WBC 2017 Preview: Breaking down China

Team China is riding high after defeating Team Brazil in the World Baseball Classic Group A pool play in 2013, which qualified it to participate in the 2017 tournament.

Baseball in China has grown vastly since the country competed in the first Classic back in 2006. Team China has pulled out a win in pool play in each of the past two Classics, and while the club is unlikely to make a run at the title, it is looking to build on its recent success.

Team China's Classic manager John McLaren returns to coach the squad for the second time, and he may have more Major League weapons at his disposal this go around. With Chen (former big leaguer), Worley (free agent), Brice (Marlins) and Kolten Wong (Cardinals) possibly joining the fold, the 2017 team has the potential to be stronger than it has been in previous years. Chang returns to the Classic after his two-run single helped beat Brazil in '13.

How they fared in the past

Team China won its first World Baseball Classic game when it eliminated Chinese Taipei with a 4-1 victory in 2009. In '13, China scored five runs in the eighth inning to overcome a two-run deficit in a surprising win over Brazil, the country's signature victory thus far in the history of the Classic. Chinese catcher Wei Wang hit the first home run of any player ever in the Classic's history in '06, a claim to fame for a squad that has yet to advance past the first round.

What they should do well

Chen, Worley, Kwon and Brice all have professional experience, giving Team China a core of hurlers it can rely on when it takes the mound. Chen pitched for 11 teams over 17 MLB seasons and has the veteran savvy to anchor the team's rotation. Worley went 2-2 with a 3.53 ERA for Baltimore in 2016, and his ability to start games or pitch out of the bullpen will provide the staff with some versatility. Kwon is a pitcher in the Korea Baseball Organization, and McLaren has said he could be a fifth starter for a big league club.
Kolten Wong

Where they could struggle

Aside from Wong, who has batted .248 over his four years as a Cardinal, Team China is lacking Major League hitters. Chang's heroics in the 2013 Classic suggest he could be a middle-of-the-order guy in McLaren's lineup, but he has never reached MLB, playing 12 seasons in the Minors. Runs may be hard to come by for McLaren's offense.

How far they could go

Playing in Pool B along with Cuba, Japan and Australia, China could find it hard to finally take that next step to the second round. McLaren told MLB.com's Lindsay Berra "winning a game is monumental" to the team, so expectations are not as high as they are for some other teams. Advancing past pool play is a long shot, but winning a game is certainly within the realm of possibilities for Team China.

WBC 2017 preview: Breaking down Australia

With a 12-5 win over South Africa in last February's Sydney qualifier final, Australia punched its ticket to the World Baseball Classic for the fourth time. The Aussies are looking to rebound from a winless Round 1 exit in the 2013 Classic, but face a tough challenge right off the bat, opening against Japan in Tokyo on March 8.

Though Australia's official roster hasn't yet been announced, manager Jon Deeble has said players will be selected from the Australian National Team that won the Australian Baseball League All-Star Game in December. Deeble also said on a recent Australian Baseball League podcast that around 22 of the 28 roster spots are set, though he didn't provide names. Former Major League infielder Craig Shipley, along with Deeble, are heading a selection panel to choose the Aussies' roster. Deeble said in the podcast that he would be looking for left-handed middle relievers, in particular, as he filled out the roster.
Peter Moylan

How they fared in the past

Australia has never advanced past the first round in any of the three World Baseball Classic tournaments it's participated in.

In '06, Australia lost all three games it played. In '09, after opening with a 17-7 win over Mexico, Australia played Cuba in a tight game that featured a Hughes double off Aroldis Chapman in the fourth inning -- Hughes eventually came around to score the tying run. Cuba would go on to defeat Australia, 5-4. In a rematch with Mexico in the next contest, Australia was eliminated in a 16-1 loss. In the '13 Classic, Australia was once again winless, falling to Chinese Taipei, South Korea and the Netherlands.

What they should do well

Australia returns several players who have had success at the plate in previous Classic tournaments: Welch was 3-for-10 with a homer in '13, Walker was 5-for-11 (.455) in '13, Hughes homered and drove in three runs during the '09 Classic, and Harman has a .269 batting average (7-for-26) over all three tournaments Australia has participated in. Oeltje hit .500 (6-for-12) in the '09 WBC.
Travis Blackley

Where they could struggle

Australia's pitching has been a weakness in each of the three Classic tournaments it's been a part of, and that could very well hamper the team again this year. Of the four pitchers on Australia's National Team who have previous Classic experience, only Kent has an ERA below 7.50 in tournament play.

How far they could go

Finding itself in Pool B with the likes of two-time World Baseball Classic champion Japan and the always formidable Cuba, it would be an improbable feat for Australia to advance past the first round of the tournament for the first time.

WBC 2017 Preview: Breaking down Italy

The Italian team was among the biggest surprises in the last iteration of the World Baseball Classic in 2013, with a dramatic ninth-inning comeback and a major upset victory in its opening matchup against Mexico.

Italy will again open this year's tournament as underdogs against Mexico, hoping to recreate the magic on March 9 at Estadio Charros de Jalisco in Mexico. Italy, one of four countries in Group D, will also compete against Venezuela and Puerto Rico in round-robin play.

Although very little of this year's roster has been confirmed, a number of Major Leaguers are expected to be in the mix on manager Marco Mazzieri's squad. Colabello was among Italy's top performers in the last Classic, leading the team in home runs (two), RBIs (seven) and total bases (12). He returns alongside 2013 teammate Butera and Cervelli, who represented Italy in 2009. Nimmo and Conforto will be making their first appearance on the roster.
Michael Conforto

How they fared in the past

Italy enjoyed its best finish in 2013, advancing to the second round by defeating Mexico and Canada. It ranked 10th with just one win each in 2006 and '09.

What they should do well

Catcher should be a strength for the Italian squad, with two Major League-caliber backstops in Butera and Cervelli. Both are making their second appearance on the team, and each boasts several years of experience in the big leagues.
Drew Butera

Where they could struggle

There will be a major void in the Italian roster left by Anthony Rizzo, who isn't expected to return to the Classic this year after representing Italy in 2013. Last fall's lengthy playoff run with the World Series-champion Cubs may have Rizzo opting for rest as he prepares to help Chicago defend its title in '17. Without Rizzo, Italy will have to look for power elsewhere in its lineup.

