17
2013
David Wright Will Be Only Mets Representative In The WBC
An article by 
Updated by Joe D. on 1/17
The rosters have all been announced for the World Baseball Classic and David Wright will be the only Met player participating.
Lacking any other legitimate star players, this is not really a surprise.
In the last WBC the Mets had more players participating than any other MLB team including Wright, Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, J.J. Putz, and others.
R.A. Dickey will also play together with Wright for Team USA.
You may remember Dickey referring to himself and Wright as a package deal with regards to signing extensions.
Of course Wright, who knew the plan, never reciprocated which leads me to believe that their first encounter is going to be…
AWKWARD…
Original Post 1/14
The World Baseball Classic will begin on March 2 and some of Major League Baseball’s biggest stars have confirmed their participation in the event
David Wright was among the first two players to confirm that he would be playing for Team USA. The other being the Twins’ Joe Mauer.
“It’ll be great to put on a Team USA jersey again,” Wright said. “I’m honored to play for Team USA and take another crack at winning what is clearly the most difficult baseball tournament in the world.”
“After I got the chance to play a few years ago, I knew I wanted to participate again,” Wright said. “The biggest reason is obviously the opportunity to represent your country and wear the uniform with USA across the chest. It’s an incredible feeling.”
“Also, I get to be around some of the best players in the game for a few weeks,” Wright continued. “It’s a great atmosphere and I try to learn and pick up some things from those guys.”
First-round matchups will take place in Fukuoka, Japan; Taichung, Taiwan; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Phoenix, Ariz.
Each team has revealed two players who will represent their country during the tournament, and the cast includes 12 Major League All-Stars. Full 28-man rosters will be announced on Wednesday.
Some players who were asked to participate have declined and they include Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp, and Mike Trout and Josh Hamilton of the Angels among other stars.
It made me wonder whether sending Wright to play in this exhibition is a good idea, especially after just signing a lucrative $140 million deal with the Mets. I asked some of our writers how they felt.
Joe S. - I’ve never been a fan of the WBC only because it forces players to engage at a high level of play far too soon –exposing players to avoidable injuries. Hopefully Joe Torre will be mindful of this and rotate his players accordingly.
Connor – I don’t really have a problem with it. David’s a position player, so for him, the World Baseball Classic only means more reps against live pitching. If it was Matt Harvey or some other prized pitcher, I would have a problem with it. Then, you’re really risking injury by messing with the pitcher’s routine and giving them extra work at a time when they are trying to rebuild strength for the season. The odds of something happening to David are slim, probably the same as if he were to stay with the Mets in Port St. Lucie.
Jessica - David Wright will follow the same spring schedule that he always has, reporting to Port St. Lucie shortly after the Super Bowl to begin workouts and batting practice. 2009 was an off-year for David Wright, with the weight of the team falling mostly on his shoulders. While not statistically the worst season of his career, 2009 was right up there. I think that this time around, David knows what to expect and what he needs to do in order to prepare for not only the WBC, but the regular season as well.
Drew – Last time we sent a Mets contingent you know what happened; Wright, Beltran, Delgado, Putz and Perez all ended up spending time on the DL or even missing the rest of the season. They go from doing drills with their teammates in spring camp and are thrust into an extremely high level of play for almost four weeks. I never understood the timing of it. Many players are not flocking to play as they did in the first go-around. That speaks volumes.
Clare - I think it’s great that David is playing in the WBC representing the Mets and the USA. David is a smart player and if he is hurt in any way, he will pull himself out of the games to focus on the season.
Gregg - I don’t see a need for a World Baseball Classic, I think it a pretty dumb idea. I’m surprised MLB teams are going along with the concept, considering the about of money they have invested in the players. I’m against any starting players playing in it. If a guy blows out an ACL and misses the entire season because he was playing the WBC, what benefit is that to his team, or MLB as a whole?
