In recent months, baseball in the Dominican Republic has proved to be a muse for several filmmakers. Aside from the fictional "Sugar," two new documentaries have been created detailing the lives of Dominican baseball players. "Road to the Big Leagues," which first aired on ESPN Deportes, has been recently released on DVD. For this movie, filmmakers gained access to stars Vladimir Guerrero and David Ortiz. Currently in production, "Pelotero: A Dominican Baseball Story," follows amateur prospect Miguel Angel Sano, widely considered the best unsigned player in Latin America, as he angles to get a record signing bonus after the July 2 signing date.

La Esquina spoke to filmmakers Jared Goodman, the creator of "Road to the Big Leagues," and Jon Paley, the creator of "Pelotero," about their experiences.

Why did you guys make these movies?JP: While in recent years Dominican baseball has been marred by scandals of corruption, age falsification and steroids, at the heart of this story is a whole generation of kids doing whatever it takes to become a baseball player. The scandals get all the press, but they are only a fraction of what is going on down here, and they generally obscure the difficult path that the players must face. We wanted to tell a compelling story that would help baseball fans understand what it takes to be a professional ballplayer, while also being intimately personal and character-driven.JG: The reason I wanted to make this film was because after watching players like Pedro Martinez, Sammy Sosa and Big Papi play, I couldn't help but be amazed by their talent and charisma. I thought to myself: "Where do these guys come from?" The more I learned, the more interesting it all became. The journey for Latino baseball players trying to get to the big leagues is really a modern-day odyssey. It is definitely a story worth telling, and I feel really fortunate to have been able to witness this adventure firsthand.What were some of the difficulties you faced during filming?JP: Our story depends on having intimate, behind-the-scenes access. While we have this relationship with the players and trainers, the biggest difficulty we have faced is dealing with MLB teams. There has been so much negative press that some teams will see a camera and refuse us permission to shoot without even hearing what our project is about. Other teams have legal or managerial issues that they can't get around. Every team has a different attitude and sets their own rules for having a camera crew around. In any situation we are grateful for whatever level of access a team gives us. JG: The most difficult part about making this film was gaining access. It took a lot of hard work to get the access we wanted, but in the end it all worked out. What have you learned?JP: We've learned that baseball is bigger than statistics and standings. One of our character's trainers describes baseball as la batalla, or the battle. Even for those that win the genetic lottery, becoming a major league ballplayer is all about la batalla, both physically and mentally.JG: By making this film I have a totally new perspective on the game of baseball. I now watch it and think about where these players come from and what it takes for them to get there. It really has opened my eyes. I think any true fan of baseball would benefit from learning more about their favorite player's experience. It adds so much when you watch the game.What are your opinions on the system for scouting and signing players in Latin America?JP: The Latin American system is very complex and largely misunderstood by baseball fans. Despite the problems it may have, the bottom line is that the system down here produces some of the best players in the world. On a personal level, it gives many kids a chance to succeed that they wouldn't otherwise get. In the United States, there is a well-defined pipeline for player development through high school and college. That simply does not exist here, and while baseball doesn't teach math and science, it does instill work ethic and teamwork, which is better than nothing. JG: I think the system for scouting and signing amateur players in Latin America is archaic. Players are often too young and too uneducated to know whom to trust and are often treated as a product or a commodity along the way. You have to remember that these are just kids, and emotionally and physically this process takes a toll on them. Although some "make it," the vast majority give up everything only to have their dreams unfulfilled. What are they supposed to do then? Where is the safety net for these kids? MLB can only do so much. These countries need to think about regulating the system and holding agents and teams accountable.What would you change about the system?JP: I would like to see teams setting up a better infrastructure to educate their players and help them assimilate. This will help their players develop better on the field as well as off. It also helps kids who don't make it find a way to support themselves and their families. Many teams have instituted English programs at their academies, but it is often a token rather than a genuine effort. Teams that have incorporated assimilation programs through their entire farm system, like the Tampa Bay Rays, have had a lot more success developing those players. Regarding the scandals, it is important to remember that the problems of age falsification originated because of American influence, not Dominican. MLB needs to work with independent trainers to exert more oversight. A lot of people have also talked about instituting a draft in place of the free-agent system. The problem is providing incentive for trainers in such a system. We saw what happened in Puerto Rico where the number of players coming out of the system plummeted because they took the business out of baseball. MLB has invested hundreds of millions in the DR because the system works. You don't fix what's not broken. JG: I think that raising the minimum age of a player before he can sign with a team might be a good idea. Some of these younger players that sign professional contracts around the age of 16 are too young emotionally for what's ahead. Also, if players were older they'd be better prepared to deal with agents who sometimes are untrustworthy. Let the kids be kids. At 18 there is still plenty of time for them to develop into MLB-ready baseball players.Any favorite anecdotes from the experience?JP: I mentioned before that it's easy to forget these kids are 16 sometimes. Then occasionally something happens that makes you remember. Last week we went to Miguel Angel Sano's 16th birthday party. It was a big to-do in the garage of his new house with lots of family, friends and a handful of gringo filmmakers. When you see all the boys standing on one side of the room and all the girls on the other side, and Miguel's mother storming around unsuccessfully trying to set up couples to dance, you remember that 16-year-olds are the same everywhere when it comes to some things. JG: I was able to get an interview with Vladimir Guerrero by going to his hometown (a little farm town 2-3 hours outside of Santo Domingo) and waiting on the field where people told me he practiced. They told me that if he missed one day of practice he would be there for sure the next day. Fortunately for the film, he missed practice the day before. Looking back at the film, it was amazing to interview Carlos Gomez at the time that I did and see how fast a highly touted prospect can rush through the system. In an interview with Gomez that is included in the film, Carlos talks about how he hoped to play at the AA level that season. To my surprise, and probably to Carlos' as well, by the end of that same year Carlos Gomez became the starting centerfielder for the NY Mets! I was really happy for him.What separates your movie from the others?JP: "Pelotero" is the only documentary that provides an intimate look into the lives of these players, as well as unprecedented access with all of the components of this complicated and lucrative system. We are following them over the course of six months on and off the field. We are with them at home, working out, with their girlfriends, and their trainers. Some of these kids, like this year's top prospect Miguel Angel Sano, have incredible potential. Imagine getting to know Hanley Ramirez when he was 16. JG: What separates "Road to the Big Leagues" from other films that have touched on this subject is our access. We spent quality time with David Ortiz and Vladimir Guerrero (who has a reputation of being very private). Vladimir even invited us to film scenes in his new mansion. Also, MLB, who is usually very cautious about granting access, allowed us to spend several days and nights at the NY Mets' Dominican camp. We stayed up late filming, and I actually slept in the same room as the managers. You can't get any closer than that! In the end this access allowed [us to] show a side of the game that few people outside of baseball have been privileged to see. This is undoubtedly the reason for our film's success.

Want to be part of the conversation? Write Jorge at jorge.arangure@espn3.com in English or Spanish. Follow him at twitter.com/jorgearangure.