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Former Tucson Padres Participating in 2013 World Baseball Classic

January 22, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tucson Padres News Release


The World Baseball Classic begins in March and two players with connections to the Tucson Padres will be playing in the tournament.

Former Padres' first baseman Anthony Rizzo will play for Italy. Rizzo played for the Chicago Cubs in 2012 and hit .285 with 15 home runs. He batted .331 with 26 home runs and 101 RBIs for Triple-A Tucson in 2011. Rizzo, who was born in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was selected to play for Italy, because his great-grandfather is from Sicily. Italy will open the tournament in Pool D in Phoenix, Ariz.

Tucson Padres infielder Jesus Merchan will also play in the WBC for Spain. He played 45 games for the Padres in 2012 with a .366 average and 16 RBIs. Merchan is from Venezuela originally, but will represent Spain in the tournament. Spain will play in Pool C in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Two other former Tucson Padres played in the qualifying round of the World Baseball Classic back in November. Shortstop Everth Cabrera played for Nicaragua and Luis Martinez caught for Colombia.

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