ATLANTA -- Brian McCann watched with interest in 2006, when his childhood friend, Jeff Francoeur, along with Chipper Jones, represented the Braves as members of the United States team that participated in the inaugural World Baseball Classic.

Now McCann finds himself with the opportunity to share this experience with Jones.

Earlier this week, McCann and Jones both accepted invitations to compete for Team USA during the upcoming Classic, which will be staged March 5-23.

"I'm pretty pumped up," McCann said. "This is something I've always wanted to do. Ever since the WBC started, I've always wanted a chance to play and here it is."

Jones was a member of the U.S. team during the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006. This time around, he'll likely share some time at third base with David Wright and be utilized as the club's designated hitter.

As for McCann, he's looking forward to the opportunity to share the catching duties with Joe Mauer. Over the past three years, the two young catchers have combined to win four Silver Slugger Awards and earn five All-Star selections.

"I'm just excited to have the chance to share a locker room with guys like Derek Jeter," McCann said. "It's something I'll cherish for the rest of my life."

McCann and Jones will leave Braves camp to join Team USA in Clearwater, Fla., on March 2. After playing three exhibition games in Florida, including one against the Yankees on March 3, the U.S. team will head to Toronto to prepare for its March 7 Classic opener against Canada.

Joining the U.S. and Canadian teams in Toronto will be Venezuela and Italy. These four teams will stage a six-game double-elimination tournament from which the top two teams will advance to the second round in Miami.

The World Baseball Classic will begin with four pools, consisting of 16 different teams. There will be two second round double-elimination pools, consisting of the top two teams from each respective pool.

The top two teams from the two second round pools will advance to the single-elimination semifinals, which will be staged in Los Angeles on March 21 and 22. The winners of those two games will then meet for the championship at Dodger Stadium on March 23.

"To me, this is the Olympics of baseball," McCann said. "This will be the best players from all of the countries. It's exciting to be a part of it. You always look forward to the chance to represent your country."