U.S. Olympic Roster Announced

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Shockingly no Cubs. All minor leaguers sans RHP Stephen Strasburg of San Diego State, who right now is the leading candidate to be the #1 pick next June (he's the first collegian to make the US Olympic team since pros became eligible in 2000).

 

Pitching Staff

 

Brett Anderson (A’s), Geno Espineli (Giants), Clayton Richard (White Sox), Jake Arrieta (Orioles), Trevor Cahill (A’s), Kevin Jepsen (Angels), Brandon Knight (Mets), Mike Koplove (Dodgers), Blaine Neal (Tigers), Jeff Stevens (Indians), Casey Weathers (Rockies), Stephen Strasburg (San Diego State).

 

Catchers

 

Lou Marson (Phillies), Taylor Teagarden (Rangers)

 

Infielders

 

Brian Barden (Cardinals), Matt Brown (Angels), Jason Donald (Phillies), Mike Hessman (Tigers), Terry Tiffee (Dodgers)

 

Outfielders

 

Dexter Fowler (Rockies), John Gall (Marlins), Matt LaPorta (Indians), Colby Rasmus (Cardinals)

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=1365

 

Also, we know C Chris Robinson will be leaving the Smokies to go play for the Canadian Olympic team in Beijing. Hung-Wen Chen will NOT be playing for Taiwan.

[chuckywang]

Why isn't Olympic baseball more important? The NHL suspends its season so that their players can go play in the Winter Olympics. I just wish there was more nationalistic pride when it comes to baseball. I hope the WBC will cultivate that.

[jersey cubs fan]

Why isn't Olympic baseball more important? The NHL suspends its season so that their players can go play in the Winter Olympics. I just wish there was more nationalistic pride when it comes to baseball. I hope the WBC will cultivate that.

 

It's not more important because it's not that interesting and the MLB season is far better and more entertaining. It's also no longer going to be a part of the olympics.

[UMFan83]

Why isn't Olympic soccer more important to other countries?

[chopsx9]

Why isn't Olympic soccer more important to other countries?

 

I believe it is because there is an age limit of 23 which means many stars can't take part.

[UMFan83]

Why isn't Olympic soccer more important to other countries?

 

I believe it is because there is an age limit of 23 which means many stars can't take part.

 

Which is why it isn't important to us. I am not sure what the restriction is, but it looks like MLB players can't participate.

[SouthSideRyan]

Why isn't Olympic soccer more important to other countries?

 

I believe it is because there is an age limit of 23 which means many stars can't take part.

 

Which is why it isn't important to us. I am not sure what the restriction is, but it looks like MLB players can't participate.

 

I wasn't aware of the age restriction on soccer, but there's certainly not one on baseball. MLB players don't participate because the games are during the season. Though, I think it would be pretty cool if the Nats or Mariners sent a few guys, I can obviously see why they won't.

[davearm2]

Why isn't Olympic soccer more important to other countries?

 

I believe it is because there is an age limit of 23 which means many stars can't take part.

Since when do the Olympics impose an age limit in any sport?

 

I seem to recall there might be a minimum of 14 or 15 (comes up every once in a while in gymnastics, IIRC), but a maximum? Never heard of such a thing.

[wvcbxl]

Since when do the Olympics impose an age limit in any sport?

 

The IOC doesn't, but in the case of the Olympic soccer tournament, I believe FIFA does (mainly to avoid eroding it's own World Cup)

[imb]

On the mound will be mega-prospect Clayton..................... Richard.

 

Suckers.

[BigbadB]

John Gall? Seriously? Isn't he pushing 30 about now?

[Schwarber Fan]

I hope Brian Barden plays with Brian Barton on STL someday :lol:

[NCCubFan]

I hope Brian Barden plays with Brian Barton on STL someday :lol:

That would almost be like a battery of Scott Service and Scott Servais.

[Guest]

Yu Darvish headlines Team Japan's 24-man Olympic roster.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Yu Darvish headlines Team Japan's 24-man Olympic roster.

I can't wait to see his posting fee