tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15437274324217729222012-02-16T02:30:43.595-08:00GEnoreply@blogger.comBlogger911100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-83575073900920739862010-04-08T16:06:00.000-07:002010-04-08T16:19:55.680-07:00<div>President Obama threw out the first pitch in the Nationals game donning a White Sox cap, never hiding his allegiance to the city of Chicago.</div><div><br /></div>The Dodgers finally earned a victory over the rejuvenated Pirates. The squad from the 'Burgh is a young and talented squad who handed the Dodgers two straight defeats. Garrett Jones who spent 11 years in the minors hit two home runs on Opening Day and hit another in his second game. <div><br /></div><div>Albert Pujols continues to show why they call him La Maquina, he too had two home runs on Opening Day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nelson Cruz who is healthy also had a home run on Opening Day vs Toronto. </div><div><br /></div><div>Serie del Caribe hero Nelson Figueroa was released by the Mets, but immediately picked up by the Phillies.</div><div><br /></div><div>In International Baseball, Industriales won the championship in Cuba.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yuniesky Maya awaits his OFAC paperwork that will make him eligible to play for MLB.</div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-8357507390092073986?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-6022887813766902542009-12-07T12:20:00.000-08:002009-12-07T12:22:26.998-08:00Castro begins his 4-year term today as he was named 3rd Vice President of IBAF. I want to extend my congratulations as I know that he will work hard in the advancement of baseball in his home country and around the world.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-602288781376690254?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-59318899868303888622009-06-08T22:01:00.000-07:002009-06-08T22:12:04.880-07:00One would think that I was suspended right along with Manny since I had been silent since his suspension was announced. Manny is less than a month away from being back in action and is currently fifth in voting for NL outfielders. <br /><br />Big Papi is slowly coming out of his slump and I predict that he will be back to his normal production before season's end.<br /><br />Nelson Cruz has been the producer that all Dominican league fans knew he would be. Check out his webpage at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/nelsoncruzbaseball.com">nelsoncruzbaseball.com</a><br /><br />La Habana won the Cuban League this year for the first time in their history with the help of Yulieski Gonzalez (2009 and 2006 WBC), Jonder Martinez (2006 WBC), Miguel Lahera (2009 WBC) and Yadier Pedroso (2006 WBC) who was also the ERA champion.<br /><br />Bday shout out to Yulieski Gourriel who turns a quarter century today. He batted .399 this season losing to Michel Enriquez .401.<br /><br />My book will be due out this month and a link to purchase will be available here.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-5931889986830388862?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-54122681412257499592009-05-07T09:34:00.000-07:002009-05-07T09:46:53.699-07:00Manny Ramirez has accepted his suspension for PEDs and it begins tonight. The Dodgers are undefeated at home with a 13-0 record and Manny's absence will surely affect the team as he is scheduled to return on July 3rd in a period where he will lose over 7M in salary. <br /><br />Ramirez is claiming that a medication that he took is to blame for this outcome. As much as they get paid and most have 2-3 handlers, this could have been avoided if what he is claiming is true. It is very easy to pick up the phone and make a call to confirm if what they are planning to take contains a banned substance. These players owe it to the fans and the game to take all the precautions possible. <br /><br />It all began with ARod lying to the fans and then later having to retract his statements and apologize. Unfortunately I believe that Manny isn't the only one who will be suspended this year, but he is the biggest name thus far.<br /><br />As a lifetime baseball fan, I am disheartened by this news and as an educator I am angry that athletes are not taking their role model responsibilities seriously. Children look up to these athletes and having to explain an adult's decision to take PEDs will be hard to do. I just hope that some "natural" players rise from the ashes of the inferno that baseball has become to save America's pastime.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-5412268141225749959?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-2794503624288077622009-04-09T12:17:00.000-07:002009-04-09T12:23:06.079-07:00Angels' Nick Adenhart passed away in a hit and run accident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family...<br /><br />Rangers' Nelson Cruz belts two 400+ ft home runs in victory against Indians...<br /><br />Rangers' Elvis Andrus hits first home run of career...<br /><br />Brewers' Gallardo takes the Unit deep...<br /><br />Manny doing his thang with the Dodgers...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-279450362428807762?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-47622844227358214202009-04-09T12:12:00.000-07:002009-04-09T12:17:11.780-07:00Frederich Cepeda celebrated his birthday on the 8th of April as his Sancti Spiritus team was on a 10 game winning streak.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-4762284422735821420?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-36256103217051552162009-03-22T10:28:00.000-07:002009-03-22T18:31:32.737-07:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/ScZ1wNK4JuI/AAAAAAAAATI/f2Dgevse1Hc/s1600-h/cover8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316065881186903778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 229px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/ScZ1wNK4JuI/AAAAAAAAATI/f2Dgevse1Hc/s320/cover8.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>My new book will be out soon and you can take a sneak peek at outofpark.com</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-3625610321705155216?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-85210236264050803882009-03-22T10:02:00.000-07:002009-03-22T10:26:25.497-07:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/ScZ0q7oP8XI/AAAAAAAAATA/Lvll2qrhQBk/s1600-h/P3150962.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316064691067285874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/ScZ0q7oP8XI/AAAAAAAAATA/Lvll2qrhQBk/s320/P3150962.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Darvish who is a star in Japan has no interest in coming to the majors of the US. The 21 year-old pitcher of Japanese and Iranian descent told me that he is happy to be in Japan. Who can blame him? He is at HOME, has a million dollar contract, his wife and son are there, and he has reached sex symbol status. Look to see him only in international competition like in this year's World Baseball Classic.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-8521023626405080388?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-17389404566379285302009-02-15T07:45:00.000-08:002009-02-15T07:55:55.017-08:00I had been missing in action...check out ebeisbol.com to see some of my work<br /><br />Nelson Cruz to play for the Dominican team in the WBC...<br /><br />Venezuela crowned champ in the Caribbean Series...<br /><br />Manny's locker awaits him in Glendale, AZ...<br /><br />Bobby Abreu to Angels on one year deal...<br /><br />Ervin Santana an Angel fo four more years...<br /><br />Adam Dunn to Nats...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-1738940456637928530?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-19264884606827297982009-01-26T06:42:00.001-08:002009-02-15T07:56:53.328-08:00Mazatlan will represent Mexico...<br /><br />Licey will represent Dominican Republic...<br /><br />Ponce will represent Puerto Rico...<br /><br />Tigres del Aragua have advantage in Venezuela...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-1926488460682729798?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-72514551221072233332009-01-22T06:46:00.000-08:002009-01-22T06:52:00.593-08:00<strong>Pitchers </strong><br /><br />Broxton, Jonathan<br />Danks, John<br />Devine, Joey<br />Fuentes, Brian<br />Guthrie, Jeremy<br />Howell, J.P.<br />Kazmir, Scott<br />Lackey, John<br />Lilly, Ted<br />Lindstrom, Matt<br />Nathan, Joe<br />Oswalt, Roy<br />Peavy, Jake<br />Putz, J.J.<br />Qualls, Chad<br />Ryan, B.J.<br />Sherrill, George<br />Shields, Scot<br />Thornton, Matt<br />Verlander, Justin<br />Ziegler, Brad<br /><br /><strong>Catchers</strong><br /><br />Iannetta, Chris<br />McCann, Brian<br />Pierzynski, A.J.<br />Schneider, Brian<br /><br /><strong>Infielders</strong><br /><br />Jeter, Derek<br />Jones, Chipper<br />Lee, Derrek<br />Longoria, Evan<br />Pedroia, Dustin<br />Roberts, Brian<br />Rollins, Jimmy<br />Wright, David<br />Youkilis, Kevin<br /><br /><strong>Outfielders</strong><br /><br />Braun, Ryan<br />Granderson, Curtis<br />Hawpe, Brad<br />Ludwick, Ryan<br />Quentin, Carlos<br />Sizemore, Grady<br />Victorino, Shane<br />Wells, Vernon<br /><br /><strong>Utility</strong><br /><br />DeRosa, Mark<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-7251455122107223333?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-91412513200620888572009-01-22T06:32:00.000-08:002009-01-22T06:45:19.137-08:00<strong>Venezuela </strong><br /><br /><p>Pitchers </p><br /><p>Ascanio, José<br />Betancourt, Rafael<br />Carrasco, Carlos<br />Galarraga, Armando<br />Guzmán, Ángel<br />Hernández, Félix<br />Jiménez, César<br />Julio, Jorge<br />Mijares, José<br />Moreno, Victor<br />Nieve, Fernando<br />Pinto, Renyel<br />Rincón, Juan<br />Rodríguez, Francisco<br />Santana, Johan<br />Silva, Carlos<br />Zambrano, Carlos<br />Zambrano, Víctor </p><br /><p>Catchers </p><br /><p>Blanco, Henry<br />Hernández, Ramón<br />Navarro, Dioner<br />Quintero, Humberto<br />Ramírez, Max<br />Sandoval, Pablo </p><br /><p>Infielders</p><br /><p>Alfonzo, Edgardo<br />Cabrera, Alex<br />Cabrera, Miguel<br />Castillo, José<br />Guzmán, Jesús<br />Izturis, César<br />Izturis, Maicer<br />López, José<br />Mora, Melvin<br />Salazar, Oscar<br />Scutero, Marco<br />Vizquel, Omar </p><br /><p>Outfielders</p><br /><p>Abreu, Bob<br />Blanco, Gregor<br />Chávez, Endy<br />González, Carlos<br />Guillén, Carlos<br />Ordóñez, Magglio<br />Parra, Gerardo<br />Rivera, Juan </p><p><strong>Panama</strong></p><p>Pitchers </p><p>Acosta, Alberto<br />Acosta, Manuel<br />Atencio, Abraham<br />Campos, Manuel<br />Castro, Yeliar<br />Chen, Bruce<br />Corpas, Manuel<br />Cortes, Jorge<br />Agente libre<br />Cuan, Angel Antonio<br />Deago , Roger<br />Delgado, Dimasther<br />Delgado , Randall<br />Espino, Paolo<br />Garcia, Diomedes<br />Gomez, Miguel<br />Machuca, Luis<br />Medina, Rafael<br />Mendez, Gilberto<br />Mendoza, Ramiro<br />Navarro, Eliecer<br />Nieto, Arquimedes<br />Peñalba, Ricardo </p><p>Catchers </p><p>Camarena, Jose<br />Espino, Damaso<br />Quintero , Cesar A.