Cleveland Sports Forum

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WBSC signs new agreements with Cuba to promote baseball on the Island

By Luis De Jesus Reyes-January 20, 2022

Havana, Cuba-

With good expectations and having helped to finalize the signing of various international agreements, the president of the World Baseball-Softball Confederation (WBSC), Riccardo Fraccari, recently completed a working visit to Cuba, where he arrived with the main goal of analyzing how to give baseball a boost on the island.

The Italian minister toured several Cuban provinces for four days and met with leaders and sports entities to discuss the signing of new agreements and the possibility of holding international events on Cuban soil.

Fraccari's visit comes at a time when Cuban baseball is not exactly going through its best season. The Cuba team, for decades one of the best in the world, has suffered several setbacks in international events in recent years, decimated in part by the flight of players and by what some local experts classify as a decline in the quality of the Cuban game.

“I have seen that the authorities of the Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB) plan to put into practice a detailed plan to return to the competitive level that this sport has always had, since the potential it possesses with its talented young people is undeniable, ” said the WBSC president at a press conference at the Latin American Stadium in Havana.

Among the most commented news by the specialized press of the island, was the signing of an agreement between the FCB and the company TeamMate to supply the island baseball equipment, as well as the first steps taken with a view to creating the Academy National Baseball Championship under the auspices of the WBSC.

A prominent point on the exchange agenda between the WBSC and the FCB was the signing of Cuban baseball players in foreign leagues, a measure that has been well received among the island's players as it allows them to sign with international professional baseball clubs, at the same time maintain standing with their national league team.

Regarding this proposal, Fraccari maintained that "Cuba has to develop a legal plan for its players, after participating in the Cuban season, to play in foreign leagues to improve their talents", and in this sense be assured that "the WBSC could be the connecting bridge.

"Things do not change overnight, but I very much appreciate the willingness of Cuban managers to carry out the plan satisfactorily," Fraccari concluded.

Other topics of interest discussed during his visit was the proposal of Baseball's Project 5, support for the Cuban Softball Academy and the discussion of possible investments by the Batos Company for the production of baseball equipment and supplies.

When the 61st National Baseball Series opened, Cuba was discussing how to put its delegation back into the international spotlight, as it was in their glory years. It will not be easy because of the well-known economic obstacles that the island faces.

The song and dance, the juicy offers from US clubs to Cuban baseball players continue to cause the desertion of players from the island during world sporting events.

As if that were not enough, soccer continues to gain ground in Cuba, especially among the youngest. The areas that used to host street ball games on the island have today been transformed into makeshift soccer fields and more and more the new Cuban generations talk more about soccer and less about Major League Baseball.

How to make baseball on the island more attractive for the new generations - that is the challenge.

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< New Year's Message>

The new year of 2022 has dawned.

Lim In-nyeon is called the 'Year of the Black Tiger'.

The KBO League is also hoping to start a new year with the energy of a tiger.

2022 marks the 40th anniversary of the KBO League. Since its splendid start at Dongdaemun Baseball Stadium in 1982, it has been running tirelessly for 40 years, receiving the love of fans.

However, for the past two years, due to the spread of the Corona 19 virus, we have not been able to share the heat of the game with our fans. Although it was a difficult time, it was also a valuable opportunity to learn what baseball is all about. It cannot be said that the pandemic situation is completely over, but I sincerely hope that the KBO League can be a source of strength to the fans in the process of recovering daily life little by little.

The pandemic situation has rapidly changed our daily lives. The sports market is also changing very rapidly. In line with this, the KBO built a metaverse space in the last postseason and awards ceremony to conduct player interviews, providing services suitable for the rapidly changing market.

In line with the rapidly changing sports industry, we are preparing in detail the development of the KBO League-customized 'NFT' that digitizes the images and videos of players as a project tailored to future generations. In addition, we will strengthen communication with fans through original contents of the KBO League that contain vivid images of the field.

