The Yucatan Lions have room for improvement

Ramón Santiago isn't discouraged by what the Lions are experiencing after the first ten series of the 2025 season.

He doesn't feel like he's on a bed of roses either. He knows that if long-haired people have anything, it's the ability to get ahead, and he trusts they will.

The manager of the "lelenudos" spoke with Diario de Yucatán yesterday, prior to the first game of the series against the Olmecas de Tabasco, which they reached after avoiding a sweep by the Diablos Rojos. The victory in the third game put them at the magic mark of .500 in wins and losses (15-15).

"But this team isn't just about playing at .500 or making the playoffs... The Lions are a team that's fighting for the championship; that's part of the project, and that's what we have to work toward," the Dominican rookie opined.

He highlighted positive points, such as the fact that, of the Devils' six losses, two have come against the Lions. "And that's what we talked about. We have to play at that level every game. We've played 30 games. We can't be complacent."

To what do you attribute the Lions' instability in those 30 games?

“There are several factors… For example, in the first games, our starters only gave us two or three innings; it's difficult to maintain the bullpen with so much work. But fortunately, it's changed… César Valdez already gave us good games, José Torres did too, Yoanner Negrín… And the bullpen, which, as you know, is one of our key weapons, is responding. Saúl Vázquez (a left-hander from Yucatecan) is doing a good job. The addition of Edwin Escobar and Jonathan Vargas will also be important. That will help the team a lot.”

And the offense? It hasn't responded; collectively, the Lions are last...

“That's been the problem, but we're working on it; there's been a lot of discussion. We haven't been driving in runs, we haven't hit with guys in scoring position. What's been talked about is getting better at-bats.” He adds, “It's important for hitting to become a power weapon, because that will help the bullpen avoid having to jump into difficult situations. We're only 30 games in, not even halfway through the season.”

He reiterated that the team has a strong foundation throughout its roster, with an infield reinforced by Yangervis Solarte, and that with the arrival of Leurys García in the coming days, they will have greater versatility. García plays both the outfield and the infield, and the manager said he could use him in either role.

He highlighted the contributions of players like Yadir Drake, who plays both as an outfielder and first baseman. "Yesterday (Thursday) he saved the game for us with that great defense he had at first base... It was a great play."

And he hopes, he says, “that all the points can be tied up, pitching, batting, defense… and we will go far.”— Gaspar Silveira Malaver