With the Cuban Baseball Federation close to turning in their roster for the tournament plenty of Cubans and Cuban-American players have been lining up to play with the island’s World Baseball Classic squad. Even with the political ramifications they might face by playing for a Federation that has discriminated against players based on their political beliefs some of these players have still decided to play for the FCB.
Cuban-American Zach Neto of the Los Angeles Angels who is the future at shortstop for the Antilleans on the grand stage has said yes. Coming off back-to-back 20-20 seasons their is a huge upside here. Neto is also a plus defender at his position and has stated his interest in representing the island in the upcoming World Baseball Classic gradually upgrading the position for the team in tournament.
Andy Pagés had a spectacular year two in the big leagues slashing .272/.313/.461/.774, while also swatting 27 longballs, driving in 86 runs and also stealing 14 bases. The young outfielder is also a plus defender saving eight runs and notching 10 assists on defense last campaign. Pagés is rapidly becoming a five-tool player for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The infield will once again boasts big leaguers Yoán Moncada and Andy Ibáñez, while the bullpen could have Daysbel Hernández and Ryan Fernández. MLBers Lázaro Estrada and Yariel Rodríguez will definitely fit in well with the starting rotation. Minor leaguers like Victor Labrada, Ernesto Martínez and Silvano Hechavarría will definitely fit in well on the team’s roster for the competition.
Their could be more surprises for Cuva when the final roster is revealed, but even with the talent that has said “yes” to the island Cuva faces an uphill battle to advance in a group that sports Colombia, Panamá, Puerto Rico and Canada aside from Cuba. Many are calling it the “Group of Death”.
Cubans non- affiliated with the Cuban Federation that have made themselves available for the World Baseball Classic:
Outfielders:
- Andy Pagés – (Los Angeles Dodgers)
- Víctor Labrada – (Seattle Mariners)
- Albert Lara – (Algodoneros de Unión Laguna)
Infielders:
- Zach Neto – (Los Angeles Angels)*
- Andy Ibáñez – (FA)
- Yoan Moncada – (FA)
- Ernesto Martínez Jr. – (FA)
- Yiddi Cappe – (Miami Marlins)
- Alexander Vargas – (Cincinnati Reds)
- Jean Walters – (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Catchers:
- Omar Hernández – (Kansas City Royals)
Pitchers
RHP
- Daysbel Hernández (Atlanta Braves)
- Ryan Fernández (St. Louis Cardinals)*
- Lázaro Estrada (Toronto Bluejays)
- Rafael Sánchez (Toronto Bluejays)
- Yariel Rodríguez (Toronto Bluejays)
- Emmanuel Chapman (Pittsburgh Pirates)
- Denny Larrondo (FA)
- Pedro Santos (FA)
- Jorge Marcheco (Los Angeles Angels)
- Silvano Hechavarría (Toronto Bluejays)
- Josimar Cousin (Indios de Mayagüez)
- Osiel Rodríguez (Bravos de León)
- Jan Carlos Hechavarría (Los Angeles Angels )
- Robert Roilan Portuondo (Pittsburgh Pirates)
- Elian Leyva (FA)
LHP
- Daviel Hurtado (New York Mets)
- Darien Núñez (FA)
- Julio Robaina (Algodoneros de Guasave)
- Francis Texidó (Los Angeles Angels)
- Randy Labaut (FA)
- Andrew Pérez (Charros de Jalisco)*
*Cuban-American