Cub Players on WBC 45-Man Rosters

by Josh Timmers on Jan 19, 2009 6:43 PM CST

The following Cubs and Cub farmhands are on the rosters for the World Baseball Classic. Be aware that this is a 45-man roster and not everyone on this list will end up playing in the WBC. The final rosters for the International teams will be 28 men and will be announced February 24.

Link

Players on the Major League 40-Man roster:

Jose Ascanio--Venezuela

Kosuke Fukudome--Japan

Angel Guzman--Venezuela

Rich Harden--Canada

Derrek Lee--USA

Ted Lilly--USA

Carlos Marmol--Dominican Republic

Aramis Ramirez--Dominican Republic

Alfonso Soriano--Dominican Republic

Geovany Soto--Puerto Rico

Carlos Zambrano--Venezuela

Cub Minor Leaguers:

Hung-Wen Chen--Chinese Taipei

Dwayne Kemp--Netherlands

Alex Maestri--Italy

Vince Perkins--Canada

Chris Robinson--Canada

Ryan Searle--Australia

I would expect at most of the minor leaguers to make teams--they're playing for teams struggling to find players. I'm especially looking forward to seeing Chen, Maestri and Searle--all of whom I think can be major leaguers.

As far as the major leaguers go, it's going to depend on who gets hurt and what kinds of openings there are on teams. I'd certainly expect Fukudome, Zambrano and Marmol to play, but you never know. Lee played last time, so he's a good bet to get another shot.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Beat ya by six minutes

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jan 19, 2009 6:46 PM CST reply actions

Yes

because I actually typed out the list rather than provide. And I beat someone else who actually included links and typed it out. :-)

If you can update yours with my list, I’ll delete mine. But I think the list is important.

by Josh Timmers on Jan 19, 2009 6:53 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

I'm gonna recommend yours for that reason, Josh.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Jan 19, 2009 7:01 PM CST up reply actions

no biggie, I'll take mine down

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jan 19, 2009 7:05 PM CST up reply actions

I assume Rich Harden won't be playing right???

Bleeding Cubbie Blue since 1985.

by Bricks and Ivy on Jan 19, 2009 6:52 PM CST reply actions

Depends on his health

If he really can’t throw a baseball, then no, he won’t play.

by Josh Timmers on Jan 19, 2009 6:53 PM CST up reply actions

I'd rather him just take it off even if he can throw.

Not like Canada has a shot.

Bleeding Cubbie Blue since 1985.

by Bricks and Ivy on Jan 19, 2009 6:55 PM CST up reply actions

That's sort of an advantage

He’d probably only throw one game. It certainly wouldn’t hurt him to throw in one game if he’s healthy—he’d do that in spring training anyway.

by Josh Timmers on Jan 19, 2009 6:59 PM CST up reply actions

agreed

I just hope the Canadian team doesn’t overuse him. I’m surprised Dempster didn’t want to take a shot at pitching for Canada..

Erm, well if we are going to call Milton Bradley nicknames, mine is Fischer Price: yes, you heard it here first..

by Chanman25 on Jan 19, 2009 7:07 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah, I am too.

Maybe the Cubs asked him not to.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 19, 2009 7:25 PM CST up reply actions

I was surprised to see Lilly on there

hadnt heard his name connected in anyway

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jan 19, 2009 7:38 PM CST up reply actions

He's on there

in case the USA plays Puerto Rico in Round 2, so he can continue his beating of Yadier Molina.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Bill Potter on Jan 20, 2009 9:02 AM CST up reply actions

Don't forget

They have pitch counts in place and as I recall from last time they were very frugal.

by Grace17 on Jan 19, 2009 8:10 PM CST up reply actions

There was a Canadian new story last week

which speculated Dempster would not pitch. He would like to, but in 2006 he had just signed a new contract with the Cubs and felt he shouldn’t participate because of that. Since he has just signed another big contract, perhaps he feels the same way. There’s always 2013. Canada will need SPs then, too.

