General Managers discuss player safety in Milwaukee meetings – MLB Update
The general managers of Major League Baseball have gathered in Milwaukee to discuss various baseball issues, including player safety in Venezuela, which has become a country with the highest rates of kidnapping and crimes in the world.
This issue was brought up in the aftermath of Wilson Ramos’s kidnapping in the country right after he had returned to his native hometown after a stellar rookie season. Ramos was kidnapped from right outside his home by armed people, leading to a massive
unrest in the country.
Venezuelan President then issued orders of a thorough investigation in this case and the recovery of the player, which was then made possible by a police operation. Ramos disclosed that there was an exchange of fire between the kidnappers and police before
he was safely rescued from a mountainous area.
Ramos, who plays catcher for Washington Nationals, was scheduled to participate in the Venezuelan winter league, but his team has recommended him to return to the United States. However, the final choice is to be made by the player and it seems that Ramos
is still interested in making his presence at the winter league.
Wilson has been described as the best baseball talent in his native country and the player feels that he owes something to the millions of his fans back in Venezuela. Baseball authorities have employed investigators in Venezuela and it is believed that their
feedback was highly appreciable in the quick recovery of the player. Further, authorities assert that they have bodyguards to protect players in the crime ridden country, but the criminals are competent enough of breaking through all traps.
Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations, Joe Torre, voiced that the issue of player safety was thoroughly discussed in the meeting and details in this regard are not available. Nevertheless, he continued that issues relating to on-field play have
been discussed which include a modified roster size for September and an instant review for debateable calls.
Major League Baseball is going the extra mile to ensure safety of its contracted players and this is being highly appreciated by players as well as agents.
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