Nine Royals Selected for 2013 WBC Rosters

On Thursday we learned the rosters for the 2013 World Baseball Classic rosters which begins in March. After the Chinese made the field we wrote about how Bruce Chenwill be on the team. With all the rosters being announced today are where your boys in blue will be during the WBC.

San Francisco’s AT&T Park will serve host to the World Baseball Classic semifinals and finals for the March 2-19 tournament.

Current Royals on the 40-man roster:

China – Bruce Chen (LHP)

Dominican Republic – Kelvin Herrera (RHP)

Mexico – Luis Mendoza (RHP)

Puerto Rico – Irving Falu (Infielder)

United State of America – Tim Collins (LHP)

Venezuela – Salvador Perez (Catcher)

Royals minor leaguers/spring training invitees on rosters:

Brazil – Paulo Orlando (Outfielder)

Dominican Republic – Miguel Tejada (Shortstop)

Netherlands – J.C. Sulbaran (RHP)

Chen is expected to anchor the Chinese staff during the classic as they are in pool A with back-to-back champion Japan, 2006 runner-up Cuba and Brazil. Perez is one of several MLB players on the Venezuelan roster and will likely be counted on to contribute. Mendoza should provide to versatility for the Mexican team either in the starting rotation or out of the bullpen.

Herrera will be an important arm in the Dominican Republic’s ‘pen on a roster that’ll have plenty of offense. Royals fans know how valuable Collins can be in situational or regular use as a lefty out of the bullpen which should be a great option for Joe Torre.

Orlando helped Brazil to qualify for the WBC last year as an outfielder and will probably see extended playing time. Tejada will be Herrera’s teammate on the DR team and give them infield depth. Sulbaran, was acquired in the Jonathan Broxton trade will be a bullpen arm. Lastly is Falu who became a fan favorite in KC when he was called up from Omaha.

One name Royals fans might be wondering about is Alcides Escobar who due to the incredible shortstop was left off the Venezuelan roster.

Those playing in the tournament will miss spring training from March 2-19^th with the semifinals/finals at San Francisco’s AT&T Park.

For full rosters on the 2013 World Baseball Classic click here