Heading into this edition of the Central American and Caribbean Games the Cuban National Team is the favorite in the eyes of many to win there 15th title in the tournament. Lead by Armando Johnson the squad from the Largest of the Antilles is stacked from top to bottom. Leading the charge at the top of the order are the speedy Roel Santos who was a Mexican League All-Star and Yoelkis Guibert who hit a robust .333 during the World Baseball Classic.
Providing power in the middle of the lineup are Erisbel Arruebarruena (HR,3RBIs in 2023 WBC), Yasniel González(14 HRs in Serie Nacional), Dayán García and Yurisbel Gracial will provide power in the middle of the order. WBC backup Andrys Pérez will be the starting catcher while Yadil Mujica who hit .400 in the WBC provides pop at the bottom of the order.
The rotation will be lead by Mexican League stalwarts and teammates with Olmecas de Tabasco Carlos Juan Viera (3-1,3.32) and Yoennis Yera (4-1,2.79). Crafty righty José Ramón Rodríguez will provide a solid #3 starter for the tournament, while prospects Naikel Cruz and Jonathan Carbó round out the rotation.
The team’s bullpen will be anchored by middle relievers Javier Mirabal and the experienced Yunieski García. When the ball club is in a save situation flamethrowing Yeudis Reyes and Franklyn Quintana will take the mound for Armando Johnson.
On the bench the versatile Luis Mateo and Yordan Manduley can play most infield positions in a jam, while Yunior Ibarra gives the squad a very serviceable backup. Raico Santos has the ability to play all three outfield spots and has decent pop, giving Johnson a valuable asset on the bench.
Lineup:
1. Roel Santos CF
2. Yoelkis Guibert RF
3. Yurisbel Gracial LF
4. Yasniel González 1B
5.Erisbel Arruebarruena SS
6. Guillermo Avilés DH
7. Dayan García 3B
8. Andrys Pérez C
9. Yadil Mujica 2B
Bench:
Yordan Manduley IF
Luis V. Mateo IF
Yunior Ibarra C
Raico Santos OF
Rotation:
1. Carlos Juan Viera RHP
2. Yoennis Yera LHP
3. José Ramón Rodríguez RHP
4. Naikel Cruz LHP
5. Jonathan Carbó RHP
Middle Relief:
Javier Mirabal RHP
Yunieski García RHP
Renner Rivero RHP
Miguel Niera RHP
Closers:
Yeudis Reyes RHP
Franklyn Quintana RHP