Criollos de Caguas to Meet Aguilas de Mexicali in Serie del Caribe Final

From the desk of: La Yeguita

SERIE del CARIBE

2017

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

*            *            *            *            *

PUERTO RICO (2-3)

Criollos de Caguas

vs.

MEXICO (4-1)

Aguilas de Mexicali

FROM

Tomateros Stadium

CULIACAN, MEXICO

!Patea Yeguita Patea!

After losing their first three opening round games, los Criollos de Caguas miraculously find themselves within one victory from capturing their fourth ever Caribbean title.

Caguas avenged their opening round loss to los Aguilas de Zulia, and in doing so eliminated Venezuela from this year's Serie del Caribe with a 9-6 victory in Monday's semi-final.

But ... not before putting themselves in harm's way first.

Caguas jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead in the top of the first; added a pair in the third inning; scored one more in the fourth; and still one more run in the top of the fifth inning for a commanding 8-0 lead.

Venezuela finally got on the board with a run in the bottom of the fifth.  Puerto Rico promptly added another run for a 9-1 lead, but los Aguilas plated their second run in the bottom of the sixth.

Zulia then put a scare into all Puerto Rico with a four run outburst in the home eighth to close within 6-9 of Caguas.

Los Criollos went down quietly in the top of the ninth.

However, the same could not be said of los Aguilas in the bottom half of the frame.  Zulia reeled off three straight singles to load the bases off Criollos closer Ricardo Gomez.  With no outs, manager Luis Matos left his reliever in the game to sink or swim.  Gomez rewarded his confidence by striking out second baseman Ali Castillo, retiring shortstop Freddie Galvis on a shallow fly to center, then by fanning third baseman Ronny Cedeno to end the game.

Now winners of two straight, los Criollos de Caguas will face los Aguilas de Mexicali for the Serie del Caribe 2017 championship Tuesday evening at Tomateros Stadium, in Culiacan, Mexico.

SERIE del CARIBE

 VS.

In Monday evening's semi-final nightcap, three Aguilas de Mexicali lancadores combined on a nine inning whitewashing of Alazanes de Granma while limiting them to just two walks and a pair of hits, and fanning ten.

Cuba mounted their only threat in the top of the first when they put runners on second and third with one out.  But their clean-up, five and six hitters stranded them all.

Aguilas third baseman Augustin Murillo's RBI single in the 5th was all Mexico would muster, but all they would need.  Their pitching ensured it held up.

Cuban starter Lazaro Blanco was the hard luck loser, throwing 103 pitches in a seven inning effort, in which he allowed just a run on four hits and three walks, with five strikeouts.

In the recent years Cuba has been invited back to participate in the Serie del Caribe, they have quickly developed a spirited rivalry with Mexico.  To date, Mexico's lone loss of the tourney came against Cuba, but it was Mexico whom prevailed in the semis.  It was also Mexico whom eliminated the (then) defending champion Cubans in last year's tourney.

Mexico enters the final game against Puerto Rico with a tourney best 4-1 record.

*         *         *

Even the Serie Final does not come without its controversies.  Loud whispers are meant to be heard, aren't they?  People with microphones are murmuring about only the best teams should face off for the Caribbean championship.

That is obviously a shot at Caguas, who enter Tuesday's title game with just two victories in five tries.  Meanwhile, Venezuela and Cuba have been shown the door despite posting 3-2 records respectively.

Nothing but sour grapes gone international, I say ... more typical knee jerk reactions.  This is the 59th Serie del Caribe, in operation since 1949 (with two exceptions).  Point is, there's nothing wrong with the system.  If people would just take things at face value, they'd realize this is what happens when Republico Dominicana ponderously goes 0-4 and tilts the bracket.

• Round Robin
• 1)  VEN  3-1
• 2)  MEX  3-1
• 3)  CUB  3-1

• 4)  P.R.    1-3  advanced with win over D.R. on Saturday
• 5)  D.R.   0-4  eliminated with loss to P.R. on Saturday

• Semi-Finals
• P.R. def. VEN
• MEX def. CUB

This is all another way of saying ... Criollos happen.  Deal with it, and just play the game.

Serie del Caribe: Down to the Final Four

From the desk of:  WINTER LEAGUES ... CULIACAN, MEXICO

Round robin play is complete.  And oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Los Tigres de Licey are eliminated from the Serie del Caribe.  A titan of Liga Dominicana and perennial Caribbean champions, los Tigres were undone for a third straight game on Saturday, this time by Puerto Rico's Criollos de Caguas.  With previous loses to Cuba and Mexico, their tournament concluded Sunday with a fourth straight albeit an inconsequential loss to Venezuela.

Los Criollos de Caguas on the other hand just barely escaped elimination themselves with their aforementioned last ditch do-or-die victory over Licey.  After putting themselves in peril of elimination with consecutive losses to Cuba, Venezuela, then Mexico, they rolled to a 10-2 rout in Saturday's face-off against Republico Dominicana.  Los Criollos enter the semi-finals as the 4th seed.

Four games of round robin play resulted in a three way tie, with Mexico, Cuba, and Venezuela, all posting 3-1 records.  Mexico, however, wins the top seed and will face Puerto Rico in Monday's second game.

 vs.

In what many felt would be a serie final preview, los Aguilas de Mexicali were whitewashed by Cuba's Granma club 4-0 on Sunday.  It was Mexico's first loss of the tourney after posting consecutive victories over Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Venezuela.  They will be home team in the semi-finals against Puerto Rico.

 vs.

Alazanes de Granma bounced back after Saturday's loss against Venezuela to defeat Mexico on Sunday.  Having lost the tie breaker, Cuba will be visitor in Monday's semi-final against Venezuela.

Los Aguilas de Zulia's lone loss came against Mexico.  And as noted, handed Cuba their only defeat.

The semi-final round of this year's Serie del Caribe commences Monday.

NYM: Grande Dame of the Metropolitans

Here's my latest for 

RisingApple.com

Happy Birthday to N.Y. Mets Co-Founder, 

Mrs. Joan Whitney Payson

PIGSKIN 2016: SUPER BOWL LI

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

ICYMI:

Divisional Round Playoffs 

NFL Conference Championships

SUPER BOWL LI

A.F.C. CHAMPION
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
vs.
N.F.C. CHAMPION
ATLANTA FALCONS

In a game featuring future Hall of Famer Tom Brady versus this year's league MVP Matt Ryan, I expect both quarterbacks to play well and engineer scoring drives.  That said, I see this match-up boiling down to which defense makes more key plays ... and not necessarily which offense gets more possessions.

Is Atlanta's young defense gelling at the right time?  Are they up for the task?

Maybe ... but that remains to be seen.

I'm sure, however, Tom Brady will put their young defense (featuring more than just a few rookies and second year players at several key positions) to the ultimate test.

The Falcons are middle of the pack (16th) in sacks.  However, linebacker Vic Beasley led the league with 15.5 sacks.  That's the good news.  Here's the bad: If the Falcons can't get to Brady utilizing only their front four, they're in big trouble.  The rest of their defense makes me want to say, hmmm.  During the regular season, Atlanta allowed the 8th most yards per game, the 6th most total points, and 6th most points per game.  They were also the 9th most penalized defense in the NFL.  Which, against Tom Brady, any little mistake may prove costly.  In the playoffs, they've so far limited Seattle to 20 points, and Green Bay to 21 points.  That's a number Matty Ice can work with.  But if the Falcons defense reverts back to (early) regular season form, or reveal their inexperience, look out.  Last week the Patriots put up 36 points against a better, more experienced Pittsburgh Steelers defense.

Matt Ryan is facing bend-don't-break.  Bill Belichick insists his secondary keep their man in front of them, insists on making sure tackles, and denying Atlanta yards after catch.  Then once in the red-zone the Pats tighten things up another notch.

Simon Bar Sinister won't blitz much, if at all, so it's up to Matt Ryan to execute.  Easier said than done.  Expect Belichick attempting to negate Julio Jones.  Sinister's second priority will be stopping the run.  And there's the rub.  Atlanta center Alex Mack is compromised with a fractured fibula.  How that affects Devonta Freeman's ability to find daylight also remains to be seen.  But in my opinion, this is huge!  No center; No running game.  I believe this development will negatively impact Atlanta.
I still respect Atlanta's offense, though.  They led the league in scoring for a reason.  They have depth.
That being said, I believe if Matt Ryan is going to beat New England's defense, he'll need to find Austin Hooper and Mohammed Sanu in order to get it done.

Here's the bottom line ... if New England keeps Atlanta under 25 points, Patriots win.  Atlanta scored 36 points against a good Seattle defense..?  Then went on to put up another 44 points against a woefully depleted Green Bay unit.

In other words, there's a reason the spread is only three points.

I am still a Bill Belichick minion, loyal to him since his years as defensive coordinator of the Giants.   In Super Bowl competition, I've seen this man limit John Elway and the Denver Broncos to 20 points, Jim Kelly and the juggernaut Buffalo Bills to 19 points, and Kurt Warner and the greatest show on turf St. Louis Rams to 17 points.  Through eight SB appearance with the Giants/Patriots, Belichick defenses have limited the opposition to an average of 21 points per games.  Carolina managed 29 points during a losing effort in SB XXXVIII.  That was one of the more wackiest games in SB recollection.  Jack Delhomme of all people threw for 323 yards (16/33) and three touchdowns.  Take that game away, and Belichick's average-against drops to 19 points per game.  In other words, this man has devised defensive schemes for all comers ... Russell Wilson, Elway, Warner, Kelly, Eli Manning, Donovan McNabb ... you name it.

These are two good teams.  The Patriots are just that ... the Patriots.  But the Falcons are legit.  Both teams feature competent, productive offensive units.  Both can run with power and play methodically, or implement a controlled passing attack and/or strike quickly.  Pick your poison ...