<br />Ruiz, Carlos J. </p><p>Infielders </p><p>Asprilla, Avelino<br />Castillo, Javier<br />Chavez, Angel A.<br />De Leon, Audes<br />Garcia, Isaias<br />Macias, Jose P.<br />Ramos , Kevin<br />Rodriguez, Manuel O.<br />Tejada, Ruben<br />Zuleta, Julio </p><p>Outfielders </p><p>Agnoly, Earl<br />Cumberbatch, Cirilo<br />Durango, Luis<br />Lee, Carlos N.<br />Rivera, Ruben<br />Rodriguez, Concepcion<br />Rosero, Ciro<br />Santamaria, Jahdiel<br />Seguignol, Fernando<br /></p><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-9141251320062088857?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-25502419985055090252009-01-21T06:48:00.000-08:002009-01-21T07:06:48.574-08:00I have already previewed Cuba and Dominican Republic, here are Mexico and Puerto Rico:<br /><br /><strong>Mexico</strong><br /><br />Pitchers<br /><br />Aceves, Alfredo<br />Ayala, Luis Ignacio<br />Campillo, Jorge<br />Campos, Francisco<br />Cortes, David<br />De la Rosa, Jorge<br />Dessens, Elmer<br />Diaz, Rafael<br />Gallardo, Yovani<br />Garza, Matt<br />Gonzalez, Edgar<br />Guardado, Eddie<br />Lopez, Arturo<br />Lopez, Rodrigo<br />Mendoza, Luis Alonso<br />Ortega, Pablo<br />Perez, Oliver<br />Reyes, Dennis<br />Rincon, Ricardo<br />Ruelas, Heriberto<br />Silva, Walter<br />Soria, Joakim<br />Villarreal, Oscar<br /><br />Catchers<br /><br />Barajas, Rod<br />Cota, Humberto<br />Gil, Geronimo<br />Ojeda, Miguel<br /><br />Infielders<br /><br />Cantu, Jorge<br />Castro, Juan Gabriel<br />Cruz, Luis Alfonso<br />Durazo, Erubiel<br />Gonzalez, Adrian<br />Gonzalez, Edgar<br />Murillo, Agustin<br />Quintanilla, Omar<br />Robles, Oscar<br />Sandoval, Freddy<br />Vasquez, Jorge Alberto<br /><br />Outfielders<br /><br />Amezaga, Alfredo<br />Garcia, Karim<br />Hairston, Jerry<br />Hairston, Scott<br />Ojeda, Augie<br />Presichi, Christian<br />Valenzuela, Mario<br /><br /><br /><strong>Puerto Rico</strong><br /><br />Pitchers<br /><br />Alvarado , Giancarlo<br />Baez, Federico<br />Cabrera, Fernando<br />Calero, Enrique "Kiko"<br />Feliciano , Pedro<br />Figueroa , Nelson<br />Gutierrez, Carlos<br />Lopez, Javier<br />Maldonado , Ivan<br />Matos, Josue<br />Padilla, Juan<br />Pineiro , Joel<br />Rivera , Rabell “Saul”<br />Roman , Orlando<br />Romero , Juan “J.C.”<br />Sanchez, Jonathan<br />Santiago , Jose<br />Santiago , Tomas<br />Snell , Ian<br />Vazquez, Javier<br /><br />Catchers<br /><br />Casanova, Raul<br />Molina , Bengie<br />Derecho/Derecho<br />Molina , Yadier<br />Rodriguez, Ivan<br />Soto , Geovany<br />Valentin , Jose “Javier”<br /><br />Infielders<br /><br />Aviles, Michael<br />Cora , Alex “Jose”<br />DeJesus, Jr., Ivan<br />Delgado , Carlos<br />Figueroa , Luis<br />Gonzalez, Angel “Andy”<br />Lopez, Felipe<br />Lowell, Mike<br />Valentin , Jose A.<br />Vazquez , Ramon<br />Beltran , Carlos<br /><br />Outfielders<br /><br />Bocachica, Hiram<br />Feliciano , Jesus<br />Matos , Luis<br />Montanez, Luis<br />Padilla , Jorge<br />Rios , Alex<br />Torres , Andres<br />Williams , Bernabe “Bernie”<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-2550241998505509025?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-55418731970391560802009-01-20T07:09:00.000-08:002009-01-20T07:15:33.850-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/SXXqXWapv9I/AAAAAAAAARY/kekFvXzEBkU/s1600-h/GigantesdelCibao,trasVictoria,8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293394623919144914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/SXXqXWapv9I/AAAAAAAAARY/kekFvXzEBkU/s320/GigantesdelCibao,trasVictoria,8.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The Gigantes outslugged the Toros del Este, 12-7, in a one game playoff at home last night. </div><br /><div>The Gigantes secured a berth in a final against the Tigres del Licey. The finals begin today in Santo Domingo where Alfredo Simon will be pitching for the Gigantes and Ubaldo Jimenez for the home team.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-5541873197039156080?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-11430607950643217872009-01-20T07:03:00.000-08:002009-01-20T07:09:13.645-08:00Cañeros de Los Mochis vs Venados de Mazatlan reach the finals in Mexico. The Venados were led by Adrian Gonzalez. <br /><br />The last time Mexico won the Serie del Caribe was in 2005 represented by a Venados de Mazatlan team in Mexico. Can they do it again?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-1143060795064321787?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-57613360959398636172009-01-19T08:46:00.000-08:002009-01-19T08:55:02.159-08:00<strong>Moises Alou</strong><br />Si me invitan y si estoy en salud<br />Yo tuve una bonita experiencia ahí<br /><br /><strong>Jose Arredondo</strong><br />Si, si me dan la oportunidad<br /><br /><strong>Erick Aybar</strong><br />Si me invitan yo voy<br /><br /><strong>Jorge Campillo<br /></strong>Hablando con Vinicio si se hace lo que ha dicho se que podremos hacer buen papel<br /><br /><strong>Francisco Cordero</strong><br />Se puede formar un mejor equipo y ya se sabe que esperar esta segunda vez<br /><br /><strong>Johnny Cueto</strong><br />Si, si me dan permiso<br /><br /><strong>Jorge De La Rosa<br /></strong>Fuera bien que Mexico jugara en Los Angeles en frente de tanto apoyo de la fanaticada Mexicana<br /><br /><strong>Octavio Dotel</strong><br />100% listo para jugar por mi pais<br /><br /><strong>Edwin Encarnación</strong><br />Estoy dispuesto pero no de recoge bate<br />Que demostremos lo que somos los mejores del mundo<br /><br /><strong>Ervin Santana<br /></strong>Si si me dan la oportunidad<br />Ganar<br /><br /><strong>Franklin Gutierrez<br /></strong>Si si soy invitado<br />Hacer un buen papel y mejorar lo que si hizo en el Clasico anterior<br /><br /><strong>Cesar Izturis</strong><br />Si<br />Vamos a ganar<br />Que todos esten en forma<br /><br /><strong>Maicer Izturis</strong><br />Seguro<br />En el béisbol todo puede cambiar en un inning<br />Mientras se enfoquen en jugar pelota todo se definira en el terreno<br /><br /><strong>Jhonny Peralta</strong><br />Claro que si<br />Me interesa apoyarlos<br /><br /><strong>Odalis Pérez<br /></strong>Estoy dispuesto a jugar de nuevo si me dan la oportunidad<br /><br /><strong>Albert Pujols</strong><br />Vamos a estar mas preparados<br />Fuera un orgullo jugar contra los Cubanos, ellos juegan la pelota como se debe de jugar. Juegan la pelota siempre fuerte.<br /><br /><strong>Jorge Sosa</strong><br />Como ellos me lleven voy hasta de bat boy<br /><br /><strong>Ramon Troncoso<br /></strong>Me gustaria<br /><br /><strong>Ubaldo Jimenez</strong><br />Seguro que si<br /><br /><strong>Manny Corpas</strong><br />Si, quisiera jugar<br />Que ganen el mejor<br /><br /><strong>Javier Vasquez<br /></strong>Claro que si<br />Prediccion de primera ronda: Puerto Rico y Dominicana<br /><br /><strong>Yadier Molina</strong><br />Si si el dirigente me escoge<br />Ganar todo<br />Me hubiese gustado que Cuba estuviera ahí, es tremendo equipo y le pone mas emocion a la serie<br />Los dos vecinos: Puerto Rico y Dominicana<br /><br /><strong>Yulieski Gourriel</strong><br />Ganar, ganar y ganar<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-5761336095939863617?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-63889142681280396182009-01-16T20:43:00.000-08:002009-01-16T20:49:02.448-08:00Derek Lowe to Braves 5 year $60M...<br /><br />Jose F. Capellan to Astros...<br /><br />Mark Kotsay to Red Sox...<br /><br />David Eckstein to Padres...<br /><br />Angel Berroa to Yankees...<br /><br />Sergio Mitre to Yankees (will serve 50 game suspension)...<br /><br />JC Romero suspended 50 games....<br /><br />Alex Cora to NY Mets...<br /><br />Koji Uehara to Orioles...<br /><br />Tim Redding to Mets...<br /><br />Gabe Kapler to Rays...<br /><br />John Smoltz to Braves...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-6388914268128039618?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-48030904397120745722009-01-16T20:30:00.000-08:002009-01-16T20:43:36.763-08:00Infielders:<br />Albert Pujols, Alex Rodríguez, David Ortiz, Adrian Beltré, Hanley Ramírez, Plácido Polanco, Alexi Casilla, Ronnie Belliard, Emilio Bonifacio, Erick Aybar, Christian Guzmán, Pedro Feliz, Willy Aybar, Edwin Encarnación, Wilson Betemit, Kendry Morales, Carlos Peña, Miguel Tejada, José Reyes, Carlos Gómez, and Aramis Ramírez.<br /><br />Outfielders:<br />Vladimir Guerrero, Alfonso Soriano, Robinson Canó, José Guillén, Willy Taveras, Moisés Alou, Melky Cabrera, and Fernando Martínez.<br /><br />Pitchers:<br />Pedro Martínez, Ervin Santana, Ubaldo Jiménez, Francisco Liriano, José Valverde, Carlos Mármol, Francisco Cordero, Daniel Cabrera, Fausto Carmona, Edinson Vólquez, Johnny Cueto, Odalis Pérez, Wandy Rodríguez, Octavio Dotel, Santiago Casillas, Juan Carlos Cruz, Jesús Colomé, Dennys Bautista, José Arredondo, Dámaso Marte, Edwar Ramírez, José Veras, Rafael Pérez, Ramón Troncoso, Julio Mañón, Carlos Villanueva, Leo Núñez and Pedro Viola.<br /><br />Catchers:<br />Ronny Paulino, Miguel Olivo, and Wilkin Castillo.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-4803090439712074572?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-78534525468149915172009-01-10T12:00:00.000-08:002009-01-10T12:05:29.013-08:00Milton Bradley is now a Cub and has secured a multiyear deal ( I'm a fan of Bradley and wish him the best, wish it could have been LA)...<br /><br />Former Dodgers Takashi Saito and Brad Penny now with the Red Sox...<br /><br />Tim Redding now a Met...<br /><br />Rocco Baldelli a Red Sox...<br /><br />Shawn Estes gets a minor league deal from Dodgers...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-7853452546814991517?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-63101327343885476862009-01-10T11:49:00.000-08:002009-01-10T12:10:12.974-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/SWkAhhN7k6I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/SkFJxErh0ac/s1600-h/244.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289759813175841698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/SWkAhhN7k6I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/SkFJxErh0ac/s320/244.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Cuba has announced the 45 possible candidates for the upcoming WBC. There are a few that played in 2006 and many who have since retired or have not played to the level expected. You can find a detailed listing at:<br /><br /><a href="http://bjarkmanlatinobaseball.mlblogs.com/">http://bjarkmanlatinobaseball.mlblogs.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.baseballdecuba.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.baseballdecuba.com/</a><br /><br /><strong>Catchers:</strong><br />Ariel Pestano* (Villa Clara), Yosvany Peraza (Pinar del Rio), Reinier Bello (Sancti Spiritus), Rolando Merino (Santiago de Cuba), Eriel Sanchez* (Sancti Spiritus).