VENEZUELA – Venezuelan sports officials and players have settled a conflict that was threatening the participation of the South American country in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

Venezuelan Sports Minister Victoria Mata supported the team after a storm between sports organizations and the players. Mata described as positive the agreement previously reached between the Venezuelan Baseball Federation and a group of Major Leaguers that disagreed with the proposal of the Organizing Committee to the Toronto Classic to be held in March, 2009.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Magglio Ordonez, who led the critics to Committee members, reconsidered his position and agreed to meet with the president of Venezuelan Baseball Federation Edwin Zerpa.

Ordonoez also changed his mind about the request for Luis Sojo’s resignation as team director and agreed to play under his orders.

Sojo called to set up the Venezuelan national team and thanked Andres Galarraga for agreeing to coach the team.

Dominican Skipper Hopeful Pujols To Be Ready For World Baseball Classic

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – The Dominican Republic manager for next year’s World Baseball Classic is hopeful slugger Albert Pujols will be able to play in the All-Star studded event after having recent elbow surgery.

Pujols underwent a short outpatient procedure earlier in the week to repair nerve discomfort in his right elbow. The St. Louis Cardinals star first baseman is expected to be ready for spring training.

The Dominican Republic claimed third-place at the last World Baseball Classic and will face Puerto Rico, Holland and Panama next March.

Source: Prensa Latina

Tags: Dominican Republic, Venezuela