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 Cuban Federation today announced its roster after having a long camp in Havana’s own Latinoamericano Stadium. The team looks to be not as strong as expected due to the unexpected dropouts by Alexei Ramírez and Brewers’ prospect Ernesto Martínez Jr.
The team’s lineup will include big leaguer Yoan Moncada, who could be a sparkplug for Cuba because of his immense talent, but his participation might be in doubt as per reports by Francys Romero today. Power-hitting veterans such as Alfredo Despaigne 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 second base and Andrys Pérez 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. Geonel Gutiérrez or Raymond Figueredo 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, Leodan Reyes and Raidel Martínez have plenty of 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.
Diamondback prospect Jean Walters will head a bench that will include Chunichi Dragons’ prospect Christian Rodríguez, Yadil Mujica and NPB star Ariel Martínez could fill reserve roles, while Andy Cosme 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.
CUBAN NATIONAL TEAM ROSTER FOR THE PREMIER 12:
CATCHERS:
1- Andrys Pérez
2- Andy Cosme
INFIELDERS:
1- Erisbel Arruebarruena
2- Christian Rodríguez
3- Roberto S. Baldoquín
4- Yadil Mujica
5- Ariel Martínez
6- Jean Walters
7- Yoan Moncada
OUTFIELDERS:
1- Yoelkis Guibert
2- Lázaro A. Armenteros
3- Alfredo Despaigne
4- Roel Santos
5- Yadir Drake
PITCHERS:
1- Liván Moinelo
2- Raidel Martínez
3- Yoenni Yera
4- Yoan López
5- Geonel Gutiérrez
6- Yankiel Mauris
7- Frank Abel Álvarez
8- Darío Sarduy
9- Yusniel Padrón
10- Ronald Bolaños
11- Leodán Reyes
12- Andy Vargas
13- Frank Luis Medina
14- Raymond Figueredo
Reserved Players (Eligible To Travel):
•Rafael Viñales Util
•Tailon Sánchez IF
•Luis Vicente Mateo IF
•Guillermo Avilés IF-OF
•José Amaury Noroña OF
•Pavel Hernández RHP
•Frank Herrera RHP
•Maykel Taylor RHP