Team USA

[EDGECRUSHER]

I knew before it started that they wouldn't go far because their hearts weren't in it. Canada is about to win by the mercy rule, so that validates my feelings.

This isn't the Dominican Republic where this is the biggest thing to happen to their country since penicillin(which was brought over 10 months ago), the majority of Americans don't care too much about this and so there is no pressure on the players to do so either. In DR, this will be remembered for years. For Americans, this will be forgotten by Opening Day.

[DolFan619]

     You're right, this isn't like USA Basketball taking home a Bronze Medal from Athens.  What are these teams playing for anyway?  Yeah, yeah, yeah, we've seen the commercials...  "For pride, for country, for baseball."  Really though...  what are these teams playing for?  A ring?  cash?  A trophy?  A cookie?  The only two teams this tournament matters to is the Dominican Republic and Cuba, who by the way, will probably win the World Baseball Classic.

  Point is, this loss will not be hanging over the heads of the American sports fan, much less the general population.

[Pats2006]

All the red sox players steped it up yesterday!!

[Phishfan]

I am not really a baseball fan, but I would like to see the US perform well. These players should be giving their full effort or not participate at all. I come from a background where wrestling and soccer were my best sports. Both of these sports consider international competition as the highest level of sport. I doubt the baseball team is taking it this way, but I wish they would.

[Pats2006]

I am not really a baseball fan, but I would like to see the US perform well. These players should be giving their full effort or not participate at all.

I would have to disagree with you. If you were Steinberg would you want Derek Jeter diving into the seats for a foul ball? No. These players have contracts the last thing they want to do is get hurt and miss the season. I don't agree with the whole WBC. If I were a coach I wouldn't want my players taking part in it just for the fact that they have a whole season to for fill. I don't know that's what I think. I still watch it.

[EDGECRUSHER]

The amount of US pitchers who dropped out shows how little it means to them. Then, to make matters worse, the people who put together Team USA should be shot. Barry Zito didn't even get an invite and he said he WANTED to play. Al Leiter has a spot but Barry Zito doesn't?

Also, Griffey in Center? Have Wells there, or at least Johnny Damon. Griffey is a horrible CF now. Puerto Rico didn't go sentimental, they gave Center to Beltran and told Bernie Williams to DH because they know Bernie, much like Griffey, is completely done as a CF. Those Gold Gloves are long gone.

The offense for Team USA has looked like a bunch of millionaires who don't give a shit except Varitek, Griffey and Jeter. I'm not talking stats, I'm talking what they look like when they bat. Only those 3 guys seem happy to be there.

Matt Holliday? Brian Schneider? Jesus Christ, Schneider starting over Varitek TWICE should br grounds for dismissal for Team USA. Buck Martinez is an idiot. How about you ask a guy whose accomplished something in his life?

[Phishfan]

I would have to disagree with you. If you were Steinberg would you want Derek Jeter diving into the seats for a foul ball? No. These players have contracts the last thing they want to do is get hurt and miss the season. I don't agree with the whole WBC. If I were a coach I wouldn't want my players taking part in it just for the fact that they have a whole season to for fill. I don't know that's what I think. I still watch it.

Like I was saying. From my sports background, international competition is the highest level of the sport. I know not everyone feels that way. That's why they should not even compete. Like I said give your all or don't play at all.