In wake of kidnapping, D-backs GM Towers warns players to be cautious

In the wake of Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos being
kidnapped at gunpoint in Venezuela on Wednesday,
Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers has warned players to be
cautious overseas.

Towers was a guest on Arizona Sports 620’s Burns and Gambo
Friday when he talked about the Ramos situation.

“I’ve played winter ball for five different years and
places like Colombia, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico
are probably no different than when you’re here in the
states, just be cautious and careful of who you hang out
with and where you go, especially if you’re in a foreign
country, you just need to be cautious,” Towers said.

The organization has been in contact with all its players
overseas since the kidnapping, according to Towers.

“We’re certainly very aware of where our players are at
now and have actually talked internally if we think it
might be best to pull our players out of winter ball right
now,” he said.

This situation hits home for Diamondbacks backup catcher
Henry Blanco, whose brother was kidnapped and killed in
Venezuela back in 2008.

“There’s probably been even more cases that have never
been reported,” Towers said. “It’s unfortunate that guys
go over there to hone their skills to give them a better
opportunity once they come back to the states, but when
you hear about things like this the Arizona Fall League
doesn’t sound that bad.”

Venezuelan authorities found Ramos late Friday night. He was missing for a period of two days. Several arrests have been made in the case.

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