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Local fans unhappy with Dodgers' exhibition games roster
2010/03/04 19:53:24 |
Taipei, March 4 (CNA) Local baseball fans have expressed disappointment with the roster of the Los Angeles Dodgers' three-game exhibition series in Taiwan, while the game organizers said the roster is unlikely to change.
The U.S. Major League team announced Tuesday its 33-man split squad roster that will make the March 12-14 trip. While all-star hitter Manny Ramirez is scheduled to visit, the roster includes only three starters and 17 players with Major League experience.
Fans expressed their resentment on the Internet, saying that the roster is "watered-down, " while some ticket buyers have demanded refunds. Unhappy fans have also established a Facebook page to demand their money back.
"We have been working very hard with the Dodgers to bring as many starters as possible to Taiwan. I believe we've done our best and we will accept every refund demand, " said Eric Chang, president of Bros Sports, which is organizing the event.
Ramirez, first baseman James Loney and second baseman Ronnie Belliard are the only players on the roster who are expected to make the starting list in the upcoming season. The top four pitchers of the Dodgers rotation -- Hiroki Kuroda, Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley and Vicente Padilla -- will not make the trip.
Local fans complained that the roster pales in comparison with one 13 years ago when the team visited Taiwan for the first time. The Dodgers brought almost all the players on its 25-man roster in 1993.
However, MLB Asia President Jim Small pointed out that as the team is in the middle of the spring training, while the 1993 took place in the off-season.
The Dodgers will play three games against a local Chinese Professional Baseball League all-star team, on March 12 and 13 in Taipei and on March 14 in Kaohsiung. (By Chris Wang) ENDITEM/J
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