Our All-Star catcher will see live game action a bit earlier than most this spring as he accepted an invitation to play in the World Baseball Classic. Chipper Jones has also elected to play in this year's WBC, he will be a returning member of Team-USA having played in the first WBC three years ago. The 16-team event will begin on March 5 and conclude on March 23, meaning players will miss part of spring training with their major league teams.
"I'm pretty pumped up," McCann said. "This is something I've always wanted to do. Ever since the WBC started, I've always wanted a chance to play and here it is." [...]
"I'm just excited to have the chance to share a locker room with guys like Derek Jeter," McCann said. "It's something I'll cherish for the rest of my life." [...]
"To me, this is the Olympics of baseball," McCann said. "This will be the best players from all of the countries. It's exciting to be a part of it. You always look forward to the chance to represent your country."
This will give us a chance to see the new slimmed down version of Heap, as games for the WBC should be televised.