by IBAF, www.ibaf.tv
The Cuban National Team roster for the Olympic Games in Beijing was announced this week. Five players, catcher Yosvany Peraza, infielder Yoandy Garlobo, outfielder Osmani Urrutia and pitchers Elier Sanchez and Miguel Lahera were the final cuts. Cuba is one of the heavy favorites for the Gold medal at the Olympics, having won the tournament three times, while finishing second in 2000.
However they know that they will not win in a walkover, as they have lost the Baseball World Cup final in Taiwan last November and finished in second at the recent Haarlem Baseball Week. Before they are travelling to China, they are going to play a pair of warm-up games in Korea. They are opening the games on August 13th against Japan.
Complete Roster:
Pitchers: Pedro L. Lazo, Yunieski Maya, Jonder Martínez, Yulieski González, Yadier Pedroso, Vicyohandri Odelín, Adiel Palma, Norberto González, Norge Luis Vera, Luis Miguel Rodríguez
Catchers: Ariel Pestano, Rolando Meriño, Eriel Sánchez
Infielders: Alexander Malleta, Héctor Olivera, Yulieski Gourriel, Michel Enríquez, Eduardo Paret, Luis Miguel Navas
Outfielders: Giorvis Duvergel, Yoandry Urgellés, Alexei Bell, Frederich Cepeda, Alfredo Despaigne