Mets' Asdrubal Cabrera "disappointed" to be left off Venezuela's WBC roster
The World Baseball Classic rosters were announced Wednesday night, and while the Mets were well represented with 10 players making five different national teams, there was one big omission that surprised a lot of us.
Venezuela’s national squad did not include Mets shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, and many were wondering why that was the case. Cabrera had been training and even playing winter ball in Venezuela in preparation for the World Baseball Classic, so this was a big letdown.
Earlier today, Cabrera spoke out and essentially confirmed that while Omar Vizquel – Venezuela’s manager – wanted him on the roster, the team’s general manager, Carlos Guillen, didn’t.
“I am disappointed. Vizquel spoke to me and told me I was on the team, and now Carlos Guillen comes and removes me,” Cabrera told Diario Meridiano’s Jesus Ponte.
Cabrera went on to say that while he’s a respectful person, Guillen doesn’t deserve it after doing what he did. Asdrubal had bought plane tickets and made plans for a large part of his family to go watch the World Baseball Classic to see him play, but because of this decision that will no longer be the case, according to him.
Guillen, on his part, said that the team could utilize Cabrera in the second round of the World Baseball Classic, but while Cabrera wished his teammates the best, he no longer wants to be a part of the national team after this debacle.
“Guillen comes out on TV and [says] that I’m available for the second round [of the WBC]. It’s not the case. I will no longer be going to the WBC,” Cabrera added when asked about the possibility.
To some, Cabrera’s passion in this situation may not make as much sense, but these players love their native countries, and wearing those national colors on the field are extremely important, specially when you’re playing for world title.
While it’s disappointing for fans of the World Baseball Classic to not have a player like Cabrera be featured in the tournament, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a tiny little bit happy that he’ll be with the Mets in Spring Training and not playing in a competitive tournament this early.
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