Cubs right-hander Rich Harden was included on Team Canada's preliminary roster for the World Baseball Classic, but he said that his pitching shoulder won't be sufficiently healed by March to allow him to play.
Team Canada went from an improbable victor to an unlucky outsider in the span of 24 hours during the 2006 World Baseball Classic. That leaves 2009 as the chance to finish a task left undone.
Twins first baseman Justin Morneau has informed officials for Team Canada that he will play for them in the World Baseball Classic this March.
With the World Baseball Classic less than three months away, Team Canada announced this week that Ernie Whitt will be returning to manage the squad, which will include, among others, Twins first baseman Justin Morneau.
Eight international umpires from five countries are honing their skills at the MLB Urban Youth Academy in preparation for the World Baseball Classic.
Most were not sure what to expect at the outset of the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, but at the end of the tournament, even the most hardcore skeptics had to admit its overwhelming success.
As in 2006, Tokyo Dome and Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, will again host first-round games of the World Baseball Classic. In 2009, those venues will be joined for the first time by Rogers Centre in Toronto and Foro Sol Stadium in Mexico City.
