No Rays on initial U.S. WBC list
No Rays are among the 22 players who thus far have expressed interest and are being considered for the U.S. team in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
USA Baseball released a list of 22 potential players on Friday. A 45-man provisional roster will be named on Jan. 19 and the final roster, of up to 28 players, set by Feb. 24.
Rays LF Carl Crawford has previously said he would be interest in playing; several of the Rays pitchers have indicated they do not want to participate after last year's extended season.
Being picked for the squad can be an honor for the players, but also disruptive to the team as the participants will miss much of spring training. The Red Sox, for example, have two of their starting infielders, Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia, missing. Yankees SS Derek Jeter and Blue Jays closer B.J. Ryan are among other AL East team candidates.
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