TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Former Texas Leaguers display national pride in WBC

Published on March 6, 2009 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


The Kansas City Royals are a team on the rise; however, three former Texas Leaguers who are expected to contribute in a big way are taking some personal days to participate in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

Shortstop Mike Aviles (Puerto Rico), Catcher Miguel Olivo (Dominican Republic), and the man with a thousand gloves, Mark Teahen (Canada), are all participating for their respective countries in the second go round of the WBC.

While players are excited to join their fellow country men on the diamond, these decisions to leave camp are not always easy. Olivo, who returns for his second year in Kansas City, was persuaded back to the Royals only after being promised more consistent time behind the dish. Olivo, who was a backup in 2008, is trying to hold off John Buck who so far is having a strong camp thanks to improvements in his swing. Olivo's playing time is not in jeopardy because of his participation in the WBC, according to Royals Manager Trey Hillman.

Royals starting shortstop Mike Aviles cashed in his rookie success into a desirable infield spot on the Puerto Rican team. Aviles and Puerto Rico begin play this Saturday against Panama.

One player who has yet to lock down a starting spot for the Royals is Teahen, who finds himself learning a new position for the third straight season. This year, Teahen is taking reps at second base. The Royals granted Teahen's wish to play for Team Canada with one condition: get some work at second base. Teahen talked with MLB.com about his ever growing skill set.

"I think, like any player, I'd prefer to be locked into one position, be able to perfect that position, and focus on whatever I need to focus on baseball-wise and not have to learn a new position every spring," Teahen said. "But I've got to take it for what it is, and be thankful I can bounce around in different positions. Ultimately, like anyone else, I'd like to be able to settle into one spot and work from there."

In all seven members of the Royals organization will be sporting their native countries colors in this battle for world supremacy. Closer Joakim Soria will be counted on by Mexico to slam to door shut much like he did 42 times for the Royals during his 2008 All Star season. Veteran outfielder Jose Guillen will represent the powerful Dominican Republic. Non roster invitees Bruce Chen and Lenny DiNardo will bring their southpaw deliveries to Panama and Italy's teams, respectively.

Team USA, which is led by Captain Derek Jeter, took the field for the first time March 7th at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada. Momentum looks to be with the team from the North who will be playing in front of their home crowd to open up the '09 WBC. Team USA had a disappointing showing in 2006 where they lost their first two games, including an 8-6 loss to Canada, before making a first round exit. The Yankee shortstop talked to MLB.com before kicking off Pool C play.

"Basically, we just didn't play well enough," said Derek Jeter, one of four returning players for the U.S. "That's just the bottom line. Like I said, it's a short tournament. You have to play well right from the get-go. If you don't, then you're going home. I don't think you can get much more in-depth than that."

The Texas League is well represented in this years WBC. The former Texas Leaguers turned Major League All-Stars include Pedro Martinez, Edison Volquez, Adrian Gonzalez, Ivan Rodriguez, Carlos Beltran, Roy Oswalt, Ted Lilly, J.J. Putz, Francisco Rodriguez, Carlos Guillen, and Bobby Abreu.

Of the 16 countries represented in the WBC there were 69 players listed on provisional rosters that had roots tracing back to the Texas League. Team Mexico leads the way with 12 former Texas Leaguers on their roster.

Seven former Royals farmhands that have spent time in the Texas League have been listed on the WBC rosters. The list includes; Justin Huber (Australia), Mike DiFelice (Italy), Dennys Reyes (Mexico), Carlos Beltran (Puerto Rico), Barry Armitage (South Africa), J.P. Howell (USA), and Endy Chavez (Venezuela).

For more information about the 2009 World Baseball Classic please visit www.worldbaseballclassic.com

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. You can purchase season tickets and group outings with the Naturals by calling (479) 927-4900.

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Texas League Stories from March 6, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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