No A-Rod? No Problem

Little did the United States Baseball Team realize that when star Alex Rodriguez decided to play for the Dominican Republic at the 2009 World Baseball Classic, they were getting a blessing in disguise. With plenty of advance notice, U.S. officials were able to assemble a team that needn't rely on...

By P. Scott Cunningham

March 12, 2009

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Little did the United States Baseball Team realize that when star Alex Rodriguez decided to play for the Dominican Republic at the 2009 World Baseball Classic, they were getting a blessing in disguise. With plenty of advance notice, U.S. officials were able to assemble a team that needn't rely on A-Rod's power, but when the beleaguered third baseman injured his hip last week, the DR was left scrambling.

Tonight's your chance to catch possibly both teams, and probably at least one in action, as the World Baseball Classic comes to Miami for second round action. The mix of hometown versus national loyalties should make for a much more passionate affair than what local baseball fans are used to when they enter Dolphin Stadium. No offense, Mr. Loria, but THIS is what we had in mind when we signed on for America's pastime.
Mon., March 16, 8 p.m.; Tue., March 17, 7 p.m., 2009

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