Cleveland Sports Forum

Chemistry. The charismatic Manny Ramirez "plays" with The Aguilita, the mascot of all the Cibao Eagles in a game transcuro this baseball tournament.

"I'm here because I like to play ball"

Manny Ramirez is going well with the Eagles

Freddy Tapia

Santo Domingo

The image of Manny Ramirez diving headfirst into third against Felix Pie in a past game against the Stars in the Tetelo Vargas Stadium, maybe better than his words to bear witness about how well he has been spending time in the Dominican League.

"I'm here because I like to play ball, I liked the competition and the Eagles team, "Ramirez argues, often accused of being distracted.

"The team has treated me well. Here there are no stars, all are equal, "says Ramirez, whose average -312, 555 homers and 831 RBIs in 19 campaigns have made him one of the best right-handed hitters in major league history, and a major celebrity who has played in the local tournament.

First experienced Dominican League

His experience now with the Eagles has been more rewarding than those that he lived with in the three previous occasions he wore the uniform mamey (1991-92, 1993-94 and 1994-95).

"When I first came I was a little boy, was only 19," he says.

"Now, the competition is better, almost at the major league level," says Ramirez. The young players show off their talent this year. Until yesterday with the Eagles was Oscar Taveras ("we say The Phenomenon"), Starling Marte of the Lions, and other young pitchers who smoke the ball names I can not remember because they are young.

"In each at bat you have to come at the plate with a different adjustment because pitchers launch straight balls over 95 miles," he says.

"I thought about it later. I never thought the Dominican League would be a godsend for me, "he confessed more than once to Carlos" Macaco "Ferreiras, his personal assistant.

His wife Juliana - a Brazilian who has come accustomed to Santiago - is defined as the main aguilucha fan.

"She loves and supports me. We are enjoying it, "notes the veteran player, who has a record of 382 - 1-3 in the Round Robin.

"So he feels good ss unusual. To live you have to be next to him, "said" Macaco "Ferreiras, 63.

Travel Companions

When not traveling with the team, Manny is accompanied by Juliana and Bernie Castro, whom he met in 2005 when he was a star with the Boston Red Sox and a utility player of the Eagles today also belonged to the Baltimore Orioles.

Ferreira also trained Ramirez as a player in 1985 when, at the age of 12 years, came with the family to Washington Heights from the Dominican Republic.

Almost always makes a stop to taste "Dominican food," white rice or spaghetti Patica and pork orejita at Jacaranda Square or at an inn there in Piedra Blanca, Bonao.

They also tend to stop for a snack in the "Parador El Tamarindo", in the eastern highway, when the club has games against the Stars or the Bulls.

"I'm Dominican" says the controversial player, whose personality, simplicity and humility have been the most prominent features of the Eagles player today.

Also the strenuous work routine that he develops every day. "He is tremendous person," Castro stressed. "A guy who does not think about what he has and what he has not done in baseball. He is humble and simple ".

"Manny is Manny. A common type, "says Alberto Castillo, the team's bench coach. "He is the first player that comes to play and I think it's a luxury to have him on the Eagles, but especially in the tournament."

His condition is simple. He is a shy man, who does not seduce red carpets and prefers to stay away from the limelight, as was evidenced during the long pauses that interrupted the baseball tournament during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Instead of going on vacation to a resort, chose to stay in the parking lot playing ball with his sons Manny Jr. and Luke, eight and nine years, respectively, and the other children of the condominium where he was staying while playing with the Eagles in Santiago. "Manny is a big boy," says "Macaco".

Peloteros Creoles got their visa

3:36 pm | Several grandeligas attended the ceremony held at the U.S. Embassy

CARACAS. -

A good number of Venezuelan players flocked Tuesday to the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, to choose their work visa ahead of the 2013 season. The event was held in the framework of Baseball and Friendship , promoted by the U.S. entity.

players include Felix Hernandez, Carlos Zambrano, Freddy Garcia, Alcides Escobar, Martin Prado, Omar Infante, Carlos Jean Boscan, Alex Torres, Jhoulys Chacin, Gregory Infante, Asdrubal Cabrera, Guillermo Moscoso, Jesus Guzman , Jeanmar Gomez, Victor Martinez, Miguel Montero, Marwin Gonzalez, Franklin Morales, Edward Mujica, Marco Scutaro, Ezequiel Carrera, Jose Altuve, Luis Gimenez, Gregor Blanco and Ernesto Mejia , among others.
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Braun to play for US in World Baseball Classic

By Adam McCalvy / MLB.com | 01/08/2013 11:00 AM ET

MILWAUKEE --

National League Most Valuable Player Award runner-up Ryan Braun has committed to play for the U.S. squad in the World Baseball Classic, the Brewers outfielder told a radio audience on Monday night.

