Aybar Happy to Go to the Classic

Seeing Willy Abar’s name on the Dominican Republic’s roster for the World Baseball Classic came as a surprise Tuesday night since he wasn’t on the provisional roster released last month.

But all of a sudden the Dominican club found itself without Carlos Pena
and Albert Pujols, who could not play due to medical reasons,
so they needed a first baseman. And Aybar fit the bill.

Aybar seemed happy Wednesday.

“I’m happy,” Aybar said. “I’m proud to represent my country.”

While Aybar said he was surprised to be picked, his selection wasn’t totally out of right field as Aybar said he talked to Dominican GM Stan Javier last month and the possibility was mentioned.

Aybar will report to the Dominican camp in Jupiter, Fla. sometime next week. Other Rays players included on WBC rosters are Akinori Iwamura and J.P. Howell.
–Bill Chastain