It was bound to happen--again--and will continue to occur as long as the World Baseball Classic Playoffs continue to interrupt MLB's Spring Training. Every since it's (WBC), players have been injured trying to serve two leagues. Being paid by , and volunteering for the other.
Ordinarily the so-called 'paymaster' (MLB) would establish the rules involving both parties, but this is Bud Seligs' pet project, which can benefit Major League, a whole. But at what cost? Many of the owners do not share his enthusiam, and have been secretly vocal. When the BC games began a couple of years ago, they were 'openly' vocal in their opposition. The loudest voice--George Steinbrenner--is ill, and unable to make comment. But where's Hank?
Yesterday, two Yankees (Robinson Cano-2B & Damaso Marte-P) returned to the Yankee training camp 'injured', while playing for Dominican Republic. They will not be allowed to suit-up for tomorrows game. Both players say that they experienced a "tightness, shoulder and pectoral, respectively before theysuited for the DR. And they still proceeded? Not too smart. Especially Cano, after the sub-par season he had last year. They (Yankee Brass) say that the injuries are not that "serious", but prefer "caution", at this point. Players rarely mix hyperbole with their statements on personal health, i.e., A-Rod claiming that he felt "a little stiffness" in his hips.Well, that "..little stiffness" led to surgery--with more to come--and maybe 90-days or more on the DL. Marte said he suffered 'pectoral soreness' after lifting 25lb. weights (is this guy a midget?)Well, he better hope that its only a litte soreness.A 'pectoral' problem can lead to a long stay on the DL and is easily agravated. With the money invested in both players, such caution makes sense. Maybe the 'injuries' aren't that serious. Unfortunately, statements like that where said prior to a player being placed on the DL for 30-60 days. Fortunately, Derek Jeter is the only Yankee still playing in the WBC competition. Let's hope he returns sound.
When the Mets pitcher Johan Santana felt a "tightness" in his shoulder, he didn't hesitate. He felt that his first obligation was to the New York Mets. After all, they're paying his salary. The fact that it was 'guaranteed' was beside the point. It's called responsibility ! Something only a few players know anything about. We know baseball is a kid's game, but some kids know about and practice responsibiliy...and they're not paid. But why should the Major League baseball players care, they'll get paid whether they are on the field, or not.
While the New York Yankees have NEVER been a strong proponent for these games, injuries like this simply give them more verbal ammunition directed at the cancellation of the WBC. I think you're going to see fewer Big Name players participate in the future...making room for prospects and top miner-league players. Or, perhaps, one day a 'Big Name' player will get seriously injured contributing to a permanent halt to the games.
Ordinarily the so-called 'paymaster' (MLB) would establish the rules involving both parties, but this is Bud Seligs' pet project, which can benefit Major League, a whole. But at what cost? Many of the owners do not share his enthusiam, and have been secretly vocal. When the BC games began a couple of years ago, they were 'openly' vocal in their opposition. The loudest voice--George Steinbrenner--is ill, and unable to make comment. But where's Hank?
Yesterday, two Yankees (Robinson Cano-2B & Damaso Marte-P) returned to the Yankee training camp 'injured', while playing for Dominican Republic. They will not be allowed to suit-up for tomorrows game. Both players say that they experienced a "tightness, shoulder and pectoral, respectively before theysuited for the DR. And they still proceeded? Not too smart. Especially Cano, after the sub-par season he had last year. They (Yankee Brass) say that the injuries are not that "serious", but prefer "caution", at this point. Players rarely mix hyperbole with their statements on personal health, i.e., A-Rod claiming that he felt "a little stiffness" in his hips.Well, that "..little stiffness" led to surgery--with more to come--and maybe 90-days or more on the DL. Marte said he suffered 'pectoral soreness' after lifting 25lb. weights (is this guy a midget?)Well, he better hope that its only a litte soreness.A 'pectoral' problem can lead to a long stay on the DL and is easily agravated. With the money invested in both players, such caution makes sense. Maybe the 'injuries' aren't that serious. Unfortunately, statements like that where said prior to a player being placed on the DL for 30-60 days. Fortunately, Derek Jeter is the only Yankee still playing in the WBC competition. Let's hope he returns sound.
When the Mets pitcher Johan Santana felt a "tightness" in his shoulder, he didn't hesitate. He felt that his first obligation was to the New York Mets. After all, they're paying his salary. The fact that it was 'guaranteed' was beside the point. It's called responsibility ! Something only a few players know anything about. We know baseball is a kid's game, but some kids know about and practice responsibiliy...and they're not paid. But why should the Major League baseball players care, they'll get paid whether they are on the field, or not.
While the New York Yankees have NEVER been a strong proponent for these games, injuries like this simply give them more verbal ammunition directed at the cancellation of the WBC. I think you're going to see fewer Big Name players participate in the future...making room for prospects and top miner-league players. Or, perhaps, one day a 'Big Name' player will get seriously injured contributing to a permanent halt to the games.
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