A-Rod will not play in WBC

[Jiggy_12]

What a stuck-up prick.

Only days after he said he was leaning towards playing for the Domincan Republic over the U.S. he decides not to play for either so he doesn't offend anyone. What a cop-out.

Any sports player with the chance to represent their country in an international event better find a darn good reason if they aren't going to participate.

Link

"After thoughtful deliberations with my family, I am announcing my decision to withdraw from the World Baseball Classic," Rodriguez told the paper. "When faced with the decision to choose between my country, the United States of America, and my Dominican heritage, I decided I will not dishonor either."

You're a dishonor to both, A-Rod.

[socalwingfan]

Originally Posted by Jiggy_12

What a stuck-up prick.

Any sports player with the chance to represent their country in an international event better find a darn good reason if they aren't going to participate.


You're a dishonor to both, A-Rod.

I imagine Jarome Iginla had pretty darn good reasons when he failed to represent Canada in the World Championships in the following years: '96 '98 '99 '00 '01 '02

[Jiggy_12]

Originally Posted by socalwingfan

I imagine Jarome Iginla had pretty darn good reasons when he failed to represent Canada in the World Championships in the following years: '96 '98 '99 '00 '01 '02

In hockey, there are lots of major international tournaments.

In baseball, there aren't. This is the inagural WBC, and takes place during spring training when the players would be playing baseball anyways.

The WHC takes place after the regular season, when the players are exhausted and need the summer months to rest up. Also, wasn't Iggy injured for 2 of those? In the major international tournaments that have taken place recently, Iggy has been there. World cup and '02 games.

[socalwingfan]

A-rod is screwed no matter what he does - if he plays for the US he gets heat - he plays for the DR he get heat - he decides not to play he gets heat. Is Hideki Matsui, one of the most classy and respectful players in the game a prick because he doesn't want to play. 162 games plus playoffs is a long grind (i'm not comparing it to a hockey season 'cause there is no comparison), this tournament has no history or meaning and a lot of guys don't want to play. We'll see people's reactions when a Roy Halladay or Mariano Rivera blows out their arm in this tourney. A lot of teams have already petioned MLB to have some of their players blocked from playing - this tournament is not at the right time of the year - the potential for injuries is high

[JiriHrdina]

Is it possible that Big George is pulling the strings behind the scenes here. The Yankees told Posada not to play. Matsui is also bowing out and now AROD. I can see Steinbrenner basically telling his guys - "you're not playing".

[habernac]

or maybe he is playing?

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5220644