WBC Puerto Rico Team Roster

Excepts from World Baseball Class:

Puerto Rican WBC Roster

To take a look at the Puerto Rican 40 man provisional roster go here; http://web.worldbaseballclassic.com/rosters/index.jsp?team=pur&season=2009. Myworld breaks down the 28 man roster that will be going to Miami, much of which is dependent on a player’s ability to play.

C - Govany Soto and Ivan Rodriguz are no brainers when it comes to the catchers. Because Ivan Rodriguez may spend much of his time DHing, they will need a third catcher and that would go to Bengie Molina.

Inf - Carlos Delgado’s bat may be slowing down, but it is good enough to mash for Puerto Rico. He will play first base and hit cleanup. With Mike Lowell unavailable to play third base and Puerto Rico flush with shortstops, Mike Aviles may move to play third, with Alex Cora and Ivan DeJesus sharing the shortstop position. Felipe Lopez will see second base with either Ramon Vazquez or Andy Gonzalez getting the last utility spot. Other than Delgado, the infield lacks some bats.

OF - Fellow Delgado teammate Carlos Beltran will patrol the center of the diamond and hit in the number three spot. Luis Matos had a torrid winter and if managers were paying attention they would give him a roster spot and an audition for the major leagues. Alex Rios is another give and he will play right field. I’d like to see Jorge Padilla play based on his strong spring, and with the outfield being so thin he has a good opportunity to see the big club with someone.

SP - Javier Vasquez will be the ace of the staff, followed by Joel Pineiro and Jonathan Sanchez. After that you would select Ian Snell over Nelson Figueroa. Nelson seems to provide his best outings outside of the United States.

Pen - It will be a true bullpen by committee. With 13 position players and 4 to 5 starters, this will give you a need for some bullpen help. There are no true closers in the 40 man roster. Pedro Feliciano is the closest thing to a closer. My world will let you choose between the other 8 or 9 pitchers to work the pen.