Winn Named to U.S. Team For World Baseball Classic

Winn Named to U.S. Team For World Baseball Classic

Feb. 15, 2006

MLB.com

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - It was announced Tuesday that former Santa Clara baseball standout Randy Winn has been named to the 30-man U.S. team for this spring's World Baseball Classic. Winn ended the 2005 season in style, earning National League Player of the Month honors for a September in which he led the Majors with 51 hits, an .447 average and an .877 slugging percentage.

Winn is the lone San Francisco Giant on the U.S. team after slugger Barry Bonds, who initially agreed to participate in the tournament, pulled out to concentrate on getting healthy for the regular season. The WBC features more than 400 players from 16 countries competing in the event, which will run March 3-20, with the semifinals and final slated at PETCO Park in San Diego.

"It's a real honor to be chosen to represent the US for the WBC," said Winn. "I'm really excited and looking forward to the opportunity to challenge the other countries."

Winn, returning to his Bay Area roots in a midseason trade, hit .359 for the Giants over 58 games, clubbing 14 homers and driving in 26 runs, while adding a .680 slugging percentage and a .391 on-base percentage. Countries participating in the WBC are: Pool A -- China, Chinese Tapei, Japan, Korea; Pool B -- Canada, Mexico, South Africa, U.S.; Pool C -- Cuba, the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Panama; Pool D -- Australia, Italy, Dominican Republic, Venezuela.

Winn will be playing against his Giants teammates when the U.S. squad squares off at Scottsdale Stadium in a March 5 exhibition match. The U.S. will also play South Africa in a WBC clash there on March 10.