Cuba shifted its policy of only allowing players associated with its Federation in 2023 to augment its roster for that year’s World Baseball Classic. Unmasked was the lie of MLB not allowing players to play for Cuba in the tournament. The communist nation who preached about the evils of professional baseball had to succumb to it, due to a mass exodus of players because of its own antiquated policies.
The FCB announcement of its 60 man roster for the Premier 12 yesterday, there are four names that really caught my eye and in my opinion could make an impact for Cuba in the upcoming tournament. The players I speak of are Yoan Moncada, Ernesto Martínez Jr, Lázaro Armenteros and Yusniel Padrón.
Moncada was the biggest name that decided to join the Antillean squad. The power-hitting infielder was one of Cuba’s stars in the WBC and will definitely impact the team’s offense. During his nine-year career the native of Cienfuegos,Cuba hits .254 with 93 longballs and 339 runs batted in. This includes a career year in which he stroked 34 doubles, went yard 25 times and hit a robust .315. Moncada is likely to be a free agent when the White Sox decline their club option this offseason, so a good showing is imperative for the third baseman.
Lázaro Armenteros was a high profile signing when he signed a 3 million dollar contract with Oakland immediately drawing comparisons to ex-A’s star Yoenis Céspedes. The five-tool outfielder underachieved during his seven year in the team’s farm system, eventually leading to his release this year. Although he 68 longballs in the minors he also fanned an eye-popping 813 times. Even with his shortcomings Armenteros figures to add some big power to Cuba’s lineup.
Thought not a top 30 prospect with the Brewers’ Ernesto Martínez Jr could be nearing a major league debut after a very good season at Biloxi (AA). The 25-year-old infielder/outfielder has slashed .282/.364/.467/.831 with 13 homeruns, 62 RBIs and 18 stolen bases. Martínez will more than likely be in the team’s outfield with Roel Santos and Lázaro Armenteros or could even play first base if Yadir Drake switches over to DH This edition gives Cuba a lot of versatility in its lineup.
In a rotation that has seen José Ramón Rodríguez and Julio Robaina turn down an invitations to join Cuba, while Rafael Sánchez and Lázaro Estrada have been scratched due to migration issues, Yusniel Padrón will definitely fill a void for Cuba. The ex-FEPCUBE right-hander was once in the Red Sox’s farm system going with 7-1 with a 2.67 ERA in 2019, but injures derailed his path with the squad from beantown. This season the hurler went 5-1 with 5.53 earned run average with Quebec of the Frontier League. On a team thats starting pitching has been hampered by various situations Padrón provides depth and could be an adequate fourth or fifth starter.
Cuba 60-man roster for the Premier 12:
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.