How far they could go

A repeat of 2013's upset victory over Mexico isn't out of the cards; Mazzieri is hopeful his team can capitalize on the experience from the last Classic. That second-round appearance was a step in the right direction for the Italian team, and it will look to improve upon that finish in 2017.

WBC 2017 Preview: Breaking down Mexico

Mexico endured a surprising early exit four years ago in the last World Baseball Classic, but it will open this year's tournament before a home crowd at Estadio de Beisbol Charros de Jalisco in Group D with Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Italy.

The Mexican national team opens play against Italy on March 9 with a roster full of Major League talent, including five-time All-Star Adrian Gonzalez. With the tournament quickly approaching, here's a look at how Mexico stacks up.

Gonzalez represents the biggest name on Mexico's roster, playing for his older brother Edgar Gonzalez, who assumes managerial duties for Mexico just two years after he retired from his playing career. The Gonzalez brothers previously teamed up when they played for the Padres in 2008-09 and in two previous Classics.
Yasiel Puig

Yasiel Puig is also rumored to be a possible addition to the roster, along with fellow Major Leaguers Anthony Rendon, Matt Bush, Aaron Sanchez and A.J. Ramos.

How they fared in the past

Mexico has not advanced further than the second round, where it finished in 2006 and '09 prior to a first-round elimination in '13.

What they should do well

In addition to a potent lineup with offensive standouts like Gonzalez and Davis, the Mexican team will boast a strong collection of relief pitchers. Osuna, who turns 22 in February, owns a 2.63 ERA and has converted 56 saves through his first two big league seasons, while Perez and Romo are both veterans with extensive experience in the Majors and in prior tournaments.

Where they could struggle

Marco Estrada's status for this year's tournament is uncertain due to a herniated disc in his back, which puts Mexico's starting rotation in flux. Estrada himself has said he's unlikely to be ready to pitch in the first round, if at all. It's also not yet clear whether Estrada's teammate, Sanchez, will suit up for Mexico.
Marco Estrada

How far they could go

After not escaping the first round in 2013, Mexico had to qualify for this year's Field of 16 -- it defeated Nicaragua last March in Mexicali, Mexico -- and it will be eyeing a return to at least the final eight. Mexico fared well in exhibitions against Japan, the winning nation in the 2006 and '09 tournaments and last year's third-place finisher.

Yordanis Samon

WBC 2017 Preview: Breaking down Cuba

Team Cuba will be without Major League stars such as Jose Abreu, Yoenis Cespedes and Aroldis Chapman, among others, for the 2017 World Baseball Classic, but that doesn't mean the country's squad won't be competitive.

Cuba has decided it will not allow Major Leaguers who defected to the United States to represent its team in the Classic this year, but the island is packed with talented players who should be able to shoulder the load.

Alfredo Despaigne highlights the roster of players likely to participate in the Classic for Cuba. The 30-year-old, who plays for the Chiba Lotte Marines of the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization in Japan, filled up the stat sheet during the 2013 Classic. Despaigne hit .389/.522/.944 in the last Classic, with three home runs, five runs scored and eight RBIs in six games, winning MVP of Pool A.
Alfredo Despaigne

Vladimir Garcia Escalante of Ciego de Avila in Cuba figures to play a big role for the club's pitching staff. The 34-year-old has pitched 11 seasons in Cuba, going 77-49 with a 2.74 ERA in 120 starts. He last pitched in the Cuba Serie Nacional in 2015, when he went 11-3 with a 2.18 ERA over 19 starts.
Vladimir Garcia Escalante

Cuba has not had any players publicly commit to playing for its Classic team thus far, but as the Cuban roster shakes out, it should represent its country well.

How they fared in the past

Cuba's best Classic finish came in 2006, when it reached the championship game, losing to Japan, 10-6. The Cubans were eliminated yet again by the Japanese in 2009 in Round 2 of the tournament, for the national team's lowest finish in international competition. Cuba reached the second round in 2013, losing to the Netherlands and falling shy of the championship round.

What they should do well

With a rotation anchored by Garcia and Alvarez, Cuba's pitching staff should be its strength. Alvarez, 27, is 64-48 with a 2.90 ERA in 164 starts over 11 seasons in Cuba. The right-hander also fared admirably in the 2013 Classic, allowing two earned runs in 5 1/3 innings.

Where they could struggle

On offense, Cuba may have a tough time protecting Despaigne in the heart of its batting order. With numerous top Cuban hitters unable to represent their country in the Classic in 2017, runs could be hard to come by. Finding a way to get Despaigne, who is tied for the third-most homers in Classic history with four, to the plate as much as possible will be key to pushing runs across the plate.
William Saavedra

How far they could go

Team Cuba is set up nicely to advance to the second round for the second straight Classic. The roster is likely to be filled with veteran players who have experience playing at the international level. Japan, also in Pool C, stands in Cuba's way once again and could be the difference between the Cubans reaching the championship round or facing an early exit.

Russell Martin

WBC preview: Breaking down Team Canada

Team Canada won't have an easy path to the final round of the 2017 World Baseball Classic, sharing Pool C with the defending champion Dominican Republic, the United States and Colombia at Marlins Park in Miami.

As it's already shown in previous WBCs, however, Canada can compete with any nation on any given night. Those who take the Canadians lightly will do so at their own peril.

Reds slugger Joey Votto, a Toronto-area native who played for Canada in 2009 and 2013, announced last month that he was declining his invitation to play for the team, opting to focus on getting ready for the 2017 regular season.

How they fared in the past

Canada burst onto the international scene in the inaugural 2006 Classic, when it upset the U.S., 8-6, and won two of its three opening-round games before missing the Round 2 cut on a tiebreaker. The Canadians lost to Team USA by just one run in 2009, and held a 3-2 lead over the U.S. in the sixth inning in 2013 before their southern neighbor stormed back with a late-game rally.

All in all, Canada has been competitive, but it is still looking to punch its first ticket to Round 2. However, as its gold medal at the '15 Pan-Ams prove, the nation has talent beyond a handful of recognizable Major Leaguers.

