The Dominican Winter League (LIDOM) kicks off this Sunday. COVID-19 is forcing the league to make some adjustments for the 2020-21 campaign. Players are subjected to constant testing. The regular season schedule has been pushed back a month and reduced to 30 games from the standard 50. Until further notice, fans won’t be permitted at the ballparks.
Even so, the excitement is palpable. LIDOM typically provides the highest level of competition of any professional winter ball league. Moreover, young Marlins players will have prominent roles on several teams!
I will be keeping a close eye on the following guys:
- INF José Devers and OF Jerar Encarnación (Gigantes del Cibao)—Devers and Encarnación have little in common when it comes to their physical builds and skill sets, but they’re in approximately the same spot in their career trajectories.