2024-02-13 01:46:35
Text: Editorial Cuba Noticias 360
Foto: RL Hevia
Few topics constantly generate news in Cuba as its national pastime par excellence. Once the Elite League and the All-Star Series are over, baseball does not stop its march and eyes are now focused on the preparation of the teams for the upcoming 63rd National Series, scheduled to begin in the first half of March.
In recent days, the media spotlight moved from Matanzas, protagonist of the two aforementioned events, to the capital of the island, where the possible non-continuity of Guillermo Carmona at the head of Industriales has generated concern among the followers of the self-proclaimed flagship team. of Cuban ball.
The experienced helmsman has not yet been confirmed by the sports authorities of that territory for the next baseball campaign, although the intention is for him to continue for a season after leading the blue team to runner-up in Series 62 and bronze in the II Elite League. .
However, other names that could emerge as substitutes are already being considered. According to journalist Boris Luis Cabrera, the province’s managers have four options: Alexander Malleta, Lázaro de La Torre, Erlys Garrido and Roberto Acea, who do not have experience at the highest level of domestic baseball in any case.
Malleta is perhaps the fans’ favorite given his long career in the team’s ranks. In his favor he has the advantage of knowing the current squad inside out since for a couple of years he has been the team’s hitting coach.
The other three, although they have not been directly linked to the squad in the last season, already know what it is to command a capital squad, as they have directed the territory’s under 23 team at some point in their careers.
Specifically, the name of Lázaro de la Torre has been raised many times to assume responsibility, but the veteran former pitcher is known for his methods and strict discipline, something that has not been liked by the baseball authorities of the province. Maybe now his long-awaited opportunity will come.
For now, the preselection of Industriales for the Series has already been announced, in which the figure of Yasmani Tomás stands out among the 55 names on the list. Let us remember that the former MLB slugger starred in a soap opera in the previous championship to receive authorization to allow him to play with the team he loves.
Luckily, the soap opera ended happily and the former Arizona Diamondbacks managed to play a handful of games in the playoffs, although he later declined to participate in the Elite League. His incorporation, even if it is only for a segment of the contest, will undoubtedly constitute an extra power for the increasingly lacking industrialist group of sluggers.