Pains and gains of WBC

[Rounding Home]

Hi,
I'm pretty new to the forum. Seems like a lot of knowledgeable baseball fans here (know a lot more than me, anyways). As a Cubs fan, I'm sure I'll be visiting this area of the site quite often through many Cubs victories. So I thought I'd introduce myself.

Anyhow, what do guys think of the WBC. Which Cub player do think will benefit most from the WBC and which (hopefully none) may be hurt the most by it?

My opinion Barrett will get the most out of it, more play and more experience can only benefit him. On the flip side, I fear Zambrano may go overboard as he tends to do and could hurt himself. Perhaps Blanco being there will help.

[E.Banks#14]

Hi,
I'm pretty new to the forum. Seems like a lot of knowledgeable baseball fans here (know a lot more than me, anyways). As a Cubs fan, I'm sure I'll be visiting this area of the site quite often through many Cubs victories. So I thought I'd introduce myself.

Anyhow, what do guys think of the WBC. Which Cub player do think will benefit most from the WBC and which (hopefully none) may be hurt the most by it?

My opinion Barrett will get the most out of it, more play and more experience can only benefit him. On the flip side, I fear Zambrano may go overboard as he tends to do and could hurt himself. Perhaps Blanco being there will help.

I think that no more good can come from the WBC than these players would get at spring training, probably less. The reason that spring training exists is to get players back into playing shape. They shouldn't be in games which demand 100% effort this early in the year. Pitch count rules will probably keep Z from overpitching.

Welcome to BBF and I hope you stay with us to talk about the Cubs!

[Bob Sacamento]

Anyhow, what do guys think of the WBC. Which Cub player do think will benefit most from the WBC and which (hopefully none) may be hurt the most by it?

My opinion Barrett will get the most out of it, more play and more experience can only benefit him. On the flip side, I fear Zambrano may go overboard as he tends to do and could hurt himself. Perhaps Blanco being there will help.

Barrett would probably be best suited working with Cub pitchers instead of other US pitchers. Mike is still considered an offensive catcher, defensive has often been his second suit. Sure he's made strides as Cub, especially offensively but on the defensive aspect he still needs time to improve considering this staff. Other than Barrett, Zambrano willl have a tough road. Carlos is one of main pitchers for Venezuela, pitch count or not, Zman will throw harder than he would during spring training. Of course Zambrano has toned himself (losing 15 lbs) and kept his delivery constant during the winter but any type playoff status (as what the WBC is being billed in Latin America) is serious pressure on an arm that is suppose to be preparing to throw 200+ IP during regular season.

If any man on the Cubs' 25 man roster should improve from playing in the WBC it's Henry "The VIII" Blanco. He'll likely get more time in the WBC than he regularly would in spring ball. Other than Blanco, the "other" Cubs catchers should get some playing time. With top developed catcher Geovany Soto getting the bulk of the time and Jacob Fox, Dennis Anderson, and maybe Jose Reyes getting the rest of the time behind the plate.