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10:08 AM ET 01.19 | Rangers pitchers Yu Darvish, Matt Harrison, Joe Nathan and Alexi Ogando declined invitations to play in the World Baseball Classic, citing a desire to be physically rested for the 2013 MLB season. So why did Derek Holland accept an invitation to pitch for Team USA, especially given that seven of the 11 MLB starters who pitched in the 2009 WBC ended up on the disabled list? Well, Harrison pitched a career-high 213 innings in 2012, Darvish pitched 191 innings and Holland was limited to 175, due to injury and illness. "For me, I didn't get as many innings," Holland said Friday. "But at the same time, I asked for everybody else's opinion, if it's OK. It is something I want to do, but I didn't want to go against the team on that. I wanted to make sure this was a decision that was going to benefit me, but also be good for the Rangers. "I'm not going to go out there and do anything I shouldn't be doing. I'm also still going to be getting myself prepared, but at the same time I'm going to be competing and giving my team a chance to win."

Derek Holland, Jeff Gross/Getty Images

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January 19, 2013 10:15 AM ET

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If I was a team owner, I'd be more than a little pissed if my investment went to play in these meaningless games.

williewilliejuan

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January 19, 2013 10:26 AM ET

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This competition should really be held in November after the WS ends.

Kenny_Powers

New York , NY

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January 19, 2013 11:06 AM ET

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I really don't see the big deal with his. Pitchers are under very strict pitch counts and innings limits, just like little league rules. This could be a great tournament, similar to Olympic Hockey if they just l the best play.

jnorman41

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January 19, 2013 11:35 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 10:15 AM ET 01.19 by williewilliejuan

If I was a team owner, I'd be more than a little pissed if my investment went to play in these meaningless games.

the player requested team's permission first, after that he acknowledge that he has to be extra carefull just in case!!!

alacran

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January 19, 2013 11:37 AM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 10:26 AM ET 01.19 by Kenny_Powers

This competition should really be held in November after the WS ends.

that would be the right time and the right moment to play the meaningless WBC games, after all who cares about such colorless games??

alacran

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January 19, 2013 11:56 AM ET

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injuries would be playing a heavy role on every team, owners and GM/managers are well aware about ther major problem the teams could get in return from this WBC games,,,

alacran

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January 19, 2013 12:00 PM ET

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the teams should send a utility pitchers and DH players teams, the pitchers expect to use this games as a training camp,, but every player has a different playing time durability,,,should pitchers get tough injuries in return towrds their teams??especially those pitchers with long term contracts,,,

alacran

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January 19, 2013 10:34 PM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 10:15 AM ET 01.19 by williewilliejuan

If I was a team owner, I'd be more than a little pissed if my investment went to play in these meaningless games.

yep