With the announcement of the FEPCUBE team a little less than a week ago, there were plenty of MLB players on the preliminary roster. But a team filled with Caribbean League players, free agents and MiLB prospects might be a little more realistic. A majority of MLB clubs are not going to risk their players getting hurt in this tournament.
With this being said the federation could still field a very formidable squad for the Intercontinental Series in Barranquilla later this month. I am going to predict and break down what a FEPCUBE team could look like in Colombia because of restrictions by MLB and/or other professional organizations in the body of this article.
A starting lineup could have Leonys Martín leading off and playing centerfield, while Alay Lago who is hitting a robust .344 in the Nicaraguan Winter League hitting second and playing second base. The power in the lineup would come from Henry Urrutia,Peter O’Brien, Rangel Ravelo and Luis Avilés Jr will hit 3-4-5-6 for the Cuban-American squad. While Alex De Goti, super prospect Edgar Quero and an underrated Sergio Barthlemey will close out the order.
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Odrisamer Despaigne (5-2,2.98), Ariel Miranda (3-2,5.02), Jorge Martínez (2-0,2.45), Yoanner Negrín (6-3,3.41) and Pedro Echemendia (3-4,2.01) give FEPCUBE a rotation of pitchers who have been dominant in the winter circuits and a few pitchers who also have big league experience. This rotation is hands down could be the best in the tournament.
In the bullpen, which looks very strong as well I see Yunesky Maya and Yusniel Padrón in long relief/ spot starter roles, while Yordan Nodal as a situational lefty. The backend of the bullpen will me managed by flamethrowing William Gastón and experienced closer Jesús Balaguer. Eddie Oropesa who also pitched in the big show could be a surprise edition to the roster and might toss a few innings in Barranquilla.
The bench has a lot of interchangeable parts. Alejandro Rivero, Laz Rivera and Albert Lara can play any position in the infield and are big bats off the bench. Andy Martín gives the team a capable backup in the outfield, while Josuán Hernández can play any position except pitcher and will be the teams utilityman. JC Escarra will split catching duties with Quero and makes the backstop the teams strongest position.
My prediction on what a FEPCUBE team for the Intercontinental Series could look like:
Lineup:
1. Leonys Martín CF
2. Alay Lago 2B
3. Henry Urrutia 1B
4. Peter O’Brien RF*
5. Rangel Ravelo DH
6. Luis Avilés Jr 3B
7. Alex De Goti SS
8. Edgar Quero C
9. Sergio Barthlemey LF
Rotation:
1. Odrisamer Despaigne RHP
2. Ariel Miranda LHP
3. Jorge Martínez RHP
4. Yoanner Negrín RHP
5. Pedro Echemendia RHP
Bench:
Andy Martín OF
JC Escarra C*
Laz Rivera INF
Alejandro Rivero INF
Albert Lara INF
Josuán Hernández Util
Bullpen:
Yordan Nodal LHP
Yusniel Padrón RHP
Yunesky Maya RHP
William Gastón RHP
Jesús Balaguer RHP
*Cuban-American