USA WBC lineup that can win?

[bhss89]

I'd like to see what folks think will be a winning roster for USA in the upcoming WBC. Including 5 SP and 5 CL. Simply post your team, or post your team and then defend your choices.

Here's what I'd love to see:


WBC USA Lineup
C: Posey
1B: Fielder
2B: Pedroia
SS: Tulowitzki/Rollins
3B: Longoria/Wright
LF: Braun
CF: McCutchen
RF: Trout
DH: Stanton
SP: Kershaw
SP: Greinke
SP: Verlander
SP: Price
SP: Cain
RP: Kimbrel
RP: Motte
RP: Axford
RP: Papelbon
RP: Clippard

[Tadasimha]

I'd like to see what folks think will be a winning roster for USA in the upcoming WBC. Including 5 SP and 5 CL. Simply post your team, or post your team and then defend your choices.

Here's what I'd love to see:


WBC USA Lineup
C: Posey
1B: Fielder
2B: Pedroia
SS: Tulowitzki/Rollins
3B: Longoria/Wright
LF: Braun
CF: McCutchen
RF: Trout
DH: Stanton
SP: Kershaw
SP: Greinke
SP: Verlander
SP: Price
SP: Cain
RP: Kimbrel
RP: Motte
RP: Axford
RP: Papelbon
RP: Clippard

Looks pretty good to me, although I'd definitely want Tulowitski over Rollins. I'd also take Brandon Phillips over Pedroia. Nothing against either of Rollins or Pedroia but Tulo and BP are better in the field imho.

[quinnystar27]

I dont think it is a lack of talent that stops the US from winning. I think it is lack of proper strategy and preparation. I was in Japan in 2009 and went to watch the japanese team practice in January.

Several players and their coach had workout programs for the WBC. I saw on the news several times players like Darvish training for the classic months before. The japanese team practices in January were great.

Most of the other countries like USA, Venezuela and DR dont prepare well enough but rely on talent. Most dont start team practices until february and some dont start with their team but with their MLB club.

There is a reason why Japan and Korea haven't lost to any other team except themselves. (unless you count a terrible call in the 2006 classic were the US beat japan). Preparation and desire.

[SouthwestAmAZins]

That looks like formidable team, but with a 65 max pitch count in effect during the first round, I believe that team USA will have a few more Starting Pitchers. I also agree with Tadasimha, Tulo and Phillips should get the nod over Rollins and Pedroia.

I dont think it is a lack of talent that stops the US from winning. I think it is lack of proper strategy and preparation. I was in Japan in 2009 and went to watch the japanese team practice in January.

Several players and their coach had workout programs for the WBC. I saw on the news several times players like Darvish training for the classic months before. The japanese team practices in January were great.

Most of the other countries like USA, Venezuela and DR dont prepare well enough but rely on talent. Most dont start team practices until february and some dont start with their team but with their MLB club.

There is a reason why Japan and Korea haven't lost to any other team except themselves. (unless you count a terrible call in the 2006 classic were the US beat japan). Preparation and desire.

I believe that MLB clubs have more to do with the USA, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic not getting ready sooner and preparing better. It will probably be more of the same until MLB Clubs loosen their restrictions.

[Rally Monkey]

I dont think it is a lack of talent that stops the US from winning. I think it is lack of proper strategy and preparation. I was in Japan in 2009 and went to watch the japanese team practice in January.

Several players and their coach had workout programs for the WBC. I saw on the news several times players like Darvish training for the classic months before. The japanese team practices in January were great.

Most of the other countries like USA, Venezuela and DR dont prepare well enough but rely on talent. Most dont start team practices until february and some dont start with their team but with their MLB club.

There is a reason why Japan and Korea haven't lost to any other team except themselves. (unless you count a terrible call in the 2006 classic were the US beat japan). Preparation and desire.

I agree with all of this. And, with Joe Torre's continuing mantra that part of his mission as Team USA's manager is to return the players to their teams without a glitch, we'll continue to see the Americans struggle. They just don't want it as bad.

Having said that, I really like the proposed roster above. Unfortunately, we won't be seeing a lot of these names don the Red, White and Blue. David Price has already said he won't be playing. Greinke's a free agent who'll very likely be joining a new team. John Axford is a Canadian. Matt Cain had a long, long 2012 season and likely would get some push-back from the organization if he wants to play. (Bruce Bochy has said that he won't block it, but that he'd have "concerns".)

I think Evan Longoria's likely to play, as is Curtis Granderson in centerfield and, probably, Ryan Braun in left. Giancarlo Stanton will probably play right and DH. I'm guessing that Buster Posey will share catching duties with Joe Mauer. And Mike Trout could be a go, too. I doubt Prince will play: He didn't show any interest last time. Someone like Paul Konerko is more likely.

I have no clue who Team USA will find to start games. I'm guessing Ryan Vogelsong will be on the roster, seeing as how he made an appearance at the WBC kickoff press conference at AT&T Park earlier this year. Maybe an ace like Jared Weaver will join up. In the past two versions, Team USA carried only four starters, and I don't expect that to be different this time.

[Rally Monkey]

According to reports, Craig Kimbrell will play. I really like the idea of the Team USA bullpen loading up on young, closer arms like his. Jason Motte and Tyler Clippard would be great additions.

[SamtheBravesFan]

I'll be looking forward to that! Though I'm sure there will be much FREAKING OUT over it.

[USA101]

Paul Konerko would be a great addition to the club. Great defender and above average bat for the position, plus he is a great clubhouse presence. He will play his heart out for Team USA because he is that type of person always out of the dugout for the national anthem and very patriotic.

[Richard]

Harper is not playing. Has Tulo been cleared to play?

[quinnystar27]

Does anyone know if the steroid ban still works in the classic? For example guys like Colon and Melky Cabrera will be banned if they choose to play for their country?

[Rally Monkey]

Does anyone know if the steroid ban still works in the classic? For example guys like Colon and Melky Cabrera will be banned if they choose to play for their country?

My understanding (from prior Classics) is that a ban doesn't affect eligibility for international competition. (Although the new collective bargaining agreement might say something different.)