January 7, 200620 yr http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2283668 Report: Iguchi to skip Baseball Classic Associated Press TOKYO -- Chicago White Sox second baseman Tadahito Iguchi has withdrawn from the Japanese squad for the World Baseball Classic, a news agency reported Saturday. Iguchi said he wants to focus on his play as he enters his second year in the majors. "Unfortunately, I've decided to withdraw from the squad," Iguchi said while training in Japan's southernmost island of Okinawa, Kyodo News agency reported. "This is the second year of my two-year contract with the White Sox. The team expects more from me than in the first year, so I would have to be in spring training." Iguchi said he had informed Japanese team manager Sadaharu Oh of his decision. Iguchi's reported withdrawal follows New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui's decision in late December not to join Japan's squad at the 16-nation games. Japan will be home for the first round of the tournament, March 3-5 at the Tokyo Dome. Japan is part of Group A, with South Korea, China and Taiwan.
January 7, 200620 yr It's okay with me, the WBC is a joke. Meaningless tournament which can only lead to needless injuries.
January 7, 200620 yr Yeah this whole WBC thing is a waste of time. They should have used Minor Leaguers only. It is too risky to use Major League players for this. That is great that Iguchi is concentrating on getting better this year. I think he is going to have a breakout year. I wouldn't be surprised to see: 25 HR, 85 RBI, .285 BAA, .350 OBP, .450 SLG
January 7, 200620 yr Everyone is starting to realize that the WBC was a joke to begin with. I understand there's pride involved for some for playing for one's country. But for others, they're slowly starting to realize what's more important to them -helping their team get ready for the season. So who's left for the Sox? Garcia & Vazquez?
January 7, 200620 yr I am glad that Tadahito has put the team first and is concentrating on his season with the Sox. It shows he knows where his priorities are.
January 7, 200620 yr QUOTE(robinventura23 @ Jan 7, 2006 -> 12:45 PM) Everyone is starting to realize that the WBC was a joke to begin with. I understand there's pride involved for some for playing for one's country. But for others, they're slowly starting to realize what's more important to them -helping their team get ready for the season. So who's left for the Sox? Garcia & Vazquez? The official rosters show Mark, Freddy, Gooch, and Vazquez. So it is still Freddy and Vazquez. Edited January 7, 200620 yr by RME JICO
January 7, 200620 yr Good for Iguchi, this tournament was never that good of an idea because its always a high risk, low reward situation for a lot of the players
January 7, 200620 yr If they want to advertise baseball around the world, just schedule a couple of games in other countries. You could easily play games in Mexico or any of Central America without having killer flight times. For Asia, just schedule a series of West Coast teams like Seattle in Japan for a 3 game series. You don't need an entire tournament to do this. Unfortunately it is going to take an injury to a key player to expose this as a bad idea. I just hope it is not on the Sox. Edited January 7, 200620 yr by RME JICO
January 7, 200620 yr This whole thing is coming apart, and aside from the fact that we may never get to see that Dominican Republic lineup, I can't say I'm disappointed.
January 7, 200620 yr QUOTE(RME JICO @ Jan 7, 2006 -> 12:32 PM) I wouldn't be surprised to see: 25 HR, 85 RBI, .285 BAA, .350 OBP, .450 SLG I would. - If he's still battng 2nd behind Pods. I could see .270 18HR 75RBI if he bats second all year.
January 7, 200620 yr QUOTE(knightni @ Jan 7, 2006 -> 01:23 PM) I would. - If he's still battng 2nd behind Pods. I could see .270 18HR 75RBI if he bats second all year. I still think he hits better 2nd this year, maybe not as high as I projected, but that first projection was him batting somewhere other than 2nd.
January 7, 200620 yr QUOTE(RME JICO @ Jan 7, 2006 -> 01:29 PM) I still think he hits better 2nd this year, maybe not as high as I projected, but that first projection was him batting somewhere other than 2nd. Well... they certainly haven't replaced him in the 2 spot with anyone. I wonder if Brian Anderson might get a shot at #2. (I think he Ks too much though.)
January 7, 200620 yr QUOTE(knightni @ Jan 7, 2006 -> 12:34 PM) Well... they certainly haven't replaced him in the 2 spot with anyone. I wonder if Brian Anderson might get a shot at #2. (I think he Ks too much though.) Iguch K'd at a good rate also. It maybe a good place for him, forces him to concentrate a bit more, with all of the plays being put on it also might keep him overthinking the position. This however is a risk because the number 2 spot is such a critical role.
January 7, 200620 yr Uribe might get a shot at #2. He played some Winter ball and is looking better. In this game on Jan 5th, he batted #2, went 3 for 4 with 2 RBI, and 1 run in the win: http://www.escogido.com/boxscores/2005-06/0105_quisqueya.pdf Edited January 7, 200620 yr by RME JICO
January 7, 200620 yr I get the feeling the Sox are leaning on some of these guys not to go. Plus this tourney is proving itself illegitimate without Cuba and the MLBers picking what country they want to represent.
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