Cuban National Series Preview
When the 47th season of the Cuban National Series begins on December 2nd two teams – the Industriales Lions and Santiago de Cuba Wasps – will be the heavy favorites to meet in the title game. Last season, the Wasps defeated the Lions in six games to win their second championship in three seasons.
Since 1993 the Cuban National Series has had 16 teams with one representing each province, and two for the city of Havana. Each squad is made up of players from the province it represents.
In Havana, most of the top players take the field for Industriales, traditionally the strongest team in the league. Other typically strong teams include those from Santiago de Cuba, Pinar del Río and Villa Clara.
Industriales is a club similar to the New York Yankees in the sense that they have fans all over the country and have captured the most championships (11). But while all their contests at home and on the road are sold out the team is hated by many outside the capital.
Photo courtesy: IBAF
The best rivalry of the Cuban National Series takes place six times each season when Industriales battles Santiago de Cuba. These heated contests also mirror the rivalry between the two cities (La Habana and Santiago de Cuba) dating back to the era when Cuba was a colony of Spain.
The Talkin’ Texan takes a look at the teams competing for the 2007-08 Cuban National Series Championship.
GROUP A
Team: Pinar del Rio
Titles: 1997, 1998
Last Year: 56-34, 1st Place, Group A
Manager: Juan Diaz
Historically one of the better teams in the league, Pinar del Rio had two teams until 1992-93 when eight teams were eliminated. National team standouts Yosvani Peraza (.303, 17 HR) and Pedro Lazo (12 W, 110 K, 2.78) lead a squad that had the best record last season but was upset in the playoffs by La Habana. Other top players includes Yunieski Maya (100 K), Raidel Miranda (2.95), Alexei Ramirez (.323), and hard-thowing Vladimir Banos (3.13).
Team: Isla de la Juventud Grapefruit Pickers
Titles: None
Last Year: 43-47, 2nd Place, Group A
Manager: Armando Johnson
The Grapefruit Pickers were a woeful team residing at the bottom of the league standings until the late 1990s and now compete for a playoff berth each season. 2006-07 Batting Champion Michel Enriquez (.447, 26 2B) leads a talented cast that includes Rolexis Molina (.330, 115 H, 74 RBI), Orlis Diaz (.320, 84 RBI), and Luis Rivera (.301, 76 R). Top pitchers are Carlos Yanes (12 W), Omar Licourt (10 W), and Sergio Espinosa (10 saves).
Team: Metropolitanos Warriors
Titles: None
Last Year: 29-61, 3rd Place, Group A
Manager: Juan Padilla
Considered by many to be the farm team of Havana’s other team – Industriales – the Warriors (also known as the Metros) often see their best players shipped off to the Lions. Top players last season included Jokel Gil (.323), Stayler Hernandez (.302), and relief pitcher Luis Gonzalez (nine saves).
Team: Matanzas Crocodiles
Titles: None
Last Year: 26-64, 4th Place, Group A
Manager: Alfonso Urquiola
The Crocodiles were formed after the league dissolved two highly successful teams from Matanzas Povince. However, the team has failed to reach the standards of their predecessors. Top players includes Yoandy Garlobo (.407), Yasser Perez (.334), Yadil Mujica (.302), and Yosvani Fonseca (146.1 IP).
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