Dan Haren WBC Bound

by SeanR on Jan 18, 2006 5:06 AM PST

* I think yesterday, OaktownPower made it quite clear that Chavez was seen on the video revealing the entire US team (personally, I can't stand to watch it-the idea of the WBC is so un-interesting to me). What may be surprising, though, is that Dan Haren has also been selected. In a way, this is all somewhat of a joke. This brings the United State's preliminary roster up to 52 players (I believe), of which only 30 will be allowed to actually be on the roster. With A-Rod agreeing to play, Chavy will be no more than a backup, but I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up staying on the team. Haren, on the other hand, will probably have a tough time squeezing on. I would expect relievers to run the day in the WBC, which means that I think Huston Street will be assured of a spot.
Certainly very interesting to see Haren picked over Zito, though. Zito, Crosby, Blanton, etc are now ineligible to play in the WBC (although they can always change the rules, since the US team made them anyway). Overall, I hope all the A's get cut so I can see them at Spring Training, but that's my own selfish view. Why I had to choose to go to ST in a WBC year, I will never know.

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doubling starters

i have read several places that they will be doubling starters in a game then giving it to the relief pitchers. i will try to find the link

Baseball is like life. It's a day-to-day existence, full of ups and downs. You make the most of your opportunities in baseball as you do in life. - E Harwell

by peoples27 on Jan 18, 2006 5:26 AM PST reply actions

you are right

However, the US has 11 SP's on its roster and 13 RP's right now. When I take the roster and draw up what I think is needed on offense (Given ST scenarios, I took 3 catchers which might be excessive, and perhaps we dont need 4 Middle Infielders), I get 16 players.

This leaves 14 pitcher slots, although I think Buck Martinez said he's only going with 13. With 11 SPs (Haren is probably 8th or 9th on that list, in most likely to be needed order) and 13 RPs (Street would have to be with Lidge at the top of this list), I would think he would end up taking something like 6 SPs and 7 RPs...but who knows.

by SeanR on Jan 18, 2006 5:55 AM PST up reply actions

Haren

Are you sure he's on the USA roster? I remember reading he was considering pitching for the Netherlands.

by OaktownTribesman on Jan 18, 2006 6:59 AM PST reply actions

Positive

I'm positive he's on the USA roster-but like ARod, that doesn't mean he can't be on the Netherlands roster, too.

These rosters were all due yesterday at 5, I wish MLB.com would get their stuff together and make it clear who is on what prov. roster.

by SeanR on Jan 18, 2006 7:49 AM PST up reply actions

Rich Harden

said he won't play for Canada (although he wants to) because he is rehabbing his surgically repaired shoulder. (Heard on KNBR).

KNBR is also reporting he might not be reading for the opener!

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Jan 18, 2006 8:14 AM PST reply actions

Is that like an acting audition?

Is Harden reading for the second game of the season with Zito reading for the opener?

"Great minds (or complete idiots) think alike." - Nico

by bvank on Jan 18, 2006 8:26 AM PST up reply actions

check out today's article

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/01/18/SPGENGORHK1.DTL

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jan 18, 2006 8:39 AM PST up reply actions

Haren, Mulder, and Saarloos on the Netherlands

The tentative rosters for the WBC came out today and they show that these guys are playing for the Netherlands. Scutaro is also playing for Italy.

Jim Essian: The only Oakland Athletic to hit an Inside the Park Grand Slam.

by OaktownRajah on Jan 18, 2006 5:56 PM PST reply actions

Whoa check that!

Haren is also on the USA roster. I guess he still has to choose.

Jim Essian: The only Oakland Athletic to hit an Inside the Park Grand Slam.

by OaktownRajah on Jan 18, 2006 6:00 PM PST up reply actions

Well

If he wants to see some playing time in the WBC, the choice isn't all that hard...

by OaktownTribesman on Jan 18, 2006 6:47 PM PST up reply actions

Basically

You are eligible to play for whatever country you owe your last name to. Mulder, Saarloos, Haren- all Dutch names. Too bad more teams aren't participating; then we'd really see some fun rosters... "And now, presenting Finland's ace, TIM HARIKKALA!"... "Batting clean up for Sweden, WILLIE BLOOMQUIST!"

by OaktownTribesman on Jan 18, 2006 6:46 PM PST up reply actions