As I stated at the end of my 2013 Team USA projections, I’ll also do some projections on possible players for the other teams as well. Here, for example, is the Dominican Republic.
The Dominican, in some ways, has been even more disappointing in the WBC than the USA has. They only managed fourth in the inaugural tournament, and they weren’t even able to make it out of the first round in 2009, losing twice to the Cinderella team from the Netherlands. Given how much pride the Dominicans have in their ballplayers, these could only be seen as large disappointments.
In 2013, like in the previous tournaments, the Dominican Republic will almost certainly bring a team made up of MLBers, with perhaps a few top prospects and overseas players if needed.
The same rules apply for this as I used with the Team USA projections, although in some cases they might not be as stringent, due to the fact the Dominicans generally are more into the WBC than American MLBers are.
- Any player coming off a major injury or who has a history of injuries is unlikely to participate. This is especially true for the pitchers.
- Players that will be on new teams are less likely to participate, but shouldn’t be completely ignored, with the exception of pitchers.
- Teams are made up of 28 players, of which 13 of them must be pitchers and two of them catchers.
- The pitch count rules make relievers extremely important.
And so, after much research and thought, I have my projections, which can be found under the jump:
Manager: Denny Gonzalez
Manny Acta and Felipe Alou were previous managers, but Acta now manages the Indians and Alou is apparently retired, so it’s likely that Denny Gonzalez, who had several short stints in MLB during the 80s, will manage the team. He was the skipper for the DR at the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games, as well as the 2011 Pan American Games.
Catcher: Carlos Santana, Miguel Olivo, Wilin Rosario
Catcher has always, oddly, been sort of a unusually thin position for Dominicans (apologies to Tony Pena). It remains likely the weakest position on the Dominican Republic roster. Miguel Olivo might not play if he can find a new team during free-agency after this season, but I’m including him anyway, especially as it is possible that he might not have a team at all and could take part as one last audition.
First Basemen: Albert Pujols, David Ortiz
Okay, so, Albert Pujols and David Ortiz (who would be the DH) are obvious. The question is who would be behind Pujols defensively. Carlos Pena would make sense, but has never taken part in a previous WBC, and also will probably be with a new team. Wilson Betemit, a utility player, would thus probably be Albert’s main backup.
Second Basemen: Robinson Cano
Cano is a Yankee, but he played in the 2009 Classic and has essentially locked down his place for the Bronx Bombers, so he’ll go. Alexi Casilla would be on as his backup if there wasn’t so much space and so many good Dominican infielders who could probably play second.
Third Basemen: Hanley Ramirez, Adrian Beltre
First off, allow me to note that I’m not putting in Alex Rodriguez because he can never seem to make up his mind about whether he is American or Dominican. He played for USA in 2006 but the Dominican in 2009 (although he ended up getting hurt before the games actually started in ’09).
So, with that said, it’s not like they’d miss him much. Hanley Ramirez was a member of the ’09 team, Adrian Beltre took part in 2006 and would have in 2009 if not for surgery he had received. Aramis Ramirez is not included because A) he didn’t take part in the first two WBCs and B) there’s only so many spots. Wilson Betemit, one of the utility guys, could act as a emergency 3B.
Shortstops: Jose Reyes, Starlin Castro
An embarrassment of riches at shortstop is held back due to space reasons, to the point where Rafael Furcal and Jhonny Peralta aren’t on this list. It wouldn’t be surprising if Reyes could also be 2B in a pinch.
Outfielders: Jose Bautista, Alfonso Soriano, Alejandro De Aza, Nelson Cruz
Bautista, Soriano and Cruz are the big bats, while De Aza provides speed and a legitimate CF. Not much to say here, really.
Apologies to Emilio Bonifacio and Carlos Gomez.
Melky Cabrera isn’t included because he’ll be a free agent, and hasn’t taken part before anyway.
Utility: Wilson Betemit
Wilson Betemit would be on the team for his versatility as a fielder. He’s played almost every position during his career.
Edwin Encarnacion isn’t in because I don’t know if he’d be considered Dominican (where he was born) or Puerto Rican (where he grew up). In addition, he might be with a new team next spring. Hector Luna is a possibility, but wasn’t included due to space.
