HOUSTON – Before Team Puerto Rico took the field in San Juan, Yadier Molina knew they were missing many household names. Superstars Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa were not allowed to participate in the World Baseball Classic because insurance issues.
Team Puerto Rico got together in Fort Meyers, Fla., for a team dinner before the WBC. They acknowledged that many superstars from previous rosters were not present. Many players gave speeches and rallied each other at the dinner.
Team Puerto Rico general manager Carlos Beltran noticed that the club bonded over the dinner. After they ate and said their good-byes, they also felt more like a family.
“That dinner was very powerful,” Beltran said. “Everyone has the opportunity to say some words. I feel that type of dynamic is important for the team because it allows the team to unite early.”
Home in San Juan
Playing in San Juan was surely an advantage for Puerto Rico, which rallied behind its fans. They finished second in Pool A behind Canada. All-Star closer Edwin Diaz, one of the few veterans on the team, took charge of the pitching staff. Martin Maldonado, who is known for his prolific play calling behind the plate, has also been crucial.
Puerto Rico has a young lineup, but the pitchers have stepped to aid them to the quarterfinals. The team entered the quarterfinal against Italy with a 1.22 team ERA. Led by Seth Lugo, who pitched four shut-out innings against Colombia, Puerto Rico will rely on him against the Team Italy.
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Although young, the team has helped each other on the field. The family aspect of this team aided throughout the tournament.
“We’re a family inside the clubhouse,” Diaz said. “No one is better than the other. That is why we are here. We may not have the best team on the field, but we are a young team that knows what their job is.”
After defeating Colombia 5-0, Puerto Rico beat Panama and Cuba. The Boricuas still has hope they can reach the finals and win. Former stars like Astros legend Jose Cruz are in Houston to cheer and rally the team.
Facing a hot Italy
They will meet a streaking Italian team that defeated strong USA and Mexican teams in dominant fashion. Italy outscored both teams 17-7. Manager Yadier Molina molded this team to celebrate each other’s accomplishment, and the players are each other’s best supporters.
“We’re very happy with the talent we have,” Molina said. “We’ve been talking about this for quite a while now.
“In regards to the ones who had to leave, it is what it is. We’re playing with the players that we have now and that’s what we get the effort and the heart and the love for Puerto Rico. So every time we hit a home run, I feel proud of my team.”
