9 Dominican players on World Series rosters

Anyone that has ever visited the Dominican Baseball Guy blog knows that Dominican players have figured prominently at all levels of Major League Baseball in recent years. The total number of Dominican baseball players on MLB rosters 2012 was 11% this year. That number has remained steady and grown in recent years, and it holds up in the playoffs for the most part.

This year there are nine Dominican players in the World Series out of a total of 50 players. The total 18% of players coming from the Dominican Republic nearly doubles that regular season percentage. Further, according to Latino Voices on the Huffington post, 22 Latino will play in the World Series. Nearly half of the World Series players come from Latin America!

And that means the Dominican Republic and Venezuela for the most part. The two countries are the Latin baseball power houses of the MLB. USA Today and the New York Times felt the need to point out the banner year for Venezuelan players in the World Series, as there are also nine Venezuelan players, including the recent triple crown winner Miguel Cabrera. And they failed to mention the equal number of Dominican Republic baseball players in this year's World Series.

Dominican players have featured so prominently in both the regular season and the playoffs in recent years, that perhaps major publications do not see it as newsworthy that their are a lot of Dominicans in the World Series. Last year there were eight Dominican players in the World Series. Pedro Martinez, David Ortiz, and Manny Ramirez, among other Dominican players, have dominated on the biggest baseball stage of them all.

Dominican natives have summed up what it means to have their countrymen competing on the biggest stage. A librarian in San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic said years ago that "we root for whichever team has more Dominicans. They remind me of players that I have seen in my own town, so we want them to do well and represent our country."

Juan Uriste, another Dominican baseball fan from San Francisco de Macoris told the Dominican baseball guy through email that "Dominicans are following the series closely as always, but we don't know who to root for because both teams have several Dominican players each."

Dominican baseball player Ramon Santiago could
feature prominently in 2012 World Series,
photo by Keith Allison on Flickr

They have their choice of the Tigers who feature six Dominicans on their active roster: Jhonny Peralta, Al Alburquerque, Joaquin Benoit, Octavio Dotel, Jose Valverde, Ramon Santiago. Or, the Giants who have pitchers Santiago Casilla and Guillermo Mota, and position player Joaquín Árias on their World Series roster.

Pretty incredible that a country of just 15 million people could put that many players in the World Series, compared to the 300 million people and the 25 or so American players competing. The percentages are simply astounding.

Dominican baseball legend Manny Ramirez done, say it ain't so

It appears that Dominican baseball legend Manny Ramirez is finally done with baseball. Apparently he has found peace out of the game, after appearing in 17 games in the A's minor league system this season. He left the A's affiliate in June, after not receiving a call up to the big league squad.

Ramirez is living in a gated community outside Miami, and is happy to be enjoying life with his wife and kids. And he gives much credit to his newly found faith in God. From Jorge L. Ortiz and the USA Today story, "I feel good. My family's good. Thanks to God, I have a peace I'd never had. I have an incredible peace."

Like many former athletes, he is focusing on his family and his kids.  "Sometimes I miss it, but I try to fill that void by taking my kids to their basketball games, their baseball games, taking them everywhere."

Manny continues about his evangelical faith: "If the Lord says that's it, they're not going to open the door for you, I would say, 'Thank you Lord for the opportunity you gave me,'" he said. "He controls the situation." 

Please Lord, for the sake of the Dominican Baseball Guy and fans of Dominican baseball everywhere, tell Manny to go play in the Dominican Winter Baseball League this year!

Manny Ramirez is from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Dominican baseball legend Manny Ramirez, photo by Keith Allison on Flickr

Miguel Tejada ready to play ball

Miguel Tejada is ready to join an MLB team as soon as one comes calling.

The 37 year old Tejada is nearing the end of his MLB career, but should still have a couple good years left.  He played in 91 games last year for the Giants.  While his offensive output is down from his peak, he is still a very good fielder and can play three infield positions.