What they should do well

The Canadians' biggest asset is clearly their bats. Martin has seen his average decline in recent years, but he's also coming off back-to-back 20-homer seasons. Morneau is in the twilight of his career, but is still a threat to run into a homer with any swing. Saunders is coming off his first All-Star season. If Freeman joins this lineup, opposing pitchers are in for a long night.
Justin Morneau,

Where they could struggle

Just as it's no secret Canada can hit, it's no secret they've struggled to keep runs off the board. The Canadians have allowed nearly eight runs per game over the first three installments of this tournament, and they appear to again lack the top-line starter that other Pool C nations (Max Scherzer for Team USA, Jose Quintana for Colombia) will have.

Manager Ernie Whitt told MLB.com that he expects Paxton and Pivetta (who went a combined 12-8 with a 3.27 ERA between the Phillies' Double-A and Triple-A clubs last season) to head the rotation, but even if Taillon joins that duo, it could be a tall task for them to contain the profoundly deep lineups that the Dominican and the U.S. will field.
Michael Saunders,

How far they could go

With what we know about the rosters so far, Canada will be a heavy underdog to supplant the Dominican and U.S. clubs and advance to Round 2 for the first time. The Canadians will need to ride their offense and hope for just enough clutch pitching late to surprise people -- something they have done sporadically in the past.

Seung Hwan Oh

WBC preview: Breaking down Team Korea

Team Korea will look to rebound from a disappointing finish in the World Baseball Classic four years ago with a roster full of fresh new faces. Seung Hwan Oh, a right-handed reliever for the Cardinals, is the only Major Leaguer on the team's roster. Pool play begins March 6, in Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome -- an 18,000-seat stadium that is the home of the KBO's Nexen Heroes.

While the team usually has the likes of Major Leaguers Shin-Soo Choo, Hyun Soo Kim and Jung Ho Kang on the roster, Korea will be led this time around by Oh, first baseman Dae-Ho Lee and outfielder Ah-seop Son. Lee currently plays for the Lotte Giants, but he spent the 2016 season in the Mariners' organization. Son garnered some interest from MLB clubs in 2015, but he didn't sign with a team.

No breakdown posted for korea yet

Top prospects on display in WBC

Five Top 100 prospects competing in international tournament

Both the stars of today and the stars of tomorrow will be on display in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Rosters for the event have been unveiled, and while several MLB All-Stars made the cut, so too, did a number of top prospects.

Five players from MLBPipeline.com's Top 100 Prospects list -- No. 6 Alex Reyes (Dominican Republic/Cardinals), No. 33 Jose De Leon (Puerto Rico/Rays), No. 36 Tyler O'Neill (Canada/Mariners), No. 61 Alex Verdugo (Mexico/Dodgers) and No. 72 Jorge Alfaro (Colombia/Phillies) -- will represent their countries during the tournament.

Gui Yuan Xu, an Orioles farmhand, will join Reds prospect Austin Brice on the Chinese team. Xu, a 19-year-old first baseman, became the first player from one of MLB's three development centers in China to sign with an American club.

Xu inked a deal with Baltimore on July 20, 2015, and is hoping to become the first Chinese born player to reach the Major Leagues. In his brief professional debut, Xu hit .247 in 33 rookie-level games.

In total, there are 21 prospects, representing 16 organizations, that finished the 2016 season on their club's Top 30 Prospects list.

The Mets have three prospects from last season's Top 30 -- Gavin Cecchini (No. 3, Italy), Brandon Nimmo (No. 5 Italy) and No. 30 T.J. Rivera (Puerto Rico) -- while the Cardinals, Indians and Phillies each have two players representing them on the global stage.

Other top prospects participating: (Rankings from 2016)

Brewers' No. 15 Jorge Lopez (Puerto Rico)
Cardinals' No. 28 Trey Nielsen (Italy)
Indians' No. 15 Tyler Krieger (Israel)
Indians' No. 27 Luis Lugo (Italy)
Marlins' No. 23 Tayron Guerrero (Colombia)
Orioles' No. 28 Alex Wells (Australia)
Padres' No. 4 Josh Naylor (Canada)
Phillies' No. 17 Nick Pivetta (Canada)
Pirates' No. 15 Luis Escobar (Colombia)
Royals' No. 23 Meibrys Viloria (Colombia)
Tigers' No. 5 Joe Jimenez (Puerto Rico)
Twins' No. 28 Lachlan Wells (Australia)

With a diminishing pool of big league talent due to Cuba's ban to include players who have defected, the country's roster for the 2017 World Baseball Classic is thin on stars yet remains intriguing due to its wealth of young talent.

Without Jose Abreu, Yasiel Puig, Raisel Iglesias, Yulieski Gurriel and Yoenis Cespedes, Cuba can remain competitive and possibly build on its second-round elimination in the 2013 event, particularly with a strong outfield with up-and-coming prospects and an established slugger.

Yoelkis Cespedes, the younger and leaner half-brother of Yoenis, is widely considered a five-tool talent as one of Cuba's top prospects. Some have even ventured to argue the 19-year-old could burgeon into a better player than his burly brother. "Yes, I'm pressured by that," Yoelkis said of the comparisons to his brother. "Like I said before, they compare me to my brother, and that motivates me to be a better player."
Yoelkis Cespedes & Yoenis Cespedes

Yoelkis Cespedes will share the outfield with Alfredo Despaigne, Cuba's catalyst in the last World Baseball Classic who hit .389/.522/.944 with three home runs, five runs scored and eight RBIs in six games, winning MVP of Pool A. Over the past three years, Despaigne, 30, has largely been away from competing for Cuba and playing for the Chiba Lotte Marines of the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization in Japan. Given the limited pool of MLB talent, Despaigne will be one of Cuba's pivotal sources of power.

Rounding out the outfield is perhaps the most intriguing player, Victor Mesa, the son of the longtime national team manager with the same name. Like his father, one of the nation's iconic baseball figures, the younger Mesa is a speedster on the basepaths who makes solid contact at the plate and complements his offense with a strong arm in center field.

Among those returning include pitchers Freddy Alvarez, Vladimir Garcia and Leandro Martinez, catcher Frank Morejon -- making up a roster comprised of 13 pitchers, seven infielders, five outfielders and three catchers.

