Cuba Shortlist Prepares for Game with Tampa Bay

HAVANA TIMES — The Cuban Baseball Federation announced on Thursday a list of 41 players on a shortlist that has begun training for the highly touted exhibition game on March 22 with the Tampa Bay Rays. US President Obama plans to be present at the game.

Ray Otero of Baseballdecuba notes that the Cuban team is still without a manager. That decision will be made in the coming days as well as the final selection of 27 or 28 players on the final team roster.

Without a manager and coaching staff, the Cuban team is training at the Nelson Fernández Stadium in San Jose de las Lajas under the supervision of a group of former players and trainers, said the baseball federation.

The following is the shortlist of players:

Pitchers (17): Freddy Asiel Álvarez, Leandro Martínez, Frank Montieth, Noelvis Entenza, Danny Betancourt, Hector Ponce, Alexander Rodríguez, Vladimir Baños, Vladimir García, Liván Moinelo, Yaifredo Domínguez, Yoanni Yera, Jonder Martínez, Yosvani Torres, Miguel Lahera, José Ángel García and Yennier Cano.

Catchers (4): Frank Camilo Morejón, Yosvany Alarcón, Osvaldo Vázquez and Olber Peña.

Infielders (12): Alexander Malleta, Yordanis Samón, William Saavedra, Yordan Manduley, Rudy Reyes, Yurisbel Gracial, Yunior Paumier, Dainier Gálvez, Andy Sarduy, Juan Carlos Torriente, Yeniet Pérez and Yorbis Borroto.

Outfielders (8): José Adolis García, Stayler Hernández, Guillermo Avilés, Denis Laza, Rubén Paz, Yohandry Urgellés, Dairon Blanco and Roel Santos.