Miguel Cairo Says Managing in the Dominican Winter League Is Harder Than in MLB
Gigantes del Cibao manager Miguel Cairo says running a winter league bullpen demands more than managing in the Major Leagues. He explains why.
Key points
- Cairo says managing in Dominican winter baseball is "150% harder" than in MLB.
- Pitchers with innings restrictions complicate bullpen management.
- Esteury Ruiz (Siri) and García will join the team during the week.
Miguel Cairo, the Venezuelan manager of the Gigantes del Cibao, said managing in Dominican winter baseball is more complicated than managing in the Major Leagues, according to Lidom, ahead of Wednesday's game against the Leones del Escogido.
According to Cairo, the difference lies in handling the pitchers. Starters usually work between two and four innings, so the manager has to carefully manage the bullpen and decide matchups between hitters and pitchers at every point in the game.
The manager explained that one of the season's biggest challenges has been working with pitchers who have one- or two-inning restrictions. That is why he considers mastering the fundamentals of the game essential. "Pitching will always be the most complicated thing in any league," he said.
Cairo also said he does not stick strictly to conventional decisions when handling relievers. "I don't like to go by the book either," he said, adding that sometimes unexpected moves are necessary.
On reinforcements, he said several players will join the team during the week, including García and Dominican outfielder Esteury Ruiz (Siri). He stressed, however, that his priority is the immediate game against the Leones del Escogido.