Just a few bits of WBC news before tonight:
The replacement for Chris Perez is David Hernandez of the Diamondbacks. Earlier reports had him switching from Mexico to Team USA (bringing the hackles from the WBC’s critics), but it turns out he had already had to drop out from Team Mexico due to a lack of documentation to prove he fit the eligibility criteria for them. Brad Ziegler, a Diamondbacks teammate and member of the 2009 WBC team, was the one who broke this story, of all people.
A groin strain has put Yovani Gallardo in doubt for the WBC. This could be huge, as Gallardo was would likely be starting against Team USA for Mexico. If he doesn’t play- or if he plays with a decreased capacity- then Team USA will have caught a break and Mexico dealt a blow.
Melky Mesa sees an opportunity in Yankees camp and is skipping the WBC to try and win the starting job that has come open with Granderson’s injury.
Efrain Nieves will replace the injured Javier Vazquez for Puerto Rico.
And, hey, remember that Mexican NASCAR vehicle that was going to be in a WBC get-up? Well, it won.
The Baseball Continuum 