Team USA out to prove '06 flop was a fluke

Before Team USA's first workout on Monday, second baseman Dustin Pedroia issued a mission statement.

Pedroia told everyone in the clubhouse just how worn out he is from hearing Boston teammate Daisuke Matsuzaka brag about Japan winning the inaugural World Baseball Class in 2006 while the United States failed to go beyond the second round.

It is time to put an end to that, Pedroia said.

"I know they don't want to have to hear that kind of stuff again,' said USA manager Davey Johnson, who heard Pedroia's talk.

In case anyone missed the point, Johnson threw in a Jimmy Rollins-like proclamation a few moments later.

"We're definitely the team to beat,' Johnson said. "What happened last time sticks with a lot of guys. It jolted them, and they're pumped up to play.'

The world awaits.

Team USA begins opening-round play in the WBC on Saturday against Canada in Toronto. Like the USA men's basketball team at last year's Bejing Summer Olympics, the USA baseballers seek redemption after an international flop.

Source: foxsports.com