Dickey named U.S. starter for WBC opener
Manager Joe Torre named Toronto Blue Jays knuckleballer R.A. Dickey as Team USA's starting pitcher for its opening game of the World Baseball Classic this weekend.
The U.S. team opens WBC play with a game against Mexico on Friday at Chase Field in Phoenix.
Torre also said San Francisco Giants right-hander Ryan Vogelsong is scheduled to start Saturday night against Italy and Texas Rangers left-hander Derek Holland will start on Sunday against Canada.
Torre said Gio Gonzalez of the Washington Nationals will be not be available this weekend., but probably would pitch if the U.S. advances to the second round.
Torre also said Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia will be in the starting lineup on Friday to handle Dickey.
By WBC rules, starters can only throw 65 pitches in the first round, 80 in the second round and 95 in the semifinals.
