Cano out of WBC

[-tz]

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/NASAp...=.jsp&c_id=mlb

Cano cited the presence of fellow second basemen Alfonso Soriano and Luis Castillo on the Dominican Republic's team as his primary reason for sitting out, saying he would rather use the time to play exhibition games with the Yankees than to sit on the bench with the Dominican team. "I don't think I'm going to play," Cano said. "Maybe they'd use me once in a while, but I want to win a world championship. If I go there, I'll be sitting on the bench, and I want to get ready for the season."

[whoisthedogg]

that a boy robbie!!!!!


so refreshing to have a young stud on the team again!!!

[JDPNYY]

You gotta love that kid.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Robbie Cano is out. Hideki Matsui is out. Jorge Posada is out.

So, I guess Bernie Williams, DJ, A-Rod, Miguel Cairo, and Mo will play in the WBC.

[flymick24]

Robbie Cano is out. Hideki Matsui is out. Jorge Posada is out.

So, I guess Bernie Williams, DJ, A-Rod, Miguel Cairo, and Mo will play in the WBC.

damon's also playing

[BroadwayBomber55]

damon's also playing

oh yeah and Johnny Damon too. Thx.

But will the U.S. start DJ at SS, A-Rod at 3B, and Damon at CF?

[puckmaster87]

oh yeah and Johnny Damon too. Thx.

But will the U.S. start DJ at SS, A-Rod at 3B, and Damon at CF?

I doubt Damon starts at CF. But DJ and A-Rod are definitely the starting left side of the infield.

[BroadwayBomber55]

I doubt Damon starts at CF. But DJ and A-Rod are definitely the starting left side of the infield.

I also doubt Damon starting at CF. Vernon Wells will be starting at CF.

DJ and A-Rod starting on the left side? Fair enough.

I was kidding about A-Rod being snubbed in the starting role in favor of Chavez or Ensberg.

[yankees27]

Good for Robbie!

[Kulish29]

Best news I've heard all day.

[Dannman103]

I also doubt Damon starting at CF. Vernon Wells will be starting at CF.

DJ and A-Rod starting on the left side? DJ will start at SS, but I think the U.S. will use Eric Chavez or Morgan Ensberg at 3rd over A-Rod.

chavez or ensberg over arod? i know both of them are solid third basemen, and are very worth representatives of America in the WBC, but Arod is clearly the best of them all....he should be starting for the US team, in my opinion

[puckmaster87]

I also doubt Damon starting at CF. Vernon Wells will be starting at CF.

DJ and A-Rod starting on the left side? DJ will start at SS, but I think the U.S. will use Eric Chavez or Morgan Ensberg at 3rd over A-Rod.

Why the heck would the U.S. use Chavez or Ensberg over the AL MVP and probably the best all-around player in the game?

[NYDCYankee]

Why the heck would the U.S. use Chavez or Ensberg over the AL MVP and probably the best all-around player in the game?

Agreed. That is a pretty crazy statement.

[whoisthedogg]

Agreed. That is a pretty crazy statement.

Unless DJ sat out and A-Rod starts at short...


Which might have an impact on A-Rod early in the season...

[kan_t]

So, I guess Bernie Williams, DJ, A-Rod, Miguel Cairo, and Mo will play in the WBC.

I don"t know. Does Mo agree to play in WBC? I remeber he said that he will go to play only if he has a chance to win.

[LuckyLopez]

He's on Panama's roster. I haven't seen anything on whether he was just put on (like A-Rod was originally) or if he agreed.

The list of Yanks, for those curious. But these are guys on the provisional 60-man roster so like Cano any of them could drop out, not make the final roster, or could have just been put on in case they decide to play.

http://www.worldbaseballclassic.com/...ontent=mlbclub

Butto, Francisco Venezuela
Cairo, Miguel Venezuela
Cano, Robinson Dominican Republic
Cordoba, Jhonny Panama
Damon, Johnny United States
Jeter, Derek United States
Leiter, Al United States
Mendoza, Ramiro Panama
Rivera, Mariano Panama
Rodriguez, Alex Dominican Republic
Rodriguez, Alex United States
Santos, Omir Puerto Rico
Villone, Ron Italy
Wang, Chien-Ming Chinese Taipei
Williams, Bernie Puerto Rico

EDIT: Rivera has appeared to warm on the issue although is still questionable.

http://www.worldbaseballclassic.com/...x.jsp?sid=t890

Rivera is enormously popular in Panama and said during 2005 All-Star Week festivities in Detroit that he would represent his country under the right circumstances. But he expressed some concern about missing part of Spring Training.