Braun, who batted .381 in six games during the 2009 Classic, told Milwaukee's 1250-AM WSSP that he had already begun preparations for this year's event.

Braun will not have to travel far from the Brewers' Spring Training base at Maryvale Baseball Park; Team USA will begin training in Phoenix on March 4 and then participate in first-round play at Arizona's Chase Field from March 7-10.

"I'm feeling great," Braun said. "I actually started my baseball activities a little bit earlier than I usually do, because I'm going to play in the World Baseball Classic this year. So I have to get myself prepared a little sooner, a little quicker than I usually do."

Braun was entering his second full Major League season the last time the Classic was staged in '09. Since then, he has topped 100 runs, 35 doubles, 25 home runs and 100 RBIs for four straight seasons, winning 2011 NL MVP honors in a close vote over the Dodgers' Matt Kemp. In 2012, Braun finished second to the Giants' Buster Posey.

Braun will be in Milwaukee on Jan. 27 for the team's annual "On Deck" event, a fanfest that features autograph and photo opportunities, interactive games, memorabilia sales and public forums.

BASEBALL | 07/01/2013 11:49:00 pm

Jesus Aguilar and the Lions climbed on top

The Lion offensive began to bear fruit. Rival Navigators Next

Patience is one of the highest virtues of men and in baseball. Such partiality was shown by Jesus Aguilar in this semifinal with Leones del Caracas. For the second night in a row, became the hero of the Lions giving another homer that gave them the edge over Anzoategui Caribbean and eventually a 5-3 win before an overflow crowd and so climb on top of the round robin with a mark of three wins and two defeats.

Entrusted to the First baseman in the top of the eighth inning, he already knew his opponents and the pitcher Jean Carlos Toledo. With the count in his favor (three balls and two strikes), a superb homer dispatched to leftfield had the fans climbing to the mid tier to catch the ball.

"I'm happy to help the team and that's good because things are going well. This homer was more important because it gave the victory to the team and for that I have been preparing, "said the slugger, who accumulates two home runs in this semifinal.

Tremendous responsibility was placed on Jesus Aguilar as he is aware that his performance with the Lions during these past three days was to replace Josh Kroeger who was on leave in the USA and who is expected to arrive in the country today. However, it does not generate pressure on the player. He just needs to take advantage of opportunities.

"I'm taking advantage of opportunities given to me and I have no pressure. Just go out and play my game, "he stressed.

During the last two games, the Creole batting .444 with two homers and three RBIs and yet, Frank Kremblas has not decided if he will play tomorrow against arch rival Magallanes Navigators.

The Lions rest on Tuesday and return to action against the Magallanes Navigators Wednesday at University Stadium.

Criollos' Hernandez almost unhittable again

Blue Jays prospect tosses six shutout innings in second playoff start

01/08/13 11:52 PM ET

Puerto Rican Winter League

Caguas 6, Mayaguez 0

Coming off five hitless innings in his first postseason start, Blue Jays prospect Fernando Hernandez yielded one hit over six frames as the Criollos climbed into a first-place tie in the round-robin playoffs. Edgard Clemente had two hits and two RBIs and Rey Navarro also drove in two runs for Caguas. Twins prospect Kennys Vargas picked up two of the Indios' four hits.

