1	Hitting it out of the park Ten Major League Baseball teams earn major points with their Latino fans. read more...
2	in it to win it New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson speaks out on his campaign for the 2008 presidency and his bid for space on the already tight Democratic ticket.. read more...
3	Not so lonely anymore From San Angelo, Texas to nationwide fame, the three Garza brothers, better known as Los Lonely Boys, can count the famous and infamous among their friends. read more...
4	top of the pops These hot Latin pop, rock en Español, crossover, singer-songwriter, and some indescribable new acts are a must for your iPod. read more...
5	New chicos on the block The Puerto Rican super duo Calle 13 have moved out of the barrio and onto the international music scene. read more...
6	they’re Grrrrrreat! With their songs based on the trials and tribulations of the immigrant struggle, Los Tigres del Norte have become living musical legends. read more...

POWER players

The best teams in the Major Leagues are overhauling
their rosters. From the owner’s box to the dugout,
these 10 teams have made the most from
baseball’s Latino effect.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM

Like Mets GM Omar Minaya, Angels owner Arte Moreno remains the majors’ first and only Hispanic in his capacity. Closer Francisco Rodriguez and slugger Vladimir Guerrero are huge components in the Angels’ perennial success while shortstop Orlando Cabrera quietly makes valuable contributions. A key addition to the Boston Red Sox’s lineup in their run to the World Series title in 2004, Cabrera set an Angels record last season when he reached safely in 63 consecutive games. Kelvim Escobar, Ervin Santana and Bartolo Colon give the Angels’ rotation a distinctly Latino flavor.

FLORIDA MARLINS

Miguel Cabrera is already a star despite his youth. Shortstop Hanley Ramirez contributed 74 extra-base hits and 51 stolen bases and right-hander Anibal Sanchez pitched a no-hitter as the team set an MLB record for the season’s most rookie debuts. Alfredo Amezaga is sure to return to the infield from center, where Alex Sanchez is auditioning for the job. Fredi Gonzalez returned as its first Hispanic manager and former Blue Jays manager Carlos Tosca is his bench coach. Catcher Miguel Olivo will call pitches for a staff that includes Ricky Nolasco, Serio Mitre and Renyel Pinto.

ST. louis cardinals

The World Series champs might not lead the way in numbers when it comes to Hispanic talent, yet it’s hard to argue that they don’t have the very best in baseball in first baseman Albert Pujols. Despite missing 19 games because of injury, he hit 49 homers and drove in 137 runs, both career highs, to go along with his .331 average last season. Yadier Molina added another championship ring to the royal family of catchers. Right fielder Juan Encarnacion contributed a solid season and rookie Anthony Reyes delivered a huge eight-inning outing for a World Series win.

SEATTLE MARINERS

The heart of the Mariners’ batting order is going to have a distinctly Hispanic look behind all-world leadoff man Ichiro Suzuki. Third baseman Adrian Beltre, left fielder Raul Ibañez, right fielder Jose Guillen and designated hitter Jose Vidro all figure to make prominent contributions to a lineup that includes slugging first baseman Richie Sexson. Ibañez had 71 extra-base hits last season, including 33 homers, to go along with 123 RBIs, all career highs.

BOSTON RED SOX

Although the Hub is hardly renowned as a bastion of diversity, a team that comes at you with David Ortiz followed by Manny Ramirez clearly sports a dynamic, not to mention devastating, Hispanic presence. New shortstop Julio Lugo joins third baseman Mike Lowell and outfielders Coco Crisp and Willie Mo Peña in the lineup. Reliever Joel Pineiro may prove to be the solution as the Red Sox seek to replace last season’s closer Jonathan Paplebon, who was moved into the starting rotation.

NEW YORK METS

Snide comments about “Los Mets” have died away as Omar Minaya, the majors’ first and only Hispanic GM, brought about undeniable results in 2006 despite criticism that he concentrated too much on acquiring Latino talent. Shortstop Jose Reyes delivers an enviable package, combining 64 stolen bases with a .300 average and 67 extra-base hits, including 19 homers and 17 triples. Moises Alou bolsters a dangerous lineup that includes Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran. Ruben Sierra is trying out this spring, but the veteran role belongs to 48-year-old Julio Franco. Starters Pedro Martinez and Orlando Hernandez get all the attention, but relievers Guillermo Mota, Duaner Sanchez and newcomer Ambiorix Burgos will provide crucial set-up innings late in the game.

CHICAGO CUBS

Manager Lou Piniella’s Hispanic heritage is now widely known thanks to the disparaging remarks that cost former Fox analyst Steve Lyons his job last fall. Big money was spent on free agent Alfonso Soriano, who will bring his lethal bat to center field, and on third baseman Aramis Ramirez, who had 38 homers and 119 RBIs last season, both career highs. Shortstop Cesar Izturis makes the Cubs’ defense on the left side of the infield one of the best. Carlos Zambrano agreed to a one-year, $12.4 million deal to avoid an arbitration hearing and is looking for a commitment to stay with as a bright spot in a rotation that’s been plagued by arm injuries.

NEW YORK YANKEES

With Alex Rodriguez and all-world closer Mariano Rivera in the mix and commanding their share of media attention, catcher Jorge Posada has quietly put together a remarkable career. With the team set to move into its new park in 2009, the switch-hitting Puerto Rican is poised to close out a long line of excellence behind the plate at Yankee Stadium. Sophomores Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera might follow Posada and Derek Jeter’s lead and become the next homegrown stars. Right fielder Bobby Abreu will have a full season to prove his worth, and Luis Vizcaino, a reliever obtained from Arizona in the Randy Johnson trade, will provide valuable innings.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

First baseman Nomar Garciaparra returned to form as a dangerous hitter last season as he made a successful transition from shortstop. It’s a good thing he made way there since leadoff specialist Rafael Furcal anchors that part of the infield while igniting the Dodgers’ offense. Infielders Wilson Betemit and Olmedo Saenz make valuable contributions to the lineup, which has added veteran left fielder
Luis Gonzalez’s potent bat.

DETROIT TIGERS

If the Tigers’ pitching staff fielded as well as their Gold Glove catcher, Detroit might have had a real shot at beating St. Louis in the World Series. Ivan Rodriguez could only look on in dismay as the Tigers threw away their shot at their first title since 1984 with a series of errors. Nonetheless, reliever Joel Zumaya is a joy to watch when he aims his throws to the plate. Placido Polanco and Carlos Guillen make a solid double-play combination and right fielder Magglio Ordoñez regained his form as a dangerous threat in the middle of the lineup. Infielder Neifi Perez and relievers Fernando Rodney and Jose Mesa are also part of the Tigers’ mix.