Two-time defending World Baseball Classic champion Japan has released its preliminary roster for the 2013 edition of the tournament, and as expected manager Koji Yamamoto will be relying on a young, domestic-based squad as he attempts to guide Samurai Japan to a third consecutive title.
Yomiuri Giants catcher and Central League MVP Shinnosuke Abe highlighted the list of 34 players that the manager announced on Tuesday at a Tokyo hotel.
"I'm appreciative of the players who accepted our invitation, Yamamoto said. "We have players who have experienced past WBCs and have those who will play on the international stage for the first time. We hope this experience will help shape these young players as well.