Brett Garamella

The Pros: Dominican Baseball

Odalis Perez autographs a baseball in the trainer's room in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic. The trainer massages Perez's teammate. Perez had just finished a practice with the Dominican National Team in preparation for the World Baseball Classic.
   
Alfonso Soriano swings at a pitch during batting practice at the Cubs Academy in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic. Many Dominicans, like Soriano, return to their country during the winter to practice in the warm weather.
   
Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez wait for batting practice in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic in preparation for the World Baseball Classic. Just a few days later, Rodriguez was exposed by the media for using steroids. He did not play in the World Baseball Classic due to a cyst and torn ligament in his right hip. Pujols also did not play in the World Baseball Classic because of insurance issues in regards to his off-season right elbow surgery in October 2008.
     
  
Albert Pujols works out with Angel "Nao" Presinal in the Dominican Republic to prepare for the World Baseball Classic or WBC. Presinal has trained some of the best Dominican players in Major League Baseball. A few weeks after this photo was taken Presinal was banned from the WBC because he had traveled with and trained admitted steriod user Alex Rodriguez.
   
Albert Pujols laughs at a joke told by Edinson Volquez in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic. Pujols practiced with his Dominican teammates for the World Baseball Classic.
   
Adrian Beltre is followed by fans in his native Dominican Republic.
     
  
Pitcher Edinson Volquez poses for a photo during a light workout in his native Dominican Republic.