Paulo Orlando Continues Torrid Pace in Winter Leagues

The Winter Leagues can be a place for players to make an impression upon major league scouts. Every so often, a player who may have been considered too old or has been forgotten about in the minors can resurrect their stock. Paulo Orlando, a nine year minor league veteran who has yet to appear in the majors, may have done just that.

Let us begin our trek around the Winter Leagues by heading to the Dominican Republic. Miguel Almonte made his second start of the season for the Gigantes del Cabao. His performance was a mixed bag, as he allowed only one hit in his five innings, but Almonte also walked four. He allowed only one run in that outing, which was unfortunately the difference as Almonte took the loss.

Continuing our tour of the Gigantes, we find outfielders Carlos Peguero and Moises Sierra. Peguero only had five at bats, picking up two hits, including a double, and scoring two runs. Peguero also drew three walks, but struck out three times as well. Sierra, meanwhile, continued his hot hitting of late, going 6-14 with a stolen base and two RBIs.

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Heading over to Aguilas Cibaenas, we check in with Francisco Pena first. Pena went 2-8, going 1-4 in each of his games this week, hitting a double and collecting an RBI. However, Pena also struck out four times in those eight at bats, which is understandably a concern. Angel Franco appeared in three games, but only started one. For the week, Franco was 1-5 with a double and an RBI.

Moving on to Puerto Rico and the Liga de Beisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente, we look at Cangrejeros de Santurce and Jack Lopez. Lopez was 3-14 with an RBI and two strikeouts.

Finally, we move on over to Venezuela, where majority of the Royals appear to be wintering. We begin with the Tiburones de La Guaira and Johnny Giovatella. On the positive side, Giavotella scored three runs and had two RBIs. However, Giavotella only went 1-11 last week. On the pitching side, Buddy Baumann did not make an appearance on the mound.

Heading over to the Cardenales de Lara, we find that Paulo Orlando has continued to tear apart the Venezuelan Winter League. In his four games this week. Orlando went 7-14, hitting two doubles and a home run. He drove in seven runs, scored four more and drew five walks. In his past ten games, Orlando has produced a /.432/.511/.676 batting line as his bat has been on fire.

Carlos Garcia did not play for the Bravos de Margarita this week.