USA Baseball: Americans Who Must Step Up at World Baseball Classic

The Americans need several of their talented players to step up and lead the way if Team USA is going to win the World Baseball Classic.

That feat would be a nice accomplishment. The USA has never won the World Baseball Classic.

Of course, that fact isn't too glaring considering this is only the third installment of the tournament. However, the Americans have had the talent that should have led them to victory in the first two tournaments as well.

At the heart of Team USA's disappointing performances has been rust and a lack of interest. It's understandable. The tournament begins when most major leaguers are just starting to knock the rust off for the season.

Also, this tournament hasn't exactly captivated the American consciousness.

So, while the USA clearly has a roster capable of winning this tournament, they aren't going to do that without some of their better players setting an example and leading the way.  

Here are three stars who are desperately needed for a championship run by the U.S. 

R.A. Dickey

While the American pitching staff isn't exactly hurting for talent, it's not nearly as imposing as the lineup on offense. 

At the heart of this staff is reigning N.L. Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey. 

Dickey's performance is going to be invaluable to this rotation. 

Dickey doesn't only shut down an offense. While hitters adjust to his knuckleball, they will take a step back with their timing on pitchers who don't rely on the unique knuckler. 

The U.S. needs Dickey to be effective and work deep into games when he pitches. 

J.P. Arencibia

Dickey can of course pitch better than he has ever pitched—it won't matter if the catcher can't catch those rascally knucklers. 

That is never an easy task. 

In all likelihood, this task will fall on Blue Jays teammate J.P. Arencibia. He will have a head start on the other catchers in his acquaintance with Dickey, and he also has a vested interest in figuring out the knuckle as he will want to hold down this job when the season begins. 

The problem here is that Arencibia is not an offensive threat. In three years and 242 career games in the bigs, he is hitting just .222. 

Arencibia will not only be tasked with the worst defensive job a catcher faces, but he will also have to try to bring something to the plate. 

Ryan Braun

Ryan Braun has the kind of talent that can carry any lineup. Over the last two seasons, the former MVP has belted 72 home runs while carrying an average of at least .319 in each season. 

With as much talent as this lineup has, Braun still figures to be the heart of it. He needs to make sure this stays the case as the tournament progresses. 

Braun needs to set the tone with good at-bats. If this accomplished hitter takes each at-bat with discipline and intensity, the rest of the guys will begin to follow suit. And if everyone in this lineup approaches the plate with that attitude, it is tough to see this team losing.