Team USA united by a common goal
Chemistry, positive vibes flow through Americans' clubhouse
By Ed Eagle / MLB.com
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A disappointing eighth-place finish in the inaugural Classic quickly blew that theory out of the water.
Baseball is still America's pastime, but its growing popularity internationally has led to more and more stars coming from outside the 50 states, and more and more teams with enough top-end talent to compete with the U.S. on any given night.
The Americans need to have more than star power to win the 2009 World Baseball Classic. They also need team chemistry. And to hear it from the current U.S. squad, this team has plenty to spare.
"I have no idea how this has happened, to be honest with you," said outfielder Adam Dunn. "It feels like we've been together for a long time.
"It's just a bunch of great guys that, you know, everyone gets along. It's amazing."
Considering the fact that many U.S. players are used to being the top dogs on their respective clubs, not to mention the potentially volatile combination of Yankees players playing with Red Sox and Phillies playing alongside Braves and Mets, the immediate team cohesion was certainly not a given.
"I think everybody has mutual respect for each other," said Chipper Jones, who, along with captain Derek Jeter, has served as a role model of sorts for the younger American stars. "Nobody is stepping on anybody's toes. Nobody's in this for themselves. And we're all pulling for each other and trying to go as far as we can."
So how do you explain the immediate bond? According to USA manager Davey Johnson, it's as simple as a 6-5 win over Canada in the opener and a 15-6 rout of Team Venezuela that assured the U.S. a spot in the second round in Miami.
"Winning the first two games and everybody contributing ... that's what you call chemistry," said Johnson.
The players believe there is more to it than that. While Jones and Jeter are the reserved types who go about their business without making much of a ruckus, Dunn has been credited with helping to keep the group loose as the "class clown."
"Everyone kind of feeds off of both atmospheres," said reliever John Grabow. "Everyone is really having fun when we're off the field and when we're practicing. Once the game starts, it's all business."
More than any other player, Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia has quickly emerged as the glue that bonds this American team. At 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds, the reigning AL MVP is one of the smallest players on the roster, but he also has perhaps the team's biggest personality.
| "I think everybody has mutual respect for each other. Nobody is stepping on anybody's toes. Nobody's in this for themselves. And we're all pulling for each other and trying to go as far as we can." |
| -- Chipper Jones |
Jones affectionately referred to Pedroia as the "USA team mascot."
"He is the fire behind this [team]," Jones said.
Pedroia, who has all of two years of big league experience under his belt, has no problem busting the chops of more experienced players, as he did continually during the workout on Monday afternoon -- an optional workout after a night game that was attended by nearly every player.
"I like to keep the clubhouse loose," Pedroia said. "You're playing under pressure here, especially early in the season, and it's tough enough having 12 or 13 at-bats and jumping into a playoff atmosphere.
"I like to joke around with guys and have fun. I'm going to be who I am, and hopefully, they like it."
Pedroia's favorite target is the mild-mannered Yankees veteran Jeter, a member of the other half of the most bitter rivalry in the big leagues. Pedroia even has an advertisement featuring Jeter posted on his locker at Rogers Centre.
"I like getting on him. It's fun," Pedroia said. "I'm definitely enjoying it every day."
"It's pretty funny," said Jeter. "He does it all in good nature. He's fun to be around."
The positive vibes in the U.S. clubhouse could go a long way toward helping the Americans overcome the disappointment of the 2006 Classic. Having a lineup full of All-Stars who also happen to be good guys certainly can't hurt their chances.
"I am a huge chemistry guy," Jones said. "I'm one of those that believes one bad apple can ruin the bunch, and this is a great group of guys."
Ed Eagle is an editorial producer for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