<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Infielders:</strong> Yulieski Gourriel* (Sancti Spiritus), Hector Olivera (Santiago de Cuba), Alex Malleta (Industriales), Michel Enriquez* (Isla de la Juventud), Eduardo Paret* (Villa Clara), Yadil Mujica (Matanzas), Yoandy Garlobo* (Matanzas), Luis Miguel Navas (Santiago de Cuba), Rudy Reyes* (Industriales), Yorelvis Charles (Ciego de Avila), Jose Daniel Abreu (Cienfuegos), Donald Duarte (Pinar del Rio).<br /><br /><strong></strong><strong>Outfielders:</strong><br />Alfredo Despaigne (Granma), Yoandry Urgelles (Industriales), Frederich Cepeda* (Sancti Spiritus), Alexei Bell (Santiago de Cuba), Leonys Martin (Villa Clara), Giorvis Duvergel (Guantanamo), Yoelvis Fiss (Ciego de Avila), Leslie Anderson* (Camaguey), Yoennis Cespedes (Granma), Osmani Urrutia* (Las Tunas).<br /><br /><strong></strong><strong>Pitchers:</strong><br />Pedro Luis Lazo* (Pinar del Rio), Jonder Martinez* (Habana Province), Luis Miguel Rodriguez (Holguin), Aroldis Chapman (Holguin), Norge Luis Vera (Santiago de Cuba), Yunieski Maya* (Pinar del Rio), Yulieski Gonzalez (Habana Province), Miguel Lahera (Habana Province), Norberto Gonzalez* (Cienfuegos), Vladimir Garcia (Ciego de Avila), Yadier Pedroso* (Habana Province), Ismel Jimenez (Sancti Spiritus), Maikel Folich* (Ciego de Avila), Reinier Roibal (Santiago de Cuba), Vicyohandri Odelin* (Camaguey), Yaumier Sanchez (Santiago de Cuba), Yolexis Ulacia (Villa Clara), Wilber Perez (Isla de la Juventud).<br /><br />*2006 WBC team member</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-6310132734388547686?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-38059032540769719962009-01-01T22:31:00.000-08:002009-01-01T22:39:49.745-08:00I wanted to start the year off on the right foot and blog on this first day of the year. Signings and trades have been slow, but figure to pick up within the next few days. There has been little movement which included:<br /><br />Angels signing Brian Fuentes<br />Mark DeRosa's trade to the Indians<br />Aaron Miles signs with the Cubs<br />Mark Hendrickson signing with Baltimore<br />Rays signing Joe Nelson<br /><br />Scott Boras picked up his phone and called Ned Colletti to discuss reworking Andruw Jones' contract which may secure his exit from Los Angeles and Manny's return. Nice move by Andruw, not very common for a player to look at the big picture. Hope he bounces back in 2009 whether he is in LA or not.<br /><br />MLB network kicked off and it is a gift to baseball fans across the country. <br /><br />Happy New Year!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-3805903254076971996?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-69276439245337404432008-12-23T19:58:00.000-08:002008-12-26T00:42:54.159-08:00Mark Teixeira signs an 8-year $180M contract with the New York Yankees...<br /><br />Jorge Sosa and Daniel Cabrera sign one year deals with the Nationals...<br /><br />Tony Reagins says that they will not sign Manny...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-6927643924533740443?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-79483981518093042892008-12-23T19:37:00.000-08:002008-12-23T19:58:10.739-08:00Villa Clara finally loses its first game after losing to league champion Santiago...<br /><br />Yulieski Gourriel moved up in the batting order and now batting clean up for Sancti Spiritus...<br /><br />Aroldis Chapman hit 102 mph on the gun for Holguin and is a strong candidate for the 2009 WBC...<br /><br />Yunieski Maya from Pinar del Rio has a 1.91 ERA in his pursuit to be on the WBC team again...<br /><br />Habana's Yulieski Gonzalez has 19 k's in 20 innings also looking to return to WBC...<br /><br />Gigantes del Cibao's Juan Francisco named Rookie of the Year in the Dominican League...<br /><br />Yaquis' Agustin Murillo new doubles record holder in the Mexican Winter League...<br /><br />Venados de Mazatlan have best record...<br /><br />Leones de Caracas leading in the Venezuelan League...<br /><br />Pablo Sandoval is the batting leader with a .396 average...<br /><br />Ponce leads in the Puerto Rican League...<br /><br />Bernie Williams and Ivan Rodriguez play in Puerto Rico...<br /><br />Andruw Jones trying to find his swing with the Aguilas in the Dominican...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-7948398151809304289?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-23459073762002181072008-12-22T14:56:00.000-08:002008-12-22T15:13:10.097-08:00With the economy in crisis teams may opt for shorter contracts and lower salaries (with exception of Yankees)...<br /><br />Angels and Red Sox claim to be out of Mark Teixeira sweepstakes...<br /><br />Brian Fuentes wants to be an Angel...<br /><br />Man Ram may be heading home to the Bronx...<br /><br />Dodgers re-signed Rafael Furcal to a three-year contract in an unusual signing that left the Braves seething...<br /><br />Yankees signed Chien-Ming Wang to a one-year contract...<br /> <br />Marlins signed Josh Johnson to a one-year contract...<br /><br />Angels signed Juan Rivera to a three-year contract...<br /> <br />Padres signed Jody Gerut to a one-year contract...<br /><br />Yankees signed CC Sabathia to a seven-year contract and A.J. Burnett to a five-year contract...<br /><br />Cubs signed Joey Gathright to a one-year contract...<br /><br />Phillies signed Raul Ibanez to a a three-year contract...<br /><br />Orioles signed Cesar Izturis to a two-year contract...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-2345907376200218107?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-88410310577964250282008-12-22T14:43:00.000-08:002008-12-22T14:54:30.597-08:00Gigantes 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.<br /><br />Toros del Este were led by Esteban German and Angel Berroa and their solid pitching secured them a spot as well.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The Round Robin will begin on December 26th.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-8841031057796425028?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-60796961282686980412008-12-11T20:31:00.000-08:002008-12-11T20:40:42.547-08:00NY Mets get their man by signing KRod to a 3 yr/37M contract...<br /><br />Mets get set up man for KRod in the form of JJ Putz in a 3 team 12 player trade...<br /><br />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)...<br /><br />Dodgers get Casey Blake and Mark Loretta...<br /><br />Rays Edwin Jackson to Detroit in exchange for Matt Joyce...<br /><br />Ramon Hernandez to Cincy in exchange for Ryan Freel...<br /><br />Manny most likely to return to LA in a contract that will be beneficial to the Dodgers...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-6079696128268698041?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-5185334918857590552008-11-30T09:59:00.000-08:002009-01-10T12:06:34.132-08:00Cuanto va a afectar la partida de Victor Mesa?<br />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.<br /><br />El equipo esta listo para un nuevo dirigente?<br />Pienso que al equipo aun le falta mayor preparación para la nueva dirección.<br /><br />Como un veterano completo en que puedes ayudar a el equipo y el nuevo dirigente?<br />Como capitán del equipo y veterano haré mi mayor esfuerzo para ayudar al equipo en todo, como así también a la nueva dirección.<br /><br />Como crees que VC juegue en la proxima serie nacional?<br />Creo que el Villa Clara como siempre dará todo de si y brindara un buen espectáculo al pueblo, clasificara para los playoffs.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-518533491885759055?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-22299339174944809002008-11-29T22:31:00.000-08:002008-11-29T22:37:13.941-08:00The 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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />The league will go on hiatus on February 8, 2009 in preparation for next year's WBC and will reconvene on March 27th.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-2229933917494480900?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-83611957438483776332008-11-27T22:57:00.000-08:002008-11-27T23:04:59.914-08:00Vinny Castilla to lead WBC Mexico team...<br /><br />Luis Sojo to lead Venezuela...<br /><br />Nelson Cruz establishes Dominican Winter League record with 10 RBI in game...<br /><br />Yadel Marti and Yasser Gomez banned from Cuban baseball...<br /><br />Dominicans to play Venezuelans in All Star game in Caracas on December 9th...<br /><br />Venados undefeated in Mexico...<br /><br />Jose Oquendo to lead Puerto Rico in WBC...<br /><br />Many MLB players gearing up to play winter ball in hopes of getting call to represent their countries in WBC...<br /><br />Mario Melvin Soto to be Felipe Alou's pitching coach in WBC...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-8361195743848377633?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-78963448697530999632008-11-27T22:42:00.000-08:002008-11-27T23:07:44.371-08:00Albert Pujols named NL MVP...<br /><br />Dustin Pedroia named AL MVP...<br /><br />Dayan Viciedo signed by White Sox in a 4-year deal worth $11M...<br /><br />Pirates sign two Indian pitchers...<br /><br />Junichi Tazawa appears to be headed to Boston...<br /><br />Yankees extend offer to CC...<br /><br />Furcal visiting the Bay Area teams...<br /><br />Dodgers to open 42 more Dodger Dream Fields (not a bad idea in a state that produces most MLB players)...<br /><br />Jake Peavy appears to be headed to the Cubs...<br /><br />Winter Meetings begin December 8th in Sin City...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-7896344869753099963?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-57275418143741941812008-11-12T18:21:00.000-08:002008-11-27T23:06:27.997-08:00Tim Lincecum named NL Cy Young...<br /><br />Cliff Lee named AL Cy Young...<br /><br />Joe Maddon and Lou Piniella named Managers of the Year...<br /><br />Matt Holliday to the A's in exchange for Huston Street, Carlos Gonzalez and Greg Smith...<br /><br />Cuba's 19 year-old Dayan Viciedo can now sign with an MLB team...<br /><br />Twins' Pat Neshek expected to miss season...<br /><br />Brewers' Salomon Torres retires...<br /><br />Trevor Hoffman's contract offer rescinded...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-5727541814374194181?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-63551230414747134222008-11-10T13:21:00.000-08:002008-11-10T13:29:06.024-08:00Geovany 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.<br /><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-6355123041474713422?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-56658831704574652172008-11-10T13:07:00.000-08:002008-11-10T13:21:00.729-08:00Adiel 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.<br /><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-5665883170457465217?