'09 World Baseball Classic NEWS

Netherlands 25 man roster

Name	Num	Organization	B/T	Height	Weight	Birth Date
PITCHERS
Bergman, David	25	Netherlands	R/R			08/16/1981
Boyd, Leon	44	Netherlands	R/R	6'5"	209lbs	08/30/1983
Cordemans, Robbie	19	Netherlands	R/R	6'3"	190lbs	10/31/1974
Markwell, Diegomar	36	Netherlands	L/L	6'2"	190lbs	08/08/1980
Neuman, Dennis	29	Boston Red Sox	R/R	5'11"	185lbs	10/18/1989
Ponson, Sidney	47		R/R	6'1"	260lbs	11/02/1976
Smit, Alexander	31	Cincinnati Reds	L/L	6'3"	215lbs	10/02/1985
Stuifbergen, Tom	51	Minnesota Twins	R/R	6'3"	200lbs	09/26/1988
Sulbaran, Juan Carlos	45	Cincinnati Reds	R/R	6'2"	198lbs	11/09/1989
VandenHurk, Rick	56	Florida Marlins	R/R	6'5"	195lbs	05/22/1985
Van Driel, Berry	3	Netherlands	R/R	6'4"	198lbs	12/26/1984
van Kampen, Michiel	13	Netherlands	R/R			01/23/1976
Walsma, Pim	9	Netherlands	R/R	6'4"	175lbs	02/03/1987
CATCHERS
de Jong, Sidney	24	Netherlands	R/R			04/14/1979
Jansen, Kenley	50	Los Angeles Dodgers	S/R	6'2"	220lbs	09/30/1987
Schoop, Sharlon	40	San Francisco Giants	R/R	6'2"	190lbs	04/15/1987
INFIELDERS
Adriana, Sharnol	12	Rojos del Aguila de Veracruz	R/R	5'10"	205lbs	11/13/1970
de Caster, Yurendell	2	Detroit Tigers	R/R	6'0"	215lbs	09/26/1979
Duursma, Michael	5	Netherlands	R/R			02/26/1978
Rooi, Vince	41	Netherlands	R/R	6'1"	190lbs	12/13/1981
Simon, Randall	35	Netherlands	L/L	6'0"	245lbs	05/25/1975
Smith, Curt	43	St. Louis Cardinals	R/R	5'10"	210lbs	09/09/1986
Statia, Hainley	4	Los Angeles Angels	S/R	5'10"	160lbs	01/19/1986
OUTFIELDERS
Engelhardt, Bryan	37	Netherlands	L/L	5'10"	165lbs	01/10/1982
Halman, Greg	67	Seattle Mariners	R/R	6'4"	190lbs	08/26/1987
Kingsale, Gene	21	Netherlands	S/R	6'3"	190lbs	08/20/1976
Rombley, Danny	27	Netherlands	R/R	6'1"	180lbs	11/26/1979
Van Klooster, Dirk	18	Netherlands	L/L	6'3"	194lbs	04/23/1976

* In February of 2009, De Caster signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers.

Go Venezuela! And US!

If you're in MLB, do you pick your team where you have your heritage, or how does that work?

I think it is country they were born in or main family heritage. If someone else has seen the answer, let us know.

They still have Carlos as an infielder. I know he told the he would only play if he was guaranteed an outfield spot.

Granderson likely in CF for Classic

News today out of Indians camp is that Grady Sizemore has pulled out of the World Baseball Classic with a groin pull. Shane Victorino has replaced him on the Team USA roster. The move should probably mean a lot more playing time in center for Granderson in the Classic, though Victorino also plays center.

As I finish this, Granderson just made a lunging catch in right-center field to take a potential hit away from Rod Barajas and end the first inning for Armando Galarraga.

* Posted on February 27, 2009 at 1:18 PM

Monday, March 2, 2009
Tom Gage: World Baseball Classic
WBC: Good gig if you can do it

BRADENTON, Fla. -- One was leaving, the other not.

One can afford the time away, the other can't.

After hitting a home run in Sunday's 6-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, with three weeks of clothes packed just in case he's gone that long, Curtis Granderson drove off to represent the United States in the World Baseball Classic.

