In today's edition of Get To Know A Prospect, I decided to look in a place for a prospect that is not normally looked at. Juan Feliciano was the winner of the IBL (Israel Baseball League) most valuable pitcher. During last season he was 27, but before we look at his stats then, lets look at his other stats.
He has never played in the minors. At age 25 and 26, he played two seasons in the Japanese Baseball League. He played for Hiroshima. His first year, his ERA was 6.92, then it was 7.39. (Over 11.2 and 35.1 IP pitched respectively). Both seasons he had 11 K's, which means his K/9 went from 8.46 to 2.80.
Last season, over 50.1 IP, he posted a 1.97 ERA, went 7-1 (12 G), 6 CG, 2 shutouts, and 73 K's. Thats the result of two things. One could be that he really did get a lot better last year. It is also because he went from a Japanese League which is like AAA, to IBL, which many feel is somewhere in the A level.
In winter ball so far, over 13.2 IP, he has posted a 3.29 ERA with 13 K's.
When taking his winter time in account, he has made an improvement. That league is harder to pitch in then the IBL and those are still pretty good numbers. One of the two MVP's from IBL last year got signed by the Yanks. As far as I know he will remain to be in the IBL, but he could be someone to keep an eye on.
To be clear, I do not see him making the MLB as a starter, I see him possibly making it as a player from the pen to pitch for injuries. But he is important because he is an international star and spreading the game of baseball to different areas of the world.
The Israel Baseball League had a lot of fine players. For a first year especially. Give it some space and time and I see it being a premier league.
FYI!!!!!!!
IBL Player signings with Pro Clubs
02/20/2008 3:43 PM
IBL Players Signed by MLB and International Pro Leagues
The Israel Baseball League is pleased to announce that eight of its players who starred this past summer in the inaugural IBL season have now been given the opportunity to advance their baseball careers and pursue their dreams. Thanks in no small measure to the efforts of Dan Duquette, the IBL’s Director of Baseball Operations, these players came to the attention of professional teams across the globe and has led to signings and invitations by Major League teams and teams in other premier global professional leagues.
“One of our stated goals has been to become the “Go To” league for the international player. It isn’t easy to establish credibility on the professional level, so it is extremely heartening to see the opportunities that have presented themselves to our players after just our first year of play,” Mr. Duquette said.
The eight players are:
Eladio Rodriguez, who was signed by the New York Yankees
Jason Rees, who also was signed by the New York Yankees
Maximo Nelson, who signed with the Japanese champions Chunichi Dragons
Juan Feliciano, who turned down AAA offers from the Nationals, Astros and Pirates to sign with the Sultanes de Monterrey of the Mexican League
Rafael Bergstrom, who signed and played with the Bridgeport Bluefish ( Atlantic League)
Jason Benson, who signed and played with the Newark Bears (Atlantic League)
Josh Doane, who has been invited to spring training to try out for the Boston Red Sox
Noah Walker, who has also been invited to spring training to try out for the Boston Red Sox
The IBL had many objectives when it was launched. It particularly wanted to provide its players with a great experience while in while also showcasing their skills so that they could continue their career pursuits. Dan Duquette has been active during the off-season promoting the league’s players.
Feliciano, who starred this past season with the IBL champs Bet Shemesh Blue Sox, joined the Dominican League once the IBL season was over, becoming a key player as his team, the Aguilas Cibeanas, won the coveted Dominican League title. Nelson took advantage of the great season he had with the Modi’in Miracle to land a six-figure contract with the Chunichi Dragons, winner of the 2007 Japan Series.
In addition to the eight players listed above, several Israeli players are planning to extend their baseball careers by playing college ball this coming season in the .