Island fever

Puerto Rican fans thrilled with plan for Expos games

Baseball is like a religion to many Puerto Rican fans. AP

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) -- A plan for the Montreal Expos to play some of their home games in Puerto Rico next year is exciting island fans who for years have rooted for faraway teams.

Youth league baseball coach Carlos Diaz said the games should give a new boost to interest in the sport that historically has been the most-watched on the Caribbean island.

"It's good for the young people to become excited about baseball," said Diaz, who added that he would attend the games.

Under plans developed by major league baseball officials, Montreal would open its new part-time home in Puerto Rico on April 11 against the New York Mets.

While the proposal still hasn't been finalized, baseball officials are discussing having the Expos play 10 games in April at San Juan's Hiram Bithorn Stadium against the Mets (April 11-14), Atlanta (April 15-17) and Cincinnati (April 18-20), several baseball officials said on condition of anonymity.

Negotiations are continuing between the commissioner's office and the players' association over whether the Expos will make three trips or two to Puerto Rico, where they would play up to 20 of their 81 home games.

Puerto Rico has been sending its best players to the majors for decades, but only recently has the sport seriously considered bringing games to the Caribbean island.

Baseball officials want to move the team from Montreal, where the Expos drew just 812,000 fans this season, but have virtually ruled out a relocation for 2003. Puerto Rico has been mentioned as a potential site for relocation, by the team which is owned and operated by major league baseball.

Possible games in San Juan next year also include the interleague series against the World Series champion Anaheim Angels (June 3-5) and a matchup with Sammy Sosa and the Chicago Cubs (Sept. 9-11), baseball officials said.

Puerto Rican big leaguers who play for the Expos include pitcher Javier Vazquez and second baseman Jose Vidro.

Puerto Ricans who play for teams that would face the Expos include Roberto Alomar of the Mets, Javier Lopez of the Braves and Bengie Molina of the Angels.

 

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