Puerto Rico has prepared a selection "that has no fear" to face the sixth edition of the World Baseball Classic, affirmed manager Yadier Molina.
"This is a group that has no fear," he emphasized during a press conference alongside team captain, catcher Martín 'Machete' Maldonado and reliever Edwin 'Sugar' Díaz. The former St. Louis Cardinals catcher guaranteed that Puerto Rico will face the challenge with a "champion's mindset" in search of their first title.
"We have a 'ready' mindset, a champion's mindset," emphasized the 43-year-old former player, alluding to the bad taste left by having been Classic runners-up on two occasions.
The top two teams will advance to the quarterfinals.
Despite praising the roster, Molina lamented the absence of stars Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, and Javier Báez because their teams (New York Mets and Houston Astros) did not cover the mandatory insurance to allow them to play.
Despite these absences, Molina will have third baseman Nolan Arenado, whose mother is Puerto Rican and who previously played for the United States, and other experienced major leaguers such as Edwin 'Sugar' Díaz, Christian Vázquez, Fernando Cruz, Heliot Ramos, Emmanuel Rivera, and Jorge López, among others.
Molina will also have a group of rookie players, such as pitchers Eduardo Rivera, Elmer Rodríguez, as well as shortstops Darell Hernaíz, Edwin Arroyo, and Luis Vázquez, and outfielders Heliot Ramos, Matthew Lugo, Willi Castro, and Bryan Torres.
The Boricua team will debut today against Colombia in a Group A match of the World Baseball Classic, which also includes Panama, Cuba, and Canada.
