Provisional 45-man rosters for the upcoming World Baseball Classic are in, but some questions remain before the final squads are set in late February. Here’s a look at who’s in and who’s out for some of the top teams: (Part two in a seven-part series)
USA
Alex Rodriguez’s decision to play for the Dominican Republic, rather than Team USA, likely opens the third-base spot up for the Mets’ David Wright. The pitching staff will feature Jake Peavy and Roy Oswalt as starters and new Met J.J. Putz will be among seven or eight options to close.
VENEZUELA
The Mets are monitoring the health of Johan Santana’s surgically repaired knee before giving their ace the final go-ahead to pitch for Venezuela alongside Carlos Zambrano, Felix Hernandez, and new teammate Francisco Rodriguez.
CANADA
Canada, Pool C’s third contender, sorely will miss Cubs’ Rich Harden at the front of its rotation after the right-hander bowed out to rehab his throwing shoulder. All-Stars Justin Morneau, Jason Bay and Russell Martin give the lineup its juice.