World Baseball Classic In March: It's Just Plain Silly

Is Bud Selig out of his mind?  I understand what he is trying to do with the World Baseball Classic, but the risk is much higher than the reward. 

The idea of playing this tournament during spring training is ridiculous.  The tournament is once again scheduled to start the first week of March. Instead of continuing their throwing programs, pitchers are leaving Arizona and Florida to participate in this meaningless tournament. 

As a Cub fan, I was relieved to see that Rich Harden bowed out of this tournament.  White Sox fans must also be relieved to see that Jon Danks and Bobby Jenks said thanks but no thanks to the classic.  Hopefully more players will follow. 

I understand its an honor to play for your home country, but players have a responsibility to their current major league teams.  Players are being paid millions, and there is no reason for them to leave their current teams two weeks into spring training.

If you're a Cardinals fan, you have to be frightened to death to see Albert Pujols listed on the Dominican Republic roster.  Yankees fans will have to deal watching their future hall of fame left side of the infield playing in this tournament. The risk is way too high.

Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of Major League Baseball expanding worldwide.  It was great to see a country like Italy represented so well during last years Little League World Series.  

I am certainly aware that the popularity of baseball has increased worldwide, and much of that was due to the first World Baseball Classic.  It's great to see baseball being played across the world, but it can't be done at the expense of our Major League ball clubs.  

 Here is some advice for Mr. Bud Selig.  Play the tournament during the first two weeks of November, and play it every three years.  Players will be stretched out, and if someone like a David Wright gets hurt they have all offseason to heal up.