I’m with Joe, Gregg and Drew on this. Hopefully Wright doesn’t go all out and really push the envelope, but that’s not the kind of player he is.
What do you think?
About the Author: Joe DeCaro
I'm a lifelong Mets fan who loves writing and talking about the Amazins' 24/7. From the Miracle in 1969 to the magic of 1986, and even the near misses in '73 and '00, I've experienced it all - the highs and the lows. I started Mets Merized Online in 2005 to feed my addiction. Follow me on Twitter @metsmerized.
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NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | 42 | 28 | .600 | - |
| Nationals | 34 | 35 | .493 | 7.5 |
| Phillies | 34 | 37 | .479 | 8.5 |
| Mets | 25 | 40 | .385 | 14.5 |
| Marlins | 22 | 47 | .319 | 19.5 |
Last updated: 06/18/2013
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I can’t believe more players don’t line up to play for USA. It’s an honor and privilege to don that uniform. We should be proud that our franchise player never makes excuses to back out of any game…wether it’s for the Mets, as an all star, and to play in this tornament.
He is never afraid to show what he’s got and always is the first to raise his hand.
he is simply a class act , shame no more high class player join the tournament
I like the tournament a lot. We get to see a lot of different players and styles of play and it is interesting. I just think it should be more at the end of the season instead of the begining so it doesn’t impact the current season.
I understand most players who deal with consistent injuries or coming off an injury choosing not to play. Not sure I agree with Trout’s decision.
I’m a big hockey fan and I see the passion those players have when they go to the Olympics in the middle of their season and give everything they have to try and win for their country. Rarely will you hear talk in April regarding how a player should not have gone to the Olympics. I don’t remember hearing a team didn’t win the cup because their best player went to the Olympics.
I think players are getting a bit more wise with regards to how they handle preparation for the WBC. I think pitchers are the bigger concern to be honest. I’m not worried about a hitter getting hurt because if its gonna happen, it will happen.
But if I’m Atlanta for example and I see Kimbrel is committing to it, I’m a little worried. But not a ton because the coaches I am sure are given specific instructions on handling the players.
In 2009, many of us got to see Yu Darvish and look how that turned out. Roy Oswalt logged the most USA innings in 2009 with 11. So it’s not as though these guys are going out there and tossing complete games.
There is a difference with the olympics though. That is mid-season, so they shut down the NHL for that (well, they shut down the NHL just for the hell of it sometimes, so nothing new there).
And I can’t swear to it, but I thought they shortened the season (# of games), or did they just drag it out longer and cram the games in?
Nope the season is the same length 82 games, and you’re right it is in February but that’s even worse if you ask me.
After about 60 NHL games, everything stops and the players head overseas or wherever to participate in the Olympics
So think of it like this. You’re the Penguins and your star player Sidney Crosby is away from your team doctors/trainers etc for about 15 days if they make it to the gold medal game. If they make it to the gold medal game they are playing 7 games on a larger rinker as well.
I’d take the WBC and just have players train earlier and worry about resting them during spring training or early April games over having my star players go play outside my control and then come back for 20 games and the playoffs.
International hockey is a different beast from the NHL, though. Larger surface, more emphasis on speed, and refs with quicker whistles on the rough stuff.
Right – the point remains the same though. Put it to ya like this
If the Mets were ahead of the NL East by 1 game, and the season stopped after 120 games for players to go play elsewhere for 2 weeks – would we hate it more or less than WBC?
Personally, I’d hate it more. I love the hockey olympics as a fan, but as a team exec i’d hate it. I’d rather a player adjust their offseason training based on WBC and be able to rest them early in the year if necessary
I have no issue with David playing in the WBC. We all know that David will play as hard as he can because that’s the kind of ball player he is, and that may be beneficial to the Mets because it would give David real reps resulting in no rust on opening day. And plus, I would like to see team USA win for once.
Oh god another second half collapse alert for mighty Wright. Here we go again. The WBC will be a good excuse for him this time.
