Rumblings around MLB

Mark Teixeira signs an 8-year $180M contract with the New York Yankees...

Jorge Sosa and Daniel Cabrera sign one year deals with the Nationals...

Tony Reagins says that they will not sign Manny...

Latin Leagues Update

Villa Clara finally loses its first game after losing to league champion Santiago...

Yulieski Gourriel moved up in the batting order and now batting clean up for Sancti Spiritus...

Aroldis Chapman hit 102 mph on the gun for Holguin and is a strong candidate for the 2009 WBC...

Yunieski Maya from Pinar del Rio has a 1.91 ERA in his pursuit to be on the WBC team again...

Habana's Yulieski Gonzalez has 19 k's in 20 innings also looking to return to WBC...

Gigantes del Cibao's Juan Francisco named Rookie of the Year in the Dominican League...

Yaquis' Agustin Murillo new doubles record holder in the Mexican Winter League...

Venados de Mazatlan have best record...

Leones de Caracas leading in the Venezuelan League...

Pablo Sandoval is the batting leader with a .396 average...

Ponce leads in the Puerto Rican League...

Bernie Williams and Ivan Rodriguez play in Puerto Rico...

Andruw Jones trying to find his swing with the Aguilas in the Dominican...

Rumblings around MLB

With the economy in crisis teams may opt for shorter contracts and lower salaries (with exception of Yankees)...

Angels and Red Sox claim to be out of Mark Teixeira sweepstakes...

Brian Fuentes wants to be an Angel...

Man Ram may be heading home to the Bronx...

Dodgers re-signed Rafael Furcal to a three-year contract in an unusual signing that left the Braves seething...

Yankees signed Chien-Ming Wang to a one-year contract...

Marlins signed Josh Johnson to a one-year contract...

Angels signed Juan Rivera to a three-year contract...

Padres signed Jody Gerut to a one-year contract...

Yankees signed CC Sabathia to a seven-year contract and A.J. Burnett to a five-year contract...

Cubs signed Joey Gathright to a one-year contract...

Phillies signed Raul Ibanez to a a three-year contract...

Orioles signed Cesar Izturis to a two-year contract...

Stage set for Domican League Round Robin

Gigantes del Cibao had the best record and were the first team to clinch a spot in the playoffs. Team has been led by the great efforts of Nelson Cruz, Brayan Peña, and Kendry Morales.

Toros del Este were led by Esteban German and Angel Berroa and their solid pitching secured them a spot as well.

Aguilas del Cibao and Licey, the usual givens, struggled more than before but will definitely make their present felt. These two represented them in the Caribbean Series with the Tigres del Licey coming out victorious.

The Round Robin will begin on December 26th.

Winter Meetings come to a close

NY Mets get their man by signing KRod to a 3 yr/37M contract...

Mets get set up man for KRod in the form of JJ Putz in a 3 team 12 player trade...

NY Yankees reel in the big fish in the form of CC Sabathia for 6yr/161M bidding against themselves and allowing the West Coaster and out clause in 3 years (expect to see him in the West Coast in 2012)...

Dodgers get Casey Blake and Mark Loretta...

Rays Edwin Jackson to Detroit in exchange for Matt Joyce...

Ramon Hernandez to Cincy in exchange for Ryan Freel...

Manny most likely to return to LA in a contract that will be beneficial to the Dodgers...

Entrevista con Eduardo Paret

Cuanto va a afectar la partida de Victor Mesa?
La partida de Víctor Mesa afectara mucho por que, su estilo de dirección es único, logra que todos juguemos al máximo cada juego, su disciplina exigente y contraria a todo lo mal hecho es difícil de igualar y no teme decirle a nadie sus defectos.

El equipo esta listo para un nuevo dirigente?
Pienso que al equipo aun le falta mayor preparación para la nueva dirección.

Como un veterano completo en que puedes ayudar a el equipo y el nuevo dirigente?
Como capitán del equipo y veterano haré mi mayor esfuerzo para ayudar al equipo en todo, como así también a la nueva dirección.

Como crees que VC juegue en la proxima serie nacional?
Creo que el Villa Clara como siempre dará todo de si y brindara un buen espectáculo al pueblo, clasificara para los playoffs.

Cuban League kicks off SN 48

The Cuban league began its season Saturday November 29th and one of the matchups was between the two teams who participated in the championship. Pinar del Rio pummeled the champion Santiago de Cuba, 12-3.

Alexei Bell, last year's Homerun and RBI leader, was hit in the face and had to leave the game. It is unknown how long he will be out. WBC participant Yuniesky Maya got the win.

The league will go on hiatus on February 8, 2009 in preparation for next year's WBC and will reconvene on March 27th.

Latin Leagues Update...

Vinny Castilla to lead WBC Mexico team...

Luis Sojo to lead Venezuela...

Nelson Cruz establishes Dominican Winter League record with 10 RBI in game...

Yadel Marti and Yasser Gomez banned from Cuban baseball...

Dominicans to play Venezuelans in All Star game in Caracas on December 9th...

Venados undefeated in Mexico...

Jose Oquendo to lead Puerto Rico in WBC...

Many MLB players gearing up to play winter ball in hopes of getting call to represent their countries in WBC...

Mario Melvin Soto to be Felipe Alou's pitching coach in WBC...

Rumblings around MLB

Albert Pujols named NL MVP...

Dustin Pedroia named AL MVP...

Dayan Viciedo signed by White Sox in a 4-year deal worth $11M...

Pirates sign two Indian pitchers...

Junichi Tazawa appears to be headed to Boston...

Yankees extend offer to CC...

Furcal visiting the Bay Area teams...

Dodgers to open 42 more Dodger Dream Fields (not a bad idea in a state that produces most MLB players)...

Jake Peavy appears to be headed to the Cubs...

Winter Meetings begin December 8th in Sin City...

Rumblings around MLB

Tim Lincecum named NL Cy Young...

Cliff Lee named AL Cy Young...

Joe Maddon and Lou Piniella named Managers of the Year...

Matt Holliday to the A's in exchange for Huston Street, Carlos Gonzalez and Greg Smith...

Cuba's 19 year-old Dayan Viciedo can now sign with an MLB team...

Twins' Pat Neshek expected to miss season...

Brewers' Salomon Torres retires...

Trevor Hoffman's contract offer rescinded...

Geovany Soto and Evan Longoria named Rookies of the Year

Geovany Soto, who led his team to the NL Central title and the playoffs, was named the National League Rookie of the Year. He received 31 of the 32 first-place votes. Soto hit .285 with 23 homers, 35 doubles and 86 RBI.

Evan Longoria was voted unanimously to be named the American League Rookie of the Year Award. Longoria led the Tampa Bay Rays to the World Series. He received all the first-place votes. Longoria batted .272 with 27 homers and 85 RBI.

Adiel Palma retires from Cuban baseball

Adiel Palma who played for Cienfuegos for 21 seasons decided to call it a career shortly after getting silver in Beijing. He won 139 games and struck out 1,1816 batters with his provincial team. He has won titles in the Central American Games, Pan American Games, Intercontinental Cup, World Cup and in the Olympics. He also formed part of the silver medalist World Baseball Classic team.

Injuries have haunted him over the years and he was even affected in the 2006 World Baseball Classic when he felt the pain in the championship game. He tried to return to his team after the Olympics, but the lingering injury forced him to retire. He leaves atop of his game and he will surely be missed by his fans.

