Joe Torre named GM of Team USA for World Baseball Classic

On Thursday, USA Baseball announced that Hall of Famer Joe Torre has been named the General Manager of Team USA for the 2017 World Baseball Classic. In the article released by USA Baseball, here is what Torre had to say regarding the announcement: "I'm excited to be involved again," said Torre.  "I had a taste of international play in 2013 and was disappointed that we didn't advance further. I'm going to do everything I can to build the right team and help Jim Leyland take us to the next level." https://twitter.com/USABaseball/status/743512495911014402 Torre debuted for Team USA in 2013 as the team's manager.  In addition to Torre in 2013, the coaching staffed included the likes of Larry Bowa, Marcel Lachemann, Greg Maddux, Dale Murphy, Gerald Perry, and Willie Randolph. Torre has had an incredible career in baseball both as a player and a manager. As a player, Torre was named a nine-time All-Star (1963-1967, 1970-1973), achieved a Gold Glove Award (1965), National League MVP (1971), National League RBI leader (1971), and as a manager added four-time World Series Champion (1996, 1998-2000) and American League Manager of the Year (1996, 1998) with the Yankees.  The Yankees retired his number, #6, in 2014 and he was named to the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame Class of 2016. He currently sits as Major League Baseball's Chief Baseball Officer, which his title changed to in December 2014 after accepting the position of Executive Vice President for Baseball Operations in February 2011. In April it was announced that former Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland was named the manager of Team USA for the 2017 World Baseball Classic.  In addition to Leyland, the coaching staff includes: Willie Randolph, Jeff Jones, Alan Trammell, Marcel Lachemann, and Lloyd McClendon. https://twitter.com/USABaseball/status/721848540486635520 In the coming months, look for Team USA baseball to finalize the staff and roster.  One name that has shown interest in playing for Team USA: Bryce Harper.  Soon enough we shall see who will play for the United States in 2017. The final World Baseball Classic qualifier will be held starting September 22 at MCU Park in Brooklyn, N.Y. and will feature teams from Pakistan, Brazil, Great Britain, and Israel.  The winner of the final qualifier round will join the United States among many other nations at the 2017 WBC.