Each team has the option of using the designated pitcher pool (DPP), which works like this: A team can use up to 10 designated pitchers but can't have more than two on its active roster at a time. Those "active" DPs can be replaced at the beginning of each of the next two rounds, but only by another DP. Once a DP has been replaced, he cannot return to the active roster for a subsequent round.

[ With the new wave of prospects on the way, maybe Cleveland can get active in bidding for/signing some of these future defectors - I'm sure there will be a few seeking their fortunes and fame ]

WBC NOTES

Asdrubal disappointed to miss 2017 WBC
Though the Mets are sending more players to next month's World Baseball Classic than just about any other team, veteran shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera will not be among their traveling contingent. And he's vocally disappointed by it.Cabrera wrote on Instagram on Thursday that he will not participate in the Classic, blaming Venezuela general manager Carlos Guillen for his absence. Cabrera later clarified to the Venezuelan sports newspaper Diario Meridiano that while manager Omar Vizquel wanted him on the team, Guillen did not place him on the roster. Cabrera said he went as far as to purchase tickets for friends and family before learning he would not participate. The most-represented Major League team on WBC rosters is the Tigers, who are sending a whopping 15 players from their organization to the WBC. The Mets (13), Cardinals (11), Indians (11), Mariners (11), Royals (11), Blue Jays (10), Braves (10), Dodgers (10), Phillies (10), Twins (10) and Yankees (10) are next on the list.

Santana, Lindor among Tribe's 11 on WBC rosters
The Indians saw something different in Carlos Santana after he returned from the World Baseball Classic four years ago. Maybe it was the passion surrounding the tournament, or the fact that he was around some of his country's best players, but the first baseman returned to Spring Training revitalized. "Santana came back really energized after playing for the Dominican team," Indians general manager Mike Chernoff said. "So, I think that can have a positive effect. Carlos, at that time of his career, got to be around some of the best players in the world, and I think that rubbed off on him." The 2017 World Baseball Classic rosters were unveiled on MLB Network on Wednesday night, and Cleveland will have 11 players -- four from its planned Major League roster -- heading to the tournament. Santana will once again suit up for the Dominican Republic, which is aiming to defend its '13 Classic championship. Relief ace Andrew Miller (USA), shortstop Francisco Lindor (Puerto Rico) and catcher Roberto Perez (Puerto Rico) will also play for their countries. Others from Cleveland's organization who are on World Baseball Classic rosters include reliever Joseph Colon (Puerto Rico), third baseman Giovanny Urshela (Colombia), first baseman Chris Colabello (Italy), lefty Luis Lugo (Italy), second baseman Tyler Krieger (Israel), righty Ping-Hsueh Chen (Chinese Taipei) and righty Shao-Ching Chiang (Chinese Taipei). Lefty Bruce Chen, who currently works in the Indians' player development department as a cultural development coordinator, is also on Team China's roster.

Baez, Rondon lead Cubs in World Baseball Classic
The Cubs' Javier Baez and Hector Rondon will play in the World Baseball Classic, which begins play in early March. Baez will represent Puerto Rico, while Rondon will pitch for Venezuela. Puerto Rico and Venezuela are in Pool D, and they face each other March 10 at Estadio Charros de Jalisco in Mexico. Other Cubs scheduled to participate in the World Baseball Classic include outfielder John Andreoli (Italy) and right-handed pitchers Jim Henderson (Canada), Jhondaniel Medina (Venezuela), Miguel Mejia (Puerto Rico), Mario Meza (Mexico) and Erling Moreno (Colombia).

Simmons leads Angels quintet headed to WBC
A quintet of Angels will take a leave from Spring Training next month to participate in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, which will run from March 6-22. Infielder Andrelton Simmons will suit up for the Netherlands; left-hander Jose Alvarez, righty Yusmeiro Petit and right-hander Deolis Guerra will represent Venezuela; and Minor League right-hander Samuel Holland will play for Australia.

Cano, Cruz among 11 Mariners set for Classic
Six members of the Mariners' 40-man roster, as well as another five from the club's Minor League system, were among the players named to World Baseball Classic squads on Wednesday when the tournament's rosters were officially announced. As expected, second baseman Robinson Cano and designated hitter Nelson Cruz will play for the Dominican Republic, long-time ace Felix Hernandez will pitch for Venezuela, newly acquired starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo is lined up to play for Mexico and closer Edwin Diaz will be in Puerto Rico's bullpen. Minor Leaguers chosen from the Mariners are right-hander Sam Gaviglio and switch-pitcher Pat Venditte, both of whom will play for Italy, outfielder Tyler O'Neill (Canada), right-hander Emilio Pagan (Puerto Rico) and catcher Sebastian Valle (Mexico). O'Neill, Venditte and Valle have all been invited to the Mariners' Major League camp, which opens next week in Peoria, Ariz.

Beltre, Lucroy lead Rangers' contingent in WBC 2017
The Rangers will have eight players participating in the World Baseball Classic this spring. Third baseman Adrian Beltre will be playing for the Dominican Republic, pitcher Sam Dyson and catcher Jonathan Lucroy will be with Team USA, catcher Robinson Chirinos and pitcher Martin Perez are playing for Venezuela, pitcher Alex Claudio is playing for Puerto Rico and infielder Jurickson Profar is playing for the Netherlands.

Solarte, Naylor among 7 Padres in WBC 2017
When the World Baseball Classic takes center stage next month, the Padres will be well-represented. And when the scene shifts to Petco Park for the second round, San Diego fans might see a few familiar faces. Third baseman Yangervis Solarte and right-hander Jhoulys Chacin -- both playing for Team Venezuela -- are among seven in the organization who were named to their national teams' rosters on Wednesday evening for the 16-team tournament. Solarte and Chacin will be joined by lefty reliever Jose Castillo on Team Venezuela. First baseman Josh Naylor, the Padres' No. 4 prospect, and utility man Jamie Romak will play for Team Canada. Meanwhile, right-handers Carlos Fisher and Bryan Rodriguez will pitch for Mexico and the Dominican Republic, respectively.

