MIGUEL RUIZ TAKEN FIRST IN LMP SUMMER DRAFT

Pitcher Miguel Ruiz was the first overall selection in the Mexican Pacific League’s annual free agent draft, held recently in Obregon. Ruiz was chosen by the Hermosillo Naranjeros, who were dealt the top pick by Mexicali as part of the trade that sent Chris Roberson to the Aguilas. Ruiz is currently pitching for Campeche in the Mexican League.

Guasave took pitcher Luis de la O (Veracruz) second, followed by Navojoa’s choice of Laguna outfielder Jesus Romo. Los Mochis picked Hugo Perez, Culiacan chose Reynosa pitcher Oscar Hurtado, Mazatlan picked Veracruz pitcher Carlos Santamaria, Alexis Martinez went to Obregon and Hermosillo took Reynosa pitcher Arturo Mejia.
The draft continued for several rounds, with rights to a total of 73 players disbursed. One intriguing pick was Mazatlan’s late-round selection of Vinny Castilla...NOT the former MLB All-Star who retired from winterball in Hermosillo last season, but his nephew, who is a pitcher.

The Mex Pac draft involves teams selecting league rights to eligible domestic players not currently on any LMP team’s 60-man reserve list. Teams are also required to drop one player from their reserve list per pick to keep their number at 60.

There was also a draft of foreign-born players who are currently playing in the Mexican League. Taiwanese pitcher Chen Wen Hung was the first extranero picked by Mazatlan.

Mexican League results of Friday, Apr. 29, 2011

CAMPECHE 4-9-0, Veracruz 0-2-0
W-Ruiz (1-3). L-Vargas (4-2).
Miguel Ruiz (pictured, 7IP), Renan Martinez and Jose Silva combined on a 2-hitter for Piratas as Roberto Valencia whacked a 2-run homer.

Puebla 16-26-0, LAGUNA 6-12-1
W-Meza (6-1). L-Delgadillo (1-3).
Pericos starter Andres Meza went to 6-1, but Iron Mike could’ve won this one as Puebla collected 26 hits (three batters had 4 safeties apiece).

Monterrey 12-16-2, MEXICO CITY 10-15-3
W-Menchaca (2-1). L-Delgado (1-1).
Eleven Sultanes players hit safely, including Humberto Cota, who was 3-for-4 with a double, homer and 2 RBIs.

MONCLOVA 6-11-2, Oaxaca 5-13-1
W-Bustillos (1-1). L-Butto (2-2).
Amaury Cazana’s walkoff single to left off Francisco Butto scored Jose Salazar with the winning run for Acereros.

Reynosa 8-13-0, SALTILLO 6-12-1
W-Alvarez (4-1). L-Hernandez (2-3).
Jesse Gutierrez had 3 hits and 3 RBIs (socking a 2-run homer in the 9th) for Broncos, who overcame 4-2 deficit with 4 runs in 7th inning.

Minatitlan 7-14-0, TABASCO 1-8-4
W-Solis (3-3). L-Vizcarra (3-1).
Carlos Rivera had 3 hits and 3 RBIs for Petros as Tabasco starter William Vizcarra was victimized by 3 unearned runs in 4.2 innings on mound.

QUINTANA ROO 4-8-0, Yucatan 1-6-0
W-Etherton (2-2). L-Bustillos (2-4).
Seth Etherton allowed 1 run and struck out 7 over 6 innings for Tigres, who got 2 hits and 2 RBIs from Ricardo Vazquez.