The World Baseball Classic took Luis Robert Jr. from Taichung, Taiwan, to Tokyo and eventually to Miami with Team Cuba.
The Chicago White Sox heart fielder referred to as it “a beautiful experience.”
“It was all that I imagined,” Robert mentioned via an interpreter Wednesday at Camelback Ranch. “It was very special to represent my country.”
Robert slashed .259/.286/.296 with one double and 4 RBIs in six video games, going 7-for-27.
“Luis is Luis, he’s a dynamic talent,” Sox supervisor Pedro Grifol mentioned. “So just to watch him move around out there in center field is really special for me to see.”
Grifol famous similarities between Robert and former Kansas City Royals and Milwaukee Brewers heart fielder Lorenzo Cain.
“The way they move out there in center field is very similar, which is special,” Grifol mentioned. “He’ll bring a little bit of everything to us.”
Robert’s WBC expertise included a bit of little bit of the whole lot, from Cuba starting the occasion with two losses in pool play to the workforce getting sizzling and reaching the semifinals.
His favourite reminiscence got here March 15, when Cuba beat Australia 4-3 in a quarterfinal. Robert had one RBI and scored a run within the victory.
“When we beat Australia, we were able to pass through (to) the semifinals for the first time since 2006 for Cuba,” Robert mentioned. “It was a very special moment.”
Robert noticed similarities within the match to his playoff alternative in entrance of followers when the Sox confronted the Houston Astros in 2021.
“It was electric,” Robert mentioned.
The WBC helped Robert put together for the common season in a novel method.
“When you’re playing there, every single game matters,” he mentioned. “You have all of the adrenaline and stress to win as a result of (it’s) out and (you) return residence. When you’re right here (for Cactus League video games), you’re simply preparing for the season, attempting to make changes.
“There, you don’t have any time. I used to be in a position to play night time video games, 9 innings each recreation. That is one thing you don’t do right here. The depth and urgency of the video games, sure, positively that helped me. That helped everyone who participated within the match in comparison with what you often do right here.
“It just felt different because you are representing your country and you know that your whole country is watching and supporting you. It was the first time in six years we had this event. The weight you have on your shoulders is bigger because it’s your country.”
Robert loved enjoying towards Sox teammate Tim Anderson and Team USA in a semifinal, calling it a “friendly rivalry.” Cuba exited the match with a 14-2 loss.
Robert was grateful he received to undergo all of it with Sox third baseman Yoán Moncada.
“Sharing the experience with him was one of the best things about the experience,” Robert mentioned. “It was a big step that we did, just committing to play for our country. And we enjoyed it. I felt very good having him there with me.”
With the season across the nook, Robert’s consideration returns to camp.
“I’m going to just stick to my routine,” he mentioned. “That’s the whole lot I used to be doing earlier than I went to the (WBC). Try to remain wholesome, attempt to make my physique stronger.
“Hopefully I’m going to have a healthy season and won’t have any trouble. Thus far I feel good and don’t feel I have to change anything.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com