Memo To Mets, Johan:FORGET The WBC
We're only weeks away fronm the start of spring training, and it is AWESOME to know that the Mets are leaning towards NOT allowing Johan Santana to pitch in the World Baseball Classic in March. After acquiring K-Rod and Putz, the Mets have been too darn quiet. Thank the Lord that they seem to understand that Santana is needed between April and October. The Classic looks like a great thing, but only because baseball doesn't approach marketing the game here in the U.S. Having this tournament during spring training is also pretty stupid.
Don't get me wrong: I love the idea of seeing baseball grow. Despite Bud Selig, the DH and pitchers who shouldn't be in the majors, when done well hardball is better than any sport. The problem is, you have to hope that you get it done well. Kids in this country get bored watching 4 hour games, especially when they start at 8:30 or 9:00 pm Sunday nights and during October. Ticket prices for Mom and Dad are skyrocketing in the USA. So, like any good business, MLB wants to expand its scope. Great. But by not making the growth of the game in the U.S. the #1 priority, you lose the fan base here. Of course, MLB doesn't care WHERE the growth comes from. Money is money. Sadly, you lose a fan base here. In a way it's like Citibank, Verizon or other companies outsourcing customer service jobs to other countries even though they're based in the U.S. The bottom line rules the day.
Reason #2 to detest the WBC: As we said up top, having it during spring training when players are rounding into shape and/or adjusting to a new club is dumb. Period. If Santana gets hurt in a glorified exibition game and isn't 100% when the Mets need him in September or October, the Mets and their fans lose out much more than the WBC does if he doesn't pitch for Venezuela. The WBC is a good idea-AFTER the season, and with the knowledge that MLB is doing as much to expand baseball in American inner cities as in Latin America and the Far East.
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Comments: 2
I loved the first WBC! The purist in me...who appreciates the idea of playing for one's country and for the love of the game... can't wait for March. I also like the fact that I can watch players from various countries who I would never get to see play or players I don't regularly see in action. Endy Chavez came into my life in 2006 right before he started with the Mets. I experienced that Gumby-esque style of his while on the Venezuela team. Say what you want about his numbers and ability to be a starter, Endy has to hold a special place in your heart for what he can do in the outfield and at times, when all the Mets needed was a single. I digress...here comes the BUT with the WBC.
BUT, would I allow my ace to set himself up for potential harm and waste precious Spring Training time to rehab that bum knee? I think not. It's not about the millions I have spent on him but its about April through October (right Bobby?) BUT, yes... another BUT...as a player, I would want to play in the Classic and figure if my teammates (Beltran, Delgado etc) get to play than so should I?
Can we compromise? Is it possible to allow Johan to start a certain number of games and "check in" at all time...It's that Mom in me. It could work.
Like Lolita, I also loved the initial edition of the World Baseball Classic (WBC). To me, baseball is a twelve month a year sport, and I enjoy seeing competitive baseball with the best players represented in early March. I wish games were televised in the Winter Leagues, at least one per week. The Caribbean World Series is February 2-7, by the way, and will probably be televised locally on Sports Net New York (SNY).
As for Johan Santana, I like the compromise proposed by Lolita. You certainly do not want him to put his knee in danger, but maybe we can monitor this throughout February in Spring Training and make the decision right before the WBC.
As for marketing the game, I agree that the Bud Selig administration has been tarnished by steroids, late post season starts and a number of other problems such as a tied all-star game and decisions in the middle of Game 5 of the 2008 World Series in Philadelpia.
I think the WBC is a positive for Bud. Baseball is an International game and is being marketed globally. We need to keep this in mind.