Today Cuba announced their 60-man roster for the upcoming Premier 12 to which it will use to train and select its team for the upcoming tournament. As the Cuban Federation announced it preliminary roster their were a few surprises, like the inclusion of MLB star Yoan Moncada.
Heading into his free agency season Moncada is looking to showcase his talents for suitors in what was a down year for the talented hitter. In the Antillean’s bracket will include Asian powers such as defending champion Japan, Korea and Taiwan, as well as baseball power the Dominican Republic will be present.
The team’s roster includes ex-big leaguer Alexei Ramírez, who could be a sparkplug for Cuba. Power-hitting veterans such as Alfredo Despaigne, Guillermo Avilés 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 and Erisbel Arruebarruena will battle it out for 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. Cuba will need to sort out capable fifth starter with Jose Ramón Rodríguez exit from the FCB.
The team’s bullpen could be it’s strength. Frank Abel Álvarez, Yoan López 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 removed their names from consideration after agreeing to join the team. Minor league pitcher Jorge Marcheco (Angels), Lázaro Estrada (Bluejays) and Rafael Sánchez (Bluejays) drew the FCB’s interest but their immigration processes have barred them from leaving the country until receiving the proper documents.
60-man roster:
Catchers (6): Andrys Pérez, Andy Cosme, Yosvani Alarcón, Rafael Viñales, Ariel Martínez y Jorge Yoan Rojas.
Infielders (15): Erisbel Arruebarrena, Luis Vicente Mateo, Christian Rodríguez, Roberto Baldoquín, Yadil Mujica, Yuliesky Remón, Alexei Ramírez, Osvaldo Abreu, Jean Walters, Tailon Sánchez, Ernesto Martínez Jr, William Saavedra, Guillermo Avilés, Dayan García y Yoan Moncada.
Outfielders (14): Yoelkis Guibert, Lázaro Armenteros, José Noroña, Alfredo Despaigne, Denis Peña, Roel Santos, Raico Santos, Yaser Julio González, Over Cremet, Francisco Martínez, Ariel Hecheverría, Yadir Drake, Eduardo Blanco y Carlos de la Tejera.
Pitchers (25): Liván Moinelo, Raidel Martínez, Yoennis Yera, Yoan López, Geonel Gutiérrez, Yankiel Mauris, Frank Abel Álvarez, Raymond Figueredo, Yosiel Serrano, Leodan Reyes, Osdany Rodríguez, Andy Vargas, Frank Luis Medina, Erly Casanova, Darío Sarduy, Yusniel Padrón-Artiles, Pavel Hernández, Ronald Bolaños, Frank Herrera, Maykel Taylor, Enyer Fernández, Randy Martínez, Branlis Rodríguez, Randy Cueto y Danny Betancourt.