Durham, NC

The United States has come up with a provisional roster of 27 players for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Each country's federation must submit a final 28-man roster, including a minimum of 13 pitchers and two catchers, by Feb. 20.

Pitching for Team USA are R.A. Dickey of Toronto, Derek Holland of Texas, Craig Kimbrel and Kris Medlen of Atlanta, Chris Perez and Vinnie Pestano of Cleveland, Glen Perkins of Minnesota, Ryan Vogelsong and Jeremy Affeldt of San Francisco, Heath Bell of Arizona, Mitchell Boggs of St. Louis, Steve Cishek of Miami, Tim Collins of Kansas City and Luke Gregerson of San Diego.

Outfielders are Ryan Braun of Milwaukee, Giancarlo Stanton of Miami, Adam Jones of Baltimore and Shane Victorino of Boston.

The infielders are David Wright of the Mets, Brandon Phillips of Cincinnati, Jimmy Rollins of Philadelphia, Mark Teixeira of the Yankees, Ben Zobrist of Tampa Bay and Willie Bloomquist of Arizona.

The catchers are Joe Mauer of Minnesota, J.P. Arencibia of Toronto, and Jonathan Lucroy of Milwaukee.

"Having talked to all of these players I sense a great deal of excitement about representing the United States in the World Baseball Classic," Team USA manager Joe Torre said.

Torre of course has plenty of experience managing, in most recent years guiding the Dodgers following a very successful stint with the Yankees.

Torre's coaching staff for the WBC includes Larry Bowa (bench), Marcel Lachemann (bullpen/pitching), Greg Maddux (pitching), Dale Murphy (first base), Gerald Perry (hitting) and Willie Randolph (third base).

Team USA will play its first-round games as part of Pool D at Chase Field in Phoenix from March 8-10. Canada, Mexico and Italy also are in Pool D.

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