Following the devastating news of New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz suffering a torn patellar tendon in his right-knee that will force him to miss the entire 2023 season, baseball skeptics across the world have chimed in with their opinions on what is right from wrong in regards to high-profiled players participating in the World Baseball Classic.
But, rather than hear the common, generic take from analysts… what are the players thinking? What is their thought process on deciding to play in the World Baseball Classic? Why is the World Baseball Classic so important for some countries, but not others?
Team Dominican Republic – Image Credit: World Baseball Classic/MLB
Previously this week, in an exclusive interview with La Vida Baseball, several players on Team Dominican Republic were asked, what would be more significant in their playing career: winning a World Series or winning a World Baseball Classic? Here are their thoughts:
“Wow, that’s a tough one,” Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks said. “I’ll go with the WBC. Representing our country has no price.”
“Everything you do for your country, has a bigger significance,” Dominican Republic’s general manager and San Diego Padres DH Nelson Cruz said. “The WBC is the real World Series because it’s when all of the countries play each other.”
“We know the significance it has for us Dominicans. And the love we have for the game. So we understand the responsibility, the weight we carry on our shoulders, to do a good job and to make our fans feel proud.”
Nelson Cruz and Team Dominican Republic manager Rodney Linares – Image Credit: World Baseball Classic/MLB
“I think that the World Baseball Classic is a bigger event,” Seattle Mariners slugger Teoscar Hernández explained. “Everyone is pulling for their side. In a World Series it is just between the cities.”
“World Baseball Classic for me,” San Diego Padres superstar Manny Machado said. “I have not won a World Series yet, but hopefully one day, I want to win both.”
Manny Machado – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Though it is a difficult debate, there’s no argument where the players stand, especially those from Latin America and the Caribbean.
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Julio Pabón
March 16, 2023 at 4:52 pm
Good article explaining the sentiments of many of the Latino players. WBC is huge for Latino players.
Michelle Davila
March 16, 2023 at 11:42 pm
I know there are people who say that this injury is an example of why certain teams shouldnt let their players play in the WBC but this game has done so much to ignite team spirit. How much exposure do the teams get indirectly from showcasing their best talent?! Injury will always be a risk of getting out of bed and so what now? the league is going to make the players stay in bed all day before a game? Let them play – these games bring out the best of the players and the fans. Viva Baseball and viva el clasico!