Ex-Rattler Winter League Wrap-up

Over at the Mariner site, they have their story on the prospects in Winter ball. The main focus is Jose Lopez, but there is a bit of news on ex-Rattlers.

LHP Jose Escalona -- On Dec. 21, the 20-year-old made his first appearance with the Cardenales de Lara since Nov. 17. He allowed two runs on two hits and was unable to record an out, raising his ERA to 9.82. In six games, he is 1-0 with a .294 opponents' batting average.

RHP Ivan Blanco -- The 23-year-old reliever made two appearances for the Cardenales during the final week of the season. He allowed a hit and a walk while recording one out on Dec. 22. Blanco surrendered one run on one hit over 1 1/3 innings on Dec. 28, and he ended the season with a 2-1 record and a 5.04 ERA in 18 games. Over 25 innings, he struck out 24.

CF Wladimir Balentien -- The 22-year-old went 1-for-9 with two runs scored in his last three games, dropping his average to .268. He had nine homers, 23 RBIs and 22 runs scored in 41 games with the Cardenales.

LHP Cesar Jimenez -- Jimenez completed a fine season with four strong outings during the final week. The 22-year-old southpaw allowed two hits and two walks while fanning five in six scoreless innings over that span. On Dec. 22, he yielded one walk and struck out two in 2 2/3 scoreless innings to earn his first win for the Cardenales. Jimenez went 1-1 with an 0.98 ERA in 15 games.