Machado, Jones representing O's in WBC
The Orioles will be represented at the World Baseball Classic, with eight players from the organization on various rosters, five of whom are on Baltimore's 40-man roster. Third baseman Manny Machado and catcher Welington Castillo are playing for the Dominican Republic, with outfielder Adam Jones and righty Mychal Givens on Team USA. Second baseman Jonathan Schoop and his brother, Sharlon, will play for the Netherlands. A pair of prospects, lefty Alexander Wells (Australia) and first baseman Gui Yuan Xu (China), were also on the rosters revealed on Wednesday night.

Five A's will represent 5 countries in Classic
The A's will be well represented in the World Baseball Classic, with five members of their active roster playing for as many countries. In addition, four of their Minor Leaguers are also set to participate in the tournament. Pitchers Sonny Gray (USA), John Axford (Canada), Liam Hendriks (Australia) and Santiago Casilla (Dominican Republic), and outfielder Khris Davis (Mexico) are confirmed on their respective rosters, which were made official Wednesday. They will report to Spring Training with the A's next week, before joining their national teams in early March.

Twins well-represented with 10 in WBC 2017
The Twins are set to be well-represented at the World Baseball Classic, as 10 of the organization's players are on the official rosters released Wednesday night. The Twins have five players on Team Puerto Rico's roster, including left-hander Hector Santiago, right-hander Jose Berrios, left fielder Eddie Rosario, first baseman Kennys Vargas and right-hander Dereck Rodriguez. Rodriguez, the son of Hall of Famer Ivan Rodriguez, is part of the designated pitcher pool, while the other four are on the official roster.

Betances, Didi among Yanks headed to WBC
The Yankees organization will be represented by 10 players in March's World Baseball Classic, including right-handers Dellin Betances and Luis Severino, both of whom have committed to help the Dominican Republic defend its championship. Betances and Severino will be joined in World Baseball Classic competition by the following members of New York's 40-man roster: left-hander Richard Bleier (Israel), right-hander Tyler Clippard (USA), right-hander Giovanny Gallegos (Mexico), shortstop Didi Gregorius (Netherlands) and left-hander Tommy Layne (Italy). Additionally, the Yankees' farm system will feature catcher Kellin Deglan (Canada), outfielder Tito Polo (Colombia) and infielder Donovan Solano (Colombia) participating in the World Baseball Classic.

Posey, Crawford, Cueto set for WBC 2017
Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford and Johnny Cueto, who rank among the most celebrated Giants, earned another distinction on Wednesday when they were named to participate in next month's World Baseball Classic. Posey and Crawford will represent the United States, while Cueto will join the Dominican Republic squad.

Arenado, CarGo bring star power to Classic
The Rockies will lend star power to the World Baseball Classic with third baseman Nolan Arenado suiting up for Team USA and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez leading Venezuela, as official rosters were announced on Wednesday. Rockies lefty reliever Jake McGee will also play for Team USA. Also representing the Rockies in the event will be right-hander Rayan Gonzalez, who is in the designated pitcher pool for Puerto Rico, shortstop Scotty Burcham and righty Troy Neiman for Israel, infielder Daniel Castro for Mexico and catcher Robert Perkins for Australia.

WBC '17 rosters include 4 Reds players

The Reds will have four players, including three from their 40-man roster, representing their countries in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Most notable of the group is Cincinnati's recent free-agent signee, starting pitcher Scott Feldman, who will be with Team Israel. Reliever Jumbo Diaz will pitch for the Dominican Republic, second baseman Dilson Herrera will be with Colombia and non-roster catcher Shawn Zarraga will play for the Netherlands.

Bautista, Stroman headline Toronto's WBC contingent
The Blue Jays could have 10 players taking part in this year's World Baseball Classic when action gets underway on March 6. Jose Bautista (Dominican Republic), Marcus Stroman (United States) and Dalton Pompey (Canada) are among the confirmed participants. Roberto Osuna (Mexico), Marco Estrada (Mexico) and J.A. Happ (United States) have been added to their countries' designated pitcher pool.

Tigers place MLB-high 15 on Classic rosters
The Tigers are on track to have more players in the World Baseball Classic than any other organization. As expected, Miguel Cabrera headlines the heavy Tigers contingent named to national rosters. But Ian Kinsler, Victor Martinez and Michael Fulmer aren't far behind as big names go. Neither Fulmer nor Wilson are currently active for the initial games. Reliever Warwick Saupold is part of the active designated pitcher pool for his native Australia, as is Tigers Minor League pitcher Arcenio Leon for Venezuela. By contrast, relievers Francisco Rodriguez and Bruce Rondon are fully active for Venezuela, as is top relief prospect Joe Jimenez for Puerto Rico, Dustin Molleken for Canada and Travis Blackley for Australia.

Hosmer headlines list of 11 Royals in WBC '17
Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer has a special goal while playing again for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic: Win it all. "I've taken pride in winning championships at every level, and it's happened at every level except for playing for [Team USA]," Hosmer said. "This will be my fourth time playing for them through high school and the Minors. Hosmer is one of 11 Royals who will take part in the World Baseball Classic. With 11 participants, the Royals are tied for second most in the American League Central with Cleveland behind Detroit's 15. Of the 11, six of the Royals are on their team's 40-man roster. Shortstop Alcides Escobar and catcher Salvador Perez will play for Team Venezuela. Catcher Drew Butera will play for Team Italy and right-handed reliever Joakim Soria will play for Team Mexico. Left-hander Danny Duffy will play for Team USA and is listed under the roster designation of DPP, which stands for designated pitcher pool.

Tourney veterans lead Cardinals in WBC 2017
Eleven members of the Cardinals' organization, including seven players from the 40-man roster, have been selected to participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. These players will represent seven of the 16 countries competing in the tournament, which runs from March 6-22. Several of these Cardinals participants had previously been announced, including first baseman Matt Carpenter (USA), starter Carlos Martinez (Dominican Republic), catcher Yadier Molina (Puerto Rico), closer Seung Hwan Oh (Korea) and starter Alex Reyes (Dominican Republic). Reliever Brett Cecil, who signed with the Cardinals in November, will join Carpenter as a member of Team USA. Minor Leaguers Corey Baker (Israel), Trey Nielsen (Italy), Alberto Rosario (Dominican Republic), Ryan Sherriff (Israel) and Rowan Wick (Canada) have also been selected.

