Raúl Valdés is Serie del Caribe royalty. The lefty from Mariel, Cuba is close to taking the tournament’s all-time lead in wins and strikeouts, while he already leads the Caribbean classic in innings pitched. Although Valdés took the mound and lost Thursday against La Guaira he pitched effectively.
The Cuban hurled 4 ⅓ innings allowing an earned, five hits and striking out three. In his 14 starts in the Serie del Caribe he has a 5-4 record, 3.49 earned run average, and has fanned 54 in 80 innings pitched.
Depending on how far the Tigres del Licey advance in the tournament will determine whether or not Valdes is able to reach his remaining tournament milestones, but one thing that is certain is that Valdés has left his mark on the tournament.
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How have you stayed in shape to release so many Caribbean classics?
I think the main thing is preparation. I don’t neglect my preparation, I always try to practice hard. Whether it’s in season or not, I keep my body active and I think that’s the main objective, to stay throwing.
I asked Miguel Romero yesterday when you guys faced off on the mound. Is there a friendly rivalry between you?
No, I don’t think one thinks about that. You just try to focus on the opposing team, on the hitters, you know. What you have to do is get the batters out, but you feel happy when you face another Cuban. On the mound you only think about the day by day challenges of a season, whether they are short or long.
What keeps you playing baseball?
I think passion. For me, baseball has been the greatest thing in my life, I have liked it since I was little and that is what keeps me still playing.
Do you still have one more season with the Toros del Este?
Yes, I still have one more year with them, and I turn 47 in November.
You are one victory away from tying Camilo Pascual’s record in the Caribbean Series. You are also have two strikeouts away from the all-time Serie del Caribe lead and you also lead the tournament in innings pitched. Are the first two stats I mentioned a goal of yours for this event?
I was clear about the innings pitched, but I didn’t find out about the strikeouts and the wins until recently. You know, you try to do your best without worrying about records. It’s simply about helping the team win.
Can we see you in Venezuela this summer again?
I think so, if God allows it, I will go to Venezuela to play in the summer.