BY SCOTT LAUBER
LAS VEGAS -- As I type this, Davey Johnson, who will manage the U.S. entry in the World Baseball Classic in March, is seated on a dais here in the media room. Johnson and Team USA GM Bob Watson is still in the process of gauging players' interest, but it has been announced that Derek Jeter, also here in the media room, will be the shortstop.
Two years ago, Chase Utley played for Team USA. Obviously, his hip surgery won't allow him to reprise his second-base position. But it wouldn't be a surprise to see Ryan Howard batting cleanup. Jimmy Rollins was considered in 2006, and it's possible he could split time with Jeter. Brad Lidge and Cole Hamels could be candidates, too. We'll try to find out more.
(Updated, 4:02 p.m. Eastern): Asked around and heard that Lidge, for one, didn't express interest in pitching in the WBC when Phillies players met with WBC officials during the season. (Lidge had a terrible 2006 season after pitching in the last WBC.) However, I'm told that Team USA is paying little regard to those preliminary meetings with players as they compile their list. If they want a player, they'll try to get him. The Phillies could have more non-USA players (Matt Stairs for Canada, J.C. Romero for Puerto Rico, Carlos Ruiz for Panama) than players on Team USA.
By the way, Team USA is going to train in Clearwater at the Phillies' complex and will play the Phillies in a pre-tournament game March 5. The Phillies also will play Team Canada at Bright House on March 4.
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