Right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez, one of four Rockies players named to the final rosters for the World Baseball Classic that were announced Tuesday, said he was assured of starting for the Dominican Republic by manager Felipe Alou and pitching coach Mario Soto.

“The Rockies wanted some assurances,” he said. “I just signed a new (multiyear) contract so I understand ... This is the first time I have represented my country. It is a dream come true.”

In addition to Jimenez, outfielder Brad Hawpe and catcher Chris Iannetta are on the U.S. team, right-hander Jason Grilli is on the Italian team, right-hander Manuel Corpas will pitch for Panama and left-hander Adam Bright will be with Australia.

Marcel Lachemann, a special assistant to general manager Dan O’Dowd, will be the pitching coach for the United States, and Vinny Castilla, also a special assistant to O’Dowd, will manage the team from Mexico.

FUTURE HOPE

3 Rockies prospects were listed among the Top 100 prospects selected by Baseball America. Outfielder Dexter Fowler is No. 15, right-hander Jhoulys Chacin is No. 46, and left-hander Christian Friedrich is No. 95.

HE SAID IT

“It was encouraging after having been with the Rockies last year that they gave me an opportunity to come back and play.”

Outfielder Scott Podsednik on agreeing to a minor league contract to return to the Rockies this spring