Escogido wins Dominican Winter Baseball League title and goes to Caribbean Series, Escogido gana LIDOM y va a Serie del Caribe

American Andy Dirks hit a walk off hit in the bottom of the ninth inning of the final game of the LIDOM nine game final series to send Escogido to the Caribbean Series.  Basically this was like hitting a walk of hit in game seven of the World Series.  See the Dominican Baseball Guy post on the very cool and interesting LIDOM playoff format.

Pablo Ozuna, Mauro Gomez, Wilkin Castillo, Julio Borbon and Jose Constanza, also starred for Escogido at the plate. Aneury Rodriguez and Nelson Figueroa provided releif pitching to hold off the Aguilas Cibaneas after they got off to a 4-0 lead.

Miguel Tejada made an appearance and hit a home run for the Aguilas.  He is one of the most beloved players in Aguilas history, and in the history of the LIDOM for that matter.

What a game!  The Aguilas got up 4-0, then the Leones came back and were up 5-4 in the top of the ninth.  MLBer Fernando Rodney blew the save and the Aguilas tied it up 5-5 in the ninth.  Then Dirks became the hero in the bottom of the ninth.  See the highlights of this great game and amazing atmosphere:

This is the 14th LIDOM title for the Leones de Escogido.  They have three Caribbean Series titles.  The Leones go on to face the winners of the winter baseball leagues in Mexico, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico.  The Serie del Caribe will take place in the Leones home stadium this year, the Quisqueya Studium in Santo Domingo.

See the Dominican Baseball Guy post on the very cool and interesting LIDOM playoff format.

Houston Astros sign several Dominican players, add to Dominicans on roster

The Houston Astros have added some key arms to their roster this offseason.  First, they resigned Wandy Rodriguez (see the AP article).  The Dominican Baseball Guy thinks Wandy is an ace or at least a number two starter.  He won the Dominican Baseball Guy player of the month for August 2010.  Wandy is from Santiago, DR.

Next, they signed Enerio del Rosario.  He debuted for the Reds last year and should see time in the Astros bullpen this season, after he had a strong winter season in the Dominican Winter Baseball League (LIDOM).  They also resigned Jimmy Paredes, who is on the 40 man roster, but will most likely start next year in the minors.  Parades came to the Astros in the Lance Berkman deal.  Enerio is from Santa Lucia, DR and Paredes is from Haina, DR.  Brian Mctaggart reported these deals here.

Most recently the Astros resigned Alberto Arias (see the details from Sports Blog Nation Houston).  Arias missed all of 2010 with an injury, but should see time in the Astros bullpen if he continues to recover from the rotator cuff injury.  Alberto is from the capital of the DR, Santo Domingo.

These signings are in addition the following Dominican players on the Astros 40 man roster: Fernando Abad (La Romana, DR), Henry Villar (Bonao), Jorge DeLeon (La Cega Azua), and Aneury Rodriguez (Higuey).  There are also several non-roster Dominican invitees to spring training.

Dominican Republic Beats Venezuela 6-5 in Day Two of Caribbean Series

Kevin Barker hit a home run and had three RBI in leading the Toros de la Romana to a victory on day two of the Caribbean Series.  Venezuelan first basemen Luis Jimenez hit two homers in a losing effort.  Venezuela is represented by the Caribes de Anzoategui.

Kevin Barker continues solid play in winter league action

The starters from both teams had sub-par outings.  Venezuelan starter Amaury Sanit gave up three runs on three innings and Dominican starter Aneury Rodriguez allowed 3 runs in 4.1 innings.  Julio Manon got the save after blowing a save in the first game.

Jackson Melian had a two run homer in the ninth to bring Venezuela within one run, before Manon closed the game.  Wellington Castillo, Jose Constanza, and Michael Martinez each had one RBI for the Dominicans.

Puerto Rico beat Mexico 7-3 in the second game on the day.

Caribbean Series Standings:
Mexico: 1-1
Venezuela: 1-1
Dominican Republic: 1-1
Puerto Rico: 1-1