The pitching staff of this team is weak, which might lead to the worst performance in these events for Cuba Today, the final roster of the Agricultores team representing Cuba in the upcoming 2023 Caribbean Series was announced. The tournament will take place for the first time since 2006 in two different cities, Caracas and La Guaira in Venezuela. Eight teams are expected to be in the Caribbean Series 2023: Curaçao, Panama, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela, the host nation. The competition begins on February 2 and runs until the 10th of the month. So far the WildCats from Curaçao, Tigres del Licey from the Dominican Republic, Vaqueros de Montería from Colombia, Indios de Mayagüez representing Puerto Rico, Federales de Chiriqui from Panama and from Cuba, Agricultores, the champions of their countries appear confirmed, while Venezuela and Mexico are still to be announced. Cuba, which attends the 2023 edition of the tournament as a guest after an absence of three years, decided in 2022 to start an Elite League to raise the level of baseball on the island. Agricultores, Cuba's recently titled team from the Elite tournament, will take part in the 2023 Caribbean Series. Agricultores, a team with a reputation for being offensive, could face serious problems in this edition of the Caribbean Series, with a pitching staff that leaves a lot to be desired and is not at the level of its Caribbean rivals. Here is the announced roster. 2023 Caribbean Series Agricultores' Team Pitchers (12) #71, Leandro Martínez - LHP #16, Kelbis Rodríguez - RHP #78, Yoel Mogena - LHP #89, Yunier Castillo - LHP #74, Carlos Santana - RHP #23, Alberto Pablo Civil - RHP #9, César García - RHP #14, Miguel Paradelo - LHP #54, Ángel Sánchez - LHP #62, Jonathan Carbó - Reinforcement (Tabacaleros) - RHP #20, Alexander Valiente - Reinforcement (Cafetaleros) - RHP #42, Andy Vargas - Reinforcement (Portuarios) - RHP Catchers (2) #11, Yosvany Alarcón #34, Rafael Viñales Infielders (7) #21, Guillermo Avilés #5, Carlos Benítez #52, Osvaldo Abreu #6, Andrés de la Cruz #10, Yordanis Alarcón #4, Yulián Milán #13, Yosbany Millán Outfielders (7) #2, Darián Palma #22, Alexquemer Sánchez #32, Dailier Peña #56, Yunieski Larduet # 28, Denis Peña #18, Raico Santos - Reinforcement (Olmecas de Tabasco) #27, Denis Laza - Reinforcement (Portuarios) Coaching staff Carlos Martí, manager, Leonardo Soto (bench coach), Ramón Rodríguez (third base coach), Abeicy Pantoja (first base coach), Luis E. González (pitching coach), Rodolfo Correa (bullpen coach), Reinaldo Infante (physical trainer) , Blas Hernández (doctor), and Carlos Álvarez (team representative). As part of the tournament, Cuba will play Curaçao at 10:30 am (local time) on February 2, Panama at 2:30 pm (local time) on February 3, Venezuela in prime time at 7:30 pm on February 4, Mexico at 2:30 pm on February 5, Colombia at 10:30 am on February 6, Puerto Rico at 1:00 pm on February 5 and will end the qualifying phase against Panama at 10:30 am on February 8. As a result, four teams qualify for the semifinal round, which will be played on February 9, and the winners will dispute the 2023 Caribbean Series title on February 10.

Seven World Baseball Classic players from the 2017 squad are returning to Team Cuba in 2023, while three are returning from the 2013 roster and two from the 2009 squad On Wednesday, the Cuban Baseball Federation (CBF) announced the 30-man roster for the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The roster features 14 pitchers and 16 position players, including nine with World Baseball Classic experience. The roster also features 12 players with Major or Minor League experience (*), including two actively in MLB rosters. There are only two active players on the 40-man MLB rosters: Yoán Moncada and Luis Robert. Among the returnees from the 2017 World Baseball Classic squad are Liván Moinelo, Yoanni Yera, Raidel Martínez, José R. Rodríguez - designated pitcher pool in 2017 -, Yurisbel Gracial, Alfredo Despaigne, and Roel Santos. Erisbel Arruebarrena, Alfredo Despaigne, and Andy Ibáñez were also members of the Cuban team at the 2013 World Baseball Classic. Among the 2009 squad, Céspedes and Despaigne are the only veterans. Additionally, the Cuban Federation announced the addition of Marlon Vega, Javier Mirabal, Franklyn Quintana, Alexander Valiente, Lázaro Armenteros, Raico Santos, and Pavel Quesada to the designated pitcher and position player pools. They will not immediately join Team Cuba in the first round but will be eligible for designation once they advance. Cuba Baseball's 2023 World Baseball Classic roster: Player#, Name, Position, Club, Birthplace/Birthdate Pitchers (14) #53, Elián Leyva, RHP, Naranjeros de Hermosillo, La Habana, Cuba/March 17, 1989 (*) #55, Roenis Elias, LHP, Chicago Cubs, Guantánamo, Cuba/August 1, 1988 (*) #98, Onelki García, LHP, Águilas de Mexicali, Guantánamo, Cuba/August 2, 1989 (*) #57, Ronald Bolaños, RHP, Kansas City Royals, Mayabeque, Cuba/August 23, 1996 (*) #45, Luis M. Romero, RHP, Oakland A's, Guantánamo, Cuba/April 23, 1994 (*) #89, Liván Moinelo, LHP, Fukuoka Softbank Hawks, Pinar del Río, Cuba/December 8, 1995 #92, Raidel Martínez, RHP, Chunichi Dragons, Pinar del Río, Cuba/October 11, 1996 #29, Yariel Rodríguez, RHP, Chunichi Dragons, Camagüey, Cuba/March 10, 1997 #22, Frank Abel Álvarez, RHP, Chunichi Dragons, La Habana, Cuba, January 16, 1999 #58, Yoennis Yera, LHP, Charros de Jalisco, Oct 18, 1989, Matanzas, Cuba/October 18, 1989 #82, José Ramón Rodríguez, RHP, Centrales, Camagüey, Cuba/August 18, 1992 #21, Naykel Y. Cruz, LHP, Centrales, Matanzas, Cuba/April 29, 1999 #83, Carlos J. Viera, RHP, Sultanes de Monterrey, Las