Bonds to skip WBC

[MC Hammer]

http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/9183790

 

SAN FRANCISCO -- Barry Bonds pulled out of the World Baseball Classic on Monday, saying he didn't want to risk an injury that could jeopardize perhaps his final season with the San Francisco Giants.

 

The star slugger had three operations on his troublesome right knee last year and missed most of the 2005 season. Still, he was included on the preliminary United States roster for the inaugural 16-nation tournament, scheduled for March 3-20.

 

"When my name was first announced for the WBC, my gut reaction was that I wanted to play. After much thought and discussion with my family I have decided to remove myself from the upcoming World Baseball Classic roster," Bonds wrote on his website.

 

"After the announcement I received a lot of criticism as well as concern from fans and my family and friends. The obvious objections were about my health and whether or not I would be ready to play. In the end, I decided that I can't take any chances that might jeopardize my season.

 

"I don't want to give the impression that the WBC is not important. I know this means a lot to showcasing our sport worldwide, and the patriotism of playing for Team USA would have been a great honor. I feel what is best for me, my family, the Giants, and our fans is that I sit the WBC out."

 

The 41-year-old Bonds has 708 home runs, third on the career list behind Babe Ruth (714) and Hank Aaron (755). But he is still searching for his first World Series ring.

 

"As it is every season, my main goal and main focus is for our team to win a championship. I need to be in the best physical shape for the 2006 season -- in what could possibly be my last season," Bonds wrote.

 

"I owe it to the Giants organization, my teammates, and most of all to the fans of San Francisco to give 100 percent this season. I assure you, my decision was not an easy one, but based on my circumstances, I had to put my health and my team first. I wish Team USA the best of luck and even though I won't be in the dugout with them, I'll be definitely be cheering them on to bring our country a WBC title."

 

The U.S. still has several big-name stars on its initial roster, including Alex Rodriguez, Roger Clemens, Derek Jeter and Ken Griffey Jr.

AP NEWS

The Associated Press News Service

 

Copyright 2005-2006, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved

[jsinger121]

he shouldn't have had his name on the U.S. team anyways after the injury he had.

[MC Hammer]

Forgot to comment ... I'm so happy steroids wont be the face of the US team.

[Redguitar985]

Forgot to comment ... I'm so happy steroids wont be the face of the US team.

 

Yes, this is good to see. I really wasn't thrilled with the idea of rooting for Barry Bonds.

[riverside sluggers]

Its not about the injuries, its three words: Olympic Drug Testing

[MC Hammer]

Its not about the injuries, its three words: Olympic Drug Testing

You hit the nail on the head.

[a700hitter]

I predict that this WBC will be a bomb.

[He Hate Me]

Its not about the injuries, its three words: Olympic Drug Testing

 

nods. He probably saw what happened with the hockey player (Bryan berard?) who got tested cuz he wanted to play for team USA. Olympic testing, it's a b1tch!