This is quite a lineup actually. Obviously the pitching was always going to be weaker, but that's some serious talent. Mauer, Braun, Wright and Stanton is a whole bunch of offense. Would have been nice to see Trout in there, but that's still a wonderful outfield. Any word on Fielder's availability? That big lefty bat would really look good in amongst the righties.

Bullpen stars Luke Gregerson, Perez’s Indians teammate Vinnie Pestano

These guys are good pitchers, but not exactly what I think of when I hear the word "stars."

Is there any where to find an org by org break down of what mlb teams are sending to the wbc?

Here's another article, which mentions Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Vogelsong and the fact that Justin Verlander may join the roster later (in other words: he hasn't made his mind up yet). I also remember seeing somewhere that Glen Perkins was in for the bullpen, but, no offense to Perkins, he's not Rollins, Vogelsong or Verlander.


Biggest advantage for Team USA is depth. Even with all of the drop-outs (Harper, Trout, McCutchen, Jeter was hurt, Chris Sale, Matt Cain etcetra not pitching, and so on), the USA has a defending Cy Young award winner, at least three MVPs (four if Verlander plays), enough Gold Gloves and Silver Sluggers to fill a vault, and plenty of All-Stars.

Compare this to countries like Canada, where Ryan Dempster signing with the Red Sox and Scott Diamond getting hurt has left the rotation desolate of Major League experience (although their bullpen and lineup are very good).

Hmm, the linked article says Tulowitzki will be held out:

Other potential Team USA stars like Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp are both reportedly being held off the roster because of precautionary reasons due to injuries

Tulo has said he wants to play in the WBC. Maybe the team has stepped in, though, as the only other action he had after his groin surgery was some minor league rehab games late last season.

I'm a little surprised they're using Dickey, only because he tends to take awhile to get the knuckler working properly in Spring Training.

No Nats? Good.

No Nats? Good.

I know Roger Bernadina will be with the Netherlands.

Oh good, another PED user representing the United States. Maybe Andy Pettitte can apologize on Oprah in a few years.

Oh good, another PED user representing the United States. Maybe Andy Pettitte can apologize on Oprah in a few years.

Hey now, there's no need to talk about Ryan Braun like that.

Maybe Andy Pettitte can apologize on Oprah in a few years.

If R.A. Dickey could reach the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, I'll bet Pettitte could make the equally challenging climb you suggest.

On the other hand, if they pass the Olympic-style testing of the WBC, then they will have that to fall back on against accusations.