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-2786609985384141422008-11-10T12:53:00.000-08:002008-11-10T13:06:58.739-08:00With 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. <br /><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-278660998538414142?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-16915255265851952542008-11-04T19:19:00.000-08:002008-11-04T20:19:50.486-08:00I 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />UPDATE:<br /><br />HE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />CONGRATULATIONS MR. PRESIDENT<br />BARACK OBAMA<br />44th PRESIDENT OF THE USA<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-1691525526585195254?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-63411665556275307912008-11-04T17:27:00.000-08:002008-11-04T17:43:42.086-08:00I 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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-6341166555627530791?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-24458975273653567082008-10-23T22:15:00.000-07:002008-10-23T22:23:29.853-07:00<p>The list is headlined by Albert Pujols, Vladimir Guerrero, Alfonso Soriano, Pedro Martínez, Adrian Beltré, Cristian Guzmán and Miguel Tejada</p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-2445897527365356708?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-42604689446069613472008-10-19T22:35:00.000-07:002008-10-23T21:22:20.649-07:00Tampa 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.<br /><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-4260468944606961347?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-20755002248776802702008-10-19T20:51:00.001-07:002008-10-19T20:58:22.010-07:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/SPwBtgCKu0I/AAAAAAAAANw/D-1liyKEw1I/s1600-h/189.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259080346066664258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/SPwBtgCKu0I/AAAAAAAAANw/D-1liyKEw1I/s320/189.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/SPwBFJpfIPI/AAAAAAAAANo/WErp8d3SagQ/s1600-h/206.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259079652862796018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/SPwBFJpfIPI/AAAAAAAAANo/WErp8d3SagQ/s320/206.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-2075500224877680270?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-30323900085776399852008-10-19T16:10:00.000-07:002008-10-19T20:50:48.922-07:00The event will take place on December 6, 2008 at Punta Espada Golf Course in Cap Cana. It is being put together by the <em>David Ortiz Children's Fund</em> 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.<br /><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-3032390008577639985?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-48474098673704592242008-10-18T21:43:00.000-07:002008-10-18T21:51:06.745-07:00Boston forces a game 7 vs Tampa Bay...<br /><br />Phillies getting a nice rest before World Series...<br /><br />Manny leaves LA without saying a peep about a return to the City of Angels...<br /><br />Barry Bonds can win collusion case against MLB team owners...<br /><br />Dodgers' Asst GM Kim Ng up for GM job in Seattle...<br /><br />Gary Sheffield has to pay Scott Boras, but still comes out a winner...<br /><br /><p>Joba Chamberlain arrested for DUI in Nebraska...</p><p>Brewers to make serious offer to CC Sabathia in attempt to bring him back...</p><p>Padres' Jake Peavy might be on trading block...</p><p> </p><p><br /> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-4847409867370459224?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-56454766963112515882008-10-18T21:36:00.001-07:002008-10-18T21:43:14.483-07:00The 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:<br /><br />Que es la idea de jugar juegos en Puerto Rico durante la temporada?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Cree que eso le ayudara a la liga de Puerto Rico?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Cuando la liga se reestablezca, cree que se reanudara el juego de estrellas contra Puerto Rico?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Sera RD vs VEN, RD vs PR? se incluira Mexico en el futuro?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />He visto que este año la LIDOM estrena un nuevo sitio de web, que son las gran diferencias?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Debido al Clasico, cree que se integraran mas peloteros a sus equipos en Diciembre?<br /><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-5645476696311251588?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-48705966648614244742008-10-10T15:27:00.000-07:002008-10-10T15:56:02.231-07:00I 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.<br /><br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br /><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-4870596664861424474?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-2661459406686606072008-10-09T09:15:00.000-07:002008-10-09T10:03:29.947-07:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/SO45P85-QCI/AAAAAAAAANc/ic_--llbFrQ/s1600-h/mesa.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255200761398050850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/SO45P85-QCI/AAAAAAAAANc/ic_--llbFrQ/s320/mesa.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>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. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>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.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>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.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>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</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-266145940668660607?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-80370728215118612342008-10-02T14:17:00.000-07:002008-10-02T14:57:27.396-07:00For 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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-8037072821511861234?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-88146698664583936792008-09-10T22:02:00.000-07:002008-09-10T22:15:44.654-07:00Angels first team to clinch...<br /><br />Angels' K-Rod one save away from Bobby Thigpen with 57...<br /><br />Joe Torre has the Dodgers sitting pretty atop the NL West while Yankees sit in fourth in theirs...<br /><br />Nelson Cruz tearing it up for the Rangers after taking home the MVP award in the PCL...<br /><br />Rays 2.5 games ahead of Boston...<br /><br />Mets' Billy Wagner out for the season...<br /><br />Manny Ramirez tearing it up in Dodger Blue...<br /><br />Jose Reyes has Mets' all-time record for steals...<br /><br />Pirates' Pedro Alvarez and Scott Boras waging war against his "future" team...<br /><br />Dodgers' Rafael Furcal close to a return...<br /><br />Rays' Evan Longoria close to return...<br /><br />Cards' Albert Pujols might opt for surgery and forgo participation in the WBC...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-8814669866458393679?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-26245467605433285002008-09-10T21:21:00.000-07:002008-09-10T22:02:08.155-07:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/SMimHPJf9nI/AAAAAAAAANU/ltfmYgCpDf4/s1600-h/DSC_1028%5B1%5D.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244624409328612978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/SMimHPJf9nI/AAAAAAAAANU/ltfmYgCpDf4/s320/DSC_1028%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>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.<br /></div><div>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.<br /><br /></div><div>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.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-2624546760543328500?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-89269286559516651602008-08-23T09:50:00.000-07:002008-08-23T10:31:01.074-07:00Baseball 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-8926928655951665160?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-90160184411063360402008-08-13T07:15:00.000-07:002008-08-13T07:20:17.800-07:00USA 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.<br /><br />In a rematch of the 2006 World Baseball Classic, Cuba beats Japan 4-2.<br />Nice gift for Fidel Castro on his birthday...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-9016018441106336040?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-7025067259845577102008-08-13T07:00:00.001-07:002008-08-13T07:15:26.287-07:00Randy Ruiz called up by Twins after 7 seasons in minors...<br /><br />White Sox Jose Contreras out for season...<br /><br />Paul Byrd a Red Sox...<br /><br />Adam Dunn a D'Back...<br /><br />Dodgers' Nomar in, Andruw out...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-702506725984557710?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-7150685049762263822008-08-01T14:25:00.000-07:002008-08-01T21:46:51.896-07:00<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/SJPmaLnCUZI/AAAAAAAAAM0/rKht9xRp2Fo/s1600-h/P7310723.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229776929774784914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/SJPmaLnCUZI/AAAAAAAAAM0/rKht9xRp2Fo/s320/P7310723.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><strong>ROUND 1</strong><br /><br />In Pool A<br />Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan<br />Teams: China, Chinese Taipei, Japan and Korea<br />March 5-9, 2009<br /><br />In Pool B<br />Foro Sol in Mexico City, Mexico<br />Teams: Australia, Cuba, Mexico and South Africa<br />March 8-12, 2009<br /><br />In Pool C<br />Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada<br />Teams: Canada, Italy, United States and Venezuela<br />March 8-12, 2009<br /><br />In Pool D<br />Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico<br />Teams: Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Panama and Puerto Rico<br />March 8-11, 2009<br /><br /><strong>ROUND 2</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Miami Gardens, Florida<br />Dolphin Stadium<br />Potential teams: Canada, Dominican Republic, Italy, Netherlands, Panama, Puerto Rico, United States and Venezuela<br />March 14-18<br /><br />San Diego, California<br />Petco Park<br />Potential teams: Australia, China, Chinese Taipei, Cuba, Japan, Korea, Mexico and South Africa<br />March 15-19, 2009<br /><br /><strong>Semis and Finals </strong><br /><strong><br /></strong>Dodger Stadium<br />March 21-23, 2009</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-715068504976226382?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-39550676974860957282008-07-28T09:00:00.000-07:002008-08-02T18:56:17.234-07:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/SI-Fr8EOoWI/AAAAAAAAAMc/cwHPQb-rysY/s1600-h/paret_IMG_2115%5B1%5D.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228544682305167714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/SI-Fr8EOoWI/AAAAAAAAAMc/cwHPQb-rysY/s320/paret_IMG_2115%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Que sientes cuando se dice que eres uno de los mejores receptores del mundo?