World Baseball Classic: Roster Revision Two

This project has been substantially more difficult than I'd planned, due in large part to a rather unexpected issue.

Some positions I knew would be hard, right field for example, isn't a very deep position, so when Nick Markakis bowed out, he left a substantial void. However, since he's been the only right fielder to bow out, he was replaced with relative ease.

First base, on the other hand, has been a constant struggle. Pujols is Dominican, Berkman was the latest to bow out, Teixeria wants to go to camp with the Yankees, Morneau was team Canada's first pick, even Joey Votto isn't an option (he, too, is Canadian).

The best two options currently, besides Youkilis who accepted the call, are Prince Fielder and Jason Giambi. Both are deeply flawed players, better suited to DH than to play first.

Here's the latest version, up to date with the latest confirmations and vetos:

C: Joe Mauer (L) / Brian McCann (L)/ Taylor Teagarden (R)
1B: Kevin Youklis (R)/ Prince Fielder (L)
2B: Dustin Pedroia (R) / Mark DeRosa (R)
SS: Derek Jeter (R) / Jimmy Rollins (S)
3B: David Wright (R) / Evan Longoria (R)/ Chipper Jones (S)

LF: Ryan Braun (R) / Carlos Quentin (R)
CF: Grady Sizemore (L) / Shane Victorino (S)
RF: Ryan Ludwick (R)/ Andre Ethier (L)

SP: John Lackey (R)
SP: Tim Lincecum (R)
SP: Roy Oswalt (R)
SP: John Danks (L)
SP: Jon Lester (L)
SP: Scott Kazmir (L)

RP: Scott Downs (L)
RP: Cory Wade (R)
RP: Dan Wheeler (R)
RP: J.P. Howell (L)
RP: Brad Ziegler (R)
Closer: Joe Nathan (R)
Closer: George Sherill (L)

13 pitchers and three catchers are required.

CF. Sizemore (L)
2B. Pedroia (R)
C. Mauer (L)

LF. Braun (R)
DH. Quentin (L)
3B. Wright (R)

1B. Youkilis (R)
SS. Jeter (R)
RF. Ludwick (R)

Other than the occasional star pitchers who have bowed out, Cliff Lee was the latest, the staff is still pretty vague. Joe Nathan has expressed interest in playing, and Davy Johnson almost certainly passed an invite his way, but nothing official has been confirmed. Joe Mauer, too, expressed some interest, but his recent kidney surgery has put his participation in jeopardy.

The addition of Roy Oswalt, combined with Johnson's desire for lefties, probably leaves Roy Halliday high and dry. While Scott Kazmir is a likely selection, there are a few other lefty possibilities like teammate Andy Sonnenstine or the Angels' Joe Saunders.

I suspect that the relief pitchers will be invited en masse, and perhaps the rest of the starters as most of the major names have already declined their options for team USA.