World Baseball Classic: Roster Revision One

Since Davy Johnson was announced as the United States' manager for the World Baseball Classic, players have slowly started to filter onto the squad. As such, many of these are still projections, but with a more of an idea of what Johnson will look for on the team.

Players in bold have accepted their invitation.

C: Joe Mauer (L) / Brian McCann (L)/ Taylor Teagarden (R)
1B: Kevin Youklis (R)/ Lance Berkman (S)
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: Cliff Lee (L)
SP: John Danks (L)
SP: Jon Lester (L)
SP: Roy Halladay (R)
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 3 catchers are required.

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

1B. Berkman (S)
DH. Quentin (L)
3B. Wright (R)

LF. Braun (R)
SS. Jeter (R)
RF. Markakis (R)

The pitching staff is still by far the least set portion of the roster. Johnson noted that reigning champion Japan was heavily right-handed, as are many rosters, and that he would be looking for left-handed pitchers to gain the upper hand.

It would not surprise me at all to see Johnson go for a lefty-heavy pen, eliminating Wade in favor of someone else, though a replacement isn't readily apparent. Another unsurprising move would see Davy Johnson opt for four general corner outfielders instead of sticking rigidly to right and left.

Update: The loss of Nick Markakis, who declined his invitation today, leaves a rather large void in right field. Ethier and Ludwick both leave something to be desired defensively, though Ethier has yet to establish a solid trend on defense. The next iteration of this roster is likely see Ethier as the starter and Ludwick left off entirely, though I've yet to find his replacement.

As the squad takes shape, it is becoming clear what Johnson wants the team to look like. Many of the players who have accepted are solid players all around. There isn't a clear power source, but there also isn't a clear hole in the lineup nor is there a defensive weak spot.

Such a strategy bodes well for the more 'small-ball' style common to international play and would be a savvy strategy for the internationally well-versed Davy Johnson.