Freed Ballplayer

A Major League Baseball catcher was kidnapped in his native Venezuela, but freed after a commando operation green-lighted by President Hugo Chavez. The player, Wilson Ramos, said the kidnappers told him they were going to demand a large ransom, and he thanked the government and police who rescued him. (see story)

In related news, Chavez announced a new government tax of 70% on the earnings of athletes playing abroad.