Ranking the WBC's 5 best lineups

Regardless of which players decide to participate in the World Baseball Classic, the focus should be on who is present rather than who isn't.

The United Sates, as usual, will have a deep roster, but many teams have managed to put together some impressive major-league talent. And even though it had a few key names absent from its 2013 WBC title-winning squad, the Dominican Republic always boasts a good team and is projected to be in the upper tier once again.

Many baseball fans are going to look to the WBC as a primer for the regular season, and what better way to get up to speed than by being blown away by some imposing lineups with offensive flair?

Here are the top-five lineups in the WBC, ranked:

5. Puerto Rico

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Mock WBC lineup

What Puerto Rico has going for it is young, elite position players. Lindor, Correa, and Baez are three of the most exciting players in all of baseball and will slot in at shortstop, third base and second, respectively. The thought of that should have many fans excited not only for the defense on display, but also the offense as well. Veterans Beltran and Molina will add some solid experience at the dish, but this year it's all about the youngsters.

4. Japan

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Mock WBC lineup

*Stats from 2016 season playing in Japan

**Aoki's MLB stats from 2016

To think how strong this team will be, even without two-position superstar Shohei Otani, is astonishing and speaks to how Japan's lineup should be considered among the best.

Tsutsugo, 25, was ESPN's Dave Schoenfield's most intriguing non-MLB player to watch after a terrific season in his native country. Although its roster only carries one current major-league player in Aoki, Japan has what it takes to get far in the tournament and perhaps even win it all.

3. Venezuela

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Mock WBC lineup

Venezuela is poised to improve on its performance in the 2013 WBC, where it lost two games and failed to advance past the second round. That was then and this is now, and its roster differs greatly from the one four years ago. American League MVP candidate Jose Altuve is in the fold alongside former Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera, boosting the offensive prowess for a team that will go head-to-head with Puerto Rico in Pool D.

2. Dominican Republic

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Mock WBC lineup

The defending champions certainly don't lack star power. The team has some injury concerns, however, as Hanley Ramirez dropped out due to a shoulder issue, eliminating one key source of power. Its roster still features a bevy of veteran sluggers that will make a difference regardless of who surrounds them in the lineup. Not to be discounted is the club's elite speed and top defense, which features teammates Marte and Polanco, along with stud infielders Jonathan Villar and Jean Segura.

1. United States

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Mock WBC lineup

This goes without saying, but the United States' lineup is scary good. Widely considered the favorites thanks to its star power across the board (keep in mind they'll be without Mike Trout and Bryce Harper), Team USA has a lot going for it as it enters the tournament poised not only to win its first ever WBC title, but do so with the best lineup that features some of the games best.