This Monday, a group of 18 players begins their workouts at Estadio Latinoamericano in preparation for the Serie de Las Américas and the VI World Baseball Classic. This group of players initially consists of those from teams that did not qualify for the postseason of the 64th National Series. The roster will grow as the Quarterfinals of the domestic tournament conclude.
All of the players will see action from February 5-13 at the Serie de las Américas in Venezuela. After that expect Cuba to head to Arizona will it will play pre-tournament tune-up games with the Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals in late February. A majority of the players here will accompany the WBC squad to San Juan, Puerto Rico from March 5-16. The players associated will MLB and MiLB teams will join the team days before the tournament for formal practices.
Among those available will be NPB stars such as Raidel Martínez and Liván Moinelo. Left-hander Randy Martínez, a Japanese League prospects will also be with the team. Ex-NPB great Alfredo Despaigne will also be on hand with the team, while ex-big leaguers Alexei Ramírez and Erisbel Arruebarrena will also be on the roster for the preparation phase heading up to the WBC.
Roster:
1. Raidel Sánchez Trutié (Utility/SCU)
2. Harold Vázquez Rizo (Catcher/SCU)
3. Luis Vicente Mateo Terry (Infielder/CFG)
4. Bárbaro Erisbel Arruebarruena Escalante (Infielder/CFG)
5. Yulieski Remón Tejada (Infielder/GRA)
6. Alexei Fernando Ramírez Rodríguez (Infielder/PRI)
7. Tailon Sánchez Díaz (Infielder/PRI)
8. Alfredo Despaigne Rodríguez (Outfielder/GRA)
9. Leonel Moas Acevedo (Outfielder/CMG)
10. Roel Santos Martínez (Outfielder/GRA)
11. Yoelkis Gibert Steven (Outfielder/SCU)
12. Yoel Yanqui Vera (Outfielder/SCU)
13. Liván Moinelo Pita (Pitcher/PRI)
14. Raidel Martínez Pérez (Pitcher/PRI)
15. Yunier Batista Ramírez (Pitcher/CAV)
16. Randy Román Martínez Pacheco (Pitcher/PRI)
17. Frank Abel Álvarez Díaz (Pitcher/PRI)
18. Frank Luis Medina García (Pitcher/PRI)