World Baseball Classic 2013: Players to Keep Your Eye on in Qualifying Action

Major League Baseball's playoff races are not the only baseball worthy of your attention right now. Enthusiasts will also have their eyes on qualifying action for the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

The double-elimination qualifier will give us a look at eight of this year's squads. The other eight will play in their own tournament in November.

This weekend's action doesn't feature what you might call "superstars," but avid followers will recognize some names littered throughout the rosters. 

Let's take a look at three players you should have an eye on.

Tyson Gillies, OF, Canada

Gillies may find himself on the Philadelphia Phillies' roster next season, but he must play for Canada in this first.

He has a .307 career batting average in six minor league seasons. He doesn't have a lot of power, but he does have 20-steal speed on the base paths.

The Canadian roster isn't necessarily loaded, but Gillies is a rare prospect in this WBC qualifier. He's not the only noteworthy name, but you won't find a ton of potential on any country's roster at this point.

Engel Beltre, OF, Spain

Beltre falls very close to Gillies' category, but he plays in the Texas Rangers' organization.

He's only hitting .260 in six minor league seasons, but his 40 home runs leave room for excitement. Neither number is great—which explains why he's still in the minors—but he's still young enough to be intriguing.

Spain doesn't have a great team overall, but Beltre is one of the better players playing this weekend. He has 132 steals in his minor-league career, and he will surely swipe a few off of some inexperienced backstops.

The Rangers don't need much help offensively, but Spain does. Expect Beltre to do his part.

Michael Roth, P, Great Britain

Great Britain also has Chris Reed (Dodgers farmhand) in its starting rotation, but Roth is exciting as well.

Roth didn't fare too well in his first minor-league season, but he had an excellent college career. The Angels took him in the ninth round of last year's draft after an outstanding career with the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Roth went 26-6 with a 1.91 ERA in his four-year college career. He's not a heavy strikeout pitcher, but he's accurate and understands how to approach different batters.

His long-term potential is uncertain, but he's worth watching here. Very few players accomplish what he did throughout his collegiate career, and this will be his chance to shine on a different stage.