Hirokazu Ibata was the only Dragon selected for the final Team Japan roster this week. Dragons Kazuki Yoshimi, Takuya Asao, Daisuke Yamai and Yohei Oshima participated in preliminary workouts but will not be on the team. Injuries contributed to Yoshimi, Asao and Oshima not being selected (Yoshimi actually withdrew).
Ibata is a good choice for a reserve infielder, he's got a lot of experience and is excellent defensively. He's spent significant time at shortshop and second base, plus he could play the other infield positions in a pinch. I don't anticipate him playing a whole lot based on the talent on the roster, but congratulations to him for making the team, it will be his first time playing in a WBC tournament.
Congratulations as well to the Seattle Mariners who will be playing the tournament, Michael Saunders (Canada), Alex Liddi (Italy) and Oliver Perez (Mexico).
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