Braun to play in WBC

[southpaw121505]

Braun to play for team USA in the World Baseball Classic

Nice honor for Braun, not sure how this effects players going into the season or if it does at all?

[nate82]

Nice honor for Braun, not sure how this effects players going into the season or if it does at all?

Very little for batters I'm not sure on the pitchers though.

[And That]

Very little for batters I'm not sure on the pitchers though.

For the WBC pitchers facing Braun, not good.

[TooLiveBrew]

"But speaking in October, during the Brewers' brief playoff run, Gallardo said he was interested in suiting up for Team Mexico.

 

'I bet there are a bunch of guys out there who want this opportunity,' Gallardo said. "So if the opportunity is there for me, I definitely would take it. I'm pretty sure the guys who did it last time had a great experience.'"

 

I think this was mentioned in another thread, but I wanted to point it out for those that didn't see it. I know it's a neat opportunity, but I can't believe a kid that just annihilated his knee last season would want to pitch in the WBC.

[MillerParkSouth]

I would hope that Doug sits Yo down and tells him under no circumstance can he play in the WBC. We've got so much riding on that right arm of his this year, can't take the risk.

[twobrewers]

but I can't believe a kid that just annihilated his knee last season would want to pitch in the WBC.

I was just wondering about Yo the other day.

 

Why didn't he pitch in the Arizona Fall League at all this year? I mean, I know he is MLB ready - but if he knee is sounds, wouldn't it have been advantageous to get him a few extra innings so that we aren't taxing his arm so much in 2009?

[JoeHova]

I would hope that Doug sits Yo down and tells him under no circumstance can he play in the WBC. We've got so much riding on that right arm of his this year, can't take the risk.

 

 

I don't know. A bunch of guys always pitch in the winter leagues. I don't think Yo throwing 20 innings or so in a tournament (in lieu of 20 innings or so in spring training) is a big deal. I hope he does it, in fact.

[BrewCrewForever]

Very happy for Ryan. Makes me even more excited to watch the WBC then I already was. Hopefully he can help Team USA bring home the gold.

[jason21nl]

this is cool for Braun, but now I'll miss out on seeing him during spring training so selfishly this really sucks for me.

[BrewCrewForever]

I really hope the USA has a better showing then they did in 2006. They should at least get a medal this year.

[logan82]

A pitcher pitching in the WBS is much harder on the arm than pitching in the winter leagues or in Spring training. The arm is ready when the winter leagues start and most pitchers don't throw all their pitches until later in spring training. Using all your pitches in the WBC is a good way to get hurt when your arm isn't ready to start throwing all pitches with max effort.