We will continue to strive to improve not only external factors, but also performance, which is the essence of baseball. From the 2022 season, the strike zone will be applied flexibly, and each player's individual zone will be thoroughly applied according to the batter's height. We expect that the improvement of the strike zone will reduce walks, induce aggressive pitching and batting, and show a more exciting game.

In addition, we will actively promote the development of youth prospects, the future of the KBO league, by holding a next-level training camp, distributing scientific training manuals, and providing comprehensive amateur baseball support.

We will spare no effort to support the baseball team to perform in line with the expectations of the fans at the Hangzhou Asian Games to be held next year. We are working hard to organize a technical committee and coaching staff with outstanding capabilities in which expert groups such as data analysis participate.

We will continue to ponder for the development of professional baseball in Korea by gathering these various efforts.

I would like to thank everyone who has always supported the KBO League, and I hope that everyone can enjoy and feel happiness through baseball in the new year of Im In-Nyeon.

Happy New Year. thank you.

KBO President Jeong Ji-taek

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'League 40th anniversary' 2022 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO regular season game schedule announced

The KBO (Governor Jung Ji-taek) announced today (6th) the finalized schedule for the 2022 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO regular season.

The 2022 KBO regular season, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the KBO League, will start on April 2 (Sat), and there will be 16 games between teams, with a total of 720 games of 144 games per team.

The opening game will be organized as home games of the top 5 teams in the final team rankings in 2020, and will be played in two consecutive games at five stadiums: Jamsil Hanwha-Doosan, Gocheok Lotte-Kium, Suwon Samsung-KT, Gwangju LG-KIA, and Changwon SSG-NC. . 4th place LG was organized as a home game of 6th place KIA as the stadium overlapped with Doosan.

On May 5 (Thursday) Children's Day, according to the biennial organization principle, Jamsil Doosan-LG, Munhak Hanwha-SSG, Suwon Lotte-KT, Daegu NC-Samsung, and Gwangju Kiwoom-KIA will play against each other.

The 2022 KBO All-Star Game is scheduled to be held on July 16 (Sat), and there will be a 7-day All-Star Break from July 15 (Fri) to 21 (Thu).

Also, during the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, scheduled to be held in September, the KBO regular season will continue without interruption.

In relation to the schedule of the 2022 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO regular season, the KBO minimized the distance traveled by each club and considered the number of home games on weekends and holidays as evenly as possible.

Meanwhile, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the KBO League, the love of baseball fans has been received over the past 40 years through various events commemorating the KBO League's heritage, such as holding a classic series between the original clubs, holding an All-Star Game to commemorate the 40th anniversary, and holding a Children's Fan Day. will respond to

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Matanzas shutout Isla de la Juventud in Cuban baseball

JIT Drafting

Saturday, February 19, 2022 10:16 PM

Havana.-

Dariel Góngora and Joel Suárez joined forces to collect the only shutout of the day on Saturday during the 61 National Baseball season in the Cristóbal Labra stadium of the Isla de la Juventud by a score of 2-0 thanks to the excellent work of their pitchers. Left-handed Góngora went six innings with four hits allowed and the same number of walks. The right-hander Suárez threw shutout ball in the remaining innings with just one hit and one walk. Yadil Drake and Eduardo Blanco had one rbi each. With their win over the Isla de la Juventud, Mantanzas advanced to first place in the standings a half game in front of Santiago de Cuba. Matanzas took advantage of Santiago de Cuba's loss against Ciego de Ávila 2-3 in a game that featured an Alfredo Fadraga homer.

Pinar del Río defeated Cienfuegos 6-3 with the third win by Erlis Casanova and the fourth save by Frank Luis Medina. Reinier León went 2-for-2 and drove in three runs.

It was Villa Clara over Artemisa 8-3, supported by a good offense that included home runs by Yurién Vizcaíno.

Sancti Spíritus KO'd Guantanamo 11-1. Moisés Esquerres had three ribi's for Sancti Spirtus.

