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5&2/3 Innings, 8 Runs, 12.71 ERA in Team USA's two losses in the WBC. You decide.
In Dontrelle's defense - young pitchers being asked to pitch well in "big" games in March is assinine.
For his part, A-Rod has looked half-way decent in the clutch and, not-surprisingly, Jeet has 9 hits in 16 at bats.
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Why is it any worse to run young pitchers out there than old? I would think that, if anything, the young cats can get the engine running more qucikly, especially in the cold.
As for the overall pitching roster, how is it that Al Leiter has a spot? That's ludicrisp.
Posted by: Jackie | March 14, 2006 at 11:24 AM
The pitching staff really wasn't put together with too much thought, Willis' struggles aside, giving innings to Al Leiter has been rock stupid as well.
I think the ballplayers themselves are belatedly realizing how much this little tournament is worth winning, and the US doesn't have its best team in place to try and do so.
And, taking nothing away from the Koreans, who appear to be playing easily the best baseball of anyone there at 5-0.
Posted by: membengal | March 14, 2006 at 11:26 AM
Cozmo,
Correct sir.
Listen, I try and look at the glass is half-full with A-rod. But he is painful to watch up in the clutch. He cannot hit a ball well. It this lunge shit. Not wanting to K. Bad times.
Posted by: Uncle Leo | March 14, 2006 at 07:37 PM
The reason it's more difficult, jackie is that no young pitcher wants to go down the primrose path to Kerry Wood's non-career. Pushing it too hard or having to throw too nasty stuff in March for a younger guy is just plain stupid.
And older guy like Clemens has limits, but he can just power up his stuff easier than a younger guy concerned about having a career-changing injury by throwing too hard too early.
Which gets me to another point - the WBC should be in November from now on. Having it in March is stupid.
Posted by: Cozmo | March 14, 2006 at 09:12 PM
You think some young exuberant stud like Dontrelle Willis is going out there and holding back because he's afraid he might get injured? I'd bet money that it's never even crossed his mind. Agree to disagree.
Posted by: Jackie | March 14, 2006 at 09:23 PM
a-rod = the new mr. march
(hat tip b. olney)
Posted by: ryan | March 15, 2006 at 05:54 AM