Rays 3B Evan Longoria, who spent some time this morning on Radio Row at the Super Bowl media center promoting the Sportys baseball video, is preparing to play in the World Baseball Classic if needed.
Longoria was included on Team USA's 45-man provisional roster and, despite the planned inclusion of veteran 3B David Wright and Chipper Jones, said he may end up on the 28-man active roster.
"It's going to come down to who wants to play and who doesn't want to play,'' Longoria said. "I'm sure there are going to be guys who are first on the list. Chipper is kind of relegated to like DH/outfield/first base if they want him, and David Wright is the only other third baseman.
"As of now I'm going to prepare like I'm playing, and we'll see.''
Longoria said Team USA officials contacted him to see if he wanted to be on the preliminary roster but he hasn't heard anything since. "If they call me, I'm going to be ready to go,'' he said.
The video, available at TheSportys.com for $19.99, teaches kids 3-11 about the basics of the game, and includes a poster of Longoria and tips about how to play.
Joe Maddon, Johnny Damon and Evan Longoria are only some of the Rays you'll meet through our new video interview series. Don't see your favorite player yet? Check back often, as we'll add to the series as the season progresses.
