It looks as if Angels star Vladimir Guerrero, who is recovering from knee surgery, will be shut out of the World Baseball Classic again.
Dominican Republic manager Felipe Alou has only one problem, and it's a good one to have: too much talent. Alou is excited to have a deep pool of players at his disposal for the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez, who played for Team USA in the inaugural World Baseball Classic, will play for the Dominican Republic in the 2009 Classic.
After failing to reach the finals at the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, the Dominican Republic has regrouped for the 2009 tournament.
Most were not sure what to expect at the outset of the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, but at the end of the tournament, even the most hardcore skeptics had to admit its overwhelming success.
Changes are being made to the 2009 World Baseball Classic from its '06 debut. One of the biggest is the format of the first round, which will feature a double-elimination format, as opposed to a round robin. The semifinals and finals will be held at Dodger Stadium.
A number of Marlins are committed to playing in the 2009 World Baseball Classic: shortstop Hanley Ramirez (Dominican Republic), infielder/outfielder Alfredo Amezaga (Mexico), third baseman Jorge Cantu (Mexico) and reliever Renyel Pinto (Venezuela).
There will be a historic celebration on a Caribbean island famous for its music and baseball tradition Saturday night. That island is not the Dominican Republic.
Even in defeat, Los Angeles Angels right-hander Bartolo Colon succeeded in doing the improbable. In a roster filled with All-Stars, Most Valuable Players and country heroes, Colon stood out -- again.
