Andy Pettitte will be reunited with former manager Joe Torre, this time as part of Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Pettitte, who was with the Yankees from 1995-2003 and in 2007 when Torre was the manager, has committed to play for the team, according to a CBSSports.com report. Torre, who led the Yankees to four World Series titles in five years from 1996-2000, currently serves as the Executive Vice President for Baseball Operations, and was named manager of team USA last summer.
Also reuniting are R.A. Dickey and David Wright, who were teammates with the Mets for the past three seasons before Dickey was traded to the Blue Jays a month ago. For Wright, it is the second time he’s been named to the team (2009), while the 2012 National League Cy Young winner Dickey was named for the first time in his career.
“After I got the chance to play a few years ago, I knew I wanted to participate again. The biggest reason is obviously the opportunity to represent your country and wear the uniform with USA across the chest. It’s an incredible feeling,” Wright told the website.
Given that he plays on the Mets, this is a chance for Wright to actually play on a winning team.
“Also, I get to be around some of the best players in the game for a few weeks. It’s a great atmosphere and I try to learn and pick up some things from those guys,” Wright said.
Also among those players who have committed are Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira, Joe Mauer, Brandon Phillips, Giancarlo Stanton, Jonathan Lucroy and Shane Victorino. Braves closer Craig Kimbel, who tied for the NL lead in saves with 42 in 2012, leads a bullpen that includes Chris Perez, Vinnie Pestano and Luke Gregerson. The team will be unveiled in its entirety on Thursday