Team Cuba and Baseball World Cup 2011

By Circles Robinson

HAVANA TIMES, August 12 — The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) holds the World Baseball Cup 2011 from October 1-15 in Panama. Cuba just recently announced its shortlist as the country’s coaching staff seeks to come up with the final squad.

The tournament will take place in two groups, notes the IBAF.

Group One consists of the USA, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Canada, Netherlands, Puerto Rico and Greece.

Cuba is placed in Group Two along with South Korea, Australia, Italy, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Germany.

Cuba lost in the finals to the United States 10-5 in the 2009 World Cup played in several European cities.  Canada finished third and Puerto Rico fourth.  (Nightmare 7^th Gives USA Title over Cuba)

The following is the shortlist of Team Cuba as it prepares for the final cut.

Catchers

Ariel Pestano (VCL), Yulexis La Rosa (VCL), Frank Camilo Morejón (IND), Yosvani Alarcón (LTU) and Lorenzo Quintana (PRI)

Infielders

José Dariel Abreu (CFG), Ernesto Molinet (MAY), Héctor Olivera (SCU), Yoilan Cerce (GTM), Yorbis Borroto (CAV), Rudy Reyes (IND), Yulieski Gourriel (SSP), Michel Enríquez (IJV), Aledmis Díaz (VCL) and Erisbel Arruebarruena (CFG)

Outfielders

Alfredo Despaigne (GRA), Frederich Cepeda (SSP), Giorvis Duvergel (GTM), Dariel Álvarez (CMG), Alexei Bell (SCU), Rusney Castillo (CAV) and Yoandri Urgellés (IND)

Pitchers

Vicyohandri Odelín (CMG), Miguel Alfredo González (ART), Vladimir García (CAV), Norberto González (CFG), Freddy Asiel Álvarez (VCL), Miguel Lahera (HAB), Yulieski González (HAB), Odrisamer Despaigne (IND), Yadier Pedroso (ART), Jonder Martínez (ART), Julio Alfredo Martínez (PRI), Dalier Hinojosa (GTM), Yosvani Torres (PRI), Misael Siverio (VCL), Robelio Carrillo (VCL) and Alberto Soto (GRA)