Tunas, Cuba/December 6, 1988 #91, Yeudis Reyes, RHP, Cafetaleros, Guantánamo, Cuba/November 17, 1995 Catchers (2) #17, Andrys Pérez, C, Centrales, Matanzas, Cuba/February 9, 2001 #16, Lorenzo Quintana, C/1B/OF, Tigres del Licey, Pinar del Río, Cuba/March 1, 1989 (*) Infielders (8) #40, Ariel Martínez, C/1B/OF, Nippon-Ham Fighters, Matanzas, Cuba/May 28, 1996 #33, Yadir Drake, 1B/OF, Yaquis de Obregón, Matanzas, Cuba/April 12, 1990 #10, Yoán Moncada, 3B, Chicago White Sox, Cienfuegos, Cuba/May 27, 1995 (*) #77, Andy Ibáñez, 3B, Detroit Tigers, La Habana, Cuba/April 3, 1993 (*) #5, Yadil Mujica, SS/3B/2B, Centrales, Matanzas, Cuba/January 1, 1985 (*) #71, Erisbel Arruebarrena, SS, Algodoneros de Guasave, Cienfuegos, Cuba/May 23, 1990 #42, Dayán García, IF, Tabacaleros, Artemisa, Cuba/June 16, 1987 #8, Luis V. Mateo, IF, Centrales, Cienfuegos, Cuba/January 19, 1996 Outfielders (6) #47, Yurisbel Gracial, 3B/OF, Fukuoka Softbank Hawks, Guantánamo, Cuba/October 14, 1985 #52, Yoenis Céspedes, OF, Águilas Cibaeñas, Granma, Cuba/ October 18, 1985 (*) #54, Alfredo Despaigne, OF/DH, Fukuoka S. Hawks, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba/June 17, 1986 #88, Luis Robert, OF, Chicago White Sox, Guantánamo, Cuba/August 3, 1997 (*) #1, Roel Santos, OF, Naranjeros de Hermosillo, Granma, Cuba/September 15, 1987 #7, Yoelkis Guibert, OF, Agricultores, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba/August 29, 1994 Designated Pool Pitchers (4) Marlon Vega, RHP, Portuarios, Mayabeque, Cuba/September 13, 2002 Javier Mirabal, RHP, Centrales, Villa Clara, Cuba/January 19, 1997 Franklyn Quintana, RHP, Tabacaleros, Isla de la Juventud, Cuba/May 21, 1995 Alexander Valiente, RHP, Cafetaleros, Guantánamo, Cuba/October 20, 2002 Outfielders (2) Raico Santos, OF, Olmecas de Tabasco, Granma, Cuba/April 20, 1994 Lázaro Armenteros, OF, Oakland Athletics, La Habana, Cuba/May 22, 1999 (*) Infielders (1) Pavel Quesada, IF, Centrales, Cienfuegos, Cuba/April 23, 1988 Manager Armando Johnson, who manages Isla de la Juventud in the Cuban League, will manage the Cubans. Johnson's coaching staff includes legendary Cuban home run king Orestes Kindelán as hitting coach and pitching coach Pedro Lazo, a two-time World Baseball Classic participant. Germán Mesa (bench coach), Armando Ferrer (first base coach), Rafael Muñoz (third base coach), and José Elósegui (bullpen coach) complete the coaching staff. 2023 World Baseball Classic: When does it begin? In its fifth edition, the World Baseball Classic will run from March 8 to March 21. Twenty teams have been added to the tournament, with games held in Taichung, Taiwan, Miami-Phoenix in the US, and Tokyo in Japan. Team Cuba is in Pool A along with Taiwan, Netherlands, Italy, and Panama. Pool play for those teams is from March 8-12 at Taichung Intercontinental Stadium. For Team Cuba, the quarterfinals will be held at the Tokyo Dome in Japan. The semifinals and finals will be held at the Miami Marlins' loan Depot Park.

Major League Baseball (MLB) and other Cuban Players News for the 2022-2023 offseason. A compendium from several sources According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Marlins are moving towards an agreement with free agent first baseman Yuli Gurriel. Feinsand adds that no deal has been finalized yet, but the Marlins appears to be close to the finish line. Gurriel turns 39 years old this season, and is coming off a right knee injury that he sustained in the Fall Classic, but would give Miami another solid veteran bat in their lineup. He'd likely split time with Garrett Cooper at first base this upcoming season, but it's possible there are more moves coming for the Marlins before spring training. As Gurriel's market heats up, the Marlins are the only team previously reported as being interested. This week, Minnesota and Miami collaborated on a trade to send Luis Arraez to South Beach, which will free up Gurriel for first base duties (Chisholm Jr. will move to center field). After seven seasons in Houston, Gurriel became a free agent this winter. With the Astros, the 38-year-old had some very successful seasons, but his production dipped significantly in 2022. Over 584 plate appearances last year, he hit just .242/.288/.360 with eight home runs. He finished with a wRC+ of 85, about 15 percent lower than average and well down from his previous 132 mark. White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said on Saturday in a radio interview with 670 The Score that top prospect Oscar Colás will be "given every opportunity" this spring to win the starting job in right field. Colás signed with the White Sox as an international free agent last offseason and tore the cover off the ball last season in the upper minors, slashing .314/.424/.645 with 23 homers and three steals across 536 plate appearances over three levels. The 24-year-old will compete in the Cactus League with the likes of Gavin Sheets, Victor Reyes, Leury Garcia and Jake Marisnick for the starting job in right field. There's a decent chance that he makes Chicago's season-opening roster and he could make an immediate impact in the team. RHP Yoán López won’t pitch for Cuba in the 2023 World Baseball Classic In the weeks following his announcement on Cuba's preliminary roster for the international competition, López declined the invitation to play for Team Cuba. As reported on the Cuban Baseball Federation's Twitter account, López appreciated the call, but declined to join the Cuban team for the V World Baseball Classic. "We respect your willingness to focus on matters related to your signing with the Yomiuri Giants. Thank you for wishing us success. There will be other opportunities.", read the Twitter notification.

