Que Pasa en La Liga Mexicana?

Minnesota Twins fans remember fondly their journeyman outfielder Lew Ford.  His journey has spanned the globe, having spent time in Japan before finally ending up playing for the Guerreros in Oaxaca (pronounced wah-ha-ka)  in the Mexican League. In 18 games Ford has an OPS of 1.324 with 13 BB to only 4 SO in 68 AB.  He’s even stolen 4 bases and has been caught only once. 

Will he be able to keep it up?  If he does will it result in a call from the big leagues? Stay tuned.

Remember Tomo Ohka?  The Japanese pitcher was offered a tryout with the Quintana Roo Tigres after having played for the Cleveland Indians last year.  Unfortunately for Tomo, he sucks.  The Tigres released him before spring training concluded.  Don’t worry about Tomo though, he will be alright.  He has signed on with the Yokohama Baystars of the NPB.

The most famous Mexican pitcher of all time is former LA Dodger Fernando Valenzuela.  It turns out Fernando has a son, Sergio, who is tearing up the Mexican League.

Sergio is not exactly a chip off the old block.  Unlike his old man Fernando, the younger Valenzuela is a power-pitching right hander. In 5 starts Sergio is 4-0 with an ERA of 2.08 and BAA of a measly .198.

What’s even more impressive is that in 34 innings of work, Valenzuela has struck out 31.  Mexican League pitchers do not typically rack up many strikeouts due to the thin air of the high altitudes that most teams play in.  Even more impressive is that he gives up only 1 HR every 17 innings in said thin air.  He might be the next Joakim Soria.

Callum Hughson

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