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The 2017 World Baseball Classic is set to begin on Monday, March 6, so what better time than now to start preparing for the international showdown. This will be the fourth edition of the WBC, and the USA is still looking for their first medal.
Japan won the first two WBCs in 2006 and 2009, and the Dominican Republic got on the board with a 2013 victory. The closest the US has gotten to receiving a medal was a 4th place finish at the 2009 WBC.
The USA’s medal drought might finally come to an end in 2017, as in my opinion, they are fielding their best team yet. They’ve got strong starting pitching, lights-out relievers, speed, defense, and a ton of power. Manager Jim Leyland has an embarrassment of riches on his hands, and I can’t wait to watch the US wipe the floor with the WBC competition.
The USA’s first game will be against Colombia on Friday, March 10 at 6:00 P.M. ET. Courtesy of MLB, you can salivate at the USA’s full WBC roster until then.
WBC 2017 Team USA Roster
Pitchers
Chris Archer, Rays
Brett Cecil, Cardinals**
Tyler Clippard, Yankees
Danny Duffy, Royals*
Sam Dyson, Rangers
Michael Fulmer, Tigers**
Mychal Givens, Orioles
Sonny Gray, Athletics**
Luke Gregerson, Astros
J.A. Happ, Blue Jays**
Nate Jones, White Sox
Jake McGee, Rockies
Andrew Miller, Indians
Pat Neshek, Phillies
Tanner Roark, Nationals*
Drew Smyly, Mariners**
Marcus Stroman, Blue Jays
Alex Wilson, Tigers**
* Active designated pitchers pool
** Designated pitchers pool
Catchers
A.J. Ellis, Marlins
Jonathan Lucroy, Rangers
Buster Posey, Giants
Infielders
Nolan Arenado, Rockies
Alex Bregman, Astros
Matt Carpenter, Cardinals
Brandon Crawford, Giants
Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks
Eric Hosmer, Royals
Ian Kinsler, Tigers
Daniel Murphy, Nationals
Outfielders
Adam Jones, Orioles
Andrew McCutchen, Pirates
Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins
Christian Yelich, Marlins
