World Baseball Classic 2013

[sinobball]

I don't know what the World Baseball Challenge is, but last week Cuba beat Chinese Taipei in the final.

[MaccabiTA]

We have a national team? I thought Israel doesn't acknowledge the existence of baseball or something

[CKR13]

My partial roster pick for USA:

C - Buster Posey
1B - Mark Teixeira
2B - Dustin Pedroia
3B - Michael Young
SS - Troy Tulowitzki

OF: Josh Hamilton, Mike Trout, Matt Kemp, Ryan Braun, Curtis Granderson, Giancarlo Stanton, Jason Heyward, Mark Trumbo.

I would want to bring back Braun and Granderson from the 2009 WBC squad that will mesh well with the dynamos of the outfield.

There are a lot of possibilities for the pitcher, but I am hoping that Roy Halladay and Chris Sale are to be considered.

For the BP, I would want three people to be considered: Jonathan Papelbon, Jim Johnson and Sergio Romo.

I'm open to having Derek Jeter once again, but NO Bryce Harper.

[CKR13]

I'm excited that San Diego Padres Luke Gregerson will suit up for Team USA. Meanwhile, Gregerson's teammate, Edinson Volquez will suit up for the Dominican Republic.

[CKR13]

Canada's provisional roster:

Canada's provisional roster* with team and hometown:

PITCHERS

RH John Axford, Brewers, Port Dover, Ont.

RH Phillippe Aumont, Phillies, Gatineau, Que.

RH Jesse Crain, White Sox, Toronto

LH Andrew Albers, Twins (AA), North Battleford, Sask.

RH Jim Henderson, Brewers, Calgary

RH Shawn Hill, Tigers, Georgetown, Ont.

RH Chris Leroux, Pirates, Mississauga

RH Trystan Magnuson, Jays (AA) Vancouver

RH Scott Mathieson, Yomiuri (Japan), Aldergrove, B.C.

RH Dustin Molleken, Nippon (Japan), Regina

CATCHERS

Russell Martin, Pirates, Montréal

Chris Robinson, Orioles (AAA), Dorchester, Ont.

INFIELDERS

3B Brett Lawrie, Jays, Langley, B.C.

1B Justin Morneau, Twins, New Westminster, B.C.

2B Pete Orr, Phillies, Richmond Hill

2B Taylor Green, Brewers, Comox, B.C.

SS Cale Iorg, Tigers (AAA), Toronto

SS Jonathan Malo, Quebec (Can Am), Jolliette, Que.

1B Jimmy Van Ostrand, Nationals (AA), Richmond, B.C.

OUTFIELDERS

Tyson Gillies, Phillies (AA), Vancouver

Adam Loewen, Mets (AAA), Surrey, B.C.

Micahel Saunders, Mariners, Victoria

Tim Smith, Orioles (AA), Toronto

COACHES

Manager: Ernie Whitt (Clinton, Mich.)

Hitting/1B coach: Larry Walker (Maple Ridge, B.C.)

Pitching coach: Denis Boucher (Lachine, Que.)

Bullpen coach: Paul Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.)

Hitting coach: Stubby Clapp (Windsor, Ont.)

3B coach: Tim Leiper (Vierra, Fla.)Coach/director: Greg Hamilton (Ottawa)

[CKR13]

Team USA Roster:

http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2013-01-17/world-baseball-classic-2013-team-usa-provisional-roster-schedule-dates-times-tv

Note that Kris Medlen pulled out due to family reasons.

[CKR13]

South Korea is now 1-1 after smothering the Australians as Seung Song, in four innings allowed two hits. South Korea in a must win game next as they face Chinese Taipei who are 2-0.

Korea seems sluggish to start the tournament. That 5-0 stunner on account of 4 blunders was a horrible sight. In this game against Australia, the relievers did pitch in.

[Phantim3dx]

itll be interesting to see how japan fares as they are using an all domestic player roster. cant believe korea is struggling.

[CKR13]

Team USA is ripping it. David Wright aka Captain America with 2H and 5 RBI's in the last game for USA as they demolished Puerto Rico.