"It was weird packing," Granderson said. "Probably brought more than I need.

"I could be back as soon as March 11, but maybe not until March 23. Plus I had to pack for two different climates, cold weather because we play in Toronto, but also for hot weather because the next stop would be Miami."

He expects to feel goose bumps when the time comes.

When the anthem plays. When he hears the cheers.

"He'll feel them, all right," said Mike Hessman, the Tigers third baseman who played for the U.S. in last year's Summer Olympics.

Win or lose, it will be a positive experience for Granderson -- as it should be. He's a premier player, an outstanding representative of the game, the kind of headliner the WBC wants and needs.

It's a match made in heaven.

Different destination

Heavens are relative, though.

For catcher Max St. Pierre, staring at the likelihood of his 13th consecutive season in the minors, heaven would be a day in the majors.

"It would be the best day of my life," he said. "It's my dream. All I want, really, is one game."

As Granderson spoke in the clubhouse about his preparations for the WBC, St. Pierre was putting on his uniform in a far corner, knowing that after the game he'd routinely return on the bus to Lakeland -- instead of reporting to Team Canada's camp in Dunedin.

His choice, though. No sympathy sought or required.

"I would have enjoyed it," said St. Pierre, a Quebec native. "But if all I was going to do is catch bullpens, I want to do that for the Tigers and maybe get in a game once in a while."

After being on Canada's preliminary roster, St. Pierre pulled out of further consideration, just as he did last year, from any chance of playing in the Olympics.

Some wondered why. Some were surprised.

But to all questions, St. Pierre has had the same, sincere answer. The pursuit of his dream wouldn't allow him to leave.

"I'm happier to be here than there," St. Pierre said.

Security

Such is the contrast, however, between realities underscored by the WBC. On the Tigers, it's no different. The choice, in its barest form, comes down to what your career permits you to do -- and what it doesn't.

For Granderson and the four Tigers (Magglio Ordonez, Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Guillen and Armando Galarraga) who worked out in Lakeland on Sunday before joining the Venezuelan team that will train in Lakeland -- the reality is that they can leave spring training without looking back.

Their jobs are secure.

St. Pierre doesn't have that luxury. More than his job, it's his future that's not secure. After 12 years in the minors, he has fewer than 400 at-bats at Triple A.

On Sunday, all he did was warm up pitchers in the bullpen.

His dream is simple, though. It's to wear the Tigers uniform.

He played in the 2006 WBC for Canada. Enjoyed it. But he'll be 29 next month, an age of decision for players who've climbed slowly.

If St. Pierre has any chance of reaching the final rung, any chance at all of making even a single appearance in the majors, this is where he has to be.

Riding the bus. Warming up pitchers, Playing when he can.

Hoping to do something, anything, for which he'll be remembered -- if and when the Tigers need to call up a catcher.

"As long as I'm wearing a jersey, even in the minors," said St. Pierre, "I have a chance."

Different worlds.

Different dreams.

Granderson with his unlimited future on one side of the clubhouse, heading off to the WBC.

St. Pierre on the other side, his career clock ticking.

But skipping the WBC because it is.

You can reach Tom Gage at tom.gage@detnews.com

Granderson takes center stage
Tiger ready to take on world with Team USA

BY JON PAUL MOROSI • FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER • March 3, 2009

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Three years ago, Curtis Granderson followed the World Baseball Classic from afar. He was engaged in a competition (with Nook Logan) to become the Tigers' starting centerfielder. He barely had a chance to watch Team USA on television.


He will be a little more involved this time.

When Team USA opens the tournament Saturday against Team Canada, it's very likely Granderson will be the starting centerfielder.

"I definitely like him in centerfield," manager Davey Johnson said Monday.

With Grady Sizemore unavailable due to a groin strain, Johnson has two options in center: Granderson and Shane Victorino of the Philadelphia Phillies. Before his team's first workout Monday, Johnson hinted that Victorino is more likely to see playing time in rightfield, either as a starter or defensive replacement for Adam Dunn.

Granderson has been the Tigers' primary leadoff hitter the past three seasons, but he may not hold the same role with Team USA. It's more probable that the starting shortstop (Jimmy Rollins or Derek Jeter) and second baseman Dustin Pedroia will bat 1-2 in the order.