I boil this game down to one basic element: New England's defense is better than that of the Atlanta Falcons.  Atlanta's youth can mean speed to the ball, but it can also mean mistakes, or just lack of experience.  There's a lot of tricks up both Bill Belichick's and Tom Brady's sleeve.  Maybe, one too many.

Or, just enough to cover three points.  I'm 6-0 straight up through the divisional and championship games, and 5-1 vs. the spread.  What the hell, right?

PATRIOTS -3 (FALCONS)
WIN!!!

FINAL
PATRIOTS  34
FALCONS   28

Super Bowl I

Preview: Serie del Caribe 2017

From the desk of: Winter League Baseball

SERIE del CARIBE
2017
CULIACAN, MEXICO

THE FIELD of FIVE

LIGA de BEISBOL PROFESIONAL DOMINICANA

The Dominican Republic leads all winter baseball circuits with 19 Serie del Caribe championships.

• 2016-17 LIDOM Title: Tigres del Licey defeat Aguilas Cibaenis.

Founded in 1907, Licey is a titan of international competition.  They lead all Dominican professional baseball clubs with 24 league titles.  Their 10 Serie del Caribe titles are the most by any Winter League organization, their last coming in 2008.  Licey has also run the table on three occasions, going undefeated in 1971, 1977, 1991 ... another Serie del Caribe record.


LIGA MEXICANA del PACIFICO

Mexico is the defending Caribbean champion (Venados de Mazatlan).  The LMP has emerged into a winter league power in recent years, winning four of the last six Serie del Caribe titles, and nine overall.

• 2016-17 LMP Title: Aguilas de Mexicali defeat Caneros de los Mochis.

• Culiacan, Mexico, home of los Tomateros de Culiacan, will serve as this year's host.  All games will be played in new Tomateros Stadium opened in 2015.  Click link for virtual view.

Founded in 1976, the Eagles of Mexicali have won four LMP titles, and earned their only Series del Caribe title in 1986.


LIGA de BEISBOL PROFESIONAL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

Puerto Rico is second behind the Dominican Republic with 14 Serie del Caribe titles.   They have gone 16 years (2000), however, since capturing their last.

• 2016-17 LBPRC Title: Criollos de Caguas defeat Cangrejeros de Santurce.

• ICYMI: LBPRC Serie Final Review, Criollos retire Ivan Rodriguez #7, and more

Founded in 1938, los Criollos de Caguas have won 17 league pennants, and three Serie del Caribe titles (1954, 1974, 1987), ranking them fifth among winter league clubs.


LIGA VENEZOLANA de BEISBOL PROFESIONAL

Next year's scheduled host, Venezuela has won seven Serie del Caribe titles, their last coming in 2009.

• 2016-17 LVBP Title: Aguilas de Zulia defeat Cardenales de Lara.

Founded in 1969, the Eagles of Zulia have won six LVBP titles, and earned a pair of Serie del Caribe victories in 1984 and 1989.


SERIE NACIONAL de CUBA

The original Confederation of Caribbean Baseball was comprised of Cuba, Panama, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico.  Cuba won the inaugural Serie del Caribe of 1949, then a second in 1952.  Between 1956 through 1960, Cuba reeled off another five straight Caribbean titles.  After more than a half-century of non-participation, Cuba won the 2015 Serie del Caribe.

• 2016-17 SNC Title: Alazanes de Granma defeat Ciego de Avila.

Founded in 1977, this season marked los Alazanes de Granma first ever Serie Nacional title.  Granma is the former team of NYM outfielder Yoenis Cespedes.

*         *         *

As part of the revolution in Cuba, Fidel Castro disbanded the county's professional baseball circuits. At the same time, Panama's professional league ceased operations as well.  As a result, the Serie del Caribe was suspended between the years 1961 through 1969.

Since 1961, all Cuban players remain amateurs within their nationalized baseball structure.

The years prior to 1961 are referred to as Stage One Serie del Caribe.

The four team Caribbean tournament resumed when the Dominican Republic joined the confederation in 1970 along with returning Venezuela and Puerto Rico, and when Mexico joined in 1971.

The era since 1970 through the present time is referred to as Stage Two.

Generally speaking, the United States trade embargo against Cuba has long prevented direct competition between nations, and impacted all winter league rosters where it concerned American players under contract with MLB.

Aside from perhaps the Pan-American Games and Olympics, the process of reintegrating Cuba into the greater baseball community of the Americas began in earnest with the 2006 World Baseball Classic.  After which, having Cuba rejoin Caribbean competition seemed just a matter of time.  In 2014 Cuba participated in their first Serie del Caribe since 1960, and a short year later captured their first Serie del Caribe title in 55 years, the country's eighth overall.

Despite the loosening of several restrictions, and suggestions of further attempts at normalizing relations, the embargo against Cuba still remains largely in place.

Now making their fourth straight reappearance in the Serie del Caribe, Cuba continues participating on an invitation basis extended by the four member confederation.

