A few short news from the participating countries at the 2009 World Baseball Classic next March:
Australia
The Australian Baseball Federation appointed Jon Deeble to manage the Australian team at the tournament. Deeble is responsible for the national team since 2000 and led them to a silver medal in the 2004 Olympics in Athens. He is supported by coaches Phil Dale, Tony Harris and Paul Elliot. The former Major League Graeme Lloyd and Pat Kelly, who picked up World Series rings with the New York Yankees in the 1990ies, complete the coaching staff.
“It’s pretty encouraging to look at the guys to your left and right and know they have a wealth of experience at the game’s highest level,” Deeble said. “Add to that some of the emerging Major League talent we hope to be able to put on the field, and it’s the most excited I’ve been about an Australian team in a very long time.”
Australia is facing South Africa, Cuba and Mexico in Pool B at the Foro Sol Stadium in Mexico City in the first round. IBAF.org
Team USA
A few players acknowledged this week that they have accepted invitations by USA Baseball to play for Team USA in the Classic. 2008 American League MVP Dustin Pedroia from the Red Sox, starting pitcher John Lackey (Angels), third baseman Chipper Jones, catcher Brian McCann (both Braves), closer Joe Nathan and catcher Joe Mauer (both Twins) indicated that they make appearances. Manager Davey Johnson and shortstop Derek Jeter (Yankees) were introduced a few days ago.
However several of the best starting pitchers said the past days that they would pass on the event to concentrate on their preparation for the 2009 MLB season. CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, who were among the strikeout leaders last year, said during their introduction as new Yankee players on Thursday that they are likely deny an invitation if asked. Dan Haren of the Diamondbacks is leaning into the same direction. Fellow hurlers Brandon Webb (Diamondbacks) and Josh Beckett (Red Sox), plus outfielder Josh Hamilton (Rangers) already confirmed that they will skip the Classic definitely.
Puerto Rico
Former Yankees center fielder Bernie Williams announced last week to play winter ball in Puerto Rico. He hopes to make the jump onto the roster of the national team for the Classic. The 40-year-old hasn’t played since 2006 after turning down an offer by the Bronx Bombers for a minor league contract to come to spring training in 2007. USA Today
The Associated Press reported on Thursday that the 14-time all-star and 1999 American League MVP Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez told the Puerto Rican general manager Lou Melendez that he will play for his home country. Rodriguez split time with the Tigers and the Yankees last season and is currently looking for a new contract. The 37-year-old is also playing winter ball for the first time since 1995-96.
Catcher Yadier Molina (Cardinals) and reliever J.C. Romero (Phillies) already accepted invitations to play for the team, center fielder Carlos Beltran and first baseman Carlos Delgado (both Mets) are expected to commit soon. Yankees catcher Jorge Posada and Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell are rehabbing injuries and will not play. MLB.com
Dominican Republic
After missing the 2006 Classic due to the death in his family, outfielder Vladimir Guerrero of the Los Angeles Angels is likely taking a pass on the spring tournament again. According to a report in the LA Times he is recovering from knee surgery and the Angels want him healthy at the beginning of the season.
Italy
Catcher Mike Napoli of the Angels told his general manager in Anaheim Tony Reagins that he would like to play for Italy in the Classic. However the chances are slim, as he is coming from surgery to clean out scar tissue in his throwing shoulder. Major League teams are extra cautious with players coming of injuries. LA Times