Granderson said Monday that he'd be comfortable hitting anywhere in the order.

"I'd love to have his speed at the top of the lineup," Johnson said, "but I've got a guy named Jimmy Rollins who's pretty good in that spot."

Granderson has never played for Team USA -- in any setting -- but is well aware of what happened in the 2006 World Baseball Classic. The Americans didn't survive the second round and finished eighth.

To win the championship, Granderson said, would be "redemption, for not only the players who were here that first time, the coaching staff, but the country in general. Baseball is supposedly America's pastime. If you can't go out there and defend it, that (makes people) wonder, 'Who is the best team in the world?' "

For the record, Johnson believes Team USA should win the tournament. "I think we're the team to beat," he said Monday.

Granderson doesn't hide the fact that he admires many of his new, big-name teammates. He said previously that he's excited about playing alongside Jeter and Rollins. He grew up as a fan of Team USA third baseman Chipper Jones and the Atlanta Braves.

"I don't know if I should tell him or not," Granderson said.

Granderson has earned a high level of respect among his peers. Team USA reliever J.J. Putz, the Trenton native and former University of Michigan right-hander, talked Monday about how impressed he has been with Granderson.

"He's a talent, man," said Putz, entering his first season with the Mets. "He can do it all. He can be the new face of that franchise, without a doubt."

Team USA will play exhibitions in Florida today, Wednesday and Thursday before opening against Team Canada on Saturday. A crowd of at least 40,000 is expected at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

"I don't know if we're going to get taunted," Granderson said, "but it's fun to go into the other ballpark as the foe."

Team USA general manager Bob Watson said Monday he wanted Granderson on the team from the start of the selection process, because of his power and speed.

Watson listed another reason for Granderson's inclusion: his involvement as an international ambassador for Major League Baseball. Granderson has visited China, Switzerland, South Africa, England, Italy and the Netherlands on behalf of MLB since 2006.

"I felt, for him, it was a reward for his international work," Watson said. "He's been an ambassador for the game. And what better way to be an ambassador than to play in the World Classic?"

PITCHING CHANGE: San Diego closer Heath Bell was added to the Team USA roster Monday. The right-hander got the word shortly before the Padres played the Milwaukee Brewers. He said he checked with manager Bud Black and pitching coach Darren Balsley to make sure it was OK with them before he accepted the assignment.

Bell said he'll replace Minnesota's Joe Nathan, who bowed out Sunday after experiencing soreness in his pitching shoulder the previous five days. Additionally, B.J. Ryan of the Toronto Blue Jays decided to stay in spring training with Toronto and tune up for the regular season. Washington's Joel Hanrahan and Houston pitcher LaTroy Hawkins were added to the team.

Associated Press contributed.

Contact JON PAUL MOROSI at 313-223-4097 or jmorosi@freepress.com. Check out his Tigers blog at www.freep.com/sports

For those of you who cannot get MLBN, all WBC games WILL BE SHOWN ON ESPN Deportes, AND ON the internet on MLB.TV

I predict Italy


Won't win

03/06/09 12:58 AM EST
Team USA reads Top Ten on Letterman

By Mark Newman / MLB.com

Appearing on the "Late Show with David Letterman" will not help you against Japan's pitching or Korea's fielding or Cuba's potent offense, but when 10 members of Team USA did that Thursday to read the Top Ten List for "reasons to watch the World Baseball Classic," it was another example of how much more fun this group is having than the 2006 team eliminated in the second round.

"It's weird how you can get this many guys together that like each other and have fun with each other," Adam Dunn said after homering earlier in the day to help USA beat the Phillies, 9-6, in an exhibition in Florida. He was one of those 10 who had the honor of reading the list, and here it was in case you missed it:

10. Jimmy Rollins: "Due to economic crisis, we all have to share same pair of pants."

9. Curtis Granderson: "Japan has one of them crazy robot shortstops."

8. Dustin Pedroia: "Because it's an international event, our right fielder is Secretary of State Hillary Clinton."

7. Chipper Jones: "The winning team plays Neptune in the Galactic Baseball Classic."

6. Roy Oswalt: "It's fascinating seeing how players from other countries scratch themselves."

5. Adam Dunn: "You'll be part of a cherished baseball tradition dating all the way back to 2006." (Letterman added: "Oh, the stories they can tell.")

