The Cuban right-hander José Ramón Rodríguez recently concluded his participation with the Caribes de Anzoátegui in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP) and will more than likely head to Cuba to prepare for his summer endeavor with El Águila de Veracruz of the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol.
The Caribes de Anzoátegui were eliminated after posting a 22-34 record and finishing last in the LVBP regular season, but the 32-year-old right-hander managed win five game against only one defeat in the tournament. He pitched a team-leading 60.0 innings and appeared in 13 games (11 starts), while also posting a 3.45 ERA (23 ER). He also struck out 29 and walked 14.
“I needed to take a break. I had had a good summer season in Venezuela, I was almost sure that some team was going to contact me to play in the winter and then I decided not to participate in the Premier 12 with Cuba. I rested to come into the Winter League season in best physical form. I requested to leave the FCB because I had plans to play professional baseball and that’s why I decided to make that decision,” remarked Rodríguez regarding his decision to not participate in the Premier 12 in an interview with the Canal of ‘Cuba Grand Slam’ YouTube.
“The GM of Anzoátegui contacted me and we reached an agreement to play in the LVBP. The Venezuelan Winter League is stronger than its counterpart in the summer, many prospects who are signed come to play, even Major League players play in the winter and the raises the talent level,” added the right-hander regarding his experience in the Venezuelan professional leagues.
“I cannot say that I am not going to play in Cuba anymore, at some point I may return to Cuban baseball, but at least for now I am not thinking about it. They only way for me to return to the Serie Nacional would be that I do not have a contract with professional baseball team. If the Cuban Baseball Federation needs my services in any event, I am always willing to represent my country and would be very happy to do it again. I hope that if one day they come calling I can fulfill this promise.