Teixeira, Wright Highlight Team USA's Star-Studded Roster; Pettitte To Pass On WBC
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Team USA released its provisional roster for the World Baseball Classic on Thursday, and both New York baseball teams will be represented.
First baseman Mark Teixeira is the only Yankee on the roster, and David Wright is the only Met.
Reigning National League Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey, who the Amazin's shipped to the Blue Jays for prospects this winter, is also on the squad.
Yankees starter Andy Pettitte, who agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract with the Bronx Bombers back in November, decided not to pitch for the team. There was plenty of speculation that the 40-year-old would pitch for the United States, but the 16-year veteran ultimately decided to pass.
A source said that "(Pettitte's) name was out there before he was sure" about deciding to pitch, according to Newsday's Marc Carig.
"I'm just so excited to be part of this year's team," Teixeira, who played for Team USA in the first-ever WBC, told MLB.com. "In 2006, I was just a kid. I was 25 years old on the first World Baseball Classic team, looking at guys like Roger Clemens and Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez -- some of the greats of the game. I was actually in awe my first time around. Now I'm coming back. I'm the only guy left from the 2006 team. I'm one of the veterans now."
Yankees legend Joe Torre, who won four World Series with New York, will manage the team.
"With this year's club, I knew what I needed to do," Torre told the website. "[Just about] every single player I talked to personally. Every single one of them is excited about the prospects of representing the USA in this Classic, and that makes me excited. I managed a long time and I played a long time, and we have a lot of ability.
"But the thing that sets us apart is the desire and determination and pride you take in playing this game of baseball, and I sense that from the guys on this club."
The rest of Team USA's roster includes Jeremy Affeldt, J.P. Arencibia, Heath Bell, Willie Bloomquist, Mitchell Boggs, Ryan Braun, Steve Cishek, Tim Collins, Luke Gregerson, Derek Holland, Adam Jones, Craig Kimbrel, Jonathan Lucroy, Joe Mauer, Kris Medlen, Chris Perez, Glen Perkins, Vinnie Pestano, Brandon Phillips, Jimmy Rollins, Giancarlo Stanton, Shane Victorino, Ryan Vogelsong and Ben Zobrist.
Do you predict that Team USA will be the champions, or will the United States disappoint yet again? Sound off with your thoughts and predictions below...
