Associated Press
No matter how good Jake Peavy is or how many batters Roger Clemens mows down for the United States, their appearances in the first round of the World Baseball Classic will be brief.
The rules insist on it.
"I think (the rules are) very important," said Peavy, the San Diego right-hander who will start the U.S. opener against Mexico on Tuesday. "Obviously you don't want to tax your body. You get in the heat of battle and you're going to want to stay in there when you probably shouldn't."
Among the rules:
No pitcher in the first round can throw more than 65 pitches, unless it's to complete the at-bat in which he reaches No. 65. The number rises to 80 in the second round and 95 in the semifinals and finals.
If a pitcher throws more than 50 pitches, he must have the next four days off.
If he throws more than 30, he must have one day off.
Relievers can pitch only two consecutive days.
The restrictions are a main reason the U.S. roster is so pitcher-heavy. Fourteen of the 30 players on the roster are pitchers, 10 of them relievers. Five had 31 or more saves last season.
"It's the depth and the versatility it gives us," U.S. pitching coach Marcel Lachemann said. "We've got basically 10 guys that can jump in there anywhere."
Selig defends Classic
Baseball commissioner Bud Selig defended the World Baseball Classic, dismissing criticism that players put themselves at further risk of injury by participating.
"You mean guys don't get injured in spring training?" Selig said. "Guys get hurt walking down the street. "
What do you guys think about the Classic and all the rules?
Personally I think there shouldn't be a limit, it reminds me too much of little league. Let's limit the pitchers that are good so everyone has a chance.
Last edited by holyjabroni73; 03-05-2006 at 10:32 PM.
Yeah, on the whole, I think the classic isn't turning out like everyone hoped it would be. There are obscure times for the games and some teams loaded with known players and others with no names.
Baseball can be anywhere in the world just not Canada because they are better off with Curling, Hockey, and Figure Skating and they can keep those big sports moments.....But the US losing to Canada the other day was a shock and was thrown in the face. But luckily enough US beat S. Africa to be moving into the second round of play. US needs to get their heads out of there butts and play harder and know how to rally a lot better than they tried against Canada....A shame what a darn shame! Latin America is a force and the toughest challenge for the US if not them then Japan as well. GO TEAM USA, ALL THE WAY!!!!! :BoomSmili :new_blueg
Does any boby care about a Cuba/Japan final with only 2 major league ballplayers. The best thing that could happen now would be if one or several of the Cuban players defected and jioned major league rosters.
No!! Canada isn't baseball
:new_blueg
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