NEW YORK -- Alex Rodriguez plans to play for the United States.

 

His allegiance torn between the Dominican Republic and United States, Rodriguez finally made up his mind Tuesday night and decided he will participate in the World Baseball Classic as a member of the U.S. team."He spoke to many Dominican friends and American friends, and many American players," agent Scott Boras told The Associated Press. "If he was going to play in the classic, he was going to honor his citizenship and play for the United States."

 

Rodriguez vacillated until the very end. After speaking with the New York Yankees third baseman earlier Tuesday, players' association chief operating officer Gene Orza thought the two-time MVP was leaning toward not playing at all.

 

Later in the day, Rodriguez made his decision to participate, according to Boras.

 

"The guy is one of the best players on the planet. He's finally made up his mind on a very difficult decision. If he wants to play for the U.S., we're definitely glad to have him,'' U.S. general manager Bob Watson said.

 

Tournament organizers remained unsure whether the Bush administration will allow Cuba to participate in the event.

 

The U.S. Treasury Department last month denied baseball's application for Cuba to play in the United States. A permit is needed because of laws governing certain transactions with Fidel Castro's communist country, which generally is not allowed to receive U.S. currency.

 

After Cuba promised to donate any money to victims of Hurricane Katrina, baseball reapplied for a permit and was still awaiting a decision on that second application.

 

"We are very hopeful that ... Cuba will be allowed to participate on the terms that have been negotiated," said Bob DuPuy, baseball's chief operating officer. "It is critical that Cuba participates. Cuba is an important international program, the defending Olympic champion, and ought to be in the World Baseball Classic."

 

Treasury Department spokeswoman Molly Millerwise said no decision had been made.

 

Puerto Rico has threatened to pull out if Cuba isn't allowed to play. And baseball's world governing body, the International Baseball Federation, says it would withdraw its sanction of the tournament.

 

Even home run king Hank Aaron thinks that would be a shame.

 

"I hope that these kids are given an opportunity to play, because whatever happened before, they had nothing to do with it," Aaron said in Washington at an event to promote the World Baseball Classic and celebrate 130 years of Japan-U.S. baseball history. "I just hope they have an opportunity to compete. They really deserve to. They have some great ballplayers in Cuba."

 

 

 

SOURCE

LOLOL

 

A-Rod is such a joke. I have zero respect for that man. Changing his mind more often than he changes his panties.

I hope he goes 0 for the tourney for being such an undecisive pansy.

If there are any close plays running to first base...he's the man I want around to break up the tag.

I hope he goes 0 for the tourney for being such an undecisive pansy.

 

 

amen.

A-Rod isn't an American or a Dominican, he is a douche.

Glad he made the right choice

A-Rod isn't an American or a Dominican, he is a douche.

 

:thumbup u said it all right there......

He is a yankee, he will play for whomever pays him the most.

 

 

 

Still I rather have him playing for us then DR. They dont need him, we need all the help we can get lol

Earlier in the day Buck Martinez states A-Rod isn't going to play for the US. Then A-Rod changes his mind and wants to play. His vacillating made him look ridiculous. At this point I could care less if he plays.

arod is a flip flopper.

 

yea i said it :middlefinger

i really wanted AROD on the domincan cause im batboying in orlando for the tourney and i was looking forward to meeting him...again

 

now i just want him to go 0 for the tourney and get hurt for the year for this BS

 

he cant make up his mind, he shouldnt be playing at all

it was all for attention

and get hurt for the year for this BS

 

 

Classy.

 

Anyway, as much as I don't like him, if he's playing for the United States, I hope he hits .450 with a HR in every game.

I think it helps the US that is he playing for us, I understand it was a hard decision. I still dont get why alot of people dont like the guy.

 

Besides perhaps he can finally win something when he really matters

I think it helps the US that is he playing for us, I understand it was a hard decision. I still dont get why alot of people dont like the guy.

 

Besides perhaps he can finally win something when he really matters

 

 

Actually, now that he's on the team, Team USA will lose. :plain