As expected, Adam Jones is only Oriole on U.S. roster for World Baseball Classic

As expected, the Orioles' only representative on USA Baseball's 27-man provisional roster for the World Baseball Classic is center fielder Adam Jones.

The rosters for the rest of the countries will be announced later today, so other Orioles could be named then, but Miguel Gonzalez said today that he won't pitch for Mexico.

Thirteen of the players on the provisional roster have USA Baseball experience, including six who have played in past WBCs. The roster includes 15 major league All-Stars, three Most Valuable Players and one Cy Young Award winner.

The All-Stars are Heath Bell, Ryan Braun, R.A. Dickey, Jones, Craig Kimbrel, Joe Mauer, Chris Perez, Brandon Phillips, Jimmy Rollins, Giancarlo Stanton, Mark Teixeira, Shane Victorino, David Wright, Ryan Vogelsong and Ben Zobrist. Braun (2011 National League), Mauer (2009 American League) and Rollins (2007 N.L.) were league MVPs. Dickey won the 2012 N.L. Cy Young Award.

Bell ('09), Braun ('09), Rollins ('09), Teixeira ('06), Victorino ('09) and Wright ('09) have played in previous WBCs.

"This team features unprecedented international experience at the highest levels, and we look forward to March when the players will take the field to represent the United States," USA Baseball President Mike Gaski said.

The team is managed by Joe Torre. His coaching staff includes Larry Bowa (bench coach), Marcel Lachemann (bullpen/pitching coach), Greg Maddux (pitching coach), Dale Murphy (first base coach), Gerald Perry (hitting coach) and Willie Randolph (third base coach).

"Having talked to all of these players I sense a great deal of excitement about representing the United States in the World Baseball Classic," Torre said. "I share their excitement and look forward to managing this talented group in March."

Provisional rosters allow up to 28 players, creating a pool of players who are eligible to be named to the Federation's final roster. Each Federation must submit its final 28-man roster, including a minimum of 13 pitchers and two catchers, by Sunday.

The USA team plays its first round games as part of Pool D at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, from March 8-10. The pool also includes Canada, Mexico and Italy.

LHP: Jeremy Affeldt (San Francisco Giants); Tim Collins (Kansas City Royals); Derek Holland (Texas Rangers); Glen Perkins (Minnesota Twins).

RHP: Heath Bell (Arizona Diamondbacks); Mitchell Boggs (St. Louis Cardinals); Steve Cishek (Miami Marlins); R.A. Dickey (Toronto Blue Jays); Luke Gregerson (San Diego Padres); Craig Kimbrel (Atlanta Braves); Kris Medlen (Braves); Chris Perez (Cleveland Indians); Vinnie Pestano (Indians); Ryan Vogelsong (Giants).

C: J.P. Arencibia (Blue Jays); Jonathan Lucroy (Milwaukee Brewers); Joe Mauer (Twins).

IF: Brandon Phillips (Cincinnati Reds); Jimmy Rollins (Philadelphia Phillies); Mark Teixeira (New York Yankees); David Wright (Mets).

OF: Ryan Braun (Brewers); Adam Jones (Baltimore Orioles); Giancarlo Stanton (Marlins); Shane Victorino (Boston Red Sox).

UTL: Willie Bloomquist (Diamondbacks); Ben Zobrist (Tampa Bay Rays).

Reuters contributed to this article.

Source: http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-as-expected-adam-jones-only-usa-oriole-world-baseball-classic-0117,0,385062.story?track=rss

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