WBC roster breakdown: Venezuela

March 4, 9:21 AMMLB ExaminerAlex Brown

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AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

Venezuela has burst on to the baseball scene in the past few decades, becoming one of the largest suppliers of major league talent in the world.  This is supported by their 2009 World Baseball Classic roster which features many established big league stars.  Let’s take a look:

• Pitchers: Ivan Blanco, Armando Galarraga, Enrique Gonzalez, Jan Granado, Felix Hernandez, Yoel Hernandez, Orber Moreno, Victor Moreno, Ramon Ramirez, Francisco Rodriguez, Carlos Silva, Carlos Vasquez, Victor Zambrano

Armando Galarraga emerged as a top of the rotation starter in 2008, and Francisco Rodriguez(pictured) is perhaps the best closer in the majors.  Silva struggled in 2008 but has had a good career thus far – he’s joined by Mariners teammate and young ace Felix Hernandez.

• Catchers: Henry Blanco, Ramon Hernandez, Max Ramirez

Hernandez is a pretty good offensive catcher, and Blanco is excellent defensively.  Max Ramirez is a top catching prospect for the Texas Rangers.

• Infielders: Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Guillen, Cesar Izturis, Jose Lopez, Luis Maza, Melvin Mora, Marco Scutaro

Cabrera and Guillen supply the power on the Venezuelan infield, while Izturis, and Scutaro get it done with speed and defense.  Jose Lopez is an emerging young talent at second base, and Melvin Mora has put together a nice big league career.

• Outfielders : Bobby Abreu, Gregor Blanco, Endy Chavez, Magglio Ordonez, Gerardo Parra,

Abreu and Ordonez are two of the top hitters for average in the majors.  Blanco was a 2008 rookie with Atlanta and had a nice year, while Endy Chavez has stuck around the majors for quite some time.

Notable Absences: Carlos Zambrano, Johan Santana, Victor Martinez

Venezuela certainly has the players to compete in the 2009 WBC – perhaps they fall a bit short in the pitching department, where there’s not much elite talent beyond Galarraga, Hernandez, and Rodriguez.  I don’t think they will win it all, but their bats will certainly carry them further than most.