We’re now just one week away from the start of spring training, and almost a month away from the return of the World Baseball Classic.
The Classic was last played in 2017, with Team USA coming out on top.
It was originally scheduled to return in 2021, but was put on hold due to COVID-19.
At long last, the Classic will be making its return.
Each country has a stacked roster full of MLB stars, especially the Dominican Republic.
Stars such as ALCS and World Series MVP Jeremy Pena and American League Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez are featured on the roster.
A graphic on Twitter shows just how dangerous their lineup could be this spring.
Oh and btw here is the Dominican team’s potential starting lineup. – “A lineup where the World Series MVP bats 7th and the AL ROY bats 9th?”🤯 #DominicanRepublic2023WBC #WBC2023 pic.twitter.com/9nbVWOKHKJ
— Romeo V. Mendez (@RomeoVMendez) February 5, 2023
Interestingly enough, Pena is projected to hit seventh in the order, with Rodriguez projected to hit ninth.
But beyond those two, the lineup is completely stacked with sluggers and other talented players.
Starling Marte and Juan Soto will likely round out the outfield and play on either side of Rodriguez in the Classic.
But the team also has two elite options at third base in Rafael Devers and MVP candidate Manny Machado.
Jose Ramirez and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on the right side of the infield should be a deadly combination.
In addition, they’ll have Gary Sanchez behind the plate.
Simply put, this lineup is loaded with talent and will not be fun for any opposing pitcher to face, regardless of how it is constructed, even if Pena and Rodriguez are down near the bottom, which still speaks to the star power that the lineup possesses.
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