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World Baseball Classic Blog

• Chase Park and Scottsdale Stadium host first round

  14Nov
  Categories: Pool B, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  World Baseball Classic announced the field for first round of Pool B, which includes U.S., Canada, Mexico and South Africa, are scheduled to be played at Chase Field and Scottsdale Stadium on March 9-11.

  The second round is scheduled to play on March 13-15 in Hiram Bithorn Stadium and Angel Stadium and the semifinals and finals at San Diego’s PETCO Park on March 18-20. Only the first-round games for Pool D are undecided yet. Tokyo Dome and Hiram Bithorn Stadium are scheduled to be played for other two Pools.

  Scottsdale Stadium is the Spring Training site of the San Francisco Giants, with a capacity of 11,500, will host the other three games featuring Canada, the U.S., Mexico and South Africa. Chase Field (the former Bank One Ballpark) is the regular-season home of the Diamondbacks, with a capacity of 49,033, will host three games featuring Canada, the United States and Mexico.

  “The continued cooperation of the Diamondbacks and the Giants is another example of the great support from our clubs for the World Baseball Classic,” Commissioner Bud Selig said. “Chase Field and Scottsdale Stadium are fine facilities in prime locations, and we thank both clubs for their enthusiasm.”

  “We are pleased to have Chase Field and Scottsdale Stadium, two first-class baseball venues, play host to the inaugural games of the World Baseball Classic,” Don Fehr, the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association said. “Launching the Classic in Arizona, which has long supported the sport on every level, will provide fans and players with a memorable experience.”

  Bob Watson, MLB’s vice president of on-field baseball operations and Team USA general manager, said that his search for a U.S. manager is narrowing and could be completed shortly. Buck Martinez, Don Baylor, Davey Johnson and Lou Piniella are among the top contenders.

  Phoenix, Scottsdale to host U-S first-round games
  Giants, D-Backs to host inaugural WBC
  Canada to play at Chase Field, Scottsdale Stadium at World Baseball Classic

• Delgado, Willis join WBC

  12Nov
  Categories: Pool B, Pool C, Puerto Rico, USA, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  Florida Marlins first baseman Carlos Delgado and starting pitcher Dontrelle Willis became the first two players to signing a letter of intent to play the inaugural World Baseball Classic next spring.

  Since the 1995 Caribbean Series, this is the first time Delgado join Puerto Rico’s team. “It will be an honor for me to represent my country. I feel extremely proud, especially since I’ve never had the opportunity to represent Puerto Rico in a world event of this magnitude,” Delgado said.

  Dontrelle Willis will join Team USA, said the injury risks are the same whether he’s competing in a spring training game or pitching in the WBC. “I’m not saying don’t worry about it, but it’s one or the other,” Willis said. “You just have to suck it up and represent your country. We’re all investments, whether we make $1 million or $10 million, so I understand (teams’) concerns.”

  “I think it’s a very interesting event,” Marlins General Manager Larry Beinfest said. “I look forward to it. I think it will be fun.”

  Commissioner Bud Selig said all 30 teams were on board. “None of us today can understand how big the World Classic is going to be and what it will do for this sport internationally,” he said.

  The deadline for the 16 invited countries to submit rosters is Jan. 17th.

  Delgado to play for Puerto Rico in World Baseball Classic
  Marlins commit to Classic
  Willis is second Marlin hooked for World Classic

• Smoltz might play

  11Nov
  Categories: Pool B, USA, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  
  Atlanta Braves Starting Pitcher John Smoltz is interested in pitching for the United States at the inaugural World Baseball Classic next March.

  “If I’m healthy, I’d like to do it,” Smoltz said. “I just think it’s a great opportunity to represent your country. We can’t do it at the Olympics, so this is the next-best thing.” “I pitched in the Junior Olympics at 18 and that was some of the best times of my life.”

  Roger Clemens of Houston Astros has said he’ll pitch for the Team USA if he is healthy. Other big-name commitments could be announced soon.

  Talks with Furcal held off

• MLB Pitchers will have pitch count limitation

  10Nov
  Categories: WBC2006 Comments: 0

  To protect pitchers, there will be pitch count for players when first World Baseball Classic plays in March, however, MLB did not have answer yet.

  Original recommendation for pitch count was to allow about five innings, maximum 75 pitches in the WBC 2006, but several GMs suggested 60 pitches was a better and safer limitation. Technical Committee of Major League Baseball, chaired by San Diego Padres president Sandy Alderson, will continue to study this issue and decide the limitation.

  Once they decide the numbers, a major league pitcher must be removed from the game when he reaches the pitch limit, unless he pitches in the middle of an at-bat. The pitcher can only complete the at-bat and be removed.

  The 16 invited countries must submit rosters with up to 60 names by Jan. 17. Eligibility rules could be very open to let major leaguers play for their ancestor, like Mike Piazza of the Mets, Frank Catalonotto of the Blue Jays and Doug Mirabelli of the Red Sox might able to play for Italy.

