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Finding Diamonds in the Rough

Scout Jesus Mendez seeks prospects for the Phillies in
Venezuela, all while dealing with crime, the political
climate and agents.

By Chris Kraul, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
January 28, 2008

TRONCONERO, Venezuela -- Dressed for work in shorts
and a T-shirt, Jesus "Chalao" Mendez hardly looked
imposing. But for young Venezuelan baseball players
with major league ambitions, Mendez has more juice
than Hugo Chavez and George Bush put together.

Mendez, whose nickname means "crazy," is chief
Venezuela scout for the Philadelphia Phillies. Stocky,
deep-voiced and gregarious, the 44-year-old Caracas
native controls the fate of hundreds of Venezuelan
youths chasing the near-impossible dream of making it
to the big leagues.





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