Ruben Amaro Jr. is the new Phillies GM

With the presidential election now over, I can finally focus on some developments that played out during that time. As Barack Obama shattered ceilings and broke down barriers, another multiracial man did the same in baseball. Ruben Amaro Jr., the once bat boy for the Philadelphia Phillies, is now their General Manager. Amaro Jr. is of Cuban and Mexican descent by way of his father and Jewish through his mother.

Amaro Jr. not foreign to the game as he played in the majors from 1991-1998. He joined the Phillies front office after his playing career ended. Pat Gillick stepped down after the season and it wasn't a mystery as to who would be his replacement. Amaro Jr. had been an assistant GM for the last ten years and was well groomed for the job. He will have a tough act to follow since they are fresh off winning the World Series.

The 2008 Presidential Election

I blogged earlier about the Phillies winning the World Series and I couldn't resist the keyboard to write about possibly the biggest and most meaningful victory that I hope witness: the election of Barack Obama. At 7:21 pm PT Obama leads by a 207-135 vote total.

I can't help but make reference to how this is like a sporting event where one side is waiting to declare victory as a ticker flashes below the TV just like in a player draft. This is just so much more meaningful on so many levels; America electing our first Black president something that many felt we would not see in our lifetime. Obama is such a great orator that I get chills when I hear him speak eerily similar to MLK Jr. in his speeches. This is a victory for all minorities because we can finally say and mean Si Se Puede! I probably won't get any sleep tonight because I want to see California's electoral votes go his way and hopefully hear his victory speech.

UPDATE:

HE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS MR. PRESIDENT
BARACK OBAMA
44th PRESIDENT OF THE USA

Phillies new World Champions

I know it took me a while to finally blog about it. I tend to pull for the National League nearly 99% of the time, but when a team eliminates the Dodgers that becomes a little more difficult. Congratulations are in order for Cole Hamels the Series MVP and the rest of the Phillies.

The Rays were outpitched in a Series where they seemed to have the upperhand. Former Dodgers played a role on both teams. Players included Dioner Navarro, Willy Aybar, Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino.

The home field advantage was anything but and the Phillies played well both away and at home. I was not a fan of Game 5 reconvening in the 6th inning. I was hoping since it was the WS maybe they would have started anew. Either way, my hat goes off to the City of Brotherly Love.

Dominican Republic announces tentative list of WBC roster

The list is headlined by Albert Pujols, Vladimir Guerrero, Alfonso Soriano, Pedro Martínez, Adrian Beltré, Cristian Guzmán and Miguel Tejada

Others to have signed the Player Participating Agreement necessary include Pedro Feliz, Ubaldo Jiménez, Carlos Mármol, Carlos Gómez, Odalis Pérez, Willy Taveras, Alejandro De Aza, Eric Aybar, Jesús Colomé, recently naturalized citizen Kendry Morales, Ronnie Belliard, Alexi Casilla, Anderson Hernández, Kelvin Jiménez, Guillermo Mota, Leo Núñez, Jailen Peguero, Ramón Ramírez, Juan Salas, Duaner Sánchez, Ramón Santiago and Carlos Villanueva.

So far the list is at 29, but being on this list does not guarantee participation. There will be others from 40 man rosters who will be signing in the coming days. The Dominican team is looking to bounce back from the semifinal elimination in the first WBC.

It will be a Tampa Bay-Phillies World Series

Tampa Bay beat the Red Sox 3-1 in a crucial game 7 where they had seen there 3-1 advantage evaporate right before their eyes. Many believed that the Red Sox would be able to repeat what they did against the Yankees, but the Rays were not having it.

The Rays sent Matt Garza to the mound and after allowing a 1st inning homer, he settled down and delivered the type of game Joe Maddon expected.

Birthday shout out to Tony Castro and my godson Yunito

Big Papi to hold David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic

The event will take place on December 6, 2008 at Punta Espada Golf Course in Cap Cana. It is being put together by the David Ortiz Children's Fund to raise funds for children born with heart problems and in the pediatric intensive care units in both his native Dominican Republic and the New England area. They have invited his Red Sox teammates and the owners as well as Yankees Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter. They will announce who will participate as they confirm.

They will hold events from December 4-7 to raise funds heaadlined by the December 6th event. Ortiz has made a plea for Dominicans to join the cause and help those children in need.

Rumblings around MLB

Boston forces a game 7 vs Tampa Bay...

Phillies getting a nice rest before World Series...

Manny leaves LA without saying a peep about a return to the City of Angels...

Barry Bonds can win collusion case against MLB team owners...

Dodgers' Asst GM Kim Ng up for GM job in Seattle...

Gary Sheffield has to pay Scott Boras, but still comes out a winner...

Joba Chamberlain arrested for DUI in Nebraska...

Brewers to make serious offer to CC Sabathia in attempt to bring him back...

Padres' Jake Peavy might be on trading block...

Dominican Winter League is Underway

The DWL kicked off on October 15 and there will be a few new things coming our way. Interleague games will take place in Puerto Rico and the Dominican All-Star squad will travel to Venezuela for a games vs their All-Stars. I took the time to interview the Dominican League (LIDOM) public relations Director Jorge Torres and he told us about what we can look forward to:

Que es la idea de jugar juegos en Puerto Rico durante la temporada?

La idea de celebrar juegos interligas con Puerto Rico ha estado en agenda por varios años. A raíz de la situación por la cual atravesó la liga boricua se ha intensificado el proyecto. Los ejecutivos de la Liga Puertorriqueña consideran que debido a la gran cantidad de dominicanos residentes en la isla ayudaría enormemente al crecimiento de la entidad. Nosotros entendemos que puede ser posible, y para ello se hace un estudio de factibilidad económica.

Cree que eso le ayudara a la liga de Puerto Rico?

Considero que puede ayudar y como expresaba anteriormente estamos dispuestos a poner un granito de arena en todo cuanto implique el resurgir de la liga boricua.

Cuando la liga se reestablezca, cree que se reanudara el juego de estrellas contra Puerto Rico?

En el caso dominicano el Juego de Estrellas pertenece a la Federación Nacional de Peloteros Profesionales (Fenapepro). Ellos han coordinado con la Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional llevar a cabo el partido el día 9 de diciembre del año en curso. Quizás puedan volver con Puerto Rico para el 2009, pero es una respuesta en manos de Mario Melvin Soto, Presidente de la Fenapepro.

Sera RD vs VEN, RD vs PR? se incluira Mexico en el futuro?

En cuanto a la integración de México al Juego de Estrellas, en lo personal pudiera establecer que todo depende del aspecto económico por asuntos de distancia. Pero, tal y como dije anteriormente, eso depende de la Fenapepro.

He visto que este año la LIDOM estrena un nuevo sitio de web, que son las gran diferencias?

La diferencia en nuestra Web forma parte de un proyecto de adecuación a los tiempos modernos. Ahora los usuarios tienen la oportunidad de ver el partido de cada noche en el Estadio Quisqueya. De igual modo llevamos informaciones actualizadas y play by play. Aún se trabaja en la inserción de datos históricos y columnas de opinión. También buscamos la forma de que los Box Scores de cada partido pueda estar en la Web toda vez concluyan los mismos. Hay mucha diferencia con otros años y lo que más ayudaría es recibir de nuestros seguidores sus opiniones para tratar de cubrir por completo las necesidades. El béisbol dominicano está colocado en el primer nivel del mundo, y así debe estar colocada su página de internet.

Debido al Clasico, cree que se integraran mas peloteros a sus equipos en Diciembre?

