Pedro G. Briceño
The Giants of the Cibao selected the pitcher César Valdez as the first player drafted in the draw held on Tuesday organized by the Professional Baseball League of the Dominican Republic.
Valdez, who in the 2019-20 campaign was the pitcher of the year in the winter tournament will strengthen the opening rotation or the relief of the Nordestanos, according to the leader Luis Urueta in the semifinal series of the tournament , which will begin on January 2.
Along with the experienced pitcher were selected in the first round of the players belonging to the two disqualified teams, Licey and Chosen, David Kubiak, pitcher for the Eagles; Yermín Mercedes, receiver, for the Bulls and Enny Romero, pitcher, for the Stars.
In the second round, Las Aguilas took first place and took over the services of Luis Liberato, a gardener; Immediately the Bulls appropriated Steve Wilson, reliever; The pachyderms chose veteran Ervin Santana and the Giants took on José Rafael Díaz (Jumbo).
In the next choice, the Romanians chose first and seized Jairo Asencio, the leader in rescues in the history of Dominican ball; the green team selected Hansel Robles, reliever; The Giants became Gabriel Arias, pitcher and the Eagles signed David Paulí.
other rounds
In the fourth round it was up to the pachyderms to take first and they seized Michael De la Cruz, catcher; the second chosen was veteran Fernando Rodney by the Bulls; the third selected one was Edward Walls by the Eagles and the Nordestanos concluded the round taking to Ulisses Joaquin.
In the penultimate of the selections, the Giants did it of first and they seized of Jonathan Ceshire, thrower; While Rhiner Cruz, pitcher was chosen by the Eagles, Austin Bibens Dirk, also mound will return to the ranks of the Bulls and the Stars signed the initialist Adderlin Rodriguez.
This year’s draw concluded with the choice of Lisalberto Bonilla, pitcher by the Eagles; Melky Taula, gardener was chosen by the Giants; Frank Garcés, pitcher was signed by the stars and veteran pitcher Alfredo Simón will perform with the bulls.
Jesus Mejia, (Giants); Angel Ovalles, (Aguilas), Raymond Abreu (Bous), as well as Manny Acta and Félix Peguero (Estrelles) represented each of their teams in the draw.
Ildefonso Ureña was the driver, while Jorge Torres, Technical Director of the Professional Baseball League was the coordinator. The draft was televised by CDN SportsMax.
48 available
A total of 48 players were available and teams had to sign at least three native players each.
This year’s draft was held in a different format to the previous ones, as this time a single draw was held.
The semifinals start this Saturday, January 2 and will face the Bulls against the Eagles, while the stars will compete against the Giants, both must be agreed to a 7-4.
SEPA MAS
The Giants selections
Player Pos.
Cesar Valdez P
Jumbo Díaz P
Gabriel Arías P
Ulysses Joaquín P
Jonathan Ceshire P
Melky Mesa OF
eagles
David Kubiak P
Luis Liberato OF
David Paulino P.
Edward Paredes P.
Rhiner Cruz P
Lisalberto Bonilla P
Wallet
Yermin Mercedes C.
Steve Wilson P.
Jairo Asencio P
Fernando Rodney P.
Austin Drinking Dirk P
Alfredo Simón P
Stars
Enny Romero P
Ervin Santana P
Hanser Robles P.
Michael De la Cruz C.
Adderlin Rodriguez 1B
Frank Garcés P