Japan Makes 'Heartbreaking' Decision To Skip 2013 World Baseball Classic

The Japan Professional Baseball Players Association decided against participating in the next World Baseball Classic to be held in '13, according to Jason Coskrey of the JAPAN TIMES. In what was called a "heartbreaking" decision by union head and Hanshin Tigers player Takahiro Arai, all 24 player representatives voted against participating in the tournament. However, World Baseball Classic officials "still expect Japan to compete." Compensation is "at the root of the problem." Last year, the union "requested a bigger cut of tournament revenue and merchandising and sponsorship rights" for the Japan national team. The request, which at the time was supported by Nippon Professional Baseball, "was turned down" (JAPAN TIMES, 7/21).