Posted January 22, 200916 yr http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20...rtnerId=rss_fla MIAMI -- If Anibal Sanchez wants to compete in the World Baseball Classic for Venezuela, the Marlins won't stand in the right-hander's way. Marlins general manager Michael Hill said on Wednesday that the organization will not block Sanchez from competing for his native country. In recent days, newspaper reports in Venezuela cited the Marlins didn't want Sanchez to play in the Classic because of fear of injury concerns. "It's still under consideration," Hill said. "We haven't ruled anything out at this point." Sanchez underwent right shoulder surgery in June 2007, and while he returned in '08, he appeared in 10 games and was 2-5 with a 5.57 ERA. Sanchez made two appearances pitching in the Venezuelan Winter League before the Marlins shut him down. Hill noted the Marlins fully support the World Baseball Classic. The club has several players set to play, including Hanley Ramirez (Dominican Republic), Matt Lindstrom (United States), Jorge Cantu (Mexico), Alfredo Amezaga (Mexico) and Renyel Pinto (Venezuela). "It's a great opportunity for players to show their national pride. We fully support it, 100 percent," Hill said. Hill noted that at the end of the 2008 season, organizations filled out forms for players who could be candidates for the Classic. He added that there is a mechanism in the selection process where, if a club has an injury concern, they can discourage the player from taking part in the Classic. In the case of Sanchez, the decision appears to be up to himself and the Venezuelan team. Sanchez is projected to be part of the Marlins' starting rotation, along with Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco, Chris Volstad and Andrew Miller. There is always the fear of injury, especially for pitchers, at the Classic. "The roster is expanded to make sure that no one is at risk," Hill said. "It's one of those jewel events where you can showcase the best players across the world."
January 22, 200916 yr I didnt know organizations filled out forms only making certain players candidates for the classsic. Anibal needs to be with us during ST imo, he needs to get his stuff together.
January 24, 200916 yr Amezaga to Mexico. That team is desperate for players. :/ He actually is a valuable commodity as an infielder, He just really isnt a major league outfielder which is the role the Marlins have tried to abscribe to him in the last 2 season. Amezaga can play a hell of a shortstop defensively, and plays 2nd base very well. In fact no one ever thought of Amezaga as a hitter but as a defensive SS throughout his career
January 24, 200916 yr I just hope that the constant starting and stopping (in terms of throwing routines) throughout the offseason won't screw him over before Opening Day. With the rotation as is, and the expectation of success this year, I'm sure Wiley and everyone else will be keeping an extremely close eye on him and the others.
January 24, 200916 yr I really hope that pitching in the WBC will actually boost Anibal's confidence which should carry over into the season being a significant plus for us. When Anibal is on there are few pitchers better in all of baseball
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