Island Update: Baker supports Encarnacion, Soto helps Cueto

Today, the Listin Diario ran an article based on an interview with Edwin Encarnacion.  I am translating from the paper and for some reason there is no link to the article on the net.  Some notable quotes follow.

Encarnacion on his relationship with Baker:

"I have never had such good communication with a manager.  Baker knows how to motivate me and I hope I can live up to his expectations."

On playing in the Dominican Winter league:

Playing in the Dominican is helpful.  We arrive to spring training pretty much ready for the season already.  It is a big advantage that we have in our country.  I am going to continue playing in the DR because I have matured a lot as a baseball player and it will help me to establish myself in the major leagues.

On his goals for 2008:

My goal is to hit 25 or more home runs, and I know I can do it.  I will be working hard not to commit more than 15 errors.  These are my two biggest goals.  I am very positive that I can reach them, I don't doubt it.

Cueto got some press for his win yesterday too.  Nothing too special was said but it did mention that he worked with Mario Soto:

Soto ...se unió al equipo y lo ayudó a componer su cambio de velocidad y a recuperar su confianza, lo cual se mostró de inmediato.

 

Soto joined the team to help [Cueto] with changing speeds on his pitches and regain his confidence, which was seen immediately.

 

Life is different, but okay without a computer here.  Post-traumatic stress is another story.  Every wierd noise or shadow that moves at home gives me a rush of adrenaline.  I will be fine, it just takes time.

Looking forward to Harang/Zambrano in the sports bar/gambling establishment a few blocks from my home tonight.   Go reds.