I have little interest myself in the WBC, and won’t watch any of it. But, I don’t have an issue with DW playing, as long as he plans accordingly (gets into spae correctly, does not try to do too much too early).
What I never want to see though is Met pitchers participating. That IMO is the danger area. especially on a guy that might have some kind of innings limit concerns.
It´s no issue in my opinion in Wright´s particular case.
The WBC is great to promote the sport worldwide – so it´s nice for Wright to serve as an ambassador for the sport.
And at least for hitters, the risk of injuries isn´t higher than in any Grapefruit League game they´d play instead.
The bigger risk is with pitchers who go to the tournament not fully extended yet and then get used in higher leverage situations or deeper than they would in a meaningless spring training game. The WBC may have derailed Oliver Perez´ Mets career in 2009 as he participated and returned to spring training totally out of shape.
Eh, I have no issue with it.
Why wouldn’t we want Wright to represent the Mets and the US?
I’ve never seen a guy get so many excuses for his failures then DW.The stadium, the WBC, the hit in the head, noone to protect him, his back, he got tired to carry the team, HoJo, His swing was changed, etc…. It’s sad at this point. But as my good point Maniac pointed out, for this year anything that happens to him won’t be because of him, it’ll be because of the WBC .
All that and he’s still going to go down as the best Met position player. HE never used any of those execuses. I think Vince Coleman using the Shea field as the reason he’s (HE made the statement himself) not in the Hall is more insane than any made for Wright.
HE never used any of those execuses”
Right, that’s because he got guys like you to make’em for him…
Alex
I try to be respectful of your opinion regardless of how difficult you make it but I, personally never used those execuses. I think it’s great that he goes out there day in day out and never wants to be taken out. I also love the fact that, as someone mentioned earlier he feels it’s an honor to represent his team in the All-Stars and his country in the WBC. All that being said I subscribe to the rule of: If you’re out there playing then you can’t give an excuse. If you’re hurt (or tired, or sick, etc.) enough to where it limits your production and you decide to play any way then it’s on you!
I am also fairly well adjusted so I don’t feel the need to HATE one of the best players my team has ever produced and someone who is a good ambassador of the game (one of the reasons I like Mariano and Jeter even though I can’t stand the Yankees). That doesn’t just apply to Wright. Hernandez is one of my favorite Mets ever, I also admire Johan and the list goes on and on.
Alex, I don’t know you and won’t pretend to know you but your point of view on Wright comes off as so myopic that if tomorrow he won the MVP and the Mets won it all, it would be at best bitter sweet for you.
So just to counter your ignorant accusation, no I don’t make those excuses for Wright. Never have and never will. What’s your excuse for your all consuming venom?
Alex, I don’t know you and won’t pretend to know you but your point of view on Wright comes off as so myopic that if tomorrow he won the MVP and the Mets won it all, it would be at best bitter sweet for you”
That’s 2 things i won’t worry about AT ALL….
Many “excuses” were made for Reyes. Some legit, some ridiculous. His hamstring, his hamstring again, he choked in Sept b/c he was tired from stealing bases, his hamstring, he hurt his hamstring the previous season, he’s young, he’s treated unfairly b/c he’s not white, his thyroid, Willie was mean to him and benched him so he’s upset, his oblique, Keith yelled at him, he didn’t get a fair contract and that upset him.
vince coleman is a pretty low bar…..that says a lot too
I know it is. That’s just an image that I remeber for ever. I was in NC that entire summer and my mom was saving the sport section of the local paper for me and I remember reading it after the season and it blew me away.
how times have changed …he only cost the Mets 12 mil over 3 years i think. now bad middle relievers make that
True! Those were very sad times (somethings don’t chnge much)! It crushed me when Straw left!
It’s going to be a very long 8 years.
Every strike out, every ground out, every fly out, every ball hit to the warning track the same people are going to come out and just make up crap, spew their hate and think it’s something news. People already making assumptions before a ball in thrown or a bat is swong.
