Cuba has made a trip to Mexico recently to continue preparing for the 2013 World Baseball Classic. 27 players were invited by manager Victor Mesa, as they beat the Delfines de la Universidad Autonoma del Carme (11-1, 7-1), Petrolos Seccion 47 (11-1), Piratas de Campeche (14-0) and Leones de Yucatan (4-0). Cuba is going to play a series of games against Chinese Taipei, the Chinese Professional Baseball League and Japan in November as part of a trip touring Asia.
During their series of games in Mexico they suffered another defection. Shortstop Roberto Carlos Ramirez apparently left the team according to the report by El Nuevo Herald. The 26-year-old batted .339 with four homeruns, 19 doubles and 49 RBI this past season in Cuba.
Cuba is going to face defending champion Japan, China and one of the qualifying teams in the first round of the 2013 WBC at the Fukuoka Dome in Fukuoka, Japan from March 2 to 5.