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World Baseball Classic Blog

• Mexico wants Nomar, Ramirez

  17Dec
  Categories: México, Pool B, USA, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  According to Associated Press, The Mexican baseball league wants to include two U.S. players who has Mexican descent on its World Baseball Classic roster next spring.

  Because their parents are Mexican citizens, free Agent Shortstop Nomar Garciaparra and left-hand pitcher Horacio Ramirez of Atlanta Braves can play for Mexico, president of the Mexican baseball league Alejandro Hute said.

  Hute said the players’ participation has not been formalized, but that both players had been contacted and said “they would think about it.”

  Sixty-man rosters must be submitted by Jan. 17 and final 30-man rosters should be submitted on 24 hours prior to the start of the tournament.

• Athletics thumbs up, Mariners thumbs down

  12Dec
  Categories: México, Pool B, Pool D, USA, Venezuela, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  
  Depends on which players, two American League West Teams has different thought about their starting pitchers for World Baseball Classic.

  Two pitchers, left-hander Barry Zito and right-hander Esteban Loiaza, has already signed up for the World Baseball Classic, but Oakland Athletics’ owner Lewis Wolff doesn’t see it as a problem. Although these two players are a big investment for the A’s, Wolff said, “This tournament is a big investment for the future of baseball.”

  The A’s also mentioned that they didn’t shop Zito at the winter meetings, but they did listen to teams that desired the top left-hander.” Teams expressed interest and told us what kind of names they’d be willing to part with,” said assistant GM David Forst, repeated that, “We’re OK keeping Barry.”

  As for Seattle Mariners, although final decision has not been made, probably need to wait until next week, World Baseball Classic officials are expected to uphold the Mariners’ objection and prohibit star teenager Felix Hernandez from play in this tournament, according to Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

  Hernandez’s case will be presented to representatives of Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association, as well as Roland Betts, member of the World Baseball Classic committee.

  President Chuck Armstrong said at winter meetings that Hernandez, a Venezuelan, was the only player “we really have an objection in on.”

  “Our belief is that he’s too young,” Armstrong said then. “With his age, when you’re playing for your flag, it creates a lot of adrenaline, a lot of emotion. He just needs to get prepared for this season.

  “If he was older, we wouldn’t have this same risk.” It’s based on concerns over Hernandez’s right (throwing) shoulder. He did not start for six weeks this season because of bursitis.

• 177 MLB Players agree to play

  05Dec
  Categories: Australia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Dominican Republic, Japan, Korea, México, Netherlands, Panama, Pool A, Pool B, Pool C, Pool D, Puerto Rico, USA, Venezuela, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  At the beginning of Winter Meeting, Major League Baseball lease a list of 177 major league players, representing all 30 teams who have agreed to participate in World Baseball Classic next spring.

  “This is going to be the most important international baseball event ever staged,” MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said. “The game’s best players will compete for their home countries. New and old fans throughout the world will have the opportunity to enjoy our great game and see many of baseball’s best players competing in this historic event.”

  Players planning to represent Japan, China, South Korea or Taiwan are expected to be announced later this week at a news conference in Asia.

  The designated hitter rule will be used and there will be limitations on pitch counts, but the number has not been decided yet. All players will be tested under the Olympic drug policy although a positive test for the WBC will not count under MLB’s new steroid policy.

  “The International Baseball Federation has endorsed and has sanctioned the event,” Players Association COO Gene Orza said. “They would not do that were the tournament not conducted under the rules of the IBF in respect to other Olympic or international events as it relates to drug testing.”

  Only Italy, Cuba and South Africa have yet to announce a manager. John Deeble (Australia), Ernie Whitt (Canada), Jim Lefebvre (China), Hua-Wei Lin (Chinese Taipei), Manny Acta (Dominican Republic), Sadaharu Oh (Japan), In-Sik Kim (Korea), Paquin Estrada (Mexico), Robert Eenhoorn (Netherlands), Roberto Kelly (Panama), Jose Oquendo (Puerto Rico) and Luis Sojo (Venezuela) already had been named to lead their countries.

  “It is no secret that we have had some discussion with the Cubans that has made us feel very, very confident that they will play,” Orza said. “I believe the Cubans will play.”

  Below is the list of players who have agreed to participate in the inaugural World Baseball Classic. A player has agreed to participate does not guarantee that he will be on the final 30-man roster, which must include at least 13 pitchers and three catchers.

