Recent World Baseball Classic Injuries

As the exciting World Baseball Classic goes into the later stages we have seen many players go down with injuries, most notably Red Sox MVP Dustin Pedroia and Yankees All-Star Robinson Cano. Both of these talented men are important players on their perspective teams and because of this the question is posed, “Overall, is the WBC good or bad for Major League Baseball?” The answer is that it is a combination of both. The positive aspects are that fans are greatly enjoying these early games, when in past years we would be watching boring spring training ones with players we have never heard of. Another good part of the Classic is that it gives the players real, meaningful in game situations even before the season starts. On the other hand, that is also a negative because some people feel it is too early to put these guys into real game situations while they have been resting during the off season. My response to these critics is that when you are a major league baseball player there is no off-season. Believe me, every single player is working out during the off-season. Either they are trying to earn a roster spot or continue to play at a high level that they played at the year before. Another problem with the WBC is the timing, most MLB teams do not want their players missing spring training but such a large event like this gives the players an excuse. The only other possible time when these games could be played is after the World Series but then everyone would be too tired after the lengthy 162 game seasons. All in all, the World Baseball Classic is definitely great for everyone it gives the fans the great baseball action they desire and the players get competitive spring training tune ups for the regular season. Since baseball has been eliminated from the Olympics the WBC is taking its place and so far it has done a very good job. No matter what sport you play there is always a possible chance for injury. Even though a few key players have gotten hurt you cannot get rid of an entire tournament just because of a small percentage of players. The main reason the World Baseball Classic is so special is that no one would be intensely following baseball right now if it weren’t for this great March event.  

Daniel Weberman

NYchalktalk.com