by Jim HenryFiled under: MLB Media Watch, International Baseball, Sports Business and Media
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- Managers represent their organizations, teams, players and fans.
Try representing an entire island.
That's the challenge -- and pressure -- that faces Eduardo Perez, the son of baseball Hall of Famer Tony Pérez and current analyst for ESPN's "Baseball Tonight." Perez is currently moonlighting as manager for host Puerto Rico here in the Pan Am Qualifying Tournament.
"Yes, there is (pressure) but it's a fun pressure," Perez, 41, told FanHouse.
"You get criticized a lot by moves one makes, and a lot of people here are very traditional. But for Puerto Rico this is huge, it's awesome. It's a unique opportunity that I have (to) deal with professional players and, at the same time represent Puerto Rico, and be in touch with every aspect of professional baseball."
Perez's team, which features an interesting mix of prospects and veterans, was one of eight (out of 12 teams) that advanced into the second round of pool play in the tourney. That was a huge step, since the top seven teams earn a spot in the 2011 Pan Am Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. The top four teams advance to the medal rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Naturally, selecting team rosters for international competition can be a test under any circumstances. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
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