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The Spanish national baseball team announced its roster for the qualifying tournament for the VI World Baseball Classic, which will be held at the end of February in Taipei, Taiwan, featuring the inclusion of six Cuban players.
Undoubtedly, the team has a notable presence of players born on the island:
Cuban players called up:
Yoanner Negrín: Right-handed pitcher with experience in international leagues.
Elián Leyva: Right-handed pitcher who has excelled in various competitions.
Pablo Guillén: Right-handed pitcher, leader of the staff that took Spain to the European title in 2023.
Orlando Rodríguez: Right-handed pitcher with outstanding performances in his career.
Félix Stevens: Outfielder with remarkable offensive skills.
Frank Hernández: Outfielder with strong performance in the minors.
According to the website Pelota Cubana, it was initially reported that Omar Hernández (invited to Spring Training with Kansas City), Orlando Lavandera, Odrisamer Despaigne, and Carlos Sierra were included in the Iberian Pre-Roster, but ultimately, for various reasons, they do not appear within the team.
In addition, the coaching staff includes bench coach Néstor Pérez, also of Cuban origin, who will contribute his experience to the team.
The team also added several Venezuelan players to its roster, including Luis Guillorme, Gabriel Lino, and José Campos, bringing a blend of experience and talent to the squad.
Spain will compete in the qualifiers against the teams from Taiwan, Nicaragua, and South Africa, aiming to secure its participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Inclusion of Cuban Players in the Spain National Baseball Team
How many Cuban players are part of Spain's roster for the qualifying rounds of the VI World Baseball Classic?
Six Cuban players have been included in Spain's roster for the qualifying tournament for the VI World Baseball Classic.
Which Cuban players were called up for the Spanish national baseball team?
The summoned Cuban players are Yoanner Negrín, Elián Leyva, Pablo Guillén, Orlando Rodríguez, Félix Stevens, and Frank Hernández. These players bring experience and notable skills to the Spanish team.
Why are some Cuban players not on Spain's final roster?
Initially, players such as Omar Hernández, Orlando Lavandera, Odrisamer Despaigne, and Carlos Sierra were included in Spain's preliminary roster, but for various reasons they do not appear on the final list. These reasons may include technical decisions, documentation issues, or personal agreements with the clubs.
Who is the Cuban coach who is part of Spain's coaching staff?
Néstor Pérez is the bench coach for the Spanish national baseball team. His experience and knowledge of Cuban and international baseball are invaluable to the team.
Which teams will Spain compete against in the qualifying round for the World Baseball Classic?
Spain will compete against Chinese Taipei, Nicaragua, and South Africa in the qualifying round for the VI World Baseball Classic, which will take place at the end of February in Taipei, Taiwan.
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