Laz Rivera could prove to be an important piece in FEPCUBE’s puzzle, based on his versatility. The 29-year-old free agent can play various positions in the infield and outfield, this could be very beneficial to the team led by Brayan down the line.
Rivera who was once in the Chicago White Sox organization is a career .272 hitter in the minors and also slashed a modest .330/.400/.730 during his time on the farm. This winter the utilityman played in the Puerto Rican Winter League with Ponce hitting .067 and stealing a base during his four game incursion in the LBPRC.
Knowing the savvy baseball mind that Brayan Peña is, he must be ecstatic to have a player of this magnitude on his roster. When it is all said and done for FEPCUBE in the Intercontinental Series, Laz Rivera might just be an important factor in Barranquilla.
Utilityman Laz Rivera talk to us about his role with @fepcube and how the winter leagues helped him prepare his incorporation in team's training camp.#FEPCUBE #CubanBaseballDigest#OneTeamOneDream pic.twitter.com/BZBDUhSkqi
— Cuban Baseball Digest (@CBaseballDigest) January 11, 2024
What is your role on this team?
I’m playing infield and outfield, but the biggest thing is to have a good time doing it.
What are you focusing on in preparation at this time of year, so far from Spring Training?
Well, for me this is exceptional, whether I’m playing or not. In these times it is difficult to find a field to practice, to hit, to catch ground ball. This here is what is getting us ready for spring training.
You came from Cuba when you were very little. What makes you identify so much with this team, that from day one you said you were going part of?
You know, my family and I lived all that there. I came from Cuba at a very young age, as you said, and truly for me this is an honor. I feel like this is where I’ve always wanted to play, on a team that can represent my family.
How did playing winter ball help you prepare for to play with FEPCUBE?
Playing winter ball was a great experience. In the winter you play against a lot of players from around the world with different backgrounds and different cultures, which is a good experience in itself. The level of play here is very high, so you have to be at your best every night
What will it mean for you to put on that FEPCUBE uniform?
It’s an honor, it’s what I’ve always wanted to do. You know, Cuba for me is the best, the land where I was born.
How important is it to train here with all these big leagues, especially for you who are minor leagues?
The best there is (Yunel) Escobar, (Jorge) Soler are here. You talk to them, follow their routine in the cage, and mentally they are at a level that you want to reach.
Do you have any offers from any teams being that you are a free agent?
We have talked to a few teams but right now I’m focused on playing with FEPCUBE and see where that leads us.