Wetherholt may play for Team Korea in WBC

[craviduce]

Bloom is on record recently saying "JJ would be given the chance to compete for a roster spot in Spring Training"....if we recall the 2023 WBC debacle for the Cards, then JJ won't be seen at ST until 2 1/2 weeks left. The vets imploded during the 2023 season, I don't recall Noot and Tommy having significant campaigns in 2023 either...I want his first foray into the MLB to be controlled and flawless. Sending him traveling in February and March is Rookie Malpractice.

[rockondlouie]

I know I'm about to get flamed for this, but I...

1.) Don't care about the WBC. I'd have felt nothing if Americans won it, and I felt nothing when they lost it.
2.) I don't like the looks of this. I hated it two years ago when half the team left in the middle of spring to play in it, especially the vets. And I don't like someone who's very likely going to shove for a spot on this roster as an important rookie both this season and for the next several seasons.

Maybe I'd feel different if this team was already established, had some success, and a clear identity. But that wasn't the case before '23. Both Pujols and Molina passed the baton to Goldy/Nado who left to go play, and Wainwright and Mikolas left for the WBC. Again, I don't give a single rip about a tournament in the middle of spring training. Is there a banner or pennant in Busch Stadium--or any stadium--about making it to the WBC finals in '23? Or a trophy?

I'd feel different if this was happening now, or November, or January. I still wouldn't care about the outcome, but at least it wouldn't take from spring training or mandatory team work-outs.

I don't expect a lot to agree with me, but I'm sticking to it.

No flame from me strummer. 100% agree and have since it's inception.

I hate it being played right in the middle of MLB spring training...............hate that it gives the Asian teams a huge advantage as they're already into their season and in "game shape" while major leaguers are still trying to knock off the winter rust.......couldn't stand it when the Cardinals had good teams and they had so many players gone from STing.

Like you, I've always said they need to have it two weeks after the W.S. is completed.........still wouldn't care about the outcome either but would definitely enjoy more baseball before winter sets in.

I think additionally...would they WANT to have the WBC in November or December? There's not a whole lot that happens then. A lot of times even the biggest free agents aren't signing during that time anyway. What better way to keep the attention on baseball? I would also think that if an injury happens during that time, there's still time to recover before MLB starts back up again, unless some guy tears an ACL or blows an elbow out.

You'd think MLB would have thought this out better. Because let's face it, most of the talent for these comes from Major League Baseball. Even the Korean and Japanese teams have a large share of MLB talent.

Two weeks after the W.S. series is completed allows players (not in the W.S.) to stay sharp and in game shape, December is too late.

I'd be fine with it.

I still just don't care about the WBC from an outcome standpoint, but it's a way to keep tangible baseball in the news cycle a little longer.

Pitchers would be the real issue, you don't want their arms getting too far out of shape.

Ditto on the outcome, it's steered towards favoring the Asian teams since they're in mid season form.

[icon]

I know I'm about to get flamed for this, but I...

1.) Don't care about the WBC. I'd have felt nothing if Americans won it, and I felt nothing when they lost it.
2.) I don't like the looks of this. I hated it two years ago when half the team left in the middle of spring to play in it, especially the vets. And I don't like someone who's very likely going to shove for a spot on this roster as an important rookie both this season and for the next several seasons.

Maybe I'd feel different if this team was already established, had some success, and a clear identity. But that wasn't the case before '23. Both Pujols and Molina passed the baton to Goldy/Nado who left to go play, and Wainwright and Mikolas left for the WBC. Again, I don't give a single rip about a tournament in the middle of spring training. Is there a banner or pennant in Busch Stadium--or any stadium--about making it to the WBC finals in '23? Or a trophy?

I'd feel different if this was happening now, or November, or January. I still wouldn't care about the outcome, but at least it wouldn't take from spring training or mandatory team work-outs.

I don't expect a lot to agree with me, but I'm sticking to it.

I'm in full agreement. The Cardinals need to find out who they are and who they have. Let the Dodgers send their players.

And JJ needs to be getting all the MLB exposure he can get. And needs to get acclimated to the STL Cardinals, not freaking South Korea or any other WBC team. The WBC is a nothing burger.

[imetsatchelpaige]

Possibility that JJ could be on their team. His grandmother is from South Korea and according to rules that may qualify him .
JJ had expressed a desire to play in the 2026 WBC.

His grandfather served in U.S. Forces Korea .

I HATE that!
The WBC is a waste of time-and key players get hurt.
Ring any bells? No?

The most prominent Cardinal hurt in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) was veteran pitcher Adam Wainwright, who suffered a groin strain in the weight room after pitching for Team USA in the 2023 WBC, forcing him to miss several weeks of the Cardinals' season start. Another significant injury was Nolan Arenado's hand being hit by a pitch during the same 2023 tournament, though X-rays were negative.

Next caller.

[alw80]

I know I'm about to get flamed for this, but I...