Varios jugadores han manifestado su intención de participar en el Campeonato Nacional Cerveza Presidente 2008-2009, para llegar en forma a los entrenamientos y participar con el equipo dominicano. Es una posibilidad que cada día día crece debido a que nuestros peloteros demuestran donde quiera que están los sentimientos patrióticos. No tengo dudas de que algunos de los tantos participarán con sus respectivos equipos este año, así como lo han hecho en años anteriores sin que tengamos por delante el Clásico Mundial. El evento es un motivo más para ellos.

Show Manny the Money

I have never been an advocate for high salaries, but in sports that is the only option as a worker. If you work for a multibillion dollar corporation (MLB), as a key employee (player) it is only right that you make millions. With that said, I sit here watching my beloved Dodgers in the playoffs. In the 4th inning they were looking at a 6-run deficit and with one swing Manny Ramirez put the Dodgers within striking distance.



The Dodgers have not had Los Angeles this pumped up since Fernandomania. Let's keep in mind that Fernando Valenzuela pitched every five days. Manny has brought the kind of excitement that exists in other MLB cities. Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier are going to be great players, but they don't instill that excitement yet. L.A. needs Manny because without him I wouldn't be blogging right now.



Manny has been a great player in his career, but has always been sort of like a silent weapon. In my opinion, this year he has taken a new Barry Bonds type of effect on a game. His presence in the Dodger lineup has been a game changer. He has instilled confidence in the rest of the young guys and they now have the can't lose attitude that has not been present in recent years.



The Dodgers have made it to the NLCS for the first time since 1988. Manny has helped end a drought that was long overdue. Regardless of the outcome, L.A. needs Manny and he actually wants to be here. So I am one of many Dodger fans that want the Dodgers to SHOW MANNY THE MONEY.

Victor Mesa to Mexico

Victor Mesa who was the skipper for the Villa Clara team for the last eight seasons will be coaching in Mexico. Mesa who in his eight seasons led his team to at least 50 victories each year will definitely be missed. In those eight years his team also made it to the postseason each time.

Mesa will be joining the Rojos del Aguila organization while working with the Cafeteros whose season begins on October 11. Mesa who arrived in Mexico last Friday said he hopes to coach in Mexico for a couple of years.

Mesa is not the first Cuban manager to leave to coach in another country's winter league. Lourdes Gourriel, father to National Team second baseman Yulieski Gourriel, coached in Nicaragua last winter and led his team to the championship. There are also whispers that Rey Vicente Anglada, Cuba's own Joe Torre will also be heding elsewhere as well.

My colleague Peter Bjarkman made a good point of alluding to the fact that Mesa, one of Cuba's best scouts, decided to go to Mexico the year before they are to face Cuba in the first round of next year's World Baseball Classic

Baseball and the 2008 Election

For the last eight years the US economy has taken a turn for the worst. Many blame the Bush Administration for all of the country's problems. While that might be accurate, people need a distraction to make them forget their woes for at least two hours. Sports have always served as an escape of the dullness of everyday life and now more than ever fans are seeking that break. As the economy continues its spiral downward, America's favorite pastime has taken the spotlight.

What looked like would be a negative impact on attendance reversed its course as fans continued to show up to the ballgame. Despite people losing their homes, jobs and most importantly their sense of security they showed up in record numbers filling the stadiums clearly not reflecting the country's economic state. Both New York City teams will be playing in new digs next year and had high attendance as they closed out Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium. In Southern California where two teams have qualified for the playoffs, fans are not deterred by high gas prices and they continue to show up and support their teams.

In Chicago, two teams have also made the playoffs. The Cubs have the chance of ending the longest title drought of all sports teams in North America which currently stands at 99. The White Sox who won in 2005 want to duplicate that performance. The White Sox had to beat three teams in three days to enter the postseason. Chicago is also in the spotlight because they not only have two opportunities to crown a World Series Champion, but they also are the home to Democratic Presidential nominee, Barack Obama. Obama has the chance to become the nation's first African-American president.

Baseball has served as an outlet for fans since its inception and now it will also serve as a stage for this years'election. Many owners, players and fans will endorse a candidate and the playoffs will not only feature sports t-shirts and jersey, but also clothing showing support for Team Obama or Team McCain.

Rumblings around MLB

Angels first team to clinch...

Angels' K-Rod one save away from Bobby Thigpen with 57...

Joe Torre has the Dodgers sitting pretty atop the NL West while Yankees sit in fourth in theirs...

Nelson Cruz tearing it up for the Rangers after taking home the MVP award in the PCL...

Rays 2.5 games ahead of Boston...

Mets' Billy Wagner out for the season...

Manny Ramirez tearing it up in Dodger Blue...

Jose Reyes has Mets' all-time record for steals...

Pirates' Pedro Alvarez and Scott Boras waging war against his "future" team...

Dodgers' Rafael Furcal close to a return...

Rays' Evan Longoria close to return...

Cards' Albert Pujols might opt for surgery and forgo participation in the WBC...

Yulieski Gourriel speaks to media after Olympics debacle

Yulieski Gourriel finally spoke to the media after the Olympics and granted Elsa Ramos Ramirez of Sancti Spiritus' Escambray newspaper an interview. In a detailed interview he said that it is clearly the worst thing that has happened to him in his career and he even comtemplated walking away from the game. He felt bad for not being able to come through in the clutch in what might be the last Olympics for awhile. He felt bad for what his family went through because of him. Gourriel mentioned that many former stars encouraged and told him it was just part of the game.

He is aware that he has to play well in the upcoming National Series and knows that many fans have it etched in their minds, but that there have been friends from all over who have encouraged him. He is prepared to work doubly hard in order to have a great season and slowly forget about this.

Here's to wishing him his best season ever and hope he can grace us with his great play in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Olympic Baseball-South Korea stuns Cuba in Gold medal match

Baseball comes off the program in 2012 and Cuba was searching for its fourth gold medal since becoming an Olympic sport in 1992. South Korea played the spoiler stunning Olympic powerhouse Cuba 3-2.

South Korea had beaten Cuba 7-4 in their first meeting and it was the Cubans only loss before the final. In a tight game South Korea was able to hold on and beat Cuba to become one of three teams to go undefeated and win Olympic gold, the previous two were the 1992 and 1996 Cuban teams.

The Cubans did not go quietly as they loaded up the bases in the ninth before Yulieski Gourriel grounded into the 6-4-3 double play to end the game.

The Cubans had trained in South Korea a month before heading to Beijing. They played Korean professionals in two games splitting them. Maybe these rivals got to know each others' strengths and weaknesses.

In 2006, South Korea showed the world a glimpse of the level of their baseball as they were undefeated in the WBC before losing the semifinals to Japan. They won the Olympic gold by going undefeated and look prepared to make another run at the WBC title. Hopefully these two teams get to meet in the WBC in San Diego.

Olympic Baseball

USA loses to South Korea, 8-7. After rallying in the ninth, the Koreans came back to steal it away from the Americans. Davey Johnson will have some questions to answer.

In a rematch of the 2006 World Baseball Classic, Cuba beats Japan 4-2.
Nice gift for Fidel Castro on his birthday...

Rumblings around MLB

Randy Ruiz called up by Twins after 7 seasons in minors...

White Sox Jose Contreras out for season...

Paul Byrd a Red Sox...

Adam Dunn a D'Back...

Dodgers' Nomar in, Andruw out...

WBC sites disclosed

The Dodgers' Stadium Club was filled with many major players in baseball. The MCs for the press conference were Dodgers announcers Vin Scully and Jaime Jarrin. They had gathered here to officially announce Dodger Stadium as the site for the World Baseball Classic Semifinals and Finals in 2009.

