World baseball powers Cuba are out for revenge at the 2009 World Baseball Classic after losing the 2006 Classic final to Japan and the 2008 Olympic gold medal game against Korea.
Cuba Could Have Japan And Korea Waiting In Second Round
The Cubans look to have a very able draw for the first round of the 2009 World Baseball Classic from March 7-11 in Mexico City where they face Mexico, South Africa and Australia. And Cuba could knock out at least Japan or Korea in the second round as the top two of the Mexico City group will advance to a second round of eliminators against two teams from the Japan group consisting of 2006 champions Japan, China, Chinese Taipei and 2008 Olympic gold medalists Korea.
Plenty Of Stars Missing
As usual for Communist regime, all of the Major League Cubans have been banned from the national team. The latest star out of the mix is 2006 star outfielder Alexei Ramirez, who has since moved onto the Chicago White Sox. Two other major 2006 players out of the mix for 2009 will be starting pitcher Yadel Marti and outfielder Yasser Gomez.
Still Loads Of Medals
Despite not using their top stars, Cuba has always been one of the favorites in international play. Cuba had to settle for silver at the 2008 Olympics. But the Caribbean giants won gold at the 2004 Olympics and the 2004 International Baseball Federation World Cup, which Cuba have won 25 times since its inception in 1938.
2006 Run Stopped By Japan
Cuba beat Panama and Netherlands but lost to Puerto Rico in first round play in 2006. The Cubans avenged the loss in the second round and also knocked off Venezuela to reach the semi-finals. Cuba lost to the Dominican Republic in the second round but beat the Dominicans in the semis to reach the final against Japan. But Cuba lost 10-6 in the final.
Cuba Still Loaded In 2009
Among the main players to watch for Cuba in 2009 are outfielder Yoandy Garlobo, Frederich Cepeda and Osmany Urrutia. First baseman Arriel Borrero and third baseman Yulieski Gourriel are also back as should be Ariel Pestano and shortstop Eduardo Paret. The pitching staff should be led by Pedro Lazo and Ormani Romero. The final roster of 28 players - including a mandatory 13 pitchers - will be set by February 24.
Cuba's 24-Man Roster
Name, Bats/Throws, Height, Weight, Birth Date
PITCHERS
Danny Betancourt, R/R, 5'10"
Albertin Chapman
Vladimir Garcia
Norberto Gonzalez, L/L, 6'0" (183cm), 175lbs (79kg), 10/10/1979
Yulieski Gonzalez, L/L, 5'10" (178cm), 175lbs (79kg), 06/20/1980
Ismel Jimenez
Miguel Lahera
Pedro Luis Lazo, R/R, 6'3" (191cm), 245lbs (111kg), 04/15/1973
Ciro Licea
Yuneski Maya, R/R, 5'11" (180cm), 170lbs (77kg), 08/28/1981
Yadier Pedroso, R/R, 6'1" (185cm), 220lbs (100kg), 06/09/1986
Luis Miguel Rodriguez, R/R, 6'0" (183cm), 175lbs (79kg), 05/03/1973
Yolexis Ulacia
Norge Vera
CATCHERS
Rolando Merino
Yosbany Peraza
Ariel Pestano
INFIELDERS
Michel Enriquez, R/R, 5'9" (175cm), 190lbs (86kg), 02/11/1979
Yulieski Gurriel
Alexander Mayeta
Luis Nava
Hector Olivera
Eduardo Paret, R/R, 5'9" (175cm), 185lbs (84kg), 10/23/1972
OUTFIELDERS
Leslie Anderson, L/L, 6'0" (183cm), 185lbs (84kg), 03/30/1982
Frederich Cepeda, S/R, 5'9" (175cm), 210lbs (95kg), 04/08/1980
Yoennis Cespedes, R/R, 5'10" (178cm) 200lbs (91kg), 10/18/1985
Alfredo Despaigne
Leonys Martin
