WBC - A-Rod
The WBC is coming this spring. I, for one am very interested in this. It’s about time that baseball have it’s world cup. Since baseball is out of the Olympics ( and yes….synchronize swimming is still in) this will be our stage for world competition.
My big question is how does everyone feel about which country A-Rod will/should represent? He can play for either the USA or the Dominican Republic ( his parents are from the D.R.). A-Rod is a natural US citizen, but because of WBC rules he is one of many that has a choice of where he plays. He is also the most recognizable and best player that fits in the category. Mike Piazza will play for Italy, even though he is a natural US citizen.
Before I go on my tangent….I want people to know that I am not bashing A-Rod because he’s a Yankee. I am looking at this from a strict baseball point of view. I want the US to win this tournament. I feel that we aren’t the strongest team and we need A-rod to win. At this point it is looking like A-rod will play for the D.R. A team that is power stacked with players such as Albert Pujols, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Vladimir Guerrero, Miguel Tejada and Alfonso Soriano. I feel that without A-Rod, the D.R. is already the strongest team in the WBC. With him, they just might be the best collection of players that has ever…..EVER….stepped on to a ball field to play as one team.
In an interview with MLB.com A-Rod had this to say,
“I know the guys in the Dominican are taking this real seriously,” Rodriguez said. “I think the American team might take it more like an exhibition, but these guys are playing for the pride of their country, to showcase what they’re all about for their home country.”
So, what this is saying to me is…” I want to play on a team that is the best in this tournament. I want to feel what is like to win. Since I have a choice, I am going to take an easier route.” I know that I’m going to get hammered for that, but it’s a chance I’m willing to take. Baseball in the US National Pastime (at least I still feel this way). This our chance to show that this is our game. Even though I think that the D.R., Cuba and maybe Venezuela may be stronger teams. Some will say, “What about Piazza?” Well, Piazza is playing for Italy (not a threat) and Piazza doesn’t impact the game the way A-Rod does.
I’m proud to be an American. I’m not saying that A-Rod isn’t, but it sure feels like he’s turning his back on us. I also think that it’s very important to remember and respect your heritage, which I am happy he is doing that, by honoring his parents. The longer I write the more I’ll probably contradict myself so I’ll leave everyone with this last statement.
A-Rod your are an American. The US baseball team needs you to help us win this WBC. This is our chance to show the world that we are the best in baseball. What do you all think?
S.
December 14th, 2005 at 12:16 pm
I’ll be blunt. A-Rod should play for the U.S. He’s about as dominican as the Pope is african. Taking an easier road is pitiful. I’m amazed that his people didn’t come out and say: “Hey, you’re an American. Play for the UNited States” — there’s no money involved and we invented the damn game.
December 16th, 2005 at 4:12 pm
And now A-Rod isn’t going to play at all. Clearly, he should be on the U.S. team. Or maybe there should be a Native American/Indian team for all the players that have native american blood in their ancestry and don’t want to really compete against the Dominican team on a U.S. team