WBC Rosters: David Hernandez, Miguel Montero and Gerardo Parra Included

The one of most immediate interest is David Hernandez, who is part of the Mexican roster, that goes up against Team USA, Canada and Italy in Pool D. located here in Phoenix. It's thus possible we could see Hernandez on the mound, as team-mate Willie Bloomquist stands in the batter's box, when the two teams face off on March 8th. The Venezuelan squad will have a couple of well-known Diamondbacks on it as well, with Miguel Montero and Gerardo Parra both making the first list: Montero will split catching duties with the Rockies' Ramon Hernandez, and the Venezuelan outfield looks impressive, with Parra joining Martin Prado and Carlos Gonzalez. It's Gerardo's second WBC selection.

They will play in Pool C, which takes place in Puerto Rico's Hiram Bithorn Stadium. Also there, but playing for the home team, will be Nelson Figueroa, who signed a minor-league contract with Arizona last month. It's a return of sorts, as the veteran pitcher Figueroa made his debut for the Diamondbacks, starting three games in the 2000 campaign, before being part of the Curt Schilling trade. The 38-year-old Figueroa has since been through Philadelphia (twice), Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Washington, both NeThe rest of the World Baseball Classic provisional rosters were named this afternoon, and four additional Diamondbacks will join Willie Bloomquist and Heath Bell in the event. w York teams, Houston, Toronto and Boston, most recently reaching the majors in 2011 with the Astros.

There are still some spots to be filled, as the teams can name up to 28 players in total - for example, the Mexican roster currently has only 20 names on it. Teams have until February 20th to submit a final squad.