Current and former Dodger players were in attendance including Chan Ho Park who was donning his Korea jersey from the 2006 WBC. He spoke about what an honor it was to play at that stage for his country.

MLB COO Bob Dupuy came to the podium as well as WBC president Paul Archey, MLBPA rep Gene Orza, 2006 WBC Ambassador and Dodger great Tommy Lasorda talking about how much more exciting it will be this time around. Dodgers owner Frank McCourt also came to the podium and demonstrated his excitement for being selected.

ROUND 1

In Pool A
Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan
Teams: China, Chinese Taipei, Japan and Korea
March 5-9, 2009

In Pool B
Foro Sol in Mexico City, Mexico
Teams: Australia, Cuba, Mexico and South Africa
March 8-12, 2009

In Pool C
Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada
Teams: Canada, Italy, United States and Venezuela
March 8-12, 2009

In Pool D
Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Teams: Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Panama and Puerto Rico
March 8-11, 2009

ROUND 2

Miami Gardens, Florida
Dolphin Stadium
Potential teams: Canada, Dominican Republic, Italy, Netherlands, Panama, Puerto Rico, United States and Venezuela
March 14-18

San Diego, California
Petco Park
Potential teams: Australia, China, Chinese Taipei, Cuba, Japan, Korea, Mexico and South Africa
March 15-19, 2009

Semis and Finals

Dodger Stadium
March 21-23, 2009

Ariel Pestano-un verdugo detras del plato

Que sientes cuando se dice que eres uno de los mejores receptores del mundo?

Cuando eso pasa uno se siente complacido y satisfecho porque es señal que tu esfuerzo es reconocido es el resultado de sacrificio y dedicacion a lo que haces.

En tu carrera has alcanzado muchas metas, que crees que te falta?

Bueno de faltarme me falta poco he sido un hombre dichoso porque he logrado lo que he soñado me siento realizado.

Que crees que Cuba hara en las Olimpiadas?

Tenemos un solo objetivo que es la medalla de oro.

Estas listo para el proximo Clasico?

Sí estoy listo y me siento bien.

Que crees que Cuba lograra en esta segunda edicion?

Esto es impredecible, el terreno dice la ultima palabra.

Cual es el mejor evento de pelota en cual te gusta jugar?

Eso esta de mas decirlo me gusta la pelota dura, es donde uno se prueba de verdad.

Michel Enriquez desde Corea

Cuba siempre tiene un equipazo pero nunca es facil reemplazar a un bate como el tuyo, cuanto crees que fue afectado tu equipo y el equipo nacional?

En el equipo nacional no mucho porque hay algunos que pueden asumir mi puesto o hacer el trabajo pero en la Serie Nacional no es el caso porque cada uno tiene un trabajo y es muy dificil
porque la fuerza de uno no se puede reemplazar facil.

Que hiciste para mantenerte en forma durante el tiempo que estuviste fuera de pelota?

Durante todo ese tiempo tuve entrenando...once meses. Los primeros dos entrene para la fuerza y despues me uni al equipo de la Isla para comenzar preparacion fisica. Nunca deje de entrenar aunque la sancion no fue retirada. No tuve ningun conveniente y no confrente ningun tipo de problema. Cuando entrenaba solo tuve un horario que no afectaba a nadie y no queria coincidir con el publico

Aprendiste alguna leccion de esa experiencia?

Sí, aprendi que en la vida la violencia no te lleva a ningun lugar, aprendi que uno resuelve problemas hablandolos y debatiendolos y madure un poco mas y me di cuenta que uno no siempre tiene la razon.

Que se espera del equipo cubano en las Olimpiadas?

Esperamos el primer lugar que es la mente que llevamos a cualquier torneo en que participa un equipo cubano.

Quien piensas tu que sera la competicion para Uds?

Los equipos van a estar muy buenos. Hay muchos que tienen experiencia en las grandes ligas o ligas menores. EEUU y los asiaticos van con buenos equipos y los asiaticos estan cerca de la sede que les da la oportunidad a los profesionales que participen.

Estas listo para el proximo Clasico?

Claro que sí, desde la Serie Nacional para mejorar la actuacion que fue muy buena la del equipo y la mia personal pero siempre pensando en el equipo que es lo mas especial y mas fundamental. Todos se van a preparar muy duro meses antes y ya nadie va a ser una sorpresa.

La primera ronda sera en la Cd. de Mexico, donde Australia, Cuba, Mexico y Sudafrica se enfrentaran...quien crees que saldra de ahi?

Yo pienso que sera Mexico y Cuba por su tradicion pero no se puede confiar en ninguno.

Has jugado en el Foro Sol en la capital? Si si, que piensas del terreno?

Nunca he jugado ahi. He estado cuatro veces en México pero nunca ahi.

Que tipo de papel crees que Cuba hara en esta segunda edicion?

Nosotros nos vamos a preparar bien. Siempre vamos a coger el primer lugar y si no se puede vamos a demostrar que dejamos todo en el terreno y demostrar que en Cuba se juega buen béisbol y que hay muy buenos peloteros y ya se demostro en el primer Clasico y le doy las gracias a los equipos que nos dieron ese respeto.

Cuban team loses to USA in Haarlem Honkbalweek

Cuba who is looking to shore up their roster for the upcoming Olympics in Beijing took 29 players to Haarlem Honkbalweek in Holland. They lost twice, both losses being handed to them by the Americans. They lost the first game by a score of 1-0 and the final game 4-1.

The Cubans will now head to Korea for some friendly matches before they arrive in China.

Luis Maza agradecido por la oportunidad que le han dado los Dodgers

Luis Maza quien es conocido por sus amigos como "El Gordo" esta tomando la ventaja de la oportunidad que le brindaron los Dodgers. Maza llego a los Dodgers esta primavera como un invitado fuera de roster y hizo lo necesario para llegar al equipo grande.

Maza un jugador versatil quien juega primariamente la segunda base, tambienjuega la tercera base, el campo corto y el jardin izquierdo. Maza fue firmado por los Minnesota en el1997 y fue dejado libre en el 2006. Maza firmo con los Dodgers en el 2006 y se mantuvo trabajando duro. Maza quien debuto este 14 de Mayo contra los Cervezeros de Milwaukee y pego su primer hit de su carrera contra Ben Sheets.

Maza se ha enamorado de Los Angeles y tambien esta feliz de poder jugar con un pelotero quien admira, Rafael Furcal.

EL venezolano de Cumana quien participo con los Tigres de Aragua en esta pasada Serie del Caribe y bateo .333 ha seguido su buen jugada hasta ahora. Cuando fue preguntado si esta listo para representar a su pais en el Clasico Mundial de Beisbol afirmo que si.

Angel Berroa con nueva oportunidad en Los Angeles

Berroa quien gano el Novato del Año con los Reales de Kansas City en el 2003 esta feliz de estar con los Dodgers de Los Angeles. ¨Fue un empezar de nuevo, una nueva oportunidad, estuve en Kansas City en las ligas menores los ultimos dos años y cuando me dieron las noticias estaba feliz¨, dijo Berroa durante practicas.

A parte de tener un nuevo comienzo a Berroa le gusto que llego a un equipo que esta en la pelea y le encanta la ciudad. ¨Aqui se juega buena pelota y estan en una ciudad que todo el mundo la conoce¨, Berroa comento al Listin Diario.

