The Leones del Caracas are in the midst of a significant organizational shift, initiating a search for a new sporting director following the departures of both Luis Sojo and manager José Alguacil. The restructuring prioritizes rebuilding the executive train, according to reports.
Juan Cristóbal Coronill currently holds the position of general manager, but the baseball department is currently without a leader. The club’s high command has been conducting a discreet search for a replacement, and a shortlist of experienced candidates has emerged.
Below is a look at five potential candidates, listed alphabetically, with a review of their respective backgrounds and accomplishments in Venezuelan professional baseball:
Emilio Carrasquel brings a wealth of experience, having served as the sporting director for the Cardenales de Lara for 17 seasons, spanning from 1995-1996 to 2011-2012. During his tenure, the Cardinals secured three championships between 1997 and 2001. Prior to and following his time with Lara, Carrasquel worked as a scout for several Major League Baseball organizations, including the Seattle Mariners and Pittsburgh Pirates, eventually rising to the position of International Scouting Coordinator.
César Collins has been a key figure in championship-winning organizations, contributing to the success of both the Águilas del Zulia and the Magallanes de Caracas. He was part of the front office during their title runs in 2016-2017 (Zulia) and 2021-2022 (Magallanes). Collins was appointed general manager of the Tiburones de La Guaira just before the team was sold, leading them to a runner-up finish before resigning the following season. The roster he left behind would later go on to win the Caribbean Series. Currently, Collins works with the Cangrejeros de Santurce in Puerto Rico, where he recently led the team to a championship and serves as CEO of the Liga Mayor.
Richard Gómez previously held the sporting director position with the Cardenales de Lara from 2012 to 2016, later transitioning to the role of Director of Baseball Operations with the same team until 2019. He then joined the Leones del Caracas as sporting director for the 2019-2020 and 2021-2022 seasons, concluding his time with the club as an advisor to the presidency. Gómez celebrated championships with both the Cardinals (2018-2019) and the Leones (2022-2023).
Samuel Moscatel served as the general manager of the Caribes de Anzoátegui for 14 seasons, beginning in 2010 after previously directing their player development program. Under his leadership, Anzoátegui achieved four championships and a league-leading streak of consecutive Round Robin appearances. He resigned from his position two years ago and has remained out of professional baseball since.
Manuel Rodríguez held the position of assistant to the president of the Tigres de Aragua, working alongside Rafael Rodríguez Rendón during the team’s dynasty run from 2007-2008 to 2012-2013. He played a role in securing three LVBP titles and a Caribbean Series championship. Following his departure from the Tigres, he held the same position with the Tiburones de La Guaira for two championships. In 2015-2016, he was hired as the sporting director of the Bravos de Margarita, remaining there for three seasons before working as director of the Bravos Baseball Academy. He currently serves as the general manager of the Delfines de La Guaira in the Liga Mayor.
The search for a new sporting director comes as other teams in the league are also making moves. The Tiburones de La Guaira recently launched a fan poll to gauge interest in potential managerial candidates, with Alfredo Pedrique emerging as a frontrunner.
César Collins has confirmed to El Emergente and other media outlets that initial contact has been made with the Leones del Caracas. However, he indicated that he is currently in negotiations with the Cangrejeros de Santurce following their recent appearance in the Caribbean Series.
Photo: composition of El Emergente