The Reasons it’s Terrible
The Best Players don’t Play
How can any tournament be deemed incredibly important when the best players aren’t involved? It’s such a simple concept yet one defenders of the tournament always seem to wave aside.
The very essence of international play at the highest level brings a pride element to the table. In the game of football, this cannot be done as, obviously, it’s an American game. In basketball, while international play has increased in competition over the last few decades, the USA still dominates prompting calls for the pros to take a leave of absence.
This isn’t the case for hockey and baseball.
As seen throughout hockey’s success with the Olympics since 1998 and the World Cup two years prior to that, this international play enhances the NHL. The MLB could receive the same bump if done right.
Unfortunately, this bump will never come if the best players in the world could care less about winning for their native country.
No Mike Trout. No Bryce Harper. No Clayton Kershaw. No Max Scherzer. No Rick Porcello. No Kris Bryant. No Corey Seager.
Americans took home all six of the top awards from 2016, both MVPs, Cy Youngs and Rookie of the Years. Only one of those six, Michael Fulmer, is partaking in the World Baseball Classic.
What is this, amateur hour?
Limitations on Players
Equally as bad as the absence of the best players in the world is the idea that pitchers are limited. Again, how could international play come at a fiery rate when exhibition rules are ruling the atmosphere?
If countries are really out for blood in attempt to see who should be crowned the best in the world, under no circumstances should limitations be involved.
Obviously, we understand why this is the case. This doesn’t have to be the case.