El campo corto se convirtio en el sexto Quisqueyano en el roster de 40 del conjunto de los Dodgers. Llega en un tiempo donde los Dodgers han empezado a reenfocarse en la Republica Dominicana. Berroa dijo que mira un gran futuro para peloteros Dominicanos ya que se conocen los intereses de la gerencia y que ya es conocido que el Campo Las Palmas es bien bueno." Los Dodgers fueron uno de los primeros equipos con peresencia en la isla.

Rumblings around MLB

Albert Pujols returning from the disabled list...

Troy Cate signs with Milwaukee Brewers after short stint with Orange County Flyers of the Golden Baseball League...

Former AL Rookie of the Year Angel Berroa traded to Dodgers...

Brett Tomko released by Royals...

Trade rumors surfacing as All Star game nears...

Moises Alou back on disabled list...

Managers merry go round as three are fired including Mets' Willie Randolph...

Seattle GM Bill Bavasi fired after dismal start...

Alex Cintron becomes starting SS in Baltimore...

Cuban Baseball

Tony Castro was named the Vice President of the Cuban Baseball Federation while 2006 World Baseball Classic Manager Higinio Velez was named President on June 11, 2008.



The Jose Antonio Huelga Tournament took place in the first half of June where Cuba fielded two teams, Red and Blue, while Puerto Rico and Venezuela rounded out the competition. The Blue team won the tournament beating the Red team in the championship game. From this they will select a team that will represent them in Holland in preparation for the Olympics.



The following were selected:

C: Rolando Meriño, Ariel Pestano*, Yosvany Peraza and Eriel Sánchez*

IF: Alexander Malleta, Yoandry Garlobo*, Héctor Olivera, Eduardo Paret*, Yulieski Gourriel*, Michel Enríquez* and Luis Miguel Navas

OF: Giorvis Duvergel, Frederich Cepeda*, Yoandry Urgellés, Alexei Bell, Yoennis Céspedes, Alfredo Despaigne, Leonis Martín and Osmani Urrutia*

P: Pedro Luis Lazo*, Norge Luis Vera, Yunieski Maya*, Jonder Martínez*, Yulieski González*, Miguel Lahera, Yadier Pedroso*, Adiel Palma*, Norberto González*, Elier Sánchez, Ismel Jiménez, Luis Miguel Rodríguez and Vicyohandri Odelín*



*WBC participants



The Cuban team also hosted the Santa Barbara Foresters in a three game series from June 21-23.

Rumblings around MLB

Nationals' Odalis Perez got his first win of the season in a game that he went 3-3 with 2 rbi...

Boston's Julian Tavarez was designated for assignment...

San Diego's Jim Edmonds was released...

Edison Volquez has been a breath of fresh air for the Reds...

Marlins lock up Hanley Ramirez...

Rays have taken over first place in AL East...

Tigers have not lived up to expectations...

Adrian Gonzalez and brother Edgar playing together for the Pads...

Jorge Sosa and Nelson Figueroa optioned to AAA as Claudio Vargas and Fernando Tatis are called up for the Mets...

Felipe Alou named Manager for WBC Dominican squad...

My article in the Dominican Republic's Listin Diario

Over the last few months, I have written some articles for ebeisbol.com as well as the Dominican Republic's Listin Diario.

http://listin.com.do/app/article.aspx?id=58011

Duncan quiere dirigir RD y estar en Clásico Mundial
Guille Esquivel Especial para Listín Diario - 5/8/2008

LOS ANGELES.- El coach de primera base de los Dodgers de Los Angeles, Mariano Duncan, tiene como próximas metas en su carrera el dirigir en la pelota invernal de su país, República Dominicana, y luego intentar el salto a las Grandes Ligas.
En el intermedio, le gustaría formar parte del cuerpo técnico de Felipe Alou en el próximo Clásico Mundial de Béisbol.
“Para mi es un orgullo haber jugado con los Tigres del Licey y poder dirigirlos en algún momento es un sueño,” dijo Duncan al Listín Diario en Dodger Stadium.
“Pero no descarto cualquier posibilidad de poder dirigir otro conjunto en la liga dominicana, cualquiera que me dé la oportunidad”, expresó Duncan.
El entrenador no oculta su interés en formar parte del cuerpo de asistentes que tendrá Alou en el segundo Clásico Mundial, que está programado para marzo del 2009.
“Ahora con el Clásico que viene el año próximo estoy esperando ya que nombraron a Felipe para ser dirigente y no se sabe cuales serán sus coaches. Estaré preparado para lo que suceda si me escogen como coach para el equipo dominicano bien y si no, espero mi oportunidad,” dijo.
“Espero que Felipe me tome en cuenta, y si no sucede así, entonces yo estaría aquí (semifinales,finales en Dodger Stadium) con muchísimo gusto apoyando al equipo dominicano,” agregó.
Duncan nació en la organización de los Dodgers y le agradece mucho por la gran opportunidad que le han dado de desarrollarse en otra faceta del juego. Para él, la llegada de Joe Torre ha sido como una bendición.
“Creo que la adquisición que hicimos de traer a Torre para acá fue uno de los grandes movimientos de este equipo. Para mi ha significado adquirir más experiencia”, dijo. “Cada día que ha pasado siempre trato de estar al lado de él para ver los movimientos que hace y tratar de aprender ”, apuntó antes del partido del martes contra los Mets de New York.
Por el momento, Duncan continuará adquiriendo experiencia cada día, mientras espera su oportunidad ya sea para dirigir en la liga invernal o Grandes Ligas o ser coach de República Dominicana en el Clásico Mundial del 2009.

Cuban Baseball

The Serie Nacional has come to a conclusion and hundreds of new records were set. The National Team will begin to practice for the Olympics in Havana on May 14th. There are a lot of new players on the potential roster who have never been part of a National Team nor have they been part the selection process. To take a look at the roster, you can read Peter Bjarkman's column at:

http://www.baseballdecuba.com/EngnewsContainer.asp?id=726

Since Higinio Velez' appointment as Cuban Baseball Federation president, there has been one major change. Rey Vicente Anglada who managed the team in the World Cup competition has been replaced by Antonio Pacheco. Pacheco is the Santiago de Cuba manager who won back to back titles in the Serie Nacional.

Santiago de Cuba repeats as Champion

Santiago de Cuba cruised to an easy four game sweep to complete their back to back titles. Homerun champ Alexei Bell and company proved to be too much for the Pinar del Rio squad.

The Pinareños were outscored 29-9 in the four games. The final game was the only close one where Bell came through in the clutch singlig in the winning run off Pedro Luis Lazo who was pitching in relief.

Now that the Serie Nacional 47 has concluded, the National team will reconvene in Havana within the next two weeks to prepare for Beijing.

Serie Nacional 47 finalists decided

Last year's champions Santiago de Cuba is looking to repeat while Pinar del Rio will try to capture their first title in ten years. Santiago de Cuba has been very dominant throughout the playoffs and were pretty much a shoe-in for the final. Pinar del Rio on the other hand accomplished the improbable coming back from 3-1 to tie the series and beat Sancti Spiritus on the road with a final score of 7-6 in extra innings.

The game had a little bit of everything with good pitching in tough situations and great opportune batting. Yulieski Gourriel hit his first homerun of the playoffs to bring the Gallos within two, 6-4. They tied the game, but were not able to capitalize on a few chances. There were a few ejections and clearing of the benches. Pinar del Rio even went as far walking off the field in protest. Things settled down and they went on to win and secure their spot in the finals.

