Nine Orioles Headed To Spring World Tourney
DALLAS -- Baltimore could well be the source of some international intrigue this spring, when nine Orioles are eligible to participate in the World Baseball Classic. None of Baltimore's players were listed as part of the United States' roster -- instead, the nine O's were split between seven countries.
The most prominent players came from two Latin American nations that stand among the tournament's favorites. The Dominican Republic should have former American League MVP Miguel Tejada, Baltimore's shortstop, while Melvin Mora, the team's third baseman, will likely suit up for Venezuela. Tejada and Mora were both All-Stars last season, combining for 53 homers and 186 RBIs.
It doesn't end there. The Orioles have a veritable United Nations serving as their starting rotation. Daniel Cabrera may pitch for the Dominican Republic, but three other Orioles are near locks to pitch for their homeland. Bruce Chen is on the list for Panama, Rodrigo Lopez for Mexico and Erik Bedard for Canada. Last year, those four combined to post a 44-43 record.
"In some ways, it paints an interesting picture. What if Mexico plays Panama?" said Mike Flanagan, the O's executive vice president of baseball operations. "I don't know if that can happen. I haven't looked at it that closely."
All the players on the lists have been approved by both Major League Baseball and the Players Association, and all the players mentioned have accepted the invitation to play. Still, the selection process is ongoing.
Sixty-man rosters must be submitted by Jan. 17, with the ultimate 30-man rosters finalized 24 hours prior to the start of the tournament. The final rosters must include a minimum of 13 pitchers and three catchers. MLB has committed to using 60 percent of Major League-affiliated players.
Baltimore has some other interesting names involved. Adam Loewen, the team's first-round draft choice in 2003, is listed as part of Canada's delegation. Luis Matos, the Orioles' center fielder, may patrol the same position for Puerto Rico. Finally, John Stephens may pitch for Australia and former O's Karim Garcia and Luis Garcia may play for Mexico.
The inaugural World Baseball Classic, a 16-team tournament sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation (IBAF), will take place March 3-20 and feature the world's best players competing for their home countries and territories for the first time. Fans will be able to follow all the games live exclusively online at MLB.com.
First-round action will be played at four sites. Pool A, consisting of Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei and China, will meet at the Tokyo Dome, March 3-5. Pool B, featuring USA, Canada, Mexico and South Africa will play at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Scottsdale Stadium, Spring Training home of the San Francisco Giants, March 7-10. Pool C is Puerto Rico, Cuba, Panama and the Netherlands, and will play at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, March 7-10. Pool D, featuring the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Australia and Italy will play at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla., March 7-10.
The top two teams from each pool will advance to the second round, which takes place March 12-15 at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Puerto Rico and Angel Stadium in Anaheim. The semifinals and finals will be held at San Diego's PETCO Park, March 18-20.
Tickets go on sale Dec. 10 for games in Puerto Rico and Dec. 12 for games in the United States.
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