Oct 18, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Yankees catcher Russell Martin (55) during game four of the 2012 ALCS against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

We just saw an email announcing that eight Pittsburgh Pirates will be playing in the World Baseball Classic. When the topic was discussed at PirateFest, the Bucs executives mentioned that they asked their players if playing in the tournament is something ‘you feel passionate about doing?’  It was an interesting take on the subject.

The rules have been adjusted this year, the rosters have been adjusted to conceivably increase playing time, but we still think this is a hiccup in the big picture plans of a ball team.   There just isn’t a way to explain it to me otherwise, but heh, if Russell Martin plays shortstop–I will watch.

Anyway, here are the Pittsburgh Pirates players that will be playing this year in the WBC from the email the Bucs sent out:

• Ivan DeJesus*, INF – Puerto Rico

• Jason Grilli, P – Italy

• Chris Leroux, P – Canada

• Russell Martin, C – Canada

• Wandy Rodriguez, P – Dominican Republic

• Ali Solis*, C – Mexico

• Jameson Taillon*, P – Canada

• Stefan Welch*, INF – Australia

Eight Pirates were named today to participate in the World Baseball Classic (WBC), which will be played in March 2013.

Leading the way are closer Jason Grilli, starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez and catcher Russell Martin.

The WBC is the premier international baseball tournament, and features the “best”  (their word not mine) players in the world competing for their home countries and territories. More than 1.5 million fans from all over the world have attended the tournament games, held in March 2006 and 2009.