The headlines all say "Clemens," but C.C. Sabathia was named to Team USA's 30-man roster for next month's inaugural World Baseball Classic. Due to stringent pitch counts laid out as part of the tournament rules, Team USA is going with a four-man rotation and a ten-man bullpen. Roger Clemens, Jake Peavy and Dontrelle Willis will join Sabathia in the rotation. No other Indians are part of Team USA -- I wouldn't say the Pronk was "snubbed," but it is a mistake for him not to be there.
While other countries have not yet announced their final rosters, Indians appeared on several teams' preliminary rosters. The Venezuelan team listed Rafael Betancourt, Victor Martinez and Franklin Gutierrez -- and of course, former Indian Omar Vizquel. The Dominican team listed Gillermo Mota, Ron Belliard and Jhonny Peralta among its potential players. Fernando Cabrera and Eduaurdo Perez potentially will play for Puerto Rico.
Like many major leaguers, several Indians have indicated tepid interest in participating, preferring to focus on preparing for the major league season with the Indians.