WBC 2023 Dominican Republic
In my last post, I asserted that Team USA had the most star-studded roster in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. I would argue that the Dominican Republic comes in second, despite the fact that they didn’t make it past the Pool Play stage of the tournament. In fact, I would also argue that it would have been better for baseball if they did advance - if the D.R. had beaten Puerto Rico in the final game, closer Edwin Diaz would have had no reason to launch into the post-game celebration where he tore the meniscus in his right knee…
Also in my last post, I mentioned that Team USA had no Scorpio representation on their roster. In contrast, two of Scorpio’s best left-handed hitters are featured prominently in the D.R. lineup. Left fielder Juan Soto settled into the leadoff spot, creating many fascinating possibilities for Padres manager Bob Melvin. Likewise, recently extended Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers bat cleanup in three out of the four games. Other Scorpions include young Pittsburgh pitcher Roansy Contreras, who started Game 3, and Rays catcher Francisco Mejia, part of a time share behind the plate in the WBC.
The Dominican Republic only had one Capricorn batter, but he was a good one: defending (or graduating?) Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez. His real-life Seattle teammate and sign-mate on the Goats, Diego Castillo, pitches out of the D.R. bullpen. Batting after J-Rod in the order is Soto’s San Diego teammate Manny Machado, whose defensive prowess at third base pushed Devers to DH in this tournament. The Cancer Crabs also provided the D.R.’s top closer (at least in terms of 2022 fantasy points) Camilo Doval, and veteran DH Nelson Cruz… who also doubles as the Dominican team’s general manager!
The fifth spot in the order eventually fell to Sagittarius right fielder Eloy Jimenez, who took over from Game 1 starter Teoscar Hernandez (a Libra). Other Sagittarians include catcher Gary Sanchez and first baseman Jeimer Candelario, proving that the Dominican Republic doesn’t have an heir apparent for Albert Pujols at the position. Switching back to Libra, we should also mention current second baseman Ketel Marte and former second baseman Robinson Cano, whose only WBC appearance in the field came at first base.
The Dominicans have a double dose of Virgo shortstops, with World Series/ALCS MVP Jeremy Pena (in his rookie season, no less) and Milwaukee spark plug Willy Adames. But Virgo’s biggest contribution to this team is on the mound, with defending NL Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins. Alcantara started Game 1, followed by arguably the best pitcher on the Aries staff, Cristian Javier, who was recently extended by the Astros. Sticking with Javier’s real-life team, it’s interesting to note that Houston’s top three non-closing relievers are all from the Dominican Republic: Rafael Montero (Libra), Bryan Abreu (Taurus), and Hector Neris (Gemini).
For Pisces, WBC defensive positioning gives us a more complete picture than simple fantasy eligibility. I would love to see Wander Franco and Jean Segura line up at second base and third base, respectively, on either side of Fish shortstop Bo Bichette (who did not participate in this year’s WBC). For the fourth spot in the rotation, we have Aquarius veteran Johnny Cueto, a member of the only other sign to not be represented on Team USA.
While every member of the Dominican Republic roster did reach the Major Leagues in 2022, they had two pitchers who had the majority of their work in the minors. Cesar Valdez only had one relief appearance for the Angels in 2022, but the Pisces had a very impressive season as a starter in Triple-A… and also pitched well for both Licey in the Dominican Winter League, and for the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean Series. His sign-neighbor, Aquarian Luis Ortiz, had a four-start cup of coffee for Pittsburgh, after starting 25 of his 26 appearances split between AAA and (mostly) AA.