Utley excited to play for Team USA

02/14/2006
PHILADELPHIA -- Chase Utley enjoyed a spectacular first full season in the Majors, swatting 28 homers for a Phillies team that fell just short of the playoffs.
Before taking on National League opponents in the regular season, Utley will take his hacks as a member of Team USA in the inaugural World Baseball Classic, which will be held from March 3-20. Team USA opens the tournament on March 7 game against Mexico at Chase Field in Phoenix.
The 27-year-old was one of the 30 players named to Team USA on Tuesday to compete in the 16-team tournament sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation. The squad will be managed by former Blue Jays skipper Buck Martinez.
"I couldn't think of a better situation than to be able to represent your own country in an event like this," Utley said last month after he was named to the provisional roster. "Who wouldn't want to be a part of it?"
Utley, the lone Phillies' American representative, will be reunited with former teammate Billy Wagner, and be one of seven infielders on the squad. Also named were Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, Derrek Lee, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira and Michael Young.
Johnny Damon, Jeff Francoeur, Ken Griffey Jr., Matt Holliday, Vernon Wells and Randy Winn make up the outfield.
Final 30-man rosters must officially be submitted on March 2 for the first round. Roster changes could still be made prior to that date. Roster changes after the first two rounds can be made to replace injured players.
"I'm looking forward to it for so many different reasons," Utley said. "It'll be a great experience. It's an honor for me to go out there and represent my country in this tournament."
Barring an injury, Utley won't be joined by Phillies teammates Jimmy Rollins and Brett Myers, who were named to the 60-man provisional roster for Team USA last month, but left off the final list.
While Martinez sees Utley as the likely starter at second, Young will see action at second and shortstop. Jeter will likely start at short.
The ability of Young to man second and short may have cost Rollins, who had been considered as a middle infielder. Martinez said Young's flexibility allowed Team USA to carry 14 pitchers.
Utley isn't the only Phillie who will be representing his country in the tournament. Bobby Abreu is a lock to represent his native Venezuela, and in a nice twist, will compete against the Phillies in a March 4 exhibition game.
Abreu, 31, made Venezuela proud when he won the Century 21 Home Run Derby on July 11. With 24 homers and 31 stolen bases in 2005, Abreu became the third player in Major League history to have seven consecutive 20-20 seasons, joining Barry Bonds and Bobby Bonds. Abreu could be joined on the Venezuela squad by Tomas Perez, Miguel Cabrera, Freddy Garcia and Carlos Guillen.
Rheal Cormier is a strong possibility to pitch for Canada. Five others should know soon: Dominicans Eude Brito and Robinson Tejeda, Panamanian Carlos Ruiz and Perez.
The Phils will also send bullpen coach Ramon Henderson to the World Baseball Classic. Henderson, who served up long balls to Abreu in the Home Run Derby, will serve as a coach for the Dominican team.

Source: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/