With the conclusion of the Liga Elite, sources have confirmed to me that the Cuban Baseball Federation will announce its director for the next World Baseball Classic between this weekend and the start of the next one. In a tournament that will be probably the most important for Cuba time is also of the essence.
The prime candidates for the spot are Michel Enríquez, Noelvis González, Alfonso Urquiola and Germán Mesa. Which of the following candidates will be Cuba’s choice is up in the air and is as guarded as some of the country’s secrets. Unlike other countries the Cuban leadership is highly involved in the selection.
The fan favorites of the candidates are Michel Enríquez and Noelvis González. Enríquez is a highly decorated player who is the hitting coach for the Caliente de Durango of the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol and has some managerial experience in the Liga Norte de México with the Indios de Tecate. His hiring as manager would be more based on the respect he has from the players and who he would attract to the team.
In the opinion of many Noelvis González is the most qualified for the job. The native of Holguín, Cuba is more in tune with the modern game and is firm believer in sabermetrics. González’s hiring would symbolize progress and the nation’s ascension into the modern professional game. The naming of this candidate would more than likely send shockwaves around Cuba and also attract a large amount of MLB players that are on the fence about participating with the country in the tournament.
Alfonso Urquiola, who was a legend as player is the most decorated as a manager as well and the winningest of the bunch. Urquiola has won titles in the Pan American Games, Central American Games and Serie del Caribe, while also winning a silver medal at the helm of the national team in the 2000 Olympics. Although he is more than qualified for the position many feel that the game has passed him by. Urquiola has also won three Serie Nacional titles with Pinar del Río.
Last, but not least is Germán Mesa, a favorite of the Cuban hierarchy due to the fact that he is a devout communist. Mesa who is considered by many as the best shortstop in the history of the Serie Nacional won a league crown with the Industriales in 2010 and with the Gigantes de Rivas of the Liga Nicaragüense de Béisbol Profesional in 2024. The selection of Mesa would not be applauded by the fans and jeered by players. Mesa would probably scare away potential players on the fence.
When Cuba announces its manager it will not only end months of speculation, but also chart the course of Cuban baseball for time to come. With the country hanging in the balance, who will it elect as its manager for the upcoming World Baseball Classic?