Classic: Who can beat the Dominican Republic?

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Nelson Cruz has been in a stressful job for eight months.

In the twilight of his major league baseball career, Cruz took on an unprecedented task for a World Baseball Classic.

He took over as manager of the Dominican Republic and was included in the team’s roster. And another thing: He’s fighting to earn a spot on the San Diego Padres’ designated hitter roster next season.

Repent?

“I learned a lot of situations day by day and got to see what’s going on from behind up close,” the 42-year-old slugger said. “Being in contact with managers and players has been an enriching experience.”

“It’s a huge responsibility because everyone in the country is aware of everything you do,” he added. “I’m proud to do that.”

It should also be recognized that it is a work of fantasy, that of bringing together a group full of stars and that he is big favorite to win a second title. The champions were proclaimed in 2013, with Cruz on the team.

-They have at least five hitters capable of being fourth in any offensive order, such as Manny Machado, Juan Soto, Rafael Devers, Teoscar Hernández and Cruz himself.

-Center fielder Julio Rodríguez, winner of the American League Rookie of the Year with the Seattle Mariners in 2022, appears as the first at bat.

-They have a lot of front-line shortstops. Jeremy Peña has just established himself as the World Series and American League Championship Series MVP with the Houston Astros. Wander Franco had to move to second base and Willy Adames will have to sit on the bench.

-The rotation ace is Sandy Alcántara, reigning Cy Young of the National League with the Miami Marlins. Cristian Javier, who pitched the Astros’ first six no-hitters in the last World Series, is also in the rotation, along with veteran Johnny Cueto.

– The relievers are not far behind. Bryan Abreu and Rafael Montero, participants in the no-hitter thrown by Javier, are part of the bullpen. Camilo Doval, Diego Castillo and Héctor Neris are also in the game.

“Our strong point is relief, despite the big attack we have,” boasted Cruz. “We have the ideal team.”

Cruz brought on Tampa Bay Rays bench coach Rodney Linares as manager.

Linares highlighted the sacrifice Cruz has made in recent months.

“People don’t understand the job of a manager in El Clásico, in terms of player license and insurance,” Linares told The Associated Press. “What Nelson did was amazing. Prepare like Nelson prepares. All the daily work, phone calls, Zoom, house meetings. And remember I hadn’t signed yet”.

In his free time in the Dominican Republic, Linares said he spent long periods working out all kinds of lineups. At that time, José Ramírez, Starling Marte and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. were included in the plans until they were eventually ruled out due to injuries suffered last season or this spring.

In order not to worry too much, Linares has Jonathan Erlichman, the head of analysis of the Rays, as an adviser.

The Dominicans will play in Miami and make their debut on Saturday against Venezuela in a group completed by Puerto Rico, Nicaragua and Israel.

Aware of the high expectations surrounding his team, Linares issued a warning: “There are no small rivals. We are going to play hard for everyone because the best in the world are here”.