PHOENIX -- Dodgers scouts have a long history of spotting talent from Mexico.

The most famous one is Fernando Valenzuela. One of the most recent is Gerardo Carrillo, who signed with Los Angeles in 2016 and started for the Glendale Desert Dogs of the Arizona Fall League on Tuesday night at Camelback Ranch.

The search for the next baseball star from Mexico is once again in full swing and it’s happening in Arizona.

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The Mexican Baseball Fiesta, a three-week tour of Mexican Pacific League teams through Las Vegas, Phoenix, Mesa, Ariz., Douglas, Ariz, Nogales, Mexico and Tucson, Ariz., where the event began in 2011, will give scouts from all teams a chance to see talent from Mexico on display in the United States.

Equally as important, the event will give fans a peek into the fun world of Mexican baseball.

“It is truly a Hispanic event and every year, we get more and more new people,” said Mike Feder, president of the Mexican Baseball Fiesta and longtime Minor League executive. “Last year, we played the University of Arizona. This year, the Fall League will be an exciting edition. All you need to know is the third word of the organization and that’s ‘fiesta.’ It’s a party. A true and authentic Mexico baseball experience.”

The Desert Dogs defeated the Aguilas de Mexicali in Mexico’s Arizona Fall League debut, 7-2, on Tuesday. In addition to Mexicali, los Naranjeros de Hermosillo, Yaquis de Obregón, Águilas de and Cañeros de Los Mochis will also square off against Arizona Fall League teams through Oct. 2. The Tomateros de Culiacan and Mayos de Navojoa will also play games in the Mexican Baseball Fiesta along with the University of Arizona.

“It’s been fun and ride for us as we prepare for our season,” said Mexican general manager Luis Alfonso Garcia, a former Minor League player with the Red Sox, Cardinals, Indians, Dodgers, Mets and Yankees starting in 1996. “The guys are enjoying playing in this kind of facilities, this kind of stadiums, which are very good quality. It’s a motivation for them and for us, too, to keep doing good things with Mexican baseball and strengthen our relationship with MLB teams.”

MLB’s relationship with the country continues to grow. In the past few years, the league opened an office in Mexico City as well as an academy in Culiacan. There were three series featuring Major League Baseball teams this season and one last season as part of the Mexico Series. More series could be in the works.

“We wanted to provide some variety for our players and give them a different look,” said MLB executive Bill Bavasi, who oversees all Arizona Fall League operations. “We think the Mexican Baseball Fiesta is a cool tournament and we’re hoping something we can grow on.” 

As for Carillo, he hopes the scouts in attendance during the Mexican Baseball Fiesta will play close attention to the Mexican talent on the field. He’s optimistic a few players participating in the event will eventually sign with Major League clubs.

“I know this is an incredible opportunity for the players from Mexico,” said Carillo, who allowed one hit and struck out three in four innings against Mexicali. “There’s a lot of talent in Mexico and the scouts will see that. This can help Mexico baseball.”