Mark DeRosa Named Manager for Team USA in 2023 World Baseball Classic
Mark DeRosa was named the manager for Team USA for the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Team USA general manager Tony Reagins announced Thursday on MLB Network.
The WBC will span from March 8-21. The four destinations will be Taiwan, Japan, Arizona (Phoenix) and Florida (Miami).
DeRosa is a former 16-year big leaguer who played for the Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Cleveland Guardians (formerly called Cleveland Indians), Washington Nationals and the Toronto Blue Jays, spanning from 1998-2013. He was known as a utility man, logging at least 600 career innings at third base, second base, shortstop, right field and left field.
DeRosa is currently cohost of MLB Network’s MLB Central alongside Robert Flores and Lauren Shehadi. He was also apart of the 2009 Team USA WBC squad led by Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones and Jimmy Rollins, among others.
“Mark DeRosa brings a lifetime of baseball knowledge to the dugout for Team USA,” Reagins said. “’DeRo’ is well respected both on and off the field and his experience and leadership as a player in the 2009 Classic will be a valued asset as we navigate this process. His insight and ability to communicate effectively will shine through as we continue to develop the various elements of the Team USA World Baseball Classic title defense.”
The WBC will be his first managing experience professionally, and it’s safe to say he’s fired up — as he should be!
“I’m completely honored and humbled to be named the manager of Team USA,” said DeRosa. “Competing in the 2009 World Baseball Classic for Team USA was one of the greatest experiences of my baseball journey. Getting the chance to lead this star-studded roster and represent our country is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Full quotes here.
Team USA will be in Pool C against Mexico, Columbia, Canada and another that has yet to be determined.
They are also hoping to defend their 2017 WBC Title, led by manager Jim Leyland. Team USA downed Puerto Rico 8-0 in the championship game behind six one-hit innings from Marcus Stroman paired with stellar performances from Ian Kinsler, Christian Yelich and Giancarlo Stanton, among others.
Seven players have already committed to playing for Team USA in the WBC next March:
- Pete Alonso, New York Mets
- Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Cardinals
- Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals
- Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies
- J.T. Realmuto, Phillies
- Trevor Story, Boston Red Sox
- Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels
Pretty good initial foundation to Mark DeRosa’s squad, I’ll say!
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