Not even Harry Houdini himself would have predicted a good performance by the Cuban baseball Tigers in the Third Elite League, much less that they would lead it for much of the season. Photo: Héctor García.

With the semifinal matches in the Cuban Elite Baseball League set, anticipation is building up among fans, and the battle of predictions begins, which, despite being speculative, are nonetheless attractive.

As always, the field has the final say, but few escape the charm of catching a glimpse of what might happen in advance, even at the risk of it backfiring, as often happens.

We're not going to be the exception, and we're delving into that role of fortune-teller, which rather than putting pressure on us is fun, because in life, you can't take everything so deep at heart.

We'll start with the team that surprised many, Ciego de Ávila, who will face Industriales. As we've said from the beginning, the Tigres' qualification wasn't unexpected, but their lead was.

Coached by Danny Miranda, the team brought joy back to José Ramón Cepero Stadium, a stadium that enjoyed many glories but lost its shine in recent years, following the inevitable end of its golden generation, in which the coach himself participated.

With the best pitching staff in the tournament and the second-best defense, the Rayados compensated for some offensive deficiencies that could also be reduced with the reinforcements chosen for this phase, especially Yordanis Samón.

Curiously, the two "cursed" players will be reunited on the same roster, because both he and Star player Frederich Cepeda carried the curse of not winning titles on their shoulders, which isn't real, but weighs heavily on their subconscious.

For Industriales, the objective in these two matches is that of every visiting team: to win the championship and then try to take advantage at the Latinoamericano Stadium, and they have what it takes despite being hampered by injuries and absences in the final stretch.

The additions of catcher Andy Cosme and closer pitcher José Ángel García will be important for them, who will finally be able to count on Erisbel Arruebarruena, and that is another heavyweight who could tip the balance in their favor. El Grillo was always on the roster, but now he will be joining.

In the other matchup, Las Tunas will start by hosting Santiago de Cuba at Julio Antonio Mella Stadium.

The Leñadores had a chance to finish first or second, depending on their performance in their remaining games, and in my humble opinion, they missed the opportunity to face Industriales, whom they have thrashed in recent seasons.

They're coming off a sweep by Las Avispas, but that's a different story, and the national champions remain the top favorites, even more so because their rivals will be without their top hitter, Yoelquis Guibert, and the reinforcements chosen don't seem like they'll be able to replace him.

Ultimately, the tournament's leader in batting average and home runs played the entire regular season when it was rumored he would leave early to fulfill his contract abroad (as did others who also remained on their rosters), but now they will miss him, as will Yoel Yanki, another of their offensive pillars.

Coach Abeisy Pantoja will have to make the most of the weak, indomitable defense, the worst in the tournament, which could end up tipping the scales in favor of the team from the Balcón del Oriente if the games are evenly matched.

The local champions also benefited from two good pitchers in César García and Yanielkis Duardo, so their favoritism increases. We'll see what happens in the real world.

Translated by Amilkal Labañino / Cubasi Translation Staff