4. Ryan Braun: "Because of the metric system, games will be 6.83 innings."

3. Kevin Youkilis: "Before each game, get to sit through 30 different national anthems."

2. David Wright: "Australia's secret weapon: a fastball-throwing kangaroo."

1. Derek Jeter: "What else are you going to watch, hockey?"

The fact that Team USA opens against Canada on its turf at 2 p.m. ET Saturday in Toronto did not seem to be taken into consideration for that No. 1 reason. Hockey is the national sport of Canada. With any luck, no one up there will take umbrage, or at least they will understand that Jeter was just reading a writer's cue card.

What made the Top 10 list so memorable was the mere joy of watching 10 members of Team USA read each line, on camera remotely from a Florida baseball field. It was just another striking example of how rivals intertwine now and how odd it is to see them in different uniform colors.

Before and after reading the list, the 10 were shown side-by-side, waving at the camera. It was typical of the looseness exhibited by Team USA lately.

"Over the past few days," Jeter told reporters in Florida, "things have started to mesh a bit and by the time we get to Toronto, things will be even closer."

At that point, Team USA will be actively involved in a World Baseball Classic that was described by Letterman in this singular manner:

"A worldwide tournament of baseball activity that precedes the Major League Baseball season, not to be confused with the Fall Classic, also known as the World Series, which is limited to (North) American league teams."

Then Letterman noted that "16 countries and territories are competing in an event which can be seen on MLB Network and ESPN. It's like we're playing Scrabble."

Mark Newman is enterprise editor of MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

http://lateshow.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/top_ten/index/php/20090305.phtml

The vid is on the left hand side in the middle

Wednesday, March 04, 2009 5:15:00 PM
Rollins, Jeter provide win-win choice
Pair of All-Stars holding down shortstop for Team USA

By Chris Girandola / Special to MLB.com

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- It's a problem most managers would love to have.

In Derek Jeter and Jimmy Rollins, Team USA manager Davey Johnson has two All-Star-quality players at shortstop to choose from.

"My biggest problem is that I have two Hall of Fame shortstops and my team captain is Jeter," said Johnson, who is in his sixth year with USA Baseball. "I wouldn't necessarily consider that a problem, though."

When asked if it's a no-win or no-lose situation, the former big league player and manager paused before answering.

"Well, it's depending on your personality," Johnson said. "Whichever way I go, I'm sure I'll be successful. They don't have to audition for me, they may have to audition for you, but not for me. I don't care if they strike out five times, I'm gonna want them out there in crunch time."

But in planning for the scenario at the World Baseball Classic, Johnson almost was faced with finding a replacement for one of his high-caliber shortstops. Following Tuesday's game against the Yankees, Rollins complained of tightness in his back. A sigh of "uh-oh" went up at both camps of Team USA and the Philadelphia Phillies.

Apparently, Rollins has been experiencing discomfort in the left side of his back since he and the Phillies went on their World Series championship run last year.

"I should have gotten in the hot tub and done some training when I first got here for spring training," Rollins said before Wednesday's exhibition game against the Blue Jays. "It was jammed up for a while [over the past couple of months] and then I got it moving and it popped out. The good thing is it's moving. The bad thing is it hurts when I move it up and down."

And on Wednesday, Johnson planned to have Rollins test it out in a limited fashion against the Blue Jays with "an at-bat or two."

In managing teams, Johnson has always held the attitude of keeping the line of communication open with players, and it is no different with his current crop of stars.

"I generally don't wait until the player comes to me, I generally go to them," Johnson said. "When I'm managing, I want everyone on the ballclub to know exactly what I'm thinking, but not only what I'm thinking but knowing exactly what I'm gonna do. I'm not just speaking and then not doing it. I don't want to lose credibility and respect from them, and I think they can prepare better when they know what's expected from them. I've actually had discussions with all the position players about that prior to the first inning."

Knowing that, Rollins understood that he was to be an integral part of this team. He also knew he had accepted the invitation to play for the United States because he has a strong sense of pride for his country, and he didn't want to let this opportunity pass him by.

