<a href=www.sun-sentinel.com>2003 Pan Am Games Posted March 23, 2003

The Pan American Sports Organization has decided that if certain venues for the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, are not finished by May, events including swimming, diving and track will have to be held elsewhere.

South Florida could be the leading candidate.

According to officials, South Florida, which has bid for previous Pan American Games and Olympic trials and hosted several multisport events, is willing to host some or all of the events.

"It's not a far-fetched idea," said Pam Gerig, executive director of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. "It's been our long-range goal to go international. Our intent is to contact all the governing bodies to see if they want to do the Pan American Games here."

The executive committee of the Pan American Sports Organization meets in Havana this week to decide whether to delay or postpone some of the events or move them to other cities.

The Pan Am Games cannot be canceled because it serves as an Olympic qualifier in several sports for some countries.

"South Florida could have the whole Pan American Games within a few months' notice," said Jose Rodriguez of the World Olympian Association, who has put together several Pan Am bid packets. "We have the facilities, the know-how and the infrastructure. Most of the teams have to fly to South Florida to get to the Dominican Republic anyway.

"The best Plan B would be South Florida. The experience Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties have -- put those three together and what a great site this would be to have the Pan Am Games."

Pan Am construction projects in the Dominican are being held up by financial constraints and political crisis.

The country is waiting for $33 million for pool and stadium renovations. Work is behind schedule, and Dominican Republic Sports Minister Cesar Cedeño has agreed that some sports may have to be relocated if venues cannot be made ready in time.

"We have to be realistic because the work is advancing at a slow pace, but we are committed," he said at last week's site visitation by the U.S. Olympic Committee's task force.

Cycling, boxing, gymnastics, weightlifting, baseball, equestrian and volleyball are other sports that may be relocated.

"We would never not look at the opportunities," Gerig said.

"It falls in exactly with some of our goals. We would definitely go into discussion and see if it works with all parties. We put on at least two multisport events a year. That's our forte. The door is open always for discussion to bring in sports events."

A poll reported that nine out of 10 Dominicans did not support the Pan-American Games' being held in Santo Domingo.

The USOC's team processing for the Games will be held in Tampa, another possible site for several events.

South Florida is already being used as a training site for several Pan Am countries for athletes to acclimate and train for the Games.

Past Pan American Games hosts, including Venezuela and Cuba, had similar problems but still managed to host the Games.

Venues are incomplete. The Athletes Village lacked windows, doors and toilet seats.

"They are in a lot of trouble," said one USOC official. "The challenge is that, unfortunately, the leadership in these countries are sacrificing the athletes' welfare to hold this major event.

"What may save the Dominican Republic is a little tropical storm in the next three months. That would be a bona fide reason to move the Games because of an act of God."

Olympic trials

AmericanAirlines Arena may bid for the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in gymnastics when the bidding process is reopened on Monday.

The Olympic Team Trials, previously awarded to the FleetCenter in Boston, are being relocated due to the city being awarded the Democratic National Convention.

Sharon Robb can be reached at srobb@sun-sentinel.com

www.pressofatlanticcity.com March 22, 2003

By ED HILT Staff Writer, (609) 272-7190, E-Mail SARASOTA, Fla. - Bobby Abreu led the National League in doubles last season with 50 while batting .308 and stealing 31 bases. He hit 31 homers the previous season while driving in 110 runs and stealing 36 bases.

In 1999, he batted .335 and tied for the league lead in triples. He has played in at least 151 games the previous five seasons. He has drawn at least 100 walks and scored at least 100 runs in each of the last four seasons.

The statistics are as versatile as they are impressive for the Philadelphia Phillies' 29-year-old right fielder.

Manager Larry Bowa doesn't see Abreu equaling those numbers in 2003. Bowa says he might surpass them.

"I think Bobby Abreu is going to have a monstrous year,'' Bowa said. "This could be one of those years where he has big numbers in all categories.''

It is not just idle talk by the manager. Bowa has his reasons.

One is tied to the civil unrest in Venezuela, Abreu's native country. Because of the troubles, there was no pro baseball in Venezuela this winter.