</strong><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><strong>En tu carrera has alcanzado muchas metas, que crees que te falta?</strong><br /><br />Bueno de faltarme me falta poco he sido un hombre dichoso porque he logrado lo que he soñado me siento realizado.<br /><br /><strong>Que crees que Cuba hara en las Olimpiadas?</strong><br /><br />Tenemos un solo objetivo que es la medalla de oro.<br /><br /><strong>Estas listo para el proximo Clasico?<br /></strong><br />Sí estoy listo y me siento bien.<br /><br /><strong>Que crees que Cuba lograra en esta segunda edicion?</strong><br /><br />Esto es impredecible, el terreno dice la ultima palabra.<br /><br /><strong>Cual es el mejor evento de pelota en cual te gusta jugar?<br /></strong><br />Eso esta de mas decirlo me gusta la pelota dura, es donde uno se prueba de verdad.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-3955067697486095728?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-32687349274984503842008-07-20T10:14:00.000-07:002008-08-02T18:55:08.777-07:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/SI-GFaI4q3I/AAAAAAAAAMk/EponkqQKeYg/s1600-h/paret_IMG_2120%5B1%5D.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228545119874493298" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/SI-GFaI4q3I/AAAAAAAAAMk/EponkqQKeYg/s320/paret_IMG_2120%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>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?</strong><br /><br />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<br />porque la fuerza de uno no se puede reemplazar facil.<br /><br /><strong>Que hiciste para mantenerte en forma durante el tiempo que estuviste fuera de pelota?<br /></strong><br />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<br /><br /><strong>Aprendiste alguna leccion de esa experiencia?</strong><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><strong>Que se espera del equipo cubano en las Olimpiadas?</strong><br /><br />Esperamos el primer lugar que es la mente que llevamos a cualquier torneo en que participa un equipo cubano.<br /><br /><strong>Quien piensas tu que sera la competicion para Uds?</strong><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><strong>Estas listo para el proximo Clasico?</strong><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><strong>La primera ronda sera en la Cd. de Mexico, donde Australia, Cuba, Mexico y Sudafrica se enfrentaran...quien crees que saldra de ahi?</strong><br /><br />Yo pienso que sera Mexico y Cuba por su tradicion pero no se puede confiar en ninguno.<br /><br /><strong>Has jugado en el Foro Sol en la capital? Si si, que piensas del terreno?</strong><br /><br />Nunca he jugado ahi. He estado cuatro veces en México pero nunca ahi.<br /><br /><strong>Que tipo de papel crees que Cuba hara en esta segunda edicion?</strong><br /><br />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.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-3268734927498450384?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-32459026191665228542008-07-13T18:00:00.000-07:002008-07-29T14:04:38.831-07:00Cuba 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.<br /><br />The Cubans will now head to Korea for some friendly matches before they arrive in China.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-3245902619166522854?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-35609260752241463402008-07-13T17:58:00.000-07:002008-07-13T17:59:14.145-07:00Luis 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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />Maza se ha enamorado de Los Angeles y tambien esta feliz de poder jugar con un pelotero quien admira, Rafael Furcal. <br /><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-3560926075224146340?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-10729608352685375302008-07-13T17:56:00.000-07:002008-07-13T17:58:06.575-07:00Berroa 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-1072960835268537530?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-91801837038912079482008-06-23T10:23:00.000-07:002008-06-23T10:33:18.323-07:00Albert Pujols returning from the disabled list...<br /><br />Troy Cate signs with Milwaukee Brewers after short stint with Orange County Flyers of the Golden Baseball League...<br /><br />Former AL Rookie of the Year Angel Berroa traded to Dodgers...<br /><br />Brett Tomko released by Royals...<br /><br />Trade rumors surfacing as All Star game nears...<br /><br />Moises Alou back on disabled list...<br /><br />Managers merry go round as three are fired including Mets' Willie Randolph...<br /><br />Seattle GM Bill Bavasi fired after dismal start...<br /><br />Alex Cintron becomes starting SS in Baltimore...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-9180183703891207948?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-86435410257703219992008-06-23T10:04:00.000-07:002008-06-23T10:22:28.133-07:00Tony 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.<br /><br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br /><br />The following were selected:<br /><br />C: Rolando Meriño, Ariel Pestano*, Yosvany Peraza and Eriel Sánchez*<br /><br />IF: Alexander Malleta, Yoandry Garlobo*, Héctor Olivera, Eduardo Paret*, Yulieski Gourriel*, Michel Enríquez* and Luis Miguel Navas<br /><br />OF: Giorvis Duvergel, Frederich Cepeda*, Yoandry Urgellés, Alexei Bell, Yoennis Céspedes, Alfredo Despaigne, Leonis Martín and Osmani Urrutia*<br /><br />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*<br /><br /><br /><br />*WBC participants<br /><br /><br /><br />The Cuban team also hosted the Santa Barbara Foresters in a three game series from June 21-23.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-8643541025770321999?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-83808934809079689412008-05-13T21:20:00.000-07:002008-05-13T21:35:39.886-07:00Nationals' Odalis Perez got his first win of the season in a game that he went 3-3 with 2 rbi...<br /><br />Boston's Julian Tavarez was designated for assignment...<br /><br />San Diego's Jim Edmonds was released...<br /><br />Edison Volquez has been a breath of fresh air for the Reds...<br /><br />Marlins lock up Hanley Ramirez...<br /><br />Rays have taken over first place in AL East...<br /><br />Tigers have not lived up to expectations...<br /><br />Adrian Gonzalez and brother Edgar playing together for the Pads...<br /><br />Jorge Sosa and Nelson Figueroa optioned to AAA as Claudio Vargas and Fernando Tatis are called up for the Mets...<br /><br />Felipe Alou named Manager for WBC Dominican squad...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-8380893480907968941?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-70092387822622912262008-05-13T21:16:00.000-07:002008-05-13T21:36:08.895-07:00Over the last few months, I have written some articles for ebeisbol.com as well as the Dominican Republic's Listin Diario.<br /><br /><a href="http://listin.com.do/app/article.aspx?id=58011" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://listin.com.do/app/article.aspx?id=58011</a><br /><br /><strong>Duncan quiere dirigir RD y estar en Clásico Mundial</strong><br />Guille Esquivel Especial para Listín Diario - 5/8/2008<br /><br />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.<br />En el intermedio, le gustaría formar parte del cuerpo técnico de Felipe Alou en el próximo Clásico Mundial de Béisbol.<br />“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.<br />“Pero no descarto cualquier posibilidad de poder dirigir otro conjunto en la liga dominicana, cualquiera que me dé la oportunidad”, expresó Duncan.<br />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.<br />“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.<br />“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.<br />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.<br />“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.<br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-7009238782262291226?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-66886277412418726362008-05-13T21:06:00.000-07:002008-05-13T21:37:03.646-07:00The 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:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.baseballdecuba.com/EngnewsContainer.asp?id=726">http://www.baseballdecuba.com/EngnewsContainer.asp?id=726</a><br /><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-6688627741241872636?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-31844155328676620722008-04-22T12:27:00.000-07:002008-04-22T12:34:14.041-07:00Santiago 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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Now that the Serie Nacional 47 has concluded, the National team will reconvene in Havana within the next two weeks to prepare for Beijing.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-3184415532867662072?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-67613903272010253812008-04-13T14:56:00.000-07:002008-04-13T15:09:59.803-07:00Last 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. <br /><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-6761390327201025381?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-14078480348458141032008-04-10T08:28:00.000-07:002008-04-10T08:53:29.842-07:00The "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.<br /><br />Albert Pujols continues to pay through pain and you cannot tell. He just hit two homeruns last night, the man is a monster!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />K-Rod's minor injury might prove to be a setback in contract negotiations with the Angels.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Doug Davis beat the Dodgers with his arm and his bat before he underwent surgery to remove his cancerous thyroid.<br /><br />Manny Ramirez, Rafael Furcal and Vladimir Guerrero are making early bids for either contract extensions or a nice contract in the offseason. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-1407848034845814103?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-51087518610145648722008-04-02T13:01:00.000-07:002008-04-02T13:17:22.973-07:00The Cuban league semis will begin without the capital's Industriales who were eliminated early on.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-5108751861014564872?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-40184500394418027282008-03-31T11:31:00.000-07:002008-04-02T19:32:29.298-07:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R_RBsYKGXRI/AAAAAAAAALg/5yaTWiERZ44/s1600-h/Odalis-Rojas.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184841301665144082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R_RBsYKGXRI/AAAAAAAAALg/5yaTWiERZ44/s320/Odalis-Rojas.