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Jan 20, 2009 4:33 AM CST up reply actions

Lets hope that Canada doesnt advance

I mean the US and Venezuela have to be the favorites in that group, so if that happens, Harden likely wouldnt pitch more than once, and I believe the first round pitch limit is 65

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jan 19, 2009 7:07 PM CST reply actions

+1

I’m not thrilled to see Harden’s name in there.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by daver on Jan 20, 2009 9:42 AM CST up reply actions

I understand the concern

and sometimes the disdain that fans exhibit when it comes to their team’s players participating in the WBC, but I just want to say one thing:

I find it very refreshing to see high paid MLB players motivated to play for something other than a contract.

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Jan 20, 2009 10:27 AM CST up reply actions

Yeah, I must admit...

…I’m really looking forward to the WBC this time around. Of course, that may be mainly because the MLB Network now exists and I’ll be able to watch many of the games (and, presumably, all of the highlights).

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by daver on Jan 20, 2009 10:55 AM CST up reply actions

I think its on ESPN as well

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jan 20, 2009 4:29 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed, I simply meant in context of Harden

and his injury history, other than that, I dont worry about injuries b/c of this tournament at all

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jan 20, 2009 4:29 PM CST up reply actions

Ascanio will be interesting to follow

He had personal issues last year. Here’s hoping he’s able to move forward. The raw tools are there. It’s interesting that the Cubs have suggested that they’ll start him to stretch him out and work on his pitches. Don’t think it amounts to much (think what the Cubs did with Hart in starting him – Hart/Ascanio are both pen arms).

I’d rather see Guzman skip the WBC to honest. Would rather see him fine tune some things, as I think he could be our fireman this year.

I’ve detailed all the minor leaguers in previous posts before, but a quick run through, based upon how I rank them as of now -

Alessandro Maestri – The first Italian had a solid year at Daytona before going to Tennessee and getting hurt. Prior to 2008, the thought was that Maestri was a Wuertz-like guy. He made sufficient strides with his changeup to believe that he might be able to be a starter, and I think he should start 2009 in Tennessee’s rotation. When on, low 90’s fastball with a plus slider and a decent change. The slider is one of the best in the system. Projects to be an end of the rotation or middle relief type.

Hung-Wen Chen – As of now, probably slated for pen duty, although it’s not impossible he grabs a slot. I’ve pegged him for Tennessee, but the Cubs could slow play it and have him at Daytona. Average fastball that tops out in the low 90’s, but decent-solid secondary offerings. In all likelihood, he won’t make it up as a rotation arm. The question about his pen projection is if he can up the fastball a few more mph’s. Best guess is a rubber arm type of guy.

Dwayne Kemp – His big issue is that he’s in a system that has good 2nd base depth. He’s got some good abilities, but whether or not he has the opportunity to showcase it will be debatable as Josh Harrison and Jake Opitz will, barring a surprise, take the Peoria slots at the start, and Junior Lake/Vince Watkins may push in Boise when the split happens (along with any other picks). I think of him somewhat as a more athletic Mike Fontenot, if he develops.

Vince Perkins – Former top prospect is an interesting gamble. Doesn’t hurt us if he fails. He’s likely a Daytona/Tennessee guy as well. When he’s on, he’s a low-mid 90’s fastball (throws a 2 and 4 seamer), with a good slider, bleh change. Problem is consistency and control. There’s times when his slider is a mess. It’s a good gamble, though.

Ryan Searle – The kid performed well, but most indications are that he has fringe stuff, poor work habits, and so forth. Short of it is, a lot of growing up to do. Could move up the ladder a bit, but in my extended listing, I had him in the 70’s right now. That said, Ryan, along with Kevin Kreier, are two intriguing guys for the fact that they have performed, and if they mature (haven’t heard such damning things about Kreier, so I’m only referencing physical maturation on Kevin), you wonder if they kick it up a notch.

Chris Robinson – He is what he is – a minor league catcher who’s decent defensively but just can’t hit. I wonder if he’s a coaching candidate type, as there were some positive reports on his ability to call games and so forth.

by toonsterwu on Jan 19, 2009 7:41 PM CST reply actions

Hopefully all of our pitchers get cut

But we know that team USA will be tempted by Ted Lilly.

Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.

by nji232 on Jan 19, 2009 8:14 PM CST reply actions

I'll add that I really don't want to see Marmol or Z in this

I don’t care about pitch counts or whatever. An injury to Marmol or Z would be awful.

I can’t imagine Harden being allowed to pitch, but odds are he won’t even be able to pitch then.

Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.

by nji232 on Jan 19, 2009 9:38 PM CST up reply actions

injuries can happen anytime

this is a two and a half week tournament, I think people are worrying too much.

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jan 19, 2009 9:52 PM CST up reply actions

Derrek Lee

is a strong bet to make the team. The only other first baseman listed on the USA roster is Kevin Youkilis. DeRosa can play there in a pinch too, as we all know.

Soto should make the Puerto Rican team. Puerto Rico is loaded at catcher, but Pudge Rodriguez will probably be looking for a team when the rosters are announced and that leaves Javier Valentin (more of a pinch hitter) and two of the three Molinas. Every team will carry three catchers, so I’d say Geo and the two Molinas will go, barring injury.

Again, with the health caveat, Soriano and Marmol are locks to make the Domincan team. Aramis isn’t, since Alex Rodriguez decided to play for the Dominican Republic this time around and the Dominicans might hold an extra backup spot for one of their shortstops—Jose Reyes, Hanley Ramirez and Miguel Tejada. But they still might go with Aramis backing up A-Rod.

Zambrano and Harden will play if healthy. (Big if in Harden’s case.) Check out the Canada roster. It’s a lot better than you might think, even missing Dempster. Bay, Votto, Russell Martin, Morneau, Stairs and Teahan. I don’t think Chris Robinson can crack that lineup—although who knows what minor leaguer will snag the third catching spot. Martin will probably play every game anyway.

Fukudome is a lock. Lilly is going to depend on other pitcher begging off, probably. I doubt the US will carry more than four starters. I think the wise thing for the US to do is carry four starters and ten relievers.

If healthy, Maestri will pitch. The best players for Italy will be Frank Cattalanotto, Nick Punto and MIke Napoli. Italy’s best pitcher is Jason Grilli.

by Josh Timmers on Jan 20, 2009 3:31 AM CST reply actions

Teahen isn't Canadian.

He was born in California.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 20, 2009 4:08 AM CST up reply actions

Citizenship isn't determined by birthplace alone, necessarily

Plus, you don’t have to be a citizen to play on some teams – see for example Mike Piazza in the 2006 WBC.

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Jan 20, 2009 4:31 AM CST up reply actions

True, but what defines being Canadian?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 20, 2009 4:39 AM CST up reply actions

Is there a Great White North joke in there somewhere?

I looked him up His dad is Canadian. He obtained dual citizenship in order to play for Canada, it looks like.

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Jan 20, 2009 6:06 AM CST up reply actions

WBC eligibility rules

WBC eligibility rules are fast and loose compared to something like international soccer or something. Example #1 of that is A-rod plying for the Dominican this year after playing for the US last year. Kind of hurts the credibility of the event in my eyes, but I’m still excited for meaningful baseball in March :)

by jeff_pico on Jan 20, 2009 6:53 AM CST up reply actions

Seems like the rules vary by country

with faster and looser rules for countries with few professional players among their citizens. If you had to be a citizen to play, it would probably cut the number of countries participating in half.

A-Rod’s thing is different. I understand his desire to play for the DR, but I think once you choose a country (if you have strong ties to more than one), you should stick to it. But I guess there’s no rule for that yet.

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Jan 20, 2009 7:10 AM CST up reply actions

Thanks for the note about Teahen.

I didn’ t know his dad was Canadian, but that apparently qualifies him.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 20, 2009 7:14 AM CST up reply actions

Well, you're naturally about 30% funnier, for one.

An innate understanding of the game of hockey, whether you like the game or not, is another.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by daver on Jan 20, 2009 9:44 AM CST up reply actions

Vince Perkins

Wow, didn’t know he was in our system. Vince is a Victoria, B.C. guy like Rich Harden (and myself) really nice guy. Saw him in Walmart about 8 or 9 months ago…didn’t know he was still in pro ball. I’ll have to do a little digging.

Thanks!

I have nothing funny or creative to write.

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jan 20, 2009 7:09 AM CST reply actions

he was in the indy's last year

it’s a good gamble on our part … decent live arm that, if he ever shows any consistency, could become an asset. I remember when he was a fairly highly valued asset – he’s not that old that he can’t be useful anymore, but if he fails, no harm no foul for the Cubs.

by toonsterwu on Jan 20, 2009 5:15 PM CST up reply actions