Monday, January 28, 2013
Verlander's choice
By Jason Catania
What might be great for Team USA could put the Detroit Tigers in a difficult position.
Tigers ace -- and arguably baseball's best pitcher -- Justin Verlander said he's weighing the possibility of pitching in the World Baseball Classic, per the Detroit Free Press.
On one hand, that would be a huge get for Team USA as it embarks on trying to make the third time a charm by winning its first ever WBC. Verlander would be the true No. 1 starter the club currently lacks. On the other hand, though, the Tigers will be in a tough spot if they have to worry about their two most important players partaking in a competition during spring training. Miguel Cabrera, who won the AL MVP and Triple Crown in 2012, is set to play for the Venezuelan team.
Although he's already spoken to Team USA manager Joe Torre about the idea of pitching in the Classic, Verlander also stressed that he needs to make sure he's ready first. Teams have until Feb. 20 to submit their final rosters, which is just nine days after Tigers pitchers and catchers report to camp.
Team USA will play its first game on March 8 against Mexico at Chase Field in Arizona.
