So here’s another reason to hate the WBC.
On March 3rd, Team USA will play the Yankees.
So say you like Jeter. Do you want them to get a hit? Strike out? Do you want your pitcher to gain confidence?
If you are the Yankees pitcher, do you dare pitch inside to either of them? What if you break Jeter’s arm? Should a Yankee take him out on a double play, or just give USA an easy out?
Jeter says, “Hopefully, I won’t see any pitches inside.”
The Mets only play Team Italy.
(Note. I cop to blowing it on the first version of this piece. I mistakenly had A-Rod on team USA. A-Rod was on team USA last time but this time he will play for the Dominican Republic. Bad job outta me. Guilty. I do think A-Rod switching teams is a good topic for a rainy day.)
Um… you wouldn’t worry about pitching inside to A-Rod so much. Since, y’know, he’s playing for the Dominican. (Although Yank pitchers do get the bonus of headhunting Youkilis and/or Pedroia.)
You are right. I realized that about an hour after. Guilty as charged.