Adam Brush has been training with Tejada in Florida for several years.  A former college player that is a National Strength and Conditioning Association certified trainer, Brush has worked with a number of big league players including Manny Ramirez, Anibal Sanchez, Ramon Hernandez, Luis Hernandez, Juan Rincon, and Ardolis Chapman.  He is the owner of Five Tool Baseball Performance Training.

According to Brush, Tejada looks great and is ready to go.

"Miguel is a joy to work with.  He absolutely loves the game of baseball, and playing the game is what he wants to do.  He knows what it takes to play in the big leagues, and he knows that he can still produce at that MLB level," Brush said through a phone call.

Continuing, Brush says, "I first worked with Miguel over five years and he looks as good as he ever has.  He is taking over 200 ground balls and hitting four days a week.  And we are doing baseball strength and conditioning work three times per week.  He is working extremely hard, so that when he does get a phone call, he is ready to go."

A native of the Dominican Republic, Tejada is a legend in his home country.  He has played 15 seasons in the major leagues, but has actually played more years than that in the Dominican Winter League (LIDOM).  Tejada is known as "the nation's ball player" or "the patriot player" in his home country, due to his prowess on the field in LIDOM action and his ability to represent Dominican baseball through numerous avenues.

Adam Brush witnessed the love that Dominicans have for Tejada during a training trip to the Dominican Republic.  They went to a LIDOM game one night.

Brush explains, "he stood up, got in the aisle to leave, and the entire stadium went crazy.  There were people yelling his name, taking pictures with their cell phones.  It was like a rock star.  It blew me away because I had never seen anything like it in my life."

"The Dominican baseball fans are absolutely unbelievable fans," said Brush.

A career .286 hitter, Tejada has played in Oakland, Baltimore, Houston, San Diego, and San Francisco.  He is a 6 time all-star and former MVP winner, so at the very least he is a great mentor for young players, especially Dominican players.  Miguel is from Bani, Dominican Republic.

Dominican baseball star Miguel Tejada with the Orioles in 2007, photo by Keith Allison on Flickr

Dominican player Manny Ramirez and his impact with the Oakland A's, Dominicano Manny Ramirez ayuda peloteros de los A's este ano

Spring Training is under way, and Dominican player Manny Ramirez is back playing for the A's.  So, begins another day of "what is  Manny Ramirez doing lately" here at the Dominican Baseball Guy blog.  Manny Ramirez is the favorite Dominican baseball player of all-time here at the Dominican Baseball Guy, so expect lots of updates as to what he is up to with the A's and in the minors, as he serves his suspension for performance enhancing drugs.

The latest is 5 people that Manny Ramirez is going to help this year, from Bleacher Report, one of the most comprehensive sports sites in all of the interweb.  The Dominican Baseball Guy loves Bleacher Report because they have individual sites and bloggers for each team.

So here are the 5 people that Manny is going to help this year: Cuban rookie Yoenis Cespedes, the A's 3 and 5 hitters, A's manager Bob Melvin, the young pitching staff, and Billy Beane and Lew Wolff.

And the Dominican Baseball Guy needs to add a couple more.  The Dominican player Manny Ramirez will be playing 50 games in the A's minor league system, so the Sacramento River Cats and their fans will benefit greatly.  And of course, the Dominican Baseball Guy will benefit greatly by having plenty of stuff to write about as the Manny Ramirez world turns.

Dominican player Manny Ramirez viene de Santo Domingo y Nueva York.

Dominican player Manny Ramirez with the Los Angeles Dodgers, photo courtesy of bestlaidplans.org

Manny Ramriez hits multiple home runs, Dominicano Manny Ramirez llega en Oakland

Well, he did hit multiple home runs in his first batting practice with the A's.  You can call the Dominican Baseball Guy the Manny Ramirez Guy if you so choose, because he is the most blogged about player in the history of the Dominican Baseball Guy blog.  Manny Ramirez is one of the main reasons the Dominican Baseball Guy first started following Dominican baseball so closely.

