Is Pedro done?

Fans have been waiting impatiently for Pedro's return, but his injury apparently was worse than anybody would like to admit.

Two recent starts against minor leaguers have been inconclusive. A Mets executive who has closely monitored Martinez’s recovery rates his velocity as poor, his pitching in general as decent—and his chances of returning to the big leagues this season as 50-50.

Is his career over?

Pedro’s Late Innings [NYM]

No rest for Miguel Tejada

Photo: Dominican-baseball.com

ESPN rated the toughest players in the Majors and, no surprise, Miguel Tejada ranked four.

He appeared in 1,152 straight games, the fifth-longest streak in history, before breaking his wrist in June. That's an awful lot of punishment with no breathers.

Talking about no breathers, the article doesn't say that as soon the MLB season is over Tejada goes on to play for the Aguilas Cibaeñas in the Dominican Winter League and the Dominican Team whenever he's needed. This work schedule would impress even the man he replaced. Also on the list, Vladimir Guerrero.

No pain, no game for these hard-nosed players [ESPN]

Watch Out for Jose Offerman, He's Not Playing!

Puerto Rico cancels season for lack of pelotafans

This is perhaps the biggest blow to Caribbean baseball since the death of Clemente. Puerto Rico just confirmed there will be no pro baseball in the island this season. How the Serie del Caribe is going to look like next year is anyone's guess. There have been rumors Colombia or Nicaragua may join, but doesn't look like it's going to happen. Team owners in Puerto Rico have been complaining for years over the lack of support for local baseball. In the Dominican Republic it's pretty easy to find prime seats in the park when the Licey or Aguilas are not playing. Puerto Rico's problems are spreading to the other leagues, and in my opinion is not the fans to blame, but the lame marketing the Caribbean leagues have.

In the case of the Dominican Republic the outlook is pretty bleak. The season is short and plagued with rain cancellations. The lack of balance is dangerous since there are only two good teams, leaving no room for fan growth with the other teams. The league has failed to keep merchandise fresh, and promote the league outside the country. The stadiums are not even minor-league quality. There are no news or Web support in the offseason to keep fans interested. And worse, the country has failed to produce a national team worthy of the passion Dominicans have for the sport (Dominican Republic wasn't even close to qualify for Beijing).

If Puerto Rico doesn't find a new way to market their league, it may mean doom for the rest of the winter leagues. Let's hope someone finds a way.

Offerman offers pain

Photo AP

Seems like the Licey veteran is swinging his bat big time these days. The problem is, it's not just to hit a ball.

Jose Offerman will beat your ass with sanded wood [DEADSPIN]

Strike three for Neifi Perez. Going home

The Escogido infielder failed another doping test and goes back to the Dominican quite early this year. It's going to be a long, hot rest of the summer for him.

Detroit infielder Neifi Perez suspended for 80 games after 3rd positive test for stimulant [SI]

A-Rod 500

Photo: AP

Here it is folks. A-Rod becomes the youngest player to hit 500 dongs. Click here for the clip.

The Atom Ant is Dominican

Before U.S. reporters christened peloteros with names like Slammin' Sammy, Big Papi and A-Rod, Dominicans took care of that. Here are some nick names of famous Dominican peloteros you possibly didn't know:

Luís Polonia- La Hormiga Atomica (Atom Ant)

Pedro Guerrero- La Negra Pola (The best Dominican MLB player in the 80s got his nick after a merengue song translated as "Pola, the Black Lady". The song was about an emigrant, but his skin color has more to do with the name. A famous incident back then was when he was denied entry into a Dominican Club called Bella Blu because he was black. Being rich and famous didn't help. This practice hasn't changed much today. I know. Ridiculous considering most Dominicans are black.)

Miguel Diloné- La Saeta Cibaeña (The Cibao's Arrow. This Aguilas player was to Dominicans what Ricky Henderson is to Americans.)

Tony Fernandez- Cabeza (Head. Most fans of the Licey/Blue Jays shortstop out of the Dominican didn't know his nick.)

Pascual Pérez- Cutá (Pronounced "coo-tah")

José Lima- Mambo

More nicks to coming soon.