Beltre to play 3b for DR?

[stitchface]

http://sportsline.com/mlb/story/9246624

 

The Dominican Republic team had thought Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees or Aramis Ramirez of the Chicago Cubs would fill the spot. But Rodriguez opted to play for the United States and Ramirez was injured.

 

So is ARam out?

[Jon]

That's what I thought when I read that, but according to Cubs.com, Aramis will be playing. He just won't be starting, apparently.

 

Sadly, Neifi didn't make the cut.

 

Cubs.com[/url]"]WBC update: Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez has committed to playing for the Dominican Republic team while infielder Neifi Perez did not make the final 30-man roster. The Cubs are concerned about having Ramirez on the WBC team because of his past leg injuries. They want him healthy for the regular season.

 

"It's something we talked about," Baker said. "Again, the decision is up to the player. There's quite a bit of pressure on these guys, especially the guys from Latin America more than anybody because of the magnitude and importance of baseball in those areas."

 

Cubs pitcher David Aardsma, who was listed on the Netherlands roster, is not going. He apparently didn't qualify under the team's citizenship rules.