World Baseball Classic Rosters Announced

[spartans]

Baseball still hasnt sold out half the tickets for the first few games in america. This is going to be a hige flop. Nobody is going to try at all because they really dont have a $$$ motive. My perdiction is half of the US and DOM team backout because they want to avoide injury

[26 to 6]

According to Boras A-Rod WILL play for the U.S. in the WBC.

 

spartans, I know that if games were being played here in New York I would buy tickets. Maybe its just because its in Florida and Arizona...not exactly baseball country

..but who knows

[Ray10]

Like I understand the Government's stance on this and it all makes sense, ya know. But Cuba was allowed to come in here and play the Orioles back in, I think, 1999. And its not like Cuba would be making a profit from this (which is why there is conflict, no trading allowed between Cuba and the United States) because Castro has declared to donate the money.

 

...but also, one thing that would correct it all and that would be Cuba refusing to take any money at all. Of coarse Cuba accepting the money and donating it would be better, but there is always conflict.

 

...I just hope this is corrected, because I would feel as if the win would be cheap because Cuba wasnt involved.

 

Yeah and the IBF is saying that if the U.S doesn't allow Cuba to play then there will be no World Baseball Classic at all. Like honestly just let them play baseball. And put your personal issues aside for a couple of weeks.

[yankeessuck013]

A-Rod will play for U.S. in World Baseball Classic

 

NEW YORK -- Alex Rodriguez plans to play for the United States.

 

His allegiance torn between the Dominican Republic and United States, Rodriguez finally made up his mind Tuesday night and decided he will participate in the World Baseball Classic as a member of the U.S. team.

 

"He spoke to many Dominican friends and American friends, and many American players," agent Scott Boras told The Associated Press. "If he was going to play in the classic, he was going to honor his citizenship and play for the United States."

 

Rodriguez vacillated until the very end. After speaking with the New York Yankees third baseman earlier Tuesday, players' association chief operating officer Gene Orza thought the two-time MVP was leaning toward not playing at all.

 

Later in the day, Rodriguez made his decision to participate, according to Boras.

 

"The guy is one of the best players on the planet. He's finally made up his mind on a very difficult decision. If he wants to play for the U.S., we're definitely glad to have him,'' U.S. general manager Bob Watson said.

 

Tournament organizers remained unsure whether the Bush administration will allow Cuba to participate in the event.

 

The U.S. Treasury Department last month denied baseball's application for Cuba to play in the United States. A permit is needed because of laws governing certain transactions with Fidel Castro's communist country, which generally is not allowed to receive U.S. currency.

 

After Cuba promised to donate any money to victims of Hurricane Katrina, baseball reapplied for a permit and was still awaiting a decision on that second application.

 

"We are very hopeful that ... Cuba will be allowed to participate on the terms that have been negotiated," said Bob DuPuy, baseball's chief operating officer. "It is critical that Cuba participates. Cuba is an important international program, the defending Olympic champion, and ought to be in the World Baseball Classic."

 

Treasury Department spokeswoman Molly Millerwise said no decision had been made.

 

Puerto Rico has threatened to pull out if Cuba isn't allowed to play. And baseball's world governing body, the International Baseball Federation, says it would withdraw its sanction of the tournament.

 

Even home run king Hank Aaron thinks that would be a shame.

 

"I hope that these kids are given an opportunity to play, because whatever happened before, they had nothing to do with it," Aaron said in Washington at an event to promote the World Baseball Classic and celebrate 130 years of Japan-U.S. baseball history. "I just hope they have an opportunity to compete. They really deserve to. They have some great ballplayers in Cuba."

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/worldclassic2006/news/story?id=2295141

[elsrbueno]

A-Rod will play for U.S. in World Baseball Classic

 

NEW YORK -- Alex Rodriguez plans to play for the United States.

 

His allegiance torn between the Dominican Republic and United States, Rodriguez finally made up his mind Tuesday night and decided he will participate in the World Baseball Classic as a member of the U.S. team.

 

"He spoke to many Dominican friends and American friends, and many American players," agent Scott Boras told The Associated Press. "If he was going to play in the classic, he was going to honor his citizenship and play for the United States."

