The Final 9

By Mark Newman

Fourteen players currently at the Triple-A level were among those named on Wednesday to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Baseball Team, which is now only a few weeks away from a trip to Beijing and a chance to win gold at the Summer Games.
USA Baseball revealed 23 of the 24 members of a roster that will be led by Davey Johnson, who won World Series championships as a player (Orioles) and manager (Mets). His team features 12 pitchers and 11 position players, and the final roster spot will be filled in the coming days -- ahead of Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad's (BOCOG) cut-off date next Tuesday.

Opening Ceremonies are on 8/8/08, a number that purports good fortune in China, and now it remains to be seen whether that applies to the U.S. contingent. The team will open against Korea on Aug. 13 at Wukesong Baseball Stadium, site of the entire baseball competition. The Olympic Medal Round will be on Aug. 23, a day before Closing Ceremonies.

USA Baseball names Olympic team....