Should he be chosen to represent America in the World Cup of Baseball in '06?? By then, I think Roger would be retired and with the way Garland is pitching, he is one of the best young American pitchers(Ben Sheets being probably the best). What do you guys think?

I would say no. THe American team is stakced. You can mark Clemens down and I would still have to put guys like Sheets, Oswalt, Peavy, Willis, etc. ahead of him

I think Buehrle should go before Garland. He's more proven and is better than a couple of the pitchers that the ESPN article had.

BA has this as USA's team:

 

UNITED STATES

 

C—Jason Varitek (Red Sox)

1B—Todd Helton (Rockies)

2B—Jeff Kent (Dodgers)

3B—Scott Rolen (Cardinals)

SS—Alex Rodriguez (Yankees)

LF—Lance Berkman (Astros)

CF—Jim Edmonds (Cardinals)

RF—Gary Sheffield (Yankees)

DH—Barry Bonds (Giants)

SP—Roger Clemens (Astros)

SP—Mark Prior (Cubs)

SP—Ben Sheets (Brewers)

SP—Mark Mulder (Cardinals)

RP—Billy Wagner (Phillies)

Manager: Bobby Cox (Braves)

 

Skinny: USA Baseball has been one of the major players on the international scene in the last 40 years, as it should be, and is the only nation other than Cuba to win an Olympic gold medal. The United States will be the favorite at the World Baseball Classic, though its biggest advantage--depth--might not be a major factor in this tournament. A team of U.S. reserves would have a good chance at the gold, but it won't be a cakewalk. Players with previous Team USA experience, such as Mulder, Prior and Sheets, could get priority.

 

I honestly don't know why Roger would like to pitch in that unless he's playing baseball next year. He'll be 42 and I'm fully convinced that he would just like to spend time with his family and this is his last year.

Recall that when he announced his retirement with the Yanbkees it largely had to do with him pitching for Team USA in 04. THen they didn't qualify so he came back

I'd put Peavy or Buehrle ahead of him at this point too, but let's see how this season turns out for him.

 

I'm hoping for the best.

I think Buehrle should go before Garland.  He's more proven and is better than a couple of the pitchers that the ESPN article had.

 

Definately true. They do need a lefty on that staff(other than Mulder).

Depending on who selects it, you can book Dontrelle over Buehrle . Marketing.

If Jon Garland continues to pitch like this the whole year...

 

...he'll be 35 - 0.

Depending on who selects it, you can book Dontrelle over Buehrle . Marketing.

 

Don't know. Dontrelle is getting as much pub as Buehrle these days. Everyone considers Buehrle a top 3 young pitcher. Most people know that Dontrelle tends to slow down in the 2nd half(even pitched out of the bullpen in their WS run).

If Jon Garland continues to pitch like this the whole year...

 

...he'll be 35 - 0.

 

 

kinda hard to keep him off if he does that

kinda hard to keep him off if he does that

 

I say put him in the Hall of Fame if he could pull that off.

UNITED STATES

 

C—Jason Varitek (Red Sox)

1B—Todd Helton (Rockies)

2B—Jeff Kent (Dodgers)

3B—Scott Rolen (Cardinals)

SS—Alex Rodriguez (Yankees)

LF—Lance Berkman (Astros)

CF—Jim Edmonds (Cardinals)

RF—Gary Sheffield (Yankees)

DH—Barry Bonds (Giants)

SP—Roger Clemens (Astros)

SP—Mark Prior (Cubs)

SP—Ben Sheets (Brewers)

SP—Mark Mulder (Cardinals)

RP—Billy Wagner (Phillies)

Manager: Bobby Cox (Braves)

 

Skinny: USA Baseball has been one of the major players on the international scene in the last 40 years, as it should be, and is the only nation other than Cuba to win an Olympic gold medal. The United States will be the favorite at the World Baseball Classic, though its biggest advantage--depth--might not be a major factor in this tournament. A team of U.S. reserves would have a good chance at the gold, but it won't be a cakewalk. Players with previous Team USA experience, such as Mulder, Prior and Sheets, could get priority.

 

God that team sucks...

 

Maybe the Sox can pick up Wagner and have a representative...

Will Bonds even want to play? But what are the othr 15 teams in the Cup? I assume Mexico, Panama, Dominican Republic, Japan, what are others though?

Edited May 13, 200520 yr by WilliamTell

Will Bonds even want to play? But what are the othr 15 teams in the Cup? I assume Mexico, Panama, Dominican Republic, Japan, what are others though?

USA, Mexico, Panama, Dom Rep, Japan, Venezuela, Canada, Australia, China, Japan, Netherlands?, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Italy, South Africa, Korea, Taiwan?

I would bet against Barry participation. He'll claim knee issues that will keep him out. He can't play every day anyways.

Check out the Dominican Republic's team:

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

 

C—Miguel Olivo (Mariners)

1B—Albert Pujols (Cardinals)

2B—Alfonso Soriano (Rangers)

3B—Aramis Ramirez (Cubs)

SS— Miguel Tejada (Orioles)

LF—Manny Ramirez (Red Sox)

CF—Jose Guillen (Nationals)

RF—Vladimir Guerrero (Angels)

DH—David Ortiz (Red Sox)

SP—Pedro Martinez (Mets)

SP—Bartolo Colon (Angels)

SP—Odalis Perez (Dodgers)

SP—Daniel Cabrera (Orioles)

RP—Francisco Cordero (Rangers)

Manager: Felipe Alou (Giants)

 

Skinny: Though they're thin at catcher, the Dominicans match up with Team USA as well as anyone. Like Puerto Rico and Venezuela, the Dominican has never made a splash on the international scene before now because of disorganized national baseball federations. That all changes with this tournament, where the talent comes out. Anyone want to bet against Pedro in one game for all the marbles?

 

And check out the pitching staff of Venazuela:

3B Melvin Mora

2B Carlos Guillen

CF Bobby Abreu

LF Miguel Cabrera

DH Magglio Ordonez

C Victor Martinez

RF Richard Hidalgo

1B Andres Galarraga

SS Omar Vizquel

 

Starting pitchers: Johan Santana, Carlos Zambrano, Freddy Garcia, Kelvim Escobar

Bullpen: Francisco Rodriguez, Juan Rincon, Jorge Julio, Ugueth Urbina, Wilson Alvarez

Bench: Ramon Hernandez, Edgardo Alfonzo, Cesar Izturis, Juan Rivera

 

At least we got Freddy Garcia participating as a pitcher. And oh look Maggs will too. If his knee isn't sawed off by then.

I'm putting my money on DR. That team is killer.

I would bet against Barry participation. He'll claim knee issues that will keep him out. He can't play every day anyways.

 

Well Barry will be DHing.

I'm putting my money on DR. That team is killer.

 

My gut reaction .... I agree.

I can't fathom trying to pitch to a middle of the order with Manny-Ortiz-Pujols-Tejada. Wow.