Bucs' OF trio playing in World Baseball Classic
The Pirates will watch their entire starting outfield from afar for at least part of Spring Training. Andrew McCutchen, Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco are set to represent their countries in the World Baseball Classic next month. Rosters for the international tournament were officially unveiled Wednesday night. The Pirates will send nine players, including five from their 40-man roster: McCutchen, Marte, Polanco, catcher Francisco Cervelli and starter Ivan Nova. Non-roster invitee Eric Wood, a third baseman expected to play in Triple-A this year, will join Team Canada. Right-hander Luis Escobar (their No. 15 prospect) will be among Colombia's available pitchers, non-roster lefty Jared Lakind will be in Israel's pitcher pool and Minor League righty Sam Street is on Australia's list of pitchers.

Beltran, Altuve among 8 Astros in WBC '17
Eight Astros players will represent six countries in this year's World Baseball Classic, led by All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve (Venezuela), designated hitter/outfielder Carlos Beltran (Puerto Rico) and relief pitcher Luke Gregerson (United States). The other Astros appearing on World Baseball Classic rosters released Wednesday are shortstop Carlos Correa (Puerto Rico), outfielder Norichika Aoki (Japan), third baseman Alex Bregman (Team USA), pitcher Kevin Chapman (Canada) and pitcher Dayan Diaz (Colombia), who is a non-roster invitee to camp.

Villar, Peralta top Brewers on WBC 2017 rosters
The Dominican Republic's Jonathan Villar and Wily Peralta top a list of nine Brewers players on rosters for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Besides Villar and Peralta, three other members of Milwaukee's 40-man roster are in line to participate in the event: Starting pitcher Jorge Lopez (Puerto Rico), infielder Hernan Perez (Venezuela) and reliever Carlos Torres (Mexico). Brewers Minor Leaguers Andrew Barbosa and Hiram Burgos (Puerto Rico), catcher/first baseman Cody Decker (Israel) and Wei-Chung Wang (Chinese Taipei) are also on rosters for the tournament.

Bogaerts, Hanley representing Sox in Classic
The Red Sox will have two cornerstone players representing their countries at the upcoming World Baseball Classic -- shortstop Xander Bogaerts (Netherlands) and designated hitter/first baseman Hanley Ramirez (Dominican Republic). After months of speculation on which players would participate in the international showcase event, rosters were formally announced on MLB Network on Wednesday night. Left-handed starter Eduardo Rodriguez could also participate for Venezuela and southpaw reliever Fernando Abad has been selected to the Dominican Republic. However, both players are listed under the roster designation of DPP, which stands for designated pitcher pool.

Quintana among 8 White Sox on Classic rosters
Jose Quintana couldn't contain his excitement last Spring Training when Colombia qualified for the World Baseball Classic for the first time. So imagine Quintana's level of euphoria and pride as the potential opening starter for his native country against the United States during Pool C action in Miami this March. Quintana stands as one of eight players in the White Sox organization taking part in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Quintana, who remains atop the White Sox rotation despite trade rumors continuing to swirl around his name, will be joined by Miguel Gonzalez (Mexico) as pitchers among the team's top five starters taking part in the World Baseball Classic. Other participants include closer David Robertson and setup man Nate Jones (United States), reliever Giovanni Soto (Puerto Rico) and Minor League relievers Alex Katz and Brad Goldberg (Israel) and Gregory Infante (Venezuela).

Braves sending 10 to World Baseball Classic
Freddie Freeman, Ender Inciarte and Julio Teheran are among the 10 members of the Braves' organization slated to compete in this year's World Baseball Classic. Freeman will honor his late mother's heritage by playing for Canada. Inciarte will play for Venezuela and Teheran will join White Sox left-hander Jose Quintana within Colombia's rotation. Two other members of Atlanta's projected starting rotation -- Bartolo Colon [Dominican Republic] and Jaime Garcia [Mexico] are also slated to compete in the World Baseball Classic, which will unfold in March at sites within the United States and overseas. Five members of the Braves' organization that are not currently on the 40-man roster are also scheduled to compete. They include left-handed pitchers Andrew Albers [Canada], Jon Kennedy [Australia], Steve Kent [Australia], right-handed pitcher Andres Avila [Mexico] and outfielder Mel Rojas Jr. [Dominican].

Injury forces Japan's Ohtani out of World Baseball Classic

After much speculation over a right ankle injury that has been bothering him since October, Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani will not compete in next month's World Baseball Classic, according to MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi.

Hiroki Kokubo, Ohtani's manager for the Nippon-Ham Fighters of the Japan Pacific League, reportedly said Friday that Ohtani will be taken off the club's 28-man roster entirely.

"I feel sorry for not being able to play in the WBC," Ohtani told the Japanese media after the Fighters worked out on Friday in Peoria, Ariz. "I called manager Kokubo yesterday and apologized that I wouldn't be able to play. Originally I thought I was going to get better and I was trying to get ready. But I couldn't.

"Me being out means that they have to find somebody else to play and that takes some time. I thought this was the right moment for me to make a decision, so I did."

Ohtani sustained the injury during the Japan Series in October, and he experienced prolonged pain that forced him to train away from the Fighters, who began Spring Training this week in Arizona.
"I watched the WBC when I was young," Ohtani said. "I always wanted to wear the Japanese uniform. The tournament is something really, really special to me. I feel very sorry about not being able to take part in it."

A two-way player -- as both a pitcher and a power hitter -- Ohtani is widely considered one of the top players who isn't in the Majors, and he had been touted as one of the must-see attractions of the World Baseball Classic.

On Tuesday, Ohtani said he would not pitch in baseball's premier international event, but he left open the possibility he might still contribute as a designated hitter.

In 104 games last year for the Nippon-Ham Fighters of the Japan Pacific League -- for which he was the league MVP -- Ohtani hit .322 with 22 homers, 67 RBIs and an impressive 1.004 OPS. He also contributed 140 innings on the mound, going 10-4 with a career-low 1.86 ERA and 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings.

Before sustaining the injury, Ohtani was expected to be the ace of Japan's staff in the World Baseball Classic, with Yu Darvish and Masahiro Tanaka not competing. Japan must file its final WBC 2017 roster by Monday.

