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Detroit Tigers Justin Verlander to skip World Baseball Classic

Found February 12, 2013 on hardballchat.com: Yardbarker Blogger Network
PLAYERS: Justin Verlander,  Joe Torre,  Clayton Kershaw,  David Price,  Yu Darvish,  Felix Hernandez
TEAMS: Detroit Tigers,  Los Angeles Dodgers,  Tampa Bay Rays,  Texas Rangers,  Seattle Mariners
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Yet another big name from the MLB has decided to skin the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander will not pitch in the international competition. Verlander was never officially named to the team, but Team USA kept a roster spot open for him in case he wanted to compete in the event. According to CBSSports.com, after a conversation with manager Joe Torre and citing concerns over the number of innings pitched last season, Verlander has decided to opt out of the tourney this year. The Tigers ace said after a few bullpen sessions last week, he told reporters that he simply didn’t feel ready. “I don’t want to feel rushed to catch up. I want to do it the right way. I spoke with Joe (Torre). I told him in all honesty, I wanted to pitch.” Several other pitchers have decided to opt out of the Classic. Dodgers Clayton Kershaw, reigning Cy Young award winner Tampa Bay Rays David Price, Yu Darvish (Japan) and Felix Hernandez (Venezuela) have all decided against...
Original Story: http://www.hardballchat.com/2013/02/d... Verified_ybn
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Via The Detroit Sports Site  |  February 11, 2013
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