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With the World Baseball Classic just six weeks away, Team USA announced their roster Thursday morning. The remaining 15 rosters for the WBC will be released at 4 PM Thursday.
Team USA is expected to have 13 position players and 15 pitchers, but only 27 players were named to the 28 man roster. It is still hoped Justin Verlander will take the final roster spot, though he has yet to confirm his participation. Verlander reportedly won't make a decision until he determines how his arm feels after the start of spring training.
2013 TEAM USA
|
Mark Teixeira |
1B | Yankees |
| Brandon Phillips | 2B | Reds |
| Jimmy Rollins | SS | Phillies |
|
David Wright |
3B | Mets |
|
Joe Mauer |
C | Twins |
| Ryan Braun | LF | Brewers |
|
Adam Jones |
CF | Orioles |
|
Giancarlo Stanton |
RF | Marlins |
| Ben Zobrist | IF | Rays |
| Willie Bloomquist | IF | Diamondbacks |
|
Shane Victorino |
OF | Red Sox |
| Jonathan Lucroy | C | Brewers |
| J.P. Arencibia | C | Blue Jays |
| R.A. Dickey | SP | Mets |
| Ryan Vogelsong | SP | Giants |
| Derek Holland | SP | Rangers |
|
Kris Medlen |
SP | Braves |
|
Craig Kimbrel |
RP | Braves |
|
Heath Bell |
RP | Diamondbacks |
|
Chris Perez |
RP | Indians |
| Vinnie Pestano | RP | Indians |
| Luke Gregerson | RP | Padres |
| Glen Perkins | RP | Twins |
| Steve Cishek | RP | Marlins |
|
Jeremy Affeldt |
RP | Gianta |
| Tim Collins | RP | Royals |
| Mitchell Boggs | RP | Cardinals |
The only Tiger to have made public his commitment to take part in the WBC is reigning AL MVP Miguel Cabrera, who will play for his native Venezuela. The Tigers denied Victor Martinez's request to play for Venezuela due to his ongoing recovery from his knee injury.
The WBC will start March 2nd in Japan, Taiwan, Puerto Rico and Phoenix. Round two will start March 8th and be played in in Tokyo and Miami. The semi-finals are March 17th and and the championship game will be played March 19th, both rounds taking place at AT&T Park in San Francisco.
Team USA has never reached the WBC finals, reaching the 2nd round in 2006 and the semis in 2009.