1.) Don't care about the WBC. I'd have felt nothing if Americans won it, and I felt nothing when they lost it.
2.) I don't like the looks of this. I hated it two years ago when half the team left in the middle of spring to play in it, especially the vets. And I don't like someone who's very likely going to shove for a spot on this roster as an important rookie both this season and for the next several seasons.

Maybe I'd feel different if this team was already established, had some success, and a clear identity. But that wasn't the case before '23. Both Pujols and Molina passed the baton to Goldy/Nado who left to go play, and Wainwright and Mikolas left for the WBC. Again, I don't give a single rip about a tournament in the middle of spring training. Is there a banner or pennant in Busch Stadium--or any stadium--about making it to the WBC finals in '23? Or a trophy?

I'd feel different if this was happening now, or November, or January. I still wouldn't care about the outcome, but at least it wouldn't take from spring training or mandatory team work-outs.

I don't expect a lot to agree with me, but I'm sticking to it.

This is a throwaway season for the Cards, perfect time for JJ to play in the WBC.

[alw80]

JJ should be advised to wait on the WBC and focus on making the big league roster.

Hes going to be on the team this season no matter what.

[Bomber1]

I know I'm about to get flamed for this, but I...

1.) Don't care about the WBC. I'd have felt nothing if Americans won it, and I felt nothing when they lost it.
2.) I don't like the looks of this. I hated it two years ago when half the team left in the middle of spring to play in it, especially the vets. And I don't like someone who's very likely going to shove for a spot on this roster as an important rookie both this season and for the next several seasons.

Maybe I'd feel different if this team was already established, had some success, and a clear identity. But that wasn't the case before '23. Both Pujols and Molina passed the baton to Goldy/Nado who left to go play, and Wainwright and Mikolas left for the WBC. Again, I don't give a single rip about a tournament in the middle of spring training. Is there a banner or pennant in Busch Stadium--or any stadium--about making it to the WBC finals in '23? Or a trophy?

I'd feel different if this was happening now, or November, or January. I still wouldn't care about the outcome, but at least it wouldn't take from spring training or mandatory team work-outs.

I don't expect a lot to agree with me, but I'm sticking to it.

I agree with you.

These guys are paid to play baseball for whatever MLB team that employs them, either ML or minors. They are not paid to go “represent” whatever country their grandparents or parents or uncles or even they themselves came from.

If I was a ML manager trying to get my team ready for the long rigors of a major league season I’d be (upset).

[icon]

I know I'm about to get flamed for this, but I...

1.) Don't care about the WBC. I'd have felt nothing if Americans won it, and I felt nothing when they lost it.
2.) I don't like the looks of this. I hated it two years ago when half the team left in the middle of spring to play in it, especially the vets. And I don't like someone who's very likely going to shove for a spot on this roster as an important rookie both this season and for the next several seasons.

Maybe I'd feel different if this team was already established, had some success, and a clear identity. But that wasn't the case before '23. Both Pujols and Molina passed the baton to Goldy/Nado who left to go play, and Wainwright and Mikolas left for the WBC. Again, I don't give a single rip about a tournament in the middle of spring training. Is there a banner or pennant in Busch Stadium--or any stadium--about making it to the WBC finals in '23? Or a trophy?

I'd feel different if this was happening now, or November, or January. I still wouldn't care about the outcome, but at least it wouldn't take from spring training or mandatory team work-outs.

I don't expect a lot to agree with me, but I'm sticking to it.

I agree with you.

These guys are paid to play baseball for whatever MLB team that employs them, either ML or minors. They are not paid to go “represent” whatever country their grandparents or parents or uncles or even they themselves came from.

If I was a ML manager trying to get my team ready for the long rigors of a major league season I’d be (upset).

C'mon, you obviously forgot about how many great Japanese players Noot can recruit during the WBC.

[Bushiro]

I know I'm about to get flamed for this, but I...

1.) Don't care about the WBC. I'd have felt nothing if Americans won it, and I felt nothing when they lost it.
2.) I don't like the looks of this. I hated it two years ago when half the team left in the middle of spring to play in it, especially the vets. And I don't like someone who's very likely going to shove for a spot on this roster as an important rookie both this season and for the next several seasons.

Maybe I'd feel different if this team was already established, had some success, and a clear identity. But that wasn't the case before '23. Both Pujols and Molina passed the baton to Goldy/Nado who left to go play, and Wainwright and Mikolas left for the WBC. Again, I don't give a single rip about a tournament in the middle of spring training. Is there a banner or pennant in Busch Stadium--or any stadium--about making it to the WBC finals in '23? Or a trophy?

I'd feel different if this was happening now, or November, or January. I still wouldn't care about the outcome, but at least it wouldn't take from spring training or mandatory team work-outs.

I don't expect a lot to agree with me, but I'm sticking to it.

