2009 World Baseball Classic Roster: Italy
24-Man Squad For European Team
Manager Marco Mazzieri has put together a top-class coaching staff and some Major League talent in hopes of finally bringing Italy some success on the international stage.
Excellent Coaching Staff
Mazzieri has gathered a group of winners around him for his coaching staff. Former All-Star catcher Mike Piazza will serve as Italy's hitting coach after playing for the Europeans at the 2006 Classic. Mazzieri's bench coach will be Mike Hargrove, who reached two World Series while serving as manager for the Indians, Orioles and Mariners in MLB while the third-base coach will be former Brewers and Cubs manager Tom Trebelhorn.
U.S., Canada And Venezuela In First Round
Italy will be facing the United States, Canada and Venzuela in the first round of the 2009 World Baseball Classic from March 7-11 in Toronto. The top two in the group will advance to a second round of eliminators against two teams from the Puerto Rico group consisting of Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Netherlands and Panama.
Victory Over U.S. In 2007
The Italian failed to get out of the first round of the 2006 WBC, with just a victory against Australia. But the Europeans were the only team to beat the United States during the American's run to the gold medal at the 2007 World Cup.
MLB/MiLB Players Throughout Field
Mazzieri has a number of major leaguers and minor league players to call upon for his team. Angels catcher Mike Napoli said he cannot wait to play for Italy while Sal Fasano is also behind the plate. Italy also feature infielders Frank Catalanotto, Robert Fick and Nick Punto, plus outfielder Chris Denorfia as well as minor league infielders Mike Costanzo and Alex Liddi.
DiNardo, Grilli Lead Pitching Staff
The Italian pitching staff will be led by Lenny DiNardo and Jason Grilli as well as Mark DiFelice. Among the minor leaguers in the mix are left-handers Phil Barzilla, Brian Mazone, and Matteo Pizziconi and right-handers Cliff Flagello, B.J. La Mura, Alessandro Maestri, Marc Lamacchia, Kasey Olenberger, Adam Ottavino and Mauro Schiavoni. Mazzieri must cut his 45-man roster to 28 players - including a mandatory 13 pitchers - by Feb. 24.
Italy's 24-Man Roster
Name, Bats/Throws, Height, Weight, Birth Date
PITCHERS
Philip Barzilla, L/L, 6'0" (183cm), 180lbs (82kg), 01/25/1979
Cody Cillo, R/R, 6'2" (188cm), 200lbs (91kg), 07/17/1980
Chris Cooper, L/L, 5'11" (180cm), 195lbs (88kg), 10/31/1978
Roberto Corradini, R/R, 6'0" (183cm), 185lbs (84kg), 09/23/1978
Tiago Da Silva, R/R, 5'9" (175cm), 180lbs (82kg), 03/28/1985
Mark DiFelice, R/R, 6'2" (188cm), 190lbs (86kg), 08/23/1976
Lenny DiNardo, L/L, 6'2" (188cm), 210lbs (95kg), 09/19/1979
Jason Grilli, R/R, 6'5" (196cm), 225lbs (102kg), 11/11/1976
B.J. LaMura, R/R, 6'1" (185cm), 200lbs (91kg), 01/01/1981
Alex Maestri, R/R, 5'11" (180cm), 180lbs (82kg), 06/01/1985
Kasey Olenberger, R/R, 6'4" (193cm), 235lbs (107kg), 03/18/1978
Adam Ottavino, L/R, 6'5" (196cm), 215lbs (98kg), 11/22/1985
Dan Serafini, S/L, 6'1" (185cm), 190lbs (86kg), 01/25/1974
CATCHERS
Francisco Cervelli, R/R, 6'1" (185cm), 210lbs (95kg), 03/06/1986
Vinny Rottino, R/R, 6'1" (185cm), 205lbs (93kg), 04/07/1980
INFIELDERS
Frank Catalanotto, L/R, 6'0" (183cm), 205lbs (93kg), 04/27/1974
Mike Costanzo, L/R, 6'3" (191cm), 215lbs (98kg), 09/09/1983
Davide Dallospedale, R/R, 5'11" (180cm), 165lbs (75kg), 09/12/1977
Alex Liddi, R/R, 6'4" (193cm), 176lbs (80kg), 08/14/1988
Giuseppe Mazzanti, R/R, 6'2" (188cm), 240lbs (109kg), 04/05/1983
Nick Punto, S/R, 5'9" (175cm), 195lbs (88kg), 11/08/1977
Jack Santora, S/R, 5'9" (175cm), 160lbs (73kg), 10/06/1976
OUTFIELDERS
Mario Chiarini, R/R, 6'2" (188cm), 190lbs (86kg), 01/07/1981
Peter Ciofrone, L/R, 5'10" (178cm), 201lbs (91kg), 09/28/1983
Chris Denorfia, R/R, 6'0" (183cm), 195lbs (88kg), 07/15/1980
Andrea De Santis, R/R, 6'1" (185cm), 175lbs (79kg), 12/25/1982
Valentino Pascucci, R/R, 6'6" (198cm), 260lbs (118kg), 11/17/1978
Leonardo Zileri, R/R, 5'9" (175cm), 180lbs (82kg), 04/03/1984
What do you think about this article?
Latest Articles