Mets Spring Training hopeful Nelson Figueroa voted Serie del Caribe MVP by fans
Can he be the missing puzzle piece in the METS bullpen?
10 February - Fans selected pitcher Nelson Figueroa as the Most Valuable Player of the Serie del Caribe 2008 on the official website of the Serie del Caribe, eBeisbol.com. Nelson responded to fans, “I would truly like to thank everyone that voted for me. It is an honor to be named the fan's MVP of such a tremendous event like the Serie del Caribe. I would also like to thank my wife Alisa and my daughter Renee for their support and love throughout the journey. I feel as though I am truly blessed and the best is still yet to come.”
The culmination of a stellar off-season performance by Figueroa was recognized by fans as truly something special. His performances against lineups heavily dotted with MLB talent was nothing short of amazing. In fan voting, Figueroa outdistanced MLB greats Miguel Tejada, Tony Pena Jr. and Nelson Cruz to succeed last year’s selection, Tony Batista.
Celines Toribio, host of eBeisbol.com ‘s community, Conexión de Béisbol, recruited fans to participate. She remarked, “our fans are very knowledgeable about the game and recognize key contributons.” In a clear demonstration of fan appreciation of Nelson’s numbers throughout the playoffs (he pitched a total of 17 innings, gave up 13 hits, 4 earned runs, walked only 5 and struck out 14) and the Serie del Caribe (one start and one relief appearance with equally impressive numbers) their vote was a ringing endorsement of his effectiveness. His career stats against the Dominican Republic team, Tigres de Licey, a perennial winter league and Serie del Caribe powerhouse, are eye-popping: 47 1/3 innings pitched, 39 hits, 6 earned runs, 37 strikeouts and an ERA of 1.14.
Figueroa, a Brooklyn, NY native, and Brandeis University graduate, with Puerto Rican heritage, has left his indelible mark in the annals of Latino baseball. Figuero realized a “dream season” including MVP awards in two leagues, in addition to the MVP selection by Serie del Caribe fans. “It has truly been a wild ride over the past year from pitching in the Mexican summer league with the Dorados de Chihuahua and winning the allstar game, to winning the championship and MVP honors with the Uni-President Lions. But nothing could have prepared me for my success in Santiago. Making history in my first start by striking out 13 was hard to top. But the icing on the cake was winning the championship and MVP in front of 22,000 screaming Aguiluchos. The Serie del Caribe representing Mexico was yet another chance to showcase the intangibles I possess and the fans of Santiago made it an unforgettable experience for me and will remain in my heart forever.”
Serie del Caribe 2008 Performance
Figueroa performed brilliantly for team Mexico, the Yaquis of Obregón, in the Serie del Caribe.
Figueroa made his first team Mexico start in the Serie del Caribe against the Tigres de Licey in the third game on Sunday, February 3rd. The “Tiger Hangman” lived up to his reputation allowing only one run through 9 1/3 innings, the longest performance since 1970 for any pitcher in these events.
In Nelson’s second appearance against the Tigres de Licey, Figueroa, as reliever, delivered by closing out the game, earning the win and stopping Licey’s winning streak, forcing Licey into a decisive game against arch rivals, the Águilas Cibañeas. Figueroa’s performance in the Serie del Caribe was spectacular, winning a game, allowing one earned run, seven hits, three walks, four strike outs in eleven innings, and an ERA of 0.82. He held the champion Tigres de Licey to a batting average of .184.
A "Dream Season"
Figueroa began his “dream season” in the Mexican summer league with the Dorados de Chihuahua, highlighted by 10 complete games in 18 starts and an average of 8.3 innings per start. In September 2007, he pitched for the Taiwanese team, Uni-President Lions in the Professional Baseball League of China. In the semi-final series, he started and won the first game by allowing two runs, six hits, two walks, and struck out 8 in 8 innings. His team swept a 3 game series to move to the final championship. In the final series, Figueroa’s star shone most brightly winning three times in the seven game series leading the Lions over the Bears for the championship. He earned Most Valuable Player for his stellar performance.
After playing in Taiwan, Figueroa pitched for the Naranjeros of Hermosillo in the Mexican Pacific League, highlighted by 10 complete games in 18 starts and an average of 8.3 innings per start. Since the Naranjeros were eliminated from the postseason, Figueroa was recruited to strengthen the Águilas Cibaeñas. He won four games, two in the round robin and two in the final series with a 1.45 ERA, with only seven walks and thirty strike-outs. His defeat of the Tigres de Licey twice (12-4 and 2-1) - 17 innings, 13 hits, 4 earned runs, 5 walks, and 14 strikeouts -earned him the MVP of the Dominican League Postseason. The manager of team Mexico, Homar Rojas recruited Figueroa to strengthen the Yaquis de Obregón in the Serie del Caribe.
Figueroa’s “dream season” has been one spectacular string of performances for teams on two continents (watch for follow-up story by eBeisbol) and is topped off by an invitation to major league spring training by the New York Mets. "Figueroa will have a genuine opportunity to win a spot on our team during spring training," said Omar Minaya, in comments made during the Serie del Caribe.
In an interview with eBeisbol, Figueroa said “being game ready and not just in throwing shape because of my participation in the Serie del Caribe I believe will give me an edge this spring in my quest to make the team with the Mets.”
Figueroa has been a world traveler to pursue his passion for the game. Every time he has been given the ball he has responded. Will a third continent residence at Shea Stadium be next?
