Diamond-Theory.com

The Caribbean Series, a conglomeration of the major leagues of Latin America, got underway on Margarita Island, Venezuela Tuesday.  The Dominican Republic took down Puerto Rico 2-1in a well-pitched game between the rivals. 

The series is made up of the champions of each of the winter leagues.  Facing off in this year's competition will be: the Leones del Escogido, champions of the Dominican Winter League; the Naranjeros de Hermosillo of the Mexican Winter League; Puerto Rico's Indios de Mayaguez; and Venezuela's champion Leones de Caracas. 

While the teams play in their country's colors, it is important to note that these are not the same international All-Star teams we see in competitions like the World Baseball Classic.

That does not mean, however, there is no patriotism at play in the competition.  The Domincan team is looking to impress after a disappointing showing in last spring's WBC.  The Puerto Rican squad is looking to build on its international success.  And both teams are trying to avoid losing to Venezuelan, last year's champion. 

Venezuala takes on Mexico, next.

Full coverage also available at MLB.com.

It took ten innings, but Japan beat Korea 5-3 Monday to take the second World Baseball Classic title.  With the score tied 3-3 with two outs in the top of the tenth, none other than Ichiro Suzuki banged out a two-run single that brought the go-ahead run across for Japan.  Moments before, Korea tied the game with two outs in the ninth off of Japanese pitching phenom Yu Darvish.

Dice-K repeated as Classic MVP.

Eric Neel has a great article about the atmosphere at the championship game over on ESPN.com