Edgar Gonzalez, a 28-year-old infielder who has received an invitation to the Cardinals' big-league camp in Spring Training, got off to a scorching start in the Mexican Pacific League postseason.

A member of Venados de Mazatlan, Gonzalez collected eight hits in his first 18 at-bats. Since then, however, he has gone just 1-for-20. Despite his struggles, Mazatlan has reached the best-of-seven finals, where it has dropped the first two games to Naranjeros de Hermosillo.

Gonzalez is one of four St. Louis farmhands who participated in the postseason in the Mexican Pacific and Venezuelan Winter Leagues. Here's an update on the others:

Mexican Pacific League

LHP Troy Cate -- Cate has pitched better than his 0-1 playoff record indicates. In four playoff starts for the Venados de Mazatlan, the converted reliever has allowed eight runs on 14 hits over 26 2/3 innings. He also has 27 strikeouts and has limited opponents to a .154 batting average.

Venezuelan Winter League

2B Rayner Laya -- Laya, a member of Aguilas del Zulia, appeared in four of the club's 16 postseason contests and collected three hits in six at-bats. The Aguilas split 16 games in the round-robin semifinals and were eliminated.

IF Jose Martinez -- The 20-year-old infielder has hit .286 (2-for-7) with three runs scored in eight postseason contests with Tigres de Aragua. After winning 11 of 16 games in the semifinals, the Tigres have jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven finals against Navegantes del Magallanes.