Remember the last time that they had the World baseball Classic. Dice-K was overused as a pitcher by South Korean team, and as a result, they in effect DESTROYED his arm and career. He was recently cut by Cleveland in what was probably his last chance at continuing his major league career.
Well, Dodger third baseman, Hanley Ramirez is the latest victim of the WBC. While watching highlights of the Dominican's win the other day I noticed he landed on his thumb while trying to field a ball. He will now miss at least 8 weeks of the season due to thumb surgery.
Rehab may take even longer because thumb injuries have a way of effecting the swing even AFTER the injury is healed. His career is not over, but it's the kind of thing I'm always concerned about when players aren't playing for their "real" teams.
Yes, the same type of injury could have occurred in spring training, but when it happens THAT way, at least it was for the team paying him. Now, the team PAYING him doesn't have his services because someone else's agenda superseded theirs.
I think MLB should set up some kind of fund for teams who LOSE players due to injury in the WBC. THEY sponsor the tournament and expect superstars to play. It's only fair that those who hold the contract on the player shouldn't be responsible for paying the player if injuries occur.
Actually, if players WANT to represent their countries so badly, they should sign an agreement that states, THEY will be responsible for ANY injury that occurs. They could sign an agreement that hold themselves totally libel if injuries occur and that any time lost will not have to be paid by their contract owners.
Players want the honor of representing their country without assuming any of the responsibility that goes along with possible injuries. This is one of the major reasons that I hate PRO athletes playing in exhibition contests like this and the Olympics. IF someone else is paying your salary for your skill you should not be taking injury risks playing for someone else WITHOUT assuming the salary risk to yourself as well.
So the same organization who allowed a "tie" a number of years ago during an All-Star Game so players "wouldn't get hurt," allows players to play all-out in a baseball tournament a few weeks before the season starts?
ReplyDeleteMLB wants a bigger world-wide audience to produce more revenue. This is their master plan and NOTHING is going to get in the way of it.
ReplyDeleteIf a few players need to be sacrificed in the process, well, I guess that's just part of the game. /s