With Spring Training started, it is time to have a look at Dutchies again. We all know that players like Andrelton Simmons, Xander Bogaerts, Jonathan Schoop, Didi Gregorius and Kenley Jansen will get their shot during MLB ST games. But what about the minor leaguers from the Dutch Kingdom?
On Friday, the Cincinnati Reds took on the San Francisco Giants (a 6-4 win for the Giants).
Our first Dutchie was sent to the plate in that game. The Reds’ Shawn Zarraga had a pinch hit at bat in which he drew a walk. The Aruban catcher did not see action in Saturday’s game vs Cleveland. Zarraga played in the organization of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the past two seasons. Last season he split between the AA Tulsa Drillers and the Oklahoma City Dodgers after a nagging injury.
Another catcher/ first baseman from the Dutch kingdom, Danny Arribas, debuted 
yesterday with the Pittsburgh Pirates. In two at bats with a split squad team of the Bucs, Arribas got one basehit (in the eighth inning). He played flawlessly at first base and used the opportunity to make his presence felt. It was the first call up for the catcher/1B. In the past two seasons, Arribas played for the Full A affiliate West Virginia Power last season, for which he batted a modest .256. Arribas played most games (71) as a first bagger, 12 as a third baseman and one as a cenfer fielder.
Another Dutchie, Curacaoan Chris Pieters, was placed on the Chicago Cubs’ roster on Saturday, but he did not get playing time yet. Pieters will start his third professional season in 2017. Last year he played for the Eugene Emeralds of the Short-A Northwest League. The outfielder had a modest .246 in 2016. In 2015, his first professional year, he split the season between the DSL Cubs and the AZL Cubs as he hit a combined .302 for the season.
Dutch Baseball Hangout 