2008 Woodie Awards
2006 World Baseball Classic
The world's best baseball players compete for national pride in a brand new international baseball competition
Max Wise
Issue date: 2/28/06 Section: Sports
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This sixteen-team event spans eighteen days and will be played in baseball stadiums from Japan to Puerto Rico to Florida. Including teams such as the Netherlands, South Africa and Italy the WBC looks to expand baseball's international appeal.
All teams look to have some talent on their roster as about 60% of all participants are currently under Major League Baseball contracts. MLB officials have decided that the risk of preseason injuries is worth attempting to create a new worldwide competition that some hope will eventually resemble soccer's World Cup. In its inaugural season the WBC looks to be an exciting mixture of athleticism and patriotism that shouldn't be missed.
On an international stage, the United States is always expected to be competitive. The WBC should prove to be no exception as Team USA has compiled many talented players. The team will have to rely heavily on the aging arm of seven-time Cy Young winner Roger Clemens (Houston Astros) if it is to make a run at the championship. Clemens is the only true ace on the team, but he will be assisted by such stars as C.C. Sabathia (Cleveland Indians), the young Dontrelle Willis (Florida Marlins), and fireballer Billy Wagner (Philadelphia Phillies).
The hitting for team USA also looks solid with sluggers Derek Jeter (New York Yankees), 2005 MVP Alex Rodriguez (New York Yankees), and young star Michael Teixeira (Texas Rangers) on the roster. The team also includes both of last year's MLB batting champions in Michael Young (Texas Rangers) and Derek Lee (Chicago Cubs).
The roster also includes a new Yankee, Johnny Damon. This may be Damon's final opportunity to play with his old captain Jason Varitek (Boston Red Sox) who will be the number one catcher for the team.
Team USA does not have the same depth as some other squads, but if they manage stay healthy this team will have the chance to win the international crown.