Now the play offs are over, the Dutch will focus on the upcoming European Cup first.
Two years ago, the Dutch celeberated the 100th birthday of the Dutch Baseball and Softball Federation (KNBSB). Because of that the 2012 European Cup was played in the Netherlands. But what had to be a cherry on the cake turned out to be an anticlimax when Italy repeated as European Champions.
The Dutch are poised to dethrone the Italians. Where the Italians work with a lot of Americans with Italian ancestors, the Dutch work with a lot of players coming from the Netherlands Antilles. Many of them are playing in the USA. Since players like Andrelton Simmons, Jonathan Schoop, Didi Gregorius and Kenley Jansen are on the 40 man roster of the MLB clubs, they are not allowed to participate. So the Dutch will have to work with the players at AAA level (if not on the 40 man rosters) and lower. Of course players from the Dutch Hoofdklasse will be part of the team.
The other day I mentioned that Rob Cordemans burned his hand and was improbable for the tournament. According to sources, Rob is not as pessimistic as I was. I keep my fingers crossed.
I must admit that I follow US baseball more closely than I follow the Dutch Hoofdklasse. Shame on me!! So it will be a bit tough for me to tell which players from the Dutch competition may be added to the Dutch roster.
Let me start with the Dutch players who try to earn a living in the USA.
Jair Jurrjens: The pitcher from the Rockies’ organization pitches at AAA for the Colorado Springs SkySox. Since he is not on the 40-man roster of the Rockies he may be called up by Dutch team manager Steve Jansen.
Roger Bernadina: Roger had a rough season in which he ended up with the Albuquerque Isotopes.
Since he is not a regular for that team, he is not on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster either. So he may get a call up by Steve Jansen as well.
Then we go to the players at AA level.
Sharlon Schoop‘s club, the Bowie BaySox have been eliminated for the play offs. So formally, Sharlon will be available. It all depends on the fact whether he wants to play for team Netherlands.
Curt Smith: The Springfield Cardinals won’t make the play offs either. I dare to say that Curt will play. So far he has never declined on playing for team Netherlands.
Hainley Statia: Hainley was part of the Dutch team during the 2012 European Cup but may be questionable right now. His team, the Huntsville Stars have clinched a play off spot by winning the first half of the Southern League. At the moment the team is out of contention in the second half of the season with a 31-38 record. In the past, most teams that clinched a first half didn’t do well in the play offs. If things are going the way I hope they will, the Stars will be eliminated in a best of five series vs the Chattanooga Lookouts. In that case, Hainley can join the Dutch after September 8, pending on the fact if the series will be stretched to the full five games.
Shawn Zarraga: The catcher is a team mate of Hainley Statia. So in fact his participation depends on the Stars’ progress in the play offs as well.
One more AA player that may be added to the Dutch roster is Juan Carlos Sulbaran. He has a decent season under his belt. Recently he has spent some time on the DL, but was activated today. Since the Northwest Arkansas Naturals are going nowhere this season, he will be available too.
Then the A Advanced players.
Lars Huijer: Lars pitched a solid season at A Full Season level. This earned him a promotion to the A Advanced California League. Since he arrived in Adelanto (High Desert Mavericks) he has had a hard time. At times he pitched good games but then lacked run support. At times he was hit hard. But last night he had a good outing vs multiple California League champions San José Giants. In five innings he allowed two earned runs on six hits. He fanned five.
Since the Mavericks aren’t going anywhere this season, Lars may be a logical choice for Steve Jansen.
Then the players from the Dutch leagues.
I expect the following players to be called up by Steve Jansen.
Pitchers:
Ber van Driel (DOOR Neptunus)
David Bergman (Corendon Kinheim)
Orlando Yntema (DOOR Neptunus)
Diegomar Markwell (DOOR Neptunus)
Kevin Heijstek (L&D Amsterdam Pirates)
Swen Huijer (Vaessen Pioniers)
Catchers:
Gianison Boekhoudt (DOOR Neptunus)
Bas Nooij (L&D Amsterdam Pirates)
Dashenko Ricardo (Corendon Kinheim)
Infielders:
Vince Rooi (Vaessen Pioniers)
Dwayne Kemp (DOOR Neptunus)
Bryan Engelhardt (Corendon Kinheim)
Kevin Moesquit (Mampaey The Hawks)
Outfielders:
Gilmer Lampe (UVV)
Bas de Jong (L&D Amsterdam Pirates)
Shaldimar Daantji (DOOR Neptunus)
Danny Rombley (Vaessen Pioniers)
Roelie Henrique (L&D Amsterdam)
Two odd guys may be Shurendell Mujica and Kalian Sams.
Mujica has played for the Dutch during the 2014 Haarlem Baseball Week, but he is playing in Curacao for the Groot Kwartier Stars. He can play shortstop and second base.
Sams started the season with the Texas Rangers organization but was released before the season started. After a short stint with the Independent Camden Riversharks (that ended due to an injury), Kalian ended up in Taiwan where he played in the newly erected Popcorn League. Kalian will return to the Netherlands where he (probably) will participate in the Holland Series for DOOR Neptunus.
The Dutch will prepare themselves by particpating in the France International Baseball Tournament which will be played in Sénart, a suburb located about 20 kilometers Southeast from Paris. The tournament will be played from September 6 through September 9. Next to the Dutch squad, also the French and Belgian teams will prepare here for the upcoming European Cup.
A couple of the Hoofdklasse players mentioned above will be scratched from the roster after September 9.
Dutch Baseball Hangout 