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Cuba’s Pre-Olympic Roster Through My Lens

The Tokyo Olympics are expected to commence in a few months. Baseball is returning and 2 of the 6 berths are still up for grabs. Cuba is hoping to qualify and re-establish itself as an Olympic Baseball powerhouse. I recently gave my thoughts to Cuba Business Report as they touched on ongoing visa issues for the Cuban Squad. Their participation in the qualifying event in Florida later this month still hinges on the Visas. None the less lets look at Cuba’s Pre-Olympic Roster Through My Lens.

The Catchers

Yosvani Alarcón Las Tunas Leñadores (Projected Starter)

Iván Prieto Granma Alazanes

Rafael Viñales Las Tunas Leñadores

The Infielders

Lisbán Correa 1B Industriales of Havana (Projected Starter)

Yordanis Samon 1B Camagüey Toros

Industriales vs Camagüey

César Prieto 2B Cienfuegos Elefantes (Projected Starter

Erisbel Arruebarrena SS Matanzas Cocodrilos (Projected Starter)

Yordan Manduley SS Holguin Cachorros

Yadil Mujica SS/3B Matanzas Cocodrilos

Dayán Garcia 3B Artemisa Cazadores (Projected Starter)

The Outfielders

Frederich Cepeda LF/DH Sancti Spiritus Gallos (Projected Starter)

Frederich Cepeda OF Sancti Spíritus

Roel Santos CF Granma Alazanes (Projected Starter)

Yadir Drake RF Matanzas Cocodrilos (Projected Starter)

Alfredo Despaigne DH/LF Granma Alazanes (Projected Starter)

Guillermo Avilés OF/1B Granma Alazanes

Raico Santos OF Granma Alazanes

The Pitchers

Lázaro Blanco Starting Pitcher Granma Alazanes

Carlos Juan Viera Starting Pitcher Las Tunas Leñadores

Yoennis Yera Starting Pitcher Matanzas Cocodrilos

Yoennis Yera P Matanzas Cocodrilos

Yariel Rodriguez Starting Pitcher Camagüey Toros

Andy Rodriguez Relief Pitcher Industriales of Havana

Bryan Chi Starting/Relief Pitcher Industriales of Havana

Liván Moinelo Relief Pitcher Pinar del Rio Vegueros

Raidel Martínez Relief Pitcher Pinar del Rio Vegueros

Frank Abel Álvarez Starting/Relief Pitcher Pinar del Rio Vegueros

Yudiel Rodríguez Starting/Relief Pitcher Las Tunas Leñadores

Is Cuba’s roster strong enough to grab one of the two remaining Olympic berths? They will be in tough in the tournament based in West Palm Beach and Port St. Lucie Florida. 16 teams will be vie for the right to represent their country. You can follow Cuba and all of the squads via the WBSC Official Website.

Phil Selig

Canada’s Top Expert on Cuban Baseball. I first ventured to the island in 2012 with camera in hand and captured some of the future baseball stars of the world. I have returned many times immersing myself in the game and culture. Get inside the Dugout for a unique look at Cuban Baseball.