Wilson Ramos: Abductors' Silence Puts Kidnapping in Alarming Perspective

Before we go any further, there are some positive developments to discuss concerning the kidnapping of Washington Nationals' catcher Wilson Ramos.

Per Juan Ferero and Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post, Venezuelan police have been able to determine that Ramos is still alive. Moreover, they have tracked down a four-wheel-drive vehicle used by Ramos' kidnappers. 

This is a major clue, and one that could potentially lead to a swift conclusion of the situation.

For updates on Ramos' status, I recommend staying tuned to Kilgore's Twitter feed, as well as the Post's dedicated page for Ramos news.

The less inspiring news is that Ramos' family still has yet to hear from his kidnappers, who abducted Ramos from his family's home on Wednesday night. Marfa Mata, a close friend of Ramos, urged everyone to remain calm on Twitter:

The obvious hope here is that police will track down Ramos and bring him to safety before his kidnappers have a chance to deliver any kind of message. If they do end up making contact with Ramos' family, it doesn't matter how the situation is resolved, as long as it is resolved.

As long as there is nothing but silence, though, one has no choice but to be concerned. Ramos' life is already very much in danger, and the silence of his abductors represents a frightening unknown. If nothing else, communications back and forth would allow Ramos' family and the authorities to know who they are dealing with, as well as what they want. If it turns out that his safe return must be negotiated, then so be it.

Once again, you have to hope and pray that it doesn't come to that. Venezuela's finest are on the case, and that they have already picked up one major clue is an encouraging sign.