Cuba has been scrambling to build a team in preparation for the Premier 12 this November to be held in Asia and México. In the Antillean’s bracket Asian powers such as defending champion Japan, Korea and Taiwan, as well as baseball power the Dominican Republic will be present.
The team’s lineup will include ex-big leaguer Alexei Ramírez, who could be a sparkplug for Cuba. Power-hitting veterans such as Alfredo Despaigne, Yurisbel Gracial and Yadir Drake will provide plenty of artillery for the island nation. Cuba could have a formidable offense if it gels properly.
Roel Santos will more than likely leadoff for the squad and play centerfield. Talented Yoelkis Guibert and ex-A’s prospect Lázaro Armenteros could round out the outfield. Roberto Baldoquín will play shortstop and Nippon League All-Star Ariel Martínez will more than likely catch for the Cubans.
Cuba’s starting rotation will be anchored by lefties Liván Moinelo and Yoennis Yera, while flamethrowing Ronald Bolaños and Yusniel Padrón will provide depth for the team’s pitching staff. José Ramón Rodríguez could be a capable fifth starter for team Cuba. Expect more additions, changes and a few surprises as the tournament draws near.
The team’s bullpen could be it’s strength. Frank Abel Álvarez, Yoan López, Darién Núñez and Raidel Martínez have plenty of professional experience and will be counted on to eat up innings in relief if necessary. Martínez has saved over 150 games in the NPB and will be the team’s unquestioned closer. SoftBank Hawks’ prospect Darío Sarduy, Erlys Casanova and Frank Medina could round out the relief corps.
Brewers’ prospect Ernesto Martínez will head a bench that will include Chunichi Dragons’ prospect Christian Rodríguez, powerful Dayán García and ex-NPB prospect Guillermo García will fill reserve roles, while Andrys Pérez will more than likely be the back up catcher. Although the have tough sledding in their group, Cuba could advance to the Super Round with a little luck.
Narbe Cruz, Julio Robaina and Omar Estevez have already removed their names from consideration after agreeing to join the team. Minor league pitcher Jorge Marcheco (Angels), Lázaro Estrada (Bluejays) and Rafael Sánchez (Bluejays) have drawn the FCB’s interest but immigration processes have barred them from leaving the country until receiving the proper documents.
Lineup:
- Roel Santos CF
- Alexei Ramírez 2B
- Ariel Martínez C
- Alfredo Despaigne DH
- Lázaro Armenteros LF
- Yurisbel Gracial 3B
- Yadir Drake 1B
- Roberto Baldoquin SS
- Yoelkis Guibert RF
Rotation:
- Liván Moinelo LHP
- Yoennis Yera LHP
- Yusniel Padrón RHP
- José Ramón Rodríguez RHP
- Ronald Bolaños RHP
Bench:
Dayán García INF
Ernesto Martínez OF
Andrys Pérez C
Christian Rodríguez SS
Guillermo García IF-OF
Bullpen:
Frank Abel Álvarez RHP
Yoan López RHP
Darién Núñez LHP
Darío Sarduy LHP
Erlys Casanova RHP
Frank Medina RHP
Raidel Martínez RHP