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/RtD4gw1oX-I/AAAAAAAAAG4/F4pKjtcw1Ic/s1600-h/P6100199.JPG"></a>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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-4018450039441802728?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-67607728023196609712008-03-31T09:42:00.001-07:002008-03-31T10:02:33.784-07:00Pedro 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. <br /><br />Yulieski Gonzalez accomplished 15 victories in the season and remained undefeated. His team is facing Sancti Spiritus in the playoffs.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The remaining series feature Sancti Spiritus vs Habana and Ciego de Avila vs Villa Clara.<br /><br />Keep up with the Cuban playoffs at <a href="http://www.radiococo.cu/">www.radiococo.cu</a> or <a href="http://www.baseballdecuba.com/">www.baseballdecuba.com</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-6760772802319660971?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-5672982566711141042008-03-17T20:20:00.000-07:002008-03-18T13:48:41.833-07:00Alexei 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.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178938642518350690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R99JQZTZm2I/AAAAAAAAALY/tTbKvgRG6UQ/s320/yuligonz.jpg" border="0" /><br />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 <a href="http://www.radiococo.cu/">www.radiococo.cu</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-567298256671114104?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-4286549066392014002008-03-13T22:14:00.000-07:002008-03-13T22:27:52.930-07:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R9oMX5TZm1I/AAAAAAAAALQ/3g3l2cJ3kOg/s1600-h/lazo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177464326274521938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R9oMX5TZm1I/AAAAAAAAALQ/3g3l2cJ3kOg/s320/lazo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>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.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>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.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>He is a sure bet to participate in this year's Beijing Olympics and most likely will grace the 2009 WBC roster again.</div><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-428654906639201400?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-56283415221826283482008-03-12T22:39:00.000-07:002008-03-12T22:50:10.274-07:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R9jAWpTZmzI/AAAAAAAAALA/f59r8UWphV0/s1600-h/jonderright.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177099266939263794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R9jAWpTZmzI/AAAAAAAAALA/f59r8UWphV0/s320/jonderright.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>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.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>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.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>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.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-5628341522182628348?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-88184250720427598752008-03-12T22:23:00.000-07:002008-03-13T09:11:44.150-07:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R9lSKZTZm0I/AAAAAAAAALI/q7UYGtQhaX4/s1600-h/P3080391.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177259585183521602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R9lSKZTZm0I/AAAAAAAAALI/q7UYGtQhaX4/s320/P3080391.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-8818425072042759875?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-1749157653878409582008-03-07T09:38:00.000-08:002008-03-13T09:13:21.977-07:00<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R9GDO5TZmyI/AAAAAAAAAK4/Zc8uA5e8XVU/s1600-h/puroveneno.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175061738749008674" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R9GDO5TZmyI/AAAAAAAAAK4/Zc8uA5e8XVU/s320/puroveneno.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R9GC9pTZmxI/AAAAAAAAAKw/0FbOJZYJXcU/s1600-h/chamaquitosdelbarrio-mex.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175061442396265234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R9GC9pTZmxI/AAAAAAAAAKw/0FbOJZYJXcU/s320/chamaquitosdelbarrio-mex.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />You can check it out at <a href="http://www.truegamerz.com/">www.truegamerz.com</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-174915765387840958?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-41272868201422390092008-03-07T09:15:00.001-08:002008-03-07T09:37:47.745-08:00The Mets are the "team to beat" barring injury...since that was said...Moises Alou has gone down and will be out until May...<br /><br />Mets search for OF option for Alou...<br /><br />The Rangers have a surplus of outfielders and either Nelson Cruz or Jason Botts will be moving zip codes... <br /><br />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...<br /><br />Odalis Perez is impressing the Nationals, but must get into real games before he can snag a spot on the roster...<br /><br />Bartolome Fortunato impressing the Giants with his "palm ball"...<br /><br />Cuban Miguel Valdez has been hired as a special assistant to the Mets...<br /><br />Giants' Noah Lowry to have surgery on pitching arm...<br /><br />Marlins' Alfredo Amezaga's versatility not overlooked by Fredi Gonzalez...<br /><br />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...<br /><br />Mariner's Miguel Batista feeling back pain...<br /><br />Bonds seen everywhere except a spring training camp...<br /><br />Orioles' Brian Roberts still being mentioned in possible trade with Cubs...<br /><br />Astros' Shawn Chacon to wear #1...<br /><br />Anaheim fans can watch spring training games for free on Angels' website...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-4127286820142239009?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-11543905659336447772008-03-07T08:37:00.000-08:002008-03-07T09:15:07.273-08:00<div><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R9F2q5TZmuI/AAAAAAAAAKY/kjN2C8DWqeI/s1600-h/P3020191.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175047926134184674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R9F2q5TZmuI/AAAAAAAAAKY/kjN2C8DWqeI/s320/P3020191.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>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. </div><br /><div></div><div>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.</div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-1154390565933644777?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-708331693502317632008-02-11T21:16:00.000-08:002008-02-11T21:36:22.693-08:00<span><strong>Team </strong></span><br /><span><em>Pitchers and Catchers Report Date</em> </span><br /><span>Full Squad </span><br /><span><br /><strong>Arizona Diamondbacks</strong><br /><em>Feb. 16</em><br />Feb. 21<br /><br /><strong>Atlanta Braves<br /></strong><em>Feb. 15</em><br />Feb. 20<br /><br /><strong>Baltimore Orioles</strong><br /><em>Feb. 14</em><br />Feb. 19<br /><br /><strong>Boston Red Sox</strong><br /><em>Feb. 16<br /></em>Feb. 22<br /><br /><strong>Chicago Cubs</strong><br /><em>Feb. 14</em><br />Feb. 19<br /><br /><strong>Chicago White Sox<br /></strong><em>Feb. 16</em><br />Feb. 21<br /><br /><strong>Cincinnati Reds</strong><br /><em>Feb. 17<br /></em>Feb. 20<br /><br /><strong>Cleveland Indians</strong><br /><em>Feb. 16</em><br />Feb. 21<br /><br /><strong>Colorado Rockies</strong><br /><em>Feb. 16</em><br />Feb. 23<br /><br /><strong>Detroit Tigers</strong><br /><em>Feb. 15</em><br />Feb. 20<br /><br /><strong>Florida Marlins<br /></strong><em>Feb. 18</em><br />Feb. 21<br /><br /><strong>Houston Astros</strong><br /><em>Feb. 14<br /></em>Feb. 19<br /><br /><strong>Kansas City Royals</strong><br /><em>Feb. 14</em><br />Feb. 19<br /><br /><strong>Los Angeles Angels</strong><br /><em>Feb. 15<br /></em>Feb. 20<br /><br /><strong>Los Angeles Dodgers</strong><br /><em>Feb. 15<br /></em>Feb. 20<br /><br /><strong>Milwaukee Brewers<br /></strong><em>Feb. 17</em><br />Feb. 23<br /><br /><strong>Minnesota Twins<br /></strong><em>Feb. 18</em><br />Feb. 23<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>New York Mets</strong><br /><em>Feb. 16<br /></em>Feb. 20<br /><br /><strong>New York Yankees</strong><br /><em>Feb. 15</em><br />Feb. 20<br /><br /><strong>Oakland Athletics<br /></strong><em>Feb. 14</em><br />Feb. 21<br /><br /><strong>Philadelphia Phillies</strong><br /><em>Feb. 14<br /></em>Feb. 19<br /><br /><strong>Pittsburgh Pirates<br /></strong><em>Feb. 15</em><br />Feb. 20<br /><br /><strong>St. Louis Cardinals</strong><br /><em>Feb. 15<br /></em>Feb. 19<br /><br /><strong>San Diego Padres</strong><br /><em>Feb. 15<br /></em>Feb. 20<br /><br /><strong>San Francisco Giants</strong><br /><em>Feb. 14</em><br />Feb. 19<br /><br /><strong>Seattle Mariners</strong><br /><em>Feb. 14<br /></em>Feb. 20<br /><br /><strong>Tampa Bay Devil Rays</strong><br /><em>Feb. 15</em><br />Feb. 20<br /><br /><strong>Texas Rangers<br /></strong><em>Feb. 15<br /></em>Feb. 20<br /><br /><strong>Toronto Blue Jays</strong><br /><em>Feb. 16<br /></em>Feb. 21<br /><br /><strong>Washington Nationals</strong><br /><em>Feb. 17<br /></em>Feb. 22</span><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-70833169350231763?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-67572172611128918392008-02-11T19:06:00.000-08:002008-02-11T21:51:36.679-08:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R7Enq7jIHQI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/Zanvl043wCU/s1600-h/capnme.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165953866063682818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R7Enq7jIHQI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/Zanvl043wCU/s200/capnme.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165950296945859810" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R7EkbLjIHOI/AAAAAAAAAJs/5tKCiC5OXRE/s200/P2070383.JPG" border="0" /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R7EkLbjIHNI/AAAAAAAAAJk/mU-NZ-ZhtrQ/s1600-h/capnme.JPG"></a>In Serie del Caribe news...<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />In Cuban baseball...<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Yulieski Gourriel beat Joan Carlos Pedroso in the homerun derby.<br /><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-6757217261112891839?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-77184971180848332362008-02-01T21:23:00.000-08:002008-02-01T21:30:07.291-08:00The Cuban League All-Star game will take place in Santiago de Cuba on Sunday, February 3, 2008.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The Occidental team will be managed by Esteban Lombillo who is the current manager for.<br /><br />The players are:<br /><br />Catchers: Eriel Sánchez, Yosvani Peraza and Osvaldo Arias.