Team USA's best assets are outfield and relief pitching

The World Baseball Classic has been going all week. But for many here in the good ol' USA., the tournament really kicks off Friday when R.A. Dickey takes the ball for Team USA against Mexico as part of Pool D play. They'll follow with matchups against Italy on Saturday and Canada on Sunday. For those who aren't up-to-date on the U.S. roster, here's a breakdown of each position.

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Venezuela
Reigning AL MVP and Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera leads a star-studded infield (Elvis Andrus, Pablo Sandoval). Carlos Gonzalez of the Rockies anchors the outfield, while Anibal Sanchez is the ace of a staff that could have included Felix Hernandez, who passed due to ongoing contract negotiations.

Japan
The winner of the first two WBCs will be playing without Ichiro Suzuki, who declined a roster spot, for the first time. Power-hitting catcher Shinnosuke Abe is the reigning MVP of Japan's Central League as well as the team captain. Former major leaguer Kazuo Misaki is the only name most Americans might be familiar with.

Dominican Republic
Robinson Cano, Jose Reyes, Hanley Ramirez and Edwin Encarncion make for a scary-good infield. The D.R. balances a talented lineup and strong pitching with starters Edinson Volquez and Wandy Rodriguez plus one of 2012's most successful closers, Fernando Rodney.