France is the second European team after Spain to announce its coaching staff for the World Baseball Classic Qualifier in Panama City next month. As expected former Major League standout closer Eric Gagne will be the manager, assisted by Boris Rothermundt, Kieran Mattison, Karl Gelinas, Ivan Naccarata, Kevin Young and Luis Argumedes.
Rothermundt is going to be the lone coach from France on the staff. Argumedes played for the CanAm League team in Quebec. The others all have been or still are affiliated with Major League clubs. France will face Spain, Panama and Colombia at the WBC Qualifier in Panama City from March 17 to 20. Only the winner qualifies for the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Australia won the first WBC Qualifier last week in Sydney.