With MLB spring training in full throttle, baseball will receive some international flavor Thursday when the second and third qualifier for the World Baseball Classic gets underway at Estadio B-Air in Mexico and Rod Carew Stadium in Panama.
Some prominent major leaguers, past and present, are taking time out of their busy spring training schedules to try and help their native countries qualify for the classic. Here are some recognizable names who could give their squads a notable edge during the two qualifiers.
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Mexico
One of the most dangerous hitters in baseball will give the Mexican squad a formidable presence in its lineup while playing in front of a crowd in its favor.
Gonzalez - whose brother Edgar will also be a member of the Mexican team - is taking time away from Los Angeles Dodgers spring training to help his country qualify.
"I think it's fantastic," Dodgers manger Dave Roberts told reporters in support of Gonzalez. "I'm happy he's playing for his country. It means a lot for him and his family. And as a veteran player, we really don't need to concern ourselves with Adrian getting ready for a season."
The 33-year-old slugger will bring a career .290/.363/.497 slash line, as well as 290 home runs and 1,056 RBIs to the table in what should be an easy tournament for the heavily favored Mexicans.
Eric Gagne, Manager, France
The former National League Cy Young winner will offer the French team his wisdom from the bench, as it looks to leave a lasting impression on the crowd in Panama City.
France has never qualified for the WBC, so perhaps Gagne's decade of major-league experience - which included 187 career saves - can help them achieve the feat for a first time.
Carlos Ruiz, C, Panama
The career of Carlos Ruiz looks to be coming close to an end as the 37-year-old backstop and former World Series champion enters what could be the final season of his current contract.
But before Ruiz enters the 2016 campaign as a likely backup in Philadelphia, he'll represent his native Panama in his homeland.
The Panamanian squad has been to the classic before, but has yet to win a game at the big event. If the club manages to qualify and pull off the accomplishment of winning a game during the main event, it would be a grand parting gift for Ruiz as he winds down his career.
Oliver Perez, P, Mexico
While the Mexican squad already possesses a strong lineup, anchored by Gonzalez, its bullpen also features an experienced arm in left-hander Oliver Perez.
The former big-league starter, turned reliever, has seen a lot of success since switching to the bullpen in 2012.
Perez held left-handed hitters to a .185 batting average last season split between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Houston Astros.
Carlos Lee, Manager, Panama
Carlos Lee has represented his native Panama in the field during past WBC's, but this time around he'll be offering his advice as a skipper.
The 39-year-old former big leaguer offered plenty of pop to whatever club employed him during his major-league career, hammering 358 home runs, so perhaps his expertise will up the home run antes for the Panamanians.
Dilson Herrera, 2B, Colombia
Although Herrera was among the New York Mets cuts on Tuesday, the 22-year-old left an impression on the club with an inside-the-park home run during spring camp.
Now the versatile defender will bring his abilities to Panama City to play for his native Colombia, which has never qualified for the event, but have a fighting chance against the likes of Spain, France, and Panama.
Garth Iorg, Manager, Germany
Former Toronto Blue Jays infielder Garth Iorg will take the helm of the German squad as it sets its sights on trying to qualify for the WBC for the first time.
Iorg was never a head coach in the bigs, but did serve as first- and third-base coach for the Milwaukee Brewers during his time with the club from 2008-14.
