'Ready to compete': What to expect from O's at the Classic
This story was excerpted from Jake Rill’s Orioles Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Cedric Mullins traveled west on Monday, leaving Florida for Arizona to begin his preparations for the World Baseball Classic. By Tuesday, the Orioles’ center fielder was participating in drills with his new USA teammates at the Papago Sports Complex in Phoenix.
The U.S. squad Mullins joined closely resembles an MLB All-Star team. It’s one of the biggest reasons why the 28-year-old is excited to take part in the Classic.
“Being out there with Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, and just to see what some of the other guys do on a daily basis,” Mullins said. “Trea Turner, outstanding player. Tim Anderson, I’ve played against a few times. He’s a great dude, awesome player as well. It’s just all-around going to be fun.”
The World Baseball Classic started with Pools A and B earlier this week, but Pools C and D won't begin until this weekend. That latter batch includes three key O’s players: Mullins (United States), outfielder Anthony Santander (Venezuela) and right-hander Dean Kremer (Israel).
Pool play for the Classic runs through Wednesday, which will be followed by the quarterfinals (March 15-18), semifinals (March 19-20) and championship game (March 21).
Here’s when you can see Baltimore’s representatives in action over the next several days (all times ET):
Team USA's Pool C schedule (Chase Field, Phoenix)
Saturday vs. Great Britain, 9 p.m. on FOX
Sunday vs. Mexico, 10 p.m. on FS1
Monday vs. Canada, 10 p.m. on FS1
Wednesday vs. Colombia, 10 p.m. on FS1
“Looking forward to just getting in and getting settled, getting into a routine again and of course, being around some of the most renowned talent in the game,” Mullins said. “It’s going to be a fun experience, for sure.”
Team Venezuela's Pool D schedule (loanDepot park, Miami)
Saturday vs. Dominican Republic, 7 p.m. on FS1
Sunday vs. Puerto Rico, 7 p.m. on FS1
Tuesday vs. Nicaragua, 12 p.m. on FS2
Wednesday vs. Israel, 12 p.m. on FS2
“I feel really good,” Santander said. “I’m seeing the ball good, body is good. I think that’s more important, because it’s early to play nine innings. But body is really good, and I feel like I’m ready to compete.”
Team Israel's Pool D schedule (loanDepot park, Miami)
Sunday vs. Nicaragua, 12 p.m. on FS2
Monday vs. Puerto Rico, 7 p.m. on FS1
Tuesday vs. Dominican Republic, 7 p.m. on FS1
Wednesday vs. Venezuela, 12 p.m. on FS2
“I was excited when the rosters came out, and I was excited when I got asked last year this time whether I wanted to play or not,” Kremer said. “Any time I get to represent the country, I’m more than happy to do it.”