The most talented league in the Caribbean will be chock full of Cuban talent for this upcoming season. Names like JC Escarra, Victor Labrada, Ernesto Martínez Jr and Cesar Prieto will see action on the upcoming campaign.
Escarra who is the defending league batting champion will return to the Águilas Cibaeñas for the upcoming season. Expect the Cuban-American catcher to energize the young team from Santiago. After a long season Escarra will take a couple weeks off and then report to the squad.
The Seattle Mariners sparkplug centerfielder Victor Labrada was a heralded acquisition for the Tigres del Licey. In 128 games between AA-AAA he hit .281 with seven homers, 52 runs batted in and 44 stolen bases. Expect Labrada to lead off for the LIDOM’s marquee franchise.
César Prieto, who made his MLB debut this season will join the defending league champions Leones del Escogido after playing last season with the Águilas Cibaeñas. Prieto figures to be a key reserve for the felines. Prieto hit .262 with the Águilas last season in 30 games.
Cubans that will see action in the LIDOM this season:
Jimmy Yacabonis RHP (Toros)*
Dairon Blanco OF (Estrellas)
Coco Montes IF (Estrellas)*
Ernesto Martínez Jr IF-OF (Estrellas)
Darién Núñez LHP (Escogido)
César Prieto IF (Escogido)
Sal Stewart Jr IF (Escogido)*
Norge Ruiz RHP (Escogido)
Andrew Pérez LHP (Licey)*
Victor Labrada OF (Licey)
Armando Álvarez IF (Licey)*
Raynel Delgado IF (Águilas)
JC Escarra C-IF (Águilas)*
*Cuban-American