The Good and Bad of Sending Players to the WBC

In March of 2009, it will be time to watch baseball players worldwide compete in the World Baseball Classic. Sixteen countries will be represented in four different pools playing throughout the world. 

For many countries, this classic will not necessarily interfere with their players and team schedules. In the case of those players who are professional athletes from Major League Baseball, the timing of the classic could possibly affect them and their teams greatly.

It is important for baseball players from all nations compete in this event that was last held in 2006, but I'm not sure the timing that will coincide with Spring Training is beneficial to our players. 

Spring Training is a time of making sure their bodies are conditioned and mental approaches are focused to prepare for the long regular season and with the hopes of playing postseason baseball in October.

Rosters will consist of 28 players, on average 13 pitchers and 15 position players including catchers, infielders, outfielders and utility (multi-position players). The pitchers participating are limited in innings; however, the position players are not and they know that they are expected to play the full game the majority of the competition. 

This could be hazardous because of the risk of injury to players whose muscles are not quite warmed adequately and could adversely affect their seasons, individually and team-wise. Even though accidents and injuries can occur anywhere else, the injuries sustained could ultimately be career threatening. 

Teams whose players are considering the possibility of representing their countries need to weigh the benefits and potential losses of sending their players away from camp for as long as three weeks.

Players who are rehabbing from surgery, such as Johan Santana and John Maine from the Mets, should not participate, their teams need to monitor their status. David Wright has committed to playing for Team USA in the Classic, which is a bit surprising because he is the "captain" of a team that has collapsed late in the year for both 2007 and 2008. 

Although he is extremely tough and durable, the Mets have to be at least a little concerned about the possibility of a lengthy stay on the disabled list in case of a serious injury, such as hamstring strains or groin pulls because besides being a slugger, David Wright is a very aggressive and fast base runner.