So Abreu, who feels an obligation to play winter ball in Venezuela, did not have to endure his usual grind. Abreu had played winter ball there every season for at least the last 10 years.

"I feel fresher,'' Abreu said. "I don't feel tired or sore. I don't think I will get tired that quickly over the season. I didn't hit at all. I just lifted weights. That's it. I lifted every day. That's why I have a little more weight.''

Abreu is noticeably bigger up top. He said he added at least eight pounds of muscle.

The new lineup figures to help Abreu, too.

Most likely, Abreu will bat third, although fifth is a possibility. Bowa has tinkered with the middle of his order most of the spring.

His lineup the last two days, including one for the rained-out game against Cincinnati on Friday at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, had Abreu third and Thome fourth. Pat Burrell, after a day off, would have hit fifth against the Reds.

Bowa is considering keeping Thome and Abreu, the two left-handed hitters, together against right-handed pitchers.

No matter where Abreu hits, he knows there is greater potential to see better pitches with Thome and Burrell ahead of or behind him.

Abreu was in Venezuela last fall when the Phillies signed Thome. He already had received the news on David Bell. More good news would come on Kevin Millwood.

"Larry gave me a phone call and (general manager) Ed Wade gave me a call. I said, 'Congratulations. That's pretty nice,' " Abreu said. "We all know it's going to help the team a lot.

"They have built the team to be a contender. They are some pretty good moves. This is going to be fun.''

To e-mail Ed Hilt at The Press:

EHilt@pressofac.com

seattlepi.nwsource.com Saturday, March 22, 2003 By ANGELO BRUSCAS SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

The U.S. men's national team will play Venezuela next Saturday at Seahawks Stadium in the first international soccer event at the facility, after Japan's national team pulled out yesterday because of tensions brought on by the war in Iraq.

Once the Japanese Football Association decided to cancel its two-match U.S. tour, U.S. Soccer officials scrambled to find a replacement, especially since sod already had been installed in the stadium over the synthetic FieldTurf, and tickets had been sold for the 1 p.m. match.

"We are certainly disappointed by the decision of the Japanese Football Association," said U.S. Soccer president S. Robert Contiguglia in a statement from Chicago. "We provided their federation with ample evidence of the extensive security measures in place. We continue to have every confidence that Seattle will provide a safe environment for the players and fans to enjoy an outstanding display of soccer."

While not as high-profile as Japan, the Venezuelan national team won five matches in 2002 World Cup qualifying. Venezuela has played the U.S. only once, a 3-3 draw in 1993.

U.S. team coach Bruce Arena has called up 10 players from the 2002 World Cup team and will begin training camp Monday in Portland.

"We're excited Venezuela has accepted the invitation to play us," Arena said. "Over the past two or three years, the Venezuelan national team has made great strides. I think they are perhaps the most improved team in South America. We are certainly looking forward to the challenge."

TICKET UPDATE

• FYI: Tickets for the U.S.-Japan match will be honored, but those who want a refund with the switch in opponents must do so by 5 p.m. Friday.

• REFUND: Refunds must be obtained at the place of purchase; tickets purchased by phone or over the Internet must be returned by calling Ticketmaster (Seattle 206-628-0888; Tacoma 253-627-8497) or logging on to ticketmaster.com.

• PRICE: Tickets ranging from $20 to $70 are on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets throughout Washington, Oregon and British Columbia; at the Seahawks Stadium ticket office; by phone (Seattle 206-628-0888; Tacoma 253-627-8497); and online at ussoccer.com. Groups of 20 or more can order through U.S. Soccer at 312-528-1290.

