Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia announced that he will not be participating in the 2013 World Baseball Classic For Team USA. Pedroia is recovering from injuries to his fingers, break, torn ligament in the Red Sox had expressed concern over his participation in the WBC. Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips has indicated he will likely accept an invitation to play second base for team USA.
Newly signed Red Sox outfielder Shane Victorino has agreed to play for team USA and is awaiting team approval, Victorino played on the 2009 team. Victorino is excited at the opportunity and volunteered to team USA manager Joe Torre. according to John Heyman of CBS sports, Victorino considered it such an honor that he is said to have called up Torre and volunteered. His style, speedy and aggressive, is thought to fit the international game.
That, combined with his enthusiasm, won him a spot in a star-studded outfield, though likely as a bench player considering the cache of the top outfielders playing. formal rosters will not be announced until Thursday night however, Adam Jones, David Wright, Giancarlo Stanton, Joe Mauer and Ryan Braun have already been announced as members of the 2013 team
