Skubal Drawing Criticism for Withdrawing from Team USA

Detroit Tiger star pitcher Tarik Skubal is drawing much criticism for his recent decision to walk away from Team USA and return to Spring Training.

Lighten up, Francis.

The lefty hurler was representing his home country in the World Baseball Classic, which some say is a once in a lifetime privilege. Others, however, say it’s basically a glorified exhibition tournament geared to boost the game of baseball in foreign counties; a marketing gimmick. And it’s not the Olympics.

Yes, Skubal could suffer an arm injury pitching for Team USA, but so can the other 15 pitchers and 14 position players that make up the United States roster. On the other side of the ledger, he could also suffer an arm ailment during Spring Training. He’s making a cool $33 million and if he gets hurt the Bengals still owe him that money.

But pitchers are another breed of cat.

They have a set routine in the spring and throw a set number of pitches (bullpen) during off days. He pitched three innings in USA’s 9-1 pool play victory over Great Britian where he allowed one run on two hits and struck out five batters. He will make one Spring Training start for the Tigers to prepare himself for Detroit’s season opener in less than two weeks. If Skubal pitched in the WBC semi-final or final game, he would miss pitching in Detroit’s opener against the San Diego Padres. The timing just wasn’t right to get him ready for the regular season. In bracket play, he would have maybe thrown three more innings.

It really comes down to the almighty dollar. The Tiger organization is paying him and that’s where his loyalty should be. Additionally, there’s a lot on the line for him personally this season. He is in the final year of his contract and may be wearing a Dodger or Met uniform in 2027 unless Detroit ponies up some serious dough. We’re talking in the gazillion range. The real decision probably wasn’t Skubal’s to make. It was more-than-likely his agent, Scott Boras, who pulled the trigger.

From what I understand, he actually asked to stay with Team USA and was told NO by the Tigers and his agent. Like it or not, Boras actually runs Major League Baseball, not the Commissioner.

In hindsight, the roster spot could have gone to a person that was fully committed to finishing the mission. Team USA will be fine without him; they’ve got a pretty stacked lineup. They are only playing seven games and have four starters so they don’t really need him.

But Team USA now has a scapegoat in case they don’t win it all.

The organizers of the World Baseball Classic should actually move the tournament to after the World Series instead of competing with Spring Training. Or consider using amateur players rather than professional players. Using pro players is what screwed up the Olympic Games.

Spare me the flag-waving patriot crap. Representing this country seems less and less appealing day by day anyway.