In recent days there has been a lot of talk in Cuba and on social networks about the possible Cuban team that would represent the island in the next World Baseball Classic in 2023. Also weeks ago in the United States, a group of Cubans and former ballplayers created the Association of Cuban Professional Ballplayers, which would be in charge of the team that would represent Cuban ballplayers who are not associated with the Cuban Baseball Federation. For all of the above, today I bring you my ideal Cuba team, with players from all over the world regardless of their political beliefs or the league where they play, in addition they would be players born in Cuba because there are cases of players of Cuban descent such as Nolan Arenado and Nick Castellanos that I will not include. The team would be made up of 30 players, as in the world classics, divided into: three catchers, eight infielders, six outfielders and thirteen pitchers.
Receptores || Catchers
One of the best catchers in baseball is undoubtedly Yasmani Grandal (Chicago White Sox), with an enviable offense and one of the best defenses in the league (if not the best) he would be my starting catcher. As second behind the plate I would take Lorenzo Quintana (Miami Marlins), the native of Pinar del Rio has a good bat and a decent defense, he would be the most offensive of the two substitute catchers. As defensive catcher, my choice would be Ariel Martinez (Chunichi Dragons, JPN), the young player has not yet developed his full potential, but his glove is top notch.
Infield
My starting lineup would be: Jose Abreu (Chicago White Sox) at first base, Yuli Gurriel (Houston Astros) at second base, Jose Iglesias (Colorado Rookies) at shortstop and Yandi Diaz (Tampa Bay Rays) at shortstop. Abreu is a power and contact bat, although his defense is not elite, I place him there because the designated hitter position is already owned. Yuli, who has played his entire career in MLB, his best years in TEAM Cuba were at second base, so he already knows the position. At shortstop, Jose Iglesias is one of the best defensive players at that position, although his low profile does not get him the spotlight he deserves. In the last two seasons, his offense has improved significantly. Third baseman Yandi Diaz (Tampa Bay Rays) is my pick. His ability to get on base is amazing, although he doesn't bounce many balls he is an above average contact hitter and defender.
As a change he would have utilityman Aledmys Díaz (Houston Astros) who can move all over the infield, besides having good contact and occasional power. Adeiny Echevarría (Chiba Lotte Marines, JPN) would be the replacement shortstop (he could also do it at third base), his excellent defense and years of experience at the highest level make him an interesting player. Dayan Viciedo would be Pito Abreu's replacement at first base. A leadoff hitter who mixes strength and contact would be an interesting emerging hitter. Yoan Moncada (Chicago White Sox) is a versatile player defensively, and offensively he still has a lot of room for improvement, with the added bonus of being an ambidextrous hitter. He can play second base, but his natural position since coming to MLB has been third base.
Outfield
Possibly the position where more talent is grouped is the outfield, both MLB players and players from other leagues have the sufficient level to make the hypothetical team. For right field I opt for Randy Arozarena (Tampa Rays). The 2021 rookie of the year is an incredible player, capable of doing things on the diamond never seen before. Five-tool player would be the front man of the lineup. Luis Robert Moiran (Chicago White Sox), also a five-tool player, would be my center fielder. He has power, an excellent glove and extraordinary speed. In left field would be Jordan Alvarez (Houston Astros). As a defender he is not the best available for that position, but his bat cannot be left out of any team in the world.
As reserves there would be three extraordinary players who could be starters without a doubt. Lourdes Gurriel (Toronto Blue Jays), who can also serve as an infielder, would be the defensive replacement for Jordan. The younger Gurriel is one of the best defenders at his position in the league and his offense is improving every year. Yasiel Puig (Kiwoon Heroes, KOR), as a replacement in right field. The Cienfuegos native has an arm that is one of the best in baseball and his spectacular defensive plays are always news in the baseball world. As long as he stayed away from extra-sporting problems in his career, his offense was very productive. Jorge Soler (Miami Marlins) would have the role of Designated Hitter, although he can also alternate in the outfield. "El Crudo" is one of the most powerful players in MLB, as evidenced by his home run leadership in the 2019 campaign.
Lanzadores || Pitchers
The starting rotation would consist of 5 starters, led by Vladimir Gutierrez (Cincinati Reds). Then there would be Odrisamer Despaigne (KT Wiz, KOR), Ariel Miranda (Doosan Bears, KOR), Yohan Oviedo (Cardenales de San Luis) and Yoanys Quiala (Leones de Caracas). Gutiérrez, from Pinar del Río, had a good first season in the big top. He has great speed and a great effectiveness in terms of strikeouts, although he must improve his control. Despaigne and Ariel, with experience in the big leagues, are having notable performances with their teams in Asia. Miranda was selected the best pitcher in the Korean league last year. Despaigne was selected the most valuable player in that league. Yohan Oviedo is a young player with a great future ahead with the St. Louis organization, although his performance has not been the best, he has a promising future in the league. Quiala from Holguin was not lucky in the MLB, but his talent has been demonstrated in all the leagues in which he has participated, becoming one of the best pitchers in the Mexican league in previous seasons.
The bullpen is one of the strengths of this team. Several left-handed pinch-hitting arms would be selectable. Livan Moinelo(Fukuoka Softbank Hawks, JPN), Nestor Cortes (New York Yankees) and Roenis Elias ( Seattle Marines). Moinelo possesses a fast straight line over 95 miles and a sharp curve that makes him a dominant pitcher, in addition to possessing tremendous control on his pitches. Cortes and Elias are two lefties with vast experience at the highest level of baseball. As long relievers I would have Yariel Rodriguez (Chunichi Dragons, JPN) and Cionel Perez (Baltimore Orioles). The Camaguey-born Rodriguez has a strong arm and can walk several innings in a game. Cionel, meanwhile, is a lefty with good speed, although his control needs to improve. For the last three innings, I left Raidel Martinez (Chunichi Dragons) for the seventh, Aroldis Chapman (New York Yankees) for the eighth and for the ninth, the best Cuban closer of last season, Raisel Iglesias (Anaheim Angels). All three are supersonic pitchers who exceed 98 miles with ease and have a high strikeout average.
Por último, mi orden al bate || Lastly, my batting order:
Randy Arozarena RF
Luis Robert CF
Yuli Gurriel 2B
Jordan Álvarez LF
Pito Abreu 1B
Jorge Soler BD
Yasmani Grandal C
Yandy Díaz 3B
José Iglesias
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