Intro:

A day after knocking two-time former champions Japan out of the World Baseball Classic, Puerto Rico manager Edwin Rodriguez gave some of his team some a much needed rest on Monday ahead of Tuesday's final, which will be against either the Dominican Republic or the Netherlands.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)

"This is not just a championship, just a sports game. We know what this means for the Puerto Rican people beyond the sports aspect and we're accomplishing that. You can feel that. The boys feel that, as a team, we have been able to accomplish a mission. It's a huge thrill. It's euphoria. It's not only that we got to the semi-finals, but it's that we actually accomplished the goal that we had for ourselves from the first day."

SUPER CAPTION: Edwin Rodriguez, Puerto Rico manager

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)

"Yes, I understand, and yes, it's going to be a relaxing period, maybe, for them, maybe more of a mental rest than a physical rest. But there's no doubt that it will help. We were practicing today. We got together as a team, and we'll be ready tomorrow as a team."

SUPER CAPTION: Edwin Rodriguez, Puerto Rico manager (on his decision to give the team a day off):

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"I don't get nervous, I just got to feel the butterflies in my stomach, that's the only thing when I don't feel comfortable. I love it. I don't feel no pressure. Nobody thought that we were going to be here, and we are here. So that's fine for me.

SUPER CAPTION: Giancarlo Alvarado, Puerto Rico championship game starting pitcher