Miserable, miserable fans………….
You’d think this guy spends his days killing kittens and puppy dogs, my God.
Leave Mike Vick out of this
At least he has you and Matt Cerrone to avenge him.
and the millions of other people who think he’s a very good baseball player. There’s that too.
lets pretend the Met FO did something big this offseason. Say, they signed a LT deal with a guy that finished in the top 6 of the 2012 MVP voting. That sounds like somethat that much be a really good player, highly respected across MLB, right?
well, wait, they did sign an extension with that guy.
so on one hand, we have Alex screaming that Wright is terrible, but people who actually know something about baseball saying he was the 6th most valuable player in the sport last year?
Hmmm, where to put faith, where to put faith?
Now, how good the payback on the contract is over the next 7 years, remains to be seen, but it is comeplete nonsense to say he is not a top player, and easily the best on the team.
Im a fan of the WBC tournament. You really see the passion for the game that people from other countries have for our game and thats nice to see. I just wish they could find a better time of year for them to hold the tournament.
Wright’s family. That contract means he’s family forever now. I hope the best for him because it means the best for the Mets. The hope here is that the WBC helps him get ready for the season and does not hinder him for this season. His contract was stupid and I’m sticking to it because there was a better option for THIS team going forward. But it is what it is, all we can do is hope for the best. And part of that hoping is that the WBC helps him get ready for the season.
I am not huge fan of Wright in the WBC as historically he tends to wear down as the season progresses. His swing gets long and he almost looks helpless against right handed pitching in certain situations. Then he takes a couple of games off and then tends to get back on track.
You want to say he is overrated, I can understand that. He is a 20-25HR, 90-95 RBI guy and cannot carry a team. But he played with a broken pinkie last year and a broken back the year before (he missed 50 games in 2011 or he would have had the usual 21 HR’s).
Also, be honest. If he was on another team and the opportunity arose to trade for him, you wouldn’t want someone with his track record?
I am not huge fan of Wright in the WBC as historically he tends to wear down as the season progresses”
So he’s been in the WBC the last 4 years????????
“His swing gets long and he almost looks helpless against right handed pitching in certain situations. Then he takes a couple of games off and then tends to get back on track”
What? More excuses? also, he’s a streaky player who gets super hot (first half) and super cold (second half or with game on the line)
Also, be honest. If he was on another team and the opportunity arose to trade for him, you wouldn’t want someone with his track record?”
What track record???? He’s known as a choke artist so….
http://www.merriam-webster.com/
This may be help look up the word excuse, since you continue to misuse it and accuse people of making them, when it couldn’t be further from the truth (go ahead look up that word too).
I can’t say I’m a big fan of the WBC but I am drawn and like the patriotic aspect of it and it’s players representing their countries. That being said if I had my way the selfish Mets fan part of me would rather no Met participate for fear of injury so in that sense I think it’s a bad idea. Now since Wright has made the decision to participate the patriotic part of me will root for him to perform well as part of Team USA.
I think everyone gets the Alex hates DW, right? By now, how can any MMO reader who also either reads or participates in the comment section, not know that Alex Hates Wright? We all know it. We’ve all heard why. And I’m sure, we all respect your opinion Alex, but please, find something else to harp on.
It’s gotten to be, and easily, the most annoying thing ever written on MMO at this point.
Every day, hate hate hate, David David David. We get it, you hate him. Enough already, please.
How dare u for taking the guy’s reason to get out of bed every day away.Shame on you.
i get the patriotism buzz, but otherwise it’s a terrible idea for the reasons cited; far-to-early in season to be thrust into that level of competition & injury risk is high & risk to player, team, & MLB very possible.
Dumb idea.Irks me too, The burden of the risk falls to the player’s team, baseball, & fans. Players have Gtd. contracts.
I agree with the first thought. Position player, no problem.
