Dutchies all over the world

It has been a while since the Dutch Baseball Hangout posted about players of the Dutch Kingdom that play around the globe in other countries than their home countries. In this first episode, we pay attention to Xander Bogaerts, Dashenko Ricardo, Calten Daal, Eugene Helder, and Jonathan Willems.

Xander Bogaerts
The Aruban born shortstop is one of eight players from the Dutch Kingdom in the Major Leagues. After a rough start, Xander and his Red Sox seem to have straightened the ship as they improved to 17-19 and have won six of their last ten games. Xander, who recently announced that he won’t join the Red Sox as the team will pay a visit to the White House, is still struggling a bit as he hits a modest .256 and even a sub-par .200 over his last seven games. In thirty-four games, Xander committed one error, leading to a .992 fielding percentage.

Dashenko Ricardo
The Curaçaoan catcher was added to the roster of the Tampa Bay’s AAA team, the Durham Bulls, a few weeks ago. Since then he played only two games. In his first game, Dashenko batted 2 for 3 with a three-run home run. In his second game, he only got a pinch-hit appearance in which he struck out. After that appearance, his adventure at AAA appears to be over as his player page states that he is being transferred to another level. This message is visible for at least five days now.

Calten Daal
After an extended Spring Training, Calten was appointed to the roster of the Chattanooga Lookouts (AA, Southern League) by the Cincinnati Reds. Last year, he spent the biggest chunk of the season at the 7-Day disabled list. This year, after only two games, things seem to go well for him. In ten at-bats, Calten collected three hits but also struck out thrice.

Eugene Helder
After a so-so season with the Clinton LumberKings (A Full Season, Midwest League), Eugene was promoted to the Modesto Nuts of the California League (A-Advanced).
The Aruban infielder, who is originally a third baseman, played most games at first base so far. In twenty-seven games at first base, he committed two errors, leading to a .990 fielding percentage. In twenty-nine games, Eugene batted a .270. Of his last ten games, his best game was five days ago when he batted 3 for 5 with a run scored vs the Lancaster JetHawks.

Jonathan Willems
After spending only six games at Advanced Rookie level with the Billings Mustangs, the Cincinnati Reds promoted the 20-year old Curaçaoan to the Dayton Dragons (A Full Season, Midwest League). With the Dragons, he stays under the radar with a .220 batting average. On the defensive side, his numbers are not that great either as he committed seven errors in twenty-five games at second base, leading to a .920 fielding percentage. But we have to keep in mind that Jonathan came to the A Full Season level almost out of nowhere, so he needs time to adjust.

Giovanni Tensen
The former Dutch hoofdklasse pitcher is pitching for the Solingen Alligators of the 1.Bundesliga Nord for the second year in a row. The 22-year old is having a solid season so far with a 4-1 record and a 2.83 ERA. Tensen keeps his opponents to a .195 batting average so far. In his last start (May 1) vs the recently promoted Wesseling Vermins, Tensen lasted six innings in which he gave up five hits and a walk and struck out three.
Partially thanks to Tensen, the Solingen Alligators are in second place of the 1. Bundesliga Nord, with a .714 winning percentage, trailing reigning champion Bonn Capitals by a game.