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• 07 / 25 / 2008

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Now that the final cut has been made to the baseball team that will represent Cuba at the Beijing Olympics, it is time to show our confidence in the selection made by our coaches.

The information came to us when the group was training on the other side of the world, in South Korea; Yosvany Peraza, Yoandy Garlobo and Osmani Urrutia, three real “heavyweights” in the Cuban lineup, as well as pitchers Miguel Lahera and Elier Sánchez, felt the doors closing behind them.

Firing “Mr. 400” should have been an awkward step for the technical body. Urrutia, who may have been involved in a struggle for the designated hitter position —granted to Frederich Cepeda— was left out, making room for other men who will sit on the bench.

Also left out was Garlobo, champion hitter of the last season, who had enough merit from the First World Classic.

However, Pandora’s box was opened with the elimination of Yosvany Peraza. With his 25 home runs in the National Series —he did not have more because he was deliberately transferred 37 times— “el Gordo” is, in the opinion of many, in the prime of his career as a slugger, and would be able to begin the most difficult duels behind the home plate, with the beneficial shadow of Ariel Pestano, ready to substitute for him in the finals.

Two young figures were left out in the pitching area. Elier Sánchez was not selected; and, given that this is not “his first time,” he may not be in optimum physical condition; while Miguel Lahera, owner of a serious fastball, will have to wait for another chance.

The final roster of 24 Cuban baseball players to represent us in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games stands as follows:

Catchers: Rolando Meriño, Eriel Sánchez and Ariel Pestano; infielders: Alexander Malleta, Héctor Olivera, Yulieski Gourriel, Michel Enríquez, Eduardo Paret and Luis Miguel Navas; outfielders: Alexei Bell, Giorvis Duvergel, Yoandry Urgellés, Frederich Cepeda and Alfredo Despaigne; pitchers: Pedro Luis Lazo, Yunieski Maya, Norge Luis Vera, Jonder Martínez, Yulieski González, Yadier Pedroso, Adiel Palma, Luis Miguel Rodríguez, Vicyohandry Odelín and Norberto González.

The Cuban team will have to play against Japan, Canada, United States, China Taipei, Holland, South Korea and China, in this order.

The first game will take place on August 13, when the Cuban people will vibrate with emotion while

(Juventud Rebelde)