Young Royals players are soaking up knowledge from Team USA’s all-star roster at WBC
Team USA beat Colombia 3-2 on Wednesday night and advanced to the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals.
Next up is a knockout game on Saturday against Venezuela in Miami.
Although a pair of young Royals have played sparingly in Team USA’s four pool games, they have gained valuable experience in a different way. Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. told USA Today’s Bob Nightengale he’s absorbing all he can from the likes of Mike Trout, Nolan Arenado, Mookie Betts and many others on the star-studded roster.
That trio alone has made 23 All-Star Game appearances.
“I’m learning the little things, doing the fundamentals right, getting your body right, and getting ready for the game,’’ Witt told USA Today. “They made me understand that you’ve got to make sure your body feels good, your bat feels good, your glove feels good, and making sure everything is just right.’’
Witt has appeared in two games, making one plate appearance. He had a double against Mexico. In that game, right-hander Brady Singer pitched in relief, allowing four earned runs in two innings. Mexico won 11-5, handing the Americans their only loss in pool play.
Singer will hope to make up for that performance, but like Witt, the World Baseball Classic has been about more than just how he plays.
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa told the MLB Network last week that Singer also has been talking with veteran stars on the team.
“Adam Wainwright, I’m watching him with Brady Singer, and you can tell Brady is just eating up every piece of information that Adam Wainwright is giving him,” DeRosa said.
The opportunity to learn goes beyond teammates. Team USA’s hitting coach is Ken Griffey Jr. and the pitching coach is Andy Pettitte. Dave Righetti is the bullpen coach.
“It’s a blast, these are the things you dream of,’’ Witt told USA Today. “It’s like a two-way All-Star game. It’s incredible just getting around these guys, seeing all of the All-Stars, and the work they put in. You’re just talking about baseball, or whatever, every single day, which is awesome.
“You kind of emulate what those guys are doing, and learning what I need to do to get ready. Believe me, I’m soaking it all in.’’
This story was originally published March 16, 2023 at 9:48 AM.