Starting Pitchers: Johnny Cueto, Wandy Rodriguez, Felipe Paulino, Edinson Volquez
As far as pitching goes, the Dominican is in something of a drought. Still, they should have a good rotation, led by Johnny Cueto of the Reds and Astros lefty Wandy Rodriguez. Felipe Paulino of the Royals and Edinson Volquez of the Padres are also likely to be in the staff.
Ivan Nova is not included due to the fact the Yankees try to keep most of their players out of the WBC, although if he decided to go against their wishes, he would have a spot in the rotation. Bartolo Colon isn’t included as he may be on a new team next spring, so would probably want to spend more time in spring training. Neftali Feliz is not included as he has had an injury this year so would be less likely to take part.
Relievers: Santiago Casilla, Fernando Rodney, Antonio Bastardo, Pedro Strop, Jose Arredondo, Joaquin Benoit, Kelvin Herrera, Francisco Cordero, Luis Perez
Fernando Rodney of the Rays, who has been the closer of the Rays during Kyle Farnsworth‘s injury, also played for the DR during the inaugural WBC, so would likely take part if the Rays pick up his 2013 option. Santiago Casilla, the reliever filling in for the injured Brian Wilson as closer of the Giants, would also be a likely pick to be part of the bullpen. Antonio Bastardo would provide a much-needed lefty in the bullpen. Pedro Strop has been a good part of the Orioles’ excellent bullpen this season. Jose Arredondo of the Reds, Detroit’s Joaquin Benoit and Kansas City’s Kelvin Herrera would also make good additions. Francisco Cordero isn’t what he used to be, but would probably be part of the team as a way to advertise himself (he’ll be a free agent) for any team that is looking for bullpen help. Finally, to make sure that Bastardo isn’t the only lefty, Luis Perez of the Blue Jays might as well be added.
Not included is Rafael Soriano, as he is A) a member of the New York Yankees and B) Hasn’t taken part in the WBC before so I’m not confident he would this time. Alexi Ogando isn’t included as he’s suffered an injury this season. Jose Valverde isn’t included because he might be with a new team next spring.
So, what lineup would the DR trot out? Perhaps it’d look something like this:
1. Jose Reyes, SS
2. Robinson Cano, 2B
3. Jose Bautista, RF
4. Albert Pujols, 1B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Hanley Ramirez, 3B
7. Alfonso Soriano, LF
8. Carlos Santana, C
9. Alejando De Aza, CF
Starter: Johnny Cueto
Keep an eye open in the coming weeks for more WBC projections.
The Baseball Continuum 
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–> I have a theory that Dominicans do not like to catch. Not sure why? They do not have the money for equipment, and not seen as glamour position in DR.
–> ARod is an idiot for this. I, unlike most MLB fans, actually like ARod as a player and a person. But this is so disrespectful to the USA, a country that gave him everything, he never lived in the DR, doesn’t even speak decent Spanish, and most Dominicans even think he is American. So, why go play for DR, where they only really want you as a mercenary player, and disrespect American ballplayers at the same time?
–> You put together a great list, can’t argue with any of your picks. Problem is can you get them all to play? Doubtful. Doubt Ortiz or even Pujols will be there. Doubt Cano, Jose Reyes, Soriano have much interest. Even if none of them, or the rest of this list for that matter, play the DR should still be the best or 2nd best team in the tournament.
–> Watch out for Juan Francisco and Peguera up in Seattle. Been following them in the Dominican Winter League for a while and both can light it up. I bet Feliz and Valverde will be there as pitchers. Feliz is young enough and Valvarde is a big Dominican pride guy.
Arod wouldn’t make team usa. If the top players actually played, which they don’t USA would honestly destroy the competition. Their lineup would have all-stars at every position.. A rotation of Verlander, Kershaw, Strasburg, Sale, Cain, Weaver, Price. Kimbral as closer.. No team comes close to be honest.. Problem is 3/4 of these guys wont play.
um moises alou was born in atlanta yet he still plays for the dominican team. mike piazza played for italy yet he was born in america. soo whats ur point? arod lived several yrs in dominican republic. ur argument sucks
Rkieth, you made some very valid and key points, however, I have to strongly disagree with your comment about the DR being the 2nd best team in the tournament. We have to respect the 2 time defending champs as #1 (Japan) and we can make a VERY strong argument for Venezuela, Cuba, even USA as the # 2 team in the tournament before you consider DR. The only tweek i would make on this lineup would be to hit Pujols 3, Ortiz 4 and Bautista 5.
