Zambrano wants start Venezuela's Classic

by TheRamZamDLEE on Feb 5, 2006 11:18 PM CST

Hey what's bcb reader's My name is Sean and this is my first entry to the site. It's about 10:58 p.m. just having watched the superbowl, I came across this article on espn's mlb page http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/worldclassic2006/news/story?id=2320453

Being a HUGE Z fan as im sure alot of you are I was not at all suprised that Big Z wants to be the Ace for is country, but as a cub fan the only time I want to see Our Ace on the hill is at Wrigley or on Tv in reg or post season action (yes the fingers were crossed). Let's not forget who's manager of the Venezuelan team either (Ozzie). Just wanted to get some of guys thoughts on this to . O yea and I just want to say Awesome job to the person(s) who have taken the time to shoot and post those pictures of the bleacher reconstuction. I always look forward to the new ones. -Great site to btw!

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Comments

ST vs. WBC

I must be the only one who thinks that the WBC will better prepare guys for the regular season than Spring Training? Everyone is saying they don't want their favorite players to play because they might get hurt. They might get hurt in ST, too. They might get their fingers stuck between recliners or hurt themselves using the computer. I think a real competitive environment will perk them up faster than some games that don't count for anything.

(Maybe in the case of, say, catchers learning pitchers, ST is better).

by Otter23 on Feb 6, 2006 6:56 AM CST reply actions

The difference is...

... that players approach ST games differently. They'll be working on a pitch if they are pitchers, and maybe won't work a count or work hitters the way they do in the regular season. Early on, most starters throw three innings, maybe 40 pitches. In the WBC they'll throw 65 in their first start.

Hitters will approach AB's differently, they'll try to work on various approaches to hitting, taking pitches, etc.

And ST games are generally NOT played strategically to win.

WBC games will be, and among many players national pride will make them want to go all out to win for their country.

This isn't a bad thing -- but it will increase the risk of injury as compared to a ST game.

by Al Yellon on Feb 6, 2006 8:24 AM CST up reply actions

What worries me

is not only that it increases the risk of injury, but, that aside, I am worried about players, especially pitchers, wearing out sooner in the season. ST is set up to get players geared up, loose and in condition for the regular season slowly. Even in April, a lot of managers and pitching coaches will keep their pitchers on a pitch count, as their arms usually aren't ready to go full-force yet. I would just hate to see somebody like Z get injured pitching for Venezuela, when it has nothing to do with the Cubs season.

"The game will never be over, because we're keepin' the dream alive."

by Mark H @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Feb 6, 2006 9:43 AM CST up reply actions