The Cuban National Team could be very hamstrung for a litany of reasons in the upcoming Copa América next month in Panamá. A boatload of players have either declined to play because of winter commitments, been declined participation by the MLB club or have had to bow out due to injury.
With only players not on an MLB 40-man roster allowed to play in the tournament Cuba received commitments from Jean Walters (DBacks) and Yiddi Cappé (Marlins), but their teams denied them permission to participate in the upcoming tournament.
Their projected third baseman Roberto Baldoquín injured his knee during an at-bat with Las Tunas in the Serie Nacional and will have miss the tournament due to injury. Yoennis Yera is also doubtful for the tournament due to a winter commitment with the Tigres de Aragua of the Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional.
The team which will be headed up by primarily Serie Nacional players with a smattering of winter league pros. Yoelkis Guibert and Yoel Yanqui will head up the team’s hitters, while Roel Santos will more than likely be the leadoff hitter. The ageless Alfredo Despaigne will more than likely hit cleanup for the squad.
The rotation will be headed up by Darío Sarduy (SoftBank Hawks), Pavel Hernández and ex-Astros prospect Yusniel Padrón, while Yunieski García and Armando Dueñas will round out the rotation.
The bullpen will be led by lefty Randy Martínez (Chunichi Dragons), Frank Medina, Leodan Reyes and Yadian Martínez. Marlon Vega will more than likely make his return to the national team after two years of absence. Andy Vargas will probably be the team’s closer.
JC Negret and ex-Royals prospect will provide power off the bench, while Luis Mateo and Jeison Martínez will provide versatility in the infield. Harol Vázquez will be the team’s backup catcher and the experienced Dennys Laza will be squad’s fourth outfielder.
In conclusion this team could be one of Cuba’s weakest teams in an international tournament based on the competition the could face. In a group will Venezuela, México and the Dominican Republic the Antilleans might have an uphill battle to advance to the second round.
Lineup:
Roel Santos CF
Alexei Ramírez 2B
Yoelkis Guibert RF
Yoel Yanqui 1B
Alfredo Despaigne DH
Raidel Sánchez LF
Erisbel Arruebarrena SS
Andrys Pérez C
Christian Rodríguez 3B
Rotation:
Pavel Hernández RHP
Dario Sarduy LHP
Yusniel Padrón RHP
Yunieski García RHP
Armando Dueñas RHP
Bench:
- Luis Mateo IF
- Dennys Laza OF
- JC Negret OF
- Harol Vázquez C
- Jeison Martínez Util
Bullpen:
- Andy Vargas RHP
- Randy Martínez LHP
- Yankiel Mauris RHP
- Leodan Reyes RHP
- Frank Luis Medina RHP
- Geonel Gutiérrez LHP
- Raymond Figueredo RHP
- Marlon Vega RHP
- Yadian Martínez RHP