DETROIT – The World Baseball Classic is back in 2017, and the Detroit Tigers have several players committed to playing for teams around the world.
The games start March 6, so the participants' workout and spring training schedules will be affected by how long their country stays alive in the WBC.
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Here are the 10 players involved from the Tigers' organization:
Travis Blackley
Country: Australia
Organization: Minor league pitcher (Toledo Mud Hens)
The 34-year-old left-handed pitcher was signed by the Tigers on Dec. 22 and assigned to the Triple-A Mud Hens. He has pitched in 82 major league games throughout his 16-year career.
Miguel Cabrera
Country: Venezuela
Organization: Starting first baseman
Cabrera rediscovered his power stroke in his age 33 season, crushing 38 home runs and 31 doubles in 2016. He'll be the best power hitter on the Venezuelan roster with his career .961 slugging percentage and over 2,500 hits.
William Cuevas
Country: Colombia
Organization: Minor league pitcher (Toledo Mud Hens)
The 26-year-old signed with the Tigers as a free agent on Nov. 17 and received an invite to spring training. He is scheduled to begin the season with the Triple-A Mud Hens. In three games with the Boston Red Sox last season, Cuevas struck out three hitters in five innings and allowed two runs.
Joe Jimenez
Country: Puerto Rico
Organization: Minor league pitcher (Toledo Mud Hens)
The Tigers' No. 5 prospect is probably the top player to watch on this list. The World Baseball Classic will give Tigers fans a look at Jimenez against major league hitters -- something he hasn't faced in his four-year career. Jimenez is the top relief pitching prospect in the organization and could step in to help a Tigers bullpen that has been consistently weak over the last decade.
Ian Kinsler
Country: United States
Organization: Starting second baseman
Kinsler is the Tigers' lone participant on the USA roster and will join a loaded infield that includes Rockies start Nolan Arenado, Astros rookie Alex Bregman and Royals' Eric Hosmer. Kinsler was the Tigers' best player last season, playing strong defense at second base and slugging .484 out of the leadoff spot. He finished the season with 28 home runs and 14 stolen bases.
Victor Martinez
Country: Venezuela
Organization: Starting designated hitter
Martinez is 38 years old, but he's still suiting up for his country this spring. The Tigers' designated hitter bounced back to hit 27 home runs in 2016, and he finished with an .826 OPS. Martinez is a one-dimensional player, as he doesn't play defense and has established himself as a historically slow base runner.
Dustin Molleken
Country: Canada
Organization: Minor league pitcher (Toledo Mud Hens)
Molleken has been in the minor leagues for 13 years, playing for 11 different teams. In 2016, he got a cup of tea in Detroit and struck out eight batters and allowed four runs in 8 1/3 innings.
Francisco Rodriguez
Country: Venezuela
Organization: Primary closer
Rodriguez has played in the majors since 2002 and had a pretty solid first season with the Tigers. He appeared in 61 games, saving 49 games and posting a 1.14 WHIP.
Bruce Rondon
Country: Venezuela
Organization: Relief pitcher
Rondon is only 26 years old, but he's already had a roller coaster career with the Tigers. He's been an exciting, flame-throwing prospect, he's been a minor league star and he's been sent home early for not trying hard enough. He was one of the team's most reliable relievers in 2016, allowing just 12 runs in 36 1/3 innings and striking out 45 batters.
Warwick Saupold
Country: Australia
Organization: Minor league pitcher (Toledo Mud Hens)
The 27-year-old Australian made his MLB debut with the Tigers last season, allowing eight runs in 9 2/3 innings and striking out 10 batters.
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