SPAIN – The Marlins Puerto Cruz entered the 2008 season with a new skipper, Nestor Perez Jr., and a key free agent hurler, Ivan Granados, to offset the departure of a championship coach and a highly-touted pitcher, Yoel Hernandez.

Mission accomplished.

Although the reduction of Spanish League teams from 14 to nine did lead to an increase in competitive games, the Tenerife-based Marlins still managed to capture their fourth consecutive championship. And, the first-year playing coach and the ace pitcher, along with slugging first baseman Richard Montiel, all enjoyed stellar seasons

The Marlins fought off their arch-rivals, FC Barcelona, while facing new challenges from a re-tooled Sant Boi squad and an improved El Llano team. However, Perez managed to steer one of Europe’s top clubs to another title in his first season after replacing his father at the helm while Granados teamed with staff ace Leslie Nacar to give the Marlins the league’s best starting tandem.

Most Valuable Player: Richard Montiel, Marlins PC
The premier offensive weapon in Spain, Montiel ranked among the league leaders in every offensive category this past season. Blessed with natural raw power, the hefty slugger clubbed eight home runs in a pitching-rich league with equally pitcher-friendly ballparks to claim the home run title. He also led the league with 35 RBIs while ranking second in hits (50) and runs scored (27), and hit .373 to finish fifth in the batting race.

Pitcher of the Year: Ivan Granados, Marlins PC
The Marlins signed Granados last winter to fill the shoes of departed ace Yoel Hernandez who bolted to Sant Boi. And, the southpaw came through with flying colors. Not only did he post a league-high 12 wins and 116 strikeouts, the prized free-agent acquisition was also the workhorse of the staff logging 119 innings while sporting a 1.89 ERA for the four-time defending Spanish Champions.

Offensive Player of the Year: Roberto Noriega, El Llano
El Llano established themselves as legitimate title contenders this past season and the 2008 Batting Champion played a key role in the success of the Asturias-based club. The talented third baseman hit .458, led the league with 54 hits, and finished third with 28 RBIs for the fourth-place El Llano squad.

Coach of the Year: Nestor Perez Jr., Marlins PC
Although playing coaches are the norm throughout most of Europe, it is a rarity for most upper-tier European clubs. However, Perez replaced his father at the helm of the well-operated club and directed the team to another title while playing shortstop and hitting .333.

Catcher: Jesus Golindano, FC Barcelona
Hit .400 to finish second in the batting race andf led the league with 11 doubles while racking up 46 hits (#4), 27 runs (#2) and 24 RBIs (#6).

First Base: Richard Montiel, Marlins PC
2008 BaseballdeWorld Spanish League Most Valuable Player

Second Base: Milko Jaramillo, Sant Boi
Versatile middle infielder batted .376 (#4) with 47 hits (#3), 24 runs scored (#5), 25 RBIs (#4), eight doubles (#3).

Shortstop: Dirimo Chavez, San Inazio
Finished third in hitting with a .378 batting average while collecting eight doubles (#3).

Third Base: Roberto Noriega, El Llano
2008 BaseballdeWorld Spanish League Offensive Player of the Year

Outfield: Kelvin Marianucci, San Inazio
Finished second with 30 RBIs while smacking four homers (#3), seven doubles (#7), 40 hits (#8) and 24 runs scored (#8).

Outfield: Pedro Mendez, El Llano
Finished sixth in the league with a .356 batting average while scoring 27 runs (#2).

Outfield: Daniel Martinez, Marlins PC
Slugged eight doubles (#3) while adding 41 hits (#5), 26 runs scored (#6) and 22 RBIs (#8).

Designated Hitter: Jose L. Riera, Sant Boi
Finished fifth with three home runs while stroking 39 hits (#10) and racking up 21 RBIs (#9).

Pitcher: Ivan Granados, Marlins PC
2008 BaseballdeWorld Spanish League Pitcher of the Year

Pitcher: Homer Baez, FC Barcelona
Put together an outstanding 2008 campaign finishing second with 11 wins and a 1.12 ERA while posting 99 strikeouts (#3) in 104 innings (#4) of work.

Pitcher: Leslie Nacar, Marlins PC
Topped the Spanish League with a sparkling 1.00 ERA while racking up 10 wins (#3) and 88 strikeouts (#6) in 90 innings (#8).

Pitcher: Fernando Quijada, Sant Boi
Top reliever who tied for the league-lead with three saves while boasting a third-best 1.26 ERA.

This is a BaseballdeWorld Original Article

Tags: Spain