Japan has won because they are in mid season form, not because they have the best talent.. Darvish and Dice K would be their aces= shaky at best. Dice K is a minor league pitcher at best.
Yes, you’re right about Japan being in mid season form by the start of the classic, but statistically speaking, Japan doesn’t have the power like the Dominicans or Americans, but everyone on the team can bunt, run,and put the ball in play when needed. Japan plays way better defense than any team out there. The problem is, most people watch baseball for the home runs not the sac bunts. If you know anything about baseball, especially in a short series like the classic, you’ll understand why Japan is back-to-back world champs! Got to play small ball, can always rely on the home runs!
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u gotta be kiding me No Beltre No Cruz In the Lineup ? Are u Anti-Rangers ? The line Up Goes Like This
1-Reyes ss
2-Cano 2B
3-Pujols 1B
4-Big Daddy DH
5-Bautista RF
6-Beltre 3B
7-Cruz LF
8-Santana C
9-Melky CF ( He Will Be Able To Play )
I think that if the wbc would be at a different time of the year were all the teams are at mid season form and pitch limits. Japan and Cuba won’t be no where near the finals.yes usa have a lot of good players. But we have the best players position by position and no one can argue the fact we have the best 1st baseman in pujols,the best 2nd baseman in cano,the best ss in hanley
Ramirez,JoseReyes,starling Castro not to name a few more.the best 3rd baseman in beltre,the best outfielder
You are an idiot.. USA’s lineup is better than Dr’s and The US pitching is light years ahead of Dr’s.. Hanley isn’t even a short stop you moron. Tulowitzki is the best SS in the world.
1. 1b Pujols 1. Fielder (tie) Prince had a better year though
2. 2b. Cano 2. Pedroia, Kinsler (Dr)
3. 3b Beltre 3. Longoria/Wright (tie) Longoria is a stud when healthy
4. SS. Reyes 4. Tulowitzki (USA) no question
5.Catcher Santana 5. Posey/Mauer (USA) without a doubt
6.LF Cruz 6. Braun (USA) joke
7. CF Melky 7. Trout (USA) even bigger joke
8. RF Bautista 8. Kemp/Hamilton/Stanton/Holliday/Mchutcheon (USA)
9. Dh Papi 9. Trumbo/Fielder/AdamJones/Stanton/Hamilton/(USA)
Sp.
1. Cueto 1. Justin Verlander
2.Volquez 2. Clayton Kershaw
3.Jimenez 3. Jered Weaver
4. Liriano 4. Stephen Strasburg
5. Wandy Rodriguez 5. Matt Cain
6. David Price
7. RA Dickey
8. Chris Sale
9. Cliff Lee
10. Matt Harrison
11. CC Sabathia
12. Roy Halladay
13. Madison Bumgarner
14. Zach Greinke
15. Jarrod Parker
16. James Shields
17. Cole Hamels
18. Lynn, Wilson, Miley,Malone
18. Closer- Craig Kimbral
USA’s pitching is unreal.. nobody comes close.. DR’s pitching is awful, plain and simple. USA is the team to beat if their best players actually participate. Talent wise nobody else comes close. I’m Mexican by the way so I’m not biased unlike you.
My lineup for DR.
1.H. RAMIREZ SS
2.R. CANO 2B
3.A. PUJOLS 1B
4.D. ORTIZ DH
5.A. BELTRE 3B
6.J. BAUTISTA LF
7.N. CRUZ RF
8.A.SORIANO CF
9.W.ROSARIO C
DR
1. Jose Reyes SS
2. Melky Cabrera CF
3. Albert Pujols 1B
4. Jose Bautista RF
5. Robinson Cano 2B
6. David Ortiz DH
7. Adrian Beltre 3B
8. Hanley Ramirez LF (maybe) Or Nelson Cruz
9. Carlos Santana C
Bench: Edwin Encarnacion Alejandro de aza, starlin Castro, wilin Rosario and Emilio bonafacio
1. Jonny Cueto
2. Neftali Feliz
3. Ubaldo Jimenez
4. Ivan Nova
5. Alexi Ogando
Caution: BIG ARMS
LRP- Fransico liriano
LRP- Antonio Bastardo
LRP- Damaso Marte
MRP-Pedro Strop
MRP-Jose Arrendo
MRP-Franciso Cordero
SU- Rafael Soriano
SU- Jose Valverde
CP- Fernando Rodney
THAS IS THE PERFECT TEAM FOR DR
MY LINEUP FOR DR 1 J.REYES SS.2.R.CANO 2B.3.A.BELTRES 3B.4.A.PUJOLS 1B.5.J.BAUTISTA LF.6.D.ORTIZ DH.7.N.CRUZ RF.8.M.CABRERA CF.9.S.PEREZ C
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Dr has all the closers ….
