A source very close to the situation has revealed to me that Noelvis González, Michel Enríquez and Germán Mesa are the three to finalists for the position of manager in the upcoming World Baseball Classic for Cuba. González looms as the favorite to assume the position, with Enríquez following in a close second.
Their are a many contrasts in their managing styles between the three, while their also some similarities between Enríquez and González when it comes in Cuba’s future move in fielding a more professional team for the upcoming tournament. Now selecting Mesa would be a step back to Cuba’s old past and could be the impending death of the country in international competitions when it comes to baseball.
Coming off, an 11th place finish in the last Premier 12, the writing was on the wall for an upgrade in Cuba’s preparation and training staff in international tournaments. Cuba also needs an infusion of professional talent for the upcoming WBC on its roster. The island already rescinded its ban on players who play in MLB, but is still holding on to its draconian that prevents players who have defected during an international event in ever playing with national team again.
The selection of González would be a breath of fresh air and step forward for Cuba. González is an experienced in-game manager who is up-to-date in baseball’s current technologies and sabermetrics. The native of Holguín, Cuba is also well respected by baseball players on and off the island and signals progression for the FCB. González sources say is open to including Enríquez on his staff if named manager.
Choosing Enríquez would also be a step in the right direction not only for the island’s baseball and for the recruitment of players. The third baseman, who played with Cuba in the 2006 Classic would be the equivalent to Dominican Republic’s Albert Pujols in the perspective that he could draw a bunch of high quality players and would be able to rally them together, even hold them accountable if an uncomfortable situation arises. Enríquez has plenty of international experience and has spent team as a coach in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol and the Liga ARCO Mexicana del Pacífico.
If Mesa is chosen that would be a step back for Cuba and the worst possible choice for the island. The ex-national team infielder has won titles as a manager in the Liga Nicaragüense de Béisbol Profesional and the Serie Nacional with Industriales, but is widely despised by most of the players and the Cuban fan base. His convocation would be a step in the wrong direction for the national team. Mesa represents the old guard and what the majority of Cubans want the federation no to do. Cuba might even lose some commitments based on his selection.
In a World Baseball Classic where Cuba has to evolve as a federation or face having to possibly qualify for the tournament in 2030. The island really has to get to the drawing board and not only reform the way it selects its team, but also change its practices as a Federation. The revocation of the banning of players who defected in an international would be a big step, selecting González or Enríquez would the first step of not only making Cuba a baseball power again and returning the island to prominence in the sport.