Yesterday, Team USA announced a preliminary roster of 22 players who have committed to play in the 2009 World Baseball Classic this spring. So far, the Angels have three pitchers who are on the initial list. The team’s new left-handed closer Brian Fuentes and right-handers John Lackey and Scot Shields will all pitch for America in the WBC.

While some Angel fans are worried that their pitchers will be tired after participating in the WBC, there is little reason for them to worry. Spring training schedules have been altered this year in order to give players additional time to prepare for and participate in the second WBC. The adjusted schedules should allow all participants to avoid the “burnout effect” that usually results from international competition.

So with less injury risk, it is truly exciting to see so many Angel pitchers willing to pitch for their country. Often times, athletes avoid such events as the WBC in order to spend more time on vacation and relax. Therefore, the willingness of Fuentes, Lackey, and Shields, to participate in the event is testament to their “team first” and even “country first” approach.

Here is the preliminary list of players that have agreed to participate for Team USA:
OF Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers
RHP Jonathan Broxton, LA Dodgers
IF-OF Mark DeRosa, Cleveland Indians
LHP Brian Fuentes, LA Angels
OF Curtis Granderson, Detroit Tigers
SS Derek Jeter, NY Yankees
3B Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves
RHP John Lackey, LA Angels
RHP Matt Lindstrom, Florida Marlins
C Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves
RHP Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins
RHP Roy Oswalt, Houston Astros
RHP Jake Peavy, SD Padres
2B Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox
RHP J.J. Putz, NY Mets
SS Jimmy Rollins, Philadelphia Phillies
LHP B.J. Ryan, Toronto Blue Jays
RHP Scot Shields, LA Angels
OF Grady Sizemore, Cleveland Indians
LHP Matt Thornton, Chicago White Sox
3B David Wright, NY Mets
1B-3B Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox

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