Following a spirited warmup session with his teammates in which the group gathered together and let out a collective "Go Team" chant, Rollins did some short and long toss with Ryan Braun, fielded grounders with Jeter and took the usual amount of hacks in the batting cage.

Then, he approached Johnson behind the cage and announced, "Put me in, skip. I'm ready to play."

Scratch Jeter, pencil in Rollins.

"The main goal is to be loose and stay loose," Rollins said.

Rollins did just that. putting in a full nine innings of work at short with five appearances at the plate in Team USA's 6-5 loss.

"I felt good," said Rollins, who went 1-for-5 with a double, a run scored and two RBIs. "[Johnson] was nervous. He said, 'Hey, let me know, you don't have to be a hero.' I was like, 'Hey, I tried to be a hero for two weeks last year, and it cost me five more.' So he knew he didn't have anything to worry about."

Rollins tried to play through a sprained ankle last season and it cost him a stint on the disabled list so he fully understands when and if he can push through physical ailments.

"I know my body more, and I'm not going to take a chance on anything, if it's not worth it," said Rollins, who anticipates playing four or five innings in Clearwater, Fla., on Thursday against the Phillies. "I wanted to play against my teammates, so it was nice to work things out today. I'm looking forward to it."

For Johnson, knowing that he still has the same "problem" of having two All-Star shortstops makes things a lot easier heading into the first round of the Classic.

"He looked great, and that's a good sign," Johnson said. "He said he was feeling better as the game went along and the back wasn't bothering him and he'll get some at-bats tomorrow with Jeter, so it's a great sign."

Chris Girandola is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Wednesday, March 04, 2009 3:43:00 PM
Team USA falls to Jays on walk-off
Putz struggles in closer role after Rollins provides late lead

By Jordan Bastian / MLB.com

BLUE JAYS 6, TEAM USA 5
at Dunedin, Fla.
Wednesday, March 4

Team USA at the plate: After a quiet showing through the first two innings, Mark DeRosa drew a leadoff walk in the third and moved to third base on a single from catcher Chris Iannetta. DeRosa then scored on a groundout from center fielder Curtis Granderson. Team USA took a 3-2 lead in the eighth inning, courtesy of a two-run double from Jimmy Rollins. Ryan Braun later added an RBI single.

Blue Jays at the plate: In the third inning, Blue Jays rookie Travis Snider pulled a pitch into right field for a sharp single and later scored on a groundout from Joe Inglett, knotting the score, 1-1. In the fifth, Snider added another base hit and Raul Chavez followed with a run-scoring groundout that pushed the Jays ahead, 2-1. Minor Leaguer Brian Dopirak added an RBI single in the eighth and then came through with a game-winning two-run single in the ninth.

Team USA on the mound: Left-hander Ted Lilly logged four innings against his former club, limiting Toronto to one run on two hits with a pair of strikeouts mixed in. LaTroy Hawkins entered in relief and worked one inning, allowing one run on two hits. Reliever Scot Shields retired the only three hitters he faced in the sixth inning. Lefty J.P. Howell also logged one scoreless inning, finishing with two hits allowed and two strikeouts. J.J. Putz entered in the ninth inning and yielded three runs on three hits for the loss.

Blue Jays on the mound: Left-hander Brad Mills -- one of the club's prospects with a shot at cracking the starting rotation -- turned in three solid innings against Team USA. Mills allowed one run on one hit with one strikeout and one walk, finishing with 39 pitches (25 strikes). Matt Clement, who is also vying for a starting job, turned in three crisp innings, yielding no hits with one strikeout. Casey Janssen, making his first appearance of the spring, spun one shutout frame.

Up next for Team USA: On Thursday, the Americans shift to Bright House Field in Clearwater, Fla., where they'll take on the Phillies in an exhibition at 12:05 p.m. ET. Right-hander Jeremy Guthrie will start for Team USA, with righty Kyle Kendrick taking the ball for Philadelphia.

Up next for the Blue Jays: Following an off-day on Thursday, the Jays will host the Phillies in a 7:05 p.m. ET tilt at Dunedin Stadium. Toronto ace Roy Halladay is slated to start and relievers Brandon League, Brian Tallet, Jason Frasor, Jesse Carlson and Shawn Camp are also down to pitch.

