Friday, December 16, 2005
A-Rod leaning toward Dominican
12/13/2005
NEW YORK -- Alex Rodriguez committed last week to participate in the inaugural World Baseball Classic, though he didn't say whether he would play for the United States or the Dominican Republic.
While no official announcement was made, the reigning American League MVP said Tuesday that he will probably represent the Dominican in the tournament, scheduled for March.
"That seems to be pretty much the way I'm leaning," Rodriguez said in an interview with WFAN radio. "That's the team I'm going to represent, kind of like what [Mike] Piazza is doing with Italy. It's going to be a lot of fun."
Rodriguez's presence on the Dominican team adds even more power to the team's lineup, which is already stacked with names such as Albert Pujols, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Vladimir Guerrero, Miguel Tejada and Alfonso Soriano.
"I know the guys in the Dominican are taking this real seriously," Rodriguez said. "I think the American team might take it more like an exhibition, but these guys are playing for the pride of their country, to showcase what they're all about for their home country."
Rodriguez is one of three Yankees to commit to the event, joining Robinson Cano, who will be a teammate of A-Rod's on the Dominican team, and Derek Jeter, who will play for the United States.
Jorge Posada wanted to play for Puerto Rico, but the Yankees blocked Posada from participating, citing the wear and tear that goes with catching a full season.
A-Rod, who is well-known for his strenuous offseason workout regimen, will begin his baseball activity a little earlier than usual to prepare for the tournament. Instead of beginning his hitting work around Jan. 1, as usual, he plans to step into the cage in the next 10 days.
"There is definitely a sense of urgency for me to get ready a little earlier," Rodriguez said. "To get more game ready, start throwing earlier."
Rodriguez admitted that the potential to get hurt during the World Baseball Classic is a concern, but he doesn't plan on holding anything back.
"I'm a little nervous about guys getting injured that time of year," he said. "At the end of the day, if you pull a hamstring and are out three or four weeks, that could impact your whole season.
"I only know how to play one way once I'm between the lines. I love to compete, I love to play, and I'm going to go all out."
Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/
NEW YORK -- Alex Rodriguez committed last week to participate in the inaugural World Baseball Classic, though he didn't say whether he would play for the United States or the Dominican Republic.
While no official announcement was made, the reigning American League MVP said Tuesday that he will probably represent the Dominican in the tournament, scheduled for March.
"That seems to be pretty much the way I'm leaning," Rodriguez said in an interview with WFAN radio. "That's the team I'm going to represent, kind of like what [Mike] Piazza is doing with Italy. It's going to be a lot of fun."
Rodriguez's presence on the Dominican team adds even more power to the team's lineup, which is already stacked with names such as Albert Pujols, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Vladimir Guerrero, Miguel Tejada and Alfonso Soriano.
"I know the guys in the Dominican are taking this real seriously," Rodriguez said. "I think the American team might take it more like an exhibition, but these guys are playing for the pride of their country, to showcase what they're all about for their home country."
Rodriguez is one of three Yankees to commit to the event, joining Robinson Cano, who will be a teammate of A-Rod's on the Dominican team, and Derek Jeter, who will play for the United States.
Jorge Posada wanted to play for Puerto Rico, but the Yankees blocked Posada from participating, citing the wear and tear that goes with catching a full season.
A-Rod, who is well-known for his strenuous offseason workout regimen, will begin his baseball activity a little earlier than usual to prepare for the tournament. Instead of beginning his hitting work around Jan. 1, as usual, he plans to step into the cage in the next 10 days.
"There is definitely a sense of urgency for me to get ready a little earlier," Rodriguez said. "To get more game ready, start throwing earlier."
Rodriguez admitted that the potential to get hurt during the World Baseball Classic is a concern, but he doesn't plan on holding anything back.
"I'm a little nervous about guys getting injured that time of year," he said. "At the end of the day, if you pull a hamstring and are out three or four weeks, that could impact your whole season.
"I only know how to play one way once I'm between the lines. I love to compete, I love to play, and I'm going to go all out."
Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/
