The Puerto Rican Baseball Federation has released the 27-man roster for the upcoming inaugural edition of the Premier 12. They selected 14 pitchers, three catchers, six infielders and five outfielders for the tournament. They will be playing in a group with Cuba, Italy, Netherlands, Chinese Taipei and Canada. The team of manager Edwin Rodriguez is a mix of professional players from the United States and Puerto Rico. Ahead of the Premier 12 Puerto Rico will play exhibition games against Japan in Japan. They will depart on October 31.
Roster:
Catchers:
Wilbert Nieves (Agente Libre – Profesional)
Omir Santos (Liga Menor – Cleveland)
Luis Cruz – (Aficionado – AA Puerto Rico)
Infielders:
Yasamberty ‘Yazy’ Arbelo – 1B (Agente Libre – Profesional)
Dickie Joe Thon – 2B (Liga Menor – Toronto)
Alexis Pantoja – 2B (Liga Menor – Cleveland)
Isan Díaz – SS (Liga Menor – Arizona)
José Rivera – 3B (Liga Menor AAA – Colorado)
Jorge “Kikito” Jiménez – 3B (Profesional – AA Puerto Rico)
Outfielders:
Juan Silva – (Liga Menor AAA – Cincinnati)
Luis Rivera – (Agente Libre – Profesional)
Jay González – (Liga Menor – Baltimore)
Aldo Méndez – (Aficionado – AA Puerto Rico)
Pitchers:
Andrés Santiago – RHP – (Liga Menor – Chicago Cubs)
Randy Fontánez – RHP – (Liga Menor – Dodgers)
Gabriel Hernández- RHP – (Aficionado – AA Puerto Rico)
Luis Cintrón – LHP – (Aficionado – AA Puerto Rico)
José Ayala – RHP – (Aficionado – AA Puerto Rico)
Nelvin Fuentes – LHP – (Agente Libre – Profesional)
Arturo Martoral – RHP – (Aficionado – AA Puerto Rico)
Nick Valenza – LHP (Liga Menor – Mariners Seattle)
José Soler – RHP – (Aficionado – AA Puerto Rico)
Roy Geigel – RHP – (Aficionado – AA Puerto Rico)
Fernando González – RHP – (Profesional – Liga Independiente)
José Carlos Burgos – LHP – (Aficionado – AA Puerto Rico)
Rámesis Rosa – LHP – (Profesional – AA Puerto Rico)
Emilio Pagán – RHP – (Liga Menor – Mariners Seattle)