Santurce 11, Carolina 7, 14 innings

Orlando Mercado delivered a three-run double to cap a four-run 14th inning as the Cangrejeros outlasted the Gigantes. Jose Ruiz slugged a two-run homer and former Minor Leaguer Geraldo Valentin collected three hits, two RBIs and a pair of runs scored for Santurce. Cardinals prospect Anthony Garcia smacked his third playoff homer, a three-run shot, for Carolina.
Dominican Winter League

Toros 8, Estrellas 5

Indians prospect Jose Ramirez went 3-for-4 with a solo homer that helped the Toros snap a four-game losing streak in the round-robin playoffs. Giants farmhand Angel Villalona delivered a go-ahead three-run double for Este, which got two hits and two RBIs from Esteban German. Carlos Colmenares homered and singled in a losing effort.

Escogido 6, Aguilas 3

Willy Aybar's three-run double capped a four-run sixth inning that propelled the Leones to their fourth straight playoff win. Pirates outfielder Starling Marte homered, singled and scored twice for Escogido, while Manny Ramirez was 2-for-3 with a homer and two RBIs for the Aguilas.
Venezuelan Winter League

Magallanes 2, Caribes 0

Former Major Leaguer Gustavo Chacin struck out nine and allowed six hits over eight innings as the Navegantes climbed back to .500 in the round-robin playoffs. Royals newcomer Endy Chavez scored both runs for Magallanes, which got a sacrifice fly from Giants slugger Pablo Sandoval. Niuman Romero, Luis Nuñez and Jose Castillo had two hits apiece for the Caribes.

Zulia 7, Lara 1

Phillies infielder Freddy Galvis collected three hits and three RBIs as the Aguilas climbed over the Cardenales into a first-place tie in the round-robin playoffs. Sandy Leon chipped in two hits, two RBIs and two runs scored for Zulia, which got 5 2/3 solid innings from Tomas Solis. Robert Perez smacked a solo homer for Lara.
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Jose Ramirez

Venezuelan Winter League

•Ezequiel Carrera (LF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 2-for-4. Overall, Carrera has gone 38-for-134 in 36 games this winter. He’s been a consistent performer throughout his minor league career, and that has also been the case this winter. Hopefully, we happen to see some more of that consistency this year at the Major League level.

Dominican Winter League

•Jose Ramirez (2B, Toros del Este): 3-for-4, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI. That brilliant winter campaign continues for Ramirez, who has now gone 57-for-183 in 48 games. He showed some rare power on Tuesday by launching a home run, which happened to be his first home run this winter. Power is one of the only areas where Ramirez is lacking so while it’s wishful thinking, it would be great if Tuesday was the start of a trend.

Puerto Rican Winter League

•Roberto Perez (DH, Indios de Mayaguez): 0-for-2, 2 BB, 1 K. Even though he wasn't able to muster a hit, Perez still got on base twice by drawing two walks. His plate discipline has been an area where he’s been impressive this winter, as he’s now drawn 13 walks and struck out 12 times in 21 games.

By Steve Orbanek
January 9, 2013

Toros Data

Jose Ramirez rookie who looks like a veteran

By Edgar Cotes Dam Toros del Este

LA ROMANA . - -

For many Bulls fans you hear the name Jose Ramirez and you say "who". Ramirez is not so familiar to the fans yet, but since his debut on October 28 in the corral of the Bulls, all have been astonished with the great skills he has.

This player is only 5 feet 9 inches tall and #18 prospect in the organization of the Cleveland Indians. He was signed for professionalism on November 26, 2009 at the age of 17. Born in Peravia province, in the town of Bani on September 17, 1992. It was not until 2011 when he played his first professional game in the Arizona League (Rookie) without even playing in the Dominican Summer League (Summer League for rookies). Ramirez had an explosive start and was very productive, batting .325 with 63 hits in 194 at bats, played in 48 games, scoring 30 runs, hit 13 doubles, one homer, and drove in 20 runs, besides that received seven walks, struck out 17 times and swindled 12 bases in 18 attempts.

These statistics earned him to have the best batting average for a player of the Cleveland Indians in all the minor leagues.

In 2012 he performed in the New York-Penn League (Short Season) with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers team and batted .364 (4-11), but only participated in three games. Concluding his performance in the NYP, he was transferred to the Midwest League (low Class A), with the Lake County Captains team, and immediately began to produce. He ended the campaign, productively compiling an average of .354 (98-277), 54 runs scored, 13 doubles, 4 triples, 3 homers, 27 RBIs and 15 stolen bases in 21 attempts.

