The Bleacher Bums: February 28, 2006 Archive

Chief exports of the Twins

Posted at 1:08 PM on February 28, 2006 by Ben Tesch

Only 2 days to go before the international infighting stops, injuries magically appear (or disappear), and the World Baseball Classic begins! I'm still having trouble getting around who in the world (pardon the pun) might be able to beat the Dominican Republic, but I'll guess we'll see what happens.

Or maybe we won't see what happens, since you either have to a) pay $10 to watch on the Web, b) get ESPN Deportes, or c) become a night owl by watching tape delays at 2:30 in the morning on ESPN 2.

If you want to keep a lookout for Twins players (and spring training invitees), here's who's playing and whom they're playing for:

• Luis Castillo (Venezuela)
  
• Juan Castro (Mexico)
  
• Jesse Crain (Canada)
  
• Francisco Liriano (Dominican Republic)
  
• Justin Morneau (Canada)
  
• Joe Nathan (United States)
  
• Dennys Reyes (Mexico)
  
• Juan Rincon (Venezuela)
  
• Luis Rodriguez (Venezuela)
  
• Johan Santana (Venezuela)
  
• Glenn Williams (Australia)
  

Jesse Crain was selected by Canada even though he only lived there for a few months right after he was born. Also, the only kid born in Minnesota who's playing in the Classic? Chris Reitsma. Born in Minneapolis in 1977 and playing for Canada. (Begin Mel Allen impersonation) How about that! (End Mel Allen impersonation)