Saggese has no regrets after surprise run with Team Italy

JUPITER, Fla. – Infielder/outfielder Thomas Saggese returned to the Cardinals on Wednesday after spending more than two weeks with Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic.

Before leaving to represent his great-great grandfather's country, Saggese was wondering if he made a mistake by leaving the Cardinals. His agent assured him he would be OK. It turned out to be a once in a lifetime experience, as Italy went all the way to the Classic semifinals before it lost to Venezuela, 4-2. At first, Saggese didn’t think Italy would go far, but he changed his tune once his team upset Team USA, 8-6, in Classic Pool Play.

Saggese, 23, credits Italy manager Francisco Cervelli and teammate Vinnie Pasquantino for the team going far in the tournament.

“I think it’s just the team chemistry, the way that Francisco ran it and got the team together and gave the reins to Pasquantino,” Saggese recalled. “What Pasquantino did was extremely special. He made the group feel at home. He did certain things in the clubhouse and made everybody get to know each other really quickly. To get thrown in a tournament like that I think makes you grow tighter as a team. All of that helps. We were a good team. I just think if you have talent, anything can happen.”

Saggese didn’t see much playing time in The Classic, going 1-for-11 in four games, but he was able to take plenty of batting practice and fielding drills before each game. With six games remaining in the exhibition season, Saggese plans to “play hard and let the chips fall as they may.” He is still trying to make the team. In fact, Saggese was in Wednesday’s lineup, playing left field and hitting sixth against the Astros at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.

“I got a lot of work in. That was a good thing. I assumed it would be good to play [for Italy],” Saggese said. “Now you deal with whatever has to come. I don’t really regret it. It’s worth it. It’s a fun experience. Now it’s time to make the team.”