Cuba Announces Olympic Team
olympicbaseball July 23rd, 2008
Cuba, the most powerful force of Olympic Baseball, had won three Gold Medal in fourth Olympics, announce the 24-man roster including stars such as Yulieski Gourriel and Norge Luis Vera.
The defending Olympic champion also has Pedro L. Lazo with team, who will be making his record fourth Olympic baseball appearance.
Cuba begins the defense of its gold medal against another gold-medal favorite Japan on August 13.
The traditional powerhouse at the Olympics, Cuba has dealt with some losses since 2006, including a World Baseball Classic defeat to Japan and gold medal losses to the U.S. in the 2007 World Cup and 2006 Americas Olympic qualifying tournament.
The roster is similar as Cuba team at Haarlemse Honkbalweek, but five players left.
Five players were eliminated from the preliminary roster, catcher Yosvany Peraza, infielder Yoandy Garlobo, outfielder Osmani Urrutia – the biggest surprise -, and pitchers Elier Sánchez and Miguel Lahera.
Cuba has won three of the four Olympic gold medals since baseball became a medal sport in 1992 — settling for silver in 2000 when it was upset by the United States.
The roster is:
Catchers: Ariel Pestano, Rolando Meriño, Eriel Sánchez.
Infielders: Alexander Malleta, Héctor Olivera, Yulieski Gourriel, Michel Enríquez, Eduardo Paret, Luis Miguel Navas.
Outfielders: Giorvis Duvergel, Yoandry Urgellés, Alexei Bell, Frederich Cepeda, Alfredo Despaigne
Pitchers: Pedro L. Lazo, Yunieski Maya, Jonder Martínez, Yulieski González, Yadier Pedroso, Vicyohandri Odelín, Adiel Palma, Norberto González, Norge Luis Vera, Luis Miguel Rodríguez.
