Juan Francisco Breaks out, David Herndon Gets Win

10/25/09 Game-
The Gigantes had lots of offense tonight winning 13-5.

Juan Fransisco had a breakout night, going 2-4 with a homerun, a walk, and 4 RBI. Fransisco is in the Reds minor league system and spent time with their AA and AAA affiliates last year, playing well at both levels. He also had a short stint with the Reds and performed well in 21 at bats. Last year he had a huge year with the Gigantes (.360, 11 HR, 34 RBI) (remember the season is around 50 games plus the playoffs). 

Fransisco is the fourth member of the AAA Louisville Bats that I have seen pop up in the Dominican Winter League this year. The others are Ben Jukich, Craig Tatum, and Kevin Barker. I have yet to mention Barker, but he is near the lead in average, and had a big year with the Bats last year, leading them in average (.285) and home runs (22). The Bats manager, Rick Sweet, is also down here managing the Aguilas. I saw an interview the other night and Rick Sweet mentioned that he played in the Dominican Winter League 32 years ago. Sweet must have had some influence in bringing these three imports to the Aguilas.

David Herndon got the win for the Gigantes, after 1.1 innings, and no runs allowed in a relief appearance. He improved to 2-0 on the season.

Craig Tatum, by Chris J. Nelson

Dominican Winter Baseball League: Gigantes get first win, David Herndon gets win, Mark Hamilton and Erick Almonte Homer

10/18/09 Game-

The Gigantes got their first win in their first home game to the delight of the home crowd. There was lots of offense from both sides.

One of the Gigantes imported players, Angels prospect David Herndon, got the win. He pitched one inning, gave up 3 earned runs, and got the win. Once again proving that wins are an interesting statistic. Mark Hamilton, another import, had a home run and a single. He had really good numbers splitting time between AA and AAA in the Cardinals organization last year. One problem for him, the Cardinals have another pretty good player at first base, Dominican baseball player Albert Pujols. 

Dominican Erick Almonte showed that he can once again be a leading hitter for the Gigantes, with a home run. Estarlin De Los Santos, another Dominican baseball player, has a hit in all three games this season. He is just an exciting player at shortstop and playing well. So now the Twins have him in the minors, Alexi Casilla and Carlos Gomez on the big league club, and they just signed uber-prospect Miguel Angel Sano. Seems the Twins, like a lot of other teams, are finding really good Dominican players.

This season in the Dominican Winter Baseball League is officially dedicated to the Alou brothers (Felipe, Matty, and Jesus) all of whom had successful careers in MLB and played many years in the Dominican Winter Baseball League. Felipe's son, ex-big leaguer Moises Alou is actually the GM for the Leones de Escogido from Santo Domingo.

Moises Alou with the Giants in 2005,
by sgmom56 on Flickr