NewsWhore
03-25-2008, 05:30 PM
After much discussion and veiled threats that it would not take part, the Dominican Republic has announced that it will play in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. The DR, home to some of the world's best baseball talent, was angered at not being chosen to host the WBC in 2009 and as a result threatened to pull the team from the tournament. This would have been a big blow to the WBC. MLB and WBC baseball officials were disturbed by the threats, but explained that the DR doesn't currently have the infrastructure to host a tournament of that magnitude. Hector Pereyra, president of the Dominican Baseball Federation, said that he spoke with MLB officials Paul Archey and Gene Orstad and said he was satisfied with the response given by them. According to Pereyra, who is quoted in Hoy, the DR will be taken into consideration for the 2013 WBC. The DR has been grouped with Holland, Puerto Rico and Panama in Group D of the Tournament, which is now being met with strong anticipation by players. Players from around the league have voiced their support and excitement for the WBC in 2009. Vladimir Guerrero, who didn't play in 2006 said, "It's something I'd like to do, play for my country, with [David] Ortiz and the guys". Pedro Martinez said "I would love to be in one if I'm healthy", and Dauner Sanchez called it "one of the best experiences of my career. I was really excited to be there with the great players. Everything was good about it".
For more quotes from the players click here (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080324&content_id=2454847&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb).
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#14)
For more quotes from the players click here (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080324&content_id=2454847&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb).
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#14)