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International Players: Cubans willing to play for Cuba if given the chance

By Yusseff Diaz |
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Henry Urrutia of the World Team in action against the United States during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game on July 14, 2013 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The United States defeated the World Team 4-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Henry Urrutia of the World Team in action against the United States during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game on July 14, 2013 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The United States defeated the World Team 4-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Despite the country’s history, these international players are willing to represent their homeland if given a chance.

There has been a rumor circulating in Cuba that the Cuban Baseball Federation is deliberating on whether to allow international players affiliated with MLB teams to return and represent the country.

As per Bola Viva, a program on Cuban national television which first brought up the deliberations, but they might come with stipulations. According to the program, only 40% of the players not affiliated with the FCB will be on the roster.

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This 40% would come from players that are on KBO, CPBL, NPB, and Mexican League rosters.

Various international players of Cuban  lineage without ties to the FCB have said they are willing to play for a Cuban team but they aren’t on board with any restrictions placed upon the country.

I asked ex-Dodger farmhand and Mexican League slugger Yadir Drake about representing Cuba and he responded,” Yes, yes I want to represent Cuba but I don’t want any restrictions. That 60/40% split in favor of the FCB isn’t fair. I think it would benefit the people of Cuba to see the best 28 players on a unified team.

“Let’s be honest I have nothing against any player or anyone in the Federation, but those of us who have played in the exterior has faced better pitching and are more battle-tested. We hit against first level pitching every day and it would only benefit Cuba to have us on a team. I just want to be treated like any other player.”

Ex-Major Leaguer and Mexican League star Henry Urrutia also voiced his desire to represent his homeland, “Yusseff, we have had this conversation plenty of times. If they call me I have no problem representing Cuba, of course with the permission of my team. I’ve always wanted to represent my country. Had they given me more opportunities to represent Cuba, I might not have left. I’m 150% on board with representing my country.”

That’s a monumental commitment for the national team considering Urrutia hit .370 with 33 long balls and 100 runs batted in with the Saltillo Saraperos of the Mexican League last season.

Ex-Cubs minor leaguer Rubi Silva who is a talented and experienced bat that Cuba could definitely use in their lineup reflected Urrutia’s sentiments when it comes to representing Cuba…

“I’m in accord with Henry 100%, but I want to be treated like a normal Cuban. I don’t want to be treated differently because I decided to leave the country in search of a better future. I’m willing to represent Cuba with the permission of my parent ball club. The day they call me I’m ready to go. Representing my country would be something beautiful.”

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Washington Nationals outfielder Yadiel Hernández who would not be allowed to play for Cuba as per the  parameters of the rumored proposal is also willing to answer the call to arms, “I would represent Cuba in a heartbeat, but playing in the Serie Nacional now that’s is a different story.”

There you have it straight from the mouth of the players on the outside looking in. Cuba what are you waiting for?

This is what a Unified Cuban Team without restrictions would look like:

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Lineup:

  1. *Leonys Martín CF ( Chiba Lotte Marines)
  2. César Prieto 2B ( Tabasco Olmecas)
  3. *José Miguel Fernández 1B ( Doosan Bears)
  4. Alfredo Despaigne DH ( SoftBank Hawks)
  5. *Henry Urrutia LF ( Saltillo Saraperos)
  6. *Dariel Álvarez RF ( Saltillo Saraperos)
  7. Yurisbel Gracial 3B ( SoftBank Hawks)
  8. Frank Camilo Morejon C
  9. Erisbel Arruebarruena SS

Pitchers:

  1. *Yoanys Quiala RHP ( Tijuana Toros)
  2. *Ariel Miranda LHP ( CITIC Brothers)
  3. *Elian Leyva RHP ( Monterrey Sultans)
  4. Lázaro Blanco RHP ( Saltillo Saraperos)
  5. Carlos Juan Viera RHP ( Saltillo Saraperos)

Bullpen:

  • *Yunesky Maya RHP ( Cibao Eagles)
  • *Raúl Valdés LHP ( Eastern Toros)
  • *Onelki Garcia LHP ( Hashin Tigres)
  • Yariel Rodríguez RHP (Chunichi Dragons)
  • Yosimar Cousin RHP
  • Andy Rodríguez RHP (Campeche Pirates)
  • Livan Moinelo LHP (SoftBank Hawks)
  • Raidel Martínez LHP ( Chunichi Dragons)

Bench:

  • Roel Santos OF ( Tabasco Olmecas)
  • *Alex Guerrero 3B/DH (Free agent)
  • *Dayán Viciedo 1B/DH (Chunichi Dragons)
  • *Yadir Drake OF (Yucatán Lions)
  • Yosvani Alarcón C
  • Yordan Manduley SS ( Quebec Capitales)

* Not affiliated with the Cuban Federation 

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