U.S. Is Planning to Get Serious

Team USA survived its day on the brink of elimination, and today will play South Africa to advance to the second round of the World Baseball Classic.

Having played itself into a very uncomfortable position, losing to Team Canada on Wednesday and then being educated on the tournament’s tortuous tiebreaking procedures, the U.S. has adjusted its approach.

U.S. Manager Buck Martinez said he no longer would spread innings and at-bats evenly throughout his deep roster, as was his original philosophy, but would stick with the hottest bats and most effective pitchers.

Speaking as Mexico built a large lead against Canada on Thursday night at Chase Field, ensuring his team at least one more meaningful game, Martinez said his lineup would include Chipper Jones as designated hitter and Alex Rodriguez at third base, which he had not previously considered. Also, Derrek Lee will play first base over the struggling Mark Teixeira, and Johnny Damon will play left field. Through two games, the high-powered U.S. lineup is hitting only .231.

Roger Clemens will make his first start of the tournament.

“We’re going to play until we win,” Martinez said, “and those guys will stand out there until we get it done.”

In return for leaving their teams in spring training, Martinez had assured players of significant innings, and even starts. It hurt Team USA against Canada, which built its big lead against middle relievers Al Leiter and Gary Majewski, after starter Dontrelle Willis also was ineffective.

Both relievers were late additions, after C.C. Sabathia and Billy Wagner dropped out.

“I didn’t think anybody needed a wake-up call,” Martinez said. “I thought everybody was well-prepared. But, [the loss] might not have been such a bad thing. I don’t think the players were aware of how international play could change so dramatically.”

U.S. players said their predicament was unnerving.

“With our team, we feel like we can go off and win this thing,” Damon said. “But, we need to get in it [Thursday] night.”