Around the Minor Leagues: News and Notes
By Jay Blue
Mar 12, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Puerto Rico outfielder Eddie Rosario (17) hits a double against the United States at Marlins Park. United States defeated Puerto Rico 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
We’re going to a quick little news hit so that you can keep track of what’s been going on in the minor leagues over the past day or two.
Confirmed: Twins’ Eddie Rosario Suspended for 50 Games
We first reported this story back in November and it’s finally been confirmed. Minnesota Twins’ #5 prospect (according to MLB.com) and #63 prospect overall (also according to MLB.com) has been suspended for 50 games because of a positive test for a drug of abuse. The MiLB.com report also confirms that Rosario’s manager in the Puerto Rican League, Frankie Thon, had said that the positive test was triggered due to some pills that Rosario was taking after an arm injury.
Fire Breaks out at Fifth Third Ballpark
A massive fire destroyed big sections of Fifth Third Park, home of the Midwest League’s West Michigan Whitecaps on January 3. There were no injuries reported and it appears that the fire started from a heater in one of the luxury suites. The Whitecaps are promising to rebuild and be ready for their April 8 Opening Day of 2014 despite about 40% of the stadium being destroyed.
Fangraphs Releases Caribbean Winter League Stat Report
As you know, we’ve been following the Winter Leagues and are working our way through reporting on every team’s Winter League players but, with the conclusion of the regular season in the Caribbean leagues, Carson Cistulli at Fangraphs has compiled a fascinating report on some of the hitting and pitching leaders through his own, SCOUT, system.