Japan defends Classic title as US, Dominicans challenge

Japan will defend the World Baseball Classic title against a host of improved rivals starting on Thursday with American and Dominican squads eager to avenge disappointing finishes three years ago.

Boston pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka and Seattle star Ichiro Suzuki led Japan's 2006 triumph in the inaugural global showdown to feature Major League Baseball talent, the Asian champions defeating Cuba 10-6 in the championship game.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, Tampa Bay second baseman Akinori Iwamura, Seattle catcher Kenji Johjima and Japan League talent led by star pitcher Yu Darvish of the Nippon Ham Fighters will join them in the repeat bid.

"We have strong potential," Suzuki said. "We're getting strong pitching and hitting."

Baseball's birthplace was humbled in 2006, the Americans failing to advance out of the second round, and again last year at Beijing when South Korea captured Olympic gold. That has left US players hungry to redeem their honor.

"Everybody I've talked to is really pumped up because they saw what happened a few years ago and they don't want that to happen again," US manager Davey Johnson said. "Nobody wants to go back early."

New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez, who played for the US squad in 2006, plays for the Dominican Republic this time. After admitting last month that he used performance-enhancing drugs from 2001 through 2003 he hopes to put doping behind him for a while in an event that uses World Anti-Doping Agency testing.

"It's the opportunity of a lifetime playing in the World Baseball Classic," Rodriguez said. "I'm excited about it."

Many top players were not allowed to play in the Classic by their clubs, who were fearful of injuries with workouts already under way for a North American campaign that begins in barely a month.

Manny Ramirez, still a free agent, will not play for the Dominincans while insurance issues and concern after off-season elbow surgery will keep Dominican star Albert Pujols from playing for his homeland.

"I hope people understand his decision," Dominican slugger David Ortiz said. "The guy is a true Dominican. He wanted to come."

But stars will shine from most nations in the 16-team event. Yankee star Derek Jeter, Boston star Dustin Pedroia and San Diego pitching ace Jake Peavy power the US lineup.

"I can go out there and throw all my pitches and be productive for Team USA and still be working toward my eventual progress to start on opening day," Peavy said.

Puerto Rico features Carlos Beltran of the New York Mets while Mexico has San Diego's Adrian Gonzalez and pitching ace Oliver Perez and Venezuela boasts slugger Miguel Cabrera and pitcher Francisco Rodriguez.

Japan will play China in Thursday's opener at Tokyo with Taiwan and South Korea joining them in the Asian first-round group.

The US squad joins Venezuela, Italy and Canada at Toronto while the Dominicans, Puerto Rico, Panama and Netherlands gather at San Juan, Puerto Rico in groups that begin play Friday.

Action begins Sunday in Mexico City where Cuba, Mexico, South Africa and Australia meet. The Cubans, second at the Olympics and 2006 Classic are led by veterans Pedro Lazo, Ariel Pestano, Yuliesky Gourriel and Frederich Cepeda.

Scheduling in the inaugural Classic kept the Americans from having to face any Latin American team other than Mexico until the final. This time, they cannot face Cuba or any Asian squad until the semi-finals.







March 4. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke