Home/MLB

World Baseball Classic has everyone on their toes as it has uprooted stars from their teams to shuffle everyone into new groups. Allies are being made in the strangest of circumstances as friends become enemies. From facing off against new players from different countries to facing teammates, the WBC has always been a treat for baseball fans and players. One unlikely alliance has been that of Gleyber Torres, Miguel Cabrera, and Ronald Acu?a Jr.

A Yankee, a Tiger, and a Brave walk onto the field – sounds like the beginning of a good joke. And yet, nothing about the combined talent of these three is remotely funny. This trio of pro baseballers is taking on the WBC as part of the Venezuelan team. Returning to their home country to represent it in baseball is something all of them are excited about. And they are certainly upping their batting game for it.

Ronald Acu?a Jr. takes up batting practice with Gleyber Torres and Miguel Cabrera

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Marly Rivera of ESPN tweeted a video about the three of them practicing in the cage. Or, more appropriately, Acu?a Jr. and Torres observing the greatness of Cabrera. The Detroit Tigers veteran has been a sensation ever since he joined Major League Baseball in 2003. Already a part of the 3000-hit club, Cabrera is among those prospects whose induction into the Hall of Fame is unquestionable.

https://twitter.com/MarlyRiveraESPN/status/1634288472226779145?t=TpgUy-JbitpJXv1QaeX2bA&s=19

In the clip, Cabrera wears his jersey no. 24 and takes a few hits, as Torres and Acuna Jr. each hold bats in their hands and observe. Then Cabrera comes back out and shares a smile with the two.

READ MORE -??Thought We?d Lost Him?: Jose Altuve Triggers Minute Fear Among Houston Astros Fans With a History-Making Move

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In fact, the Detroit player shares an interesting connection with the Braves player?via his son. When asked who was the favorite player of Cabrera’s son, Miggy answered it was not him but, in fact, Ronald Acu?a Jr.!

What are the Venezuelan team’s prospects for World Baseball Classic 2023?

In addition to Cabrera, Torres, and Acu?a Jr., Jose Altuve is also a powerful addition. The 32-year-old will be facing his teammates on the Houston Astros with the Venezuelan team. Other top players include Andr?s Gim?nez and Luis Arr?ez, from Cleveland Guardians and Miami Marlins, respectively.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY:?Ranking the Top 5 Best Lineups in Baseball

The team also has some solid pitchers in Mart?n P?rez, Pablo L?pez, and Ranger Su?rez. And with Astros’ first base coach Omar L?pez in the role of trainer, the Venezuelan team is one of the strongest this year. It will be interesting to see Venezuela step foot into the field to play off against the Dominican Republic later today!