Everett, Wash.
Published: Friday, January 9, 2009

Sizemore among players being considered for World Baseball Classic

Associated Press

 Cascade High School graduate Grady Sizemore, World Series champion shortstop Jimmy Rollins of the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego ace Jake Peavy, the 2007 NL Cy Young Award winner, are among the U.S. players eager to take part in the second World Baseball Classic this spring.

Sizemore plays for the Cleveland Indians.

USA Baseball released a list of 22 potential players Friday who have expressed interest and are being considered for the American roster to be managed by Davey Johnson.

During the winter meetings last month, it was announced New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter will play for the U.S. team -- and USA Baseball executive director Paul Seiler didn't hesitate in naming Jeter the starter.

Others announced Friday included Milwaukee outfielder Ryan Braun; Cleveland infielder/outfielder Mark DeRosa; Detroit outfielder Curtis Granderson; Atlanta infielder Chipper Jones and catcher Brian McCann; Twins right-hander Joe Nathan; Houston right-hander Roy Oswalt; Boston infielders Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis; and Mets third baseman David Wright and pitcher J.J. Putz.

Also picked were Dodgers right-hander Jonathan Broxton; Angels pitchers Brian Fuentes, John Lackey and Scot Shields; Florida right-hander Matt Lindstrom; Toronto left-hander B.J. Ryan; and Chicago White Sox left-hander Matt Thornton.

Provisional 45-man rosters will be announced Jan. 19, with final rosters of 28 players set by Feb. 24. First-round games will be played in Tokyo, Mexico City, Toronto and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Defending champion Japan faces China on March 5 in the opener.

Second-round action moves to San Diego and Miami, while the semifinals and finals will be played at Dodger Stadium.

In the inaugural Classic in 2006, the U.S. team loaded with All-Stars failed to reach the semifinals, and Japan beat Cuba for the title. The 2006 WBC drew 486 players, about 235 from the majors.

Cuba's preliminary roster included 36-year-old right-hander Pedro Luis Lazo and second baseman Yulieski Gourriel. Eighteen of the 45 players were on the 2006 WBC roster and 21 played at last year's Beijing Olympics, where Cuba finished second.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA