Benjamin Gil, Manager of the Culiacan Tomateros, Confident in Winning the Championship

Benjamin Gil, the strategist of the Culiacan Tomateros, is by far the most charismatic manager in the Mexican Pacific League. He is an upfront guy who always delivers striking headlines in his press conferences. Now, his team is facing the Charros de Jalisco in a mini-series, and he anticipates that the Guinda Nation is ready to go for the championship. That's why they are training with that goal in mind.

"I don't think I'm the right person to say who comes in as the favorite or who should be, all I can say is that our preparation is to win the championship and we are focused on that. Charros has a pretty competitive roster, so we'll see how their preseason develops, and I wish them the best of luck, but we intend to finish in second place."

The Tomateros have several players on their team who have already passed their prime, but Gil affirms that their veterans are in condition to compete in this winter league. He believes that Sebastián Elizalde, Alí Solís, and Héctor Daniel Rodríguez will be vital to their aspirations.

"Our more experienced and veteran players are in great physical shape, and I think that's a good thing for us. It's important that our players haven't paid the price for their years, especially for our veterans."

With the rule change that allows teams to have eight foreigners plus one Mexican-American in the roster, 'Bengi' Gil affirmed that the national base is not as strong as in other seasons, but he has confidence in the team he put together.

"Culiacan and not only them, but every year, usually has a very strong national base, but this year, it will matter less than other years because now we have eight foreigners and a 'pocho' that we are allowed. In reality, each club has eight foreigners, which is a third more than before when there were only six foreigners. I think that will make the league more competitive and give more depth to all the teams, making it a better spectacle for all the venues as we will see better baseball."

SRN