Jose Siri got out to a slow start in the Dominican Winter League in 2017. Early on he was used mostly as a pinch runner, but when he would get playing time beyond that it was inconsistent. In November that changed as he began to get starts and more consistent at-bats. At the end of the month he got a week off to travel to Cincinnati so he could participate at Redsfest.
He returned to the lineup for the Gigantes del Cibao on the 5th and he’s gone on a tear, picking up right where he left off. Jose Siri had gone 2-4 in all three games since heading back home to the Dominican Republic. The outfielder is now hitting .333/.365/.550 through 23 games and 60-at bats. He does have just two walks in that span, and it comes with 18 strikeouts. That’s a ratio that will need to improve, but the hits are coming right now in bunches. And he’s also stolen 10 bases in 11 opportunities.
Reds ask Kevin Canelon to work on his slider
The Cincinnati Reds signed left handed pitcher Kevin Canelon this past week to a minor league contract. As noted in the write up, he’s had reverse splits in his career. That usually happens due to a lackluster breaking ball. The Reds have reportedly asked Canelon to work on his slider this winter according to a local reporter in Venezuela. With even a slightly improved breaking ball he could turn into a real interesting pick up for the organization.
Brennan Bernardino is now pitching in Mexico
It’s been a long year for left handed pitcher Brennan Bernardino. His year began in March with spring training and he pitched all season long in Double-A Pensacola, throwing 40.1 innings over 38 games. After the season he got about a month off before heading to Arizona where he pitched for Scottsdale in the Arizona Fall League. Bernardino allowed just one earned run in 10.0 innings there over six appearances. Last week he joined Hermosillo in the Mexican Winter League and has now made three appearances.