Semi-Final Results: USA 5, Netherlands 0      Cuba 5, Japan 3

The much-anticipated showdown between Cuba (8-1) and Team USA (8-1) on Sunday in the finals of the 37th Baseball World Cup in Taiwan will pit two teams with uncanny similarities.

Both teams have the offensive talent to score runs by the bundles yet each squad has struggled mightily at the plate in the majority of their games. On the mound, Team USA has been dominating while Cuba has been just as good.

BaseballdeWorld  takes a look at the key players who will play a large role in determining which team leaves Taiwan with the gold medals.

 Photo courtesy of IBAF

Yadel Marti, LHP, Cuba – Although small in height, the hard-throwing Cuban right-hander barely missed tossing a perfect game in his only World Cup appearance against Venezuela. With a reputation for delivering in “big” contests, the Cubans must feel good about their chances on Sunday.

Alfredo Despaigne, CF, Cuba – One of the top hitting prospects for the Cubans, Despaigne opened the tourney 3-for-19 (.158) ice cold but has been heating up in recent games. The lead-off hitter for the Big Red Tide has four hits in the medal round and could be the offensive catalyst that Cuba has been missing in this World Cup.

Eduardo Paret, SS, Cuba – A long-time mainstay on the left side of the Cuban infield, Paret was an All-Star at the 2005 World Cup. The smooth-fielding shortstop stroked two hits against Japan and loves the glow that shines on championship contests.

Yuliesky Gourriel, 3B, Cuba – The most-hyped Cuban player, Gourriel has an electrified bat that catches fire easily. If he can connect for a long ball early, that might be all Marti needs to steer Cuba to the gold medals.

Freddie Cepeda, LF, Cuba – Surprisingly, Cepeda and not Gourriel is considered by some in Latin America to be Cuba’s best player. He has been Coach Rey Anglada’s most consistent hitter in this tournament and his bat will be needed if Cuba is to win their 10th straight title.

Dallas Trahern, RHP, USA – Pitched well in his only appearance in the tournament – a win – but now faces his biggest test. But with the pitching depth of the Americans, Trahern needs to pound the strike zone for only 4-5 frames. But that’s easier said than done against Cuba.

Brian Duensing, LHP, USA – Duensing provides Manager Davey Johnson another option to end Cuba’s World Cup monopoly. The southpaw has a 1.80 ERA in the tournament and will need to produce if the Americans are to dethrone the Cubans.

Andy LaRoche, 3B, USA – The Dodgers future third bagger has been the Americans main offensive weapon thus far and m-u-s-t come up big on Sunday if Team USA is to be successful against arguably the tournaments best hurler.

Evan Longoria, DH, USA – Great hitters are not born, they make a name for themselves in big games. Longoria is one of the top hitting prospects in the minor leagues and now is the time for him to produce. If he does, the Americans will win the trophy.

Colby Rasmus, CF, USA – The speedy center fielder has been the Americans most consistent hitter besides LaRoche. The lead-off spot is critical in key contests so Rasmus will either jump start the offense for Team USA or watch the Cubans celebrate another successful international tournament.

Prediction: I am still baffled why Jeff Karstens or Matt Wright were not held back for the title game but a wily strategist like Davey Johnson probably wanted to make sure his squad was in the big game. With Marti on the mound, Cuba has to be the favorites. But I have a feeling that this game will not be as low-scoring as the numbers suggest. The safe bet are the defending champions but Team USA is due for an offensive eruption. Unfortunately, so is Gourriel & Co. which means Cuba wins their 10 World Cup in a row.

Tags: World Cup