By Yirsandy Rodríguez In Game 4, when Portuarios won 8-5 and moved 3-1 ahead in the Finals, Agricultores, the most consistent team in the First Elite League of Cuban Baseball, had only one option: win, win and win. Box score A 3-1 playoff deficit against the Portuarios, who emerged as the surprise team of the day, seemed impossible. However, the Agricultores started the comeback with a 19-5, 9-1 victory to force Game 7 and prove why they were the "team to beat" during the regular season. A powerful lineup of players and dynasties like the Alazanes de Granma (four out of six Cuban National championships won, including the last two) proved unstoppable once again under the pressure of the postseason. While the Portuarios fought like hell, the offensive attack they received was relentless. Having the final back at Mártires de Barbados also helped the Agricultores, who were eager to finish the comeback in front of their home fans. Before the voice of playball was heard on a sunny Sunday afternoon, Portuarios manager Michael González knew what was at stake when he carried out what he might call the 'hope strategy': he bet on giving Pavel Hernández another chance as a starter instead of José Ignacio Bermúdez or Raymond Figueredo. Pavel had thrown only four innings in three starts this postseason, so there were doubts. His most challenging situations in the box were not related to his main command problems. During those four innings, his rivals were 14-for-27 with a .519 average. He was ineffective because of the vulnerability of his pitches and the ease with which opponents anticipated them. As impressive as his 92-93 mph fastball looked, he struck out just three opponents and walked one before starting Game 7. Carlos Mart selected veteran left-hander Leandro Martínez to start game seven for the Agricultores. During postseason games 7, Marti was undefeated as a manager. As a result, the fight for the LEBC title began. During the first third of the game, Agricultores maintained their winning trend: 4-0 in the second inning of Game 4, 8-0 at the end of the third of Game 5, and 2-1 after a third of Game 6. It was suffocating for Pavel Hernández. Yuniesky Larduet started the game with a single, advanced to third base on Pavel's fielding error, and then scored on Yordanis Alarcón's sacrifice fly. Singles by Andrés de La Cruz and Alexquemer Sánchez put runners on the corners in the second inning. This was after centerfielder Roberto Acevedo jumped over the fence and robbed Guillermo Avilés of a potential home run. The key was aggressive base running, as De La Cruz reacted instantly after Alexquemer's ground ball was caught by Alexander Pozo. The mischief running the bases led Dailier Pe'a to hit a sacrifice fly to left center to score Farmers' second run. Pavel then committed his second error of the game in the following inning, letting Osvaldo Abreu's bunt escape from beneath his legs after walking Larduet. The current situation? Agricultores led 2-1. There were no outs, runners on first and second, and Yordanis Alarcón was at bat. Portuarios' manager, Michael González, had lost hope of seeing Pavel recover, and it was time to go to the bullpen. As the first reliever, Andy Vargas had been hit in his previous appearance during Game 6. Again, he got his opponent within two strikes, but Yordanis hit a powerful liner that was caught by third baseman Lázaro Martínez. Then, Andy Vargas forced Yosvany Alarcón to ground out into a double play with the bases loaded. The first third ended with Agricultores leading 3-1, after Rafael Viñales recorded the last out. Every time the Agricultores batters took the field, they generated a tremendous amount of pressure that gave them complete control over the game. Despite Portuarios' attempts to battle, they were never able to take the lead. With left-handed Leandro Martínez replaced prematurely by right-handed Yoel Mogena at the start of the third inning, Portuarios only managed to tie the score at 3-3. After two outs, Oscar Valdes' well-timed single in the top of the fifth was short lived. Due to this lack of productiveness in clutch situations, Agricultores rallied for almost a decisive victory at the end of inning 5. Following a walk by Larduet, Abreu was struck by a pitch. Yordanis hit an RBI single to right field and his brother Yosvany swung at a pitch in the lower and inner zones. Then Rafael Viñales hit another RBI single with a line ball to center field. Agricultores 6, Portuarios 3. The advantage is doubled! Game 7 appeared to end with that three-run inning. In fact, it lasted from the fifth through the eighth innings. In every case, Yuniesky Larduet and Osvaldo Abreu produced the desired results: reaching bases, leading the offensive pieces in run-and-hit plays, advancing runners, and putting the ball in play. For Martí that gear was ideal. Additionally, Las Tunas outfielder Dailier Pea performed well when he was given the opportunity to start. What can you do to avoid being crushed by the Agricultores' lineup? Whenever Yordanis Alarcón is dominated, or gets on base, his brother Yosvany follows, or Viñales, then De La Cruz, and finally Avilés - despite the fact that he had been silenced during the last two games -. For the Portuarios pitchers, dealing with this lineup was incredibly stressful. This might be the reason Michael González did not replace Andy Vargas, who was only battered once in the fifth inning. If we combine the offensive contributions of all of the aforementioned hitters, here are some amusing numbers: Agricultores' first to seventh batters put the following numbers in this Final: .386/.445/.662/1.107, scoring 58 runs (85.3% of the entire team), hitting 12 home runs (85.7%), and driving in 58 RBIs (87.9%). Even after Mogena had dominated nine of their next 10 opponents since allowing the tying run in the fifth, Portuarios was still not giving up. As the score remained unchanged in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings, Portuarios players felt that a comeback was unlikely. Despite this, Oscar Valdés' sensational double to left and two RBIs from Yasniel González and Pozo helped level the game at 6-6. As he did against Yasiel Santoya, Alberto Pablo Civil tried to surprise Oscar with an inside pitch, but failed. That was a memorable moment! The score was tied after Portuarios came back unexpectedly, but Agricultores prevailed. With Marlon Vega far from his dominance in the postseason, the