Ex-Drillers to represent USA in the WBC

Three former Drillers players have been named to the 30-player roster that will represent the United States in the World Baseball Classic to be played in March. The three players are infielders Michael Young and Mark Teixeira and outfielder Matt Holliday.

Young played for the Drillers in 2000, while Teixiera spent the 2002 season in Tulsa. Holliday was with the Drillers during the entire 2003 season and spent a week in Tulsa last season on an injury-rehabilitation assignment.

The roster also includes Roger Clemens, Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon, Chipper Jones and Ken Griffey Jr. Former major league catcher Buck Martinez will manage the American team. The complete USA roster is below.

The World Baseball Classic will be played from March 3-20 to determine a true World Champion. It will feature teams from 16 countries with the United States meeting Canada, Mexico and South Africa during first-round play.

Other countries participating in the classic include China, Chinese Tapei, Japan, Korea, Cuba, Netherlands, Panama, Puerto Rico, Australia, Dominican Republic, Italy and Venezuela.

The USA's first game will be played on March 7 against Mexico.

United States Roster - World Baseball Classic Starter Pitchers (4): Roger Clemens, Jake Peavy, C.C. Sabathia and Dontrelle Willis.

Relievers (10): Chad Cordero, Brian Fuentes, Todd Jones, Brad Lidge, Joe Nathan, Scot Shields, Huston Street, Mike Timlin, Billy Wagner and Dan Wheeler.

Catchers (3): Michael Barrett, Brian Schneider and Jason Varitek.

Infielders (7): Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, Derrek Lee, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, Chase Utley and Michael Young.

Outfielders (6): Johnny Damon, Jeff Francoeur, Ken Griffey Jr., Matt Holliday, Vernon Wells and Randy Winn.