The roster for Team Israel to play in the qualifiers of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in Brooklyn from September 22 was published in late August. We heard from Team Israel Manager Jerry Weinstein about his thoughts on the team and on Israel Baseball
What is your connection with Israel baseball?
I coached the USA Maccabiah Baseball Team in 2005 and then I visited Israel in the fall of 2015. I was struck by how passionate the young players were and by the extreme need to grow the game in Israel. For this to happen we need to heighten people’s awareness and provide more resources to build an infrastructure in the form of facilities.
What’s your overall impression of the Team Israel roster for the WBC qualifiers?
I think we have a good mix of older experienced players and younger players. This could be an explosive offensive group with power coming from 4 or 5 spots in the batting order. We don't have a lot of team speed. Pitching is deep but lacking length. We have more match up reliever types than starters. Just like with our position players we have a good mix of older and younger players. The older players will provide a stabilizing influence on this team.
How are they positioned in the qualifier?
As far as the other teams are concerned, our focus is on our team. That is not to say that we are not gathering intel on the other three teams, but the focus will be on what we do well. Alex Jacobs and his staff of professional scouts is doing a phenomenal job of collecting data.
How has your experience with team Israel been so far?
So far this has been a great experience with the best yet to come. I will say that I never imagined how time consuming this process was going to become. This has been a 9-month voyage with something to address almost every day. That would be OK if not for the fact that I have been working for the (Colorado) Rockies and managing in the Cape Cod League this summer. Lots of irons in the fire.
About Jerry
Jerry has an extensive professional baseball background. He’s been part of the Colorado Rockies organization since 2012, where he is currently the Developmental Supervisor and does special assignment scouting. He has also served as coordinator for Colorado Rockies offense, catching coach and defensive positioning coach. Before joining the Rockies, he was the manager of the Modesto Nuts, a Rockies High A affiliate, Director of Player Development for the LA Dodgers, Manager of the Chicago Cubs’ New York Penn League team, Manager of the Montreal Expos Gulf Coast League team and a roving catching instructor for the Milwaukee Brewers.