Jordan Bastian is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Thursday, March 05, 2009 5:38:00 PM
Team USA loose while forming bonds
Chipper, Jeter, Dunn emphasizing camaraderie on, off field

By Chris Girandola / Special to MLB.com

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Each day this week, Team USA has ended its pregame workouts with orchestrated jumping jacks that many of the players have considered unorthodox.

The exercises consist of extending the arms all the way up for the first repetition, halfway up on the second repetition and just slightly forward on the final repetition before continuing the next trifecta.

"It's definitely a fun one," Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins said.

The orchestrated jumping jacks have been a source of entertainment for Team USA and, in some ways, it's been another part of the bonding experience for this collection of stars and role players.

Following Wednesday's stretch and warmup before Team USA's game against the Blue Jays, outfielder Adam Dunn called out to everybody to "bring it in."

And in a spirited fashion similar to their high school days, a refreshing picture of Major League players exhibiting patriotic flavor was painted when each team member put their hands together in a circle and chanted, "Go team!"

On Thursday, they did it again, except this team with Dunn penning the phrase, "Big leaguers!" for the rah-rah session.

"[We] have to get everybody motivated," said Dunn, who smacked a towering three-run homer in Team USA's final tuneup against the Phillies on Thursday, a 9-6 win. "This is a fun game, and the personalities we have on this team is that we enjoy playing together. We're trying to play loose and play our best."

The camaraderie isn't artificial this time as Team USA manager Davey Johnson attempts to redeem the club's disappointing effort in the 2006 World Baseball Classic, starting with Saturday's opener against Canada.

"It was kind of like glitz and glamour -- but not a lot of preparation," said Johnson, who was a bench coach on the 2006 edition. "This team is built differently with a good core of players. You can tell the guys genuinely enjoy being a part of this opportunity and like being around each other. You saw it the other day with their jumping jack routine. I thought that was pretty neat."

Each player involved, including returning members Derek Jeter and Chipper Jones, has described how early preparation is one of the keys this year, but they also stressed how the chemistry aspect holds just as much import.

"It has just consisted of starting things up a little bit earlier and getting physically and mentally ready sooner," said Jones, who hit .353 with a double and two home runs in 2006. "But the last time, I had only four at-bats going into the first game and this time, I have 20. Being able to be together longer has allowed us to gel more, though. It's been nice to see the way things have gone this week."

It began on Monday, and each day has been a building block for that chemistry with Jeter, who is serving as team captain, and Jones leading the way.

Said Jeter: "Over the past few days, things have started to mesh a bit and by the time we get to Toronto, things will be even closer."

When Jeter and Jones addressed the team before Monday's workout, they stressed the importance of coming together while leaving egos at the door.

"They talked about how this team was built to win, not an All-Star team," said Orioles pitcher Jeremy Guthrie, who allowed one run on two hits against the Phillies. "It's a team that they think can win this tournament. They said to 'go out there and be who you are.' They said, 'We chose each one of you for a specific reason and you don't have to come here and try to be any different than you are on your regular team.'"

With a contingent of 14 former All-Stars, three former MVPs and three former Rookies of the Year, setting that tone has been important for the development of that bond over the past few days.

"We were talking about that today, how you can stick a group of guys in the locker room and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't," Dunn said following Team USA's game against the Phillies in which Jones, Ryan Braun and Brian McCann added to the homer barrage. "It's weird how you can get this many guys together that like each other and have fun with each other. You can see how we're getting more comfortable with each other on the field as well."

Mets third baseman David Wright, who playfully accepted a "three-week truce" with Rollins earlier this week, echoed Dunn's sentiment.

"We're still trying to get positioning down and still trying to get to know each other strengths defensively," Wright said. "It's been a blast so far to put the same uniform on and get to know these guys away from the field. We've got big groups of us hanging out, because, when you put that same uniform on, you get in the trenches with each other, it's good to get to know each other on that personal basis. We've all become really close-knit."

Jones already can sense that his second time around will match, if not exceed, the last experience with fellow American ballplayers.

