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| Jorge Pérez-Díaz/Foto: Courtesy Meridian |
Bet transparency in the process of firms prospects. The commissioner's office will focus on providing information to the academies for the prevention of the use of prohibited substances
A year ago, the office of Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig sent their offices Dominican Republic to the seasoned executive Sandy Alderson, that will oversee operations in Latin America, hit by scandals of fraud and abuse by some "hustlers" against their young constituents.
The origin of these irregularities serves a socio-economic environment still has a marked difference from Venezuela. But Jorge Perez-Diaz, who in November took over responsibility for monitoring compliance with policies and regulations Major League Baseball (MLB) in the region, instead of Alderson, who now serves as chief Mets general, does not let up in the country.
"We will focus on preventing the use of banned substances to improve performance," said Puerto Rican, who on Wednesday attended the showcase organized by the MLB scouting bureau, with prospects eligible to be signed from July 2 in Sport Development Centre Empresas Polar in San Joaquin. "In many cases, lack of information and knowledge, these guys have to use products that are not allowed. They do so without malice. Vitamin supplements think they are because sold in stores known. So I wish the program a little more aggressive. Offer talks to schools and coaches. It is to become aware and avoid mistakes. "
Perez-Diaz also stressed the need to strengthen the research department that verifies and certifies the identity of the young. Since 2008, MLB has established a one-year suspension for those prospects that lie about their age when signing a contract.
"The program is not just for the Dominican Republic and Venezuela. It is a policy that applies to all countries that are not subject to the draft is performed in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Failure to complete an investigation into the identity, the contract is approved by the commissioner. We are devoting a lot of resources for this program. "
In 2010 eight Venezuelans received sanctions for falsifying identity documents, including the left-hander Jose Tovar, who had recruited Colorado on July 2 for $ 350,000. Money that never reached his hands.
"I am convinced that these problems are diminishing. My conversations with people in the country confirm this. The interesting thing is that everyone appreciates what we're doing. The pressure on a guy who lies is terrible and if caught is worse. I was sad when I see a talented guy to ruin his career by taking off one or two years. MLB suspends not only, lie to the consulate could lead a U.S. entry ban for life. "
overview But Perez-Diaz remains positive and confidence in the Venezuelan talent and those who represent it.
"One thing that reflects this type of event (showcase) is the very good relationship between MLB and the coaches and players. The success is due to working together. There mutual trust in the work we are doing. Anything that unites us is good. "
Rising Talent
Sometime in the 90 arrived in the country operate 18 academies of major league teams. This year, after the recent defection of San Luis, just run six. That reduction has not slowed the rise of premium players, according to Pérez-Díaz. "The number of Venezuelan players has been growing. I think the country is growing. "
The statistics bear him out. According to Baseball America , the teams shared over $ 20 million in Venezuela during 2010, which represented 26.3% of total investment in the process of international firms on 2 July. Adonis Cardona set a record for the country to receive a bonus of $ 2.8 million, fourth highest in history. While 33 players received incentives of at least $ 100,000. A week ago, 62 Creoles began the season in the big leagues on opening rosters, another record.
This paper was published in the Journal El Nacional on April 8, 2011
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