Cuba vs. Netherlands: WBC Odds, Picks and Predictions
Cuba vs. Netherlands Odds
| Cuba ML | -205 |
| Netherlands ML | +175 |
| Over/Under | 8 |
| Date | Tue, Mar. 7 |
| Time | 11:00 p.m. |
| TV | FS1 |
On Tuesday, the World Baseball Classic will begin with a matchup between Cuba and the Netherlands at Taichung Stadium in Taiwan.
Cuba has advanced out of the first round in each of the four Classics, but they have not made it past the second round since playing the championship in 2006. The Netherlands have finished fourth in each of the last two Classics, and will be looking to finish the job this time around.
Ahead of first pitch, oddsmakers have priced Cuba as heavy -200 favorites on the moneyline, with over/under on the total set at eight runs.
Cuba
MLB players representing Cuba
In 2023, MLB players are eligible to represent Cuba for the first time in the event’s history. Some notable names headlining this group include Ronald Bolaños, Roenis Elias, Yoan Moncada, and Luis Robert Jr – the latter two players being core members of the Chicago White Sox’ offense.
Yariel Rodriguez earns the start on the mound
Yariel Rodriguez will take the ball for Cuba this evening against the Netherlands. Last year, the 25-year-old Rodriguez posted a 1.15 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 27.5 K%, and an 8.3 BB% playing in the Japan Central League (JPCL), but was used exclusively as a reliever, tossing 54.2 innings across 56 games played.
What to expect from the bats
This group is headlined by two recognizable names, with Robert Jr., Moncada, and Yoenis Cespedes on the roster. However, Moncada batted only .212 last season with the White Sox, and had a disappointing .626 OPS. In Cespedes’ most recent action in the Dominican Winter League (DOWL), he batting .188 with a .239 on-base percentage, and a .646 OPS.
According to Shawn Spradling, Andy Ibañez will be out of Cuba’s lineup tonight due to a lingering issue with his left hand after hurting it during an exhibition contest.
Overall, this lineup lacks power potential, but they do have speed on the basepaths available with Roel Santos, Robert Jr., and Yadir Drake on the roster. In 26 games in the Classic, Cuba has averaged 5.7 runs per game.
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Netherlands
MLB players representing the Netherlands
Xander Bogaerts, Didi Gregorius, Jurickson Profar, and Kenley Jansen headline this Netherlands roster, but there are many more players with MLB experience who are part of this club, including Shairon Martis, Pedro Strop, Richie Palacios, Jonathan Schoop, Andrelton Simmons, and Josh Palacios.
Tom de Blok gets the ball
Tom de Blok did not pitch in 2022, but he did compile 38.0 innings of work with two teams in 2021 – delivering a 1.89 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and an impressive 32.5 K%. The primary concern for de Blok is his command, evident by a 10.6 BB% in 2021. Behind de Blok, Netherlands pitching staff is more of a concern, with an abundance of guys who have proven unable to limit traffic on the basepaths in recent seasons.
What to expect from the bats
In 24 games in this tournament, the Netherlands have averaged 4.5 runs scored per game. Other than Wladimir Balentien and Josh Palacios, this is an extremely high-contact lineup that is likely to put pressure on the Cuba pitching staff and defense tonight with nearly every at-bat.
Cuba vs. Netherlands – Picks & Predictions
In the history of the World Baseball Classic, six games have been played at Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium. In those six contests, five games have finished with six total runs or fewer. Tonight, both starting pitchers are strong options for their respective teams, and neither offense possesses much power potential.
As a result, this game is likely to be low-scoring during the early innings. Assuming there are no major defensive blunders, the under has a great chance to hit in this spot.
PICK: Under 4.5 – First 5 innings (-120, DraftKings)
Image Credit: Getty Images