championship decision was made. A walk to Dailier Peña was crucial. A controversial bunt - by Larduet -, which was reviewed on video, put Peña in scoring position. After that, Osvaldo Abreu hit a golden single to centerfield. A 7-6 win in Game 7 and a comeback! Agricultores are champions! When Dailier Peña slid into the plate following Yordanis Alarcón' single, the excitement of the Agricultores players was irresistible. It was the favorite team that won the game, the absolute leader and the team that had the highest chance of completing a comeback after being down 3-1 in the series. Despite the appearance of "apparent pitching improvements" with the use of Teammate-120 baseballs, disrespectful offense dominated the playoffs. The insertion of Teammate-190 baseballs pointed out the pitchers' deficiencies, although emotional play was evident in each match between Portuarios and Agricultores. Although the pitching was poor, the offense was prolific, and the crowd was drawn to the rivalry. Portuarios' teamwork, led by manager Michael González, had plenty of heart, but lacked a final touch. It was impossible for pitchers to stop the Agricultores' relentless attack. With a core of players who are accustomed to touching the glory of Cuban baseball, the disciples of Carlos Martí demonstrated their strength. Ultimately, the I Elite League was saved by these seven games: Agricultores, champions! (Cover Photo: Osvaldo Abreu/I. S. Carrillo/CMKX Radio Bayamo)

Major League Baseball (MLB) and other Cuban Players News for the 2022-2023 offseason. A compendium from several sources An agreement has been reached between the Royals and free agent left-hander Aroldis Chapman, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Given the presence of an established closer in Scott Barlow, who tallied a career-high 24 saves last season, and the Royals' rebuilding process, which emphasizes developing young pitchers, Chapman's signing is a bit perplexing. In exchange for prospects, Kansas City could trade the veteran southpaw to a contender. For the Yankees, Chapman had a 4.46 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 43/28 K/BB ratio over 36 1/3 innings (43 appearances) last season. The Royals will likely use him as a setup pitcher, but he could also snag an occasional save opportunity. For seven seasons, Chapman played for the Yankees, including one season as a Cub in 2016. He will turn 35 on February 28. During his time with the Bombers, Chapman compiled 153 saves and averaged 13.9 K/9 in 315 appearances. With a career ERA of 2.48 and 1,045 strikeouts over 640 innings in the big leagues, the hard-throwing lefty is a seven-time All-Star (four as a Red, three as a Yankee). According to Craig Mish of SportsGrid, the Marlins have had conversations with free agent first baseman Yuli Gurriel. Gurriel, who sustained a right knee injury during the World Series, could share time at the cold corner with Garrett Cooper in Miami this year, if both sides can strike a deal. After hitting .242/.288/.360 across 584 plate appearances last season in Houston, the veteran slugger showed early signs of declining. The AL batting champion in 2021 with a .319 average had the third-largest decline among 167 qualified hitters in 22. In addition, his OPS dropped 199 points, from .846 to .647, with an overall slash line of .242/.288/.360, way below his career mark of .284/.328/.448 (.776 OPS). However, before getting injured in the 2022 postseason, Gurriel was hitting .347 (17-for-49) with two homers and four RBIs, including 6-for-19 with one RBI in the World Series. At the age of 32, Gurriel began his Major League career with the Houston Astros after a successful career in Cuba, Japan, and international baseball. Gurriel has two World Series rings, one in 2017 and one in 2022.

By Yirsandy Rodríguez In the match in which Portuarios could have lifted the I Liga Elite del Béisbol Cubano title in front of their enthusiastic home crowd, Agricultores took over with a seven-home-run barrage to knock them out 19-5 this Thursday. Box score There will be a sixth battle in this Final: the series returns to the Mártires de Barbados stadium! The power and speed of the Agricultores quickly ambushed right-hander José Ignacio Bermudez. They scored runs in every other inning except the first and fifth. With three home runs in the third inning, the absolute leaders of the regular season scored seven runs. Yordanis Alarcón opened the home run festival, followed by Osvaldo Abreu and Yuniesky Larduet. In a 1-2 count, Alarcón furiously pulled a 73-mph pitch from reliever Pedro Álvarez, who was trying to stop the Agricultores' offensive onslaught. Then, after one out, Rafael Viñales was walked and Guillermo Avilés blasted the ball up the right field wall. During the fourth inning, the Agricultores' Home Run Derby continued. Abreu and Yordanis Alarcón each had singles, while Yorvany Alarcón hit a double. Then at first pitch, Rafael Viñales hit his 100th home run to close out the rally. After 40 pitches by Agricultores' starter César García, who allowed just two hits in the first third, Portuarios reacted. A home run by catcher Oscar Valdés with Yasniel González on base opened the score. A single by Yasiel Santoya and a double by Jorge Enrique Alomá added another run. Portuarios scored three more runs in the seventh through a single by Santoya and a home run by Roberto Acevedo. César García, who allowed 11 hits in 5 ⅓ innings, was lifted and was credited win the win after having a comfortable lead. It was Kelbis Rodriguez, who had pitched 15 innings and struck out 15 Portuarios' hitters in the Elite League, who ended the threat. To seal the knockout, the Agricultores hit three home runs and scored eight runs in the seventh inning. Alexquemer Sánchez and Rafael Viñales each hit their second homers of the afternoon to match Yordanis Alarcón's pair from earlier. In 41 plate appearances, the Agricultores' power matched the team's 177 plate appearances prior to Game 5 on Thursday. By adding the two home runs by Portuarios, the nine homers tied a National Series record. Prior to this game, Matanzas, with seven home runs, and Pinar del Rio, with two, had the most in a single game during Game 5 of the 55th National Series on March 31, 2016. Although Portuarios still leads this series 3-2, Agricultores led in runs scored, 52 for 39. Continuing the stellar offensive display, from the leadoff hitter to the sixth