Carpenter could boost deep Team USA roster

In 2013, World Baseball Classic rules allowed a maximum of 15 position players on each team’s final 28-man roster. Team USA carried 13.

For the 2017 WBC, Team USA could have as many as 14 or 15 position players.

One major reason: Many of the country’s biggest stars are saying yes.

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A little more than two months before Team USA gathers for its spring camp in Florida, nine position players are locked in: catchers Buster Posey and Jonathan Lucroy; first baseman Eric Hosmer; second baseman Ian Kinsler; third baseman Nolan Arenado; shortstop Brandon Crawford; and outfielders Christian Yelich, Adam Jones and Andrew McCutchen.

Assuming tournament rules remain the same, that leaves a maximum of six spots remaining.

Team USA officials have offered one of those spots to Matt Carpenter, a source said this week, although the Cardinals infielder has yet to commit. In 2016, Carpenter became the first player in Major League history to start at least 40 games each at first base, second base and third base during a season in which he hit 20 or more home runs. Manager Jim Leyland could use him at any of those positions or as a pinch-hitter — although, admittedly, Team USA’s everyday lineup won’t include many matchup weaknesses.

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U.S. baseball officials also have strong interest in adding Daniel Murphy as an infielder and designated hitter. Murphy is regarded as one of the best pure hitters in the game, and, like Carpenter, he has a simple approach that should be effective at a time of year when players with more complex swings may not be in sync.

Outfielders Giancarlo Stanton and George Springer are known to be under consideration, although it’s not clear yet if either will participate. (Springer also is eligible to play for Puerto Rico.) If Stanton and Springer both agree — in addition to Carpenter and Murphy — then Team USA would be up to 13 position players, leaving a maximum of two additional spots.

Leyland has considered carrying a third catcher, likely a defensive-oriented player who …

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