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Sunday, January 13, 2013

Dickey, Pettitte, Wright, Braun among MLB stars for U.S. in WBC

LOS ANGELES—Veteran starting pitchers R.A. Dickey and Andy Pettitte plus star closers Craig Kimbrel and Chris Perez are among top major leaguers who have committed to play for Team USA in the WBC.

Bullpen stars Luke Gregerson, Perez’s Indians teammate Vinnie Pestano, and veteran outfielder Shane Victorino are among others added to Team USA, which will be managed by Joe Torre.

Mets third baseman David Wright, Twins catcher Joe Mauer, Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun, Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips, Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira and Orioles center fielder Adam Jones are among other stars who committed to Team USA. Marlins star Giancarlo Stanton also has committed to play for Team USA.

...

Another major pitcher or two is considering joining the team but it will depend on a few outside factors. The entire Team USA will be unveiled Thursday.

Heyman, you talk about “top major leaguers” in the WBC and you bury Mauer, Wright, Braun, Jones and Stanton in the third paragraph?

Gamingboy Posted: January 13, 2013 at 08:32 PM | 12 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: usa, wbc, world baseball classic

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1. Voros McCracken of Pinkus Posted: January 13, 2013 at 11:42 PM (#4346534)

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.

2. Cooper Nielson Posted: January 13, 2013 at 11:53 PM (#4346536)

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."

3. Meatwads stronger now, ready for the house Posted: January 13, 2013 at 11:54 PM (#4346538)

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

4. Gamingboy Posted: January 14, 2013 at 12:29 AM (#4346545)

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).

5. puck Posted: January 14, 2013 at 01:35 AM (#4346562)

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.

6. Devin has a deep burning passion for fuzzy socks Posted: January 14, 2013 at 10:44 AM (#4346654)

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.

7. TerpNats Posted: January 14, 2013 at 12:14 PM (#4346711)

No Nats? Good.

8. Gamingboy Posted: January 14, 2013 at 03:34 PM (#4346851)

No Nats? Good.

I know Roger Bernadina will be with the Netherlands.

9. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: January 14, 2013 at 03:44 PM (#4346861)

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

10. Wins Above Paul Westerberg Posted: January 14, 2013 at 03:50 PM (#4346867)

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.

11. Gonfalon Bubble Posted: January 14, 2013 at 04:24 PM (#4346909)

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.

12. Gamingboy Posted: January 14, 2013 at 05:26 PM (#4346963)

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.

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Sunday, January 13, 2013

Dickey, Pettitte, Wright, Braun among MLB stars for U.S. in WBC

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