The Cuban team’s journey to Nicaragua began at 5:00 AM. via a layover in Panamá to alleviate the no direct flights problem from the Central American country to Cuba. The Cuban team has also received the necessary visas to enter the country.
The delegation that will face the Nicaraguan national team in a four-game preparation International Baseball Series for the World Baseball Classic will be divided into five groups, with most players departing on the first flights.
•February 16
•February 17
•February 18
•February 21
•February 27
The upcoming International Baseball Series between Cuba and Nicaragua which commences February 19th and is part of their preparations for the upcoming World Baseball Classic was in doubt for two reasons:
1. Cubans now need visas to enter Nicaragua.
2. As of now there are no flights from the island to Nicaragua due to fuel shortages.
The series is scheduled to take place in various cities and stadiums in Nicaragua. The fist game will be this Thursday at Roberto Clemente Stadium in Masaya, the next game of the four game series will be on the 22nd in León at the Rigoberto López Pérez, while on the 25 it will be at Yamil Rios Ugarte in Rivas and the series will end at the Estadio Nacional Soberanía in Managua on 27 of February.
Cuba will bring a slightly better team to Nicaragua if the series is played. The squad could include such stars as Raidel Martínez, Liván Moinelo and Ariel Martínez, a very big upgrade from the Serie de las Américas team the is playing in Venezuela.
Cuban roster for the International Baseball Series:
Catchers:
Andrys Pérez, Andy Cosme, Leonardo Montero
Infielders:
Yoel Yanqui, Ariel Martínez, Angel Hechavarría, Yuliesky Remón,Erisbel Arruebarrena, Christian Rodríguez, Luis Vicente Mateo
Outfielders:
Yoelkis Guibert, Roel Santos, Alfredo Despaigne, Leonel Moas, Raidel Sánchez, Yasiel González
Pitchers:
Raidel Martínez, Liván Moinelo, Frank Herrera, Dario Sarduy, Yoennis Yera, José Ignacio Bermúdez, Raymond Figueredo, Brander Guevara, Geonel Gutiérrez, Armando Dueñas, Randy Martínez, Yunier Batista, Randy Cueto, Yuniesky García