The two-time Classic champions begin Pool B in Tokyo against Cuba on March 7, then play Australia the following day and China on March 10.

Lindor eager to represent PR in Classic

Much has changed for the 23-year-old since he took in the debut Classic in 2006

CLEVELAND -- Francisco Lindor walked through the gates of Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, looked down at the field and saw some of his country's baseball heroes. Hall of Famer Ivan Rodriguez was there, as were slugger Carlos Delgado and Bernie Williams. They had traded their Major League uniforms for ones with "Puerto Rico" stitched across the chest.

A 12-year-old Lindor and one of his cousins took in a handful of World Baseball Classic games during the tournament's 2006 debut. Lindor had big league dreams back then, of course, but couldn't yet ponder what it would be like to suit up for his country. More than a decade later, Lindor will get that chance as a member of Puerto Rico's 2017 World Baseball Classic roster.

"I went to a couple games," Lindor said. "It was in Puerto Rico, so it was fun just having it there and seeing Delgado and Bernie Williams and all those guys representing my country, and seeing how the whole entire country would stop just to watch that one game. It's pretty special. I'm looking forward to it. I always dreamed of representing my country."

In only a short time in the Majors, Lindor has blossomed into one of the game's young superstars. The Indians shortstop is coming off a campaign in which he was named an All-Star and earned both Gold Glove and Platinum Glove Awards for his defensive wizardry. One year earlier, Lindor was the runner-up in balloting for the American League Rookie of the Year Award, which went to Astros shortstop Carlos Correa.
Correa also grew up in Puerto Rico and plans on playing for his country in the Classic. That will present Puerto Rico manager Edwin Rodriguez with a tough decision: Will he play Lindor or Correa at shortstop? Asked if he wants to man that position for his country, Lindor flashed his famous smile.

"I'll leave that to Edwin," Lindor said with a wink.

Lindor left Puerto Rico with his father, Miguel, when he was 12 years old in order to have a better opportunity to advance his baseball career. They settled in Florida, where Lindor attended Montverde Academy, played baseball and worked hard to further his education and learn English. In 2011, the Indians selected Lindor with the eighth overall pick in the first round of the MLB Draft, giving Cleveland a future cornerstone.

Since reaching the Majors, Lindor has not only excelled on the field, but he has made an effort to give back in the community as well. Last season, the shortstop created a charitable program, Lindor Smile Squad, through the Indians to provide baseball experiences for kids and adults with disabilities. Lindor has also partnered with MLB to help speak to children in Cleveland and around the country through the R.B.I. (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program.

"He's just a fantastic young man," Commissioner Rob Manfred said. "I had a chance to chat with him a little bit at the Winter Meetings. I think he's going to be a tremendous asset for the Indians and the industry for a really long time."
For the upcoming World Baseball Classic, Lindor and Puerto Rico will be part of Pool 2, which also features Mexico, Venezuela and Italy. That group of teams will begin play at Estadio de Béisbol Charros de Jalisco, which is located in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.

"They have great crowds over there," Lindor said. "I'm ready for it."

In fact, Lindor has waited for this moment since he was a kid in the stands at Hiram Bithorn Stadium.

"It's an honor. It's a blessing," Lindor said. "I'm excited. I'm very excited. I can't wait. I can't wait to wear my Puerto Rican jersey. I'm proud of my country. I want to represent it everywhere I go. That's the reason I play: For Puerto Rico, for Cleveland and for my family. I'm very excited."

Lindor envisions amazing Classic for Puerto Rico

Tribe SS excited to team up with Astros' Correa, intriguing names who could be on roster

Francisco Lindor is 22 years old, the same age as young men and women walking around college campuses in caps and gowns at this time of year. He'd match any commencement speaker's definition of accomplishment and ambition: one of the best two-way shortstops on the planet, an emerging spokesman for Major League Baseball's Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program and the youngest No. 3 hitter in the Major Leagues not named Carlos Correa.

So Lindor is busy. Yet a couple hours before his Cleveland Indians opened a series Friday in Detroit, he welcomed questions about a tournament that's more than 10 months away.

Lindor, like many in Puerto Rico, has been been fixated on the 2017 World Baseball Classic since his homeland's surprise run to the 2013 Classic championship game. Lindor was 12 when he attended the 2006 Classic at San Juan's Hiram Bithorn Stadium, about 20 miles from his family's home in Caguas. Now he dreams of being on the same field in March, turning double plays with Correa, the 21-year-old dynamo and fellow standard-bearer for baseball's resurgence on the island.

"It gives me chills," said Lindor, who moved to Florida before eighth grade and attended high school at Montverde Academy near Orlando. "I love Puerto Rico. I can't wait to play in front of that crowd. It's going to be the first time I've played in Puerto Rico since I was probably 14, 15 years old. I'm looking forward to that moment. I'm looking forward to the drums. I'm looking forward to people screaming.
"Latin baseball -- the way the fans get in Puerto Rico, it's kind of like soccer games here in the States. The soccer fans here are a little more outgoing than baseball fans. We've got great [baseball] fans [in the U.S.], but the way that soccer is played ... They bring drums. They get a little crazy. That would be the comparison. The fans in Puerto Rico, they love the drums."

Next spring, the cacophony will herald a singular moment in Puerto Rican baseball history: MLB scouts have spent more time on the island in recent years, drawn back by improving talent at the youth levels. In Correa and Lindor, baseball has generational stars around whom to market the sport -- in Puerto Rico and on the U.S. mainland. And Puerto Rico is expected to have its best Classic roster yet, possibly augmented by U.S.-born players of Puerto Rican ancestry.
Outfielder George Springer -- Correa's teammate with the Astros -- has decided that if he plays in the 2017 Classic, he will do so for Puerto Rico. Rockies MVP-caliber third baseman Nolan Arenado and Blue Jays ace Marcus Stroman are eligible to represent Puerto Rico, too. (Chicago Cubs ace Jake Arrieta has Puerto Rican heritage, but he is undoubtedly very high on Team USA's wish list.)

"If they decide to play for us, the fans are going to support them," said Lindor, who, like Correa, was too young to be a serious candidate for the 2013 Classic team. "They wouldn't say, 'Oh, he's less of a Puerto Rican [than others on the team].' The fans are going to support them and be all for it."

