World Baseball Classic Updates: Final Rosters Announced

As you could guess, as the World Baseball Classic get’s closer, more and more teams are blocking their players from playing in the tournament and players are withdrawing left and right. I had a decent list last time. Two players of notable value have pulled out since.

Russell Martin, C Pirates who was going to play shortstop (I know, WTF) and Reds ace Johnny Cueto. This comes right before the MLB announced the official and final rosters for the Tournament. Below you can find the links to all of the teams’ rosters and I’ll have a quick analysis after the jump.

POOL A: Japan, China, Brazil, Cuba

POOL B: South Korea, Netherlands, Australia, Chinese Taipei

POOL C: Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republican,  Spain

POOL D: United States, Mexico, Canada, Italy

Without Felix Hernandez, I’m not sure I can keep Venezuela in my teams to fear. Yes, they can hit but really lack any pitching and when Annibal Sanchez is your only reliable arm, there are huge problems. Likewise for Puerto Rico. They have less power in the lineup and even less pitching. So long as Venezuela does not surprise the Dominican Republic, it’s the latter’s pool to lose.

The USA needs to win this year. They have the most stacked lineup I’ve seen in awhile and their rotation is not too shabby as well. The USA has a legitimate four man rotation of R.A. Dickey, Derek Holland, Gio Gonzalez and Ryan Vogelsong. There’s no competition in their pool except from Caribbean Series Champion Mexico, who’s team isn’t too shabby.

I’m thankful Cuba decided to list the vitals of their team at this time. Couldn’t go one living without knowing the height and weight of their starting fist baseman.

I’ll have a more comprehensive breakdown once I get some sleep and stop oogling Jennifer Lawrence.