Preview: WBSC Baseball Americas Qualifier set to open Monday, 31 May

The WBSC Baseball Americas Qualifier in Florida is set to open on Monday, 31 May, with all eight national teams in action. Four games are scheduled each day of the Opening Round, two at 1 pm and two at 7 pm ET.

GAME SCHEDULE

The teams have been split into two groups to open the tournament. The top two finishers from each group will advance to the Super Round. The winner of the Super Round will become the fifth participant in the Olympic baseball tournament.

Group A features world No. 2 USA, No. 10 Dominican Republic, No. 11 Puerto Rico and No. 15 Nicaragua.

USA manager Mike Scioscia put together a roster that mixes Major League Baseball (MLB) veterans such as outfielder Matt Kemp, catcher Matt Wieters, and pitcher Homer Bailey, with top prospects the calibre of outfielder Jarren Duran and infielder Triston Casas, the MVP of the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2017.

The Dominican Republic, managed by Hector Borg, will also count on extensive professional experience. Outfielders Juan Bautista and Melky Cabrera had stellar MLB careers. In addition, pitchers Jumbo Diaz and Radhames Liz currently play in the Mexican Baseball League (LMB).

The core of Puerto Rico's roster played for manager Igor Gonzalez at the WBSC Premier12 2019. Pitcher Jason Garcia, infielders Ozzie Martinez, Jesmuel Valentin, Ivan De Jesus, Rey Navarro and outfielder Noel Cuevas all have MLB experience. In addition, catcher Mervin Melendez is a top prospect in the Kansas City Royals organization.

Manager Marvin Benard built the core of Nicaragua's roster with players of the domestic professional league. The squad includes MLB prospects such as pitcher Kevin Gadea, who is in the New York Yankees organization.

World No. 7 Cuba, No. 8 Venezuela, No. 13 Canada and No. 14 Colombia will compete in Group B.

You might also be interested in:
- USA Baseball reveals 28-player list
- Dominican Republic reveals roster, jersey
- Puerto Rico boasts Big League experience
- Nicaragua names roster

Cuba's first-year manager Armando Ferrer will rely on the core of the team that competed in the WBSC Premier12 2019. The most notable addition is top pitching prospect Bryan Chi.

Venezuela also has a first-year manager in Josè Alguacil. Pitcher Anibal Sanchez is an MLB World Series winner. Also left-hander Wilfredo Ledezma, catchers Robinson Chirinos and Carlos Perez and infielder José Rondon are MLB veterans.

Manager Ernie Whitt will lead the Canadian National Team for the 19th time. Twelve players on the roster helped Canada win a silver medal at the Pan American Games 2019. Pitchers Andrew Albers, John Axford, Chris Leroux, Scott Mathieson, Dustin Molleken and Scott Richmond all have MLB experience.

Manager Jair Fernandez built the Colombian 26-man roster on 14 pitchers, including left-handed prospect Reiver Sanmartin (Cincinnati Reds) and Colombian league veteran Sugar Ray Marimon, a 32-year old who also played at the MLB and KBO level. A player to watch on the Colombian National Team is middle infielder Jeter Down, the MLB No. 39 overall prospect.

The games of the Qualifier will be available live to fans in over 70 countries or territories.
"This a testament to the global appeal of our sport and the added value, build-up and awareness baseball brings to the Olympic brand," said WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari.

The runner-up and the third-place team in Florida will earn the right to participate in the five-team WBSC Baseball Final Qualifier, to be played in June in Mexico.

You might also be interested in:
- Cuba roster for WBSC Americas Qualifier
- Venezuela opens camp
- Canada unveils roster with international experience
- Colombia announces 26-man, 14 pitcher roster