Dominican Summer League Preview

The Domincan Summer League gets underway in 2012 for the Tigers today, having been the one team that sat out of Saturday’s action. Never fear folks, we are here to talk about the youngest of the Tigers as well. While I can’t give you detailed scouting reports yet, until some of the new guys start playing, I will highlight some of the players that I am looking at on their roster for the 2012 season.

Pitching Staff:

The DSL Tigers run out a relatively experienced pitching staff, having quite a few returnees, and a couple of older pitchers in the 19 and 20 year old range. One of the more intriguing things is the move of 6 figure bonus outfielder, Confesor Lara, to the mound, where he will try to establish himself as a prospect. One of Lara’s tools was real good arm strength, so it will be interesting to see if he shows an aptitude to pitch.

With only two lefties on the staff, returning reliever Vijandrick Jacobs figures to see a lot of action. Jacobs, who has a strong arm and frame, must work on throwing more strikes in 2012 if he wants to realize his dream and get brought stateside in 2013.

Another returnee, Harold Rosario, is a little short on stuff right now, but does manage to get the job done mainly with an advanced feel against the young hitters in the league.

Some new guys that are intriguing to follow because of their age and their frames are Carlos Lara (Confesor’s younger brother I believe), Janry Obispo, Juan Alcantara, and Emanuel Chavez. Obispo is the biggest overall at 6’3 and 205, and is just 18 years old. Alcantara is 6’4″ and 195 and is 17 years old, so there could be a good deal of projection there as well. Chavez is probably the cream of the crop however, as he projects to have two potential plus pitches in his fastball and curve.

Hitters:

There aren’t as many returnees position player wise on the 2012 DSL team, however, there is probably as much excitement as ever surrounding this roster of position players in a while. That’s because the DSL team has two six-figure bonus babies playing for it in Adelin Santa and Ignacio Valdez playing for them. Santa, who is a 3rd baseman is known for his power potential and strong arm at 3rd base. Valdez, and outfielder, looks like he could develop some power of his own, while being a solid athlete in the present.

Those two aren’t the only intriguing offensive players on the team. Another is Felix G. Santana. I do have to specify which Felix Santana it is, because there are two on the roster. This one is 17 years old and plays the outfield. As a 16 year old, Santana didn’t hit for a high average, but the young right handed hitter showed off some good pop. He will be joined in the outfield by Valdez and Sandy Acevedo, a two year DSL veteran.

A couple newcomers to keep an eye on will be middle infielders Gregoris Hidalgo and Manuel Joseph as the Tigers have had some success finding up the middle guys who at least flash quality glove work.