GREAT BRITAIN – The International Baseball Federation’s (IBAF) Executive Committee met in London Monday to outline the federation’s goals and strategy heading into a critical 2009 calendar year in which baseball’s Olympic fate will be determined. The biggest headlines from the meeting stem from the IBAF’s continued push to strengthen baseball’...

CANADA - The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame wants fans to vote for the 2008 Tip O'Neill Award, awarded to the country's top ball player. Whether it turns out to be Justin Morneau or Jason Bay, Ryan Dempster or Russell Martin, ...

ITALY - Marco Mazzieri will manage Team Italy also during the March 2009 World Baseball Classic.  The former Team Italy center fielder was given the managing job before the 2007 IBAF World Cup. “We have a long term program with Mazzieri,” ...

JAPAN - New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Monday outfielder Hideki Matsui will not be ready to play for Japan at next year's World Baseball Classic. Full Article: http://www.japanball.com/news.phtml?id=13501

PUERTO RICO - Former major leaguer Jose " Cheíto" Oquendo has been tapped to guide Puerto Rico at the 2009 World Baseball Classic this coming March. Oquendo steered the Puerto Rican squad to the second round of the inaugural Classic which ...

JAPAN - Hanshin Tigers infielder Takahiro Arai has withdrawn his candidacy for next year's World Baseball Classic because of an injury to his lower back that has not fully healed. Full Article: http://www.japanball.com/news.phtml?id=13482

JAPAN - New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui's participation in next year's World Baseball Classic has been called into question based on a new rule of competition regarding players who have spent an extended period on the disabled list. Full Article:...