San Francisco, CA

The San Francisco Giants have allowed nine key players, including starter Ryan Vogelsong and closer Sergio Romo, to see action in the World Baseball Classic.

Vogelsong and Romo head the list that also includes relievers Santiago Casilla, Jeremy Affeldt, Javier Lopez and Jose Mijares.

Also, position players Pablo Sandoval and Marco Scutaro will play for Venezuela while Angel Pagan will see action for Puerto Rico.

The nine, together with other plays who were tapped by their respective countries, will leave Spring Training camps on March 3 to prepare for the quadrennial event.

"We know we have to get these guys ready, and that's our plan," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "We won't let them go if we don't think they're ready, particularly the pitchers.

"They'll be in good hands, where they're going. We'll get with the coaches and give them our thoughts at what we're looking at and how much they should be pitched. They've got stipulations in the WBC to protect these players, which is a good thing," Bochy added.

Earlier, the Giants expressed apprehension regarding the health of Vogelsong, who battled back issues last year. Romo, for his part, is monitored constantly for elbow fatigue.

Aside from that, Romo will be a valuable commodity for the Giants as he recently signed a two-year, $9 million deal that will buy out his final two arbitration-eligible seasons. Romo will get $3.5 million this year and $5.5 million next year.

Fans are also concerned about Sandoval's condition entering the 2013 season. The third baseman missed more than seven weeks of 2012 with two trips to the disabled list.

"He's one of those guys I think has the ability to play all year round and still have that passion. Players used to do it all the time. Pablo is kind of old-school in that way. I'm not concerned about that, showing signs of fatigue," Bochy said of Sandoval.

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