US baseball season opens with 37/80 Venezuelans secure in major leagues

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Monday, March 31, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

37 of 80 Venezuelan baseball players that reported to spring-training have secured a place in US major leagues. 

• 14 are pitchers, 10 fielders, 7 catchers and six outfielders ... including the injured: Astros pitcher Carlos Hernandez, and catchers Wiklenman Gonzalez (Padres)  and Steve Torrealba (Cardinals). 

• 5 of 14 pitchers are openers: Antonio Armas Jr. (Expos), Freddy Garcia (Mariners), Victor Zambrano (Tampa Rays), Omar Daal (Oriels) and Carlos Zambrano (Cubs).

• There are 8 Venezuelan relief pitchers: Ugueth Urbina (Texas Rangers), Kelvim Escobar (Bluejays) and Jorge Julio Tapia (Oriels) de Baltimore, while Francisco Rodriguez (Angels), Johan Santana (Twins), Giovanni Carrara (Mariners), Carlos Silva (Phillies) and Wilfredo Ledezma (Tigers) will play intermediate roles.

Venezuela's favorite slugger, Andres Galarraga has won a place in the San Francisco Giants line-up as supply leadoff hitter, guaranteeing him a crack at obtaining the 14 homeruns he needs to reach the difficult 400-jonron (home run)  mark. 

Edgardo Alfonso (signing on for 4 years) and supply catcher, Yorvit Torrealba will be joining Galarraga at the Giants and gaining from "The Cat's" vast experience.

Omar Vizquel continues as Cleveland Indians shortstop in his 15th season in major leagues and 10th with the Indians.