After a three-week workout and a couple of warm-up games against Agricultores, the winners of the inaugural Elite League, the Cuban Baseball National Team left for Japan on 5 February.
The delegation stopped in Tokyo to meet Ambassador Miguel Ramirez Ramos and then reached Okinawa, the headquarters of the first part of the preparation for the World Baseball Classic.
Pitchers Raidel Martinez, Frank Alvarez, and Yariel Rodriguez; infielders Ariel Martinez, and Yurisbel Gracial; outfielder Alfredo Despaigne, currently a free agent, are Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) veterans. This created a lot of interest among Japanese fans.
Cuba trained for seven days before the first preparation games against the Nippon Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball. Manager Armando Johnson commented that he noticed "good chemistry" and is confident "the same attitude will help us during games."
According to Johnson, Cuba's strength will be the pitching staff. Considering the outcome of the most recent participation in international events, Johnson added: "We need to improve our offence."
The manager said Cuba will need to play the first round "one game at a time, giving the best effort day in and day out."
Cuba lost the first game against the Nippon Ham Fighters on Friday, 17 February, 11-2.
On Sunday, 19 February, Cuba defeated NPB's Chunichi Dragons 3-2. Right fielder Yoelkis Guibert and shortstop Luis Mateo enjoyed a two-hit game. Starter Carlos Viera limited the Ham Fighters to one hit over three innings. Livan Moinelo, Marlon Vega, Naykel Cruz and Franky Quintana took care of the rest of the game.
"Today, everything worked as we wished," commented Johnson. "We are getting ready for the tournament. I'm thrilled with the way we manufactured runs. We are getting the players ready. They need to focus on their work, not the final result. Our job is now to analyze the game."
On Tuesday, 21 February, Cuba beat the Yakult Swallows of NPB, 10-4. They combined 16 hits, including five doubles. Leadoff hitter and center fielder Roel Santos and first baseman Yadir Drake went 3-for-5. Guibert (2-for-5) and third baseman Yurisbel Gracial (2-for-3) also had a multi-hit game. Cuba used five pitchers: Jose Rodriguez, Raidel Martinez, Javier Mirabal, Yeudis Reyes and Frank Alvarez.
Johnson commented he was very pleased with his offence.
World No. 8 Cuba will compete in Group A in Taiwan from 8 to 12 March and face No. 7 Netherlands, No. 16 Italy, No. 13 Panama and No. 2 Chinese Taipei at Taichung Intercontinental Stadium.