The Dominican Baseball Guy said that Manny Ramirez was going to be signed in his last post on Ramirez: MLB team to sign Dominican baseball player Manny Ramirez? Pelotero Dominicano va a jugar en MLB este año?  And that is what happened.  The A's signed Manny to a one year deal.  He will have to serve the 100 game suspension he is due, for failing a second drug test.  He will serve that in the minor leagues.

Ramirez arrived at A's camp and promptly hit seven home runs in his first batting practice.  Ramirez says that he wants to show his kids and family that you can change and correct a mistake.  He also said God opened this door back up for him and he had to take it.

The Dominican Baseball Guy obviously loves Manny Ramirez, BUT I think he is done.  It is a no lose for the A's though.  He comes cheap.  He will sell minor league tickets and big league tickets.  Maybe he becomes trade bait toward the end of the season, because if he is not on a contender, he honestly is not much use.  He could pinch hit or DH some.

The Dominican Baseball Guy predicts maybe 10 home runs and 40 RBI, as he will only be able to play 62 games.  He could tear up the Pacific Coast League though.

Dominican baseball player Manny Ramirez is from the capital, Santo Domingo.

Dominican baseball player Manny Ramirez in his last year in MLB,
by pvsbond on Flickr

MLB team to sign Dominican baseball player Manny Ramirez? Pelotero Dominicano va a jugar en MLB este año?

So, I am the Dominican Baseball Guy (DBG), not the "Manny Ramirez Guy," even though we have seen tons of Manny Ramirez posts recently.  With that said, any news on Manny Ramirez is news to the Dominican Baseball Guy.  Manny is, after all, one of the most beloved Dominican Baseball players of all-time.

ESPN first reported and the Big Lague Stew blogged that Manny Ramirez wants to return to MLB this year.  Well bloggers are coming out of the woodworks saying they want him on their team.  One article makes a convincing case that there is no downside to signing Manny Ramirez.  Basically he will have to serve a 50 game suspension in the minor leagues, so any team that signs him can send him to the minors and if he does not perform well in triple A then he will not get the call up to the big league squad.  And in the case that he stays in the minors, he will also earn a minor league salary.  So, the article seems to be right on point, not much risk for a big league club in signing him.

Indians bloggers are calling for Manny to return to the Indians.  Mets bloggers want him for their team.   And how about Manny Ramirez with the Yankees?  The Pinstripe Alley bloggers say bring Manny Ramirez to the Yankees.

As the Mets blogger says in a final point, "If nothing else, Manny will provide daily news."  Not exactly an argument a GM wants to hear.  But for a blogger such as the Dominican Baseball Guy, that is a great reason to have him on your team!

Manny Ramirez es de Santo Domingo, Republica Dominicana.  Here's hoping he lands somewhere for the upcoming season.

Manny Ramirez rounding the bases with the Red Sox, by Keith Allison  on Flickr

Manny Ramirez talks Albert Pujols new contract with Angels, Manny Ramirez habla sobre Pujols contrato con Angels

And so the world of Manny turns.  And whatever he says, people (like the Dominican Baseball Guy aka DBG) will listen.  Manny Ramirez retired from baseball in April, yet the DBG has found a way to blog about him four times since August.

First, Manny said he will play in the Dominican winter baseball league.  Then he was jailed for domestic disturbance in Florida.  Then Manny Ramirez reiterated the fact that he plans to play in the Dominican Winter Baseball League (LIDOM) for the 2011 season.  And finally, MLB says that he cannot play in the LIDOM because he still has an MLB suspension to serve and LIDOM is affiliated with MLB, so he must serve that 50 game suspension before he can play in LIDOM.

So, as always, Manny Ramirez is in the news, even if he is not playing.  And when Manny speaks, the Dominican Baseball Guy listens.  The latest is that Manny Ramirez praises the Angels for signing Albert Pujols.  O really?  Thanks Manny for chiming in.  Here is the quote from ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com:

"He deserves that contract; he is the best slugger in history. The numbers speak for themselves," Ramirez said during an interview with ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com.

