Japan Announces Roster for 2009 WBC

The Japanese team realeased their roster for the 2009 WBC. Included in the roster are five MLB players: Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, Red Sox ace Daisuke Matsuzaka, Mariners catcher Kenji Johjima, Rays infielder Akinori Iwamura, and outfielder Kosuke Fukudome of the Cubs.

Japan kicks off their title defense of March 5th at the Tokyo Dome. The other teams in Group A are South Korea, Taiwan, and China. The top two teams in each of the four groups will advance to the 2nd round and the WBC final will be played on March 23rd at Dodger Stadium.