 

Rodriguez vacillated until the very end. After speaking with the New York Yankees third baseman earlier Tuesday, players' association chief operating officer Gene Orza thought the two-time MVP was leaning toward not playing at all.

 

Later in the day, Rodriguez made his decision to participate, according to Boras.

 

"The guy is one of the best players on the planet. He's finally made up his mind on a very difficult decision. If he wants to play for the U.S., we're definitely glad to have him,'' U.S. general manager Bob Watson said.

 

Tournament organizers remained unsure whether the Bush administration will allow Cuba to participate in the event.

 

The U.S. Treasury Department last month denied baseball's application for Cuba to play in the United States. A permit is needed because of laws governing certain transactions with Fidel Castro's communist country, which generally is not allowed to receive U.S. currency.

 

After Cuba promised to donate any money to victims of Hurricane Katrina, baseball reapplied for a permit and was still awaiting a decision on that second application.

 

"We are very hopeful that ... Cuba will be allowed to participate on the terms that have been negotiated," said Bob DuPuy, baseball's chief operating officer. "It is critical that Cuba participates. Cuba is an important international program, the defending Olympic champion, and ought to be in the World Baseball Classic."

 

Treasury Department spokeswoman Molly Millerwise said no decision had been made.

 

Puerto Rico has threatened to pull out if Cuba isn't allowed to play. And baseball's world governing body, the International Baseball Federation, says it would withdraw its sanction of the tournament.

 

Even home run king Hank Aaron thinks that would be a shame.

 

"I hope that these kids are given an opportunity to play, because whatever happened before, they had nothing to do with it," Aaron said in Washington at an event to promote the World Baseball Classic and celebrate 130 years of Japan-U.S. baseball history. "I just hope they have an opportunity to compete. They really deserve to. They have some great ballplayers in Cuba."

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/worldclassic2006/news/story?id=2295141

 

This gives the US an even stronger team. Having A-Rod makes that team better, no doubt about it.

 

Having a World Baseball Classic without Cuba would be a joke. I really hope they iron out their difficulties and get them into the tournament.

[spartans]

and while there at it.. they could import some cuban cigars

[Optimist]

$20 says A Rod shows up in a half Dominican and half American uniform.

[yeszir]

$20 says A Rod shows up in a half Dominican and half American uniform.

Ok. I'll take that bet.

[riverside sluggers]

Red Sox who have made the WBC Roster

 

Dominican Republic

David Ortiz

Manny Ramirez

 

Puerto Rico

Alex Cora

 

USA

Mike Timlin

Jason Varitek

 

Im actually getting excited to see the WBC, its probably moreso that I havent seen baseball be played since October.

[CrespoBlows]

These games are going to suck. They are going to be played as hard as the All Star games were a few years ago. Lots of hugs and stupid s***. It's just a dorky idea.

 

And what if, say, Japan wins? What will it mean? Nothing. Nobody is going to take it seriously. The only way I'd be half interested is if the final game came down to the USA vs Dominican Republic - and even then I'd be pulling for the Dominicans.

 

If you can play these 'games' in March then you don't need spring training to be 6 weeks long to begin with.

 

I'm psyched to watch South Africa play baseball. (When the hell did South Africa learn baseball was invented?)

[KeepTheFaith1229]

Who knows? Someone from some foreign country could be discovered and brought to the MLB.

[CrespoBlows]

Baseball still hasnt sold out half the tickets for the first few games in america. This is going to be a hige flop. Nobody is going to try at all because they really dont have a $$$ motive. My perdiction is half of the US and DOM team backout because they want to avoide injury

 

The point wasn't to sell tickets here in the United States. They have that market established. The main point is to sell tickets in Italy, in Japan, even in South Africa. Baseball is trying to become global, and this is good idea to establish that.

[Redguitar985]

That would be pretty cool, though, if this got big, and in a few years, teams like England, France, and other European teams started playing. Imagine the Irish national baseball team!

[26 to 6]

Red Sox who have made the WBC Roster

 

Dominican Republic

David Ortiz

Manny Ramirez

 

Puerto Rico

Alex Cora

 

USA

Mike Timlin

Jason Varitek

 

Im actually getting excited to see the WBC, its probably moreso that I havent seen baseball be played since October.

