My previous projections for the Dominican Republic are now rather out-of-date due to injuries, etc. So, here are new projections, taking into account new developments as well as injuries that might take out certain players. Like the USA projections, this is a ground-up rebuild, and not simply a cut-and-paste with changes.

The usual rules:

• 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.

So, after the jump, my projections for the Dominican Republic WBC team:

Manager: Tony Pena

According to some reports in early October, Tony Pena is expected to mange Team DR next year. Currently a bench coach for the Yankees, Pena managed the Royals from 2002 to 2005 and was a 5-time All-Star back in his playing days.

Catchers: Carlos Santana, Wilin Rosario, Miguel Olivo

The catching situation for the DR hasn’t changed since last time, with Carlos Santana leading the way and with Wilin Rosario and veteran Miguel Olivo filling out the position.

First Basemen: Albert Pujols, David Ortiz

Similarly, the first basemen situation is also much the same, with Albert Pujols being the primary 1B and David Ortiz being primarily a DH. Wilson Betemit, the utility-man, would be secondary defensive 1B.

Second Basemen: Robinson Cano

Self-explanatory: Robinson Cano has become unarguably one of the best 2B in the game and by far the best 2B Dominican. Alexi Casilla would be the back-up if the DR infield wasn’t so full.

Third Basemen: Adrian Beltre, Hanley Ramirez

The two have been flipped: while in the initial projections Hanley Ramirez was the first-string, Beltre’s better season makes him the first-string for the WBC in these projections. The alternate 3B in case one of these guys were to go down would be to have Pedro Ciriaco be added as a Utility, since 3B is one of his positions.

Pedro Alvarez isn’t included because he grew up in the USA and has played for Team USA in the past. Aramis Ramirez isn’t included since he hasn’t taken part in the past.

Shortstops: Starlin Castro, Jose Reyes

Shortstop is probably the deepest position for the DR, which is why it is something of a shame that I could only pick two to include.

Outfielders: Alfonso Soriano, Alejandro De Aza, Nelson Cruz, Carlos Gomez

This is where the biggest differences begin: Jose Bautista ended the season on the DL, so I don’t think he’d be able to take part in next year’s WBC. Therefore, he’s off the list. Carlos Gomez takes his spot, but obviously doesn’t take his role on the team.

Utility: Wilson Betemit

Betemit is a super-utility man who can play almost any position, a valuable asset on a WBC team.

Starting Pitchers: Johnny Cueto, Felipe Paulino, Edinson Volquez, Samuel Deduno

The main difference here is that Wandy Rodriguez had a subpar year. Most of the other starters for the DR are either hurt or will be with new teams next spring. Therefore, the fourth starter for the Dominican is Sam Deduno, who went 6-5 in 15 starts with the Twins in 2012.

Relievers: Fernando Rodney, Santiago Casilla, Antonio Bastardo, Pedro Strop, Jose Arredondo, Joaquin Benoit, Kelvin Herrera, Octavio Dotel, Jordan Norberto

Luis Perez (injury) and Francisco Cordero (being so bad he was released) are out. In are Octavio Dotel and lefty Jordan Norberto. The rest remain more-or-less the same.

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Later this weekend: More WBC projections