Manny Ramirez batting practice with
the Dodgers, by  pvsbond on Flickr

Wow, some humility from Manny.  The DBG always thought that in Manny's mind he was the best slugger in history.  Some amazing analysis from Manny, 'the Angels were smart to sign Pujols.'  He may have a career as an analyst in the future.

Well that ends another entry of as the Manny turns.  You will always be the favorite slugger of the DBG, even if Pujols is better than you Manny.  Here's hoping your latest comeback attempt is successful, so the DBG can see you play a few more times.

Manny Ramirez es de Santo Domingo, Republica Dominicana.

Manny Ramirez can't play in Domincian Winter League, Manny Ramirez no puede jugar en LIDOM

Just last week, the Dominican Baseball Guy and fans of Dominican baseball everywhere were giddy at the possibility of Manny Ramirez playing in the Dominican League of Winter Baseball (LIDOM) this season.  Manny had made contact with his former team the Cibao Eagles, and planned to play with them again.

But alas it was much a do about nothing.  Manny is ineligible to play winter ball in any of the MLB sanctioned leagues, and yes, the LIDOM is an MLB sanctioned league.  He claims that his representatives are working to get the commission to reinstate him for winter ball, but this is doubtful at this point.  MLB rules simply do not allow it.

So, the Dominican Baseball Guy has changed his tune since the last time he posted on the ongoing Manny situation when he said: "This is looking more and more like it could happen."  In fact, the Dominican Baseball Guy has done a complete 180.  It is looking more and more likely that this will not happen.  Manny will have to serve his 100 game suspension before appearing in the LIDOM.

Dominican fans are already disappointed about this.  Some have hit up the Dominican Baseball Guy Facebook page saying that he is still going to play, despite these new reports.

It is never boring with Manny.  He is from Santo Domingo, DR, but grew up in New York City's Washington Heights.

Manny Ramirez with the Dodgers, by pvsbond on Flickr

Manny Ramirez to play in Dominican baseball league, Dominicano Manny Ramirez va a jugar en LIDOM

Well, Manny Ramirez has said once again that he plans to play ball in the Dominican League of Winter Baseball this season.  He recently said, he wants to "play before the Dominican fans and to perhaps motivate other Major League stars to also play in the country."  And the President of his former team, Winston Llenas of the Cibao Eagles confirmed that he plans to start training with the team next week.

This backs up a previous report of Manny planning to play Dominican winter baseball, in which he said: "Now I'm getting ready to defend the 21st crown of the Aguilas (Eagles)."

The Dominican Baseball Guy can hardly contain himself with thoughts of this becoming a reality. If he does decide to play, the stadiums will be filled for all of his games, and the Dominican Baseball Guy will be there to see the craziness. The Dominican stadiums get packed for even marginal stars, so if Manny plays it will be a true spectacle...think playoff like atmosphere for every game.

This is looking more and more like it could happen, as long as his recent legal troubles do not get in the way.

Ramirez says he wants to motivate other big league stars to play. If all the big league Dominican players returned home to play winter ball each year it could even push the Dominican league (LIDOM) to be on par with the NIPON Japanese baseball league, which is widely considered the second best league in the world. Then if they could get some American stars to join them, well it could theoretically be on par with MLB, considering the LIDOM only has six teams to fill.

But alas, this is a pipe dream. The likelihood of a bunch of big league stars following Manny to the LIDOM is small. There is one major hold up, and that is the MONEY. The players make a pittance in the LIDOM, not even reported usually, but it cannot be more than minor league deals. So, until the Dominican economy grows greatly and is able to support teams that can afford to pay millions of dollars to players, we are doubtful to see any major stars in their prime.

Manny is going to play because he has no choice: he faces a 100 game suspension for a failed drug test if he returns to MLB.

 Manny is from Santo Domingo and spent 18 years in the big leagues.

Manny Ramirez runs the bases with the Red Sox, by Keith Allison on Flickr

Manny Ramirez goes to jail, then released, Manny Ramirez va a el cárcel

Everyone knows that Manny Ramirez is one of the Dominican Baseball Guy's all time favorite players.  But even the Dominican Baseball Guy cannot support his beloved Manny in this case.  The word is he was jailed for one night in Florida after a domestic disturbance involving his wife.

