ITALIAN FIRST DIVISION BEGINS PLAY THIS WEEKEND

The eight teams in the Italian League’s First Division were slated to open the season Thursday, April 9, with a full slate of action. Games scheduled for Friday, April 10, were postponed after the Italian government proclaimed a national day of mourning in the wake of Abruzzo’s fatal earthquake.

One feature in the Italian League this season is the reduction of players with visas from non-European Union countries from five per team to four. The move is hoped to give more game experience to domestic players. Five Italian products must be on the field each game.

T&A San Marino won the Italian pennant last year, and look to be the team to beat again in 2009. San Marino has added Venezuelan Luis Ramirez, a right-handed fireballer, to their already-strong pitching staff. Another Venezuelan import, Carlos Duran, is expected to add speed and power.

Danesi Nattuno figures to be the prime challenger after adding former MLB pitcher Jeff Farnsworth, infielder Manny Alexander and outfielder Abraham Nunez to the roster.