The first round of the III Elite Baseball League has just ended, and except for the performance of Ciego de Ávila, which in the specialists’ predictions should have been behind, but is ahead, the other predictions have been fulfilled, a little more or a little less.

Before stopping in the case of the Tigers, I think it is appropriate to emphasize two details that could well evaluate the current quality of our national series, because a League, whether it is qualified as Elite, or with another adjective, should not have a defence that works for 969, nor a pitching that the opposing batters average above 290.

Keep in mind that these six teams include most of the best players who played in the 63rd National Series. If, as a rule, Cuban batters in this elite group average a little over 300, whether they are used to it in foreign competitions or representing Cuba in international competitions, then I wouldn’t think of mentioning the matter.

But let’s be honest, those averages above the 400 mark, or close to it, are fallacies that do little to help our ball and as long as there is no balance between pitching and offence, there will be disastrous details, as mediocre hitters with a reputation for stardom will abound and it will be normal for the challenges to extend beyond three hours.

And what about the defence? Well, each position is now supposed to be defended by one of the six best players in the country. But then… why so many mistakes? The answer has many sides, but if I have to choose one, I would say that, for some years now, practically no ball has been played, both at youth and school level, as well as at U23 level.

Some will take it out on the grassroots coaches… and that is the easiest way to justify the problem. I will go into the matter in more detail some other time. Now let’s talk about the Tigers and their good run.

I don’t know if the readers of Invasor have noticed the detail that the starters of the Avila’s pitching staff have rarely exploded. Most of the time they have walked five or six innings, which has allowed the management to use their «matadors» productively, in this case Leonardo Moreira and Yanquiel Maury, and when necessary, Yunier Batista has worked well in the long relays.

So far, the Tigers’ big problem has been the defence, in a key position such as shortstop. Dany took Ernesto Torres as a backup because of how safe he was with Camagüey in the National Series, but now, with the glove, he has left much to be desired, and Osmani Linares has not yet shown the virtues that were seen years ago.

But the team, with its 288 offence and 3.78 pitching – the only one that works for less than four – has remained in the lead and it is no longer a pipe dream that it will make it to the play-offs for the title.

Now the three-time national champions will have competitive inactivity until next Monday, as this Wednesday they were due to play Las Tunas, a team that will be taking part in an international event in Mexico.

The Avila team may or may not be in contention for the crown, but they have already achieved what some do not: to fill the home stadium and fill with illusions those who follow them through thick and thin.

Gentlemen, to the surprise of many and the joy of all Avileños. There are the Tigers… Let the Cepero roar then!