I was just watching the Red Sox/Yankees from April 24, 2004 on NESN and I am amped and ready for the season (despite the Yankees losing that game)

 

..but I cant wait either.

 

A little off topic, but does anybody think that the WBC, following this year, should be played after the World Series? I feel that players should be in spring training with their teams, especially guys new to their team like Johnny Damon. And it makes it hard for guys like Hideki Matsui, who isnt playing due to all the travel and the effect it would have on him during the season (remember, if he played he would have to go to Japan in late February, then back to America whether Japan advances or gets eliminated). If it was in early November guys like Matsui would be able to play, guys like Damon would be able to play and still be in spring training with their new teams getting accustomed to that team's system, and it would have more of a meaningful, postseason feel being right after the World Series. And not to mention everybody would still be in good shape from the season.

 

 

..just my opinion, I really hope MLB and the IBF address this and change it.

[CrespoBlows]

That would be pretty cool, though, if this got big, and in a few years, teams like England, France, and other European teams started playing. Imagine the Irish national baseball team!

 

France can stay the hell out. No country sucks more than New Saudi Arabia.

 

England actually had one player pitching for them. I think his name was Lance Painter.

[26 to 6]

That would be pretty cool, though, if this got big, and in a few years, teams like England, France, and other European teams started playing. Imagine the Irish national baseball team!

lol, that would be great.

 

But yea I agree, hopefully Rugby and Soccer (or shall I say Football) arent the only sports played in Europe. English Baseball would be cool as hell.

 

I'm psyched to watch South Africa play baseball.

Me too, lol seriously. Im very interested to see how they do. They obviously wont advance though, being in the same pool as the US, Canada, and Australia.

[26 to 6]

France can stay the hell out. No country sucks more than New Saudi Arabia.

 

England actually had one player pitching for them. I think his name was Lance Painter.

Where/When was Lance Painter pitching for England?

[CrespoBlows]

Where/When was Lance Painter pitching for England?

 

Not for England, he pitched for the Cardinals. I think he was born in England, but don't quote me on it. (It may have been Australia)

[26 to 6]

Not for England, he pitched for the Cardinals. I think he was born in England, but don't quote me on it. (It may have been Australia)

sorry, my mistake.

[26 to 6]

sorry, my mistake.

yes, he was born in Bedord, England

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5030

[Redguitar985]

I was reading the Manchester United magazine the other day, and there was one article about how the players decided one day to try playing other sports for fun. There were pictures of Wayne Rooney with a baseball bat trying to hit baseballs. It was pretty cool.

[a700hitter]

$20 says A Rod shows up in a half Dominican and half American uniform.

ARod is going to maintain his neutrality. I heard that he will be playing for Switzerland.

[26 to 6]

ARod is going to maintain his neutrality. I heard that he will be playing for Switzerland.

lol my friend said the same thing yesterday...except he said for Japan or China and I countered with South Africa

[ahhchon]

the wbc is GARBAGE... how can you respect a tournament that is not allowing CUBA to play? i don't care what people say, it's stupid.. it's a damn baseball game. banning cuba from the games absurd.

 

secondly.. if i were the dominicans i'de put soriano on a boat and tell the usa to take him.. they have placido or belliard they can start over him, to think soriano is a starter is silly.

 

john

[gosox613]

CUBA IS PLAYING NOW YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS i am so happy this makes the classic so much better and it makes me that much less pissed off at our government. let the boys play

[gosox613]

Heres the link for the cuba story: http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060120&content_id=1298440&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

[Bostons_Finest]

Venezuela Bitch!

[26 to 6]

Very good news for the Classic.

[Redguitar985]

Who's going to play for Cuba? Jose Contreras and Livan Hernandez come to mind, but who else?

[VA Sox Fan]

Just heard on MLB Homeplate on XM Sat. Radio that Pedro said that A-Rod should play for the Dominicans like Piazza playing for Italy and Nomar playing for Mexico (ie..Americans player for their "heritage" team) b/c the Domincan press will pretty much ignore him and MFY fans of Hispanic descent will be offended...

 

Doesn't your heart just break for A-Fraud?....he just can't win...sniff sniff...boo fk'n hoo!