Holguín was victorious 7-4 over Camagüey. Jorge Luis Peña homered and had 3 rbi's. Franklin Aballe homered with 2 rbi's.(2 C1). In that game starter Yordanis Samón was the winning pitcher.

Las Tunas defeated league defending champion Granma 10-8, was supported by the pitching work of Alejandro Meneses, who reached three wins against no losses. Darién García from Granma hit a home run.

Finally, Mayabeque continued with its excellent season beating the Havana Industriales 6-4 in the Latin American stadium. Yasiel Santoya homered for the Industriales.

Live Baseball From Cuba

Industriales vs Matanzas

LIVE Tuesday 02/22/2022 1pm est

https://youtu.be/hd7eXVenflk?list=PL_Sp ... Xs_K_ndlwt

any Guardians on these teams?

That will never happen Civ.
Americans will never play in Cuba.

I've been following this league for over ten years now.
The pool of players in Cuba has been drained.

Before they defected, not many were aware of players like Abreu, Soler, Puig, Moncada, Robert...
I posted that Cleveland should at least put in a bid for some of these players.
It never happened.

I really like what the white sox are doing.
They are signing some talented Cuban prospects.
I was hoping Cleveland would compete for some of these guys.

Abreu has been very instrumental in luring these players to Chicago.
With Abreu's influence, it would have been difficult to say the least.

The list of Cubans in MLB is pretty impressive.
I was shocked when Yandy Diaz slipped on a Tribe uniform.
We got rid of him, but it looks like he is doing pretty well in Tampa.

This league has been resilient over the years.
Stars defected but there were always young players that would take their place.

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Four sweeps over the weekend

The note of the day was Mayabeque's second victory in a row over Industriales in the Latinoamerican stadium.

JIT Drafting

Sunday, February 20, 2022 07:14 PM

Havana.-

The victories of Matanzas and Santiago de Cuba left the top of the 61st National Baseball season intact this Sunday , on a day in which the most striking thing was Mayabeque's sweep of the Industriales.

On Saturday, at Latin American Stadium, Mayabeque defeated the Industriales 6-4 and on Sunday, won again 10-9 in a game fought literally to the last inning for the sweep. Mayabeque's Marlon Vega got his fourth win in relief despite allowing three runs, two of them earned, in 3.1 innings. The most outstanding hitters for the winners were Juan Manuel Martínez 6-4, Rafael Fonseca 4-2 and Luis Fernández 3-2, while Industrialists Andrés Hernández 5-3, Alberto Calderón 5 -2 and Yasiel Santoya with a home run for the second consecutive day. The Industrialists used a total of eight pitchers Erick González lost pitching 2.2 innings allowing three runs, one of them clean.

Mayabeque continues to experience a tremendous start to the season with 13 wins and six losses and holding down third place in the standings. However, good timing was tarnished by inappropriate actions on and off the field when three players were ejected on Sunday. Lázaro Martínez, Yadián Martínez and Juan Carlos Hernández were ejected for inappropriate language protesting umpires rulings.

The other sweeps of the weekend were carried out by Matanzas over Isla de la Juventud, Villa Clara over Artemisa and Las Tunas over Granma.

Matanzas beat Isla de la Juventud 14-2 Sunday in a game where Javier Camero homered for the winners. Armando Ferrer's students add four smiles in a row.

Villa Clara celebrated a 5-1 over Artemisa.

Las Tunas defeated Granma 9-3, with another home run by Rafael Viñales.

Santiago de Cuba returned to the path of victory by putting the Tigres de Ciego de Ávila out of action. Yoelkis Guibert and Yudiel González thomered while Luis Fonseca scored his eighth save of the season.

The Toros de Camagüey 4-3 over Holguín. José Ramón Rodríguez won his third game of the season.

Cienfuegos did the same to Pinar del Río 9-6. Hermes González won his fourth and Yasser Julio González homered. Pinar del Río used eight pitchers.