Some like it some don't ....just like everything else...I've always liked it ....but then watching the games and seeing how in to it these players are ....made me like it quite a bit more...and actually look forward to it...

[WeeVikes]

I know I'm about to get flamed for this, but I...

1.) Don't care about the WBC. I'd have felt nothing if Americans won it, and I felt nothing when they lost it.
2.) I don't like the looks of this. I hated it two years ago when half the team left in the middle of spring to play in it, especially the vets. And I don't like someone who's very likely going to shove for a spot on this roster as an important rookie both this season and for the next several seasons.

Maybe I'd feel different if this team was already established, had some success, and a clear identity. But that wasn't the case before '23. Both Pujols and Molina passed the baton to Goldy/Nado who left to go play, and Wainwright and Mikolas left for the WBC. Again, I don't give a single rip about a tournament in the middle of spring training. Is there a banner or pennant in Busch Stadium--or any stadium--about making it to the WBC finals in '23? Or a trophy?

I'd feel different if this was happening now, or November, or January. I still wouldn't care about the outcome, but at least it wouldn't take from spring training or mandatory team work-outs.

I don't expect a lot to agree with me, but I'm sticking to it.

Nah, I’m with you, Strummer. I mean, I hope the USA wins, but I neither expect it nor am bummed if we don’t. I want the Cardinals to be in the best position possible heading out of Spring Training and I don’t think this helps.

[12xu]

Bloom is on record recently saying "JJ would be given the chance to compete for a roster spot in Spring Training"....if we recall the 2023 WBC debacle for the Cards, then JJ won't be seen at ST until 2 1/2 weeks left. The vets imploded during the 2023 season, I don't recall Noot and Tommy having significant campaigns in 2023 either...I want his first foray into the MLB to be controlled and flawless. Sending him traveling in February and March is Rookie Malpractice.

I agree. I think he should refrain from playing in the WBC in 2026.

[ClassicO]

I wonder how many people who are kvetching about the WBC have been to a game?
My son and I went to Miami and watched two games - US v. Japan and Puerto Rico v Dominican Republic. The latter game was the best baseball environment I have ever been in - and I've been to 3 Game 7 WS games. The fans (95% Latin) were friendly to one another with lots of talk between fans, the crowds were more raucous than a WS game, and there was singing and drinking aplenty.
It was incredible. We could tell Diaz was injured in the celebration - bummer for him.

[ClassicO]

Bloom is on record recently saying "JJ would be given the chance to compete for a roster spot in Spring Training"....if we recall the 2023 WBC debacle for the Cards, then JJ won't be seen at ST until 2 1/2 weeks left. The vets imploded during the 2023 season, I don't recall Noot and Tommy having significant campaigns in 2023 either...I want his first foray into the MLB to be controlled and flawless. Sending him traveling in February and March is Rookie Malpractice.

I agree. I think he should refrain from playing in the WBC in 2026.

I agree. JJ needs to be in ST and play as many games as possible.

[woofy25]

JJ should be advised to wait on the WBC and focus on making the big league roster.

Hes going to be on the team this season no matter what.

To skip on a lot of your first big league camp is a bad idea. He’ll have plenty of opps to play in the wbc/olympics. This spring is not the time.

[Bomber1]

I know I'm about to get flamed for this, but I...

1.) Don't care about the WBC. I'd have felt nothing if Americans won it, and I felt nothing when they lost it.
2.) I don't like the looks of this. I hated it two years ago when half the team left in the middle of spring to play in it, especially the vets. And I don't like someone who's very likely going to shove for a spot on this roster as an important rookie both this season and for the next several seasons.

Maybe I'd feel different if this team was already established, had some success, and a clear identity. But that wasn't the case before '23. Both Pujols and Molina passed the baton to Goldy/Nado who left to go play, and Wainwright and Mikolas left for the WBC. Again, I don't give a single rip about a tournament in the middle of spring training. Is there a banner or pennant in Busch Stadium--or any stadium--about making it to the WBC finals in '23? Or a trophy?

I'd feel different if this was happening now, or November, or January. I still wouldn't care about the outcome, but at least it wouldn't take from spring training or mandatory team work-outs.

I don't expect a lot to agree with me, but I'm sticking to it.

I agree with you.

These guys are paid to play baseball for whatever MLB team that employs them, either ML or minors. They are not paid to go “represent” whatever country their grandparents or parents or uncles or even they themselves came from.

If I was a ML manager trying to get my team ready for the long rigors of a major league season I’d be (upset).

C'mon, you obviously forgot about how many great Japanese players Noot can recruit during the WBC.

Right. I stand corrected.

[alw80]

JJ should be advised to wait on the WBC and focus on making the big league roster.

Hes going to be on the team this season no matter what.

To skip on a lot of your first big league camp is a bad idea. He’ll have plenty of opps to play in the wbc/olympics. This spring is not the time.

If the Cardinals were competing this year I'd agree, but the WBC would be a good experience for him.