5 heavyweight lineups we want to see at the WBC
The 2017 World Baseball Classic is just over half a year away, and we already can't wait.
With the dates and sites announced, the pool to watch for is Pool C, which features Canada, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and the United States.
Related: U.S., Dominican Republic paired in heavyweight group
Though a number of players likely won't be in attendance at the tournament for a myriad of reasons - including injuries, retirement, or simply taking a break before workouts ramp up in April - here are five heavyweight starting lineups we'd love to see in March.
Cuba
| POS | PLAYER |
|---|---|
| C | Yasmani Grandal |
| 1B | Jose Abreu |
| 2B | Jose Iglesias |
| 3B | Yunel Escobar |
| SS | Aledmys Diaz |
| OF | Yoenis Cespedes |
| OF | Yasiel Puig |
| OF | Jorge Soler |
| DH | Kendrys Morales |
Cuba is actually one of the weaker teams in the bunch. With big bopper Yoenis Cespedes anchoring the offense, this slick-fielding team features Jose Iglesias, Yunel Escobar, and Aledmys Diaz around the diamond. The biggest wild card, though, is Aroldis Chapman. The fire-throwing left-hander recently got his American citizenship, so there's a very realistic possibility he could pitch for the American squad.
Dominican Republic
| POS | PLAYER |
|---|---|
| C | Gary Sanchez |
| 1B | Edwin Encarnacion |
| 2B | Robinson Cano |
| 3B | Manny Machado |
| SS | Jean Segura |
| OF | Jose Bautista |
| OF | Nelson Cruz |
| OF | Starling Marte |
| DH | David Ortiz |
The Dominican squad is going to be a powerhouse. From top to bottom, the offense is plentiful with the likes of Edwin Encarnacion, Manny Machado, Jose Bautista, and David Ortiz, to name a few. The late addition to this team that wouldn't have been here a month ago is New York Yankees youngster Gary Sanchez. On the mound, mix in Johnny Cueto, Yordano Ventura, and Bartolo Colon, and all of a sudden you have a contender.
Puerto Rico
| POS | PLAYER |
|---|---|
| C | Yadier Molina |
| 1B | Martin Maldonado |
| 2B | Francisco Lindor |
| 3B | Javier Baez |
| SS | Carlos Correa |
| OF | Steven Moya |
| OF | Enrique Hernandez |
| OF | Angel Pagan |
| DH | Carlos Beltran |
Carlos Correa and Francisco Lindor will form the best middle infield in the tournament. Though this team will feature a legitimate infield, the outfield is a question. Steven Moya, Kike Hernandez, and Angel Pagan will need to step it up at the plate to prove Puerto Rico deserves to move on in the tournament.
United States
| POS | PLAYER |
|---|---|
| C | Buster Posey |
| 1B | Paul Goldschmidt |
| 2B | Daniel Murphy |
| 3B | Josh Donaldson |
| SS | Corey Seager |
| OF | Mike Trout |
| OF | Bryce Harper |
| OF | Mookie Betts |
| DH | Kris Bryant |
This team is going to be so good. After combing through the number of studs that are left out, it's incredible to think that Giancarlo Stanton, Nolan Arenado, Andrew McCutchen, and Adam Jones - to name a few - fall short of cracking the starting lineup. Not only that, but Manny Machado has already elected to play for the Dominican ... and that doesn't make the U.S. any weaker. That's scary.
Venezuela
| POS | PLAYER |
|---|---|
| C | Salvador Perez |
| 1B | Miguel Cabrera |
| 2B | Jose Altuve |
| 3B | Martin Prado |
| SS | Alcides Escobar |
| OF | Gerardo Parra |
| OF | Carlos Gonzalez |
| OF | Ender Inciarte |
| DH | Victor Martinez |
The top of the Venezuelan batting order will be a pleasure to watch. Having Alcides Escobar, Jose Altuve, Carlos Gonzalez, Miguel Cabrera, and Sal Perez kick things off is dangerous for opposing pitchers. After that, things gets a little murky, but it's still a crazy lineup. What's playing heavily in Venezuela's favor is its place in Pool D, where it's slotted with Italy, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.