Players injured during the World Baseball Classic will "have their salaries paid by the WBC organization while they are unable to play for their major league teams," according to a source cited by Buster Olney of ESPN.com. That would mean players such as Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira and Dodgers SS Hanley Ramirez will be "paid by the WBC during their respective absences" (ESPN.com, 3/24). In Tampa, Tom Jones wrote, "I have nothing against international competition. And I do understand Major League Baseball is trying to grow the game." But when it "starts to affect the Major League Baseball season, you have to wonder if it's worth it." Jones: "Scrap the WBC. It does more harm than good" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 3/23). In Chicago, Phil Rogers asked, "Will the MLB Network carry the next World Baseball Classic? You have to wonder if ESPN or another of the networks with a broader audience will get interested in having the event after so many people tuned in around the world this time around." Everything was "up for the WBC -- attendance, merchandise sales, sponsorships." Acceptance in the U.S. "seems to be a glaring exception, but expanding the partnership with ESPN (games were carried on ESPN Deportes) in 2017 would be a good move." It would "put the event on the table for shows like 'Mike and Mike,' who can't talk enough NFL free agency and the grinding NBA regular season" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 3/24).
