Cubs top minor leaguers features 5 Dominican prospects

A recent article listed the top 30 Cubs prospects going into the 2012 season.  Five of the Cubs top 30 minor leaguers are Dominican players.

The highest rated Dominican prospect in the Cubs system is Junior Lake .  Lake is close with fellow Cubs Dominican player Starlin Castro and hopes to join Castro with the Cubs this year.  He has hit .300 in both of his two years in the Cubs system, and hopes to make the jump from AA to the big leagues this year.  According to the list, Lake is the number nine overall prospect in the Cubs system.  Lake is from San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic.

The other top Dominican prospects in the Cubs system were Jeimer Candelario, Marco Hernandez, Wellington Castillo, Rafael Dollis.

Dominican baseball player Junior Lake is the Cubs top Dominican prospect, photo by  Tom Hagerty for LakelandLocal.com

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