08/10/2024 1 Minute Read

Panama open camp for WBSC Premier12

Manager José Mayorga announced 40 players: "We are still talking with the players active in pro leagues. If things work out well, we will field a terrific team."

World No. 10 Panama opened camp for the WBSC Premier12 2024 presented by RAXUS with manager José Mayorga announcing an expanded group of 40 players.

PITCHERS Dario Agrazal, Alberto Baldonado, Jaime Barria, Enrique Burgos Jr, Bryan Caceres, Gilberto Chu, Randal Delgado, Paolo Espino, Sadrac Franco, Teidin Frias, Steven Fuentes, Jorge Garcia, Rafael Garcia, Miguel Gomez, Severino Gonzalez, Javier Guerra, Alberto Guerrero, Kenny Hernandez, Humberto Mejia, Abdiel Mendoza, Kevin Miranda
POSITION PLAYERS Juan Diego Alonso, Fernando Gonzalez, Jean Arbaez, Leonardo Bernal, Johan Camargo, Luis Castillo, Juan Diego Crisp, Luis Escudero, Jonathan Arauz, Robert Muellen, Edgar Munoz, Rodrigo Orozco, Carlos Quiroz, Josè Ramos, Abraham Rodriguez, Mario Sanjur, Johnny Santos, Ruben Tejada, Luis Tello, Joshwan Wright

"We are still talking with the players active in professional leagues in Asia and others committed to Winter League teams," Mayorga said to the press. "If things work out well, we will have a terrific team representing Panama. The goal is to start working out with a group of players and get them to the best form ahead of the Premier12."

Pitchers Javy Guerra (Hanshin Tigers) and Humberto Mejia (Chunichi Dragons) are under contract with Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) teams. Former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Severino Gonzalez is under contract with the Jalisco Charros in the Mexican Pacific League. Enrique Burgos Junior, a Baseball Champions League Americas alum, also has MLB experience. Veteran shortstop Ruben Tejada has been an everyday MLB player for the New York Mets and play for the LMB Yucatan Leones.

Mayorga's staff includes bench coach Luis Caballero, pitching coach Gabriel Luckert, htting coach Rodrigo Vigil, third base coach Ashley Ponce, first base coach Dimas Ponce, quality control coach Cirilo Cumberbatch, bullpen coach Pacifico De Leon and strength and conditioning coach Juan Caballero.

Panama will compete in Group A and face No. 2 Mexico, No. 4 Venezuela, No. 5 USA, No. 7 Netherlands and No. 8 Puerto Rico.

Group B includes No. 1 Japan, No. 2 Chinese Taipei, No. 6 Korea, No. 9 Cuba, No. 12 Dominican Republic and No. 15 Australia.