The Cibao Giants defeated the Eastern Stars in the 2014-15 championship, obtaining their first crown since its foundation 25 years ago.
On that occasion, the greens of San Pedro de Macorís had almost 50 years since their last crown, in 1967-68, which they finally achieved in 2018-19 under the command of their current manager Fernando Tatis and against the Toros del Este.
The manager of the Stars of that opportunity was the North American Dean Treanor. The leader of the champion Giants was Audo Vicente, who served as general manager of the Licey in this round robin.
Some players from both clubs from that opportunity remain at both clubs. Ironically, for their 2018-19 trophy the Stars had a valuable contribution from outfielder José Siri, who for them was a great reinforcement, contributing along with Junior Lake and Fernando Tatis jr.
Now, Siri is on the grounds of her home club. There is nothing official about Tatis Jr., although the possibility of his participation is open. The general manager of the greens, Felix Peguero, told Listin Diario on Saturday that they spoke with Tatis Jr. three weeks ago, he said that the star player of the San Diego Padres is training, but until yesterday there was no new information about it.
“Tatis would have 340 million reasons not to participate, but it is our intention to knock on that door. I don’t completely rule it out,” said Peguero, interviewed from the Bahamas, where he traveled to sign a local prospect (Ryan Reckley) by the San Francisco Giants. The rookie received a $2.2 million bonus.
On the other hand, it was reported that on behalf of the Stars there is the possibility that outfielder and first baseman Miguel Angel Sanó, as well as pitcher Johnny Cueto, will enter the roster.
The Stars have won three crowns, since they had also been proclaimed in Summer baseball in 1954. The Giants have had several chances, but the 2014-15 title has been their only one.
They lost a great opportunity last tournament when they fell to the Aguilas Cibaeñas in an incredible final. The Giants had led the series 3-1, but then lost 3 in a row and also the crown. The manager was the Colombian Luis Urueta, the same one who directs them now.
Urueta will go to his fourth opportunity as manager, having previously failed in three, two at the helm of Licey and one with the Giants.
“I don’t know if it will be the fourth time lucky, the 5th. or the 6th, but one day I will be champion” said Urueta yesterday to Listin Diario.
He also announced that today they will use Cuban Raul Valdes for the first game, in San Pedro, and tomorrow, in the second game in San Francisco, lefty Tyler Alexander. The Stars go today with Panamanian Andy Otero.
The final will be played in two stages, the first will be 3 games, with rest next Thursday. The second will have 4 straight days of action.
The country is preparing to mount the Caribbean Series starting on the 28th of this month at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal stadium.
Licey and Aguilas continue to dominate Lidom with 22 crowns, Chosen is third with 16, Toros y Estrellas 3 each and Gigantes 1.
ROUND ROBIN FINAL POSITIONS
TEAM RECORD STREAK LAST 10
STARS 10-6 7 G 8-2
GIANTS 10-6 1 G 6-4
LICEY 7-9 1 P 4-6
EAGLES 5-11 4 P 2-8
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