batter, they had 14 hits in 25 at-bats, scoring 15 of the team's 19 runs in Game 5. They were 14-for-19, with three doubles, five home runs, and 17 RBIs. San José was the scene of a real massacre! Pay attention to the following notes: The Alarcón brothers pounded the Teammate-190 baseball. They hit 6-for-10 with four extra bases (two doubles by Yosvany and two home runs by Yordanis), and drove in six runs. In the end, manager Carlos Martí's changes proved him right: he sent Yosvany Alarcón behind home plate, Iván Prieto was benched, and sent Rafael Viñales to first base. Using the talented Dailier Peña to defend leftfield, he gave Alexquemer Sánchez another chance, and Sánchez responded by blasting two home runs. Eight of the nine Agricultores that started Game 5 got at least one hit. It was Andrés de La Cruz, who finished 0-for-5. However, that doesn't take anything away from his phenomenal postseason: he had hit five extra bases (four doubles and one home run) in the first four games, and brought home 56% of the nine runners he found in scoring position. Leadoff check: Unlike Game 4, when Agricultores couldn't unleash its power against Marcos Ortega, this time their leadoff hitter reached base in five of the seven innings played. The only time they failed to score was in the first inning, when Osvaldo Abreu grounded into a double play. The horror trio: Who stops them?... The Alarcón brothers, Yordanis and Yosvany, and Rafa Viñales, have been a deadly force against Portuarios in this final: they produced a combined record of 9-for-14, with nine runs scored, 12 RBIs, two doubles and four home runs against the Portuarios pitchers this Thursday in Game 5. Certainly it's not a mistake, and I also believe that even in video games, it is quite difficult to have such production. Of course, we know that there is nothing predictable in baseball, but if the Portuarios pitchers manage to stop the explosiveness of those three hitters, like Yadián Martínez did in Game 2 and Marcos Ortega in Game 4, Agricultores would be in real trouble in Game 6. Is there still a doubt in your mind? Consider these numbers: the Alarcón' brother and Viñales have scored 50% of the runs (26 of 52) the team has scored in this Final, have 53.9% of RBIs (27 of 51), and 57.1% of home runs (8 of 14). As a result, there will be Game 6! Then... let's take a horse carriage to Bayamo! (Photo: Home run celebrations among Agricultores players/Jit.cu)

By Yirsandy Rodríguez In best-of-seven playoff series, Game 3 can be quite influential, and that was the case in the Final of the I Cuban Baseball Elite League (I LEBC). Box score The Portuarios team surprised Agricultores after a couple of victories at the Mártires de Barbados stadium, the team that has displayed the highest level during the tournament. Portuarios would have practically won the Final with a third consecutive win at Nelson Fernández. However, Agricultores came back from a 7-3 deficit midway through the game to win 14-9. After achieving their first win and launching another unstoppable offensive attack, Agricultores changed this Final for the better. They will come out focused on Wednesday, with the possibility of tying the series at 2-2 and forcing a return home. A win in Game 4 could open the door to glory for Portuarios in front of their home crowd. If, however, they are defeated, they would have to grow up and face another challenge. Though there have been several moments of pressure and emotions after each comeback, this has been a disappointing Elite League Final. With the change from the Teammate-120 ball to the 190, the pitchers' dominance has ended. Out of 333 pitches, pitchers were able to induce just 6.3% of non-contact swings in Tuesday's Game 3. As of now, Agricultores have a 2-1 lead in the series, and these were the factors contributing to Farmers' unstoppable victory in Game 3: The lethal "combo" led by the Alarcón brothers It is no secret to any pitcher in the Elite League that at-bats against the Agricultores' lineup require the greatest concentration on a daily basis. Undoubtedly, Yordanis and Yosvany Alarcón find the fewest runners on base as a key to their success. All season long, the Agricultores have relied on the efficiency of their lineup. A quality at-bat can be assured with Yuniesky Larduet and Osvaldo Abreu as leadoff and second hitters, respectively. Afterwards, pitchers face the most demanding hitters, the Alarcón brothers batting third and fourth, Rafael Viñales batting fifth, and a playoff MVP like Guillermo Avilés waiting to finish the job of producing runs. In addition, the "clutch" hitter machinery continues with the move of shortstop Andrés de La Cruz to the seventh spot. During the regular season, opposing pitchers had a hard time dominating the Agricultores' lineup. Against Portuarios, that story hasn't changed, and Game 3 was another instance where Agricultores' offensive "combo" was on fire: the hitters from the third to the seventh turn combined to produce 13-for-24! Yes, that happened. They hit .542! — scoring 10 of the team's 14 runs, 13 of the 17 hits, eight of the nine extra bases, all four home runs, and 13 of the 14 RBIs. That was devastating! As usual, the Alarcón brothers led the attack. Yordanis, who led off the fifth inning with an inspirational home run against Portuarios starter Raymond Figueredo, was 3-for-5, scored three runs, and had a double, a home run, and two RBIs. Yosvany, who usually attacks the first pitch, cut back on his aggression at the plate and saw 18 pitches. He missed a single turn with runners on bases, and closed the afternoon with a 4-for-6 performance, four runs scored, five RBIs, and two extra-base hits, including a triple and a home run that knocked out Portuarios at the start of the ninth against reliever Juan Xavier Peñalver. The Alarcón brothers' performance was key to the Agricultores' success in Game 3: they were 7-for-11, scoring and driving in half of the team's runs. Yes, when you have two hitters of the caliber of the Alarcón brothers, who have crushed pitch after pitch in the LEBC, that can happen. Behind the Alarcóns, the swings of Avilés and De La Cruz were also decisive. De La Cruz hit a long double against Pedro Álvarez, who evened the score, 8-8 at the start of the sixth. And two innings later, in the eighth, Avilés broke a 9-9 tie, blasting a huge home run to deep rightfield off Marlon Vega. After the mistake... After the first battle in Game 1, where Portuarios defeated Agricultores 13-11 in a 35-hit combined game, we don't need to remind ourselves that the offense is ruling this Final. For that reason, every mistake (physical or mental) could dangerously increase the odds of scoring runs. For Portuarios, that trend was fateful this Tuesday in Game 3, where three fielder's errors cost them five runs: 1) Alexquemer Sánchez opened the seventh inning with a double to left. Taking advantage of his speed and a passed-ball from catcher Oscar Valdés, he was able to get to third base safely. Osvaldo Abreu gave the team the lead, 9-8, with a sacrifice fly after Yuniesky Larduet gave up the first out with a fly to center. Yordanis Alarcón ended the inning with a 53 groundball. So when we reconstruct the inning, without the passed ball, the runner would have ended up on third. 