Depth could be an advantage or disadvantage for the Dominican team that will play in the Caribbean Series that starts tomorrow Sunday at the Teodoro Mariscal Stadium in the city of Mazatán, Mexico.
However, everything will depend on the performance of the Águilas Cibaeñas, who, in a way, will try to win the champion trophy for the sixth time and donate the 21st victory to the representative of the Dominican Republic.
Carlos Martínez has been announced as the starting pitcher for the first game against the Criollos de Caguas, from Puerto Rico. He will be followed in the rotation by César Valdez (Monday against Mexico), Joe Van Meter (Tuesday against Panama), Andy Otero (Wednesday against the Caribes de Anzoátegui, from Venezuela) and Yunesky Maya (Thursday against the Caimanes). Barranquilla, Colombia).
It is a quintet of quality and experience with different weapons to attack the opponent and that should give enough support to the Creole batters.
Two receivers
Recipients Francisco Peña and Carlos Paulino appear on the payroll. For the positions of the inner frame, there is a lot of dust to cut with the presence of the original Eagles Robel García, Jonathan Villar, Ramón Torres, Johan Camargo and Rangel Ravelo, in addition to the reinforcements Robinson Canó, the Eastern Stars and Ronald Guzmán, of the Gigantes del Cibao.
Ravelo was the starting first baseman for the championship team, but Guzmán was the MVP of the Regular Series and the favorite for the same prize in the Final Series as the Giants had won.
At second base, both Canó and Villar could be with the one who is not on the defense and take the designated hitter position. They could also do a double kill combo with Villar defending the shortstop.
However, Torres was one of the key pieces in the Harriers rebound who recovered from 0-2 and 1-3 deficit in the final against the Giants with both the bat and his glove in position six.
Camargo could be placed on third base, while Garcia would be the wild card for the infield and also the outfield.
The 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 outer defense, along with the Harriers Juan Lagares, the Final Series Most Valuable Player, and the veteran Melky Cabrera.
As a backup, they will have Yefry Pérez, who will continue to play his main role, and Juan Carlos Pérez, who would take the position as the main defensive replacement.
El bullpen
Yoanner Negrín, who was the main harrier starter during the regular series, will lead the long relievers.
A last minute addition was that of Wirfin Obispo (Estrellas Orientales) who will replace Jumbo Díaz, who announced it had tested positive for coronavirus. The pitchers who complete the roster are Marcos Diplán, Lisalverto Bonilla, Darío Álvarez, Fernando Abad, Jhan Maríñez, Luis Castillo and Michael Tonkin.
The extras
Due to the coronavirus pandemic affecting the entire world, management led by Ángel Ovalles has decided to add four players in an emergency to fill any gaps. These are outfielder Luis Liberato, utility Luis Valenzuela, catcher Alberto Rosario and pitcher José Cuas.
A complete team
The leader of the Águilas Cibaeñas Félix Fermín is aware that he has a team full of excellent human material. It defines it as “complete”. “My goal is to win as always, we have a good group and we just hope the series starts trying to bring the crown to the Dominican Republic,” he replied when asked to discuss his goals. He assured that the Eagles have a fast team, players have been deployed with force to put them in the middle, which will give the attack strength and balance.
“Most important is the pitching, we have five proven starters and I have faith in each of them to fulfill the role they have been given and we have strengthened the relay with the arrival of Fernando Abad, Jhan Mariñez, who joined our talented team. relievers to fulfill that important role, ”said the Aguilucho manager. He added, “I am confident that we will succeed in Mexico. We have all pledged to President Luis Abinader that we will be victorious and before him, our players showed the great support they give the Eagles.”
He said the group has harmony, with good communication and mutual respect, between players, managers and coaches. Asked about the health status of his players, Fermín explained: “It is no secret that several players have been affected by Covid-19, several have already tested negative and that doesn’t work, we are going to replace them with similar players, and they get along well. with the team. Our players receive the reinforcements with solidarity ”.