During this super commendable performance, Ramirez also won the Gold Glove (best defense) at 2nd base in Mid West League.

Ramirez was selected to play in the Dominican Baseball League as a rookie via the draft held every year since 2000 and was the 1st pick of the 2nd round of this year's draft by the Toros del Este. He immediately joined the bullfighting team practices and made a good impression on the manager.

Manager Eddie Diaz said "his way to practice, his spark, his discipline, the correct way he wears his cap, and his desire to play were the things that made ​​me take a chance on this young talent. "

Unbelievable but true, Ramirez has been batting second in the lineup and started producing from the very first game for the bulls. Besides having a knack for making constant and consistent contact to all sides of the field, he has played a flawless second base, seemingly a veteran in the field.

Ramirez has shifted over to shortstop for the round robin tournament and also has a speed advantage on the defensive as he has good hands, great range, but an average arm.

Ramirez's speed allows him to run the bases well.

Ramirez has caused such an impact, that the manager was asked if he would sit Ramirez in favor of the two veterans Ciriaco and German and he responded: "The only thing that sits Jose Ramirez is José Ramirez".

Meanwhile, Ramirez said: "I am taking the opportunity to play every day, and to show that I have the qualities to be a good player in this league. I am mentally and physically prepared to do a good job in the league. It is a great challenge for me to do well. I'm learning and taking advantage of all the experience I'm gaining" he added.

No size, no pop....tops out at AA

Jose Ramirez homered and had three hits yesterday at the stadium Tetelo Vargas against the Eastern Stars, but was injured sliding into third base ... He was taken from the field in the arms of his teammates ...

Wednesday, January 09, 2013

MLB to host International Prospect Showcase in the Dominican Republic

Press Release Major League Baseball

Sixth Showcase Will Feature Players from Colombia, Curaçao, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Panama and Venezuela

Major League Baseball will host an International Showcase featuring top-rated amateur players from several Latin American and Caribbean nations on January 16th and 17th in the Dominican Republic.

The Showcase will provide an opportunity for hundreds of MLB scouts and coaches from all 30 Clubs to evaluate the skills of some of the best international prospects in the context of their talented peers. Over the course of two days, players from Colombia, Curaçao, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Panama and Venezuela will participate in a professional-style workout and compete in three games.

This latest MLB International Showcase, the sixth in an ongoing series, will feature more players from more countries than any previous event, raising the bar on the assembly of talent to the mutual benefit of Clubs and prospects. The participants are selected from the pool of amateur players who will be eligible to sign professional contracts on or after the July 2, 2013.

We are excited to showcase some of the best amateur international talent the world has to offer,” said Joe Torre, MLB’s Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations. “The quality and quantity of talent we are able to bring together at this event speaks to the rich baseball history of these countries and highlights the great contributions they continue to make to our game.

Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013

WBC skipper Yamamoto wants players to dress for success

Kyodo

Japan's World Baseball Classic manager Koji Yamamoto said Wednesday he expects his players to dress conservatively while they represent their nation in the coming months.

Yamamoto spoke at a party after a visit to Nippon Professional Baseball's office in Tokyo.

"You can see the difference in the way they are preparing themselves mentally for the WBC," he said, referring to the players on his roster who have already begun working out ahead of spring training. "These guys are reliable."

"I believe they all understand what is expected of them as representatives of their country, to dress and to wear their hair in a certain way."

On Monday, one of Yamamoto's candidates to bat fourth for the March tournament, Nippon Ham Fighters outfielder Sho Nakata, began his January workouts with his hair dyed.

"If he comes to camp like that, I'll be required to hit the roof," Yamamoto joked.

Toros.

Jose Ramirez has a sprained ankle. It is reported that it is nothing serious, but need a few days to return to action. It is true that he has been "stopped" by the Cleveland Indians ...

Stars.

The Cleveland Indians signed reliever Jerry Gil to a minor league deal that includes an invitation to spring training. This year rescued eight games and had 1.52 ERA for the Stars in the regular round ... Speaking of the Indians, shortstop Juan Diaz playing for the Estrellas Stars was instructed not to continue playing in the current tournament. Diaz is scheduled to travel to the United States in the coming days ...

