White Sox pitchers excited as they head out to pitch for their countries in World Baseball Classic

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Jose Quintana's family is coming to him to watch the World Baseball Classic. Miguel Gonzalez is going to his.

Along with relievers Nate Jones, David Robertson and Giovanni Soto, the two veteran pitchers left the White Sox on Monday to meet their respective WBC teams. The tournament begins this week.

Gonzalez is playing for Mexico, which is playing in Pool D in Guadalajara, Mexico. Soto is playing for Puerto Rico, also in Pool D, while Robertson, Jones and Quintana are traveling to Miami to join Team USA and Colombia, which are in Pool C. Quintana has been named the starter for Colombia when it faces the United States in both teams' WBC opener on Friday.

"It's a different feeling because you have your whole country behind you," Quintana said. "It's an honor for me, and I'm really excited for this huge tournament. It's my pleasure to be there for my country. I can't wait."

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Gonzalez, who went to high school in Southern California, was born in Guadalajara. Most of his family lives about an hour from Estadio Charros de Jalisco, the venue hosting Pool D, which also includes Italy and Venezuela. The right-hander expects upwards of triple-digit support when he takes the mound for Mexico, which hosts Italy in its first game on Thursday. Gonzalez was tentatively scheduled to pitch in Saturday's game against Puerto Rico.

"Can't tell you exactly, but probably more than 100 for sure," Gonzalez said. "My dad's side of the family, there's 16 brothers and sisters, and my mom's side there's seven. There's definitely going to be cousins, friends and family there for sure.