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• Wang status unknown

  14Dec
  Categories: Chinese Taipei, Pool A, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  Taiwan still do not know whether their biggest star, pitcher Chien-Ming Wang of New York Yankees, will attend World Baseball Classic or not.

  Based on SAM BORDEN of New York Daily News, Yankees has submitted a list of players to the Classic committee they wanted removed due to consideration of legitimate reasons like age, injury history and insurance. Their requests were granted include Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Carl Pavano and Jorge Posada, but Wang status unknown.

  Wang is on the preliminary 60-man roster of Chinese Taipei WBC Team, but final roster is not officially announced yet. Wang is a national hero because his performance in Yankees in 2005, under some pressure from his country to participate.

  Yankees’ main concern is Wang’s shoulder. He went on the disabled list after the All-Star break, and return in September. The Bombers do not want him to accelerate his preseason throwing program or overextend himself during an international game, thus leaving him weak or injury during the season.

  “The bottom line is if he’s healthy enough to participate in spring training and everything that goes along with that, then he should be able to participate in the event,” said Wang’s agent, Alan Nero. “My feeling is that if he wants to participate I would encourage him to do so. At the same time I understand where the Yankees are coming from. They’re trying to protect their asset.”

  The Yankees are expecting Wang to be a key piece in their rotation in 2006 and GM Brian Cashman recently joked that Wang is the “most asked-about player in the league” during trade discussions because of his talent and low salary.

  The Bombers don’t plan to deal him, but may not be able to keep him away from the WBC. Joe Torre has said he’s not as concerned about his position players who will take part but would be worried about the pitchers.

  According to his agent, Alan Chang, Chien-Ming Wang will report to Tampa in early January and have his right shoulder examined by Yankee doctors. The Yanks will then tell Wang their opinion on whether he is healthy enough to participate in the World Baseball Classic.

  So we probably will not know the final decision until January.

• A-Rod leans to Dominican Republic

  14Dec
  Categories: Dominican Republic, Pool B, Pool D, USA, WBC2006 Comments: 3

  
  New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez probably will play for the Dominican Republic over USA in inaugural World Baseball Classic next spring.

  When the Major League Baseball announced players who commitments to play World Baseball Classic during Winter Meeting, Rodriguez, who was born in New York but his parents are Dominican, listed “Undecided” and is eligible to play for both the Dominican Republic and the United States.

  “That seems to be pretty much where I’m leaning,” Rodriguez said during an interview on WFAN radio. “I think it’s going to be the team I’m going to represent, kind of like what (Mike) Piazza’s doing with Italy.”

  If Rodriguez joined Dominican Republic, it will add more power to the lineup, which already includes stars like Albert Pujols, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Vladimir Guerrero, Miguel Tejada and Alfonso Soriano.

  “I think the Latino teams are going to have a major advantage, I know the guys in the Dominican are taking this real seriously.” Rodriguez said. “I think that American team might take it more like an exhibition and these guys are kind of playing for their religion down there, the pride of their country.”

  Talking about injuries concern, Rodriguez said. “I am excited and a little nervous, about obviously guys getting injured,” “That time of year you pull a hamstring and you are out three to four weeks. That may impact the whole season. I mean, you may have some type of ill effect going into even June or July.”

  But he still wants to play. “I only know how to play one way once I’m between the lines. I love to compete, I love to play, and I’m going to go all out.”

  Rodriguez is one of three Yankees to commit to play, joining second baseman Robinson Cano (Dominican Republic) and shortstop Derek Jeter (United States). Catcher Jorge Posada wanted to play for Puerto Rico, but the Yankees blocked him from participating. Other players like Hideki Matsui, Chien Ming Wang still undecided about whether to play or not.

  A-Rod, who is well-known for his strenuous offseason workout, will begin baseball activity earlier than usual. Instead of beginning his hitting work around Jan. 1, as usual, he plans to step into the cage in the next 10 days. “There is definitely a sense of urgency for me to get ready a little earlier,” Rodriguez said. “To get more game ready, start throwing earlier.”

  Rodriguez’s spokesman, Steve Fortunato, said the decision will be made by Major League Baseball and the players’ association. “Alex’s comments are based on discussions with the tournament organizers,” Fortunato said. “The organizers are ultimately going to recommend what team Alex should be placed on, and he would follow that. We’re waiting to see what that is. He wants to do whatever is best for tournament.”

  A-Rod leaning toward Dominican
  A-Rod likely picking Dominican team over U.S.
  HE WON’T BE U.S.A-ROD