The Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS) announced this Sunday the roster that will represent her in the nascent starting November 13 America’s Cup, based in Panama. And as usually happens, the controversy flared up again.
A team without players from the Leñadores de Las Tunas will arrive at the contest, in which Germán Mesa will debut as helmsman, the team that conquered the throne in the last two editions of the National Series.
Beyond the specific analyses, astonishment has taken over the fans—not just people from Las Tunas—who have pointed out this and other details to those responsible for the new call-up.
According to the sports portal Hit On their Facebook profile, the group was made up of three catchers, six infielders, five outfielders and thirteen pitchers.
For its selection, the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS) explained that “in the offensive field the evaluations were based on descriptive and predictive statistics, equipped with more precise data to evaluate performance.”
In that sense, indicators such as the batting average against pitchers who exceed 90 miles and at an elite level, the response to breaking balls and the selection capacity in the zone were taken into account. strike.
Likewise, aspects such as average strength and touch, tactical effectiveness and adaptation to the game system designed for the team were assessed, communication requires.
This time, players who play at the highest level of professional baseball in Japan were left out of the selection, although some who work in that country’s farm system were included.
As a novelty, the incorporation of the experienced Alexei Ramírez from Pinar del Río stands out, who a few years ago returned to the national tournaments after his successful time in several Major League (MLB) teams.
Important figures who were starters in the last World Baseball Classic (WBC) remain on the roster, such as shortstop Erisbel Arruebarrena and outfielders Alfredo Despaigne and Yoelkis Guibert.
Cuba will begin its participation in group A, which was originally going to be played in Venezuela, but was transferred to Panama, also the venue for the other key and the decisive phase of the tournament.
In the Isthmus nation, Cuba will debut on November 13 against Nicaragua, and then will successively face Venezuela (14), Dominican Republic (15), Mexico (16) and Curacao (17).
From the other section, the teams from Panama, Canada, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Brazil and Argentina will seek to advance to the next phase.
According to reports, the Cuban team will concentrate from this Monday in Matanzas to complete its preparation for the tournament, which it will arrive with the aim of putting an end to a prolonged drought of international titles.
Team Cuba
Receivers: Andrys Pérez (MTZ), Andy Yaniel Cosme (ART) and Raidel Abel Sánchez (SCU/Also infielder and outfielder).
Infielders: Bárbaro Erisbel Arruebarruena (CFG), Cristian Leandro Rodríguez (VCL/Hired in Japan) Luis Vicente Mateo (CFG), Tailon Sánchez (PRI), Alexei Fernando Ramírez (PRI), Yoel Yanqui (SCU/Also gardener/Hired in Nicaragua).
Gardeners: Yoelkis Guibert (SCU/Hired in Nicaragua), Roel Santos (GRA/Hired in Venezuela), Alfredo Despaigne (GRA), Leonel Moas (CMG) and Francisco José Martínez (SCU).
Launchers: Pavel Hernández (IND), Frank Luis Medina (PRI), Darío Sarduy (VCL/Hired in Japan), Yoennis Yera (MTZ/Hired in Venezuela), Armando Abdiel Dueñas (MTZ/Hired in Nicaragua), Yunier Batista (CAV), José Ignacio Bermúdez (MAY), Yunieski García (ART), Yusniel Padrón (HAB/Hired in Venezuela), Randy Román Martínezo (PRI/Hired in Japan), Yadián Martínez (MAY), Michel Alejandro Cabrera (HOL) and Geonel Gutiérrez (ART).
