Chicago Cubs proper fielder Seiya Suzuki nonetheless is mulling whether or not to characterize his nation within the World Baseball Classic.
Team Japan supervisor Hideki Kuriyama mentioned Tuesday on the winter conferences that the crew will give Suzuki as a lot time as attainable to determine — even when meaning his choice lingers into February.
“I’m really just waiting on his response,” Kuriyama mentioned via an interpreter. “It’s been a rocky 12 months with the whole lot — well being considerations, enjoying time, the whole lot thought of. Really we’re ready on the membership, we’re ready on the whole lot on his aspect of the response.
“There’s no doubt he’s the No. 1 outfielder in Japan and we really want him to play on this team.”
Kuriyama wouldn’t say if it’s an all-or-nothing scenario for Suzuki to decide to enjoying in the whole WBC or whether or not he may take part in a part of it. The semifinals and remaining are scheduled for March 19-21 in Miami, whereas Japan’s pool play (March 9-13) and quarterfinals (March 15-16) might be performed in Toyko.
Although guidelines haven’t been formally decided for in-tournament roster modifications, in line with Kuriyama, it seems the one time gamers could be changed might be going into the semifinal spherical and will probably be restricted to pitchers.
Kuriyama mentioned he has not communicated a lot with Suzuki concerning the looming choice. He declined to debate whether or not anybody from Team Japan has made a pitch to Suzuki on why he ought to play for his nation within the WBC.
“Personally I want Seiya to join as many games as possible,” Kuriyama mentioned. “So I need him (with us) from the start.
“I will tell players that we’ve all replaced players from the beginning if they’re not performing well. And he’s a part of it as well. So I’m just going to try my best to win the whole tournament.”
Suzuki, 28, is coming off an uneven rookie season. He began sizzling in April, profitable National League Rookie of the Month honors, however a fluky left ring finger sprain on an ungainly slide into second base in late May in Cincinnati sidelined him 35 video games. After he returned, Suzuki hit .270/.332/.434 with 10 house runs, 10 doubles and 25 RBIs over his remaining 70 video games.
“Ultimately I’ll support whatever he decides he wants to do,” Cubs President Jed Hoyer mentioned final month on the basic supervisor conferences. “In a perfect world, you’d be able to prepare completely for our season but also represent his country.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com