Aguilas.

Manny Ramirez homered last night, his third of the round robin. The hit also kept Ramirez's 26 game hitting streak in tact. He's now hitting .400 in the round robin tournament. He hit .300 during the regular phase and has a total of 7 homers to date.

[Still think we have to sign Manny. Just a feeling!]

Rosario drives in four in Indios' playoff romp

Twins outfield prospect homers, scores three times for first-place Mayaguez

01/10/13 2:07 AM ET

Puerto Rican Winter League

Mayaguez 10, Carolina 4

Twins prospect Eddie Rosario homered, doubled twice, drove in four runs and scored three times as the Indios remained atop the round-robin playoff standings. Brewers catcher Martin Maldonado also went yard, doubled, collected three RBIs and scored three runs for Mayaguez, while Rays farmhand Leslie Anderson went 2-for-4 with a run scored for Carolina.

Santurce 2, Caguas 1

Jose Ruiz singled in the go-ahead run in the bottom of the eighth inning as the Cangrejeros overcame a 10-strikeout effort by Javier Vazquez and beat the Criollos. Former Major Leaguer J.D. Durbin yielded four hits over six shutout frames for Santurce, while Vazquez was charged with a run on six hits over six innings. Cardinals prospect Luis Mateo was 2-for-2 with a walk and scored Caguas' lone run.
Venezuelan Winter League

Caracas 10, Magallanes 9, 10 innings

Jesus Guzman capped a three-RBI night with a walk-off single in the 10th inning as the Leones rallied for their third straight round-robin playoff win. Indians prospect Jesus Aguilar smacked a three-run homer and Indians infielder Asdrubal Cabrera went 3-for-3 with a solo shot and two walks for Caracas. Eliezer Alfonzo, Renny Osuna and Mario Lisson homered in a losing effort.

Zulia 7, Lara 1

Former Minor Leaguer Cesar Valdez struck out nine over 6 2/3 innings, pitching the Aguilas to their third consecutive playoff victory. Phillies infielder Freddy Galvis recorded his second straight three-RBI game and Reds prospect Henry Rodriguez went 3-for-5 with a pair of RBIs for Zulia. Dodgers farmhand C.J. Retherford had two hits and drove in the Cardenales' lone run.

Dominican Winter League

Toros 5, Escogido 1

Former Tigers farmhand Alfredo Figaro gave up four hits over six shutout innings, helping the Toros climb over .500 in the round-robin playoffs. Donell Linares doubled, singled and drove in three runs for Este, while Tigers infielder Ramon Santiago had two hits and the lone RBI for Escogido.

Aguilas 11, Estrellas 3

Hector Luna homered and drove in four runs and Manny Ramirez added a solo blast, powering the Aguilas back into a first-place tie in the round-robin playoffs. Giants infielder Joaquin Arias contributed two hits and three RBIs, while Royals newcomer Miguel Tejada reached base three times and scored twice for Cibaeñas. Angels Minor Leaguer Luis Jimenez homered in a losing cause.
Mexican Pacific League

Guasave 4, Obregon 3, 11 innings

Eduardo Arredondo homered with two outs in the bottom of the 11th inning as the Algodoñeros forced a decisive seventh game in their first-round playoff series. Orioles farmhand Zelous Wheeler singled, walked twice and scored a run for Guasave, while Barbaro Canizares homered and doubled for the Yaquis.

Game 1: Obregon 3, Guasave 2
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 1-0
Game 2: Obregon 5, Guasave 2
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 2-0
Game 3: Guasave 5, Obregon 3
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 2-1
Game 4: Guasave 7, Obregon 5
Series tied 2-2
Game 5: Guasave 1, Obregon 3
Yaquis de Obregon lead series 3-2
Game 6: Obregon 3, Guasave 4
Series tied 3-3
Game 7: 01/10 7:30 p.m.

Mexicali 6, Mazatlan 5

Wes Bankston's three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning lifted the Aguilas into a 3-3 tie in the best-of-7 first-round playoff series. The former Major Leaguer also had a sacrifice fly, while Jorge Guzman ripped a solo shot for Mexicali. Saul Soto had a pair of hits, including a solo homer, for Mazatlan.

