In less than a month, the World Baseball Classic will take place after a hiatus due to the COVID pandemic.
The Classic was last played in 2017, with Team USA coming out on top as the champions.
This year, Team USA is once again stacked with talented MLB stars and appears ready to defend their title.
The Americans are led by former MLB star Mark DeRosa.
DeRosa was a part of Team USA in 2009 as a player.
On Tuesday, the 16-year veteran and current MLB Network analyst discussed what it means for him to manage Team USA and why he believes people should be interested in the WBC.
WBC Manager Mark DeRosa tells us how they put together star-studded Team USA and his expectations. The host of MLB Central also talks about his path through UPenn to the bigs. @Joelsherman1
Apple: https://t.co/VQtwyicp6c
Spotify: https://t.co/VtovIDSMwn— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 14, 2023
DeRosa was asked by Joel Sherman of the New York Post about why people should care, especially during a time when NCAA March Madness will be all the rage.
The former second baseman discussed the passion that is displayed by teams from other countries and regions such as Japan and Latin America and how that passion is rubbing off on people in the United States.
DeRosa acknowledged that baseball is truly America’s pastime, but that there are a lot of things that can distract young people from the game.
He then revealed the nature of some of his conversations with players on the Team USA roster, including his former St. Louis Cardinals teammate Adam Wainwright.
According to DeRosa, Wainwright is already throwing 60-70 pitch bullpen sessions and is truly ready to have the opportunity to represent his country.
The former MLB star discussed the preparation of these players and why it could give them an advantage when the Classic starts.
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