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Yoelqui Céspedes

5 Chicago White Sox prospects to watch at minicamp

LaMond Pope Chicago Tribune 10 hrs ago

Some of the future was on display Tuesday as the Chicago White Sox began a minicamp for players not on the 40-man roster at their spring training complex in Glendale, Ariz.

Sox assistant general manager/player development Chris Getz described the group of 60 or so players as a mix of “upper-level players that usually would be backing up major-league games or even participating in major-league camp” and younger prospects.

“First day of camp is always an exciting time,” Getz said during a conference call. “Today was a good day.”

Here are five Sox prospects to watch.

1. SS Colson Montgomery

The more Getz is around Montgomery, the more impressed he is with Montgomery’s presence and confidence off the field and the way he carries himself on the field.

“He’s always under control,” Getz said. “There is no panic.”

The Sox selected Montgomery, who turns 20 on Sunday, with the 22nd pick in the 2021 draft out of Southridge High School in Indiana. He slashed .287/.396/.362 with seven doubles and seven RBIs in 26 games last season in the Arizona Complex League.

Getz noted Montgomery’s ability to hit to all fields.

“Colson has got a sweet swing,” Getz said. “He stays through the baseball. He’s under control in the box, which is not surprising just based on his temperament in general.”



2. OF Yoelqui Céspedes

Céspedes had a bit of a late start last season because of visa issues. He made an impact upon arrival at Class A Winston-Salem and Double-A Birmingham with a combined .285/.350/.463 slash line, eight home runs and 27 RBIs in 72 games.

Céspedes, 24, hit .298 in 27 games with Birmingham.

“Nothing has really changed in regards to our excitement for what he’s able to do,” Getz said. “He’s got solid tools across.”

The top-ranked international prospect for 2020, Céspedes represented the Sox at last year’s All-Star Futures Game in Denver.

Getz said Céspedes is working on being more selective at the plate (83 strikeouts last season in 270 at-bats).

“Based on the work that he puts in and the conversations we have on a daily basis, I think he’s going to be able to close those gaps and make the proper adjustments for future success,” Getz said.

3. 3B Wes Kath

Kath, 19, spent the offseason “building strength to the frame,” Getz said.

A second-round selection in 2021 out of Desert Mountain High School in Arizona, Kath slashed .212/.287/.337 with three home runs and 15 RBIs in 28 games last season in the Arizona Complex League.

“Wes has a sweet stroke,” Getz said. “Fairly effortless. There is a lot of ease to the operation in his game. He uses the entire field.”

Getz said Kath was driving the ball out of the park during batting practice Tuesday.

“He has a feel for hitting,” Getz said. “He’s left-handed and he has some power potential, but we really like the bat as well from a hit tool standpoint.”



4. OF Oscar Colás

The reports from the Sox Dominican Republic academy have been positive regarding Colás, who Getz said should arrive in Arizona next week.

“Based on feedback from our staff that has been down there, he’s a talented kid,” Getz said. “He has some confidence about him. He can handle the bat, he’s got some power, good instincts for the game.”

The Sox signed the 23-year old, who is ranked the No. 5 international prospect for 2021, on Jan. 25 for $2.7 million. Colás, a native of Cuba, played in the Serie Nacional, Cuba’s top league, from 2016-20; in the Japan Western League from 2017-19; and in the Japan Pacific League in 2019. He has a combined .282/.343/.483 slash line with 38 doubles, five triples, 28 home runs, 116 RBIs and 102 runs in 187 career games.

“When he gets over here, I just want him to be comfortable,” Getz said. “I want him to blend in with his teammates, get to know the staff and understand what we’re about as an organization, really drill in the identity of our organization with Oscar.

“I look forward to adding him to the mix. I think he’s going to have a very good season based on the reports I’ve received so far.”



5. RHP Norge Vera

Vera was the No. 15 international prospect for 2020 when he signed with the Sox last February.

The 21-year-old Cuban struck out 34 and walked five in 19 innings while going 1-0 in the Dominican Summer League last season. Vera did not allow an earned run in eight outings (seven starts).

