If you've been following the World Baseball Classic this week, you just might have seen a former Crab or two out there representing their countries.
Two players from the 2004 Crabs team are playing in the tournament. Vinnie Pestano, who has established himself as one of the stalwarts of the Cleveland Indians bullpen, is wearing number 52 for the American red, white and blue, while Marco Grifantini is playing for the Italian squad, wearing number 21.
Both teams advanced to the second round out of Pool D in the tournament. Pestano hasn't allowed a run in two innings of work for the Americans. Grifantini was tagged with the loss when America beat Italy in the first round.
Keep an eye out for them if you happen to catch one of these teams on TV. The second round is going on now. Italy dropped a close one to the Dominican Republic on Tuesday, while USA crushed Puerto Rico 7-1. Italy faces Puerto Rico Wednesday at 4 p.m. Pacific time, while USA and the Dominican Republic square off Thursday at the same time. Either or both of our former Crabs could end up in the semifinals next week at AT&T Park!
