The former pitcher from Pinar del Río Pedro Luis Lazo is in charge of preparing the pitching.

Photo: Angélica Arce Montero/Cubadebate.

The pitching area is one of the strongest of the Cuban preselection facing the V World Baseball Classic.

Most of the pitchers are concentrated in the Latinoamericano stadium, a specific work can be appreciated, directed by the coaches of that area, headed by Pedro Luis Lazo from Pinar del Río.

With him and three pitchers who were in the Japanese Professional League, Raydel Martínez, Yariel Rodríguez and Frank Abel Álvarez, we talked at a break during the training sessions.

Lazo: We prioritize control and physical appearance

His usual naturalness and experience allow him to speak freely about the boys under his command.

The mythical 99 of the Cuba and Pinar del Río teams tells us that he talks a lot with the pitchers about the necessary mettle on the mound.

“You are born with that courage, it is difficult to transmit courage in the box.

But through good examples you can also motivate yourself to get that claw that makes you invincible in crucial games.

I talk a lot with them, they listen to me and understand me quickly.

There are several with courage, sometimes they don't show it, but the courage is there.

"The first thing we've done is try to get the guys to hit in practice. It's something that has been lost in Cuba and that worked for us in previous times. In addition, we try to maintain the physical shape they reached in the Elite League or in their clubs, in the case of those who are contracted abroad. Although the preparation time is short, they are training hard and aware of the event that awaits us".

Regarding the pitchers who play in Japan and have already joined the training, he assured that the specialization will be respected and that they will generally perform their usual duties in Japanese baseball.

"

Raydel Martínez and Liván Moinelo will be the team's closers. One will work in the eighth and the other in the ninth inning.

Raydel has told us that he could throw more, but for us it is better that he throw an inning every day, to preserve his arm and ensure the end of the encounters.

"In the case of Yariel Rodríguez, at his request, we are preparing him to open. It is very possible that we will give him that opportunity. At work we are prioritizing control, which is where we have had the most problems in recent years, since the The staff's repertoire is quite good".

Raydel Martínez is one of the main letters of the staff.

Photo: Boris Luis Cabrera/Havana Tribune.

Raydel Martínez: I always try to keep fit

The closer par excellence of the Chunichi Dragons was chosen as the best Latino player in the Japanese Professional League of the year 2022. For Raydel Martínez, this recognition means a goal achieved.

Now everything is focused on preparing for the Clásico.

"I feel good physically and I am very happy to have been called to this pre-selection. Before this time I have kept training in Pinar del Río. It is something that I always do at the end of the season in Japan, for when they call me to a non-national team be at 100%, but yes at 80%.

"

Every time I arrive from Japan I speak with Professor José Manuel Cortina

, I explain to him what I would like to work on and he corrects the defects I have, especially in mechanics. I remember that last year he fixed the technique of the foot that I raise To trow".

"I always train with the mentality of giving my best, both inside and outside of Cuba. Right now I am basing myself on what I do in Japan and sharing those elements with my teammates."

Yariel Rodríguez is preparing to open.

Photo: Boris Luis Cabrera/ Havana Tribune.

Yariel Rodríguez: I showed the willingness to be an opener

Camagüey's Yariel Rodríguez is one of the figures that impressed the most in the Chunichi Dragons in 2022. There he acted as a reliever, especially for the seventh and eighth innings.

However, he has now shown his willingness to be one of the starters in the Classic.

“I had a necessary rest after the season in Japan.

Now I am preparing myself as it should be and everything is going well.

I feel very responsible for the Clásico.

The team management has not yet defined roles, but they asked me if I could take on being an opener and I said yes

, because I feel in a position to do so.

Now we have a good starting and reliever pitching staff.

“This will be a short tournament, unlike the Japanese league, which is longer, but

the important thing is to be focused, that the batters don't count you out and allow as few runs as possible.

“I like the competition system and I think that Cuba has more possibilities that way.

In addition, Major League players are extra motivation, because they have experience and knowledge that are always sorely needed.

Frank Abel Álvarez prioritizes mechanics in training.

Photo: Angélica Arce Montero/Cubadebate.

Frank Abel: We prepare to face what comes

The pitcher from Pinar del Río Frank Abel Álvarez is one of those called to consolidate within the Japanese Professional League in the coming years, where he already has a contract.

Now we saw him very animated and focused on the preparation.

"We mainly work on the physical part, which is very important for this stage of training, because it will help us face the responsibilities that come later.

"Regarding the technique, we are improving the command of the pitches and we carry out joint actions with the players, to advance. With Professor Cortina we polished the mechanics, especially in the part of the legs and coordination.

I am willing to assume the role assigned to me.

Being part of the Clásico team is the greatest thing that has happened to me in my sports career.

Professor Cortina in the training of the preselection of the Cuban team that will attend the World Baseball Classic.

Photo: Ismael Francisco/ Cubadebate.

Training of the preselection of the Cuban team that will attend the World Baseball Classic.

Photo: Ismael Francisco/ Cubadebate.

See also:

Opinions before the Clásico (I)