Lasorda v. Steinbrenner

As the WBC kicks into high gear, the controversy that surrounds it increases. Many owners feel that it is a negative influence on their time and that their players will come back injured and unable to play. No one advocates this more than owner George Steinbrenner. In fact, Steinbrenner even posted a sign on the front of Legends Field apologizing to the fans for their lack of superstar players this Spring Training. The sign said:

"We are sorry that certain players will not be present for portions of Spring Training. These players have selected to participate of Spring Training. These players have selected to participate in the World Baseball Classic. The World Baseball Classic is an event sanctioned by the commissioner of Major League Baseball and the Major League Players Association. The New York Yankees did not vote to support this event. Any comments you have regarding the World Baseball Classic should be directed to the commissioner of Major League Baseball or the Major League Players Association."

Yesterday, Tommy Lasorda had some comments to say regarding Steinbrenner. Yankees.com reported Lasorda as saying

"I would think George, who was one of the most patriotic people I have ever known, would be the first guy to endorse this and tell his players to play. I am really surprised and disappointed that he hasn't done that."

The positives coming out of the WBC will be the unification of baseball around the globe, which could possibly influence its popularity. Michael Kay noted that there will be millions of children in Beijing wearing Yankee hats after this is over. No one denies that it will have positive effects worldwide, but as for MLB, its effects could be detrimental.