Ramirez won't play winter ball but will play in the WBC

[Jon]

AP[/url]"]Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez has been named to the Dominican Republic team for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, his first opportunity to represent his homeland.

 

Ramirez, 27, was selected to play third base for the Caribbean nation after New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez's decided not to play in the inaugural tournament.

 

"I want to represent the Dominican Republic. I have never had the opportunity to represent my country," he told the newspaper Listin Diario, noting that he had not played for the Dominican Republic in the annual Caribbean Series.

.................

Ramirez, who was born in Santo Domingo, said injuries keep him from playing in the Dominican winter league alongside other major leaguers.

Still not 100%, unfortunately. Hopefully it isn't anything new.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

AP[/url]"]Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez has been named to the Dominican Republic team for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, his first opportunity to represent his homeland.

 

Ramirez, 27, was selected to play third base for the Caribbean nation after New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez's decided not to play in the inaugural tournament.

 

"I want to represent the Dominican Republic. I have never had the opportunity to represent my country," he told the newspaper Listin Diario, noting that he had not played for the Dominican Republic in the annual Caribbean Series.

.................

Ramirez, who was born in Santo Domingo, said injuries keep him from playing in the Dominican winter league alongside other major leaguers.

Still not 100%, unfortunately. Hopefully it isn't anything new.

 

It was probably just a translation error. What he said was "doughnuts" keep him from playin in the DWL.

[EricG]

probably means he can't get treatment/rehab for past injuries in Dominican. I have heard rumors that some players will spend their mornings at the dentist during spring training to fix their problem teeth.

[jtownie]

Perhaps he meant that he was working more on his conditioning due to his injuries. I may have been able to participate in the DWL but chose to work on getting his legs in better shape so that he can avoid injuries.

[snoodmonger]

I thought it meant he didn't want to risk getting injured. The meaning is pretty unclear.

[frostwyrm]

I don't like this. Aram's baseball skills are already plenty good and they don't need more work. He needs to be in the gym toughening up his muscles and improving flexibility.

[treebird]

HOORAY our already injured star hitter just signed up for a bonus month of competitive baseball that will have no impact on the cubs' season

[USSoccer]

Another reason to absolutely despise the WBC.

 

If Ramirez gets hurt during this "competition" I'm going to be seriously ticked off.

[Laura]

The Daily Southtown[/url]"]

For the Cubs, Carlos Zambrano is expected to join Garcia on the Venezuelan team along with catcher Henry Blanco. Neifi Perez might play for the Dominican Republic, and there is some confusion as to whether or not third baseman Aramis Ramirez will play for the Dominican Republic.

 

Ramirez told The Associated Press he was going to play, but as of late last week Cubs manager Dusty Baker said he wasn't told that Ramirez committed.

[USSoccer]

The Daily Southtown[/url]"]

For the Cubs, Carlos Zambrano is expected to join Garcia on the Venezuelan team along with catcher Henry Blanco. Neifi Perez might play for the Dominican Republic, and there is some confusion as to whether or not third baseman Aramis Ramirez will play for the Dominican Republic.

 

Ramirez told The Associated Press he was going to play, but as of late last week Cubs manager Dusty Baker said he wasn't told that Ramirez committed.

 

Let's hope he decided to skip the worthless event and concentrate on his upcoming MVP season with the Cubs instead.

[frostwyrm]

Another reason to absolutely despise the WBC.

 

If Ramirez gets hurt during this "competition" I'm going to be seriously ticked off.

 

An injury would suck, but having him show up to spring training with the same soft underdeveloped legs from last year is what scares me. Until he builds up his legs he'll keep having one nagging muscle injury after another. I will even go so far as to predict Aram will have a lousy 2nd half if he hasn't improved his lower body strength/flexibility.