While playing for Puerto Rico in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, Chicago Cubs catcher Geovany Soto tested positive for the use of marijuana. The 2008 NL Rookie of the Year said that he was informed of the news by the International Baseball Federation.
Said Soto in a statement released to the media: “While I fully acknowledge my inappropriate behavior, I want to assure my fans and my family that this was an isolated incident. I do not say this to minimize or deflect from my conduct and I fully understand the ramifications of my actions. I have and will accept any …read more

Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners has been extremely durable in his Major League Baseball career. However, to begin his 2009 campaign, Ichiro was forced to the disabled list due to a bleeding ulcer. Because of the ulcer, Ichiro was suffering from an extreme amount of fatigue. It was Ichiro’s first time on the disabled list in his career.
Although Ichiro didn’t want to go onto the disabled list, the Mariners made the move to make sure that he could get in as much rest as possible and to treat the bleeding ulcer carefully. He had spent a large amount of …read more

What nation is the favorite to win the 2009 World Baseball Classic? Here’s are list of the top five contenders:
5. Venezuela
With a victory over the U.S. under their belts already, Venezuela has the ability to beat any team in the tournament. However, their talent isn’t as deep as the talent on other rosters.
4. United States
I might be showing my American pride by putting them up this high. They’ve lost two straight games and they don’t look like a serious championship contender at this point.
3. Cuba
Cuba always has a tough team in international play. They are isolated on an island and …read more

Dear America,
The World Baseball Classic is about to start and I can’t find a person who cares. Why is that? I realize that the event is somewhat contrived but it features a good format that should create a lot of exciting baseball.
Everyone loves the Olympics and this is basically the Olympics for baseball. Actually, the Olympics has baseball but people are right not to care because very few quality players take part. In the 2009 World Baseball Classic, there are many stars out there who will be trying to bring a championship to their country.
If you aren’t excited, try to …read more