Related videos:
Was it a communication error or a deliberate move? Less than a week before the start of the Champions League of Baseball in Mexico, the name of pitcher Rubén Rodríguez has become the center of a media storm that reveals the cracks in the management of Cuban baseball. First, it was “confirmed” by official sources; then, it was refuted by a clarification note. What is really happening?
This Monday, the provincial media Periódico 26 from Las Tunas published a strong announcement: "Confirmed!! Rubén Rodríguez has been included in the roster of the Leñadores who will participate in the Baseball Champions League in Mexico."
The news spread like wildfire on social media and brought a sigh of relief among the fans who were calling for justice for one of the most effective pitchers of the last National Series.
But the joy was short-lived.
Just a few hours later, Orlando Cruz Vázquez, spokesperson for the Provincial Baseball Commission, threw a bucket of cold water with a clarifying note that completely contradicts what was published by the local media: “Rubén Rodríguez is not on the official roster. He is part of the reserve.”
So, what do we agree on? Was it or was it not?
The contradiction between the versions leaves more questions than answers. Who authorized the newspaper to confirm it? Why is a "correction" published that contradicts the previous statement, without taking any responsibility? And the most troubling question: is Rubén Rodríguez a victim of a political decision or of internal management filled with favoritism?
The truth is that the pitcher from Tunas was the second highest winner of the last National Series, a fundamental pillar in the Las Tunas championship, and yet, his presence on the team has been met with a level of uncertainty that is quite unsettling.
The Cuban sports commentator based in the United States, Yasel Porto, who has been closely following the case, expressed on his social media that he does not quite understand "the fuss that has been created around the pitcher."
“There was no need for that, from the beginning, logic and common sense indicated that he should be part of the pitching staff. Yes, logic and common sense, especially considering he is the second highest winner of the last National Series and the one with the most wins on the team that ended up winning the championship,” he stated emphatically.
He also argued in a personal tone "and with firsthand knowledge" that "this is more the fault of the Tunera leadership than the FCB. The championism cannot lead you to overlook many of those who made it possible for Las Tunas to be in that tournament in Mexico today," he pointed out.
However, if the national guidelines allowed for 10 reinforcements, why isn't Rubén included in the main group? Why did no one in the Tunera management speak up for him? Is it so bothersome that sporting merit takes precedence? These are questions that remain unanswered.
WHAT TOURNAMENT IS IT ABOUT?
The Champions League of Baseball of the Americas is an event organized by the Pan American Baseball Confederation (COPABE) and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC). The event brings together the champion clubs from the major leagues of the continent.
In this second edition, the tournament will take place at the Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium in Mexico City, from April 8 to April 13, featuring the hosts, the Diablos Rojos of the Mexican Baseball League (LMB), along with the champion clubs from Cuba, Curacao, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, and the United States.
"The Champions League of the Americas opens a new chapter in international baseball," said the President of WBSC, Riccardo Fraccari, after the first edition.
"We are eager to launch an Asian Champions League and a European Champions League. We look forward to the day when we will honor a Champion of Champions, the winner of the world Champions League."
This will be the second international venture of the Leñadores de Las Tunas this year, who previously represented Cuba in the I Series of the Americas held in Nicaragua in January, where they had a poor performance.
Filed under: