Once again the Dominican Republic will go with a blunderbuss to the Caribbean Series in search of its 22nd title with the Tigers as representatives and despite the fact that a powerful lineup is projected, the starting pitching this time should be the trump card during the event. Pitchers César Valdez and Raúl Valdés are emerging as the one-two of the first two games in the Dominican Republic, as they are the largest within the Licey pitching staff. Yenssy Díaz, is another of the pitchers that could have a space as a starter. The manager José Offerman made it clear that there is still no defined rotation, after the first two days of team training, but he affirmed that these two stars are in optimal physical condition and have the lineage to be responsible for the first two games off Mexico and Puerto Rico.
Erick Abreu
In the absence of the pitching coach of the Tigres del Licey Jairo Cuevas, who went to the United States to fulfill his commitments with the Anaheim Angels, the experienced coach Erick Abreu took over as guide for the pitchers. Abreu has the same role with Sugar Land, the Triple A affiliate of the Houston Astros in the Major Leagues and was pitching coach for the Leones del Escogido in the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 seasons. Abreu said that he is working on collecting information from the pitchers to execute the work plan for the next few days. He also appreciated the disposition of all the pitchers. “The purpose is to win, put egos aside, everyone has a good attitude of doing what it takes to win.”
A motivated Caesar
César Valdez admitted feeling very motivated to participate once again in a Caribbean Series and said that the focus is to represent the country in the best way, with the mentality that each game is important and each rival is important. “There are always favorites on paper, but the one who plays the best ball is the one who will come out champion, that’s why you can’t underestimate anyone and play the same to everyone.” These two pitchers are joined by veteran Esmil Rogers, Lisalverto Bonilla and Steve Moyers.
A hard relay
Jairo Asencio, Fernando Abad, Jonathan Aro, Jesús Liranzo, Keury Mella and Domingo Robles will be in relief. For this edition called “Great Series of the Caribbean Caracas 2023”, the squads of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Panama, Cuba, Curaçao, the current champion Colombia and the Venezuelan headquarters will participate. The competition format will be Round Robin or All against All in the regular phase in which each country will play a total of seven matches. Then the four best records will collide in the semifinal stage and the day of the final game and third place.