Manager Vinny Castilla isn't interested in a cultural debate over what makes one a "true" Mexican, he just wants to put together the best squad possible for the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
Though it seemed highly unlikely given his rehab schedule from right hip surgery, Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell officially learned earlier this week that he will not be eligible to play for Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
The Orioles have 11 players on World Baseball Classic provisional rosters, including three prospects proud to play for Team Italy.
Big leaguers hailing from Panama are in short supply, but the Braves boast five prospects who are on the nation's World Baseball Classic provisional roster.
The Diamondbacks look at Gerardo Parra's spot on Venezuela's provisional roster for the World Baseball Classic as a definite "win-win" situation.
While Adrian Gonzalez and Jake Peavy are competing in the World Baseball Classic, their absence at camp will open the door for prospects like first baseman Kyle Blanks to strut their stuff in Cactus League play
The provisional rosters are in, meaning all 16 nations in the World Baseball Classic have listed 45 players -- many of them stars -- that are eligible for the final 28-man rosters due Feb. 24.
In the United States, the word is "prospect." In Canada, it's "prospect, eh?" Australia? "Prospect, mate." En Espanol, it's "prospecto." In Italy, they might say "prospetto," while the Dutch might call such a player "vooruitzicht."
Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz has opted not to play for his native Panama in the World Baseball Classic this spring, his agent, Marc Kligman, confirmed. Ruiz was originally on the provisional roster for Team Panama, but, with pitchers and catchers set to report to Clearwater, Fla., on Feb. 14, Ruiz has opted to forego the opportunity.
Roy Oswalt sat down with MLB.com recently to discuss his anticipation for the World Baseball Classic and a restaurant he is building in his hometown.