Rumblings around MLB

The "new and improved" Tigers finally won their first game of the season scoring 7 runs to beat the Red Sox. They had scored a total of 15 runs in their 7 games. They have a good team and it is still early for them to recover from the 0-7 start. After the Rockies string of wins last season, anything is possible.

Albert Pujols continues to pay through pain and you cannot tell. He just hit two homeruns last night, the man is a monster!

Fausto Carmona and the Indians agreed to a 7-year extension, does that signal the end of the line for Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia? Sabathia and the Indians are far apart on a figure to keep him.

K-Rod's minor injury might prove to be a setback in contract negotiations with the Angels.

The Mets have hit the only snag that could keep such a powerful team down, injury. They have a lot of key cogs out that are keeping them in the middle of the pack.

Doug Davis beat the Dodgers with his arm and his bat before he underwent surgery to remove his cancerous thyroid.

Manny Ramirez, Rafael Furcal and Vladimir Guerrero are making early bids for either contract extensions or a nice contract in the offseason.

The Diamonbacks are doing it on both sides of the field and have only lost two games to hold a slight edge in the NL West.

Dodgers' ownership is doing everything in their power to lose fans with new autograph policies and yearly ticket price increases. Funny how once they took pride in having some of the least expensive tickets to watch a major league game.

The Orioles and Marlins are in first place in their divisions and the Athletics are in second. Too early to call, but these are the teams that are supposed to be in the gutter.

Cuban semifinals begin this Friday

The Cuban league semis will begin without the capital's Industriales who were eliminated early on.

Last year's champion Santiago de Cuba will face Villa Clara who boasts Cuba team captain Eduardo Paret along with WBC teammates Ariel Borrero and Ariel Pestano.

Sancti Spiritus who also has three WBC players: Frederich Cepeda, Yuliesky Gourriel and Eriel Sanchez will face Pinar del Rio led by Pedro Luis Lazo along with WBC teammate Yunieski Maya.

Odalis Perez-an enigma

Odalis Perez has been villified in the media since his days in a Dodger uniform. There have been many times where what he has said was miscontrued or blown out of proportion. I have been fortunate to know him since 2004 and I have been exposed to a side many don't know and the media refuses to see.

He has been criticized for things such as refusing to pitch with a split fingernail (we know the outcome of having to pitch anyway) and blasting his teammates for the lack of run support yet he tied the major league record with 18 no decisions in one year. Maybe it is the way that he has expressed himself that has not come across as acceptable, but the media chooses to focus on the negative.

He is mostly known for the fact that his O's 45 kids club that was discontinued for reasons that are unknown to the public which differ from what the media reported. He has always participated in hospital visits, clinics, and teammates' charitable events. Perez has been donating equipment back in the Dominican Republic for years now and that has never been mentioned. He has held softball games in his hometown of Las Matas de Farfan and has provided entertainment free to the public for a few years running. He has also donated equipment to Little Leagues and Adult Leagues in Los Angeles even after his departure.

Last night he seemed to turn a new leaf in his professional career as it was evident that he lost weight in the offseason. He seems more comfortable on the mound and in control of his pitches. As an ODP fan, I am glad to see him reunited with Paul LoDuca who was his catcher in all of his memorable games. Hope his hard work in the offseason pays off and we see the old ODP that pitched well enough to warrant the $24 million dollar contract given to him in 2005.

Cuban Baseball Update

Pedro Luis Lazo became the all time leader in wins in Series Nacionales with 237. He just helped his team, Pinar del Rio, accomplish what many struggle to do and that is eliminate Habana's Industriales in the playoffs. They are the first team to secure a spot in the semifinals.

Yulieski Gonzalez accomplished 15 victories in the season and remained undefeated. His team is facing Sancti Spiritus in the playoffs.

Alexei Bell became the all-time leader in homeruns with 31 and RBI with 111. Impressive considering they play a 90 game season. Bell also became the first player to have a 25-25 season. You can keep up with him in playoff action where his team Santiago de Cuba is facing Las Tunas.

The remaining series feature Sancti Spiritus vs Habana and Ciego de Avila vs Villa Clara.

Keep up with the Cuban playoffs at www.radiococo.cu or www.baseballdecuba.com

Alexei Bell breaks single season homerun record and Yuliesky Gonzalez reaches 14 wins in Cuban baseball

Alexei Bell from the Santiago de Cuba team hit his 29th homerun to break Joan Carlos Pedroso's of 28 set in 2003. Pedroso played in the 2006 WBC. Bell has also set a record of 100 RBI breaking his previous mark of 97.



WBC hurler Yuliesky Gonzalez has earned his 14th victory of the season therefore tying the record for the most victories a single season. He has no losses and is looking for a league record 15th win in Wednesday's game. You can follow the action at www.radiococo.cu

WBC closer Pedro Luis Lazo ties all-time leader for victories

Pedro Luis Lazo earned his 234th win in Cuban baseball tying now retired Jorge Luis Valdez. He reaches that mark in one season less than Valdez did. He is one of six who has won more than 200 games.

Lazo is a two-time Olympic Champion and was a key cog for the 2006 WBC team. He debuted with Pinar del Rio in 1990 and has an array of pitches that have allowed him to have a long and successful career.

He is a sure bet to participate in this year's Beijing Olympics and most likely will grace the 2009 WBC roster again.

WBC hurler throws no hitter

Jonder Martinez threw nine innings of no hit and no run ball. He pitched the 49th no hitter of Cuban league history. He had 6 strikeouts without allowing a walk in a 7-0 victory over Ciego de Avila.

He is the second pitcher to throw a no hitter for the Habana team. The first no no was pitched by Jose M. Pedroso in 1982.

With the victory he tied teammate and also WBC pitcher Yuliesky Gonzalez for the league lead with 12 wins. He also lowered his era to 1.40.

Red Sox @ Dodgers preview

The Dodgers-Red Sox game at Holman Stadium provided much more than a preview of the upcoming series that will take place at the end of the month. The Dodgers won 4-0 and they saw some good pitching from Esteban Loaiza who was able to pitch out of jams and escape unscathed. The Red Sox brought with them David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Jacoby Ellsbury among others who made the trip to Vero Beach.

Matt Kemp hit a three-run homerun against Daisuke Matsuzaka to take the early lead. This game was also a sneak peek of what the Dodgers' future holds. Nineteen-year-old Clayton Kershaw pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the fourth and did it in a convincing manner. He might be up in the bigs sooner than we think.

As a Dodger fan, I am definitely excited for the upcoming season. I am confident in our young guys and am looking forward to what Joe Torre brings to the table.

True Gamerz sportswear

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with Marco Estrada Jr. of True Gamerz. A former player who reached AA ball before an illness cut his career short who has now started his sportswear company. He comes from a family of ballplayers and baseball is what brough them to El Segundo, California years ago. When his father, Marco Estrada Sr. was 11 years old he traveled with a Mexican All-Star team that brought him to the United States. He played pro ball in Mexico and eventually moved his family back to El Segundo. Middle brother Kevin reached AAA with the St. Louis Cardinals before opting for a career as a firefighter. Robi at 19 is in the Tampa Bay organization and youngest brother Kobe is 9 and playing as well.

California pumps out the most ballplayers in the league and that inspired him to start his clothing line. Capitalizing on the amount of Latinos in baseball, he has geared the line towards them with catchy phrases used throughout Latin America. Once the company has established itself, it will broaden to other sports.

They plan to donate a percentage of each purchase that will go towards the purchasing of equipment for underprivileged kids in Latin America and in the US that cannot afford to buy it.