Game 1: Mazatlan 3, Mexicali 7
Aguilas de Mexicali lead series 1-0
Game 2: Mazatlan 1, Mexicali 7
Aguilas de Mexicali lead series 2-0
Game 3: Mexicali 0, Mazatlan 4
Aguilas de Mexicali lead series 2-1
Game 4: Mexicali 0, Mazatlan 1
Series tied 2-2
Game 5: Mexicali 3, Mazatlan 4
Venados de Mazatlan lead series 3-2
Game 6: Mazatlan 5, Mexicali 6
Series tied 3-3
Game 7: 01/10 7:30 p.m.

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Game 1: Hermosillo 4, Culiacan 5
Tomateros de Culiacan lead series 1-0
Game 2: Hermosillo 1, Culiacan 2
Tomateros de Culiacan lead series 2-0
Game 3: Culiacan 3, Hermosillo 1
Tomateros de Culiacan lead series 3-0
Game 4: Culiacan 7, Hermosillo 2
Tomateros de Culiacan win series 4-0

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Jesus Aguilar

Venezuelan Winter League

•Ezequiel Carrera (LF, Navegantes del Magallanes): 2-for-5, 1 R, 2 K, SB. Carrera has just been so consistent this winter. On Wednesday, he collected two more hits and also notched his 11 stolen base of the winter season. Carrera has now gone 40-for-139 this winter.

•Asdrubal Cabrera (SS, Leones del Caracas): 3-for-4, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 BB. It’s nice to see Cabrera starting to heat up with spring training right around the corner. Wednesday’s performance was arguably his best so far this winter, and the switch-hitting shortstop has now gone 22-for-71 this winter.

•Jesus Aguilar (1B, Leones del Caracas): 1-for-5, 1 R, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3 K. What’s better than reading Around the Farm and having the pleasure of seeing that Aguilar has launched a home run? How about when it’s his third straight game with a home run? Aguilar’s shot was a big one on Wednesday as it was of the three-run variety. The hulking first baseman has now gone 21-for-74 this winter with six home runs and concerns about his poor winter performance seem to be a distant memory. However, keep in mind that Aguilar has now struck out 31 times and drawn only four walks.

Dominican Winter League

•Delvi Cid (PH-RF, Aguilas Cibaenas): 1-for-1, 1 2B. This was only Cid’s second base hit of the winter season, but he made the most of it as it was a double. Cid has some speed and is coming off a pretty solid minor league season, but unfortunately his playing time has been extremely limited this winter, so it’s been hard to gauge his progress.

Puerto Rican Winter League

•Roberto Perez (DH, Indios de Mayaguez): 0-for-4, 1 BB. Perez continues to get on base via the free pass, but he unfortunately has been unable to get a hit so far in the PWL postseason. Overall, Perez has gone 17-for-65 with 14 walks and 12 strikeouts this winter.

Pure power between Osuna, Lisson, Asdrubal, and Aguilar

With the Magallanes Navigantes leading the ballgame in the top of the 7th inning 8-4, Asdrubal Cabrera lead off the home half of the 7th by flying out to leftfield. Jesus Guzman popped out to first. Carlos Rivera singled and Bobby Abreu walked setting the stage for Jesus Aguilar's three run shot to pull Leones to within a run at 8-7. Leones tied the game at 8 runs apiece in the bottom of the 8th on Josh Kroeger's basehit, a sacrifice, and a basehit by Luis Rodriguez. The score remained tied at 8 until the top of the 10th when the Navigators would take the lead at 9-8. In the bottom of the 10th, Josh Kroeger singled, Daniel Mayora doubled home Kroeger from first to tie the game at 9 runs each. Hernan Perez reached on a fielder's choice Mayora was tossed out at third. With Asdrubal batting, Perez stole second and Cabrera was intentionally walked. Jesus Guzman singled plating Perez with the winning run. Exciting stuff especially in front of a packed house playing at home against your arch rival.

JESUS AGUILAR 3 RUN HOMER

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... ceL8iIXEnc

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