That’s funny.. Craig Kimbral is the best closer in the world. Drew Storen, Joe nathan, Jim Johnson, papelbon, Motte, Clippard, Hanrahan, Brian Wilson are all dominican?
Our bench is better than any team not named the USA.
1B. Encarnacion/Mauro Gomez/ Carlos Pena
2B. Ciriaco/ Casilla
SS. Hanley/ Furcal/ starlin Castro/ Peralta/ Aybar/Sano 3rd best prospect in all MLB
3B. Aramis/ Polanco
C. Wilin R/ B Peña
OF. Starling Marte, Carlos Gomez, valdespin, Bonifacio,
Even the bench can have an extra bench:
Jose Constanza, Joaquin Arias, Florimon, Eduardo Nunez, Juan Uribe, Ronnie paulino, Ruben tejada
More starting pitchers:
Fake Fausto Carmona, ubaldo, Ervin Santana, Michael Pineda, hector Noesi, Ivan Nova, Carlos Villanueva, jenrry Mejia, neftali, ogando,
Half the pitchers and players you mention for USA won’t even play DR’S players know what baseball means to their country they know the importance. Pitching for DR still needs work but the lineup is so big and stacked we got all stars on the bench. Most powerful hacking team in the world hands down to me DR. With players healthy our strong bullpen and fast/strong/experience lineup will take it all
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I can see 2 little kids fighting for a candy. I’m very certain that either of you have not played baseball. Japan doesn’t even come close to the bench of either team and they won twice.
Baseball is not about good players,it’s about how good you play as a team. Why are you guys mentioning players that don’t care about representing the US or the DR. I guess the US players don’t feel proud to represent their country as the NBA players do.
People need to understand that DR is a small country compared to the USA. Therefore USA will have way more option.so you cant compare in terms or players ratio. That being said, with the players that are projected to play For DR should give competition to any team excluding Japan(thats why they were projected to win the championship on the first world champion and go far on the second). Alex Rodriguez did lived in DR for some years when he was little. And to make things fair, just like the USA, that not all super start went, nor did the DR team had all of their best players.
as a Dominican I have to say the last WBC was a huge disappointment because everyone was swinging for the fences. I hope that this year they play a little more small ball and let the big bats do their thing. Our team is not the second best team in this thing either. We have one legitimate number 1 starter in Johnny Cueto, but the rest of the starters are number 3,4, 5 starters at best. I hope our team takes it but let’s not discount the other teams. as much as I hate Venezuela their lineup is very good and are backed by King Felix. Japan always comes up with the pitching and USA is a monster. I can’t wait for this to start.
My DR LIneup
1-Reyes ss
2-Cano 2B
3-Pujols 1B
4-Bautista RF
5-Beltre 3B
6-David Ortiz DH
7-Cruz LF
8-Soriano CF (He might kills in the field though)
9-Santana C
Conclusion, this tourney is legit!
antonio is right ,if our country was bigger , ummmm game over lol GO DR!!! 😀
This is my lineup
Reyes
Cano
Pujols
Bautista
Ortiz
Beltre
Cruz
Soriano
And
Rosario c
American Population= 300 million Dominican Population=10 million…Dominicans have a 20% of all players in the majors…you americans should be ashamed of yourself if you ever try to disperect how great dominican players are. We produced and will continue to produce better players then you guys ever,,ENJOY THE FACT THAT THERE’S NOT 300 MILLION OF US LMAOO….numbers speak for themselves. lets go DR 2013. respect to japan.