Actually Manny's actions in recent years have made even his most avid fans stop following him.  He faced a 100 game suspension for his second performance enhancing drugs suspension before retiring at the start of this year.  And now add this incident on to getting busted, not once, but twice for performance enhancing drugs, and Manny is not doing anything favorable for his legacy.  People quickly forget even the best when they do foolish things like this.

In the eyes of the Dominican Baseball Guy, Manny has fallen from the top of the Dominican Baseball pyramid.  He will always be one of the greatest Dominicans to play in MLB, but he just won't be as loved and appreciated for his quirky style, as he was by fans before these incidents.

He does plan to play in the Dominican Winter Baseball League this year, and the Dominican Baseball Guy will certainly try to catch him down there this winter if he does, despite his disdain for Ramirez's recent behavior.  It is too bad, because it is really hard for the Dominican Baseball Guy to dislike Manny, but I think I do right now.

Manny Ramirez es de Santo Domingo, Republica Dominicana, la capital.  And Keith Winters is the Dominican Baseball Guy, expert on beisbol Dominicano.

Manny Ramirez with the Red Sox, what a great time to
be a Manny Ramirez fan, by Keith Allison on  Flickr

Cubs' Aramis Ramirez: Dominican baseball players do not like to walk, Dominicanos no les gustan pasaportes

This according to Chicago Cub and Dominican Aramis Ramirez, who recently hit his major league leading 12th first pitch home run.  He dropped this classic quote to explain why he swings at a lot of first pitches:

“I don’t know, I’m Dominican -- we go out there swinging, we don’t work a lot on it,” Ramirez said. “[Starlin] Castro’s got like 450 at bats and like 20 walks. What do I got, like 25? We don’t walk, we like swinging the bat. So I don’t have an explanation for you. I’ve always been aggressive. I just happen to hit more homers this year.”

The classic part comes when he says "we don't work a lot."  Something probably lost in the translation there...  Think it should say "we don't work the count a lot," but hey I am just the Dominican Baseball Guy.  What do I know?

Ramirez is the latest free swinging Dominican, of which there have been a number like Vladimir Guerrero and Starlin Castro.  But it is probably a stereotype, because other Dominicans like Moises Alou and Manny Ramirez have had very sharp eyes and taken many walks.

In any case the strategy seems to be working for Aramis Ramirez this year.  He has had a bounce back year and been able to stay healthy.  Right now he is 12th in the NL in home runs and 6th RBI.  The Dominican Baseball Guy thinks this final quote from Aramis pretty much describes the whole shabang of being a hitter:  “If I see a pitch I like I’m going to swing at it,” Ramirez said.  He is from Santo Domingo, DR.

Chicago Cubs' Aramis Ramirez with RBI in 2007, by Guano on Flickr

Manny Ramirez says he will play winter baseball in Dominican Republic

Manny Ramirez, the Dominican Baseball Guy's all-time favorite player, abruptly retired from MLB last month after he faced a second suspension for performance enhancing drugs.  Ramirez has said little about his retirement from MLB.

However, he recently hinted that he may return to play winter baseball in his native Dominican Republic.  He told ESPN Deportes: "Now I'm getting ready to defend the 21st crown of the Aguilas."

He also texted, "tell the fans to not despair because winter ball is coming soon."

The Dominican Baseball Guy is pretty excited about this possibility and will be there to see him in Dominican League of Winter Baseball (LIDOM) action next year if he does play in the winter season.  Luichy Sanchez, a member of the Aguilas Cibaenas baseball operations staff, says Ramirez old winter league team is also excited about the possibility and would certainly welcome him with open arms.

Manny spent three winter league seasons with the Aguilas from 1991 to 1995.  He is from Santo Domingo, DR.

