With Mets star 3b David Wright set to play for the United States in the 2nd annual World Baseball classic, I will be covering Team USA for the site.
Quick run down of the players who have come aboard to play for Manager Davey Johnson.
Accepted-
SP John Lackey- Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
SP Roy Oswalt- Houston Astros
RP Joe Nathan-Minnesota Twins
1b Kevin Youkilis-Boston Red Sox
2b Dustin Pedroia-Boston Red Sox
OF/3b Ryan Braun-Milwaukee Brewers
SS Derek Jeter-NY Yankees
OF/3b Chipper Jones-Atlanta Braves
C Brian McCann- Atlanta Braves
CF Grady Sizemore-Cleveland Indians
SS Jimmy Rollins-Philadelphia Phillies
3b David Wright-NY Mets
Inf/OF Mark DeRosa- Cleveland Indians
Declined -
1b Ryan Howard- Philadelphia Phillies
OF Josh Hamilton- Texas Rangers
OF Nick Markakis-Baltimore Orioles
SP CC Sabathia-New York Yankees
SP Brandon Webb-Arizona Diamondbacks
SP Cole Hamels-Philadelphia Phillies
RP Brad Lidge-Philadelphia Phillies
SP Josh Beckett-Boston Red Sox
Waiting for decision-
SP Roy Halladay- Toronto Blue Jays
SP Jon Lester-Boston Red Sox
SP Tim Linecum- San Francisco Giants
C Joe Mauer- Minnesota Twins
My wish list-
Add 2 of those 3 starting pitchers above, Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon, Mets set up man JJ Putz, Toronto Blue Jays BJ Ryan and free agent reliever Brian Fuentes would make a strong bullpen. Indians AL CY Young winner Cliff Lee would round out the starters. Lineup wise, Free agent Adam Dunn would be an ideal DH, while Oakland A’s LF Matt Holliday and Phillies OF Shane Victorino would be great OF additions. Add Mauer to give them a great tandem at C. I would make one last phone call to a man that drives fear into every pitcher around the world…. Barry Bonds!!!