You can check it out at www.truegamerz.com

Rumblings from around the league

The Mets are the "team to beat" barring injury...since that was said...Moises Alou has gone down and will be out until May...

Mets search for OF option for Alou...

The Rangers have a surplus of outfielders and either Nelson Cruz or Jason Botts will be moving zip codes...

The Braves will most likely opt to not carry three catchers and Brayan Peña might be heading out of town before Spring Training is over...

Odalis Perez is impressing the Nationals, but must get into real games before he can snag a spot on the roster...

Bartolome Fortunato impressing the Giants with his "palm ball"...

Cuban Miguel Valdez has been hired as a special assistant to the Mets...

Giants' Noah Lowry to have surgery on pitching arm...

Marlins' Alfredo Amezaga's versatility not overlooked by Fredi Gonzalez...

Red Sox Jonathan Papelbon gets $775k deal...he needs to pitch another good year before discussing multi-year deal...he's no Mariano Rivera or Eric Gagne yet...

Mariner's Miguel Batista feeling back pain...

Bonds seen everywhere except a spring training camp...

Orioles' Brian Roberts still being mentioned in possible trade with Cubs...

Astros' Shawn Chacon to wear #1...

Anaheim fans can watch spring training games for free on Angels' website...

Spring Training-Cactus League

I went over to Tucson, AZ for the first time in 12 years and it was also my first time attending Spring Training games. The city has changed a lot over the years and it is definitely worth it to catch some games before the White Sox move to Glendale, AZ in 2009. There is also a rumor floating around that the Colorado Rockies have been looking at a Goodyear, AZ location for a future move. The Diamondbacks are the other team in Tucson and I fully understand the reason why they train there, a way to spread the love throughout the state. The 113 mile drive to Tucson from Phoenix is not that bad and it is a straightshot on the 10 where the speeding cameras have yet to catch on. Beware of commute on the 101, Big Brother is watching and sending speeding tickets home.

My friends and I went to catch a couple of games last weekend. We hit up the White Sox-Diamondbacks game and I got to see Alexei play baseball since he left Cuba. He was doing well and looked comfortable which is important. We also hit up the Rockies-Mexico game and my second country got the 2-1 win. Those are the types of games I love to watch. After the seventh inning they no longer charge and it is definitely worth it. I did not get the chance to get to many pictures because we were being really lazy with our cameras.

Spring Training Report Dates

Team
Pitchers and Catchers Report Date
Full Squad

Arizona Diamondbacks
Feb. 16
Feb. 21

Atlanta Braves
Feb. 15
Feb. 20

Baltimore Orioles
Feb. 14
Feb. 19

Boston Red Sox
Feb. 16
Feb. 22

Chicago Cubs
Feb. 14
Feb. 19

Chicago White Sox
Feb. 16
Feb. 21

Cincinnati Reds
Feb. 17
Feb. 20

Cleveland Indians
Feb. 16
Feb. 21

Colorado Rockies
Feb. 16
Feb. 23

Detroit Tigers
Feb. 15
Feb. 20

Florida Marlins
Feb. 18
Feb. 21

Houston Astros
Feb. 14
Feb. 19

Kansas City Royals
Feb. 14
Feb. 19

Los Angeles Angels
Feb. 15
Feb. 20

Los Angeles Dodgers
Feb. 15
Feb. 20

Milwaukee Brewers
Feb. 17
Feb. 23

Minnesota Twins
Feb. 18
Feb. 23

New York Mets
Feb. 16
Feb. 20

New York Yankees
Feb. 15
Feb. 20

Oakland Athletics
Feb. 14
Feb. 21

Philadelphia Phillies
Feb. 14
Feb. 19

Pittsburgh Pirates
Feb. 15
Feb. 20

St. Louis Cardinals
Feb. 15
Feb. 19

San Diego Padres
Feb. 15
Feb. 20

San Francisco Giants
Feb. 14
Feb. 19

Seattle Mariners
Feb. 14
Feb. 20

Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Feb. 15
Feb. 20

Texas Rangers
Feb. 15
Feb. 20

Toronto Blue Jays
Feb. 16
Feb. 21

Washington Nationals
Feb. 17
Feb. 22

Béisbol Latino News

In Serie del Caribe news...

Licey became the first non-championship team to win the series. They were the runner-up in the Dominican League replacing Puerto Rico who was absent this year.


In Cuban baseball...

Occidentales beat the Orientales when Pinar del Rio's Yosvani Peraza hit a walk off homerun in the 9th to give them the win, 6-5.

Yulieski Gourriel beat Joan Carlos Pedroso in the homerun derby.

Michel Enriquez has been reinstated in Cuban baseball just in time to have a chance to be a part of the Olympic team and the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

Juego de Estrellas-CUBA

The Cuban League All-Star game will take place in Santiago de Cuba on Sunday, February 3, 2008.

This could very well be the batch of players that will also serve as possible selections for the upcoming Olympics in Beijing and the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

The Occidental team will be managed by Esteban Lombillo who is the current manager for.

The players are:

Catchers: Eriel Sánchez, Yosvani Peraza and Osvaldo Arias.

Infielders: Yoandy Garlobo (WBC), Roberto Zulueta, Rafael Valdés, Ernesto Molinet, Yadil Mujica, José Antonio Iglesias, Yulieski Gourriel (WBC) and Rudy Reyes (WBC).

Outfielders: Yasser Gómez, Frederich Cepeda (WBC), Jorge Padrón, Juan Carlos Linares, Liván Monteagudo and Carlos Tabares (WBC).

Designated Hitter: Alexander Mayeta.

Pitchers: Yulieski González (WBC), Jonder Martínez (WBC), Miguel Alfredo González, Gerardo Miranda, Yadier Pedroso (WBC), Miguel Lahera, Ismel Jiménez, Ian Rendón, Alexei Gil and Noelvis Hernández.

The Oriental team will be managed by Antonio Pacheco who is.

The players are:

Catchers: Rolando Meriño, Lisdey Díaz and Selme Angulo.

Infielders: José Julio Ruiz, Joan Carlos Pedroso (WBC), Héctor Olivera, Yoilán Cerce, Dainer Moreira, Luis Miguel Navas, Roinnier Mustelier and Yunior Paumier.

Outfielders: Leonys Martín, Alexei Bell, Henry Urrutia, Giorvis Duvergel, Alfredo Despaigne and Yoenis Céspedes.

Designated Hitter: Osmani Urrutia.

Pitchers: Yoelkis Cruz, Norge Luis Vera, Alberto Bicet, Yuliet López, Osmel Cintras, Alexander Rodríguez, Ubisney Bermúdez, Jorge Longa and Yosvani Pérez (WBC).

The Professional Student-Athlete

Reinier Yero has been playing in the Cuban League since. His best year was in when he , but he never was selected to a National Team. Not being able to capture that has eluded him all of his career. He has not allowed himself to become bitter and on the other hand has chosen to continue to work in baseball after retirement. Yero has been attending school while playing for the last couple of years and he is in the process of completing his Master’s Degree. He also began to coach the younger squad which he was a part of for 13 years in Jatibonico, his hometown. He took the time to answer some of my questions:

Al final del 2007 te retiraste ¿Qué fue lo que cambio tu pensamiento para regresar?

Decidi regresar porque el nuevo director me lo pidio para que ayudara al
equipo.

¿Qué son tus metas para esta temporada?

Estas son mis metas en esta temporada: clasificar para la postemporada, jugar como regular en los playoff, y ser campeón nacional.

¿Qué se espera de los Gallos este año con un nuevo dirigente y algunos nuevos peloteros que se han integrado?

