Caribbean Baseball

We've already told you the finalized stats for the Yankees' prospects in Arizona and Hawaii, but there are a number of players still going at in the Caribbean and Latin American countries.

Wilson Betemit is playing for the Leones Lions) del Escogido. He's hitting .313-2-7 in 16 at-bats. The biggest concern surrounding Betemit continues in the Dominican- 13 strikeouts. His up side continues to be his OPS - .936.

Jose Veras is also a member of the Leones and has appeared in 5 games. Veras has not allowed a run in 4.2 innings, with 3 hits, 2 walks, and 8 strikeouts. He's also notched a save and a hold.

Edwar Ramirez is working out the pen for the Tigres (Tigers) del Licey. K-Ram has allowed 1 run in 2 innings pitched, with 3 walks and 2 strikeouts.

Minor league pitcher Tim Lavigne, who spent most of the season at Trenton has a 0.81 ERA for the Algodoneros de Guasave team in the Mexican Pacific League. Lavigne has 7 saves in 18 appearance, with 11 BB/13K in 22.1 innings.

Top prospect Jose Tabata is on his hometown team, Caribes (Caribbeans) de Anzoategui of the Venezuelan League, but is yet to play due to injury.

Justin Pope, who split time between Trenton and Scranton in '07, is throwing for the Bravos (Braves) de Margarita. He's 2-0 and has a 0.83 ERA in 21.1 innings. He's walked just 4 and held opponents to a .234 average.

Alberto Gonzalez, who got a cup of coffee with the big club in September, is also on the Margarita squad. In 12 games, Gonzalez is hitting .312 with a home run and 7 RBI.

Catcher Francisco Cervelli, who was recently added to the Yankees 40-man roster, is spending his winter for the Cardenales (Cardinals) de Lara. He's 4-17 (.235) with 8 walks.

Outfielder Edwar Gonzalez, a Tampa outfielder, is also on the Lara squad. He's hitting .278-1-7 in 54 ABs.

Marcos Vechionacci is enjoying a good winter season for the Navegantes (Seafarers) del Magallanes. The 21-yr old is hitting .307-3-12 in 88 ABs, with 5 doubles and 2 triples.