World Series champion shortstop Jimmy Rollins of the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego ace Jake Peavy, the 2007 NL Cy Young Award winner, are among the U.S. players eager to take part in the second World Baseball Classic.

USA Baseball released a list of 22 potential players yesterday who have expressed interest and are being considered for the American roster to be managed by Davey Johnson.

During the winter meetings last month, it was announced New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter will play for the U.S. team — and USA Baseball executive director Paul Seiler didn't hesitate in naming Jeter the starter.

Others announced yesterday included Milwaukee outfielder Ryan Braun; Cleveland infielder/outfielder Mark DeRosa; Detroit outfielder Curtis Granderson; Atlanta infielder Chipper Jones and catcher Brian McCann; Twins right-hander Joe Nathan; Houston right-hander Roy Oswalt; Boston infielders Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis; and Mets third baseman David Wright and pitcher J.J. Putz.

Provisional 45-man rosters will be announced Jan. 19, with final rosters of 28 players set by Feb. 24. First-round games will be played in Tokyo, Mexico City, Toronto and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Defending champion Japan faces China on March 5 in the opener.

Second-round action moves to San Diego and Miami, while the semifinals and finals will be played at Dodger Stadium.

PENNY IS A RED SOX

The Boston Red Sox have finalized a one-year contract with pitcher Brad Penny, a deal worth about $5 million.

The 30-year-old Penny is a two-time All-Star who struggled with injuries to his shoulder and side last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He went 6-9 with a 6.27 ERA in 17 starts and two relief appearances.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

BOWDEN BACK FOR 34TH

Bobby Bowden says he'll be back for a 34th season as coach at Florida State.

The 79-year-old Bowden said yesterday that details of his new contract are being finalized. He also said his longtime defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews will return.

Bowden earns slightly more than $2 million a year.

Bowden's 382 career wins are one fewer than Penn State's 82-year-old Joe Paterno, who is the winningest coach in major college football.

Florida State was 9-4 in 2008 and finished No. 21 in the final Associated Press poll.

AND WHAT'S MORE ...

Scotland's David Drysdale shot a 5-under 66 yesterday for a 131 total and a 1-stroke lead after the second round of the Joburg Open at Johannesburg, South Africa. ... Cal Poly found its new football coach at the school that wooed its old one, hiring Army offensive coordinator Tim Walsh two weeks after Rich Ellerson the left the Mustangs to take over the Cadets. ... UMass athletic director John McCutcheon announced yesterday that football coach Don Brown has resigned to become the defensive coordinator at Maryland and a national search will begin immediately for a new coach. ... Lefthander Dave Roberts, who had a 103-125 career record with a 3.78 ERA for eight teams, including the the 1979 World Series champion Pittsburgh Pirates, died yesterday of lung cancer at his home in short Gap, W. Va. He was 64.