"It's definitely a big deal," Rivera said at the time. "Spring Training, you get to chat with your teammates, get to know them better. If everyone is playing for their country, how many players are we going to have there?"

[38Special]

There was an article last week that Mo isnt playing in WBC. He said he couldnt go back to Panama because they were killing him in the press

[hardrain]

Fantastic! The kid is growing up right before Our eyes....

[MTYankee23]

Of course the one player that we really should be interested in seeing not go, Wang, is still going at this point. I'd bring Hideki and Robbie myself if it meant keeping Wang home. Chances of a position player getting hurt (non-Griffey category) aren't that great. But a pitcher who has had arm troubles at time during his career? that's the guy we should be pushing for not to go.

[KevinBaseball]

I also doubt Damon starting at CF. Vernon Wells will be starting at CF.

DJ and A-Rod starting on the left side? DJ will start at SS, but I think the U.S. will use Eric Chavez or Morgan Ensberg at 3rd over A-Rod.

This makes the least sense out of anything I have heard since I first learned of the WBC, What would make you think this? Is it your opinion that when they take the field Buck MArtinez will look at the bench, see the most talented player in MLB, possibly of all-time when its all said and done, and instead of sending him on the field, look further down the bench and say, F- IT, I want Morgan Ensberg?

[LuckyLopez]

Of course the one player that we really should be interested in seeing not go, Wang, is still going at this point. I'd bring Hideki and Robbie myself if it meant keeping Wang home. Chances of a position player getting hurt (non-Griffey category) aren't that great. But a pitcher who has had arm troubles at time during his career? that's the guy we should be pushing for not to go.

Actually as best as I know Wang's never actually committed to going. Everything I've read has refered to him as being "expected" and "an option." He's on the roster and they seem to have been counting on him from day one but he's never said anything publicly and it doesn't read like he's made a committment privately. I imagine he, more than anyone on the Yankees, is dealing with pressure. For all that was said about A-Rod's decision I think it has to be 1000x tougher for Wang. He's a young player who's got the pressure of his entire nation on one side (since he'd alone give them an off chance at a win or 2) and I'm sure nonstop pressure from the Yanks to sit out for his health.

And for the record, I completely agree with you that he should be the #1 concern for Yankee fans worrying about this. Much more so than Rivera who more than likely would only pitch 2 or 3 innings if he plays. Wang will probably only put in 5-6 innings in the tournament, but still. Considering his shoulder problems, age, and the fact that he's going to be asked to pitch more innings than he ever has (by around 60 innings) I'd hate the start the clock on his arm a month early. I'm expectin those issues to rear their heads as it is.

[MaDR]

Good !!

I hope the others follow.

[effdamets]

Robbie Cano! Wuddya-know!

Why can't every Yankee do this (drop out) to make me happy.....???

[BRNXBMRS]

I also doubt Damon starting at CF. Vernon Wells will be starting at CF.

DJ and A-Rod starting on the left side? DJ will start at SS, but I think the U.S. will use Eric Chavez or Morgan Ensberg at 3rd over A-Rod.

Unless A-rod hammy acts up a few days before this tournament. wink wink

[Bub]

YABBA-DABBA-DOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! This means we get to see the kid in ST next month! My son is going to be thrilled beyond words...Robbie is his favorite player.

[YankClipper5]

I was kind of wondering the same reason he noted for sitting out as to why he would participate. The team is stacked in the DR and I am really excited to hear of Robbie's commitment to the Yanks. Way to go!

[stephsamps]

I also doubt Damon starting at CF. Vernon Wells will be starting at CF.

DJ and A-Rod starting on the left side? DJ will start at SS, but I think the U.S. will use Eric Chavez or Morgan Ensberg at 3rd over A-Rod.

After all the hub-bub surrounding AROD playing/not playing, he better be the starting 3B. Although it would be kind of ironic (or stupid) if they went through all that trouble and started someone else.