  Most primary concern is still on pitchers, although regular-season salaries of all players injured in the WBC will be covered by insurance, but no GM can accept to lost pitchers, especially their Aces. Pitchers who come back from serious injuries, including Roy Halladay of the Toronto Blue Jays and Ben Sheets of the Milwaukee Brewers will not play in the Classic.

  Due to pitchers who normally throw only two or three innings in spring training exihibition games in early March, which means 75 pitches or five innings might be too much for pitchers. And there is still need more discussion to decide on the pitch count.

  “Pitch count was an issue,” said Paul Archey, baseball’s vice president of international baseball operations. “But there will be starters who will be used as relievers.”

  Jimmie Lee Solomon, executive vice president of baseball operations in the commissioner’s office, said there would be pitch counts and limits on the use of pitchers. One assistant GM in the meeting said 65-70 pitches was discussed as a first-round limit, with an increase of about five pitches in the second round.

  Pitchers main focus in WBC tourney
  MLB pitchers to be given pitch count for World Classic
  GMs devoting long hours to world event
  Cubs player courts Furcal

• Colon likes to play if healthy

  09Nov
  Categories: Dominican Republic, Pool D, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  Bartolo Colon, American League Cy Young Winner, is expected to be ready for spring training and hopes to pitch for the Dominican Republic in the inaugural World Baseball Classic if healthy.

  Two Angel trainers examined Colon and performed strength tests on his shoulder recently. While his back is fine, he won’t know about the state of his shoulder until he started a rehabilitation and light throwing program, which begin next week.

  “It’s hard to say right now [how the shoulder is] because I’m not throwing,” Colon said. “But I know my back is feeling better.”

  Colon reportedly has been picked to represent the Dominican Republic in World Baseball Classic next March but is waiting to see how his strained right shoulder responds before deciding if he’ll pitch.

  “Pitching in the World Classic is contingent on how his shoulder feels and how his rehab goes,” Manager Mike Scioscia said on the conference call. “We’ll see how he progresses.”

  Angels ace Bartolo Colon wins American League Cy Young Award
  After Pain Comes a Cy
  Award can’t wash away the pain
  Stoneman wants to sign Byrd soon

• More players will join WBC

  09Nov
  Categories: Canada, Dominican Republic, Korea, México, Pool A, Pool B, Pool D, USA, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  Based on some local news, it looks like more and more players will likely to join World Baseball Classic next spring.

  From Colorado Rockies, Jason Jennings, who has Team USA experience, definitely want to play again, however he probably won’t have the opportunity. But first baseman Todd Helton, left hand pitcher Jeff Francis and Sunny Kim will like to be asked to join USA, Canada and Korea team.

  From Texas Rangers, shortstop Michael Young appears that he will play for Team USA. Young has already received and responded to a questionnaire about his availability for the WBC, said he’d be willing to even move to second if the Yankees’ Derek Jeter plays short or even be the utility infielder.

  Besides Young, Rangers could be without several key players, including second baseman Alfonso Soriano and reliever Francisco Cordero; both could join the Dominican Republic.

  From Tampa Bay Devil Rays, at least four players could be part of the WBC: Jorge Cantu (Mexico), Jesus Colome (Dominican Republic), Carl Crawford (United States) and Pete LaForest (Canada). The Italian team has inquired about Rocco Baldelli, but he is unlikely to play as he is recovering from elbow surgery.

  Form Kansas City Royals, third baseman Mark Teahen, who has dual citizenship of USA and Canada, original considered by Team Canada, but he decided against playing because its preliminary games would be next March, during the heart of spring training.

  “I thought it would be better if I concentrated and focused on the Royals,” Teahen said. “That’s my No. 1 priority.” “That’s the only reason I was considering it, on behalf of my father. But at this stage of my career, its better I focus on spring training.”

  Prospect outfielder Billy Butler and right-hander Jonah Bayliss could be on the USA Team.

  GMs devoting long hours to world event
  Daniels hearing plenty of interest about Mench
  Maddon talk kicks off last week of search
  Family history in Canadian baseball almost lured Teahen

• Angel Stadium to host second round

  08Nov
  Categories: WBC2006 Comments: 0

  World Baseball Classic, Inc. announced that Angels Stadium have been selected to host second round games of World Baseball Classic next spring. Angels Stadium will join Hiram Bithorn Stadium as the ballparks for second round games, which will be held from March 12-16.

  The World Baseball Classic, a 16-team tournament organized by the International Baseball Federation (IBAF), Major League Baseball, MLB Players Association, will feature best players in the world competing for their home countries and territories for the first time.

