Order Up! Eating My Own Words (sort of)

OK.  I know I very recently raved about the WBC.  In truth, I've really enjoyed watching the Classic, and have not lost my enthusiasm for the event.  However, I'm now a little concerned about the effects participation in the WBC may have on some of our own.

Curtis Granderson is not seeing many ABs in the Classic.  Centerfield has belonged almost exclusively to Shane Victorino.  Now, I was all into Victorino last year during the World Series, but now he's blocking Grandy from getting playing time, which has not been nearly enough, in just about everyone's opinion.  We all know what not having Curtis did to the beginning of our season last year.  Ouch.  

Armando Gallaraga is now approximately two outings behind the other Tigers pitchers.  He's not seeing enough action either.

Carlos Guillen is mostly DHing for Venezuela, not getting reps in his new left-field slot.  It just keeps getting better.

So, although the WBC has my attention and admiration, it also has me squirming a bit.  

Mind Reader

You absolutely must read the latest from the comedic baseball genius mind of Samara over at Roar of the Tigers.  How did she read my mind and then express my exact sentiments regarding the World Baseball Classic?  Well, except for that waking at 4 am stuff.  My lazy tail will still be abed at that hour, I'm afraid.  Do I lose my "unhealthy obsession with baseball" (Samara's words--like I said, read her post) card over that?

Caution: Rant Ahead

I'm sorry, but why was the Tigers/Venezuela exhibition not broadcast in some way, shape or form?  Let's see, Armando Gallaraga was pitching for Venezuela, and Carlos Guillen, Miguel Cabrera, and Magglio Ordóñez were in the lineup facing the rest of our Tigers squad.  Is that not compelling fare for Tigers fans?   I must know then, why the Tigers failed to broadcast this game at least on radio.  I know MLB network had to go with the "premier" Team USA/Yankees matchup, but why not air the Tigers/Venezuela game later on instead of endless repeats of other programming?  After reading the Freep's and Detroit News' coverage of the affair, it would've been a lot of fun to watch, not only for the matchup, but also because of the fiesta created by some Team Venezuela fans.  I feel like we missed out in a big way on that game.  Boo.

Viva la World Baseball Classic

Ok, so Carlos Guillen has stepped in and whipped the Venezuelan WBC team management into shape.  There was much discontent about the handling/organization of the 2006 WBC Venezuelan team, and many Venezuelan MLB players had virtually decided against playing in 2009.   Carlos has shown himself to be an outspoken force, first after Gary Sheffield's comments about MLB "controlling" latino players.  Turns out he was right (although he spoke in a way that was offensive to many).   Carlos said he felt intimidated into not making waves, and others feared deportation if they spoke up over issues.  Now, he has stood up and affected change on his own national team.  Do you realize that half our team will now be playing for Venezuela in the WBC?  Carlos Guillen, Magglio Ordóñez, Miguel Cabrera, and Armando Gallaraga will all most likely represent.  Carlos obviously has a great political future ahead of him.

I, for one, am desperate to score tickets to the first round of the WBC at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on March 7.  Venezuela will be playing Italy, and the tickets go on sale on Monday, November 17.  So, I go on-line to register for a ticket strip.  Alas, the deadline to register for tickets for the first round has passed.  (Aside while I sob inconsolably for a few moments.)  I need baseball in March, I need a respite from the relentless Michigan winter, I need to see my Tigres in action for Venezuela.

So, if anyone out there has the goods, let me know.  

I realize that MLB  has some legitimate concerns about injury during the WBC, but it's good for baseball, it's good for fans, so I support it, because I'm sorry, fans are often left out of the equation, when we're the reason for the sport's existence.  Excuse me, how do you expect to make money if you're playing to empty stadiums, not selling gazillions in fan gear, and losing fat tv contracts?  (Stepping off soapbox now.)

So let's soak up the World Baseball Classic in prelude to that summer classic we couldn't do without.