World Baseball Classic

[S5Dewey]

Have any players violated "contracted obligations" by playing in the World Baseball Classic?

Would a team violate "contracted obligations" by forbidding a player's participation in the World Baseball Classic?

I suspect the aggrieved party would enforce the contract if a violation arose.

I have no doubt that you're right about the courts enforcing the contract - or in this case the lack of any language prohibiting an activity.

Many players have specific clauses in their contracts prohibiting certain activities. I've heard of players who aren't allowed to ski or even play pickup basketball due to the injury risk. IMO teams should contractually require players to be granted permission to play in the WBC.

If a player requested to play in the WBC and that permission was granted they may even consider that as an indication that maybe their future isn't as secure with the team as they wish it were - and reconsider the WBC.

[jad]

I got sick days that I really didn't use (too much work getting ready for a sub) 15 per year. I had accumulated over 400 by the time I retired but I could only get credit for 30.
2 personal days per year that could not be used for recreational purposes.
a couple of bereavement days.
It was enough I guess for me but compared to what these guys have, sounds a bit Draconian.
Got up went to work every day. times have changed.
The contracts that they have negotiated are actually turning me off to the game.

So you would be happier if the hundreds of millions of dollars generated by MLB went to the owners and massahs?

[cp176]

So you would be happier if the hundreds of millions of dollars generated by MLB went to the owners and massahs?

Oh good one. No I would feel a lot better if more of it went to the masses.

[mvp 78]

The Seattle Mariners know the risk of WBC participation but have given their blessing this year to Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, Edwin Diaz, Yovani Gallardo, Tyler O'Neill, Sam Gaviglio, Pat Venditte, Sebastian Valle, Emilio Pagan and possibly Drew Smyly.

Seems reasonable as it's the only way the Mariners players will have a chance to play in any sort of playoff format this year.

[mvp 78]

Oh good one. No I would feel a lot better if more of it went to the masses.

Power to the people.

1. Cheaper beer
2. Scheduled day/night doubleheaders
3. No blackouts for MLB tv
4. Robot umps
5. Get hype

[Jack Flap]

I'll just say that I think Porcello's take on this is the right one, and leave it at that.

[notin]

I'm sorry notin . I just lost track of the situation. Silly me - i thought that spring training was actually part of their job.

The WBC was proposed to the IBAF by Major League Baseball and the MLBPA ( among other professional leagues around the world.) While participating is optional for players, MLB absolutely wants this to happen, which means it is a job someone has to do. It's not the same as, say, Olympic basketball, which has nothing to do with the NBA.

The WBC does create injury risk, but has also lead to the discovery of a few unheard of players (or forgotten) such as reliever Pete Moylan..

[User Name?]

Also, it's baseball in March. Good 'nuff for me.

[greenwell]

I think this early in the year players aren't ready for competitive baseball. More so for pitchers, but you see far more injuries occur in the WBC than during spring training.
My opinion is they should have the WBC in the middle of the season, but without MLB players. I would be more excited to watch the red sox minor leaguers play in the WBC in July than major leaguers in March. They would probably play better as they would be in mid-season form and have something to prove.

[Spudboy]

This is a matter of significant National pride for many Nations. Particularly those in this hemisphere. The WBC is an opportunity for the baseball world to merge momentarily to see how everyone measures up.

Americans may seem blase about it it and that is unfortunate. It's our game. Or it was , anyway.

It's good for the game.

[mvp 78]

This is a matter of significant National pride for many Nations. Particularly those in this hemisphere. The WBC is an opportunity for the baseball world to merge momentarily to see how everyone measures up.

Americans may seem blase about it it and that is unfortunate. It's our game. Or it was , anyway.

It's good for the game.

Is this true? Do some nations really care about this?

[a700hitter]

This is a matter of significant National pride for many Nations. Particularly those in this hemisphere. The WBC is an opportunity for the baseball world to merge momentarily to see how everyone measures up.

Americans may seem blase about it it and that is unfortunate. It's our game. Or it was , anyway.

It's good for the game.

Honestly, I don't see how this tournament benefits MLB. Yes, it is nice for the other countries, but MLB doesn't need the advertising.

[Fisk]

Honestly, I don't see how this tournament benefits MLB. Yes, it is nice for the other countries, but MLB doesn't need the advertising.

Agree does not really do much for the US., but in other countries it's big, which helps promote baseball around the globe, and could lead to a bigger pool of players in the future. I am not a fan of it.

[a700hitter]

Agree does not really do much for the US., but in other countries it's big, which helps promote baseball around the globe, and could lead to a bigger pool of players in the future. I am not a fan of it.

I really don't see the value of it leading to a bigger pool of players. I am also wondering just how accessible it is to the poorer classes in some of those countries.

[cp176]

This is a matter of significant National pride for many Nations. Particularly those in this hemisphere. The WBC is an opportunity for the baseball world to merge momentarily to see how everyone measures up.

Americans may seem blase about it it and that is unfortunate. It's our game. Or it was , anyway.

It's good for the game.

It's good for the game is an arguement that really is hard to argue with. National pride and all the other stuff. You (as in me) look a little like a weasel when you question its value. It is not for me in any way. In my mind, Porcello gets it. I'm selfish I guess. I would much prefer and might even watch a bunch of high level prospects out there doing there thing .