A Caution Flag On Pitchers for 09

[bigwords]

Major league schedules just came out, which reminded me that the World Baseball Classic occurs again next year. I remember last time one of the major storylines being that pitchers participating in the WBC struggled during the major league season. Just something to be somewhat mindful of.

[Omaha Red Sox]

• Cole Hamels (Phillies), United States: "If they want to lose, they can pick me. I have terrible Spring Trainings, so I don't think I'd be too much help to the U.S. because I usually give up a lot of runs in the spring. But it's a tremendous opportunity for baseball and I'd like to go."

When are rosters announced for this?

[Bloody Sox]

• Cole Hamels (Phillies), United States: "If they want to lose, they can pick me. I have terrible Spring Trainings, so I don't think I'd be too much help to the U.S. because I usually give up a lot of runs in the spring. But it's a tremendous opportunity for baseball and I'd like to go."

Translation: "I don't want any part of the WBC, but I don't want anyone to actually think that"

[DbacksRback]

• Cole Hamels (Phillies), United States: "If they want to lose, they can pick me. I have terrible Spring Trainings, so I don't think I'd be too much help to the U.S. because I usually give up a lot of runs in the spring. But it's a tremendous opportunity for baseball and I'd like to go."

Translation: "I am the greatest pitcher ever"