  Australia:
  Adrian Burnside, Trent Durrington, Justin Huber, John Stephens, Glenn Williams

  Canada:
  Jason Bay, Erik Bedard, Rheal Cormier, Jesse Crain, Jeff Francis, Eric Gagne, Steve Green, Aaron Guiel, Shawn Hill, Corey Koskie, Pete LaForest, Adam Loewen, Russ Martin, Cody McKay, Justin Morneau, Pete Orr, Paul Quantrill, Chris Reitsma, Matt Stairs, Scott Thorman

  Dominican Republic:
  Antonio Alfonseca, Ronnie Belliard, Adrian Beltre, Eude Brito, Juan Brito, Daniel Cabrera, Robinson Cano, Alberto Castillo, Jesus Colome, Bartolo Colon, Francisco Cordero, Pedro Feliz, Franklyn German, Vladimir Guerrero, Pedro Martinez, Jose Lima, David Ortiz, Wily Mo Pena, Neifi Perez, Placido Polanco, Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, Felix Rodriguez, Duaner Sanchez, Alfonso Soriano, Julian Tavarez, Miguel Tejada, Robinson Tejeda, Salomon Torres

  Italy:
  Frank Catalanotto, Mark DeRosa, David Dellucci, Mike DiFelice, Tony Fiore, Mike Gallo, Jason Grilli, Matt Mantei, Frank Menechino, Doug Mirabelli, Val Pascucci, Mike Piazza, Joe Vitello, Pete Zoccolillo

  Mexico:
  Alfredo Amezaga, Luis Ayala, Rigo Beltran, Jorge Cantu, Vinny Castilla, Juan Castro, Elmer Dessens, Gerardo Garcia, Karim Garcia, Luis Garcia, Edgar Gonzalez, Edgar Huerta, Esteban Loaiza, Rodrigo Lopez, Miguel Ojeda, Antonio Osuna, Oliver Perez, Roberto Ramirez, Dennys Reyes, Ricardo Rincon, Oscar Robles, Ismael Valdez, Oscar Villareal

  Netherlands:
  Andruw Jones

  Panama:
  Bruce Chen, Carlos Lee, Jose Macias, Carlos Ruiz

  Puerto Rico:
  Sandy Alomar Jr., Carlos Baerga, Carlos Beltran, Kiko Calero, Alex Cintron, Jose Cruz Jr., Carlos Delgado, Jose Hernandez, Ricky Ledee, Felipe Lopez, Mike Lowell, Luis Matos, Joel Pineiro, Ivan Rodriguez, J.C. Romero, Rey Sanchez, Jorge Sosa, Andres Torres, Javier Valentin, Javier Vazquez, Jose Vidro, Bernie Williams

  United States:
  Michael Barrett, Lance Berkman, Craig Biggio, Barry Bonds, Mark Buehrle, Eric Chavez, Roger Clemens, Chad Cordero, Carl Crawford, Johnny Damon, Adam Dunn, Brian Fuentes, Ken Griffey Jr., Eddie Guardado, Roy Halladay, Jason Isringhausen, Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, Todd Jones, Derrek Lee, Al Leiter, Brad Lidge, Joe Mauer, Jake Peavy, Andy Pettitte, Juan Pierre, Jimmy Rollins, B.J. Ryan, C.C. Sabathia, Brian Schneider, Ben Sheets, John Smoltz ,Huston Street, Mark Teixeira, Chase Utley, Jason Varitek, Billy Wagner, Vernon Wells, Dontrelle Willis, David Wright, Michael Young, Barry Zito

  Venezuela:
  Bobby Abreu, Edgardo Alfonzo, Henry Blanco, Miguel Cairo, Giovanni Carrara, Freddy Garcia, Carlos Guillen, Melvin Mora, Tomas Perez, Francisco Rodriguez, Johan Santana, Carlos Silva, Omar Vizquel, Carlos Zambrano, Victor Zambrano

  Undecided
  a- Alex Rodriguez b- Marco Scutaro
  a- eligible to play for both the Dominican Republic and the United States b- eligible to play for both Italy and Venezuela.