2) In left field, Denis Laza missed a routine fly ball by Rafael Viñales. That would have been the second out of the eighth inning. Right after, Avilés' home run against Marlon Vega drove in a couple of decisive runs. 3) With the score at 11-9, Larduet grounded out to first base and was safe due to an error by Yasiel Santoya. That would have been the second out of the inning, and Abreu's groundout to second closed out the inning for right-handed Elder Nodal. But the real story was that Nodal ended up walking Yordanis Alarcón, and then Yosvany hit a killer home run against right-handed Juan Xavier Peñalver. With a bullpen that looked vulnerable without the presence of right-hander Andy Vargas, defensive errors led to potential runs for Agricultores. Without those three errors, the score would have been 9-9. This time, the Agricultores' errors—committed by catcher Iván Prieto and first baseman Guillermo Avilés, both on foul flies—had no incidents. Yoel Mogena's Dominant Effect As happened in Game 1, this Tuesday the trends led to another offensive game: both teams combined to score 23 runs, 29 hits, 14 extra bases (five doubles, one triple and eight home runs), in addition to nine walks. And, regarding the defensive aspect, there were also costly errors by both teams, especially from catchers and infielders, who lost several fly balls in foul territory. In spite of the raging wind and poor outfield conditions, the pitchers' helpless weapons undoubtedly gave way to the hitters' hearty production. *One of the most compelling examples occurred during the fourth inning, when Alexander Pozo hit an inside-the park homer with the bases loaded and Agricultores center fielder Yuniesky Larduet misread the connection. Next, Denis Laza delivered a foul fly that Guillermo Aviles couldn't field, and another fly ball to center ended the game. There would have been two fewer runs scored at the end of the fourth inning for Portuarios. The starters of the game, Raymond Figueredo (vs. Agricultores: 4 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 SO, 2 HR) and the lefty Ángel Sánchez (vs. Portuarios: 3 ⅓ IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, BB, 4 SO, 2 HR), were destroyed with a combined 13 hits, four home runs, and nine earned runs allowed in just 7 ⅔ innings.* *Iván Prieto (0-for-5) for Agricultores, and Denis Laza (0-for-5) and Rangel Ramos (0-for-3) for Portuarios, were the only players that went hitless in the game. Following a semifinal marked by pure leadership from the starting pitchers, the manager has yet to receive any contributions from his starters against Portuarios. The Agricultores' starters have not recorded a quality outing since the semifinal, when they started three out of four games against Tabacaleros. Although they were ineffective, right-handed relievers Yoel Mogena and Kelbis Rodriguez emerged as the most dominant bullpen arms.* *Kelbis Rodríguez, had an excellent relief of six scoreless innings in Game 1, and has recorded 15 strikeouts and only one walk in 15 innings against the Portuarios' lineup throughout the season. After an effective relief in Game 2, retiring 13 hitters in a row, Mogena once again stopped the Portuarios's offense. Despite Agricultores' comeback, scoring in all five innings starting with the fifth, Mogena stopped Portuarios' momentum. That's what he did. His only mistake was against Roberto Acevedo, who hit a solo homer that tied the score, 9-9, after two outs in the bottom of the seventh. Then, Mogena's last two innings were impeccable: he retired all his opponents, ending a four-inning relief run. He was 1-for-12 against the opposition during that period. Despite a regular season far from his finest, Mogena's pitches have consistently made a difference. It is true that his dominance formula does not involve power pitches, but he has done a good job of combining speed with a strong command of the game. Even though he didn't reach 88 mph, he threw the Portuarios hitters off balance and met expectations. As the series stands at 2-1 in Portuarios' favor, Agricultores' reaction could change the fate of Game 4 of the Final. (Photo: Yosvany Alarcón/Radio Bayamo)

Major League Baseball (MLB) and other Cuban Players News for the 2022-2023 offseason. A compendium from several sources The 2023 International Free Agency period began yesterday and several Cuban players were active on the market and got signed. Signed players are subject to MLB approval for the 2023 minor league season. A complete listing of the international player signings from Cuba is below. Daviel Hurtado, LHP, New York Mets - Bonus: $640,000 Rubén Menes, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals - Bonus: $425,000 Rafael Álvarez, OF, Chicago White Sox - Bonus: $300,000 Cristian Jauregui, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates - Bonus: $270,000 Geisel Cepeda, OF, Texas Rangers - Bonus: $200,000 Xavier Alvero, RHP, Baltimore Orioles - Bonus: $80,000 Hojans Hernández, C, Atlanta Braves - Bonus: $ 40,000 Daniel E. Pérez, OF, Toronto Blue Jays - Bonus: $10,000 Other players signed this weekend was Brandon Mayea, for the New York Yankees, Ariel Castro for, Minnesota Twins, and Luis Danys Morales, Oakland A's. Padres and LHP Adrián Morejón avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $800,000 contract. Morejón will earn just a tick above the major league minimum this season in his first arbitration-eligible year. The 23-year-old former highly-regarded prospect made a career-high 26 relief appearances last season for the Padres and will likely continue to pitch in middle relief.

