Odd statement

[NorthsideAvenger]

Union COO Gene Orza, addressing Hideki Matsui's decision to skip the event, said in a published report last week: "Every player has a right to play or not to play. You only hope the player who says no has a full understanding of the tournament and the consequences of his nonparticipation, especially when it's a player who wouldn't be here and who wouldn't have the new contract he has but for the association."

 

I understand it is Ken Davidoff of Newsday....but this is a very odd/disturbing statement that was made by the UNION'S COO. I understand the Union is powerful and all, but to make "threats", albeit vague threats. There spinning the statement, but nonetheless it is a "disturbing statement" made by a COO.

[USSoccer]

Nice, Orza. Try and strong arm and threaten MLB players into extending their season and risking injury for a meaningless, useless tournament designed solely to make money in foreign markets.

 

I really don't wish injury on anyone, but what do you think players and GM's around the league are going to think if ARod breaks his hand after being hit by a pitch, or if Dontrelle Willis blows out his elbow playing for Team USA? Do you think they're going to be all ready to send players to this joke of an event next time it comes up?

 

I hate the WBC, and this is coming from a soccer fan who loves the World Cup!

[wastra]

 

I hate the WBC, and this is coming from a soccer fan who loves the World Cup!

 

Really? I like the idea of seeing great players playing for more than money. I like the idea of seeing how japanese pros match up against major league pitchers and vice versa. And on top of that, I think we might get the opportunity to catch first-glimpses of future MLB players.

 

The injury thing is obviously a risk, but I'm actually pretty excited to see the WBC, even if I'm not convinced the format and execution will be perfect.

[J.R.]

That's disgraceful.

[mhuber92211]

Nice, Orza. Try and strong arm and threaten MLB players into extending their season and risking injury for a meaningless, useless tournament designed solely to make money in foreign markets.

 

I really don't wish injury on anyone, but what do you think players and GM's around the league are going to think if ARod breaks his hand after being hit by a pitch, or if Dontrelle Willis blows out his elbow playing for Team USA? Do you think they're going to be all ready to send players to this joke of an event next time it comes up?

 

I hate the WBC, and this is coming from a soccer fan who loves the World Cup!

 

So if Arod broke his hand in a meaningless spring game that would be alright? Are spring training games a joke then too? The WBC is nothing more then exhibition games against different opponents and has the added bonus of being patriotic for players involved.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Nice, Orza. Try and strong arm and threaten MLB players into extending their season and risking injury for a meaningless, useless tournament designed solely to make money in foreign markets.

 

I really don't wish injury on anyone, but what do you think players and GM's around the league are going to think if ARod breaks his hand after being hit by a pitch, or if Dontrelle Willis blows out his elbow playing for Team USA? Do you think they're going to be all ready to send players to this joke of an event next time it comes up?

 

I hate the WBC, and this is coming from a soccer fan who loves the World Cup!

 

So if Arod broke his hand in a meaningless spring game that would be alright? Are spring training games a joke then too? The WBC is nothing more then exhibition games against different opponents and has the added bonus of being patriotic for players involved.

 

Not a good comparison. ST games are part of getting ready for the season, you play with your (future) teammates and the organization supervises all of that. The WBC doesn't really do any of those.

[danonwaveland]

USSoccer wrote:

I really don't wish injury on anyone, but what do you think players and GM's around the league are going to think if ARod breaks his hand after being hit by a pitch, or if Dontrelle Willis blows out his elbow playing for Team USA?

 

Kind of OT, but I remember a story told by Bob Sirott, a local TV guy and long-suffering Cub fan, who was covering 2nd base in a charity softball game. Michael Jordan slid into second while Sirott was holding the ball in his hands. Sirott's teammates screamed at him, asking him why he didn't get in there and tag Jordan out. He replied something like, "Oh, yeah. I can see tomorrow's headline in the sports section: 'Sirott causes Jordan to suffer career-ending knee injury.'" I don't think this World tournament is worth it, either.