Two catchers, eight infielders, six outfielders and 14 pitchers make up Cuba's roster for the Fifth World Baseball Classic, which meets the suggestions of the team’s management of mixing versatility and speed.
In a special Cuban television production, hosted by the popular actor Isidoro, from the comedy program Vivir del cuento -Sorry! His real name is Marlon Pijuán-, Cuban fans were able to see the locker room, the training, the fraternity that is lived in a team facing a very high commitment with its people.
Of the selected group, 21 players will make their debut in this version of the highest national team competition of baseball, and Alfredo Despaigne, historical leader in home runs in these tournaments, is among the nine with experience in this kind of competitions. El Caballo de Granma, as he is also called, will play his fourth classic.
Some players will also make a significant return to the World Classic, such as Yoenis Céspedes, Andy Ibáñez and Erisbel Arruebarruena. Six players who took part in the previous competition are also repeating: Yurisbel Gracial, Despaigne, Roel Santos, Yoanny Yera, Raidel Martínez and Liván Moinelo. The 30 players are joined by a reserve group, which will also travel to Japan for the preparation matches prior to the great event.
"The team brings together young and veteran players. That mix should give us an important result and restore our country to the stellar levels of baseball," said Despaigne. Director Armando Johnson expressed his satisfaction with the work done by the boys and the group of coaches who supported the roster. He said he was confident "that the team will put up a fight."
Members of the Cuba team
Reserves
Pitchers
Group A
01. Netherlands
02. Italy
03. Cuba
04. Panama
05. Taiwan
Calendar
Date
Time
Translated by ESTI
