It Can't Happen Here

Among critics of the World Baseball Championships, one of the trendiest arguements was that there was too much risk of players getting injured in "meaningless" games. George Steinbrenner, in particular, was furious with Yankees players who chose to participate in the WBC, as well he might be, since he never bothers to invest in any depth to back up his highly paid starting players.

So I find it ironic that the biggest injury (and fortunately not a serious one) of the spring was not suffered during the WBC, but rather right in the Yankees training camp, where catcher Jorge Posada broke his nose playing catch. Posada is expected to be ready to take his spot in the lineup by opening day; the Yankees sure hope so, because the alternative is Kelly Stinnett.

My point here is not that the injuries couldn't have occured during the WBC, which had a wonderful run of luck in that regard. My point is that spring training facilities are not a safe haven, where everyone is somehow protected from being hurt. I suppose I could list Ben Sheets and Mark Prior as casualties of the spring as well; Sheets strained a back muscle in an exhibition game, and Prior's shoulder started hurting during a throwing session. Neither were involved in the WBC.

Injuries are a part of the game. They can happen in WBC games, in exhibitions, in the batting cage, getting dressed at your locker, in your sleep, or carrying groceries up the stairs of your apartment.

I enjoyed what I saw of the WBC, and myself and others would probably enjoyed it even more if much of it hadn't been broadcast on ESPN37 in the middle of the night. Bud, if you want people to get fired up about your new toy, perhaps you can work out a better broadcast deal next time? Other than that complaint, I have to give you credit for a great idea.