P-I reporter Angelo Bruscas can be reached at 206-448-8010 or angelobruscas@seattlepi.com

washingtontimes.com By John Haydon THE WASHINGTON TIMES      In a surprise move, Japan has pulled out of next Saturday's exhibition against the U.S. team at Seattle's Seahawks Stadium because of security concerns. Instead, Venezuela will face the Americans.      "We provided [Japan´s] federation with ample evidence of the extensive security measures in place," U.S. Soccer president S. Robert Contiguglia said yesterday. "We continue to have every confidence that Seattle will provide a safe environment for the players and fans to enjoy an outstanding display of soccer.      Japan, which reached the second round of the 2002 World Cup, had been scheduled to play Uruguay at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium on Wednesday and face the Americans in Seattle three days later. More than 16,000 tickets had been sold for the Seattle game.      The United States and Venezuela have met only once, playing a 3-3 tie at the 1993 Copa America in Ecuador.      U.S. coach Bruce Arena has named a mix of domestic and overseas stars for the Seattle game, including 2002 World Cup players Brian McBride, Landon Donovan, Earnie Stewart, John O'Brien, DaMarcus Beasley and home-state hero Kasey Keller. Also called up was Birmingham City-based Jovan Kirovski.      This will be the first time the U.S. team has European-based players on its roster since a 1-0 quarterfinal loss to Germany at the World Cup last June 21.      "We're excited that Venezuela has accepted the invitation to play us," Arena said. "Over the past two or three years, the Venezuelan national team has made great strides, and I think they are perhaps the most improved team in South America."      United at last? — Things are looking up for D.C. United. After a powerful two-hour "chalk talk" by coach Ray Hudson on Wednesday, the club responded the following day with a 2-1 victory over the A-League's Richmond Kickers. It hasn't been a smooth preseason, but Hudson said his team is finally coming together.      "We laid down the demands collectively and individually, and the players responded," Hudson said.      American star Earnie Stewart scored two goals, and key midfielder Marco Etcheverry played stunningly. Hudson called defender Mike Petke the man of the match and raved about the work of reserve forward Ali Curtis, who had appeared out of the club's plans earlier.      "Ali is emerging as a contender to start in Kansas [City for the Major League Soccer season opener April 12]," Hudson said.      Meanwhile, United's attempt to acquire Spanish midfielder Mario Rosas seems to be over. To obtain Rosas, 22, who once played for Spanish giant Barcelona, United would have had to unload midfielders Eliseo Quintanilla and Jose Alegria, and it decided he was not worth it.      In other news, the injury to central defender Galin Ivanov appears worse than expected. The Bulgarian had surgery to repair a double hernia this week and could be out for six weeks.      Next for United is a game against American University on Tuesday, followed by a game at the A-League's Charleston (S.C.) Battery next Saturday.      War woes — According to Hudson, newcomer Hristo Stoitchkov's efforts to obtain a green card are being held up by the "pedestrian pace" of the immigration service, owing to the war against Iraq. United would like to acquire Russian forward Yuri Petrov, 28, but the club has no foreign player slot open until the Bulgarian forward obtains a green card.       United on TV — Comcast SportsNet will air a record 15 D.C. United matches this year, beginning with the opener. Dave Johnson and former United coach Thomas Rongen will call the games. An additional five games will air on ESPN2. The club also has an agreement with WMET (AM-1150) to broadcast all the club's games live on English radio for the first time.      McBride heads home — Brian McBride has played his last game for Everton after the English Premier League club and MLS failed to agree on a deal to extend the Columbus Crew player's three-month loan.      McBride left England yesterday and will play in the Crew's CONCACAF Champions League game against Arabe Unido of Panama at Columbus Crew Stadium tomorrow.      The American World Cup star scored four goals in eight games for Everton.

www.stltoday.com By Dan O'Neill Post-Dispatch updated: 03/21/2003 11:44 PM

Miguel Cairo's versatility at playing different positions has helped him become a valued member of manager Tony La Russa's arsenal.

VERO BEACH, Fla. - Miguel Cairo is not exactly the "Secret Weapon," as Jose Oquendo was known during his 10 seasons playing with the Cardinals. Oquendo could play nearly every position on the field - and he actually played every position at least once during one season.

Cairo isn't likely to ever be assigned center field, probably won't be seen behind the plate or toeing a rubber. But if he doesn't entirely live up to the parameters of the name, Cairo certainly has lived up to the spirit. In 2003, he established himself as one of the top supplemental players in baseball. Perhaps he is no longer a secret but he is a genuine weapon.

