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October 18, 2009

Winter League Preview

The Dominican League

by Carlos J. Lugo

The "National Religion" came back on October 16^th, as the Dominican League launched its 56^th edition. Reliably praised as having the highest level of talent among the winter leagues, one should expect to watch another mix of highly ranked prospects, mid-level major leaguers, a few recognizable American players, veterans looking for another shot, and some major league stars between now and the end of the Caribbean Series in February. The league format has six teams playing a 50-game regular-season schedule, with the four best records advancing to a long 18-game round-robin playoff, and the two remaining best clubs play a best-of-nine final series to decide the league's champion. Without further ado, here's what this season will bring us:

Tigres del Licey (Licey Tigers)
Home: Santo Domingo
2008-09 record: 26-24, fourth place (tied) regular season; 12-6, first place round-robin; beat the Gigantes in the final series 5-0.
Ballpark: Estadio Quisqueya; strong pitcher's park, with a Park Factor of 92.

Outlook: The Tigres won their 20^th championship last season to once again tied with the Aguilas for the most crowns in the league's history. The team's goal this time is to win back-to-back championships for the first time since the 1984-85 season, when a powerhouse team managed by former Astros and Angels manager Terry Collins, won for a third straight time. It appears that the team will start this season with a roster weakened by the absences of three key players from the last few seasons: Erick Aybar, Anderson Hernandez, and Emilio Bonifacio, who are not going to be around for the start of the season, but will play later.

The Manager: Baltimore Orioles bench coach and veteran minor league manager Dave Jauss will return to manage Licey for a fourth time, tying him with none other than Tommy Lasorda as the only foreigners to manage the club as many seasons. Jauss's first two seasons—1997-98 and 1998-99—at the helm were very successful, losing a finals against the Aguilas in six games in his first year, and winning the championship and the Caribbean Series in his second.

Young Players to Watch: From the pitching side the team boasts the Cubs' Esmailin Caridad, top Padres prospect Simon Castro, the Astros' Sam Gervacio, Mets prospect Jenrry Mejia, and the Rockies' Esmil Rogers. Among the position players, Tigers outfielder Wilkin Ramirez and Mariners infielder Carlos Triunfel stand out.