GaryMrMets
01-17-2006, 03:43 PM
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/story/383429p-325507c.html
Alex makes World wait
as stars line up for U.S.
BY ANTHONY McCARRON
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
Some of the biggest names in the majors were part of the provisional roster announced last night for the United States team in the World Baseball Classic, including the Yankees' Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon and new Mets closer Billy Wagner.
But it was still unclear what Alex Rodriguez, who has waffled on whether to play for the Americans, the Domincans or not at all, would do. Rodriguez told the Yankees several weeks ago he wasn't going to play, but since has had several conversations with officials from Major League Baseball and the Players Association who were urging him to take part.
"We'll know (today)," Bob Watson, the general manager of the USA team, said on MLB.com's television show announcing the first 42 players. "We'll save a spot for him on our roster."
Officials could add as many as 18 more names today to reach the interim limit of 60. The final roster of 30 players has to be filed on March 2. Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, did not return a call seeking comment on his client's status for the 16-nation event, which begins March 3.
While A-Rod decides, other stars have committed, including Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte. Al Leiter, who recently signed a minor-league deal with the Yanks, joins Damon and Jeter representing pinstripes and Wagner, David Wright and Paul Lo Duca are the Mets on the roster.
Countries have to submit provisional rosters by today so players can undergo drug testing, which will be done by international rules.
The American manager, Buck Martinez, told ESPNews that he had spoken to Damon, the Yankees' new center fielder, about playing left. Damon replied, "Play me where you need me," according to Martinez. Damon added, "I'd like to tell my grandkid I shared left field with Barry Bonds."
Martinez also said he had seen Bonds recently and "he looks great." Bonds also made a pitch for Clemens, telling Martinez, "We need the Rocket." Clemens, 43, who was hurting late last season, has not said whether - or where - he will pitch next season or in the tournament.
http://www.nydailynews.com/images/editors/flashes.gif
NELSON SHOWS CARDS: Former Yankee reliever Jeff Nelson agreed to a minor-league contract with the Cardinals yesterday, meaning he won't have a third term in pinstripes. The Yankees had spoken to Nelson about a nonroster invite to spring training.
Originally published on January 17, 2006
Alex makes World wait
as stars line up for U.S.
BY ANTHONY McCARRON
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
Some of the biggest names in the majors were part of the provisional roster announced last night for the United States team in the World Baseball Classic, including the Yankees' Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon and new Mets closer Billy Wagner.
But it was still unclear what Alex Rodriguez, who has waffled on whether to play for the Americans, the Domincans or not at all, would do. Rodriguez told the Yankees several weeks ago he wasn't going to play, but since has had several conversations with officials from Major League Baseball and the Players Association who were urging him to take part.
"We'll know (today)," Bob Watson, the general manager of the USA team, said on MLB.com's television show announcing the first 42 players. "We'll save a spot for him on our roster."
Officials could add as many as 18 more names today to reach the interim limit of 60. The final roster of 30 players has to be filed on March 2. Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, did not return a call seeking comment on his client's status for the 16-nation event, which begins March 3.
While A-Rod decides, other stars have committed, including Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte. Al Leiter, who recently signed a minor-league deal with the Yanks, joins Damon and Jeter representing pinstripes and Wagner, David Wright and Paul Lo Duca are the Mets on the roster.
Countries have to submit provisional rosters by today so players can undergo drug testing, which will be done by international rules.
The American manager, Buck Martinez, told ESPNews that he had spoken to Damon, the Yankees' new center fielder, about playing left. Damon replied, "Play me where you need me," according to Martinez. Damon added, "I'd like to tell my grandkid I shared left field with Barry Bonds."
Martinez also said he had seen Bonds recently and "he looks great." Bonds also made a pitch for Clemens, telling Martinez, "We need the Rocket." Clemens, 43, who was hurting late last season, has not said whether - or where - he will pitch next season or in the tournament.
http://www.nydailynews.com/images/editors/flashes.gif
NELSON SHOWS CARDS: Former Yankee reliever Jeff Nelson agreed to a minor-league contract with the Cardinals yesterday, meaning he won't have a third term in pinstripes. The Yankees had spoken to Nelson about a nonroster invite to spring training.
Originally published on January 17, 2006