Despite the loosening of several restrictions, and suggestions of further attempts at normalizing relations, the embargo against Cuba still remains largely in place.

Criollos de Caguas win LBPRC Championship

From the desk of: Winter Leagues/Puerto Rico

LIGA de BEISBOL PROFESIONAL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

GAME EIGHT

Santurce  5

Caguas     6

12-innings

Criollos de Caguas defeat los Cangrejeros de Santurce,

five games to three

Game One   Game Two   Game Three   Game Four   Game Five   Game Six   Game Seven

Puerto Rico crowns new league champion; Santurce's two year run is over, undone by los Criollos de Caguas.  

Los Criollos de Caguas reclaimed their position atop Puerto Rico's LBPRC this past Wednesday with their fifth and final series victory over los Cangrejeros de Santuce.

Upon falling behind 3-2 in the Serie Final against the defending back-to-back champions, Caguas reeled off three straight victories to deny Santurce their bid for a third straight title.  

But by no means did los Cangrejeros go down easily.  Game Eight required 12-innings, with resilient Santurce threatening to shift the series back to San Juan for a decisive Game Nine.

After spotting los Cangrejeros an early run in the first inning, Caguas tied things up in the bottom of the fifth when second baseman Ray Navarro plated center fielder Henry Ramos (lead-off single) from third with a sac-fly.

Santurce promptly responded with a pair of runs in the top of the sixth off Criollos relievers Jose de la Torre and William Oliver (in relief of starter Orlando Roman).

Caguas then seemingly pulled away with a four hit, four run outburst in the bottom half of the frame.

Undeterred, and to the dismay of fanaticos Criollos, Santurce scored runs in the top of the seventh and eighth innings, both charged to reliever Miguel Mejia, forging a 5-5 tie and sending the game into extra-innings.

Through the next four innings, however, Caguas relievers Ricardo Gomez and Joel Pineiro combined to pitch four scoreless innings of no-hit ball, while fanning five.  Cangrejeros batters went 0 for 11 over that span, managing only a walk off Pineiro in the top of the 12th.

Parque Yldefonso Sola Morales

In the bottom half of the frame, Santurce's lone mistake proved costly.  With two outs and Frank del Valle on the mound, Criollos third baseman David Vidal gained second base on outfielder Juan Silva's error in right.  Center fielder Henry Ramos then followed with another base hit to right, scoring Vidal, and clinching a 6-5 victory in front of an overflowing crowd at Parque Yldefonso Sola Morales.

Shortly thereafter, it was party time in the valley ...

This is los Criollos second championship in the last five years under general manager Alex Cora, and their 17th league title in their 80 year history.  They are now one title shy of tying Mayaguez (18) for most in league history.

Alex Cora, an eminently proud native of Caguas, previously played in three straight Serie Final for los Criollos beginning in 2009-10 through 2011-12, and helped lead them to a league championship in 2010-11.  Later in 2011, Alex retired from MLB after completing his 14th season, then continued playing one last season with los Criollos.  He would accept the position of general manager the following season upon the resignation of Frankie Higginbotham.  With Cora at the helm, Caguas went on to win another league title (2012-13) in what became a rematch series over los Indios de Mayaguez.

Next stop for los Criollos de Caguas ... Culiacan, Mexico, for the 2017 Serie del Caribe, commencing Wednesday, February 1st.  This will likewise be general manager Alex Cora's second attempt at capturing a Caribbean title.  Caguas last accomplished the feat back in 1987. 

Since Alex Cora's retirement, his well respected baseball acumen has been long sought after by major league baseball clubs.  However, his main priority these last few years lay in being home and spending summers with his daughter.  But starting with the 2017 season, Alex will finally be back in an MLB dugout near you, having signed on to become the Houston Astros bench coach for this upcoming season.

Prior to the start of the regular season, Alex Cora will also be serving as general manager for Team Puerto Rico in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

• Joey Cora, older brother of Alex, likewise won a championship with Caguas in 2000-01 while serving in the same capacity.

CRIOLLOS de CAGUAS

FOUNDED 1938

CHAMPIONS

1941   1974   1977   1979   1981   1987

2001   2011   2013

2017

CAGUAS/GUAYAMA

CHAMPIONS

1948   1950   1954   1956   1958   1960   1968

SERIE del CARIBE

CHAMPIONS

1954   1974   1987

Caguas Pitching Subdues Mayaguez in Semi-Finals

In defense of their back-to-back titles, los Cangrejeros de Santurce finished atop this year's regular season standings, nine games ahead of third place Caguas, and two games in front of los Indios de Mayaguez.  As the top seed, Santurce went on to have a predictably easy time eliminating los Gigantes de Carolina in the first round of playoffs, four games to one.  

Los Criollos' first order of business, however, lay in overtaking the second place Indios de Mayaguez, whom were vying for their sixth straight Serie Final appearance.  These two rivals squared off in the league finals for three straight years immediately preceding Santurce's now ended two year run.  And with their 2014 Serie Final loss to Mayaguez still fresh in the minds of fanaticos Criollos, payback was foremost on their minds.