On this date Cuba will know its final 30-man roster According to a note released by the Cuban Baseball Federation (CBF) today, the 30 Cuban players who will represent the country in the upcoming V World Baseball Classic (WBC) will be announced on January 24. According to the note, the advance in the announcement date is due to the difficulties generated by visa procedures and compliance with them. It was originally scheduled for February 7. Today, the Cuban Team will begin training at the Latinoamericano Stadium in Havana. The team then must leave for Japan on February 10, and then arrive in Chinese Taipei around February 24, in time for its debut in Group A of the V World Baseball Classic on March 7 against the Netherlands. Here is the CBF's note. The Cuban Baseball Federation confirms that the final preparations for the V World Baseball Classic (WBC) will begin this Monday at the Latinoamericano Stadium in Havana. Due to the fact that some players are still participating in the finals of the Cuban Elite League or under contracts abroad, the CBF will begin training with the players available at the moment. Players who are enrolled in the Cuban Elite League's final will only be allowed to join later, following Major League Baseball regulations. Team members will prepare behind closed doors at the Latinoamericano Stadium until the beginning of February, when they will leave for Japan to continue training. By either observing the Elite League final or following up on the figures that necessarily prepare outside Cuba, the technical team led by Armando Johnson will evaluate the 50 athletes called up. As a result, Johnson and his managerial team will be able to announce on January 24 the list of 30 players that will participate for Cuba in the V WBC, almost at the same time that they must announce the Cuban roster for the 2023 Caribbean Series. Even though the final roster announcement for the WBC is due on February 7, the complex immigration process (Japan, Taiwan and the United States), the travel arrangements (training bases and warm-up matches), and also the adjustment to the drastic time change, have caused the announcement to be made earlier. A consideration of whether players eliminated from the WBC team could attend the Caribbean Series, either as part of the champion team or as reinforcements, was also weighed in the decision. Due to the previously exposed elements, it is necessary to clarify that the members of the WBC squad will not participate in the Caribbean Series. The most favorable conditions have been created for Cuba to prepare for the WBC. The goal remains to have a competitive team that can advance in the tournament and make the hopes and aspirations of our fans come true.

Major League Baseball (MLB) and other Cuban Players News for the 2022-2023 offseason. A compendium from several sources Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reports that the Yankees and OF Brandon Mayea have agreed to a $4.4 million dollar deal. The ninth-ranked international prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Mayea is an excellent athlete with a great blend of tools and baseball skills who projects to stick in center field. At 5-foot-11, the 17-year-old isn’t very big but has begun to show power from his pull side. What sets him apart is his unbelievably quick bat and the ability to put the bat on the ball. Dynasty and keeper league managers should keep their eye on this exciting prospect. Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reports that the Athletics and RHP Luis Danys Morales have agreed to terms. The fifth-ranked international prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Morales is older than most players as he is 20 years old when he inked a deal with Athletics. Morales was one of the best pitchers in Cuba and has been playing in Mexico since defecting from the island. Morales’ fastball sits in the mid-nineties and is a developing slider that could be an excellent out pitch for him. Due to his age, he could a fast riser for the rebuilding Oakland A's. Ariel Castro signs with the Minnesota Twins for $2.5 million Also, according to Jesse Sanchez, the Twins has signed Cuban outfielder Ariel Castro for a $2.5 million deal. Castro is the No. 11 prospect on the International Top 50 Prospect List. According to Sanchez his physical development has led to him becoming one of the best hitters on the international scene. The outfielder has lots of potential, and he could have above-average power in the future. Castro shows good instincts in center field and has a strong arm on defense. Eventually, he might become a power-hitting corner outfielder. In terms of running ability, he is expected to be average. The Dominican Republic is home to MLB trainer partnership program member Jaime Ramos, who trains Castro.

The Netherlands, like Cuba, play in the same group A of the tournament Superstars Xander Bogaerts and Kenley Jansen lead the group, which includes NPB's single-season home run leader Wladimir Balentien. Manager Hensley Meulens announced a Kingdom of the Netherlands 50-player pre-selection for the World Baseball Classic 2023. The expanded roster includes nine players who are Major League Baseball (MLB) regulars: Xander Bogaerts (shortstop, San Diego Padres), Kenley Jansen (right-handed pitcher, Boston Red Sox), Jurickson Profar (switch-hitting utility, free agent), Jonathan Schoop (infielder, Detroit Tigers), Chadwick Tromp (catcher, Atlanta Braves), Didi Gregorius (shortstop, free agent), Andrelton Simmons (shortstop, free agent), Joshua Palacios (outfielder, Pittsburgh Pirates), Richie Palacios (outfielder, Cleveland Guardians). The Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) single-season home run leader Wladimir Balentien (outfielder, free agent; he hit 60 home runs in 2013 while playing for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows) and former big leaguer Pedro Stroop (right-handed pitcher) also committed to participate. The pre-selection also includes one of the most touted prospects in Minor League Baseball (MiLB), Ceddane Rafaela (outfielder, Boston Red Sox). Meulens will also consider the best players of the Dutch Hoofdklasse. Meulens' coaching staff includes bench coach Andruw Jones, pitching coach Bert Blyleven, hitting coach Tjerk Smeets first base coach Eugene Kingsale, third base coach Ben Thijssen, coach Wim Martinus, bullpen coach Mike Harkey, assistant hitting coach Sharnol Adriana. World No. 7 the Netherlands will compete from 8 to 13 March in Group A in Taichung, Taiwan. They will face World No. 2 Chinese Taipei, No. 8 Cuba, No. 12 Panama and No. 16 Italy.

