Comments on: Not Enough Anti-WBC Pressure

By: FunBobby

FunBobby — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:26:11 +0000

That is a better idea. Every two years is too often. The less it happnes, the more meaningful it is.

By: Erica

Erica — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:17:15 +0000

Maybe the WBC should happen less frequently- every five years, say, instead of every two. Then players will only get the chance to join their country’s team a couple of times during their whole careers. That might encourage more participation.

By: FunBobby

FunBobby — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:22:43 +0000

I think they should just cancel it all together the more I think about it. There just isn’t a time for it. I think once the early novelty of it wears off, fewer big name players will volunteer. Just like the NBA dream team. And as younger players get bigger contracts (like Longoria and Tulo) they will be less inclined to play as well. Perhaps we will start seeing clauses in contract that if a player gets hurt in the WBC the contract will be voided or something. That is a little extreme and harsh, but teams would be wise to protect their “assets” as Brian Cashman calls them.

By: sirsean

sirsean — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:12:25 +0000

That's a good point, I suppose. It wouldn't be nearly as exciting.

In order for it to work, it needs major leaguers. But not during the season, during spring training, or in the brief offseason when the players are recuperating from the physically and mentally grueling season.

By: Erica

Erica — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:09:43 +0000

sirsean- I think using only minor leaguers is why Olympic baseball wasn’t all that thrilling and ended up getting cancelled. If the best players don’t play, what’s the point? It’s NOT exactly as exciting with minor leaguers- you’re basically watching the Caribbean Series. I’d rather watch Morneau (who DOES get excited about the WBC) at first for Canada than some schmuck I’ve never heard of before.

By: sirsean

sirsean — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:00:39 +0000

Maybe only minor leaguers should be allowed to play.

Most other countries aren't stacked with major leaguers, and the big players don't really want to do this regardless of their nationality.

But I'm sure minor leaguers would love to take a shot at the spotlight, it'd be exactly as entertaining (possibly more so), and there's no injury risk for important expensive players in the majors.

By: FunBobby

FunBobby — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:33:46 +0000

Since baseball will no longer be an olympic sport (at least temporarily), maybe they should use what used to be the olympic team during the WBC.

By: Erica

Erica — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:31:12 +0000

I'm looking forward to the WBC- but I'm a flag-waving nut who gets jazzed about Olympic curling and volleyball...

Even so, I hope Liriano decides to skip it. I'd rather watch him in 30+ starts during the season.

By: Marv

Marv — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:08:14 +0000

I should be say that I feel it is more appropriate for the players to be tired for the WBC than the MLB season because the MLB season is what puts food on the player’s tables.

By: FunBobby

FunBobby — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:08:06 +0000

True. If we had to have it, I’d rather have the WBC teams suffer due to player fatigue than the Twins (or whatever team I support)