The Cardinals could lose another player thanks to the World Baseball Classic. Outfielder Juan Encarnacion has been asked to play for the Dominican Republic. With Manny Ramirez likely not playing, there is a good chance that Encarnacion could play center field.
Albert Pujols, who has already committed to play for the Dominican Republic, will play tomorrows exhibition opener then leave for the WBC.
Reliever Ricardo Rincon will make a decision today regarding his status on the Mexican team. He’s been invited, but manager Tony LaRussa has suggested that he remain in Jupiter, Florida because he missed the first 11 days of camp.
CARDINALS INVITED TO WBC
•Juan Encarnacion, Dominican Republic
•Yadier Molina, Puerto Rico
•Mark Mulder, Netherlands
•Sidney Ponson, Netherlands
•Albert Pujols, Dominican Republic
•Ricardo Rincon, Mexico
ROYALS INVITED TO WBC
•Elmer Dessens, Mexico
•Ruben Gotay, Puerto Rico
•Aaron Guiel, Canada
•Justin Humber, Australia
•Matt Stairs, Canada