WBC roster breakdown: Panama

March 1, 7:41 PMMLB ExaminerAlex Brown

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AP Photo/John Raoux

Despite being a small country, Panama has produced some excellent baseball talent.  They aren’t quite on the level of other Latin American nations such as Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, but they do have some players you’ll enjoy watching in the World Baseball Classic.  Here’s a look at their roster:

• Pitchers: Manny Acosta, Abraham Atencio, Manuel Campos, Yeliar Castro, Bruce Chen, Manuel Corpas, Jorge Cortes, Paolo Espino, Rafael Medina, Gilberto Mendez, Ramiro Mendoza, Eliecer Navarro, Arquimedes Nieto

Corpas was the closer on the 2007 National League Champion Colorado Rockies, and Ramiro Mendoza was a top setup man for the New York Yankees during their championship years.  Manny Acosta (Braves) has a good arm, and Rafael Medina has seen time in the big leagues as well.  Bruce Chen as started and relieved in the majors, and is back in MLB after signing a minor league deal with the Royals.

• Catchers: Damaso Espino, Cesar Quintero, Carlos Ruiz

Ruiz was a World Series hero with the 2008 MLB champion Philadelphia Phillies – he’ll be the starting catcher for Panama.

• Infielders: Avelino Asprilla, Javier Castillo, Angel Chavez, Audes De Leon, Kevin Ramos, Ruben Tejada, Julio Zuleta

Zuleta has played first base in the major leagues, but is perhaps more famous for his big time power displayed while playing in Japan.  Angel Chavez has big league experience as well, and is currently in the Boston Red Sox farm system. 

• Outfielders: Earl Agnoly, Luis Durango, Carlos Lee, Ruben Rivera, Concepcion Rodriguez

Carlos Lee (pictured) is a big time power threat for the Houston Astros, and he anchors Panama’s lineup.  Ruben Rivera was a prospect in the Yankees farm system and has had a little success in the majors.

Notable Absences: Ramon Ramirez, Davis Romero, Orlando Miller, Olmedo Saenz, Mariano Rivera

Despite having some talented players (Corpas and Lee, namely), Panama just doesn’t have enough top level talent to compete in the 2009 WBC.  They should be fun to watch though, and could become more competitive as baseball increases in popularity in the small country.