2016.

Kennys Vargas batted .179/.329/.316 in 117 at-bats for Mayaguez.  I wouldn't read too much into that--he's been a streaky hitter in the past--but it's obviously not a good thing.  He's twenty-six right now, so if he's going to do something he'd better do it pretty soon.

Eddie Rosario batted .179/.281/.214, but it was only in 28 at-bats for Mayaguez.  He'll be twenty-five this season.

Lean Marrero went 2-for-6 for Carolina.  He'll be nineteen this season and is coming off a decent season in the GCL.  He's an outfielder.

Nelson Molina was 0-for-4 for Mayaguez.  An infielder, he's played mostly third base.  He'll be twenty-two this season and is coming off a solid season at Cedar Rapids.

The only pitcher the Twins had in the Puerto Rican League was Dereck Rodriguez.  He went 2-1, 1.02, 1.02 WHIP with 5 walks and 13 strikeouts in 17.2 innings.  He'll be twenty-five this season.  He spent his first three seasons in professional ball as an outfielder, converting to pitching in 2014.  He was a starter in 2016, but was a reliever in winter ball.  I don't know if that means the Twins are going to convert him to relief.

The top four teams make the Puerto Rican League playoffs, matched up in best-of-seven series.  Mayaguez takes on Caguas and Carolina plays Santurce.  The playoffs start tomorrow.

Just a few words about the Mexican League.  The Twins did not have any players in the Mexican League this year.  Six teams are in the playoffs, matched up in best-of-seven series.  Mexicali plays Navojoa, Mazatlan takes on Los Mochis, and Hermosillo goes up against Culiacan.  Those playoffs start tonight.