The Cubs in the World Baseball Classic

The World Baseball Classic starts March 5th. The Chicago Cubs have four players on the 25 man roster in the World Baseball Classic. They are Ted Lilly (USA), Carlos Marmol (Dominican Republic), Kosuke Fukudome (Japan), and Geovany Soto (Puerto Rico). They also have minor league prospects Alex Maestri (Italy) and Vince Perkins (Canada) playing in the World Baseball Classic.

Carlos Marmol was not going to play in the World Baseball Classic, but decided the other day he wanted to. This was after Lou reassured him that he would not loose the closer’s job if he went. He will compete against Kevin Gregg for the closer’s job when he gets back from the World Baseball Classic now. I think Kosuke Fukudome playing in the World Baseball Classic is a good thing. Hopefully playing with his fellow country men in a comfortable environment will get him starting off on the right foot. Then hopefully this will carry over into the season.

I think the World Baseball Classic is a great place for prospects to play and showcase what they can do. This is a good thing for Alex Maestri playing for Italy and Vince Perkins of Canada. Both should get good playing time and help their development.

Lets hope team USA does better than they did in the inaugural World Baseball Classic.