The depth could be an advantage or a disadvantage for the Dominican team that will see action in the Caribbean Series that starts tomorrow Sunday at the Teodoro Mariscal Stadium in Mazatan, Mexico.
However, everything will depend on the performance of Águilas Cibaeñas, who will seek to lift the champion trophy for the sixth time in a special way and give the 21st victory to the representative of the Dominican Republic.
Carlos Martínez has been announced as the starting player for the first game against Criollos de Caguas, from Puerto Rico. He will be followed in rotation by César Valdez (Monday against Mexico), Joe Van Meter (Tuesday against Panama), Andy Otero (Wednesday against Caribes de Anzoátegui, Venezuela) and Yunesky Maya (Thursday against Caimanes Barranquilla, Colombia).
It is a quintet of quality and experience with various weapons to attack the opponent’s offense and which must provide sufficient support to the Creole fighters.
Two receivers
Recipients Francisco Peña and Carlos Paulino appear on the payroll. For the positions of the inner frame there is a lot of cutting cloth with the presence of Eagles Robel García, Jonathan Villar, Ramón Torres, Johan Camargo and Rangel Ravelo, in addition to the armor Robinson Canó, Oriental Stars and Ronald Guzmán, from Gigantes del Cibao.
Ravelo was the first baseman of the champion team, but Guzmán was the regular series MVP and the favorite for the same prize in the final series if the Giants won.
At second base, both Canó and Villar could be with anyone who is not defending, assuming the position of designated hitter. He could also do double-kill combo, with Villar moving on to defend the shortstop.
However, Torres was one of the important pieces in recovering the harriers who returned from 0-2 and 1-3 deficits in the final against the Giants, both with the bat and with his glove in the sixth position.
Camargo could be ranked third base, while Garcia would be wild for the field and also for the field.
Gardeners
Two originals and a reinforcement would start as novice gardeners. Junior Lake, of the Stars, would be one of those who will be in the external defense together with the harriers Juan Lagares, the most valuable player in the final series and the veteran Melky Cabrera.
As backups, they will be Yefry Pérez, who will continue with his main role of execution, and Juan Carlos Pérez, who will take over the position as the main defensive substitute.
The bullpen
Yoanner Negrín, who was the main starter during the regular series, will lead the long breeders.
A last-minute addition was that of Wirfin Obispo (Estrellas Orientales) who will take the place left by Jumbo Díaz, who announced that he had tested positive for coronavirus. Players who complete the list are Marcos Diplán, Lisalverto Bonilla, Darío Álvarez, Fernando Abad, Jhan Maríñez, Luis Castillo and Michael Tonkin.
Extra
Due to the coronavirus pandemic affecting the whole world, the leadership led by Ángel Ovalles decided, in case of emergency, to add four players to fill any gap that might arise. These are the Luis Liberato playing field, the Luis Valenzuela utility, the Alberto Rosario receiver and the pitcher José Cuas.
A complete team
Águilas Cibaeñas leader Félix Fermín is aware that he has a team loaded with excellent human materials. He defines it as “complete.” “My goal is to win as always, we have a good group and we just hope that the series starts trying to bring the crown to the Dominican Republic,” he replied when asked to talk about his goals. He assured that the Eagles have a fast team, strong players have been introduced to put them in the middle, which will give strength and balance to the offense.
“The main thing is the pitching, we have five proven starters and I trust each of them to complete the role given to them and we have strengthened the relay, with the arrival of Fernando Abad, Jhan Mariñez, who joins our talented relievers to fulfill that important role, “said manager Aguilucho. He added that” I have full confidence that we will succeed in Mexico. We all promised President Luis Abinader victory and in front of him our players showed the great support that the Eagles give. . ”
He said that the group has harmony, with good communication and mutual respect, between players, managers and coaches. Asked about the health of his players, Fermín explained: “It is no secret that several players have been affected by Covid-19, several have already given negative results and fail, we will replace them with similar players and who get along with the team. Our players receive the reinforcements in solidarity “.