By Mark Feinsand / MLB.com

Jorge De Paula went 3-2 with a 3.98 ERA in seven games for Leones del Escogido. (AP)

For four of those players, it was a chance to return home to the Dominican Republic, where they could play in front of their friends and families. One of those four, pitcher Ramon Ramirez, is even showing his stuff in the postseason, trying to lead the Gigantes Del Cibao to a title.

Ramirez, a 22-year-old right-hander, went 2-3 with a 3.55 ERA in seven games for the Gigantes, starting twice. In 25 1/3 innings, Ramirez allowed 21 hits and eight walks, striking out 25. In two postseason relief appearances, he has posted a 2.16 ERA in 8 1/3 innings, striking out eight.

Jorge De Paula, 25, did not have the good fortune of helping his team to the postseason, but the right-hander put up solid numbers during the regular season for the Leones del Escogido.

De Paula, who enters the 2004 season as the Yankees' top insurance policy against an injury in their starting rotation, went 3-2 with a 3.98 ERA in seven games, six of which were starts. He allowed 36 hits and 12 walks in 31 2/3 innings, striking out 27.

Erick Almonte, who was recently designated for assignment and eventually assigned to Triple-A Columbus, saw some part-time action for the Licey Tigers. In 14 games, Almonte batted .140 (6-for-43), with one home run and five RBIs. The 25-year-old scored eight runs, walked nine times and struck out 13 times, posting a .288 on-base percentage.

Robinson Cano, who was ranked as one of the top 10 second-base prospects in the minor leagues last season, played in 39 games for the Estrellas de Oriente. Cano, 21, batted .225 (25-for-111) in 39 games, hitting two home runs, driving in 14 RBIs and scoring 14 runs.

Yankee pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training for on Feb. 17, and position players report on Feb. 22.

Mark Feinsand is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.