The World Baseball Classic

I'm of two minds with respect to the World Baseball Classic (WBC).



Reasons I like/love it:

1. Because of the timing of the summer olympics, the best baseball players in the world have little chance to play for their own countries. The WBC offers all MLB players a chance to play for their country, which is an honor and an opportunity that I think world class payers should have the opportinity to do, should they so choose.
2. Professional ballplayers playing competitive ball in the beginning of March, a full month before we normally get to see professional ballplayers playing competitive ball.
   
3. I'm all for spreading the popularity of baseball all over the globe, and I think the WBC is a good first step towards that goal.
   

Reasons I'm frightened by the WBC:

1. There is a very long list of Mets who currently plan to play in the Classic.
2. The classic takes place during March, when these players would normally be in spring training. Since it's the beginning of the season, the risk of injury is great.
   
3. That list of Mets playing in the tournament include our best pitcher, as well as a bullpen that actually features two closers.three quearters of our infield, and our most gifted outfielder. If a single one of these guys gets injured, it will have seriously deleterious effects on the team once the season starts:
   

Santana, Johan

Feliciano, Pedro

Figueroa, Nelson

Delgado, Carlos

Beltran, Carlos

Wright, David

Rodriguez, Francisco

Putz, J.J.