Sizemore joins Team USA for WBC

They asked, and Grady accepted. He's on the provisional roster, and it's safe to assume he's a strong favorite for the final 28-man roster. The article also notes that Victor and Fausto cannot participate without the team's permission, since they spent more than 45 days on the DL last season. Betancourt, who struggled out of the gate in 2006 after going to the WBC, may not be invited after his poor showing in 2008.

As previously reported, umana pioggia ritardo Mike Hargrove will serve as a coach for Team Italy, whose provisional roster includes our great hero Sal Fasano.

6 months ago Jay Comment 17 comments 0 recs |

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umana pioggia ritardo = The Human Rain Delay

nice.

by KevinV on Dec 20, 2008 1:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

You mean I’m actually going to have to watch this thing now? Boooo,

by Joe. on Dec 20, 2008 9:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

ha. i had the exact same thought…

by Brick. on Dec 20, 2008 10:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

WBC is cool.

by scripteye on Dec 20, 2008 2:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

“This is a great way to promote the game, but logistically it’s a challenge to be in full game shape by March 5. It’s easier for a position player than a pitcher.” -Shapiro to Hoynes

I’m glad to hear Shapiro say that because that’s the biggest concern with the whole thing. We know that Grady will take the CF spot opening day. This is a good way for Grady to keep sharp, and let the other outfielders get lots of ABs—as long as Grady stays healthy making his trademark full-bore diving catches that aren’t really necessary in spring training.

by PatBordersHelmet on Dec 20, 2008 10:32 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I guess I am in the minority here, but I think it is nuts to let any major league starter, much less an all-star, gold-glove winner on a team with very few true stars, play in this non-event. Let the minor league players play. Who cares if Cuba or Japan wins? He gets hurt in this and we are screwed. Sure it can happen in spring training also, but why even take the chance? The Indians play without a net, and losing Sizemore would be as devastating as losing Victor or Travis was last year.

by Tribe Fan Matt on Dec 21, 2008 5:34 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Sure, if he gets hurt, we are screwed. But he could get hurt in a pickup basketball game or a car accident just the same. Let them play the game they love for their country. It is a good idea, even if it isn’t executed well.

Pitchers are more concerning, but doesn’t sound like we have any of ours going.

by DaytonDogg on Dec 22, 2008 11:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Even if Grady gets hurt at least we will have Franklin Guit…. oh sh@!

by Toxicadam on Dec 20, 2008 11:24 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Maybe we can arrange for Barfield to get hurt instead.

by Jay on Dec 20, 2008 12:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

or send Dellucci.

Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.

by westbrook on Dec 20, 2008 12:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I bet the Italian team would love to have the Looch! Let’s start a Hire Delluci movement under the guise of Italian baseball fans. NOLEGGIO DELLUCCI! (He’s at least as good as Sal Fasano.)

by PatBordersHelmet on Dec 20, 2008 1:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs