Baseball and the WBC

Daily we're reading that this player or that player is withdrawing from the World Baseball Classic. Reasons range from working through injuries to the need to learn a new position in training camp to "I'm not starting, so I'm not going".

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a certified non-Yankee fan. I'm the proud owner of an orange-and-blue Yankee Hater cap. My membership card in that honored group was punched during the first Billy Martin managerial era. Yet, when it comes to the WBC, I have to agree with George Steinbrenner. It's a waste of time that could result in drastic consequences for a team. I don't want to be on pins and needles worrying that Jose Reyes will pull a hamstring, or that Billy Wagner will blow his arm out.

Any real reason why this tournament couldn't be held after the season, where it'll give any injuries more time to heal. Or, any real reason why this tournament HAD to happen in the first place? I don't ever remember sitting around with my friends going, "I've always wondered if Cuba can really beat the Japanese in baseball." Or, "Could the Italian team beat the United States?"

And, look at the rosters for each team. Is this really each country's BEST?

I don't know if this is supposed to be an annual event, but I certainly hope not.