Mark Bowman of MLB.com points out in his preview of the Netherlands roster at the 2009 World Baseball Classic that pitching will be the strength of the team. The staff could be headed by Jair Jurrjens of the ATLANTA BRAVES, who finished third in the rookie of the year voting by the BBWAA. However after his first full major league season with a 13-10 record and an ERA of 3.68 in 31 starts, Jurrjens isn’t sure, if he would accept an invitation.
“If everybody goes, including me, we’ll have a good pitching staff. Pitching shouldn’t be our problem. We just don’t have enough good hitters to really be competitive. Right now, I’d say that I’m 50-50. I’d like to pitch. But I have to see how I’m feeling and give myself the best chance to be prepared for the [upcoming Major League season].”
Besides him Rick Van Den Hurk (FLORIDA MARLINS), Shairon Martis (WASHINGTON NATIONALS) and Sidney Ponson (2008: TEXAS RANGERS, NEW YORK YANKEES) also could be part of the starting rotation. Martis already impressed in the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, when he pitched seven-inning no-hitter against Panama.
Van Den Hurk already made his intentions known to play in the WBC. “I would love to pitch in [the World Baseball Classic] and represent the Netherlands. It’s hard to say now what the [team’s] expectations are. It depends who’s on the team. But of course we play to win.”
Besides these Major League experienced hurlers and a few Hoofdklasse veterans from the Netherlands, the team is expected to feature some of the best prospects from the Minor Leagues, like Gregory Halman, Wladimir Balentien (both SEATTLE MARINERS), Roger Bernadina, Yurendel De Caster (both WASHINGTON NATIONALS) and Hainley Statia (LA ANGELS). Alex Smit (CINCINNATI REDS) and Loek Van Mil (MINNESOTA TWINS) will strengthen the bullpen.
Their biggest star in 2006 was center fielder Andruw Jones, who is currently playing for the LOS ANGELES DODGERS. But after two terrible years for him performance wise, it is not clear if he once again gets an invitation for the March tournament. He is currently rehabbing from a knee injury in the Dominican Winter League.
The Dutch national teams is slotted into Pool D in San Juan, Puerto Rico. They open the tournament on March 7th against the Dominican Republic. Their other opponents in round one are Puerto Rico and Panama.
MLB.com: Pitching key for Netherlands in Classic
World Baseball Classic Schedule
World Baseball Classic Official Website