World Baseball Classic will have Colorado Rockies' Carlos Gonzalez, Ramon Hernandez in play

Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez (Karl Gehring, The Denver Post)

At the end of the 2012 season, the Rockies had nearly 10 players talking about participating in the World Baseball Classic. In the end, the Rockies figure to lose only three to the spring tournament following the announcement of WBC provisional rosters.

All-star outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and backup catcher Ramon Hernandez will represent Venezuela and minor- league outfielder David Kandilas will play for Australia.

The rosters were notable for omissions. Rockies shortstop Troy Tulo- witzki, as expected, wasn't listed on Team USA's roster. There's a remote possibility he could be added next month or before the Americans' first game, which is March 8, if he shows he is healthy with the Rockies. But Team USA manager Joe Torre

Rockies catcher Ramon Hernandez (AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post )

indicated his preference is to add a starting pitcher with the one current open roster spot.

Team USA will monitor Detroit's Justin Verlander in spring training, hopeful that he will consider joining the club. Several U.S. stars chose to bypass the WBC, including outfielders Andrew McCutchen and Mike Trout and pitchers David Price and Clayton Kershaw.

Gonzalez, 27, was a lock for Venezuela's roster. It's important for him to play in the WBC because, much to the chagrin of his countrymen, he doesn't participate in winter ball.

CarGo has done commercials to promote the event, as has Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera.

Hernandez's inclusion on Venezuela's team was a mild surprise because of his age (36) and last season's injuries. Now in better shape and his left hamstring fully healed, Hernandez is playing winter ball, though as a first baseman, while prepping for the WBC.

Rockies properties Jeff Francis (Canada), Adam Ottavino (Italy), Wilin Rosario (Dominican Republic) and Nolan Arenado (Puerto Rico) passed on the event. After nearly a lost season due to an setback in his left elbow recovery, Jorge De La Rosa was never viewed as a possibility for Team Mexico. Vinny Castilla, a former manager for the Mexican club, is listed on the country's coaching staff but told the Rockies on Thursday that he won't be involved.

Footnote. With spring training 24 days away, the Rockies are looking to add a veteran starting pitcher. They pursued Kyle McClellan, who signed with the Rangers, and Aaron Cook, who joined the Phillies on a minor-league deal. The Rockies have interest in Jair Jurrjens, who plans to play in the WBC, and Derek Lowe and Brandon Webb, who's expected to throw for scouts soon. As it stands, the rotation candidates include De La Rosa, Francis, Jhoulys Chacin, Juan Nicasio, Drew Pomeranz, Christian Friedrich and Tyler Chatwood.

Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1294, trenck@denverpost.com or twitter.com/troyrenck

Source: http://feeds.denverpost.com/~r/dp-sports-rockies/~3/3kW4g7e83Hc/ci_22398750

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