Bases x bolas

"It gets cold on the north side of (the Dominican Republic). It drops down to about 84 at night."

• Mike Scioscia, Anaheim Angels manager, to The Orange County Register after learning that a few players went to a Renaissance Fair in Arizona and brought back a giant fur hat for teammate Vladimir Guerrero.

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Rangers in Spanish, the Texas Rangers have a few Dominican Players that are making a splash in the Dogout. Link

Francisco Cordero still sees himself as a quiet guy who keeps to himself. The cluster of players who congregate at his locker daily would disagree.

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Mets Take Steps to Prevent Additional Injuries to Reyes

His most important and most delicate body part needs tender care. In the past year, Reyes has strained his hamstring three times, most recently earlier this month in spring training. With the way he has been running, throwing and hitting in batting practice recently, Reyes could be back by opening day, but of more concern for the Mets are all the days after that.

Reyes, 20, is considered the future of the franchise, and the only recognizable weakness in his game lies in his hamstrings. When he was 14, running stairs at a stadium in the Dominican Republic to strengthen his legs, Reyes first felt a pain in the back of his left hamstring. That sensation has become a nagging companion.

Comlete Story

The next Ramirez with the Redsox, Hanley Ramirez, SS. If Nomar Garciaparra does walk after 2004 it's still not the end of the world with Ramirez around. Ramirez isn't Tampa Bay's B.J. Upton, but he's still an excellent option for the Red Sox. Ramirez is a five tool athlete with the highest ceiling of anyone in the organization. Although his offensive stats have fallen from 2002 when he hit .341/.402/.555 (batting average/OBP/slugging percentage) compared to 2003 .275/.327/.403, the upside for Ramirez still can't be ignored. Above average defensively and on the bases, Ramirez has the potential to be a great offensive player as well. Maturity is an issue with Ramirez as he adjusts to being in the spotlight, but judging from comments he made at the end of season and the extra work he was doing with Augusta manager Russ Morman, maybe Ramirez has seen the light. I would expect Ramirez to begin the year at Single A Sarasota or Double-A Portland. He should be in the majors by the end of 2005.

The Next Pedro?! Juan Cedeno, LHP. Cedeno has the best fastball in the Red Sox system. His heater averages between 92-94 mph, but can hit as high as 97 mph. His physical build remind many of fellow Dominican Pedro Martinez in a number of ways. He has the same slight build as Pedro (6-1, 160) and has extremely long fingers like Pedro. And like Pedro he can hit 97 mph on the radar gun. Cedeno has a potentially devastating curveball. Cedeno is extremely competitive and needs to relax and not try to throw every pitch 97 mph. A move to the bullpen is a possibility. He'll most likely start the year in Single A Sarasota. Only 20, he wouldn't be ready for the majors until 2007.

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