Manny Ramirez with the Red Sox, by Keith Allison on Flickr

Dominican baseball player leads Manhattan high school league in steals, Dominicano es lider en bases robados en liga de NYC

It is no secret there are lots of Dominicans in Manhattan, particularly in Washington Heights.  They are known as Dominican Yorks.  But some may not know that there is a long history of Dominican immigrants playing in the NYC high school ranks.  Perhaps the most famous Dominican baseball player of all, Manny Ramirez, came to New York as a boy and played for the famed George Washington High School.

So, this article on New York City high school baseball caught the attention of the Dominican Baseball Guy: Murry Bergtraum baseball's Yori Olivo leads PSALA in steals.

Yori Olivo came to New York from the Dominican Republic to play baseball and attend school.  He actually had some health worries and was unable to play until his senior year.  But this year he is leading the PSALA in steals, going 15-16 on steals in 3 games.  

Olivo is surely one of many Dominicans playing in New York City, and the Dominican Baseball Guy will look for other aspects of Dominican baseball in New York to blog about.

Red Sox-Yankees series features many foreign players

The Red Sox versus Yankees series that took place last week featured 14 foreign born players out of the 50 players on the two teams active and reserve rosters.  The Yankees have six Dominicans, including Rafael Soriano and Robinson Cano.  The Red Sox have just one, David Ortiz.

The two biggest clubs in baseball are always interested in signing a top flight talent, no matter what the cost or country of origin.  The Yankees have featured a number of Dominicans throughout the years, such as Alfonso Soriano and Alex Rodriguez.  The Red Sox championship teams in the 2004 and 2007 of course had two of the best players of their generation in David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez, as well as Pedro Martinez among others.

Alfonso Soriano and Cano are both from San Pedro de Macoris, and Ortiz and Ramirez are both from Santo Domingo.  Fans of the Yankees and Red Sox should enjoy this series and enjoy seeing all the great Dominicans play all year.

David Ortiz, by Googie Man

Dominican Player of Week 2: Alexi Ogando

Alexi Ogando only pitched one time during week two, but combined with his week one performance he is worthy of the Dominican Baseball Guy's player of week 2.  Ogando started the season by shutting out the Mariners in six innings pitched, in his first career start.  He followed that up with seven innings and no runs against the Tigers.  In his first two starts of his career here is his line: 2-0, 0.00 ERA, 13 innings, 8 K.

Ogando has been featured in two recent posts from the Dominican Baseball Guy, so just check the tags at the bottom of this post to see those.  After going through a long legal process in which he was accused of visa fraud, Ogando debuted last year and was one of the best relievers in baseball.  He ended with a 1.30 ERA in 42 innings.  He was not scheduled to start for the Rangers this season, but moved into the rotation after some injuries.  It will be hard for Ron Washington to move him back to the bullpen if he keeps this pace up.  Ogando is from San Pedro de Macoris, DR.

Other Dominicans in week 2: Neftali Feliz (Azua, DR): 3.1 innings, 3 saves, 0.00 ERA, Vladimir Guerrero (Nizao, DR) 8-25, Manny Ramirez (Santo Domingo): retired from MLB

Alexi Ogando, by Red3Biggs

Manny being Manny, Ramirez retires from MLB

It is a sad day in the world of the Dominican Baseball Guy.  His favorite player of all-time has retired, and the Dominican Baseball Guy does not see Manny Ramirez as one to go back on this retirement, especially since he faces a 100 game suspension if he does return.

Manny was the favorite player of the Dominican Baseball Guy first off because he could mash.  No one hits .312 lifetime with 555 home runs and 1831 RBI.  And he was not even a power hitter.  Ramirez generated all those home runs and RBI by hitting line drives, and thats what made him so exciting.  When he did hit a home run, they were just laser shots.

Of course he was also infamous for his on field antics, such as when he used to hang out in the Green Monster when he was in left field for the Red Sox.  The Dominican Baseball Guy was never more excited to see a game than when Ramirez was playing.  He played with a freeness that is unseen in professional sports, and the Dominican Baseball Guy thinks it is a shame that he got ridiculed for simply playing on instinct and having fun. See some of these videos on a recent Dominican Baseball Guy post.

