South Africa manager Rick Magnate knows his African team will be major underdogs at the 2009 World Baseball Classic. But he hopes his young squad can build up a bit of respect for baseball in South Africa.
First Pitch Against Cuba
South Africa will not have an easy time of it as they face 2006 WBC runners-up Cuba, emerging powers Mexico and Australia in the first round of the 2009 World Baseball Classic from March 8-12 in Mexico City. The top two in the group will advance to a second round of eliminators against two teams from the Tokyo group consisting of defending champions Japan, China, Chinese Taipei and Korea.
South Africa Struggled Mightily In 2006
The South Africans were clearly overmatched in 2006, though they did give Canada a run for their money before losing 11-8 in their opener. But then followed a 10-4 loss against Mexico and a 17-0 thrashing by the United States.
No South Africans In MLB
No South African-born player has ever reached Major League Baseball even though Magnante, a scout with the Oakland A's, does have a half-dozen players on his 45-man roster with Minor League contracts. Four of them are pitchers - Alessio Angelucci (Padres), Justin Erasmus (Red Sox), Dylan Lindsay (Royals) and Hein Robb (Twins). While infielders Anthony Phillips (Mariners) and Gift Ngoepe (Pirates) are also on the preliminary squad.
Armitage And Willemberg Back
Two of the mainstays of the South African side in 2006 returning are Barry Armitage, who was a pitcher in the Kansas City Royals' organization three years ago; and another one-time Royal farmhand infielder Brett Willemberg, who led the South Africa team in the 2006 Classic with a .500 average (5-for-10). Also back is right-handed pitcher Jared Elario, who was just 17 years old during the last Classic.
Two Veterans Missing
Magnate will not have the services of two of South Africa's veterans when he trims his preliminary 45-man roster to 28 players - including a mandatory 13 pitchers - by February 24. First baseman Nicholas Dempsey and catcher Bles Kemp have both retired.
Legendary Closer Lee Smith Helping Pitchers
Even without his veteran players, Magnate has one outstanding source of information for his young players as legendary closer Lee Smith - a coach in the San Francisco system - will be working with South Africa as the pitching coach.
South Africa's 24-Man Roster
Name, Bats/Throws, Height, Weight, Birth Date
PITCHERS
Alessio Angelucci, R/R, 6'2" (188cm), 190lbs (86kg), 07/28/1988
Barry Armitage, R/R, 6'5" (196cm), 275lbs (125kg), 05/11/1979
Matthew Dancer, R/R, 5'10" (178cm), 165lbs (75kg), 10/08/1983
Shannon Ekermans, L/L, 6'2" (188cm), 180lbs (82kg), 06/05/1987
Jared Elario, R/R, 5'8" (173cm), 205lbs (93kg), 10/14/1988
Justin Erasmus, R/R, 6'0" (183cm), 176lbs (80kg), 01/22/1990
Donavon Hendricks, L/L, 6'0" (183cm), 175lbs (79kg), 03/09/1986
Gavin Jeffries, R/R, 5'10" (178cm), 185lbs (84kg), 11/24/1976
Dylan Lindsay, R/R, 6'2" (188cm), 183lbs (83kg), 09/04/1991
Jacobus Mostert, R/R, 5'10" (178cm), 165lbs (75kg), 04/25/1988
Hein Robb, L/L, 6'0" (183cm), 185lbs (84kg), 05/12/1992
Darryn Smith, R/R, 6'1" (185cm), 180lbs (82kg), 08/02/1975
Robert Verschuren, R/R, 5'11" (180cm), 175lbs (79kg), 05/31/1984
CATCHERS
Kyle Botha, R/R, 5'8" (173cm), 150lbs (68kg), 08/07/1988
Karl Weitz, R/R, 6'0" (183cm), 200lbs (91kg)
Terence White, R/R, 5'7" (170cm), 180lbs (82kg), 02/12/1982
INFIELDERS
Moegamat-Zaid Hendricks, R/R, 5'8" (173cm), 180lbs (82kg), 04/04/1990
Justin Lazarus, R/R, 5'5" (165cm), 170lbs (77kg), 11/17/1988
Gift Ngoepe, S/R, 5'10" (178cm), 165lbs (75kg), 01/18/1990
Anthony Phillips, R/R, 5'9" (175cm), 160lbs (73kg), 04/11/1990
Jonathan Phillips, R/R, 6'0" (183cm), 190lbs (86kg), 04/16/1986
Allan Randall, R/R, 5'7" (170cm), 170lbs (77kg), 08/17/1984
Gavin Ray, L/L, 5'10" (178cm), 165lbs (75kg), 03/01/1985
Brett Willemburg, S/R, 6'1" (185cm), 190lbs (86kg), 07/02/1984
OUTFIELDERS
Martin Gordon, S/R, 5'11" (180cm), 180lbs (82kg)
Richard Holgate, R/R, 6'1" (185cm), 210lbs (95kg), 03/19/1988
Paul Rutgers, R/R, 5'10" (178cm), 190lbs (86kg), 01/17/1984
Ashley Scott, R/R, 5'8" (173cm), 180lbs (82kg), 07/14/1987