For managers like Tony La Russa, players with Cairo's versatility are roster savers. "Why is it that last spring or each spring, clubs are actively looking for versatile, multi-purpose players?" La Russa asked rhetorically. "Because there's so many different situations and problems you face during the season. Not having a guy who can do all that means you either have to go out there shorthanded, or you're constantly moving guys back and forth.

"You may even have to take a pitcher's spot that you really need in order to carry that extra position player. Our goal is to protect our pitchers and we can do that when we have versatility, when a guy like Miguel can play all over."

Cairo demonstrated that versatility and effectiveness in an exhibition game Wednesday against the Mets. After shortstop Edgar Renteria felt sick, Cairo replaced him at shortstop. Later, he moved to second base and, in between, he contributed a home run, triple and three runs batted in to the attack. On Friday, Cairo stroked a pinch-hit single in the seventh before scoring on Wilson Delgado's two-run homer.

When he was claimed on waivers from the Chicago Cubs on Aug. 10, 2001, it seemed an insignificant transaction. In St. Louis, there is a tendency to dismiss former Cubs, especially former reserve Cubs. The club needed infield depth at the time, a righthanded-swinger off the bench. Cairo was available.

But in his first full season with the Cardinals in 2002, Cairo became much more than package fill. He was second in the National League with 19 pinch hits and third with 10 pinch runs batted in. What's more, he made starts at first base, second base, shortstop, third base, left field and designated hitter.

"We got him because we liked a few things, but after we had him, we were like, 'Man, this guy is something,'" La Russa said.

Once a starting second baseman for Tampa Bay, Cairo is still only 28 years old. But he has embraced his role as a part-timer.

"My first three years I played every day. I knew at that time, that was my role," Cairo said. "Right now, my role is to be on the bench, be ready to pinch-hit and play defense. I accept that.

"I like my role and I like to be part of this team. This is an organization and a bunch of coaches that really like to play the game the way it is supposed to be played. If my role is to be a backup and pinch-hitter, than I try to be the best backup and pinch-hitter I can be."

Scott Rolen's injury in Game 2 of the Division Series is commonly regarded as the fatal blow to the Cardinals' NL pennant chances last year. That assessment may be unfair to Cairo, who batted .529 during the postseason. After replacing Rolen at third in Game 2, Cairo drove in the winning run in the ninth inning. He then went three for three with two runs and two RBIs in Game 3. He batted .385 in the ensuing League Championship Series, going three for four with a home run in Game 1.

No one would argue Cairo and Rolen are the same player, but Cairo certainly was productive in Rolen's absence. One reason he is so effective as a reserve is his approach. Again, like Oquendo was during his playing career, Cairo is a student of the game.

"What you don't know until you are around him is that he's really an intelligent player," La Russa said. "You could go to the park at any time, say July 18 on a Tuesday, and he's out there working.

"Oquendo is a very good comparison. Someday, Miguel will be an outstanding coach like Jose is. It is hard for fans to appreciate unless they have binoculars and are watching in the dugout, but you watch how active he is during the game. He's conversing with guys, he's seeing things and making comments. He's really helpful, and Eddie (Perez) was a lot like that, too. So that is a very powerful advantage during the season."

Cairo acknowledges a manager probably lives inside of him, waiting to come out.

"I like to learn about the game," he said. "When I'm not playing, I like to see what happens in certain situations. I like to see how Tony handles it. I watch him a lot when he manages. I like the way he goes about business and I try to be ready because you never know when you're going to play that game."

A native of Anaco, Venezuela, Cairo now resides with his wife, Nicole, and his 20-month old son, Christian Miguel, in California during the winter. He normally plays winter ball in Venezuela, but had to leave early last December when the strikes shut down the league. "Venezuela is close to the heart," he said. "That's where I grew up, that's where I became a baseball player."

As he became a player, Cairo's fantasy was to play with two other Venezuelan-born major leaguers, Ozzie Guillen and Omar Vizquel. Realizing that dream has been a highlight of his career. "I played with Vizquel in winter ball and I played with Guillen in Tampa Bay," Cairo said. "He played short and I played second and that was the best ever. That was my dream."

No doubt there are kids in Venezuela fantasizing about playing alongside Miguel Cairo, fancying themselves as a big league "Secret Weapon."