Quotes that Give Me WBC Concern
By Mike Silva ~ March 8th, 2009. Filed under: Mike Silva.
I don’t want to belabor the point I made yesterday about my WBC article picked up by Rob Neyer of ESPN. While reading Anthony McCarron of the Daily News this morning, I came across the following quotes from JJ Putz of Team USA:
“When you’ve got Team USA across your chest, you feel a lot of pressure wearing that jersey and you have to keep your composure because it is tough out there.”
“Peavy came in and said, ‘Hey, when you get out there, take a deep breath because this is nothing like anything you’ve been a part of,’ ” Putz recalled. ” ‘Focus and hit your spots.’ “
Putz, like every other pitcher on a WBC roster, is still building arm strength for the season. He says he’s reached back a couple times and “the velocity is not where you want it to be. So you really have to focus on locating your pitches.”
He admitted pitching in such an intense situation so early in the spring – even though players began camp earlier this year – “definitely takes a toll on you.”
For Putz, however, the toll was worth it Saturday. He was able to craft a moment that will linger among his career favorites, at least until he pitches in the postseason. Right now, Putz said, “this is at the top.”
All these quotes directed contrast with a pitcher getting ready for the season. Putz admits reaching back, possibly toll the tournament will take, and being overcome with nationalism. I understand where Putz is coming from, but is this necessary? You think Jerry Manuel will be overcome with nationalism if Putz is ineffective, or worse yet, injured because of this tournament? Is it fair to put individual’s careers, jobs, and huge amounts of money on the line?
I stand by my assertion that this tournament must fit into the baseball season, not the other way around. Major League Baseball is starting to improve in the common sense category, but they have a long way to go. Let’s hope I am being just being paranoid with my observations.
I will be discussing this, along with other topics, with Howard Megdal on tonight’s Grapefruit Roundup.
