Shots Across the Bow: Winter ball

Winter ball is under way, and some of the rosters have been released. These winter ball rosters are always tentative, so just because a player’s name appears on one does not mean he will definitely play, or play the whole season. These are players who were in the Pirates’ organization last season, but may not necessarily be in the organization next year if they become minor league free agents or are released.

None of these players are on the Pirates’ 40-man roster. Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan recently reported on a new agreement concerning players on 40-man rosters and the rules governing their winter ball participation.

Start dates

Dominican Winter League: Friday

Mexican Pacific League: 10/11

Puerto Rican League: 11/1

Venezuelan Winter League: 10/10

Australian Baseball League: 10/31

Players in the Pirates organization listed on rosters:

Ali Solis, C, 26, Tomateros de Culiacan (MPL)

2013 stats: .179/.231/.214 in 92 plate appearances in 29 games between Class AA Altoona and Class AAA Indianapolis

Julio Vivas, RHP, 20, Aguilas de Zulia (VWL)

2013 stats: 5-2, 2.30 ERA in 622/3 innings during 14 games, 13 starts, for the Pirates’ Dominican Summer League team

Jhonathan Ramos, LHP, 24, Bravos de Margarita (VWL)

2013 stats: 3-2, 3.77 ERA in 62 innings during 41 games between Class A Bradenton and Altoona

Elias Diaz, C, 22, Bravos de Margarita (VWL)

2013 stats: .279/.382/.399 in 220 PAs in 57 games for Bradenton

Francisco Diaz, C, 23, Bravos de Margarita (VWL)

2013 stats: .255/.348.355 in 247 PAs during 66 games for low-A West Virginia

Junior Sosa, CF, 23, Bravos de Margarita (VWL)

2013 stats: .245/.306/.308 in 347 PAs during 91 games between West Virginia and Bradenton

Jhondaniel Medina, RHP, 20, Cardenales de Lara (VWL)

2013 stats: 2-2, 1.96 ERA in 46 innings across 37 games between Bradenton and West Virginia

Luis Angel Sanz, RHP, 25, Leones del Caracas (VWL)

2013 stats: 3-5, 4.94 ERA in 62 innings during 47 games, three starts, for Altoona

David Bromberg, RHP, 26, Navegantes de Maganalles (VWL)

2013 stats: 7-13, 3.50 ERA in 1462/3 innings during 28 games, 22 starts, for Class AAA Indianapolis and Altoona

Jose Osuna, 1B, 20, Navegantes de Maganalles (VWL)

2013 stats: .244/.298/.357 in 500 PAs during 123 games for Bradenton

Pirates coach Dave Jauss is listed as the manager for Estrellas de Oriente in the Dominican Winter League. Bradenton manager Frank Kremblas is listed as manager for Leones del Caracas in the VWL, and Carlos Garcia, who managed Altoona this season, is listed as manager for Navegantes de Magallanes.