Lindor returned to Puerto Rico during the offseason, as he does every year, and is aware of concerns on the island surrounding the Zika virus. The MLB Players Association issued a statement last week, saying it is concerned for the health of players and their families ahead of a two-game series in San Juan next month between the Marlins and Pirates in honor of Roberto Clemente.

"I hope they play those games," Lindor said. "It would be good for Puerto Rico. I'm sure MLB is going to do whatever it takes to look out for us, for the players.

"I haven't been fully knowledgeable on that topic, but I hope they play the games. MLB is going to look out for us, and the players' union is going to look out for us. In my family, no one has had a case of Zika. Hopefully it stays like that and we can take care of it."
Lindor remembers how he watched the Alomar brothers and the Molina brothers as a child in Puerto Rico and "wanted to be on TV" like they were. Some in Caguas -- and a number of baseball evaluators -- weren't sure that would happen for Lindor, mostly because of his stature. He's generously listed at 5-foot-11.

"I don't live with anger, I don't walk around with anger, I hold no grudges, but there are things I'll never forget," Lindor said. "Things people said, things I saw, things that I read -- I'll never forget them. And I'm going to do whatever it takes to make sure I prove them wrong."

Lindor remembers one comment in particular that had nothing to do with his height: By his own admission, he lost interest in schoolwork as a seventh grader in Caguas. After one particularly poor test score, Lindor's teacher asked what had happened. He answered that he didn't feel like studying and wanted to go to another school.

Her reply stung: You'll never be someone in life.

"I'll never forget it," Lindor said. "I don't hold anything against her. I just looked at her and said, 'OK.' I stayed quiet. But to this day, that still haunts me. I just said to myself, 'I'll be someone one day. One day, I'll be somebody.'"

So ... has that happened yet?

"No," Lindor said. "I've got a long way to go ... I mean, I'm someone. I'm Francisco Lindor. But I feel like I've got a long way to go. A lot of hard work, and a lot of time, needs to be spent on the field, in the gym and off the field helping others. The work is not only done on the field or in the gym. You've got to help others and give back. Giving back is as big as the game, if not bigger."

That includes the Lindor Smile Squad program at Progressive Field in Cleveland, established to benefit children and adult athletes with disabilities. And in the spring, he's poised to play a prominent role for the national team of Puerto Rico's pastime. The biggest question between now and then is whether Lindor (eighth overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft) or Correa (first overall in '12) will be the team's primary shortstop.
"I met Carlos my senior year in high school," Lindor said. "We talk. He's a great guy. His family is awesome. He comes from a great place. He knows what he wants in life. He's going to accomplish a lot of things in life that are going to be big, and I'm looking forward to seeing all those things.

"People are always going to make comparisons [between us]. That's fun for fans, fun for media. There's always going to be the argument in the barbershops. Who is better? Who should I play for? It's good.

"We're completely different players. He's more of a power guy. He's going to drive the ball a lot more, hit more home runs than me. I'm more 'catch the ball, get on base, move runners, do whatever it takes to win.' He's doing the same thing -- whatever it takes to help his team win -- but he has leverage in his swing. His frame allows him to hit more home runs. I'm not a power hitter. I'm not. I've got to make sure I'm on base, catching the ball."
eam Puerto Rico manager Edwin Rodriguez will decide who plays (and bats) where next spring. Interestingly, Rodriguez managed Lindor for the Indians' Double-A affiliate.

"Tough decision for Edwin -- good luck," Lindor said, laughing. "It'll be up to him. If he decides I'm going play short, I'll play short. If he decides Correa's going to play short, he'll play short. If he decides we're going to take turns, we'll take turns. Whatever's best for the team, he'll make that decision. Either way, I just want to play for Puerto Rico.

"We've got great players, and the best thing about it is the pride. We all have pride in Puerto Rico. We all want to do it."

And if they do, perhaps a certain seventh-grade teacher will think fondly of a former pupil who became someone.

Ping-Hsueh Chen

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Shao-Ching Chiang

Chinese Taipei 2017 World Baseball Classic Roster Projection

It's safe to say that Chinese Taipei won't be sending its best squad to South Korea for the pool stage of the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Due to political fighting, the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) has boycotted the World Baseball Classic. Luckily, three of the four teams have made their players available for the national squad, with the Lamigo Monkeys being the lone holdout, meaning top sluggers Wang Po-Jung, Lin Hung-Yu, and Chen Chun-Hsiu won't be at the tournament.

Add to that the withdrawal of MLB ace Chen Wei-Yin, the withdrawal of several key Minor League Baseball players and the injury uncertainty of NPB standout Yang Dai-Kang, the Taiwanese national team will have its work cut out for it in a difficult group.

In order to advance through the group stage, Taiwan is going to have to win at least one game versus the Netherlands or host South Korea and knock off a very underrated Israeli national team. Needless to say, a repeat performance of 2013, in which the team won its pool with a 2-1 record and advanced to Round 2, seems unlikely.

The Taiwanese national team will be comprised mainly of CPBL offensive stars like Lin Chih-Sheng, Lin Che-Hsuan, Kao Kuo-Hui, Chiang Chih-Hsien and Hu Chin-Lung. These guys will need to put up a lot of runs to help support an average pitching staff that will be facing some serious MLB-experienced competition.

Chinese Taipei is probably one of the least experienced teams on the major league level.

What Team Chinese Taipei lacks in experience, it hopes to make up for in skill and athleticism during the World Baseball Classic. Just three players on the roster, all pitchers, are currently in the farm system of a Major League Baseball team.

Right-handers Ping-Hsueh Chen and Shao-Ching Chiang are teammates within the Indians' Minor League organization, while Wei-Chung Wang is a left-hander in the Brewers' system. One familiar face on the roster is Chien-Ming Wang. He spent nine seasons in the Majors, most recently with the Royals in 2016. He went 6-0 with a 4.22 ERA in 38 games (24 starts).

The two Indians minor league pitchers made the Chinese Taipei roster – Ping-Hsueh Chen and Shao-Ching Chiang. Chen is part of the designated pitcher pool and pitched for short-season Mahoning Valley last season, while Chiang worked for Lake County.