<br /><br />Infielders: Yoandy Garlobo (WBC), Roberto Zulueta, Rafael Valdés, Ernesto Molinet, Yadil Mujica, José Antonio Iglesias, Yulieski Gourriel (WBC) and Rudy Reyes (WBC).<br /><br />Outfielders: Yasser Gómez, Frederich Cepeda (WBC), Jorge Padrón, Juan Carlos Linares, Liván Monteagudo and Carlos Tabares (WBC).<br /><br />Designated Hitter: Alexander Mayeta.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The Oriental team will be managed by Antonio Pacheco who is.<br /><br />The players are:<br /><br />Catchers: Rolando Meriño, Lisdey Díaz and Selme Angulo.<br /><br />Infielders: José Julio Ruiz, Joan Carlos Pedroso (WBC), Héctor Olivera, Yoilán Cerce, Dainer Moreira, Luis Miguel Navas, Roinnier Mustelier and Yunior Paumier.<br /><br />Outfielders: Leonys Martín, Alexei Bell, Henry Urrutia, Giorvis Duvergel, Alfredo Despaigne and Yoenis Céspedes.<br /><br />Designated Hitter: Osmani Urrutia.<br /><br />Pitchers: Yoelkis Cruz, Norge Luis Vera, Alberto Bicet, Yuliet López, Osmel Cintras, Alexander Rodríguez, Ubisney Bermúdez, Jorge Longa and Yosvani Pérez (WBC).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-7718497118084833236?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-74023258703352053512008-02-01T21:20:00.000-08:002008-02-01T21:23:55.690-08:00Reinier 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: <br /><br />Al final del 2007 te retiraste ¿Qué fue lo que cambio tu pensamiento para regresar?<br /><br />Decidi regresar porque el nuevo director me lo pidio para que ayudara al<br />equipo.<br /><br />¿Qué son tus metas para esta temporada?<br /><br />Estas son mis metas en esta temporada: clasificar para la postemporada, jugar como regular en los playoff, y ser campeón nacional.<br /><br />¿Qué se espera de los Gallos este año con un nuevo dirigente y algunos nuevos peloteros que se han integrado?<br /><br />Del nuevo director todos acá esperan que pueda hacer lo que no hizo Lourdes, ser campeón.<br /><br />¿Planeas retirarte al final de esta temporada?<br /><br />Si terminada la temporada me retiraré, pues ese fue el acuerdo que tuve con el comisionado de la provincia.<br /><br />¿Si, sí qué son tus planes aparte de dirigir el equipo de Jatibonico, la ciudad donde naciste?<br /><br />Mis planes son dirigir el equipo para el que jugue por 13 temporadas y eso amiga te confieso que no esta muy lejos.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-7402325870335205351?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-61113809953579383742008-01-23T08:56:00.000-08:002008-01-23T10:46:50.629-08:00Boer 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.<br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-6111380995357938374?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-26483979713655743402008-01-15T22:27:00.000-08:002008-01-15T23:13:25.727-08:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R42tcPO2EnI/AAAAAAAAAJM/hbaevTwPoLg/s1600-h/alexei.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155967849045824114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R42tcPO2EnI/AAAAAAAAAJM/hbaevTwPoLg/s320/alexei.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>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.<br /><br />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.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-2648397971365574340?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-38408636725928127162008-01-13T12:46:00.000-08:002008-01-13T16:23:49.262-08:00This 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)<br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />2008 Serie del Caribe Schedule<br /><br /><br />FEB. 02<br />REP. DOMINICANA 2 VS VENEZUELA<br />4:00 P.M.<br />MEXICO VS. REPUBLICA DOMINICANA 1<br />8:00 P.M.<br /><br /><br />FEB. 03<br />REP. DOMINICANA 2 VS. MEXICO<br />4:00 P.M.<br />REPUBLICA DOMINICANA 1 VS. VENEZUELA<br />8:00 P.M.<br /><br /><br />FEB. 04<br />VENEZUELA VS MEXICO<br />4:00 P.M.<br />REPUBLICA DOMINICANA 1 VS REP. DOMINICANA 2<br />8:00 P.M.<br /><br /><br />FEB. 05<br />VENEZUELA VS REP. DOMINICANA 2<br />4:00 P.M.<br />REPUBLICA DOMINICANA 1 VS. MEXICO<br />8:00 P.M.<br /><br /><br />FEB. 06<br />MEXICO VS. REP. DOMINICANA 2<br />4:00 P.M.<br />VENEZUELA VS. REPUBLICA DOMINICANA 1<br />8:00 P.M.<br /><br /><br />FEB. 07<br />MEXICO VS VENEZUELA<br />4:00 P.M.<br />REP. DOMINICANA 2 VS. REPUBLICA DOMINICANA 1<br />8:00 P.M.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-3840863672592812716?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-44146636437098892572008-01-11T13:54:00.000-08:002008-01-11T14:21:37.565-08:00Time 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-4414663643709889257?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-36820217350449957972008-01-03T08:44:00.000-08:002008-01-03T09:12:18.268-08:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R30XVPO2EkI/AAAAAAAAAI0/e_ZYiYjA4c0/s1600-h/IMG_0228.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151299202415202882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R30XVPO2EkI/AAAAAAAAAI0/e_ZYiYjA4c0/s320/IMG_0228.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R30W5_O2EjI/AAAAAAAAAIs/0ISs-PAPlNo/s1600-h/IMG_0224.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div>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.<br /><br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br /><br />After the game there were live performances held throughout the town for the people to enjoy.</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-3682021735044995797?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-16250462614944540142008-01-01T18:57:00.001-08:002008-01-01T19:15:52.111-08:00The 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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-1625046261494454014?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-875718565971823602007-12-28T22:13:00.000-08:002008-01-15T21:25:12.793-08:00<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R42VHvO2ElI/AAAAAAAAAI8/OlHMShXxA0s/s1600-h/josecapellan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155941108579439186" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/R42VHvO2ElI/AAAAAAAAAI8/OlHMShXxA0s/s320/josecapellan.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>On Wednesday, December 26th, Round Robin play kicked off. I was fortunate enough to be in attendance at the Gigantes and Estrellas Orientales game that took place in San Francisco de Macoris. It was a pitching duel between Colorado Rockies pitcher Jose Francisco Capellan and Jesus Matos. Capellan came away with the loss permitting a homerun in the second inning to Willie Otañez. That would be the only score of the night in a 1-0 game with each team compiling four hits apiece. The Gigantes had a chance to tie the game, but Victor Mendez was out at home in a play where he should have been held at third. Aside from that there were never serious threats throughout the game. The Estrellas taking a 1-0 record and now have to fend without Robinson Cano who was told to stop playing by the Yankees. Round Robin should be a dandy and two of the four teams are playing for greater things. Licey is celebrating their 100th anniversary and the Aguilas are playing for a chance to play at home in the Caribbean Series. How would the fans feel if the Gigantes and Estrellas advance? Imagine that!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-87571856597182360?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-33675129731904481362007-10-28T16:37:00.000-07:002007-10-28T17:44:08.158-07:00As a lifetime Dodger fan, I tend to root for the National League. The Rockies did a real number on the fans winning twenty-one out of twenty-two and now can't seem to put together a victory on the big stage. As much as I would like them to bounce back and make this a series worth watching, I am also a realist and believe that it might be over as soon as tonight (I hope they make me eat my words). When the World Series ends it will signal the beginning of free agency. The biggest storyline is whether ARod is going to remain in pinstripes. Soon we will find out who will be changing zip codes and who will stay put.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-3367512973190448136?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-61566521283387143582007-10-20T15:37:00.000-07:002007-10-20T16:10:57.243-07:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/RxqK9Tx9OOI/AAAAAAAAAIM/kSEuXIl8wXc/s1600-h/PICT7593.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123560311973820642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/RxqK9Tx9OOI/AAAAAAAAAIM/kSEuXIl8wXc/s320/PICT7593.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Frederich Cepeda toma parte de su dia para contestarme unas preguntas:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>¿Que sientes saber que Peter Bjarkman quien es considerado un experto sobre el béisbol Cubano te considera el mejor bateador activo en la pelota cubana?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Me siento muy contento por eso ya que es una persona que a escrito a visto y analizado el béisbol Cubano e internacional por muchos años...agradecido ademas porque modestamente es muy difícil en mi criterio personal que soy el mejor pues el beisbol cubano tiene excelentes bateadores con grandes numeros tambien y con potencialidades para seguir desarrollandose.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>De lo que yo te he visto jugar, admiro tu paciencia al bate. A parte de eso tu has sido el lider en boletos intencionales en la Serie Nacional. ¿A que le atribuyes eso?<br /><br />Yo trato de poner mi mayor concentracion a la hora de batear para trarar de hacer un buen contacto con buenos lanzamientos y tratar de que el lanzador no me engañe,al ocupar el 5to bate en mi seleccion quizas esto implique el cuidado y la estrategia de picheo que tenga el contrario para cada situacion del juego cada turno es diferente.<br /></div><br /><div><br />¿Que esperas de esta próxima Serie Nacional?<br /><br />En estos momentos estoy preparndome muy fuerte para la copa del mundo en China para ayudar a mi equipo y tener un buen resultado para lo que necesito gran concentración de la atencion pues estos campeonatos son cortos y de mucha calidad,esto ademas toda esta etapa hasta que culmine el mundial servirá de preparación par la serie nacional que comensara solo unos dias despues del regreso en la cual espero como siempre superarme cada dia mas mi rendimiento personal y sobre todas las cosas ayudar a mi equipo a estar nuevamente en la pos temporada y ahí luchar por el titulo.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>¿Cuales son tus metas personales y como equipo?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Mis metas personales: la superación diaria y como equipo, ganar el campeonato.<br /></div><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-6156652128338714358?