The 2012 Venezuelan Summer League Phillies season started last week. This post will provide a quick summary of the new names on the roster as well some insights on the first week of play. It can also serve as a discussion area for Venezuelan prospects. The Dominican Summer League should start next week as well and will be covered in a separate post.
The VSL has shrunk this season from 6 to 4 teams as the Pirates and Reds both pulled out of the league. Four teams remain: the Phillies, Rays, Tigers, and Mariners. The other teams are now sending their Venezuelan prospects to the DSL where the competition is better and the politics are a little more stable. It is an open question as to whether the VSL can continue as a viable entity, though the Phillies seem to be staying to take advantage of the money they have invested in their baseball complex. In addition, there may be additional advantages in attracting Venezuelan prospects who can play on a team in their country for the first year or two. The Phillies do continue to invest in top Venezuelan prospects with their largest investment to date last year in signing OF Carlos Tocci. Tocci will most likely make his debut later this year in the GCL.
Phuture Phillies 