“(We’re) getting to know him, getting him acclimated to professional baseball and certainly the U.S.,” Getz said.

Getz also listed four right-handers who spent time last season at Class A Kannapolis — 2021 third-round pick Sean Burke (0-1 with a 3.21 ERA and 20 strikeouts in five starts), 2020 second-round pick Jared Kelley (0-5, 6.86 ERA, 25 strikeouts in 10 starts) and 2019 second- and third-round picks Matt Thompson (2-8, 5.90 ERA, 77 strikeouts in 19 starts) and Andrew Dalquist (3-9, 4.99 ERA, 79 strikeouts in 23 starts) — as young pitchers to keep an eye on.

“We’ve got a group of arms that we’re just starting to get to know,” Getz said, “and looking forward to seeing what they’re capable of doing, not just in this camp here but for the upcoming season.”

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JOSÉ LUIS LÓPEZ SADO|PHOTO: ARCHIVE

23 FEBRUARY 2022

Havana, Feb 23 (ACN)

Supported again by their pitching staff, the Piratas de Isla de la Juventud won 5-2 over the Hurricanes of Mayabeque. This victory for the Pirates, the second in succession against the Mayabeque, was the work of starter Dorvis Navarro, who allowed only two hits in six innings, although he gave up four walks. Meanwhile, Franky Quintana recorded his fifth save, throwing 2 2/3 innings with three strikeouts. For the Pirates, who left 11 runners on base, Aquimo Jiménez stood out at bat, who went 3-4, with a triple and an RBI.

Meanwhile, Villa Clara obtained its fourth successive victory by beating Pinar del Río again (7-3), on a visit to the Capitan San Luis stadium. Leandro Turiño went 2-4, with a double and an RBI. For Villa Clara, left-hander Oscar Hernández had his first win with three hits and four strikeouts in 6.0 innings. Mailon Alonso saved for the second time this season pitching 1.1 perfect innings, with a couple of strikeouts.

Holguín ended Las Tunas' winning streak at four by beating them 10-8, supported by their clean up hitter Edilse Silva, who went 4-5 with a pair of home runs, six RBIs and three runs scored.

Camagüey defeated defending champs Granma 2-1, Juan Contreras, 22, pitched a complete game and struck out nine to increase his leadership in that department to 37.

In the remaining games, Artemisa beat Cienfuegos 11-1 and Guantánamo beat Ciego de Ávila 7-3.

Live Baseball From Cuba

vs Matanzas vs Industriales

LIVE Wednesday 02/23/2022

https://youtu.be/Mar6EKBMsvU

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Hey Joe, are these Cubans playing right now, professionals? If they are, wonder what their base salary is.

I see the MLB players want a minimum salary of 775K with big increases in the out years.

Maybe there are some guys just playing because they love the game no matter what they are paid.

Live Baseball From Cuba

vs Matanzas vs Industriales

LIVE THURSDAY 02/24/2022 5:30PM

https://youtu.be/Mar6EKBMsvU

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SEAGULL:

Yes! The Cuban Baseball Season started about 3 weeks ago.
In fact, I've been posting links to LIVE games the past week or so.
There is a game in progress as we speak.

As far as salaries are concerned, the most talented player will make a minimum of about $50.00 a month.

[Cuban baseball players live a great life compared to other Cuban residents. They make approximately $40 to $200 a month with a few extra bonus incentives, a much better salary than the average Cuban's. They also get better housing, an annual bonus and the coveted privilege of traveling.]

You wonder why they defect.

Minor league salaries start at $850 a month but signing bonuses for top players can exceed $1 million while hundreds of players sign for $10,000 .

Must seem like a small fortune for some of these guys.

