U-23 Baseball World Cup: Venezuela, Dominican Republic rosters packed with pros
Let’s meet two of the teams that aim to a spot in the super round out of group B of the U-23 Baseball World Cup. The Dominicans can count on slugging top prospect Seuly Matias
Venezuela and Dominican Republic announced their roster for the upcoming WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup.
World number 11 Venezuela is the defending Pan American champion in this age bracket.
Manager Carlos Moya selected a team with plenty of professional experience. Pitchers Iván Andueza (Oakland A’S) and Yosmer Solorzano (Chicago White Sox) are starters at the Class A level. Nivaldo Rodriguez started for the A short season team of the Houston Astros.
Catcher Joel Diaz played in the A advanced affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. Shortop Yonny Hernandez was a Class A everyday player for the Texas Rangers and third baseman Jorma Rodriguez won the job at Class A advanced for the Cleveland Indians.
Venezuela’s complete ROSTER
World number 12 Dominican Republic will display at the U-23 Baseball World Cup the power of Kansas City Royals top prospect Seuly Matias. The outfielder hit 31 home runs at Class A. More power may come from first baseman Andretty Cordero, who hit 10 home runs for the Class A advanced Texas Rangers.
The Yankees AA second baseman Wendell Rio will guarantee solid defense.
Manager Denio Gonzalez will count on some experienced starting pitchers like Raffi Vizcaino (Class A advanced, San Francisco Giants), Diego Cordero (A short season, St Louis Cardinals).
There are more players on the Dominican roster who play affiliated baseball in the USA: pitchers Wilber Perez (White Sox), Eduardo del Rosario (LA Angels), Sandro Cabrera (Giants), Claudio Galva, Adam Cuevas (Toronto Blue Jays), Jesus Brea (Milwaukee Brewers), Juan Florentino (Boston Red Sox); catchers Yoel Gonzalez (Pittsburgh Pirates), Julio Rodriguez (Cardinals); shortstops Hansel Moreno (Mets), Jeison Guzman (Royals) and other infielders Wadye Ynfantes, Daniel Gomez (Cardinals), Gilberto Celestino (Twins); outfielder Jean Carlos Arias (Twins).
Seuly Matias (Dominican Republic) played the Futures All Star Games (MLB)
Both Venezuela and Dominican Republic will play in group B of the U-23 Baseball World Cup. They will face South Korea (World number 3), Australia (8), Puerto Rico (10) and Czech Republic (18).
Venezuela will debut against Australia, while Dominican Republic will meet Puerto Rico in the opener.
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