Odubel Herrera is one of the Phillies headed to the World Baseball Classic (Frank Klose/Sports Talk Philly)
The World Baseball Classic was instituted in 2005 to help make up for the lack of baseball competition in the Olympics. Every three years, countries from around the world field a team to represent their home countries. For many baseball players, this is their one opportunity to play for their home country. With many high-priced stars on the Phillies in the past, few risked injury to play in the tournament. But the time is right for the rebuilding Phillies, who will send 10 players to the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
The rosters released today include the following Phillies and Phillies prospects:
Canada:
- Nick Pivetta
Colombia:
- Jorge Alfaro
Dominican Republic:
- Hector Neris
Israel:
- Kenny Koplove
Italy:
- Nick Fanti
Venezuela:
- Freddy Galvis
- Jeanmar Gomez
- Odubel Herrera
- Edubray Ramos
United States:
- Pat Neshek
The tournament runs from March 6 through March 22, during Spring Training.
The absence of some of the above players will help create some Spring Training opportunities for some players competing for jobs. Prospects Nick Williams, Andrew Knapp and J.P. Crawford figure to get a lot of playing time in Grapefruit League games without the likes of Herrera, Alfaro, and Galvis on the field.
Pitchers and catchers report Monday.
