WBC roster breakdown: Italy

February 27, 9:32 AMMLB ExaminerAlex Brown

Previous Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the MLB Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Italy’s 2009 World Baseball Classic team is pretty unique, in the fact that not all of the team’s members are from Italy!  Many of the names below you will recognize as major league players who were in fact born in America.  To play on the Italian WBC team, a player must only have one parent with Italian citizenship.  This makes the group an interesting bunch, and much more competitive as well.  Here’s a look at Team Italy:

• Pitchers: Phil Barzilla, Cody Cillo, Chris Cooper, Roberto Corradini, Tiago da Silva, Mark DiFelice, Lenny DiNardo, Jason Grilli, B.J. LaMura, Alex Maestri, Kasey Olenberger, Adam Ottavino, Dan Serafini

There is some major league experience among Italy’s pitching staff.  Lenny DiNardo has had some success as a starter and reliever in the majors, and Jason Grilli has put together a few good years in the bullpen.  Phil Barzilla, Mark DiFelice, and Dan Serafini have also pitched in the big leagues at various times, and Adam Ottavino is a prospect in the Cardinals system.

• Catchers: Francisco Cervelli, Vinny Rottino

Cervelli is a top catching prospect for the Yankees, and is seen by some to be in line to replace Jorge Posada.  Rottino is a good backup who is also capable of playing some third base.

• Infielders: Frank Catalanotto, Mike Costanzo, Davide Dallospedale, Alex Liddi, Giuseppe Mazzanti, Nick Punto, Jack Santora

Frank Catalanotto will likely play some first base for Italy – he is a good contact hitter with a little power as well.  Shortstop Nick Punto is a big league starter, and third baseman Mike Costanzo is a prospect in the Orioles system (acquired from Houston in the Miguel Tejada deal).

• Outfielders: Mario Chiarini, Peter Ciofrone, Chris Denorfia, Andrea de Santis, Val Pascucci, Leonardo Zileri

Outfielder Chris Denorfia will likely cover center field for the Italian team, and Val Pascucci is a power hitting outfielder who has spent time in the major leagues with Montreal and in Japan as well.

Notable Absences: Mike Gallo, Dan Miceli, Tony Fiore, Mike Piazza, Tony Giarratano, Frank Menechino.

The inclusion of Italian-Americans on the team certainly makes Italy more competitive on the world stage, but ultimately there's not enough top level talent for the Italians to challenge the likes of the United States, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Japan.