With provisional rosters for the 2013 World Baseball Classic due to be submitted late next week and finalized shortly thereafter, we have early confirmation on the status of two the game’s youngest and brightest superstars.
First, from CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman comes word that Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton has committed to play for Team USA, which is simply fantastic news for tournament organizers and fans interested in the event.
And it’s even better news for manager Joe Torre, who can now safely pencil the 23-year-old’s productive bat in the middle of an already stacked lineup that includes Ryan Braun, Adam Jones, Joe Mauer, Brandon Phillips and David Wright. But it also shouldn’t be considered surprising news after the comments Stanton made when asked about his possible participation for Team USA back in September.
“Absolutely. Anything that represents your country is a big deal. It’s relatively new. To have that be more popular, or make that more important to people, is ideal.”
“You never know how long a career can be, and you want to get that experience,” he added. “You never know how your health will be. In three years, something could go wrong. I’m able to do it now, and have no reason not to.”

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