Francisco Lindor reacts to the loss of Carlos Correa from the World Classic: “He has his reasons and they are respected”

Florida. Francisco Lindor threw a confident hug to the third baseman who finally joined him on his right side in the infield for the next World Baseball Classic.

A week ago, it was reported that Carlos Correawho was listed as the starting third baseman, will not play in the World Cup due to the pregnancy of his wife Daniella Rodríguez.

“Whoever is next to you will do the job”said Puerto Rico’s star shortstop.

“Whether it’s Emmanuel (Rivera) or (José) Miranda, whoever is there will do the job,” added Lindor, who shared today with students from the Carlos Beltrán Baseball Academy (CBBA) in the municipality of Florida.

Rivera, who is the most indicated to play third base, arrives at the World Classic in good shape after having a great final series in the Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League with the Mayagüez Indians. Later, he also excelled in the Caribbean Series, where he was selected to the ideal draw of the tournament.

Miranda has also been tagged to play that position, though he’s targeting first base. Both Miranda and Correa belong to the Minnesota Twins. Rivera, meanwhile, belongs to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Still, Correa will be missed, Lindor said.

“We lost a tremendous player and we are going to miss him. He has his reasons and they respect each other. He is one of the best players in the Major Leagues.”said the also father, who is also expecting a second baby.

Correa moved from siore to third base for the 2017 Clásico. Shortstop was filled by Lindor.

“We want to win”

Lindor wants to finally conquer the championship for Puerto Rico, which was one victory away from celebrating in 2013 and 2017. Lindor was part of the runner-up in 2017.

“We want to win and represent Puerto Rico in the way it deserves. We are excited. We have a good team, with a good mix of players who have been in the Major Leagues for a while with others who are just starting out. When you have a good mix, beautiful things happenLindor said.

Puerto Rico will play the preliminary phase of the World Classic between March 11 and 15 as part of Group D to be played in Miami, in which they will have to face Nicaragua, Israel, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. The first two teams advance to the round.

Among other things, Lindor has in common with Correa that their wives are pregnant. Lindor and his wife Katia are expecting a second baby this year.

Lindor is delighted with the father stage.

“I like the stage I’m in, seeing my daughter grow and excited about the second baby to come, and it’s really a beautiful stage,” he said.

Ready for the Mets

Before playing in the Classic, Lindor will report tomorrow to spring training for the New York Mets in Florida. The goal will be to leave 2022 behind.

“2022 is past. 2023 is a new year and we have to give it again. We have to win. I haven’t won a championship yet and that’s the goal. I would like to win,” said Lindor, who lost a World Series in 2016 when he was with the Cleveland Indians.

Lindor heads into his ninth season in the majors and his third with the Mets. In 2022, the Mets were eliminated in the wild card series.

The 27-homer, 107-RBI hitter in 2022 said he has personal goals dressed up in statistics, which he won’t reveal. He only said that they are “nice” numbers.

“I am going to keep those numbers in mind, and I want to win, I want to be champion, and I want to stay healthy. If I stay healthy, I’m going to put up the numbers I want,” said the two-time Silver Slugger and Gold Glove player.

Lindor’s expressions occurred in the middle of an activity in which he addressed CBBA students. Lindor arrived with his hands full of sports gifts for each of the students. He offered them a package of clothing and sports shoes for his personal use.

“New Balance and Beltrán have behaved well,” said the player about the gifts from the brand that sponsors him in the Major Leagues.