Del nuevo director todos acá esperan que pueda hacer lo que no hizo Lourdes, ser campeón.

¿Planeas retirarte al final de esta temporada?

Si terminada la temporada me retiraré, pues ese fue el acuerdo que tuve con el comisionado de la provincia.

¿Si, sí qué son tus planes aparte de dirigir el equipo de Jatibonico, la ciudad donde naciste?

Mis planes son dirigir el equipo para el que jugue por 13 temporadas y eso amiga te confieso que no esta muy lejos.

Nicaragua's Boer team will face Colombia's Caimanes de Baranquilla in a Three Game Series

Boer dominated all season and are the 2007-2008 champions in the Liga Nicaragüense de Beisbol Profesional (LNBP). Boer is led by Lourdes Gourriel who abandoned his post last season as the Sancti Spiritus manager where he had been coaching his two eldest sons Yunieski and Yulieski.


Going into the sixth game with a 3-2 advantage, Boer beat San Fernando 6-0. They won the series 4-2 which included a 19-3 romp in game 5. Boer repeat as champions in the Nicaraguan League.


Boer will be facing the Caimanes de Baranquilla who swept the Indios de Cartagena in the Colombian final. They will be playing three games in two venues. This is the second year that these two leagues will face each other in a final. Last year the Colombians traveled to Nicaragua and won the series 2-1. Boer has a score to settle as they try to avenge last year's loss.


If these two leagues continue to get strong, it will not be a surprise if we see either of them in the future in the Caribbean Series or the World Baseball Classic. It was no secret that one of these two teams would have replaced Cuba in 2006 WBC if the U.S. government had not granted them permission to participate.

Cuban Baseball and the Mizuno 150 ball

The Cuban league kicked off their 47th season with the use of a new ball, the Mizuno 150, which so far has proven to have better results. The Conexion ball which was used last year drew a lot of criticism from the players and fans alike. Last year, the leader in homeruns was current Chicago White Sox player Alexei Ramirez who hit 20. The ball change has made a difference so far since a little over a third of the season has been played and there is already a player with 10 homeruns and a few others with 9.

The record for homeruns in a season is held by 2006 World Baseball Classic first baseman Joan Carlos Pedroso who had 28 in the 2002-2003 season. We might see that record fall this year and we might also see a 30-30 player in Yulieski Gourriel if he stays healthy. It will definitely be a season filled with a lot of competition and will serve as a stage for the younger players to prove that they have what it takes to be chosen for the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

2008 Serie del Caribe and Latin Winter Leagues

This year the Serie del Caribe will be held in Santiago, Dominican Republic, a noted baseball hotbed. As excited as I was last year that I would finally be heading to a series in the Dominican Republic, my excitement was shortlived when it was announced that the Puerto Rican league would be closing down shop for at least a year. Their absence will force the organizers to allow the host country to enter two teams. Dominican #1 and #2, Mexico and Venezuela. It will definitely be a dogfight, but I think it would be more enjoyable having more countries represented. (Schedule below)


I am glad to see that other countries in Latin America are having successful seasons and maybe that is a glimpse of what will be seen in the series in a not so distant future. Nicaragua and Colombia will face each other after their championship seasons come to an end. For many reasons, the Cuban league starts in December and runs through April when the major league season has already began. While some leagues continue to fluorish others continue to face problems. Aside from Puerto Rico, Panama seems to continue to struggle with their infrastructure and hopefully in the near future that too can be resolved as well.


I wish that the Serie del Caribe would become a mini classic that included the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Venezuela, Panama, Cuba, Colombia and Nicaragua. It would be a great event if it ever becomes a reality.


2008 Serie del Caribe Schedule


FEB. 02
REP. DOMINICANA 2 VS VENEZUELA
4:00 P.M.
MEXICO VS. REPUBLICA DOMINICANA 1
8:00 P.M.


FEB. 03
REP. DOMINICANA 2 VS. MEXICO
4:00 P.M.
REPUBLICA DOMINICANA 1 VS. VENEZUELA
8:00 P.M.


FEB. 04
VENEZUELA VS MEXICO
4:00 P.M.
REPUBLICA DOMINICANA 1 VS REP. DOMINICANA 2
8:00 P.M.


FEB. 05
VENEZUELA VS REP. DOMINICANA 2
4:00 P.M.
REPUBLICA DOMINICANA 1 VS. MEXICO
8:00 P.M.


FEB. 06
MEXICO VS. REP. DOMINICANA 2
4:00 P.M.
VENEZUELA VS. REPUBLICA DOMINICANA 1
8:00 P.M.


FEB. 07
MEXICO VS VENEZUELA
4:00 P.M.
REP. DOMINICANA 2 VS. REPUBLICA DOMINICANA 1
8:00 P.M.

Steroids in Baseball

Time to touch upon baseball's black eye, steroids. Since the Mitchell Report's release in December there has not been a letdown in coverage by the sports media as it graces front pages of both online and print media everyday. The biggest story to surface has been the naming of Roger Clemens in the report. I have seen his attempts to clear his name, none have been convincing. In little time he has taken the focus from Barry Bonds and it will be a while before he can deflect it from himself.

As a lifetime baseball fan, I was disappointed to see how prevalent steroids has been in the sport. Although, I am not ignorant to the fact that it has been a recurring problem. What I find problematic is the everchanging policy of what is banned and what isn't. Anything that can harm the human body should be avoided altogether and be continuously banned. I am aware that competition breeds cheating since many will do whatever it takes to keep their position. Too many negative things have happened in the sport at many levels that the line has to be drawn somewhere.

I applaud the recent action by MLB to join the NFL in an anti-doping research collaborative headed by the USOC in order to create a drug-fighting partnership. They have also launched a new branch of the Commissioner's Office that will focus into looking into drug use in the sport. I see all this as an attempt to save face and move forward. I am ready to move on and look forward to the 2008 season.

8th Annual Juan Encarnación Softball Classic

On December 9, 2007 the 8th Annual Juan Encarnación Softball Classic took place in Las Matas de Farfán. This is the third one in a row that I attend and they did not disappoint. They hold a softball game played by MLB current and former players as well as locals participating. This year Vladimir Guerrero made a cameo appearance arriving by helicopter, but did not play. Others in attendance were José Rijo, Ricardo Carty, Ronny Paulino, Octavio Dotel, Julio Santana, D´Angelo Jiménez, Julio Mateo, Kelvin Jiménez , Odalis Pérez, Alberto Castillo, Roberto Novoa, Ramón Santiago and Víctor Méndez.



This year the event had more meaning on two different levels. The country had recently been ravaged by two hurricanes and Juan Encarnación is still unaware when he will return to the diamond. Last season he suffered an eye injury while standing in the on deck circle. He was hit by a foul ball that fractured his eye socket.



After the game there were live performances held throughout the town for the people to enjoy.

Spring Training 2008-Key dates for Dodger fans

The Dodgers will play in Vero Beach for the 61st year and possibly their last season there, you can watch them at Holman Stadium up until their last game on March 17, 2008. Their last game in Florida will be on the 18th against the Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Some of the team will depart for Asia for a two-game exhibition in Beijing while the rest of the team will reconvene in Arizona on the 20th. They will be in Arizona until the 25th and then come home to Southern California and play in an abbreviated Freeway Series consisting of one game at Angel Stadium on March 27th. They will then face the World Series Champions Boston Red Sox from March 28-30 with a very special 50th anniversary game sandwiched in between at the Coliseum on the 29th.