But after posting a sub .500 regular season record, then falling behind 0-2 in the semi-finals against los Indios, the specter of elimination loomed large over Caguas.  That is, until designated hitter Randy Ruiz slugged los Criollos to a Game Three victory with what proved to be a decisive three run home run, and four RBI night.  

The sum of Caguas pitching then proceeded to dominate Mayaguez, limiting los Indios to a pair of runs on just 15 hits over the final three games of the series.

Caguas Bats Close Out Serie Final With a Flourish

Through their first 11 playoff games (six against Mayaguez, and through Game Five against Santurce) los Criollos had batted a sickly .148 (11 for 74) with runners in scoring position.  But Santurce had only outscored Caguas by a slim 9-11 margin to that point.  Los Criollos struggles at the plate nonetheless translated into consecutive loses in games Four and Five, and a 2-3 series disadvantage.  They had additionally failed to win at home in two previous attempts.

All that changed starting with Game Six at Sola Morales, as Caguas defeated los Cangrejeros in a 12-1 rout, going 8 for 16 with runners in scoring position.  They went 3 for 8 in Game Seven en route to a 4-1 victory at Hiram Bithorn, then 3 for 12 during Wednesday's clincher.  All told, Caguas batted .388 (14 for 36) with runners in scoring position, and outscored Santurce by a 22-7 margin over the final three games of the series.

Next stop for los Criollos de Caguas ... Culiacan, Mexico, for the 2017 Serie del Caribe, commencing Wednesday, February 1st.

Criollos de Caguas Retire Ivan Rodriguez #7 in Pre-Game Ceremony

Los Criollos de Caguas honored newly elected Hall of Fame member Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez by retiring his #7 prior to the start of Wednesday's Game Eight at Parque Yldefonso Sola Morales.  He first wore the number for Caguas as an amateur during the 1989-90 season.  Pudge played 23 games for Caguas between 2008 and 2011 (his final years as a pro).

Ivan Rodriguez is the fourth player hailing from Puerto Rico elected to baseball's Hall of Fame, joining Roberto Clemente, Orlando Cepeda, and Roberto Alomar.

N.Y. Mets: First Podcast of 2017

Here's out latest podcast at 

RisingApple.com

Episode #141 Rising Apple Report

Sam and I talk Mets baseball with guest 

Greg Prince of FaithAndFearInFlushing.com

Stuff

The Queens Baseball Convention

Tom Seaver

Curtis Granderson, Jay Bruce

the Bullpen

the 1941 Season:

Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants, New York Yankees

Winter Leagues: Criollos de Caguas closing in on Puerto Rico league title

Liga de Beisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente

SERIE FINAL

Game One   Game Two   Game Three   Game Four   Game Five   Game Six

Hiram Bithorn Stadium

San Juan, Puerto Rico

GAME SEVEN

Caguas   4

Santurce 1

FINAL

With Sunday's 4-1 victory over los Cangrejeros de Santurce at Hiram Bithorn Stadium, los Criollos de Caguas are now just one victory away from capturing the club's second title in the last five years. 

They head back to Parque Yldefonso Sola Morales for Game Eight with hopes of dethroning the league's defending back-to-back champion in front of their home crowd.

Four Caguas relievers combined to protect a 4-1 lead with six scoreless innings of work in support of starter John Brownell.  Will Oliver gained the victory with 2.1 innings of two hit ball, with two strikeouts.  Ricardo Gomez earned his sixth save of the post-season.

At the plate, Caguas batters greeted Santurce starter Hiram Burgos with four first inning hits in taking an early 2-0 lead.  A one-out double by shortstop Jack Lopez in the top of the second, an RBI triple by catcher Jonathan Morales, and a sac-fly from right-fielder Jorge Padilla staked Caguas to a 4-0 lead.

Los Cangrejeros scored their only run of the game off John Brownell in the bottom of the second on a lead-off triple by right fielder Juan Silva, and a sac-fly from Christian Vasquez.

Caguas is now 3-1 this series at Hiram Bithorn Stadium.  Santurce would host Game Nine if necessary.

• Founded in 1939, los Cangrejeros de Santurce are 14 time league champions, and as previously noted, are still the reigning back-to-back champions until further notice.  This year's top regular season team, Santurce has gone on to win the Serie Caribe on five occasions.

• Founded in 1938, los Criollos are in search of their 17th league championship.  Their most recent came during the 2010-2011 and 2012-2013 seasons.  They have gone on to win three Serie Caribe titles in their history.

CAGUAS

1947-1948

CAMPEONES

Winter Leagues: Caguas romps to Game Six victory over Santurce

Liga de Beisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente

SERIE FINAL

PARQUE YLDEFONSO SOLA MORALES

Caguas, Puerto Rico

Game One   Game Two   Game Three   Game Four   Game Five

GAME SIX

Santurce  1

Caguas   12

FINAL

Los Criollos de Caguas rolled to a much needed 12-1 victory over the visiting Cangrejeros de Santurce.  

