(L-R) Players Clarence Caasalan and Agon de Vera, Philippine Amateur Baseball Association (PABA) president Chito Loyzaga and coach Vince Sagisi at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, October 1, 2024. Handout/PSA

MANILA — The Philippine men's baseball team is in Major League mode as they are set to compete in the 14th East Asia Baseball Cup.

Coming in with coach Vince Sagisi who worked 13 years as a scout for the Texas Rangers and Cleveland Guardians, Philippine Amateur Baseball Association (PABA) president Chito Loyzaga is optimistic of the hosts' chances in the event that will serve as a qualifier to this year's Asian Championship.

"I believe we'll be the dominant team here," he said on Tuesday during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

"I will say this. I didn't travel all the way from the US to the Philippines to place second. That's why we picked quality baseball players that will compete in many championships. That's the goal," added Sagisi, who was born in Ilocos Sur.

"We're trying to elevate baseball in the Philippines. And we're bringing in a different perspective. We're going to be the next great baseball team, we're coming after Japan, China, and Korea," he continued.

Awaiting them in the tilt that will happen from October 29 to November 4 in Clark, Pampanga are Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Hong Kong, while India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq comprise the West Asia Cup. 

Also fired up were key players Clarence Caasalan and Agon de Vera.

"Naging focused lang [under a new coach]. At first nanibago, so we treated it like a new subject. Open-minded lang and sinunod namin lahat ng pinapagawa niya," said Caasalan, who was described by Sagisi as their "Shohei Ohtani," the LA Dodgers superstar.

"We expect to be the best. I guarantee you, we will be prepared more than any other team can prepare," emphasized Sagisi, adding that the team has had recent tuneups against the Singapore national team and UAAP teams like Adamson, NU, and La Salle.

Sagisi also pointed out that their higher goal is to compete against powerhouse teams like Japan, Korea, China, and Chinese Taipei.

"We're coming after them. We respect them but we don't fear them," he said.

At the conclusion of the qualifiers, only the top two squads will advance to the Asian Championship.