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Caribbean contenders expect to set pace in Classic Baseball
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Caribbean contenders expect to set pace in Classic Baseball
AFP - Wednesday, March 4
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AFP) - - Dominican Republic and host Puerto Rico will be the favourites to advance from the first-round group at the World Baseball Classic that also includes Panama and the Netherlands.
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The Dominicans, featuring New York Yankees star third baseman and admitted dope cheat Alex Rodriguez, lost to Cuba in the semi-finals of the 2006 inaugural Classic but have the talent to take the title.
"I would like to bring it home to the Dominican," free agent star pitcher Pedro Martinez said. "This is my first opportunity and I would like to take full advantage of it."
The Cubans also eliminated Puerto Rico in the second round but with Cuba sent to another group this time, both squads can advance to the second round in Miami against teams from a Canada group that include a strong US squad.
"The team this year looks much better than the last Classic. We have a little bit of everything," Puerto Rico catcher Ivan Rodriguez said. "We've got the pitching, good players, young players that are going to be ready to play.
"When you have that, you have a good chance."
Rodriguez said last month that he took performance-enhancing drugs while playing for Texas from 2001 through 2003, but hopes to put the controversy behind him while playing in the Classic.
"It's really good to get it behind me," Rodriguez said. "For me now the focus is on the World Baseball Classic.
"We've got a great bunch of guys. I've never seen guys with more energy who laugh more than these guys. It's good for me to be around that."
"A-Rod" played on a disappointing US squad last time that failed to advance past the second round. This time he fulfilled his mother's dream by playing for the Dominican Republic.
"It was my mom's dream," A-Rod said. "I just wanted to make her happy. It's a privilege. To be able to play for two great countries is pretty cool."
Dominican Republic manager Felipe Alou has said he might alternate Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes at shortstop thanks to a wealth of talent at the position.
One might also shift to designated hitter but that would require Boston slugger David Ortiz to play at first base.
Cincinnati right-handed pitcher Edinson Volquez will start Saturday's opener against the Dutch in the double-elimination event. Another Reds hurler, Johnny Cueto, also is expected to start in round one.
That could set up Martinez or Colorado's Ubaldo Jimenez for a pivotal game against Puerto Rico.
"I'm the old goat in the group but I feel lucky to be part of it and be an example for those kids to follow," Martinez said.
Puerto Rico, which routed the Dominicans 7-1 in the second round in 2006, will feature Rodriguez, Bernie Williams, Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran plus 2008 National League Rookie of the Year Geovany Soto.
Right-hander Javier Vazquez is set to start Saturday's opener against Panama before emotional home support.
"It's going to be exciting," Rodriguez said. "The fans know that we're going to bring to Puerto Rico a good baseball team."
Panama offers Carlos Lee, coming back from a broken finger, for power and the pitching of Manuel Corpas and Ramiro Mendoza on a team composed mainly of minor-league talent.
The Dutch feature Sidney Ponson and Florida pitcher Rick VandenHurk, whose five major league wins ranks second best to retired legend and manager Bert Blyleven. Netherlands has had only seven major leaguers in the past century.
"We're in a very tough pool. Everybody knows that," VandenHurk said. "But this is baseball and anything can happen in baseball."
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Dominican Republic, featuring New York Yankees star third baseman and admitted dope cheat Alex Rodriguez seen here, and host Puerto Rico will be the favourites to advance from the first-round group at the World Baseball Classic that also includes Panama and the Netherlands.
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