Praying For Wilson Ramos' Safe Return

Story #1 right now in MLB should be Wilson Ramos' kidnapping.  It should be, but it's not being treated as such.  MLB.com only gave it third story down on the sidebar on it's page yesterday.  It was only given a passing mention on ESPN.  To me, this is the most important story because a man's life is worth a hell of a lot more than some stupid trade rumors.

The focus this offseason has rightfully until now, been on the big name free agents and possible trade candidates such as Pujols, Fielder, Buehrle and Reyes.  The biggest trade this offseason for me however will be when Ramos is safely traded back to his family for money or whatever they demand.  I'm praying for his safety right now.  The only information we have is that people broke into his house while he was there with his family in Venezuela.  They took him out and put him into a vehicle and drove off.  No one has heard from the kidnappers since the incident.  

It's the sad story that has become all too common for sports athletes who have family living in South American countries.  Yorvit Torrealba's son was kidnapped walking to school in Venezuela a few years ago, and Victor Zambrano's mother was kidnapped for ransom also.  I have not yet read a story of the actual player being kidnapped however.  Hopefully they will return him safe and unharmed.  We really don't know who did this or what their demands will be.  They could demand a lot of money since they have the actual player and not just a family member.

Ramos made $415,000 last year according to Baseball-Reference.com.  Almost certainly, a ransom would have to be paid by a third party, either the Nationals or MLB or anyone that wants to help.  Wilson is coming off a solid season with the Nats this year, hitting .267/15/52.  Ramos was in Venezuela to play in the league down there during the offseason.  The Venezuelan League was thinking about cancelling games while this situation was going on but decided not to.  They did hold a minute of silence for Ramos at all games Thursday.

I'm disappointed that the media is not more concerned with this story, but I am sure the story will be picked up by all major outlets when more news comes out about it.  Right now we're just waiting and hoping for good news.  I could really care less about trade rumors or who met with who right now.  I don't care if the Marlins sign Pujols and Fielder tonight.  The biggest news will be the safe return of Ramos.