The Liga Roberto Clemente serie final is now knotted at three games apiece.  That leaves each team just two victories shy of capturing Puerto Rico's league title with three games left to play.  Santurce hosts Sunday's Game Seven, and would host Game Nine at Hiram Bithorn Stadium if necessary on Thursday.

The league champion would then move on to participate in the Caribbean Series.

For Caguas, the victory snaps a two game skid, and marks their first series win at Yldefonso Sola Morales in three tries.  Their last home game is scheduled for Game Eight on Wednesday.

A timely, if not rare, Criollos offensive outburst was clearly the story of Game Six.  After grabbing an early 2-0 lead in the second, Caguas broke through for four runs in the fifth, then capped off a rout with another six runs in the eighth inning.  They connected on 17 hits which included a double by first baseman Ruben Gotay, a triple by right fielder Jorge Padilla, and a 2-run home run by left fielder Rusney Castillo.  Third baseman David Vidal was 3 for 4 with an RBI, and shortstop Jack Lopez was 2 for 4 with a pair of RBI.  

Santurce outscored los Criollos by a 9-11 margin through the first five games of the series.  And in a complete reversal of fortune, the team went 8 for 16 with runners in scoring position.  They were batting a prohibitive .148 (11 for 74) with runners in scoring position during their previous eleven playoff games.  But on this night, all nine Criollos batters, plus a pinch hitter all hit safely.

Starter Andrew Barbosa has pitched brilliantly since joining the team as a reinforcement selection from los Indios de Mayaguez.  Saturday evening proved no different.  In facing 17 batters, he threw a mere 26 pitches with 22 going for strikes.  He walked one and fanned three through five scoreless innings of two hit baseball to earn the victory.

Pitching in relief, Jose de la Torre and Joel Pineiro limited los Cagrejeros to one late run on four hits through the final four innings.

PIGSKIN 2016: Championship Sunday

PIGSKIN

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE

CHAMPIONSHIP

SUNDAY

Divisional Playoff Picks
4-0

Friday Line ~ NYDN

National Football Conference
FALCONS -4 1/2 (Packers)

The Green Bay Packers are the hottest team in football.  Amazing is how much pocket time their offensive line creates for Aaron Rogers.  Making matters worse, Rogers' elusiveness is demoralizing. Just ask the Giants and Cowboys.  The Packers success, however, has come at a heavy cost. Physically speaking, this will be the week when all their injuries finally catch up to them.  The Atlanta Falcons offense will demand that Green Bay be firing on all cylinders.  Problem is the Packers are missing parts, and simply can't.  That being said, I still feel the Packers will generate more than 24 points.  It's their defense (and their head coach) that will let them down.  Atlanta's offensive line has done a stellar job as well, and veteran QB Matt Ryan is the real deal.  The Falcons can run the ball with power, and have an arsenal of receivers too numerous to cover effectively.  I fully expect the Falcons to score upwards of 30 points against the Packers defense.  I'm almost prepared to say Coach McCarthy will be left stupefied.  His adjustments will lag far behind Atlanta's speed and progress.  Said another way, this is just a bad match-up.  Plus, you know what they say - the best way to beat Aaron Rogers is to keep him on the sidelines.  The Packers will be playing catch-up all day, and may not get enough possessions to pull out a victory.  Last week, the Cowboys did more to take themselves out of positions to succeed, and made more mental mistakes, than were forced upon them by the Packers.  Can the Packers cover?  Is Rogers dating Olivia Munn?!  This spread leaves the door wide open for another Hail Mary.  And Green Bay just might need it.  But I foresee Matt Ryan dissecting Green Bay's secondary like we all did to that frog in high school biology class. 

Falcons win by 4 1/2.
WIN  44-21 Falcons

American Football Conference
Steelers +6 (PATRIOTS)

Neither team looked overly impressive last week.  Despite New England's 18-point margin of victory over Houston, that was perhaps as sloppy a performance they could have possibly put forward.   They'd be the first to admit it.  Otherwise, the Texans simply had no shot.  I expect Tom Brady to be sharper this week, but that does not mean he'll be any more mobile.  Pittsburgh's defense is on a roll, but if they can't get to Brady without blitzing, they're inviting trouble.  Will the Patriots abuse

Pittsburgh to the tune of 30 points?  Not likely ... more like 27 points.  Here's the flip side: Bill Belichick and his bend-don't-break defense.  The Patriots defense was the league's stingiest this season, but they played a namby-pamby schedule, so take that with a grain of salt.  They will allow the Steelers yardage for sure, but will they limit them to field goals or allow touchdowns?  The Steelers kicked six field goals in cold Kansas City last week and barely managed a two point victory over the Chiefs.  Said another way, no touchdown passes for Big Ben, TD receptions for Antonio Brown, nor any rushing TDs for Le'veon Bell in the red zone.  That plays right into the hands of bend-don't-break.  Belichick will forego sacks for INTs, and Big Ben has been known to throw a few. Moreover, both punters should be put on red alert.  The battle of field position is sure to be huge.  The difference between getting pinned back in your end, or starting drives near mid-field will decide much in this match-up.  I think this will be a game that comes down to the wire.  Six points is just too much of a stretch for me.  I like the Steelers to cover, but the Patriots to win at home.   

