Well, it was fun watching the Netherlands play (and beat the Dominican Republic!) with lots of shots of their pitching coach Bert Blyleven and talk of how he belongs in the Hall of Fame. Bert must’ve done a good job coaching former Twin Sidney Ponson as he had an decent showing.
Justin Morneau and Jesse Crain are, of course, playing for Team Canada alongside former Twin Corey Koskie. Here’s hoping Team Canada fares better in their second game.
Was interesting yesterday seeing Carlos Silva start the game for Venezuela with Nicky Punto leading off for Italy.
Here’s my attempt at a list of current and former Twins who are playing (or coaching) in the Classic:
Luis Ayala is playing for Mexico, he’s a relief pitcher we signed at the end of February.
Former Twin Grant Balfour is on the provisional roster for Australia.
James Beresford and Daniel Berg are both on the Australian team and are both listed as being part of the Twins organization; I don’t really know anything about them.
Former Twin Henry Blanco plays for Venezuela.
Future Hall-of-Famer Bert Blyleven is the pitching coach for the Netherlands.
Drew Butera, a Twins prospect who is the son of Sal Butera, is playing for the Netherlands.
Of course Jesse Crain, the Crainadian, is playing for Team Canada.
Carlos Gutierrez is a Twins prospect who is pitching for Puerto Rico; he closed out the game for them yesterday.
Former Twin LaTroy Hawkins was added to the Team USA roster after Joe Nathan dropped out. He pitched a bit in yesterday’s game against Canada.
Liam Hendricks and Luke Hughes are a couple more Australians in the Twins organization.
Philip Humber is on the Netherlands team.
Former Twin and Minnesota resident Corey Koskie is playing for Canada. Yay! Here’s a link to yet another excellent story about Koskie’s comeback.
Justin Morneau is a starter for Team Canada.
Former Twin David Ortiz is playing for the Dominican Republic.
Former Twin Sidney Ponson is pitching for the Netherlands.
Nick Punto is playing for Italy.
Dennys Reyes is pitching for Mexico.
I know nothing about Hein Robb, but he’s listed as playing for South Africa and being in the Twins organization. Intriguing.
Former Twin J.C. Romero is pitching for Puerto Rico.
Former Twin Carlos Silva is pitching for Venezuela.
Twins prospects Tom Stuifbergen and Steven Tolleson are with Bert on team Netherlands.
Did I miss anybody? I noticed that the MLB World Baseball Classic rosters didn’t list some players (like Butera, Humber, and Tolleson) as being affiliated with the Twins. I know there are probably some more prospects and former Twins on the provisional roster, but I didn’t feel like going through it. Let me know if you think I should add some folks.
I couldn’t find a list of coaches for the teams anywhere, which is annoying. Are there any more coaches at the WBC with ties to the Twins or Minnesota?
