Last night we reported that even if no one else thinks Carlos Zambrano is pitching in the World Baseball Classic, the country of Venezuela seems to think he is.
Well they’ve taken that belief to a whole new level today when they released their final WBC roster. Mr. Zambrano is on it.
Now, to be certain: this doesn’t necessarily mean Zambrano will pitch in the WBC, but it means he’s eligible to. And it would be strange to waste one of the 28 roster spots on a guy that the team knows full well won’t participate.
To be certainer: it isn’t the end of the world if Z does participate. Yes, it’s an unnecessary tax on his arm – pitchers warm up in spring training, whereas they compete in the WBC – but it would be very minimal. Fifty or so pitches maybe a couple times. Not a great thing, but not a disaster.
According to cubs.com, only Lilly, Soto and Fukudome are playing in the WBC.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090224&content_id=3876862&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc
the original rosters had 8 cubs, including Marmol. Marmol is off of it now, but Z is still on.
Muskat’s article doesn’t mention Z though. I’ll assume ineptitude on her part.
Very bizarre reporting situation this whole thing has been. He’s clearly on the roster, but clearly the “inside” folks don’t think he’s playing. As I said, seems like a waste of a roster spot.
[...] Zambrano is now signed up for the World Baseball Classic. No one (except Venezuela and the Brewers) can be too happy about that. [Bleacher Nation] [...]