2009 World Baseball Classic (updated US confirmations)
Goot
Posts: 3,496
in Sports Talk
I know most aren't a fan of the classic, but I love it. I went to a few games in Orlando back in '06 and the atmosphere was by far the best that I've ever seen at a baseball game and that's saying something since I've been to quite a few ballparks, including a World Series.
The US hopes to avenge it's mediocre performance that it had in '06. Offense wasn't the issue but a horrible pitching staff ultimately led to it's downfall. Whatever the case is, I'll still wear my USA baseball jersey with pride and will hopefully see them play in the 2nd round, hosted in Miami.
Here's a list of players that have given a verbal commitment to playing for USA Baseball in the Classic. Note: This is NOT the final roster. The final 28 man roster will be announced in February.
John Lackey P
David Wright 3B
Chipper Jones 3B
Dustin Pedroia 2B
Derek Jeter SS
Brian McCann C
Grady Sizemore OF
Ryan Braun OF
Mark DeRosa 2B
The US hopes to avenge it's mediocre performance that it had in '06. Offense wasn't the issue but a horrible pitching staff ultimately led to it's downfall. Whatever the case is, I'll still wear my USA baseball jersey with pride and will hopefully see them play in the 2nd round, hosted in Miami.
Here's a list of players that have given a verbal commitment to playing for USA Baseball in the Classic. Note: This is NOT the final roster. The final 28 man roster will be announced in February.
John Lackey P
David Wright 3B
Chipper Jones 3B
Dustin Pedroia 2B
Derek Jeter SS
Brian McCann C
Grady Sizemore OF
Ryan Braun OF
Mark DeRosa 2B
0
Comments
Top 2 in A and B meet in San Diego for Round 2
Pool A (Tokyo):
China
Chinese Taipei
Japan
Korea
Pool B (Mexico City):
Australia
Mexico
South Africa
Cuba
Top 2 in Pools C and D play in Miami for Round 2
Pool C (Toronto):
USA
Canada
Venezuela
Italy
Pool D(San Juan):
Dominican Rep.
Netherlands
Panama
Puerto Rico
Semi's and Finals are in LA.
<< <i>I know most aren't a fan of the classic, but I love it. I went to a few games in Orlando back in '06 and the atmosphere was by far the best that I've ever seen at a baseball game and that's saying something since I've been to quite a few ballparks, including a World Series.
The US hopes to avenge it's mediocre performance that it had in '06. Offense wasn't the issue but a horrible pitching staff ultimately led to it's downfall. Whatever the case is, I'll still wear my USA baseball jersey with pride and will hopefully see them play in the 2nd round, hosted in Miami.
Here's a projected roster. This is in no way final, seeing as how Derek Jeter is the only confirmed US player as of now. The list originally include Mussina and A-Rod but since Moose retired and A-Rods playing for the DR, that should open up 2 spots.
P Joey Devine
P J.J. Putz
P Brian Fuentes
P Bobby Jenks
P Mike Gonzalez
P Brad Lidge
P Cliff Lee
P Joe Nathan
P Jake Peavy
P Scot Shields
P Huston Street
P Roy Oswalt
P Joe Saunders
C Joe Mauer
C A.J. Pierzynski
C Jason Varitek
IF Derek Jeter
IF Chipper Jones
IF Ryan Howard
IF Ryan Zimmerman
IF Chase Utley
IF Michael Young
OF B.J. Upton
OF Curtis Granderson
OF Raul Ibanez
OF Matt Holliday
OF Vernon Wells
OF Ryan Braun >>
I personally don't think that they have a chance to win it, but let's hope so!
Updated list in my first post.