Sebastian Elizalde got out to a hot start in the Mexican Winter League. In the first 20 games of the winter league season he had hit .375/.425/.575 with seven walks and 10 strikeouts over 88 plate appearances. Things slowed down a bit after that. Over the next three weeks and 80 plate appearances the outfielder hit .213/.238/.253 for Hermosillo.
After the three week slump he’s caught fire once again. Over his last five games he’s reached base at least twice in four of the games, only a 1-5 with a double effort keeping him from reaching base at least twice in each game. In the five game stretch, Elizalde has gone 10-23 with two walks, no strikeouts and he’s hit for plenty of power as he’s smacked two doubles and a triple while driving in three runs. In the five game sample he’s hit .476/.522/.667 to get things moving in the right direction once again.
On the season he’s back up to .318/.363/.449 with seven doubles, two triples, four home runs, 12 walks and 24 strikeouts in 191 plate appearances.
Wandy Peralta is having a strong season in the Dominican Winter League. After getting more than a week off without making an appearances, the lefty has made three appearances in the last four days. He’s thrown 12.2 innings on the season in 19 games where he’s posted a 2.13 ERA with five walks and 11 strikeouts.
Other news and tidbits
Former Red Johnny Cueto reportedly turned down a six year contract for $120M from the Diamondbacks. Before he was traded and had some struggles with Kansas City he was looking at a much larger deal. I’d still expect him to get somewhere around $140-150M, but his struggles probably cost him an additional year and a few extra million per year.
Later this week I will start looking at possible Rule 5 draft picks that the Reds could make next week at the Winter Meetings. With the second pick, the Reds could pretty much have their choice. There are some intriguing names out there.
Redsfest is coming up this week, starting on Friday afternoon. Like usual, I will be there both days for the entire time. If you’re planning to be there, and see me roaming around, be sure to say hi.