  Players agreeing to participate in World Baseball Classic
  All 30 MLB teams to be represented at World Baseball Classic
  WBC Rosters By Country
  Big names expected at World Baseball Classic
  Major League Stars Sign Up for World Baseball Classic

• 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

• Twins support WBC

  01Oct
  Categories: Canada, México, Pool B, Pool D, Venezuela, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  Several members of Minnesota Twins could join the World Baseball Classic in 2006.

  Like other major league teams, Twins has players who came from different countries, could fight each other next March.

  Utility infielder Juan Castro has already committed to playing for Mexico, “It’ll be a good event for people everywhere,” Castro said. “It’s an honor to be invited. I don’t know when I’ll have the chance again to represent Mexico.”

  First baseman Justin Morneau, who has been in Team Canada before, but not include 2004 Olympics, could represent Canada. “If I’m invited, I’d like to play,” Morneau said.

  Reliever Jesse Crain, an American who was born in Toronto, since he’s eligible to play for both nations, he was also willing to play for Canada. “Yeah, if they ask me and Team USA doesn’t,” Crain said. “It sounds like it would be fun. Obviously, I’d like to play for Team USA, but I don’t think they’ll ask me.”

  Reliever Juan Rincon and starting pitcher Carlos Silva weren’t sure if they would be able to play for Venezuela due to injury recovery.

  Because World Baseball Classic will be held in March, means Spring Training next year is not the same as previous one.

  For Manager Ron Gardenhire, he did not have problem with losing some guys, as long as their health is protected. “I think representing your country is a wonderful thing,” Gardenhire said. “But hopefully they’ll understand that they have to get themselves into good shape early. I think baseball will take a part in that to get guys into good shape and they’ll be ready to go and not hurt themselves.”

  Notes: Twins look foward to Classic

• Two Rangers want to play

  18Sep
  Categories: México, Pool B, USA, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  Although there are months away, there are talks on 2006 World Baseball Classic in the Rangers’ clubhouse.

  Catcher Rod Barajas hopes to be asked to play for the Mexican team, and he is willing to play the 16-team tournament next spring. As for All-Star shortstop Michael Young, who is under consideration by U.S., said he will play if asked. Young is interested in playing anywhere — even at his former position of second base.

  Looks like World Baseball Classic is getting hot in Texas.

  RANGERS NOTES

• Gonzalez would play for Mexico, Cantu might too.

  26Aug
  Categories: México, Pool B, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  
  Adrian Gonzalez, the First baseman of Texas Ranger plans to play for the Mexican team in the 2006 World Baseball Classic next March; Tampa Bay Devil Rays infielder Jorge Cantu might also join him too.

  Although nothing is official yet, Gonzalez expresses his willing to play for Mexican Team, the only issue could be his citizenship. Although his parents were from Mexico, Gonzalez was born in San Diego and raised on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. He has dual citizenship and will be allowed to pick which team (either USA or Mexico) he would like to represent.

  2006 WBC is scheduled to begin on March, a few weeks after the start of Spring Training, but Gonzalez does not see it as a problem. He said, “Spring Training is about playing, and we will be playing, so I don’t think it will affect us that way. Maybe it could have an effect on managers and general managers, because all the players won’t be together in the clubhouse and they might not have enough time to see everybody.”

  
  As for Jorge Cantu, he also expects to be asked to participate with the Mexican team. He said he plans for the offer to come in the off season.

  Besides, a representative of Mexico’s leading sports confederation met with Cantu earlier this month. Cantu said he plans to meet with Mexican President Vicente Fox Quesada in November. “We got together about baseball,” Cantu said. “We are going to try getting some propaganda of baseball in Mexico.”

  Cantu mention that baseball is not very popular in Mexico, and although he was able to watch baseball on TV when grew up near the border, many people are still prefer soccer than baseball. He hopes to do something in World baseball Classic to do a lot for baseball in Mexico.

  Among those players expected to play for Mexico are Esteban Loaiza (Starting Pitcher, Washington Nationals), Oliver Perez (Starting Pitcher, Pittsburgh Pirates), Rodrigo Lopez (Starting Pitcher, Baltimore Orioles), Elmer Dessens (Relief Pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers), Luis Ayala (Relief Pitcher, Washington Nationals), Erubiel Durazo (Designated Hitter, Oakland Athletics) and Miguel Ojeda (Catcher, Seattle Mariners). Outfielder Karim Garcia, who is currently playing in Japan, will also be asked to join the Mexican Team.

  Notes: Loe slated for Friday

  Notes: Offense not a problem for Rays