MLB Scoop

The inclusion of Panama among the 16 teams in the World Baseball Classic is based on the fact that the country has produced some significant talent in the past.  49 players have come from the Central American nation in MLB history, including Hall of Famer Rod Carew, sure-fire Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera and standouts such as Ben Oglivie, Roberto Kelly, Carlos Lee and Manny Sanguillen.  However, as the 2009 Classic approaches, many of the current day Panamanian stars are sitting on the fence as to whether they will participate.  Rivera had surgery at the end of the 2008 season and is unlikely to risk his health to pitch in the WBC.  Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz told MLB.com that he was leaning towards not playing in the WBC.  Carlos Lee has remained non-committal to date as he is waiting to see how an injury heals.   However, Rockies reliever Manny Corpas has confirmed that he is in for Panama.

Here is the Panamanian depth chart, including current and recent MLB players, regardless of their likeliness to participate:

Catcher:  Carlos Ruiz is the only Panamanian who starts at catcher for an MLB team, and thusly would be a lock to start for Panama in the WBC should he change his mind about participating.  Despite winning the World Series, Ruiz is concerned about holding down his job with the Phillies and thinks he could lose his starting spot if he leaves the Philadelphia camp for the tournament.  Panamanian officials would do well to convince him to get back in.  Einar Diaz hasn’t played in the majors since 2006 but could be a secondary choice here, but he retired and is currently a coach with the Orioles.

First base:   Olmedo Saenz could come out retirement to represent Panama at first base.  He tried out with the Mets in Spring Training in 2008 but ended up taking a job as the hitting coach for the Great Falls Voyagers of the Pioneer League.

Second base/Third base:  Jose Macias, a veteran utility man, can play all infield positions and the outfield.  He spent last season with the Mexico City Red Devils in the Mexican League.

Shortstop: Angel Chavez, a minor league veteran who played in the MLB in 2005 and spent last season with the Las Vegas 51s in the Pacific Coast League would appear to be the top candidate here.

Outfielders:  Carlos Lee is the only star player the Panamanians have to offer with Mariano Rivera unavailable.  If Panama can’t get Lee to play, it really invites the question of why they are in the competition to begin with.  Ruben Rivera last played in a Major League organization in 2006, for the AAA Charlotte Knights, and I could not find whether he is retired or just playing in some third rate league. Freddy Herrera was the MVP of the local Panama baseball league and figures to show off his talents in the WBC.

Pitchers:  Mariano Rivera is the legend here, but sadly he probably will miss the chance to play for Panama again.  Manny Corpas is in.  Manny Acosta is another Panamanian pitcher who saw time in the big leagues in 2008.  Ramiro Mendoza is reportedly trying to make a comeback — he pitched in the Winter Leagues — and the WBC would be the perfect showcase for his talents if he isn’t already hooked up with a team by then.  Bruce Chen, who did not pitch in the MLB in 2008, is not listed as retired in Wikipedia.  With Panama’s lack of depth, Chen could probably walk into the team.  Lefty reliever Davis Romero pitched for the Blue Jays in 2006, and missed the 2007 season after surgery.

Outlook:  With the lack of Major League talent available, Panama will likely draw upon minor league players and local players to represent their nation in the WBC.  They face the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the Netherlands in Pool D.  Without Rivera and  Lee, Panama will probably finish in last place in this pool, since the Netherlands Antilles has been producing more MLB talent in recent years than Panama.  With Lee, Panama may have a shot at third place if a lot goes right for them. The weak turnout for the Panamanian team is a great example of why the tournament should have a qualifying round, where borderline WBC nations like Panama have to earn their place in the final 16.