The good, the bad and the ugly of Colombia’s squad for the World Classic

They are all they are. The manager and his staff determined the Colombian roster for the World Baseball Classic. With notable absentees, surprises and last-minute additions, but it’s done. It’s what’s important.

From now on, both the representatives of the Colombian Baseball Federation and the coaching staff will ensure that the players are prepared for the event.

The list includes Major League players and others who are in the Minor Leagues. There are veterans, youngsters, prospects and some without a contract for next season.

That is why it is relevant to do a team analysis. The good the bad and the ugly.

The good: a balanced line-up

The top three hitters in major league Colombian baseball will be in the same lineup and possibly back to back: Donovan Solano, Harold Ramírez and Giovanny Urshela.

‘Gio’, arguably the best Colombian baseball player of recent years, is fundamental to the team. It’s the basis of the lineup. He has occasional power, but average hitting. The most important thing is that you respond when it matters.

Donovan, to achieve his best version, will be on base a lot. That makes the combination with Urshela important for scoring points.

Now if we combine these two with Harold, who has completed a season in the Majors with a .300 average, the runs are guaranteed.

In addition to the point guard, Colombia has contact and speed players such as Óscar Mercado, Gustavo Campero, Tito Polo, Adrián Sánchez and Evan Mendoza. While the power is with Jorge Alfaro and Elías Díaz.

In short, by hitting it will not be. While everyone is in top form and moment, most have enough experience and talent to make quick adjustments.

The bad: Quintana and then, who?

José Quintana, recently acquired by the New York Mets, is the top of the Colombian pitching staff. No one disputes that. He should be the first starter, facing Mexico.

However, it should be remembered that for the first round, the starters have a throwing limit. That is, Quintana cannot be counted on after three innings.

In general, the throwing depth teams have two starters for each First Stage game. Jolbert Cabrera and his staff are not so lucky.

Reiver Sanmartín and Nabil Crismatt, despite knowing what it means to enter competitions and having the level to do it, have seen no action in that role. They are saviors.

Colombia will have to make some commitments with starters that are not of the level expected in the Classic, ie a Major League level. The options are Rubén Galindo, Carlos Ocampo, Adrián Almeida and William Cuevas, the latter the only one with MLB experience and currently in Japan.

The ugly: the absences

Colombia will do without Reynaldo Rodríguez in the World Classic. As it is read. ‘Chencho’ stated that he will not participate in the tournament due to a personal decision. In other words, the national team won’t have the best Colombian batsman — not active in the MLB system — in recent years. The same one who was the MVP of the Caribbean Series in 2022 and who was part of the ‘All Stars’ of the 2023 edition.

Nor will Julio Tejerán and Luis Patiño be present, serious casualties given the problems Colombia would have with their rotation. Both indicated that they prefer to devote themselves to working with their teams in Spring Training, which is understandable.

Likewise, there will be no prospects for Ronaldo Hernández and Jeter Downs, who are part of the new crop of Colombian baseball. The two start looking for places on their teams for the Major Leagues.

It was also ugly that at least 15 unborn players willing to represent the country appeared on the preliminary list and then only 9 made it onto the final list. Neither Jonathan India nor Luis Rengifo – he will go with Venezuela.

The truth is that there are people who are and who are. It will not be easy for the manager to put together the line-up and the rotation, because apart from the absentees there is a lot of talent and above all the desire to represent the country and keep the flag high.