Today we are taking a look at Dutch minor leaguers, who are still on the Rookie level.
Infielder Rien Vernooij (picture), who is signed by the NEW YORK METS organization, was assigned to the KINGPORT METS in the Appalachian League (Rookie). They will start their short season schedule on June 17. Vernooij recently ended a stint in the Venezuelan Summer League for the VZL METS, batting .246 (OBP .329/SLG .323) with eight runs scored and six RBI. He split time at DH and third base. He had some problems in the field with seven errors in 18 games. Vernooij was born on January 30, 1989 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Until last year he played for SPARTA/FEYENOORD in the Dutch Hoofdklasse.
His former teammate at SPARTA/FEYENOORD, Jan Baldee, left extended spring training a few days ago to play in Venezuela. Baldee was brought to the HOUSTON ASTROS organization by GROSSETO manager and ASTROS scout Mauro Mazzotti.
Another former SPARTA/FEYENOORD player, Dwayne Kemp, is still in extended spring training with the CHICAGO CUBS organization. He awaits word, to which team he will assigned, when the Rookie leagues kick off their season in about ten days.
There are several more European players, who are currently in Florida or Arizona and work out in extended spring training for the upcoming minor league season. Mister-Baseball.com will file at least weekly reports of all the talents, when they begin playing. So stayed tuned and visit out site regularly.