"We have guys with World Series experience and WBC experience, too," Jones said. "I've already said that I had my best baseball experience of my career in '06. It grows on you and it's a lot of fun. We have a pretty balanced group of guys this time. I'd like to have this type of bullpen. We have some great starters. And we have a good mix of personalities. We're having fun any chance we can get."

And now that the bonding is in full effect, the next stage is stepping on the field with their USA teammates.

When Rollins was asked what it will be like for the team in front of 45,000 Canadian fans, the Phillies shortstop had to recalculate: "Actually about 43. There'll be a couple Americans up there. It'll be a lot of fun, a chance to show pride in your country."

Having that pride is what has brought this team together and, for them, is what they hope can solidify a title.

"There's nothing like rounding the bases with 'USA' on your chest," Jones said. "I'm looking forward to this, and it's something that all of us we'll always cherish."

Chris Girandola is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Thursday, March 05, 2009 3:00:00 PM
Homers propel Team USA past Phils
Chipper, Braun, McCann, Dunn all go deep in final exhibition

By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com

TEAM USA 9, PHILLIES 6
at Clearwater, Fla.
Thursday, March 5

United States at the plate: Shane Victorino, Jimmy Rollins and Dustin Pedroia each singled to start the third inning. Chipper Jones followed Pedroia, who knocked in Victorino, with a three-run homer to left field to give Team USA a 4-1 lead. Ryan Braun and Brian McCann crushed back-to-back solo shots off Phillies left-hander Antonio Bastardo in the fourth. Adam Dunn ripped a three-run homer in the fifth.

Phillies at the plate: Marcus Giles worked a leadoff walk in the first and Eric Bruntlett followed with a double to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead. Ryan Howard clubbed a three-run homer in the fifth. Jason Donald belted a solo blast in the sixth.

United States on the mound: Starter Jeremy Guthrie allowed two hits, one run and two walks in 2 1/3 innings. Matt Lindstrom allowed three hits and three runs in two innings.

Phillies on the mound: Kyle Kendrick, who is fighting for the fifth spot in the rotation, retired seven of the first eight batters before finding trouble in the third. He allowed five hits and four runs in 2 2/3 innings. Bastardo allowed five runs in 2 1/3 innings.

Up next: Team USA left immediately after Thursday's game to fly to Toronto. Team USA plays Canada in the World Baseball Classic at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday at Rogers Centre.

The Phillies play the Blue Jays on Friday at 7 p.m. in Dunedin, Fla. Chan Ho Park gets the nod for the Phillies. The Phils also play the Jays in a "B" game at 2 p.m. at Bright House Field in Clearwater, Fla. Brett Myers starts for Philadelphia.

Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Friday, March 06, 2009 9:29:00 AM
USA, Canada ready to get started
Americans to face first Classic test in Toronto on Saturday

By Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com

The general manager said he has the right mix, their skipper has proclaimed them as the team to beat, and the players insist they'll be more ready this time.

Now, it's finally time for Team USA to prove it.

The U.S., as well as the other three teams -- Italy, Venezuela and Puerto Rico -- will play at Rogers Centre in Toronto on Saturday, kicking off Pool C play in the second World Baseball Classic.

Let's just say Team USA is hoping it doesn't turn out anything like the inaugural one in 2006.

That year, the U.S. was loaded with All-Stars and future Hall of Famers, yet it dropped two straight games to Korea and Mexico and was ousted before being able to reach the semifinals.

"Basically, we just didn't play well enough," said Derek Jeter, one of four returning players for the U.S. "That's just the bottom line. Like I said, it's a short tournament. You have to play well right from the get-go. If you don't, then you're going home. I don't think you can get much more in-depth than that."

A potential early statement

If Team USA wants to prove it's a different team this year, Game 1 against Team Canada will be the perfect time to do it.

In '06, one of the biggest surprises of the Classic was Canada beating the U.S., 8-6. So if the Americans ever wanted to show they have a new-found respect for international competition and are more prepared going in, they'll get their chance early on -- with 40,000-plus Canadians rooting against them.

