07/13: "How many would we have - everybody?"
Posted by: Patrick
Yanks, big leaguers see trouble scheduling games for March 3-20:
The idea, in theory, is a good one. But, as a Yankees fan, do I want Mo having to get ready earlier, play a high level of baseball earlier and, as a result, be even more taxed in October? Even though most other great players in the league will also be taxed in the same or a similar way from playing the event - honestly, not really. Cliff Corcoran had a great suggestion - why not hold it in November? They'd have three full months off before Spring Training. Is it too late to change?
"I wouldn't make one step without knowing if Mr. George will allow us to play," closer Mariano Rivera of Panama said before last night's All-Star Game, referring to Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. "That's his players. I'm not so sure ."
Gary Sheffield, already on record as saying he would not participate for the United States team, said of The Boss, "If it was me, I wouldn't want my guys playing nine innings in February . That's a lot of baseball." ...
"If you represent your country, you have to be in shape," Rivera said. "I don't play winter ball and I didn't throw ." ...
Rivera wondered what effect it would have on a team like the Yankees, who figure to have numerous players picked for the WBC representing several nations. "How many would we have - everybody?" Rivera joked. "To be away from your team for two weeks in spring training, that's a big deal."
Gary Sheffield, already on record as saying he would not participate for the United States team, said of The Boss, "If it was me, I wouldn't want my guys playing nine innings in February . That's a lot of baseball." ...
"If you represent your country, you have to be in shape," Rivera said. "I don't play winter ball and I didn't throw ." ...
Rivera wondered what effect it would have on a team like the Yankees, who figure to have numerous players picked for the WBC representing several nations. "How many would we have - everybody?" Rivera joked. "To be away from your team for two weeks in spring training, that's a big deal."
The idea, in theory, is a good one. But, as a Yankees fan, do I want Mo having to get ready earlier, play a high level of baseball earlier and, as a result, be even more taxed in October? Even though most other great players in the league will also be taxed in the same or a similar way from playing the event - honestly, not really. Cliff Corcoran had a great suggestion - why not hold it in November? They'd have three full months off before Spring Training. Is it too late to change?
Seamus wrote:
With that said, it's a touchy subject. Many people want to represent their country, but Mr. Steinbrenner pays these guys a lot of money to represent the Yankees. It will be entertaining for me to watch, but part of me also has to agree with Gary Sheffield who basically said he's not going to risk his season where he gets paid $13 million to perform for "something that's made up."