Manny you will be missed, hopefully you can get together with the Dominican Baseball Guy and do an interview at some point.  He ends up as the all time Dominican leader in RBI and second in hits and home runs.  Manny is from Santo Domingo, DR, but grew up in New York City.

See the full article at the Dominican Baseball Examiner

Manny Ramirez, by shgmom56 on Flickr

Vladimir Guerrero ready to strengthen Orioles lineup

Yesterday's post featured the Dominican Baseball Guy's all time favorite Dominican player, Manny Ramirez, and today features the Dominican Baseball Guy's second favorite player all time in Vladimir Guerrero.  While Manny is first in career RBI by Dominican born players and second in hits and home runs, Vlad is third in all three categories.  He is just behind Manny in hits and actually has a better average, an amazing .324 lifetime average.

A couple of recent articles by Brittany Ghiroli tell of the excitement Guerrero is brining to Orioles camp.  This one says how Vlad answers all his fan mail during spring training and how his mother makes plenty of Dominican food for Vlad and his teammates.  According to ex-teammate Michael Young, "his mother has the best food in the league."  Another article talks of Vlad's place in the Orioles lineup as designated hitter and who he will be replacing.

Vlad was on some great talented teams with the Expos in the 1990's.  He won an MVP in 2004, his first of six years with the Angels.  And he was with the Rangers for one year last year.  He has nine all-star selections and eight silver slugger awards, along with the one MVP.

His peers call him "Vladdy."  He is a legendary bad ball hitter, and has never worn batting gloves.  Vlad is from Nizao, DR and has several businesses in his hometown.

Guerrero with the Angels in 2005, no gloves hitting one of his
legendary "bad balls," photo by Rich Anderson on Flickr

Manny being Manny, one of six active players with 2,500 career hits

Manny Ramirez is the all-time favorite player of the Dominican Baseball Guy. He is from Santo Domingo, DR.  So, needless to say, the Dominican Baseball Guy loves to see Manny being Manny, and is excited to see the Rays play this year.  This article alerted me to him being one of only six active players with 2,500 hits, along with teammate Johnny Damon.

Manny Raimrez with the Red Sox, by Keith Allison on Flickr

So, that got the Dominican Baseball Guy thinking of Manny being Manny.  The infamous cutoff play with the Red Sox is not available anywhere, nor is one play the Dominican Baseball Guy remembers of his Dodgers days where a ball goes between his legs.  But Manny and Damon joked about the cutoff play at their Rays press conference and here is a short clip.  Here are some of the Dominican Baseball Guy's other favorite clips (the fan reaction on the second clip is great):

Dominican Nicknames

Nicknames are very common in this country, everyone has them, and generally goes by their nickname. With that said, the commentators on TV and the announcers at games end up giving out lots of nicknames to players.

All baseball fans know Dominicans David Ortiz (Big Papi), Manny Ramirez (Man Ram), Alex Rodriguez (ARod), and Pedro Martinez (Petey).

Thus far the Dominican Baseball Guy has said that Juan Francisco is known a ¨El Diamante¨ (The Diamond) and Dario Veras is known as ¨El Flaco de Oro¨(The Golden Skinny Guy). Of course Dario´s nickname makes a lot more sense in Spanish.

I spent last night in the press box with the announcer for los Gigantes and learned a knew nickname. Israel Paredes (the Announcer for Gigantes) has been calling Luis Durango La Maquina (The Machine). All these nicknames fit the players really well. Durango is leading the league in steals, and when he runs he does it like a machine. He plays center field really well and has a pretty good average. The Dominican Baseball Guy earlier guaranteed that we will see him in the Majors within 2 years, and he has done nothing to make me doubt this. Interestingly, Durango is Panamanian, and counts as an import in the Dominican Winter League. Durango was with the Padres AA team last year, check out the labels to see other posts on him.











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More nicknames to come, just check out the nicknames tag.