2.14.2006
The National Squad Calcifies
Finally, ballplayers are showing up in Florida and Arizona. And finally, we are starting to see answers to our many offseason curiosities.
For example, the American WBC Roster? Right here. Thirty players, fourteen pitchers...and, due to the pitch-count limits, only four starters: Roger Clemens, Jake Peavy, C. C. Sabathia and Dontrelle Willis.
-That leaves us with a bullpen of ten relievers. Let's just say that you don't want to be trailing the Americans after the fourth inning, because then it's a quick lights out with Chad Cordero, Brad Lidge, Huston Street, Joe Nathan and Billy Wagner sealing the deal.
-You would think our proud nation could produce a better starting outfield than Johnny Damon-Vernon Wells-Ken Griffey Jr., but fret not, compatriots, as they're being capably backed up by Randy Winn, Jeff "Freedom" Francoeur and Matt Holliday. (Huh? Bobby Higginson wasn't available?)
-On the other hand, the U.S. infield is a veritable melee of marquee position battles. Third base: Chipper Jones or A-Rod? Shortstop: Derek Jeter or Michael Young? Second base: Young or Chase Utley? First base: Derrek Lee or Mark Teixiera? MLBeat predicts these skirmishes will be won or lost on that ancient battleground also known as the cell phones of their respective agents. Fire 'em up!
-Seems we will be employing the Official Bobby Cox-Approved Strategy of Carrying Three Catchers for Some Reason. Michael Barrett may well get a look on the days Jason Varitek sits, while Brian Schneider should go ahead and invest in a nice and stupid deck of cards.
For example, the American WBC Roster? Right here. Thirty players, fourteen pitchers...and, due to the pitch-count limits, only four starters: Roger Clemens, Jake Peavy, C. C. Sabathia and Dontrelle Willis.
-That leaves us with a bullpen of ten relievers. Let's just say that you don't want to be trailing the Americans after the fourth inning, because then it's a quick lights out with Chad Cordero, Brad Lidge, Huston Street, Joe Nathan and Billy Wagner sealing the deal.
-You would think our proud nation could produce a better starting outfield than Johnny Damon-Vernon Wells-Ken Griffey Jr., but fret not, compatriots, as they're being capably backed up by Randy Winn, Jeff "Freedom" Francoeur and Matt Holliday. (Huh? Bobby Higginson wasn't available?)
-On the other hand, the U.S. infield is a veritable melee of marquee position battles. Third base: Chipper Jones or A-Rod? Shortstop: Derek Jeter or Michael Young? Second base: Young or Chase Utley? First base: Derrek Lee or Mark Teixiera? MLBeat predicts these skirmishes will be won or lost on that ancient battleground also known as the cell phones of their respective agents. Fire 'em up!
-Seems we will be employing the Official Bobby Cox-Approved Strategy of Carrying Three Catchers for Some Reason. Michael Barrett may well get a look on the days Jason Varitek sits, while Brian Schneider should go ahead and invest in a nice and stupid deck of cards.
