According to Yordano Carmona of our sister page (Pelota Cubana USA), there is a growing sense of discontent within the group of 50 players pre-selected for the World Baseball Classic. The forced withdrawal of Zach Neto—due to a refusal from higher authorities in Cuba—has raised alarms, and several players have expressed that if key players continue to be removed, they will refuse to participate in the tournament.
Also according to available information, these players have been clear: they will not show up to “make a fool of themselves” if the team continues to be dismantled. No names have been revealed, but the indications suggest that these could be players from MLB rosters, players who would truly elevate the team’s competitive level.
The situation leaves an obvious question hanging in the air:
Can Cuba realistically hope to compete seriously if it continues to lose talent due to internal decisions based politics? Also with the continued interference of the government will players continue to offer themselves to play for the country in international tournaments.
Why the WBC has allowed Cuba to this simply perplexes me, below are the by that forbids this sort of practice:
Key WBSC Rules on Non-Discrimination:
- Zero Tolerance Policy: WBSC By-Laws explicitly state that “Any form of discrimination, physical or sexual abuse and sexual harassment are completely incompatible with the intrinsic values of sports”. The organization maintains zero tolerance irrespective of gender, ethnic background, religious faith, sexual orientation, and disability.
- Code of Ethics: The WBSC’s Code of Ethics includes a fundamental principle that sports organizations must refrain from any discrimination. This principle is rooted in respecting human dignity and rejecting discrimination on any grounds, including race, color, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.
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