Giants to host semis, final of World Baseball Classic

Note that, according to previous reports, Cuba apparently will be in the Asian side of the bracket, thus continuing to keep them as far away from Miami as possible.

The World Baseball Classic returns next spring for a third time with an expanded field playing at sites around the globe, and a major milestone was reached on Wednesday with the announcement of MLB’s own host venues.

World Baseball Classic Inc. announced that the Giants will host the semifinals and final at AT&T Park in San Francisco. Second-round games will be hosted by the Marlins at Marlins Park. First-round competition will be hosted by the D-backs at both Chase Field and their Cactus League home of Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Ariz.

It is San Francisco’s debut as a host city for the World Baseball Classic, succeeding San Diego’s PETCO Park (2006) and Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles (2009) as host of the semifinals and final. What remains to be seen is whether Japan can celebrate yet another title on the Giants’ field, having won both previous World Baseball Classic tournaments.

Miami will be a second-round host venue for a second time, having also done so in 2009 at Dolphin Stadium, and this time it will have a retractable roof. Arizona previously hosted first-round action at Scottsdale Stadium in 2006.