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News about Cuban baseball

Pirates of La Isla stop Mayabeque

Sent by: Beisbol En Cuba

February 24, 2022

Source: jit

Havana-

After sweeping the Industriales over the weekend, the Mayabeque Hurricanes have lost intensity. On Tuesday and Wednesday, they lost to the Piratas de Isla de la Juventud, a team that has sneaked into the top eight in the league. This Wednesday the Piratas de Isla de la Juventud used four pitchers to handcuff Mayabeque 5-2. Starter Dorvis Navarro pitched six innings of two-run baseball and the relievers covered the rest of the game without allowing a score. Closer Franklin Quintana earned his fifth save of the season. On offense, José Luis Bring 5-3, 1RBI, Luis Felipe Rivera 3-2, 1RBI, Aquimo Jiménez 4-3, 1RBI) and Yasmani Viera 3-2, 1RBI stood out for the Pirates. Rafael Fonseca stood out for Mayabeque 4-2. With that win, The islanders moved up to the eighth spot in the standings, the limit of postseason qualification for the sixteen teams.

The other highlight of the day was the fourth victory in a row for the team from Villa Clara, 7-3 victors over Pinar del Río. Pinar del Río holds on to the seventh spot in the standings just four games out of first place.

Artemisa also showed improvement as it beat Cienfuegos again 11-1 and nearing .500 baseball. Henry Llorente homered and drove in five runs in that game.

Camagüey also seems to be getting a second wind. This Wednesday they defeated Granma 2-1. Juan Contreras went nine innings and allowed six hits, gave up a walk and struck out nine batters. Leonel Moa homered.

In other results, Guantánamo defeated Ciego de Ávila 7-3 and Holguín ended Las Tunas' winning streak with a 10-8 win. Edilse Silva hit two homers and drove in six runs to support the victory of his team. The Alarcón brothers and Yudier Rondón homered for the Lumberjacks.

In the night games, the Gallos de Sancti Spíritus beat Santiago de Cuba 5-1 and Matanzas 7-5 beat the Industriales. For the second night in a row, the Leones got three expulsions... Yasiel Santoya for throwing away his helmet, coach Alexander Malleta for going out to protest that decision, and coach Javier Gálvez because several of his players [went out to throw with chains around their necks ????].

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News about Cuban baseball

Fifth victory in a row for Villa Clara

With an attack of 18 hits and 14 runs, Villa Clara completed the sweep over the Pinar del Rio team.

Taken from Latin Press

Thursday, February 24, 2022 08:45 PM

The Azucareros de Villa Clara extended their winning streak to five consecutive games by defeating the Vegueros de Pinar del Río 14-1. Vegueros starter Noel Reyna gave up four runs in three and a third innings before being removed from the mound. With an attack of 18 hits and 14 runs, Villa Clara completed the sweep against Pinar del Río, in what was their fifth win in a row and number 12 so far this season, against 11 losses. After that win, the Azucareros went on to occupy sixth place in the standings ahead of the Industriales de La Habana, who fell 5-0 against the Crocodiles of Matanzas for the second time in three games.

The two victories by Matanzas allowed them to stay on top of the standings now with 16 wins and six losses followed by the Hurricanes de Mayabeque, who prevented a sweep against the Piratas de la Isla de la Juventud by defeating them 6-1.

In other results of the day, the Hunters de Artemisa beat the Elefantes de Cienfuegos 7-4, Waspas de Santiago de Cuba beat Gallos de Sancti Spíritus 13-7 and the Tigres de Ciego de Ávila beat Guantánamo 5-1.

The Toros de Camagüey defeated the reigning champion Alazanes de Granma 6-1 and Leñadores de Las Tunas beat Cachorros de Holguín by a final score of 11-1.

The Standings:

1 Matanzas 16-6
2 Mayabeque 14-8
3 Santiago de Cuba 14-8
4 Sancti Spíritus 12-9
5 Ciego de Ávila 13-10
6 Villa Clara 12-10
7 Industriales 12-10
8 Artemisa 11-11
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9 Camagüey 11-12
10 Las Tunas 11-12
11 Isla de la Juventud 11-12
12 Granma 11-12
13 Pinar del Río 10-13
14 Guantánamo 8-15
15 Holguín 7-16
16 Cienfuegos 7-16

[ Top 8 teams automatically qualify for post season ]