The Dominican Republic’s “dream team” list for the first World Baseball Classic was released today. The preliminary roster of 60 players that may participate in the 2006 World Baseball Classic includes most of the Dominican stars in Major League Baseball. National League MVP Albert Pujols is there, as is the trio that made all the difference in the 2004 World Series – Pedro Martinez, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez.
True to his word, Alex Rodriguez has remained off both the US and DR lists.
Commenting to MLB.com on his participation, Pujols said: “I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a big deal for us. It’s going to be a big deal to win. You’re representing your country. It’s almost like the Olympics. When you represent your country, you want to win. I’m pretty sure the American side is going to look at it in the same way.”
Other players are: Antonio Alfonseca (formerly with FLA), Ronnie Belliard (CLE), Adrian Beltre (SEA), Eude Brito (PHI), Juan Brito (ARI-2004), Daniel Cabrera (BAL), Robinson Cano (NYY), Alberto Castillo (WAS), Jesus Colome (Tb), Bartolo Colon (LAA), Francisco Cordero (TEX), Pedro Feliz (SF), Franklyn German (DET), Vladimir Guerrero (LAA), Pedro Martinez (NYM), Jose Mesa (COL), David Ortiz, (BOS), Wily Mo Pena (CIN), Neifi Perez (CHI), Placido Planco (DET), Manny Ramirez (BOS), Felix Rodriguez (formerly with NYY), Duaner Sanchez (NYM), Alfonso Soriano (WSH), Julian Tavarez (formerly STL), Miguel Tejada (BAL), Robinson Tejeda (PHI), Salomon Torres (PIT).
http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/wbc/faq.jsp