Israel in holding pattern for inaugural Classic roster

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — While the World Baseball Classic released a list of 30 star players across several countries who are confirmed to be participating in the 2017 event on Monday, there was nary a Team Israel roster member to be found.

Israel, which qualified for the Classic in September for the first time in its second attempt — it was unable to do so for the 2013 installment — is in a wait-and-see mode as players mull over their options.

“There’s not a whole lot you can do,” said Israel manager Jerry Weinstein, who has years of coaching experience, most recently with the Rockies, both at the professional and college level. “You can approach guys and gauge their interest level. ‘Who’s playing? I’ll play if that guy is playing.’ I’ve had those conversations.”

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The team will be made up of Jewish-American players by way of the “heritage rule,” allowing Israel to put together a team of players who would be granted citizenship under the country’s Law of Return. If all who are eligible agree to play, a very competitive squad could take the field in Seoul for Pool A play on March 6 against Korea, then versus Chinese Taipei or the Netherlands. Should Israel advance, it would play in Tokyo (Pool E) starting on March 12. The championship round is set to take place at Dodger Stadium beginning on March 20.

While veterans like Ike Davis and Jason Marquis, who played in the qualifying round, are almost certain to play in Korea in March, there is the potential to add a lot more big league talent, including Brewers star Ryan Braun, the Astros’ Alex Bregman, the Blue Jays’ Kevin Pillar and the Mariners’ Danny Valencia.

There are several variables at …

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