Steelers lose within six

Loss?  36-17 Patriots ... after all, I did pick them to win.

Winter Leagues: Santurce Cangrejeros take series lead over Caguas Criollos

Liga de Beisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

HIRAM BITHORN STADIUM

San Juan, Puerto Rico 

GAME FIVE

Caguas     1

Santurce  3

FINAL

Bucking trends ...

Los Cangrejeros de Santurce are the first team in this series to win at home, and the first to capture two straight.  Santurce now leads this see-saw affair by a 3-2 margin.  After a day off on Friday, play resumes on Saturday at Parque Yldefonso Sola Morales for Game Six.

Caguas continues to do themselves no favors at the plate.  Despite nine hits in Game Four, los Criollos somehow still only managed 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position.  This is beyond trending now.  Their situation has become pandemic.  Criollos are now batting .148 (11 for 74) with runners in scoring position through 11 playoffs games.  It's no wonder then, they've been limited to two runs or fewer in seven of those games.

Caguas opened Thursday's scoring in the top of the fourth on doubles by left fielder Rusney Castillo and first baseman Ruben Gotay.  But mustered nothing more.

Meanwhile, Criollos starter Orlando Roman cruised through the first three innings and his first turn through the order.  His second time through, not so much.  Santurce laced three base hits and were helped along with a error by Orlando Roman himself in the bottom of the frame en route to taking a 2-1 lead.  A third run off reliever William Oliver effectively sealed los Criollos fate.

Otherwise, the bullpen silenced Santurce the rest of the way, pitching five scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and fanning seven.

Mi isla del encanto..

Just in case anyone is wondering ... yes, I do have a genuine rooting interest in Caguas Criollos.

Winter Leagues: Road Teams Still Trending in Puerto Rico Serie Final

Liga de Beisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Game One   Game Two   Game Three

GAME FOUR

Santurce   4

Caguas     1

FINAL

Parque Yldefonso Sola Morales

Caguas, Puerto Rico

Through four games of the LBPRC championship series, each team has failed to establish a home field advantage. 

Santurce's 4-1 victory Wednesday evening over Caguas was their second at Parque Sola Morales.   The series now shifts back to Hiram Bithorn Stadium on Thursday, where los Criollos have likewise won games One and Three.

Should this series go the distance, los Cangrejeroes de Santurce would host a decisive Game Nine.

*          *          *

Los Criollos and Cangrejeros dueled to a one all tie through six innings.

Santurce designated hitter Christian Vasquez led-off the top of the fifth with a triple, and would later score on a sac-fly.  Criollos left fielder Rusney Castillo wielded a quick response with a lead-off home run to right in the bottom of the sixth.

In the seventh, it was Christian Vasquez again whom knocked Criollos starter John Brownell out of the box.  After issuing a lead-off walk to first baseman Neftali Soto, Brownell surrendered a double to Vasquez, scoring Soto with what proved to be the game winning run.  After a pitching change, reliever Joel Pineiro then allowed another three hits, and Santurce's third run charged to Brownell.

An insurance run in the ninth gave Santurce their final margin of victory.

*          *          *

Caguas bats went 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position, and grounded into three double-plays.  Los Criollos are 0 for 10 in the last two games, and just 9 for 60 (.150) through ten post-season games with runners in scoring position.

Liga de Beisbol Profesional Dominican Republic

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME ONE

Tigres del Licey

vs.

Aguilas Cibaenas

THURSDAY

Liga Venezuela Beisbol Profesional

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME ONE

Cardenales de Lara

vs.

Aguilas del Zulia

THURSDAY

N.Y. Rangers: The Coach is ReAL iN

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

No he doesn't.  He's a pacifist.

New York Rangers: He still thinks he's going to win a Cup by turning the other cheek.

Even the Florida Panthers demoted Dylan McIlrath.

Yes, that speaks about his actual talent and abilities as a defenseman, and perhaps why Alain Vigneault had no use for him.  I get that.  But he's still very useful for proving a point.

In a Dec. 13 game between the Florida Panthers and Minnesota Wild, Dylan McIlrath twice reacted in response to perceived indiscretions taken against his goalie, Roberto Luongo.  He threw down gloves in the first period against Chris Stewart, then again in the third period against Kurtis Gabriel.   Shortly thereafter the stripes declared McIlrath's night over.  On his way off the ice and towards the tunnel, Dylan McIlrath received a pat on the back from his coach (interim Tom Rowe) for a job well done.

Two nights later on Dec. 15, the New York Rangers were in Dallas playing the Stars.  This was Henrik Lundqvist's first game back since a Dec. 6 loss to the Islanders.  Midway through the first period, Dallas' Cody Eakin barreled through Henrik Lundqvist while playing a puck behind net.  I believe in physicality, but even this hit went too far.  Lundqvist was forced to sit out more than five minutes until he could regather himself.

