Cuba’s 3rd World Baseball Classic team announced
• Players from 13 of the16 teams currently competing in the Cuban National Series included on the roster • Víctor Mesa selected as manager

Oscar Sánchez Serra

STRENGTH at bat, speedy base-running and solid defense on the field; in other words, all three fundamental aspects of the game, characterize the Cuban national team registered with organizers of the 2013 World Baseball Classic, scheduled for March 2-19.

During a January 16 press conference, Higinio Vélez, Cuban national baseball director, clarified that the team roster announced was preliminary, saying, "We have until February 20 to make changes. The team will come together after February 3, when the National Series is recessed, and several players will be called up to comprise a group of reserves, eligible to participate in the world event." Also participating in the meeting with the press were Jorge Polo, head of the Cuban delegation to the World Classic and vice president of the National Institute of Sports, Recreation and Physical Education; Norge Marrero, director of the Institute’s high performance department; Jorge Fuentes, the team’s head coach and manager Víctor Mesa.

Although no number was given as to how many individuals might be involved, several names were mentioned, including Dayron Varona from Camagüey and Artemisia’s Yadier Pedroso. Nevertheless, manager Víctor Mesa was emphatic when he said, "But today, this is the team," adding that Ismel Jiménez will be the opening pitcher in the first game against Brazil and that Castillo, Heredia or Ibáñez will be first in the batting order.

Granma asked Mesa if the team looked somewhat like its manager, like the player he was on national teams in his day. Mesa responded, "It is a team with lots of speed and explosiveness, with spirited players, left-handed batters and with the option of using several players in different positions. That’s why there’s no reason to worry that there might be just one third baseman, for example. A weakness? It’s in our heads, we have to use our heads to think, to be as good tactically as each one of our players potentially is."

As for Pedroso, considered by many as one of the best pitchers in Cuban baseball, Mesa said that the player has had problems with his performance and attitude. Addressing Pedroso’s noteworthy absence from the roster, Jorge Fuentes said that he had spoken with the pitcher and reminded him of his responsibility to the fans, to baseball in Cuba, "It is [the fulfillment of] this same responsibility which must serve as the basis for his inclusion, or not. If he’s not doing well, if he doesn’t recuperate, he doesn’t go."

The absence of the country’s best catcher, Ariel Pestano, on the team roster was explained by Víctor Mesa. "There isn’t anyone who can take anything away from Pestano. He is a worthy representative of our baseball, in every sense. We should acknowledge his qualities and mastery, and be proud to have him among the greats of Cuban baseball. But we believe that today La Rosa and Frank Camilo can carry out this important task."
According to authorities, the selections were based on an evaluation of the entire preparatory period, beginning with the first pre-selection practices with 77 players, later trimmed down to include 50. During the first segment of the National Series, three changes to the list have been made, based on players’ performances.

The recently announced roster is a clear indication of respect for the value of our league series. Four players from the Isle of Youth, which has emerged as a leader in the National Series, are included, as are eight players who will make their debuts on this prestigious level.

The World Classic team is also a reflection of how much the 52nd National Series has contributed, with the dedication of ball players on all 16 teams. Fuentes emphasized, "Hard-fought baseball is being played. It’s been a long time since we’ve had such passion on the field during every game. The selection was very difficult precisely because of this, but a team is not a constellation of players. Every detail must be addressed, such as the potential of an emerging player, versatility and, of course, performance."

A good performance in the World Classic depends on thorough preparation, Fuentes said, "But also on the attitude of all these players in our championship. How far will we go in the Classic? I’m a perennial optimist, so for me anything is possible."

Cuban team submitted to organizers of the 3rd World Classic