You say you’re a Hemi-powered American, a flag-waving patriot, a champion of freedom, if not capitalism.
When life gives you a hill of beans, you buy a grinder and open a Starbucks. You want Toby Keith to run for president. Good for you.
At the risk of ruining your day, tell me how jazzed you are about the World Baseball Classic.
Five weeks before Team USA’s first game, manager Buck Martinez confronted the lead balloon hanging over the event as the country prepares to wade knee-deep into Super Bowl guacamole dip: Do Americans really care about this spring fling?
“I have played in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic and know about baseball being a fabric of those countries,” Martinez told The Denver Post. “But to say that it means more to Latin players or any other players, I don’t buy it. When it gets closer, you will see how much it matters. We don’t want to be a nice participant, we want to win the thing.”
The inaugural WBC pits 16 teams, vying, theoretically for bragging rights. In places such as Mexico and the Dominican Republic, the tournament has sparked intense interest, triggering debates about potential dream lineups. In the U.S., more attention has been given to those not suiting up, a list that welcomed Barry Bonds, Lance Berkman and Tim Hudson last week.
The absence of U.S. superstars and strict pitch counts fuel skeptics who say this is nothing more than a contrived exhibition to amplify MLB’s presence around the world.
That criticism, while fair, misses the point, said Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday, whose chance of making Team USA increased with Berkman’s exit.
“I know firsthand it’s very meaningful to the people involved, how seriously they take this,” said Holliday, who represented Team USA in 2003. “It’s important we do well.”
No one is suggesting the WBC will morph into a charming Winter Olympics after-dinner mint. Or that red, white and blue painted faces will dot the Chase Field crowd when Team USA faces Mexico on March 7. But two factors suggest the WBC will capture attention. First, watching a collection of greats trumps seeing your team’s Double-A roster after the fifth inning of a traditional spring game, and, oh yeah, Cuba is involved.
Animosity is wonderful for ratings – why do you think “Survivor” is so popular?
For the WBC to work, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and U.S. need to reach the final round – the only chance to avert gazes from college basketball’s March Madness.
At this point, the intoxicating desire to win will override the event’s bridled nature and secure the tournament’s future. Unless of course, a New York Yankee suffers a serious injury.
Amphetamine update
Players and team trainers are expected to receive the list of banned amphetamines under baseball’s new drug policy this week. Violators are subject to counseling and suspension for the first time this season. Early prediction: Red Bull sales will skyrocket.
“I absolutely think there will be an impact on the game (because of testing),” former star Andre Dawson said.
Footnotes
General manager Theo Epstein is back in Boston. The timing is perfect since the predicted Blackberry blackout could have ended negotiations with owner John Henry and left Epstein as the wizard behind the curtain deep into August. … Martinez said his roster will be pared from 52 to 30 players when Team USA reports March 3 in order to limit spring-training disruptions.
Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-820-5447 or trenck@denverpost.com.