Not one Ranger skater challenged Cody Eakin.  Not one.  And for the remaining fifty minutes of the game, Eakin's act continued to go unchallenged.  Keep in mind, the NHL eventually handed down a suspension for the hit on Lundqvist.

But where does that leave Henrik?

Answer ... in the hands of a pacifist name Alain Vigneault.

The Rangers hosted the Dallas Stars on Tuesday.  In a rather disgraceful display, the Rangers collectively allowed the Stars seven goals.  The fact the Rangers scored six of their own deserves little mention - not when you allow that many.

Finally ... and I do mean finally, Chris Kreider challenged Cody Eakin.

Is that the plan, Coach?  To have Kreider fight our battles for us?

Really?

Since I'm going there, the Stars were quite chippy Tuesday.  I watched Jamie Benn and Antonio Roussel take their liberties what seemed like all night.  A slash here and a cross-check there, much less a run at the goalie, are things that generally continue to go unaddressed by this head coach.

Today, what good is leading the league in goals scored if all that gets you is fourth place in the Metropolitan Division?

I wish I had a better outlook.  But I said this many times, and I'll say it again: you can pirouette through the regular season, but you can't do that in the playoffs.

I didn't say fire him.  I'm just calling him a hopeless dove, and that I'm sick and tired of teams taking their liberties against the Rangers because they know they can.

This isn't everything wrong with the Rangers ... just what bothers me.


P.S. Rick Nash threw his body around.  That was nice to see.

Winter Leagues: Criollos de Caguas take 2-1 series lead in Puerto Rico finals

Hiram Bithorn Stadium

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Criollos lead series 2-1

I - CAG 1; SAN 0

II - SAN 6; CAG 3

III - CAG 4; SAN 2

IV - Wednesday

GAME THREE

Caguas      4

Santurce   2

FINAL

Puerto Rico: David Vidal's HR is the difference as Criollos de Caguas win Game Three, and take 2-1 series lead against Cangrejeros de Santurce.

For a third straight game in this Serie Final, the home team failed to win.

Los Cangrejeros de Santurce fell for a second time to los Criollos de Caguas at Hiram Bithorn Stadium.  Los Criollos now own a 2-1 series lead, with Game Four scheduled for Parque Sola Morales on Wednesday.

A pair of fielding errors by Santurce second baseman Abiatal Avelino in the first inning paved the way for two unearned runs and an early lead for Caguas against Cangrejeros starter Hiram Burgos.

Making his third start of the post-season, Criollos right-hander Jose de la Torres made the hosts regret the errors of their ways, limiting them to just a pair of hits by lead-off batter and left fielder Drew Ferguson through the first 3.2 innings of the game.

Then the rain came...

After a brief delay, a home run to left off the bat of third baseman David Vidal in the top of the fourth gave Caguas some much needed breathing room.

As expected, the quiet didn't last.  The league's top team during the regular season inevitably threatened in the bottom of the sixth.  Jose de la Torre surrendered back to back singles, but regrouped to strikeout Cangrejeros first baseman Neftali Soto on three pitches.  On the next play, however, an error by Caguas shortstop Jack Lopez loaded the bases.  Abiatal Avelino then bounced to third base for a force, but first baseman Ruben Gotay was unable to handle David Vidal's throw to complete a double play.  The runner from third scored making it a 3-1 game.  Criollos manager Luis Matos then took the ball from Jose de la Torre and handed off to reliever William Oliver.  Santurce catcher Christian Vasquez promptly greeted him with a double to center, scoring one.  But Caguas escaped further damage when Avelino was thrown out at the plate while also attempting to score.

Caguas reliever Miguel Mejia took over pitching duties and pitched a scoreless seventh.

Then rain delayed the game a second time.

Upon resumption of play, Caguas handed off to reliever Ricardo Gomez for the bottom of the eighth. With two outs, los Cangrejeros put runners on the corners but failed to plate the tying run.

Caguas scored a sorely needed insurance run in the top of the ninth on DH Randy Ruiz' RBI double.

Gomez walked the lead-off batter in the bottom of the ninth, but got the next two Cangrejeros batters to pop up in the infield.  Left fielder Drew Ferguson kept Santurce's at-bat alive with a single to right, but shortstop Ivan DeJesus Jr. then flied to right ending the game.

Jose de la Torre earned the victory.  Ricardo Gomez notched his fifth save of the playoffs.

WINTER LEAGUES ROUND-UP:

Dominican Republic

The final four round-robin is done.  With Tuesday's Tigres del Licey victory over Leones del Escogido, coupled with Gigantes del Cibao loss against Aguilas Cibaenas, the Dominican League serie final is set.  Licey will play against Aquilas for the championship.  With a 27-23 regular season record, the now eliminated Gigantes finished just a game ahead of Licey, and a mere two games ahead of third place Aguilas.