After falling to Japan in the finale of the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, the Cubans are expected to once again field a strong squad in 2009.
Most were not sure what to expect at the outset of the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, but at the end of the tournament, even the most hardcore skeptics had to admit its overwhelming success.
Changes are being made to the 2009 World Baseball Classic from its '06 debut. One of the biggest is the format of the first round, which will feature a double-elimination format, as opposed to a round robin. The semifinals and finals will be held at Dodger Stadium.
Asked if he found it amusing that the United States was hosting a tournament that Cuba was playing in and the United States team was not, Cuba manager Higinio Velez adamantly shook his head no.
Garbed in its traditional uniform -- red pants and predominately red jersey -- for the first time in World Baseball Classic play, Cuba went out of its way to save its best for last.
Cuba's 3-1 win over the Dominican Republic in the semifinals on Saturday capped a trifecta of wins over clubs stocked with Major League All-Stars on its way to the World Baseball Classic finals.
