Cuba Announces Team to World Baseball Classic

Sancti Spiritus players Yulieski Gourriel, Frederich Cepeda, Ismel Jimenez and Eriel Sanchez, and pitching coach Juan de Dios Peña  are part of the Cuban baseball team announced for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

The provisional 28 member squad was announced Wednesday afternoon, and it is made of 3 catchers, 6 infielders, 6 outfielders and 13 hurlers.

The roster is the following:

Catchers:  Frank Camilo Morejon Reyes (IND), Yulexis La Rosa Aguila (VCL), and Eriel Sanchez Leon (SSP).

Infielders: Jose Dariel Abreu Correa (CFG), Jose Miguel Fernandez Diaz (MTZ), Erisbel Arruebarruena Escalante (CFG), Yulieski Gourriel Castillo and newcomers Luis Felipe Rivera and Andy Ibañez, both from Isla de la Juventud.

Outfielders: Alfredo Despaigne Rodriguez (GRA), Frederich Cepeda Cruz (SSP), Rusney Castillo Peraza (CAV), Guillermo Heredia Molina (MTZ), Alexei Bell Quintero (SCU), and Yadiel Hernandez (Mtz), the latter a newbie in Cuban teams.

Hurlers:  Odrisamer Despaigne Orue (IND), Freddy A. Alvarez Saez (VCL), Ismel Jimenez Santiago (SSP), Vladimir Garcia Escalante (CAV), Norberto Gonzalez Miranda (CFG),  Darien Nuñez Arias (LTU),  Alexander Rodriguez Matos (GTM), Yander Guevara Morales (CAV), rescuing experienced Yulieski Gonzalez (Art), Danny Betancourt (SCU) and Vichyoandri Odelin(CG), and welcoming Raciel Iglesias and Wilber Pérez, both from IJV.

Victor Mesa will be the manager of the team.