Dominican Republic taking a different approach at WBC

TAMPA -- The constellation of stars doesn't seem as bright as in the past. Their alignment, however, might be better suited for guiding the Dominican Republic in the right direction.

Still smarting from getting bounced out in the first round of the 2009 World Baseball Classic after losing twice to lightly regarded Holland, the Dominican contingent began workouts Monday with a different makeup and mind-set.

The power-laden roster that featured the likes of David Ortiz, Jose Bautista and Jose Guillen has been replaced, largely because of necessity, by a more versatile squad headed by infielders Robinson Cano, Jose Reyes and Hanley Ramirez.

All three were also members of the 2009 team that scored three runs in 20 innings against the Netherlands in losses that were regarded back home as a national embarrassment.

"The first two Classics were a bit disappointing for us. We had great teams and didn't do much," said Reyes, who also played on the 2006 club that was eliminated in the semifinals. "This time we want to bring the crown back to the Dominican people."

To that end, general manager Moises Alou has assembled a more diversified offense, with speed guys such as Reyes, Erick Aybar and Alejandro De Aza balancing the heavy lumber wielded by Cano, Ramirez, Edwin Encarnacion, Carlos Santana and Nelson Cruz.

The recruiting process has been more difficult than Alou expected, as opposition from major league teams, injuries and player indifference have presented obstacles. He estimates about 40% of the players who initially said they would participate have begged off for one reason or another.

"I've been at this from November until two days ago," Alou said. "Every time the phone rang and it was a player calling, I thought, 'Damn, he's backing out.'"

Alou acknowledged there had been grumbling among the die-hard fans in the Dominican Republic — a description that applies to most in the country — about the absence of standouts Ortiz, Bautista, Albert Pujols and Adrian Beltre, all of whom had injuries that contributed to them skipping the tournament.

In addition, projected ace Johnny Cueto was barred from competing by the Cincinnati Reds, who have that right because he was injured at the end of the season.

Encarnacion said the lower wattage was not necessarily a bad thing.

"Everybody who's on the team has a purpose," said Encarnacion, who hit 42 home runs for the Toronto Blue Jays last season. "Nobody believes they're the biggest star."