Photo: Jit outlet.
Germán Mesa, manager of the Cuba team that will participate in the upcoming Copa América de Baseball, expressed that sabermetric analyzes and versatility on the field had an impact on the final integration of the roster of 27 players.
In a press conference, held in the Adolfo Luque Hall of the Latin American Stadium, the former shortstop from the capital explained that with 12 mandatory spots for pitchers and two for catchers, there was only room for another 13 men, and that is why a group was chosen that complied with those small and precise patterns so used in the world today.
He also warned that he could not make these metrics known to his athletes to prevent them from leaking into the ranks of rival teams.
Mesa asserted that this is not the time to test anyone and that motivated his work group to carry out a serious and transparent analysis to integrate a cast whose objective is to win the title.
Regarding these game patterns, which were valued in each member of the squad, the mentor explained that the only one who was exempt was the slugger Alfredo Despaigne. The one he included among the 27 because he is the captain and leader needed to push the young people.
In this Monday’s exchange, Mesa made clear his total responsibility for what may happen on the field of play, and although he considered that it is very difficult to convince everyone when forming a baseball team, he only asks them to let them work and later evaluate their results.
At the meeting, they also discussed the restart of the 64th National Baseball Series, after the passage of Hurricane Melissa. This Tuesday the Holguín-Artemisa, Santiago de Cuba-Sancti Spíritus and Granma-Mayabeque matches will not be played, which will be made up on the rest date on Friday.
(Taken of Jit)
