LIGA TO OPEN SEASON MARCH 18, IMPORT SALARIES INCREASED

The Mexican League Assembly of Presidents wrapped up their two-day session in Mazatlan last weekend after setting most opening day series and making an upward adjustment of salaries for foreign ballplayers in the 2011 season.

The two-time defending champion Saltillo Saraperos will start things off with a home game at renovated Parque Francisco I. Madero on March 18 against an undermined opponent. Two-game inaugural series typically involve rivalry games, but Monterrey (Saltillo’s top foil) will instead open against Monclova. The return of interzonal play will revive Mexico’s storied Diablos Rojos-Tigres rivalry when Mexico City plays Quintana Roo on March 19 when the other 14 LMB teams begin regular season play, so speculation is that the Puebla Pericos may visit Saltillo in a rematch of this year’s Championship Series.

The Assembly also approved an increase in salaries of import players. First-year foreigners will be paid $8,000 per month, while extraneros with a year or more experience in the Mexican League will earn at least $10,000 per month. Each team is allowed four import players on their rosters.