Truth & Rumors > MLB

Hamilton to refuse WBC invitation

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Scratch Josh Hamilton from the U.S. lineup in the World Baseball Classic in March. The Texas Rangers outfielder, who manager Davey Johnson wanted as his cleanup hitter, told SI.com he intends to decline a Team USA invitation in order to prepare for the regular season. "If I had four or five years under my belt, I think I would do it," said Hamilton, who last season led the American League in RBIs and total bases in his second big league season. "I think I would be better served by going to spring training and by getting that work in, because I missed so much time."

SI.com

Josh Hamilton, Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images Josh Hamilton, Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images
December 15, 2008  07:21 AM ET

who ARE you Josh Hamilton? Won't play for team USA? Too good for the country that raised and nurtured you? Trying hard to earn that extra buck?

Let me say this to you sir...Come play for the Yankees. We will BUY you. and then when we are done we will throw you to the den and feast on your children. i will make homelettes for everyone here.

by the way on a side note, the yankees own everyone/everything. little cry baby ranger boys are crying rivers. cry cry cry me a river, river boy cryer.

December 15, 2008  07:42 AM ET

Good to see Hamilton is being straight about his intentions and here's hoping he has another great year in Texas. Great story that is inspiring millions...I don't care if he doesn't play in this tournament too much.

December 15, 2008  07:47 AM ET

Not making it any easier for team USA to actually have a good showing this time.

December 15, 2008  08:02 AM ET

The WBC needs to be moved up. Hamilton is right. He needs spring training to work with his coaches.

December 15, 2008  08:28 AM ET
QUOTE(#1):

who ARE you Josh Hamilton? Won't play for team USA? Too good for the country that raised and nurtured you? Trying hard to earn that extra buck?Let me say this to you sir...Come play for the Yankees. We will BUY you. and then when we are done we will throw you to the den and feast on your children. i will make homelettes for everyone here. by the way on a side note, the yankees own everyone/everything. little cry baby ranger boys are crying rivers. cry cry cry me a river, river boy cryer.

Atleast he was honest about it, unlike your 3rd baseman, DR, no US no DR not going to play, US then this year I am playing for the DR because I love my mommy when in reality the Latin players ragged on him so hard when he played for the US the first time he feels this is the only way he can be brought back into their fold.

December 15, 2008  08:41 AM ET

Perhaps traveling in unfamiliar surroundings would not be the best idea for a guy who could fall off the wagon at any minute. At least at Spring training and on the road with his team there are plenty of people to keep an eye on him.

December 15, 2008  08:45 AM ET

honest and perhaps the truth

December 15, 2008  08:46 AM ET

Come on Josh, the country needs you. Show some pride and play.

December 15, 2008  09:48 AM ET

Why is anyone mad at A Rod for playing for the DR? Have you see him hitting in the clutch?

December 15, 2008  09:56 AM ET
QUOTE(#1):

who ARE you Josh Hamilton? Won't play for team USA? Too good for the country that raised and nurtured you? Trying hard to earn that extra buck?Let me say this to you sir...Come play for the Yankees. We will BUY you. and then when we are done we will throw you to the den and feast on your children. i will make homelettes for everyone here. by the way on a side note, the yankees own everyone/everything. little cry baby ranger boys are crying rivers. cry cry cry me a river, river boy cryer.

How old are you? Your insiped posts make you sound about 12. Josh is right to defer. I think he is sincere about getting ready for the regular season and also left unsaid was the fact that he probably feels as though there are veteran players who deserve the opportunity more than he does at this point. That's what it seemed he was implying with his "if I had 4 or 5 years under my belt, I would do it" quote.
Anyways, grow up, will ya. Your making Yankee fans look bad by association and many of them don't need your help

December 15, 2008  09:59 AM ET
QUOTE(#9):

Why is anyone mad at A Rod for playing for the DR? Have you see him hitting in the clutch?

A-rod probably can't even drive a car with a standard transmission because of the "clutch".

December 15, 2008  10:07 AM ET

Give Hamilton credit for wanting to work with his coaches in the spring and work to have an even better season coming up. With all those years out of baseball, he finally got to play a full season, and could use the work to build his endurance further. Even with running out of steam to an extent last year, he still had 130 RBI...it should be interesting to see what he does as an encore.

December 15, 2008  10:10 AM ET

It's the WBC. And the guy just finished his 2nd year. But in all honesty he has a boatload of stuff he's got going on this offseason. He's promoting his book, doing book signings 3 or 4 times a week around the Raleigh Area. And he's been doing a lot of fundraising events, so he can start his first of many, Triple Play Ministries. He's too busy. And I don't fault the guy for using his off-season to promote something he feels so strongly about.

December 15, 2008  10:45 AM ET

He'd rather go to spring training because he scores the best crack at spring training!

December 15, 2008  10:48 AM ET
QUOTE(#14):

He'd rather go to spring training because he scores the best crack at spring training!

that shizzle is straight off the boat!!

December 15, 2008  11:25 AM ET

130 RBI's and the most total bases with minimal work with coaches. I can't wait for Rudy J to have a whole offseason to work with him and Davis and Cruz.

Also, it's HIS decision. He was spent after the home run derby, imagine adding an extra 10 games to the schedule + travel. I'm more disappointed Arod can change teams.

December 15, 2008  12:08 PM ET

Dude has only had 2 Spring Trainings. He wants to do good when it counts so that he can get a 9 figure contract in a few years. I dont blame him

December 15, 2008  12:09 PM ET
QUOTE(#14):

He'd rather go to spring training because he scores the best crack at spring training!

Very classy. Dont tell me... Red Sox fan, right?

December 15, 2008  12:20 PM ET

Guy is trying to catch up on years he will never get back. Go to the WBC...

 
December 15, 2008  12:30 PM ET

Good call on Hamilton's part, the winner of the WBC will be forgotten by opening day anyway. I like watching the tournament and think it's a great idea, but honestly, who gives a ****.

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