Italian World Baseball Classic Team opens Camp in Fort Pierce, Florida

On Saturday, February 14th the Italian National Team opens training camp for the 2009 World Baseball Classic with 14 players in Fort Pierce, Florida. Coaches Tom Trebelhorn, Bill Holmberg and Gibo Gerali welcome pitchers Tiago Da Silva (San Marino), B.J. La Mura (free agent), Marc La Macchia (free agent), Kasey Olenberger (free agent), Clifford Flagello (AA Orioles), Cody Cillo (Fortitudo Bologna), Chris Cooper (Grosseto), Anthony Fiore (free agent), Carlos Richetti (Nettuno), Philip Barzilla (AAA Mariners), catchers Luis Serafin Camargo (Rimini), Riccardo Bertagnon (Parma), Robert Fick (free agent) and infielder Mike Costanzo (AAA Orioles) today.

At the beginning of next week, hitting coach Mike Piazza, infielder Jack Santora (Rimini), Joseph Mazzuca (Bologna) and pitcher Dan Serafini (free agent) will join. On Thursday head coach Marco Mazzieri and assistant coach Mike Hargrove will lead a second group with pitchers Alex Maestri (AA Cubs), Luca Panerati, Matteo Pizziconi (A Reds), Roberto Corradini (Parma), Marco Costantini (Nettuno), Alessandro Ularetti (Fortitudo Bologna), infielders Davide Dallospedale (Parma), Alex Liddi (A Mariners), Giuseppe Mazzanti (Nettuno), outfielder Mario Chiarini (Rimini), Leonardo Zileri (Parma), Andrea De Santis (Grosseto), Mike Spidale (AA Phillies), Jeff Fiorentino (AAA A’s).

Eleven players were invited to Major League spring trainings. This group includes pitchers Mark Di Felice (Brewers), Brian Mazone (Dodgers), Lenny Di Nardo (Royals), Adam Ottavino (Cardinals), catcher Vinny Rottino (Brewers), Francisco Cervelli (Yankees), infielders Frank Catalanotto (Rangers), Nick Punto (Twins), Chris Denorfia (A’s), Peter Ciofrone (Padres) and designated hitter Valentino Pascucci (Dodgers). They are expected to join the team at the end of February, if selected to the 28-man final roster, which has to be submitted by February 24th. Catcher Mike Napoli (Angels) and outfielder Vince Sinisi (Padres) aren’t any more on the roster, as both were vetoed by their respective MLB clubs.

Until the beginning of March the squad will train at the facilities of a Junior College nearby Fort Pierce. The Italian Baseball and Softball Federation (FIBS) also announced the dates for the three scrimmages against MLB teams. They travel to Fort Lauderdale on February 24th to play against a selection of the Baltimore Orioles, on February 27th to Port St. Lucie against the New York Mets and on February 28th to Vieira against the Washington Nationals. Between March 3rd and 5th they are scheduled to play three official exhibitions against MLB teams.

Photo: © FIBS (Alex Liddi at European Championship Under-21 in Pamplona)