Arizona Diamondbacks Inside Pitch 2009-01-21

When the Diamondbacks rehired veteran baseball executive Roland Hemond in 2007, it was with an eye toward beefing up their presence in Mexico through a man who was one of the pioneers in bringing players from the Mexican Leagues to the United States.

The D-backs are continuing their thrust into northern Mexico with a two-game series against the team that will represent Mexico in the second World Baseball Classic this spring, and it could provide good competition.

Mexico was rated eighth in the most recent rankings by the International Baseball Federation.

The D-backs will play Team Mexico at Tucson Electric Park on March 4 before playing the second game of the series at Hector Espino Stadium in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, on March 6.

Former major-leaguer Vinny Castilla will manage Team Mexico after playing for his country in the inaugural Classic in 2006.

The D-backs consider northern Mexico as part of their marketing territory and want to establish a presence in the baseball-rich area. Hermosillo is about a one-hour flight from Tucson, and a station there is part of the D-backs' radio network.

Former first baseman Erubiel Durazo, who holds the Diamondbacks' record with nine RBIs in one game, is a native of Hermosillo. The D-backs often send their winter league players to play with the Hermosillo Naranjeros (Orange Growers), whose home field is Espino Stadium.

Author: Fox Sports

Author's Website: http://www.foxsports.com

Added: January 21, 2009