By Yirsandy Rodríguez Baseball fans believe they have an amazing story, a game, a play, an inning, a situation, a player or a victory in our list of never-before-seen events. As we watched Game 6 of the Semifinal between Portuarios and Centrales this Wednesday at the Victoria de Girón stadium, I dare say that it challenged our memories and experiences. Box Where should we begin our daily postseason retrospective? I think this particular moment will remain in my memory, since I inevitably thought: seventh inning....bases loaded... Centrales has a seven-run lead and... I know Portuarios will fight until the end but... can they overcome this huge deficit? It's impossible! However, the perspectives began to change in a dangerous way. In the batting box Denis Laza pointed to the Portuarios dugout, letting them know that he was ready to focus on his at-bat. A loaded bases situation started the seventh inning, with Centrals leading 8-1. As Centrales commanded a seven-run lead with nine outs left, it was evident that they were confident in a victory. Centrales had scored runs in every inning except the fourth. Even though - at the end - it looked like an easy victory for Portuarios, in reality, it was not, and the possibility of having Game 7 was there. Yera, the left-hander from Matanzas, had held Portuarios at bay for five innings with great effectiveness. In the second inning, Yera returned to his normal level, adding velocity to his pitches and commanding the ball, after allowing two hits and a run in the first inning. Ultimately, he struck out the side to close the fifth inning. His last opponent was Yasniel González, whom he pulverized with a changeup in the outside corner, leaving two runners stranded. It was Yamichel Pérez, the lefty pitcher for Centrales, who had retired the sixth inning easily, but the Portuarios team, as in Games 2 and 5, did not give up. But suddenly, the Victoria de Girón stadium "was soaked with rain". Certainly, the change in weather was offensive, but it can be attributed to one thing only: Portuarios' unstoppable hitters. In that epic inning, Denis Laza drove in the first two runs with a line-drive to left field facing the new reliever, right-handed Hermes González. Two runs were scored by Rangel Ramos and Lázaro Martínez, both singled off Yamichel Pérez, to cut the score 8-3. Alexander Pozo moved to second after a single, and was drove home by Yasniel González' single to center. Centrales 8, Portuarios 4. Yamichel Pérez had not yet been removed from the game and then Oscar Valdés, Portuarios' sixth hitter, was up with Laza at second and Yasniel at first. And although Hermes González's pitches were being destroyed by Portuarios' hitters, Centrales' manager Armando Ferrer still kept him in the game. Probably Centrales' manager had in mind that the bottom of the lineup - sixth to ninth hitters - of Portuarios had gone 1-15 all day. Of course, the decision was probably made hoping that González would dominate and, at the same time, give Naykel Yoel Cruz time to warm up in the bullpen. But then Oscar Valdes - even when he didn't seem comfortable with a couple of pitches to the outside corner - followed with single to right field to load the bases. Ferrer did not wait any longer: he sent Naykel to the mound, hoping that the talented left-hander would slow down Portuarios' momentum. Naykel quickly challenged Yasiel Santoya, who had no single in his last eight at-bats. However, on a 1-2 count, Santoya hit a grounding single to center, bringing Portuarios to within two runs, 8-6. That was the seventh consecutive hit that Portuarios had against Centrales' pitchers in the seventh inning. That was disconcerting. Absurd: During the regular season, there were 104 games in which a winning or losing team had at least seven hits… And Portuarios got them all consecutively with no outs in that explosive seventh inning! For Centrales' bullpen, the impact was devastating. They still led by two runs, 8-6, but, to be honest, they needed to get out of that inning quickly. The terrible news for the team and the Centrales fans was that Portuarios was able to come back from behind. Naykel Yoel Cruz ended his performance after hitting Jorge Enrique Alomá with a pitch, who was trying to bunt. Right-handed Randy Cueto came up to pitch with bases loaded and got Roberto Acevedo out, but then Rangel Ramos made it 8-7 with his second single of the inning. Throughout the game, Centrales' defense was terrible. They had made three errors, but only one of them cost them a run, the one by Yusniel Ibáñez in the first inning.* Portuarios' eight-hit attack was decisive in the epic comeback. However, they managed to materialize it due to another poor defensive play by the Centrales, this time at a key moment. The bases were still loaded, and the infielders had a chance to save the game with a double play. Lázaro Martínez hit a ground ball that threatened to go to center field. Quickly, second baseman Yadil Mujica showed off his movement, made a great play and stepped on second for the first out, but then made a decisive error on his throw to first baseman Ariel Martínez. It was enough for Portuarios that completed the comeback, scoring the final two runs! About the play, there are two valid points I want to make here: Mujica had little chance of getting out Lázaro Martínez, Portuarios' leadoff hitter, at first base. At the same time, Ariel Martínez, who doesn't have a lot of experience playing first base, couldn't block the ball either. The throw went under his legs, and that was enough for runner Yoasán Guillén who score from second. Centrales had a chance to tie the game in the eighth with runner Yusniel Ibáñez, but outfielder Laza relayed to Martínez and Ibáñez was thrown out at the plate trying to score the tying run. It was impossible for the Portuarios players to contain their excitement. Imagine, as they began the seventh inning trailing by seven runs, they rallied for a 9-8 victory. The eight-run rally with seven consecutive hits clinched Portuarios' victory. Unlike Game 5, this time manager Michael González gave the ball to closer Andy Vargas, and he got the final nine outs. And, although it seemed incredible: Portuarios came back and will discuss the final of the I Elite League of Cuban Baseball!