5{er team canceled its two-game U.S. tour because of the war in Iraq, and the <a href=www.orlandosentinel.com>Americans instead will play Venezuela on March 29 at Seattle.

Japan was scheduled to play Uruguay on March 26, and the United States three days later. After the Japanese Football Association decided Friday to cancel the trip, the U.S. Soccer Federation quickly signed a deal to play Venezuela.

JAPAN CANCELS GAME WITH U.S.: Japan's soccer team canceled its two-game U.S. tour because of the war in Iraq, and the Americans instead will play Venezuela on March 29 at Seattle. Japan was scheduled to play Uruguay on Wednesday, and the United States three days later. After the Japanese Football Association decided Friday to cancel the trip, the U.S. Soccer Federation quickly signed a deal to play Venezuela. We are certainly disappointed by the decision of the Japanese Football Association,''</a> USSF president Bob Contiguglia said. We provided their federation with ample evidence of the extensive security measures in place.'' In their only meeting, the United States and Venezuela tied 3-3 in the 1993 Copa America, the championship of South America. LB: GOLF

The key is his plate coverage Posted on Fri, Mar. 21, 2003 Associated Press

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Barry Bonds doesn't think anyone can protect him in the San Francisco Giants' lineup, but Edgardo Alfonzo certainly is going to give it his best shot as the club's new No. 5 hitter.

Alfonzo didn't make the trip to Tucson for an exhibition Friday. Instead he worked on his hitting with batting coach Joe Lefebvre, a stroke which has made him one of the National League's premium clutch hitters.

In six years as a New York Mets' regular, Alfonzo batted higher with runners in scoring position every season than he did with none on. In that 1997-02 span, his average with RISP was .327. Overall, it was .296.

"The key is his plate coverage," Lefebvre said. "He can hit any pitch with a short, compact swing - and that makes him dangerous. Playing in New York definitely toughens you up. He can handle anything."

Alfonzo agreed, adding: "The New York pressure never got to me. The fans and media can be tough, but it's really no different than winter ball. When you play in Venezuela, it's very intense from the first pitch to the last. It makes you very aggressive."

EXTRA BASES - Following a 1-6-1 Cactus League start, the Giants appear to be peaking at the right time. The 6-3 victory over the host Colorado Rockies was their sixth in seven games, and squared their exhibition record at 12-12-1. "They're pretty good; they'll be OK," manager Felipe Alou said as the club faces some tough roster decisions with 38 players still in camp.

_ General manager Brian Sabean said sentiment wouldn't be a factor if non-roster players Andres Galarraga and/or Ruben Rivera make the team. Galarraga played Triple-A ball for Alou in 1985 and makes his winter home near the manager in Florida. Rivera was signed in 1991 by Sabean, who was the Yankees' scouting director at the time.

_ When asked what his toughest decision will be, exclusive of the pitching staff, Sabean promptly mentioned utilityman Edwards Guzman, an infielder who can catch. Adding to the difficulty is the fact that Guzman is out of options, along with first baseman Damon Minor, catcher Yorvit Torrealba, infielder Pedro Feliz and pitcher Joe Nathan.

_ Livan Hernandez, the likely No. 3 starter behind Kirk Rueter and Jason Schmidt, pitched in a minor league game at neighboring Mesa, and reliever Tim Worrell worked one inning at the minor league complex.

USA to host Venezuela after Japan football friendly cancelled

CHICAGO, March 21 (AFP) - The United States will host Venezuela on March 29 in Seattle after the Japanese Football Association decided not to travel to the US for two friendly matches because of the start of the war in Iraq.

"We are certainly disappointed by the decision of the Japanese Football Association," said US Soccer President S. Robert Contiguglia. "We provided their federation with ample evidence of the extensive security measures in place, and 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. Sporting events around the country remain on schedule, and we look forward to welcoming Venezuela to Seattle."

Japan was scheduled to play Uruguay on March 26 at Qualcomm Stadium, then travel to meet the U.S. in Seattle three days later.

The United States is continuing preparation for participation in two major tournaments this summer. In June the Americans will square off against Brazil, Cameroon and Turkey in the FIFA Confederations Cup from June 18-29 in France, and the USA will defend its regional championship in the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup to be held from July 12-23 in Boston, Miami and Mexico City.

Japan cancels game; US to play Venezuela instead

Friday, March 21, 2003 (03-21) 14:57 PST CHICAGO (AP) --

Japan's soccer team canceled its two-game U.S. tour because of the war in Iraq, and the Americans instead will play Venezuela on March 29 at Seattle.

Japan was scheduled to play Uruguay on March 26, and the United States three days later.

After the Japanese Football Association decided Friday to cancel the trip, the U.S. Soccer Federation quickly signed a deal to play Venezuela.

"We are certainly disappointed by the decision of the Japanese Football Association," USSF president Bob Contiguglia said. "We provided their federation with ample evidence of the extensive security measures in place."

In their only meeting, the United States and Venezuela tied 3-3 in the 1993 Copa America, the championship of South America.

Tickets sold for the Japan-U.S. game remain valid, but refunds will be given through March 28.

www.vheadline.com Posted: Friday, March 21, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

Venezuelan Televen TV channel has confirmed that it will broadcast 48 US major league games this season, as well as the traditional All Stars game, Division play-offs and the World Series.

Polar Beer will sponsor live and direct transmissions and has become key to negotiations between Televen and US Major League Baseball (MLB) Company ... it has held the radio rights to broadcast games from the USA since 1999 on Union Radio.

In the event of any difficulty that may hinder the $4 million contract, Polar will be Televen's guarantor. 

TV broadcasts are scheduled to start on the first week of April.

Humberto Perdomo will lead the team of presenters, consisting of Alfonso Alvarez, John Carrillo, Luis Enrique Sequera and Manuel Rodriguez.

Union Radio will start transmissions with the opening game between Texas Rangers and Anaheim Angels on March 30.