After months of speculation and rumor, Tony Pe?a was introduced Thursday as manager of the team that will represent the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic next March. Pe?a, American League Manager of the Year in 2003 with the Kansas City Royals, resigned as manager of Kansas City in May of this year, after the team lost 25 of its first 33 games. "It is a great challenge to manage this Dominican team, and I am thankful for the opportunity, " said Pe?a in Santo Domingo. "Although in the D.R. we have a great number of superstars, no one will be ruled out when we choose our roster. I prefer a rookie in top condition over an out of shape star anytime, " added Pe?a, a five time All-Star in his 18 year Major League career as a catcher. Pe?a is currently special assistant to the general manager in the Royals organization. The Dominican team has been projected as one of the favorites for the World Baseball Classic, with stars such as Vladimir Guerrero, Miguel Tejada and Pedro Martinez, among many top Major League players available to Pe?a and the D.R.