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-39477999301744186422007-10-19T20:00:00.000-07:002007-10-19T20:25:06.959-07:00<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/Rxlzwzx9ONI/AAAAAAAAAIE/OFFIJw9-voM/s1600-h/P9010021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123253333481306322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/Rxlzwzx9ONI/AAAAAAAAAIE/OFFIJw9-voM/s320/P9010021.JPG" border="0" /></a> My dear friend Antonio Castro Soto del Valle and my godson Lourdes Yunielkis Gourriel both are celebrating birthdays today in Cuba.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/Rxlx6Tx9OMI/AAAAAAAAAH8/cIFxtR-3GxA/s1600-h/sscuba.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123251297666808002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/Rxlx6Tx9OMI/AAAAAAAAAH8/cIFxtR-3GxA/s320/sscuba.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/Rxlxazx9OKI/AAAAAAAAAHs/sG9ur7R628A/s1600-h/P9010021.JPG"></a><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/Rxlxdjx9OLI/AAAAAAAAAH0/JI-70PT5zB0/s1600-h/sscuba.JPG"></a><br /><div>My godson (pictured on the far right) turns 14. Wish I could be there to celebrate with them. </div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-3947799930174418642?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-46451446045978448172007-08-25T20:54:00.000-07:002007-10-20T15:19:43.224-07:00A hot topic in baseball over the last few years has been the ever decreasing number of Blacks playing in MLB. There are many reasons why they are not participating, but the one that stands out the most is the cost of the tools of the trade. Unlike basketball and football where you need just one ball, in baseball you need a bat, a glove and a ball. Bats and gloves are expensive and oftentimes parents cannot afford to purchase them forcing the child to choose another sport.<br /><br />Current major leaguer Gary Sheffield has been a very vocal critic and has vehemently said that something needs to be done. MLB finally opened its first academy on American soil in Compton, California. It was a logical move since California produces the majority of major leaguers. I spoke to MLB Urban Youth Academy Director Darrell Miller and he mentioned that they plan to open more academies in the future in other inner-cities across the country. The dilemma now is getting more Black youth to go there and participate.<br /><br />The interest level has to increase and there are various ways to go about that. We have come along way since Jackie Robinson, but I think that fielding an All-Black team to participate in the Arizona Fall League would bring attention to the sport. They can either play a whole season or a few exhibition games just to see how much attention it would draw and if it would increase the participation amongst Black youth.<br /><br />Current Black players can sponsor a player or a little league team by paying their registration fees. A lot of money is generated in the Little League World Series and that could be reinvested into sponsoring Black little leaguers as well.<br /><br />It is never too late and addressing the issue now would prevent the number of Blacks to get down to the point of non-existence in baseball. I trust that MLB will do their part to ensure that this remains ALL of America's pasttime.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-4645144604597844817?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-21672952084610825302007-08-01T22:43:00.000-07:002007-09-24T10:26:41.496-07:00<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/RrFveGDcCQI/AAAAAAAAAGw/FYI6cjvfiWk/s1600-h/P8250096.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093975216344533250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/RrFveGDcCQI/AAAAAAAAAGw/FYI6cjvfiWk/s320/P8250096.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>After the WBC, I was invited to go to Cuba as a guest of the FCBA (Federación Cubana de Béisbol Aficionado) during the Olympic Qualifier. I was excited to visit another baseball hotbed. I arrived there on a Wednesday and was met by INDER (INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE DEPORTES, EDUCACION FÍSICA Y RECREACIÓN) officials. We went to a conference room located at the airport where we had a quick bite to eat. A few hours later I was dropped off at the Hotel Nacional, a hotel so beautiful that it rivals 5-star hotels in the States. After minutes of being in my room, I received a call from Tony Castro to be ready and downstairs in fifteen minutes. We went to the Estadio LatinoAmericano to where the team was having a scrimmage game against Panama. The players were just as happy to see me as I was to see them. As each approached the on deck circle they would walk over to greet me.<br />I was able to see them in their home field and see how things were done. I attended one practice while I was there, but I was present at ALL of their games from the first pitch to the last pitch. There were a couple of mercy rule games on behalf of the Cubans. I recall having to sit through the game against the Dominican Republic where the Cubans pounded their opposition and the score was 17-3 by the third inning. The best games that they had were against Panama, Mexico and not surprisingly the United States.<br />In the Panama game, the Cuban pitchers were struggling to get any easy outs. The Panamanians took the early lead and held it for most of the game. The Cubans came roaring back with the help of Guantanamo's Giorvis Duvergel whose homerun served as the catalyst in the 7-6 victory. There is a popular saying about Cuba-Panama games in regards to the Panamanians' performance, "jugaron como nunca, pero perdieron como siempre." (they played like never before, but lost like always)<br />In the game against undefeated Mexico, it was known that the Mexicans had flown in southpaw Oscar Rivera from Mexico to face the Cubans who countered with Frank Montieth who was the ERA leader in the tournament. Rivera pitched well, but the Cubans won 4-0 on four hits in what proved to be an impressive game.<br />In their final game against the United States which really meant nothing more than bragging rights since they both had already earned their olympic berths proved to be a dandy. The game was very reminiscent of their championship game against Japan in the World Baseball Classic. The Americans took the early lead and the Cubans had to come from behind and the pitching changes continued for the Cubans. They managed to tie it 5-5, but the Americans would not be held down for long as they powered back hitting a total of five homeruns in the game. The final score was 8-5 and it managed to halt the party in the stadium. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-2167295208461082530?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543727432421772922.post-9436396373858831882007-08-01T22:37:00.001-07:002007-09-24T10:14:59.110-07:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/RrFujmDcCPI/AAAAAAAAAGo/tALwlwmtV1s/s1600-h/tonycg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093974211322185970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_LFPsH9cA9Bk/RrFujmDcCPI/AAAAAAAAAGo/tALwlwmtV1s/s320/tonycg.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>When I was hired to be the Team Coordinator for Cuba the US government had yet to grant them permission to participate in the tournament. Before the embargo, Cuba was Major League Baseball's lifeline and since has been replaced by the Dominican Republic. Very little is known about Cuban baseball besides the fact that they are very successful in International competition although many consider that to be amateur competition. Thanks to Major League Baseball and Major League Baseball Players Association in their creation of the World Baseball Classic they gave Cuba the opportunity to display their skill and face some of the best competition on a world stage.<br /><br />When I was assigned to them, I did not know what their reaction would be to having been assigned a female coordinator. Being such a baseball rich country with their storied history in the sport, I was anxiously awaiting their reaction. In the back of my mind I also felt the pressure of what many Latin American countries had voiced in regards to Cuba ’s participation. Thinking about what had been said, “Without Cuba , there would be no Classic,” I felt compelled to do the best job possible. I was involved in all the team’s day to day activities both on and off the field before and during the tournament. From the get go the Cuban Federation was able to see that I was there to get a job done and working with me would enable that. The Cuban Federation sent a four-man advance staff to review logistical and security arrangements and visit the playing and practice fields three days before the team was set to arrive. I met them at the airport to officially introduce myself and was always present when they had meetings with MLB and MLBPA executives. Being present in those meetings where my opinion mattered and where I was listened to solidified that my position was indeed very important. I also served as a translator and representative for the Cuban Federation whenever I considered necessary. Anything that they needed, they asked me to handle for them. The players also relied on me for their needs as well since I became a fixture everywhere they were. They knew to ask me for requests and oftentimes they came to me before they went to their coaches or the federation. For instance, Yadel Marti, a pitcher who was selected to the all-tournament team, asked me to ask the Cuban Baseball Federation President to allow him to wear spikes rather than cleats after he had failed to get permission. My request was granted and the rest is history. I could not have asked for a better team, these group of guys displayed a fire and desire to win and they simply did it for the love of the game.<br /><br />I developed a very strong relationship with the Federation, Tony Castro (the team doctor who happens to be Fidel's son) and the players. Although I had many friends on other teams, I was genuinely rooting for "my" team to win it all.<br /><br />As the tournament progressed they were continuously being counted out, but never once did I see them waver in their determination to win. From the get go they told me that they were taking me to San Diego (the site of the semi-finals and finals). Although I believed them I sometimes feared that their magical run would be eclipsed by a star studded offense in the form of Venezuela, Puerto Rico or the early on favorite Dominican Republic. They kept their promise and took me to San Diego where they eliminated a powerful Dominican team in the semis and lost to Japan in the finals. Although I would rewrite the ending, it was truly a great experience that I would not trade for the world.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1543727432421772922-943639637385883188?l=elpuntog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>GEnoreply@blogger.com