  The 16 teams invited to participate in the event have been divided into four pools of four teams for the first round of play which played in Asia, Latin America and the United States. Round 2 will feature the top two teams from each of the four Round 1 pools divided into two pools of four teams. PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres, will serve as the host venue for the semi-finals and final game of the tournament.

  “Angels’ fans are some of the most enthusiastic in all of baseball and have set franchise attendance records for three consecutive years,” Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig said. “I am delighted that we have secured another outstanding venue for the World Baseball Classic.”

  “This is a perfect location for what figures to be an exciting quarterfinal bracket, and we’re delighted the Angels organization, an enthusiastic supporter of the Classic, was so aggressive in pursuing these games,” said MLBPA Executive Director, Donald M. Fehr. “Anything, of course, can happen in baseball, but if form holds, the Anaheim bracket promises to provide can’t miss baseball.”

  Originally known as Anaheim Stadium upon being built for the 1966 season, the ballpark was renamed Angel Stadium of Anaheim prior to the 2004 campaign. In 1979-80, the stadium, nicknamed “The Big A,” was reconfigured for additional seating when it served as a dual facility for both professional baseball and football. The capacity of the stadium increased from 43,250 to approximately 65,000. After the 1996 season, the facility was restored to a baseball-only design. Extensive renovations, completed by the start of the 1998 season, resulted in a seating capacity of 45,050 and such unique features as terraced bullpens in the outfield, widened concourses, a spacious and modernized press box and broadcast booths, family-oriented seating sections and landscaped courtyards.

  “Our organization is pleased to be part of this inaugural tournament,” said Angels’ President Dennis Kuhl. “Angel Stadium of Anaheim will provide an exciting environment for competition that will include some of the finest baseball talent in the world. The Angels and the City of Anaheim look forward to supporting what promises to be five days of exciting and memorable baseball.”

  Pool A consists of China, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea. Pool B participants will be Canada, Mexico, South Africa, and the United States. In Pool C there will be Puerto Rico, Cuba, Panama and the Netherlands. The Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Australia and Italy comprise Pool D.

  Angel Stadium of Anaheim to serve as World Baseball Classic venue
  Angels to host second round of baseball World Cup

• Flexible rules for World Baseball Classic?

  07Nov
  Categories: WBC2006 Comments: 0

  With general managers gathered for their annual meetings, one topic relate to World Baseball Classic is under discussion.

  During annual meeting of big league general managers, Players’ eligibility rule of World Baseball Classic will be discussed by the Commissioner’s office and Major League Baseball Players Association, and it is considering adopting wide eligibility rules which means Mike Piazza would be eligible to catch for Italy.

  For Soccer’s World Cup, players must be a citizen of a country and hold a passport for that country to participate. However, baseball will likely apply the broadest rules of any participating country to all teams in the 16-nation event.

  While rules have not been finalized, among the ways players could be eligible for a team would be if they hold a passport, were born in the country, have a parent who was born in that country or they had residency in that country.

  Under these rules, like Alex Rodriguez, who born in the Dominican Republic who is United States citizens still would be eligible to be on the Dominican team. And MLB hopes to announce at the winter meetings in December about players who commit to participate.

  “Eligibility rules are still being discussed. It will be similar to the IBAF rules,” said Paul Archey, senior vice president of Major League Baseball International, referring to the International Baseball Federation.

  GMs talk about World Baseball Classic
  Wide eligibility rules discussed for World Baseball Classic
  Mavs’ Cuban interested in purchasing Pirates

• Korea announce coaching staff

  04Nov
  Categories: Korea, Pool A, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  The Korea Baseball Organization has selected the coaching staff for World Baseball Classic next March.

  The KBO said Korea team will lead by Hanwha Eagles manager Kim In-shik, and added the Hyundai Unicorns’ Kim Jae-bak as batting coach, Samsung’s Sun Dong-yeol as pitching coach and SK’s Cho Beom-hyun as head base coach.

  KBO will ask the Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball to allow Korean players on American and Japanese teams to play with national team.

  Coaches Named for World Baseball Classic

• Iguchi hopes to play WBC

  03Nov
  Categories: Japan, Pool A, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  
  Second baseman of Chicago White Sox Tadahito Iguchi hopes to represent Japan at the inaugural World Baseball Classic next spring.

  “If I have a chance I want to take part in the tournament, because Mr (Sadaharu) Oh will coach the national team,” said Iguchi

  Before go to USA, Iguchi played for the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks of Pacific League Nippon Professional Baseball under the Oh until 2004. In his Major debut season, Iguchi has batting average .278, 142 hits and 15 home runs, became the first Japanese player to win the World Series.

  The first World Baseball Classic would be the first time to see Major League Player competing in the international games. The 16-team 3-week tournament is scheduled to begin on March 3, 2006 at the Tokyo Dome, with Japan, South Korea, China and Taiwan play in Pool A.

  White Sox infielder Iguchi hopes to play in World Baseball Classic