"I think we're going to hate it, so that's good," said Team USA relief pitcher J.P. Howell, whose squad will face Canada at 2 p.m. ET. "It's nothing new for us. We're just going to go to Toronto, it's going to be sold out -- all Canadian -- so it's going to be intense."

The Classic will be in a double-elimination format for the first two rounds this time, with the top two finishers in Pool C meeting the top two finishers in Pool D in the second round at Dolphin Stadium in Miami.

The top two from Pool A will meet the top two from Pool B at San Diego's PETCO Park, and Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles will host the semifinals and finals beginning March 21.

Rounding out the roster

Returning for Team USA will be Jeter, Chipper Jones, Scot Shields and Jake Peavy. And taking the place of legends like Ken Griffey Jr., Roger Clemens and Alex Rodriguez will be young stars like David Wright, Dustin Pedroia and Ryan Braun.

Going into Team USA's final exhibition game against the Phillies in Clearwater, Fla., on Thursday -- a 9-6 win -- manager Davey Johnson had pretty much his entire starting lineup and rotation figured out.

But there's one quandary that still has the 66-year-old skipper scratching his head.

That would be the shortstop position, where Jeter and Rollins both add marquee value. One is an offseason removed from a World Series championship, two years away from a Most Valuable Player Award and can fill a need at the leadoff spot. The other has four rings, is a nine-time All-Star and has already been proclaimed Team USA's captain by Johnson.

"I'd like to play them both every day," said Johnson, who has stated that he'll likely alternate them game by game. "But last time I checked, they don't have an extra shortstop on the field. Maybe we'll go back to softball and have them both play [shortstop].

"It's not a good problem to have. I know 28 coaches who'd like to have either one of them in there, but I don't know any coaches that would like to have both of them."

In regard to the rest of the lineup, Brian McCann will catch, David Wright will play third base -- with Chipper Jones serving as the designated hitter most of the time -- Pedroia will play second base, and Red Sox teammate Kevin Youkilis will man first base.

The outfield will consist of Braun, Curtis Granderson or Shane Victorino, and Adam Dunn, from left to right field, and the starting rotation will sport Peavy - Saturday's starter -- Roy Oswalt, Jeremy Guthrie and Ted Lilly.

General manager Bob Watson made sure this year's group wasn't just a collection of stars. He wanted his share of role players, too, so off the bench, Mark DeRosa -- who has registered more than 100 Major League games at four different positions -- will join Shane Victorino, or Granderson, and Chris Iannetta, as well as the non-starter between Jeter and Rollins.

"When putting this together this time, I wanted to take that approach to put it together not so much as we did before with an All-Star team, but to be a functional team," Watson said. "We're playing this to win. It's not an exhibition."

The bullpen situation is unclear -- but that's by design.

Johnson will have 11 relievers, most of whom are one-inning pitchers, and with a 70-pitch limit for the first round and restrictions from his hurlers' respective big league managers, Johnson is going to separate the bullpen into two groups.

No set closer has been named, no roles have been assigned, and pretty much anybody can come in at any time.

"We've got three or four options [at closer]," said pitching coach Marcel Lachemann, referring to the likes of Jonathan Broxton, Matt Lindstrom, J.J. Putz and Brad Ziegler. "We're still trying to feel it out. They're all capable. It's all a question of who's farther along."

Is the U.S. up for it?

But the biggest question is whether Team USA, as a whole, is farther along than three years ago.

While that will be decided beginning Saturday, their actions show they may be more close-knit.

Examples: On the very first day of practice, 13 players put their chairs in a circle and had a round-table discussion; energy guys like Pedroia, Youkilis and Victorino have been added, giving the clubhouse a looser vibe; and over the last couple of days, the entire team has done synchronized jumping jacks before huddling up together -- looking more like a high-school team than a last-minute collection of some of the best players in the world.

Going into the tournament, Japan is the defending champion, and Pool C looks to be the toughest bracket in the Classic.

But Team USA believes it's as good as it gets.

"The first time was almost like an All-Star Game -- some of the best players [were] together," Rollins said. "But then it was like, 'Whoa, we have to win, too.' This time, we know what's at stake, what's on the line."

And what exactly is at stake?

"Pride," he added. "Hearing that anthem."

Alden Gonzalez is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Youkilis has no goatee!

Really