[StaceyRosie]

Good boy Robinson

[LilChief]

After all the hub-bub surrounding AROD playing/not playing, he better be the starting 3B. Although it would be kind of ironic (or stupid) if they went through all that trouble and started someone else.

Good point Steph.... That and I think they want his "star power" to try to get people to watch. I'd guess that more people would watch if ARod is at 3rd then if he's on the bench.

[ZYanksRule]

Go Robbie, GO Robbie, go!!!!!!!!

[BroadwayBomber55]

Okay. Okay. I went WAYYYYY overboard on who should start at 3rd base for Team USA. I pulled a Lee Corso and make A-Rod the starting third baseman over Eric Chavez and Morgan Ensberg for Team USA.

[BroadwayBomber55]

This makes the least sense out of anything I have heard since I first learned of the WBC, What would make you think this? Is it your opinion that when they take the field Buck MArtinez will look at the bench, see the most talented player in MLB, possibly of all-time when its all said and done, and instead of sending him on the field, look further down the bench and say, F- IT, I want Morgan Ensberg?

I already pulled a Lee Corso and use A-Rod as my starter at 3rd base for Team USA over Morgan Ensberg and Eric Chavez.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Why the heck would the U.S. use Chavez or Ensberg over the AL MVP and probably the best all-around player in the game?

Ok. ok. I pulled a Lee Corso and switched my 3rd base starter for Team USA with A-Rod over Morgan Ensberg and Eric Chavez.

[BroadwayBomber55]

chavez or ensberg over arod? i know both of them are solid third basemen, and are very worth representatives of America in the WBC, but Arod is clearly the best of them all....he should be starting for the US team, in my opinion

Ok, I changed my mind and I'll start A-rod over those two at 3rd.

[BroadwayBomber55]

I was kind of wondering the same reason he noted for sitting out as to why he would participate. The team is stacked in the DR and I am really excited to hear of Robbie's commitment to the Yanks. Way to go!

Robbie's comments about committment to the Yankees is great. Even Hideki Matsui wants to win a WS ring as a Yankee first before doin' the WBC.

[effdamets]

Good point Steph.... That and I think they want his "star power" to try to get people to watch. I'd guess that more people would watch if ARod is at 3rd then if he's on the bench.

Are they trying to win, or is this tournament just a side/freak show?

If they are trying to win, which I couldn't give a rat-spit who wins as long as no Yankees get hurt, it shouldn't be about who is going to draw the most fans.

[yankeebot]

Are they trying to win, or is this tournament just a side/freak show?

Side/freak show.

[LuckyLopez]

Are they trying to win, or is this tournament just a side/freak show?

If they are trying to win, which I couldn't give a rat-spit who wins as long as no Yankees get hurt, it shouldn't be about who is going to draw the most fans.

In order to answer that question you probaby have to ask a question. Who are "they?" Buck Martinez and Bob Watson are presumably trying to win. Gene Orza and Bud Selig are presumably trying to make money and draw ratings. There are different entities at play.

There's plenty of pretty fair criticisms to lodge against the WBC (JDPNY has quite an extensive and well organized list) so I don't get why we keep condemning business men for trying to extend their business.

[Mr. Mxylsplk]

After all the hub-bub surrounding AROD playing/not playing, he better be the starting 3B. Although it would be kind of ironic (or stupid) if they went through all that trouble and started someone else.

That would actually be pretty funny. Obviously not going to happen, but it would crack me up. Heck, maybe they'll cut him from the final roster.

[stephsamps]

Are they trying to win, or is this tournament just a side/freak show?

If they are trying to win, which I couldn't give a rat-spit who wins as long as no Yankees get hurt, it shouldn't be about who is going to draw the most fans.

I would think AROD would give them the best chance to a) win and b) draw the most crowd.

[stephsamps]

BTW, Jeets is set to play and already working out with Miggy.

http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns

"New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter remains set to play in next month's World Baseball Classic.

The Yankees' captain has been taking part in pre-spring training workouts at the New York's minor league complex. He took batting practice and grounders with teammate Miguel Cairo on Wednesday.

"It's an opportunity to try and expand the game globally," Jeter said. "I think there's going to be a lot of interest, especially in some of the countries that haven't come over to play before. I think it's great for the game." "

[Sultans of Swing]

Great to hear from Robbie. Hopefully he'll dodge a sophomore slump and leave us going "Alphonso who?"

[Evil Empire]

Great to hear from Robbie. Hopefully he'll dodge a sophomore slump and leave us going "Alphonso who?"

Who is Alphonso?

[Sultans of Swing]

Who is Alphonso?

*Alfonso

I knew I had that coming. Hell, I don't even know who "Alphonso" is, apparently.

[NewEraYanks2527]

Good job Robbie, now get Wang, A-Rod, Jeter and Johnny out too.

[obsessedyankeefan]

Good Job Robbie!!!!

[DontHateOnNumber2]

This guy is focused. This is definitely a good thing.

[LuckyLopez]

I don't get all the praise being heaped on Cano for this. I mean, I get those who don't want him playing. And I in no way am looking to put down on him for it. But I don't get all the "he's so focused" or "he's committed to the Yankees" stuff. That's not what's put across in the article. This isn't a case of Hideki Matsui saying "I have a commitment to the Yankees and want to win a World Series." Its not even Rivera saying "I don't want to risk playing if we don't have a chance to win." This sounds like Cano saying "I think I'll be on the bench so I'm not going." If I'm reading it right than he's right, and I'm totally cool with the decision. If he's not going to play I rather see him taking care of business in Spring Training. But if Barry Bonds had said that he'd be getting murdered.

It just seems to me like people are latching onto his last comment and sort of skipping the part where he was going to play until 2 all star second baseman were ahead of him on the depth chart. He didn't choose the Yanks over the WBC. He chose the WBC first. He then chose the Yanks over being the 3rd stringer in the WBC.

Again, this isn't putting down on him. I'm completely with his decision. It just seems like he's getting quite a homer reaction from some parts. Its a lot like the idea of A-Rod being forced into the WBC despite everything he said and did publicly supporting the idea that he is excited to play.

[DontHateOnNumber2]

I don't get all the praise being heaped on Cano for this. I mean, I get those who don't want him playing. And I in no way am looking to put down on him for it. But I don't get all the "he's so focused" or "he's committed to the Yankees" stuff. That's not what's put across in the article. This isn't a case of Hideki Matsui saying "I have a commitment to the Yankees and want to win a World Series." Its not even Rivera saying "I don't want to risk playing if we don't have a chance to win." This sounds like Cano saying "I think I'll be on the bench so I'm not going." If I'm reading it right than he's right, and I'm totally cool with the decision. If he's not going to play I rather see him taking care of business in Spring Training. But if Barry Bonds had said that he'd be getting murdered.

It just seems to me like people are latching onto his last comment and sort of skipping the part where he was going to play until 2 all star second baseman were ahead of him on the depth chart. He didn't choose the Yanks over the WBC. He chose the WBC first. He then chose the Yanks over being the 3rd stringer in the WBC.

Again, this isn't putting down on him. I'm completely with his decision. It just seems like he's getting quite a homer reaction from some parts. Its a lot like the idea of A-Rod being forced into the WBC despite everything he said and did publicly supporting the idea that he is excited to play.

I get it, but then again didn't Soriano say he wasn't going to play? Maybe Cano pumped himself up into thinking that he'd be a bigtime contributor, or at least get the opportunity to be. If that's the case then one can imagine a let down such as this. I'm just happy that he won't be sitting on his ass and that he'll be working with the Yanks.

[LuckyLopez]

My guess is that Cano simply wanted to play and signed up. If he put thought to his playing time 4 months ago he probably figured that he might end up moving up when people didn't sign up. But as luck would have it, most stars in baseball have signed up. And while quite a few have dropped out most remain (at least so far). So he's at the point where he has to make a decision and he sees himself as the 3rd option. So he decides to sit. Totally fair decision in my mind I completely understand the logic of it (or at least I can come up with logic for it and then presume that's what he saw).

I haven't seen anything on Soriano dropping out but I might have missed it. I'd think they would have mentioned that in the article rather than list him and Castillo as options ahead of him, but who knows? Perhaps you're confusing it with all the controversy around him refusing to play the OF for the Nationals? Or I could have just missed it.