The FEPCUBE (Cuban Federation of Professional Baseball Players) is open to all professional players that want to assist them in Barranquilla this January for the Intercontinental Series. The team’s recently named GM is interested in putting the best possible product on the field.
With hitters in the minors such as Yanquiel Fernández(Rockies), Edgar Quero (White Sox), Andy Pagés (Dodgers) and Pedro León (Astros) there is certainly a lot to work with. Cuban-Americans like JC Escarra (Tijuana) and Peter O’Brien (Puebla) who starred in the Mexican League. The minors is also chock full of pitchers, Norge Carlos Vera (White Sox), Yosver Zulueta (Bluejays), Josimar Cousin and Kendrys Rojas (Bluejays).
Even veterans like Odrisamer Despaigne who vehemently supports the Cuban exile community might want to add his services. “El Duque” also revealed that Randy Arozarena is 100% behind the project and would willing to join the squad. Free agents like Leonys Martin, José Iglesias and Adeiny Hechavarria could also add some star power to the team, as could impending free agents like Yuli Gurriel and Dayán Viciedo.
El gerente general de la @fepcube @orlandoduke26 nos contó como se formará el equipo que competirá en la Serie Intercontinental este enero en Barranquilla, Colombia. #pelotacubana #FEPCUBE pic.twitter.com/M80tJUumBg
— Yusseff305 🇨🇺🇺🇲 (@yusseff305) October 7, 2023
If constructed properly this team has a litany of players to chose from and could be a must-see attraction early next year in Colombia. I posed the question to the ex-big league at the organization’s press conference earlier this week and this is what Hernández had to say on the topic:
What level of ballplayer are you going to use to construct this team? Will it be major leagues, minor leagues or winter leagues…?
“Well, the doors are open for anyone to join. In fact, we have had good responses from the players who are at the major level , and that makes us very happy, since we have always had their support. We always tell them to concentrate on their work, that we are going to do ours, but yes: they are supporting us.”
“We are not going to lie, for example I do not like to lie. I am very sincere and direct, and anyone who knows me knows that this is how I act. The Major League players, those who are on the 40-man roster, it is a little difficult for them to participate. Only if the organization gives them permission and some of them have the will to participate. If they arrive, congratulations, of course they will always be there, but we must remember that the Caribbean World Series does not use top-level players to organize its tournament.”
“Edgar Renteria has been holding his championships since 2012 without necessarily using Major League players, although if they come it would be good. We, however, have quality players in the minors and all of have a great future ahead of them.”
Hypothetically this is what the FEPCUBE’s team could look like if they are able to recruit the top minor league talent they are focusing on:
Lineup:
- Pedro León CF (Astros)
- César Prieto 2B (Orioles)
- JC Escarra 1B (Tijuana)*
- Yanquiel Fernández RF (Rockies)
- Bryan Ramos 3B (White Sox)
- Andy Pagés DH (Dodgers)
- Lázaro Montes LF (Mariners)
- Yiddi Cappé SS (Marlins)
- Edgar Quero C (White Sox)
Rotation:
- Víctor Mederos RHP (Angels)
- Josimar Cousin RHP (White Sox)
- Julio Robaina LHP (Astros)
- Luis Dany Morales RHP (A’s)
- Norge Carlos Vera RHP (White Sox)
Bench:
- Dyan Jorge INF (Rockies)
- Orlando Martínez OF (Angels)
- Aramis García C (Phillies)*
- Lázaro Armenteros OF (A’s)
- Yendry Rojas INF (Padres)
- Loidel Chapellí Jr Útil (White Sox )
Bullpen:
- Rafael Sánchez RHP (Bluejays)
- Lázaro Estrada RHP (Bluejays)
- Daysbel Hernandez RHP (Braves)
- Darién Núñez LHP (Giants)
- Yosver Zulueta RHP (Bluejays)
- Jorge Marcheco RHP (Angels)
- Kendrys Rojas LHP (Bluejays)
- Osiel Rodríguez RHP (Yankees)
* Cuban-American