But I don’t want to EVER see Wheeler, Harvey or Syndergaard pitching is this tournament, which is nothing more than a glorified farce.
Hey, is that picture from that time he had a “clutch” hit for USA??
No that is not it. I am surprised you one of Wright’s biggest admirers of all people forgot. Here to refresh your memory and your welcome.
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=3981127&topic_id=&c_id=mlb&tcid=vpp_copy_3981127&v=3
inbeforesomeonesaysheneverdidthatforhisownteam
LOL….you forgot the hash tag. #
LoL, I can see twitter has had it’s influence here.
Lol… His Biggest moment as a baseball player. One Clutch hit in the WBC. Amazing…
We both agree, he is Amazing. An Amazing Met.
LGM.
‘In the last WBC the Mets had more players participating than any other MLB team including Wright, Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, J.J. Putz, and others.’
All on this list of players end their season short on the DL, expect Wright who came back after his DL stint. Add Ollie to that list of names too.
[...] more positive news, David Wright will represent the Mets on Team USA in this year’s World Baseball Classic. He’ll be joined by former teammate [...]
I enjoyed the WBC back in 2009 for it was a break from the boredom of spring training and I actually got caught up in rooting for Holland and the U.S. both.
But it was easy to see that the players had not yet focused on their timing and were being cautious so not to injure themselves.
As far as disrupting a spring training schedule, for the individual player it means not getting the timing back and working out how certain plays are going to be covered. For a veteran like David, that is not necessary, but for a youngster who needs to coordinate his own responsibilities with the regular third baseman, that is indeed valuable time that is wasted. Also, David will miss opportunities to face rookie pitchers in spring training that he might come up against during the season – another disadvantage to some extent.
So it’s not about the individual but rather how it affects the team getting itself prepared for the season – at least in my opinion.
FYI:
@Mets
#Mets GM Sandy Alderson will be on @WFAN660 with Mike Francesa at 4 p.m.
Can I be the 1st to throw out a conspiracy theory on this and say this must be only to go against Jose Reyes day in Toronto where they will be airing the event starting at wait for it, yes 4:00pm as well. Let me add that I do not doubt a few will actually believe this was indeed the purpose behind the Mets GM going on with Francesa at 4:00pm.
Hahaha
I think the real story here is the Mets don’t have any players besides Wright good enough to play in the WBC.
Hey Joe D, Dickey made that “package deal” statement on September 27th. I don’t think Wright had spoken in any great detail with Sandy yet. So I doubt that Wright knew Sandy’s plans at the time Dickey said that.
Yep and beyond the “package deal” comment and saying that not pursuing Wright would be in his (Dickey’s) eyes a sign of a full rebuild – which he didn’t want – he also said. “Unless they trade him and get multiple, big-league pieces back” So he wasn’t completely ruling out coming back if David was moved. He just wanted it to be a good deal and not one designed only to help 4 years from now. David didn’t make any comments saying he’d only be back if Dickey was…but he said many great things about RA.
And Wright and Dickey both said that they talked many times during the offseason – during the negotiation processes and then after the trade. So I don’t think a comment Dickey made in September and not having Wright say the exact same thing is going to create any kind of awkward situation.
LOL, I had completely forgotten that he also talked about how a trade of Wright would be OK depending on the return they got back. That certainly puts their relationship in a new light. I think both understand that Sandy was doing what he felt was best for the club. I also doubt there will be any awkwardness between the two,
We were going to send one of our other players instetad but the WBC insisted they be signed to an MLB contract….
Hi Metsie,
That was a good one.
Kinda shock me that a journalist asks the reason for a WBC… MLB is right putting up such an event becouse it is concern about the whole. Baseball itself. Since baseball was taken out from the olympics, MLB is trying to expand baseball around the world and i cant see a better way to do that. Well, thats just my opinion…
It seems this post is already out of date. Santana has petitioned to be included on Team Venezuela.