U.S. Players Enjoy the ‘World Series’ Atmosphere at W.B.C.
MIAMI — Jeff McNeil, a star second baseman and outfielder for the Mets, is an distinctive hitter with a standout capability to make contact. He gained the 2022 National League batting title with a .326 common over 148 video games. His common over his 5 major-league seasons is .307. Over the winter, the Mets rewarded the 30-year-old McNeil with a four-year, $50 million contract extension.
Yet, forward of a season by which the Mets have outrageously excessive expectations, McNeil has barely been taking part in. As a member of the United States’ stacked World Baseball Classic roster — which incorporates different stars able to dealing with his positions, corresponding to Mookie Betts and Tim Anderson — McNeil has logged solely 11 plate appearances through the two-week event. Only three U.S. gamers have had fewer.
“Obviously, you wish you were playing more,” McNeil stated whereas standing within the dugout on Sunday, earlier than the United States toppled Cuba, 14-2, to advance to Tuesday’s ultimate in opposition to both Mexico or Japan. But McNeil wasn’t precisely complaining when he uttered these phrases.
“That’s just how good this team is,” he continued, citing Anderson, the Chicago White Sox shortstop who shifted to second base for the event. “We’re playing good baseball right now and we’re facing a lot of left-handed starting pitching as well. T.A. has been doing great out there, so keep rooting for him. The overall experience has been fantastic.”
That, in the end, is what has given McNeil perspective all through the W.B.C. Sure, he won’t be taking part in as a lot as he’s used to or the Mets might want, however McNeil stated he had nonetheless realized from his time in pressure-packed video games by which he was surrounded by stars.
“All of these games — especially the Mexico game and Venezuela game — have been somewhat what I imagine the World Series would be like with the kind of atmosphere,” he stated. “You see that and get used to playing in that and I think it helps down the line.”
There is an underlying predicament in accepting an excused absence out of your M.L.B. membership to take part within the W.B.C., particularly for a rustic with a whole lot of stars: You get to characterize your nation, however you may lose taking part in time. For gamers from locations corresponding to the Dominican Republic, Japan, Puerto Rico or Venezuela — the place the W.B.C. issues much more than it does within the United States, and T.V. scores have typically damaged data — that was usually a no brainer.
While the United States attracted many star place gamers, it struggled with top-level pitchers. Several cited harm issues or the bodily toll of ramping up sooner than standard forward of a six-month common season. Some gamers, like Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers, merely couldn’t get the wanted clearances to take part. (Players are required to be lined by insurance coverage to take part.)
Some of the fears expressed by groups had been confirmed, partially, when Edwin Díaz, the star nearer of the Mets, suffered a season-ending knee harm whereas celebrating considered one of Puerto Rico’s wins. Then Jose Altuve, a star second baseman for the Houston Astros, sustained a damaged thumb when he was hit by a pitch throughout Venezuela’s recreation in opposition to the United States on Saturday.
Despite all of these components, McNeil wished to play. In truth, he sought out Manager Mark DeRosa to precise curiosity, and was requested to hitch when Boston Red Sox second baseman Trevor Story underwent elbow surgical procedure in January. McNeil needed to alter his standard preparation for the season, however he insisted he was glad.
“I’ll be fine,” he stated, after which pointed to the 2022 preseason shortened by a labor stoppage. “We had three weeks of spring training last year and I won a batting title. I don’t need that much time.” When he returned to the Mets, he stated, he may go to the again fields at their spring coaching facility in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and get additional at-bats in simulated or minor-league video games.
Overall, McNeil, like a lot of his teammates who took half within the W.B.C., has discovered the event rewarding. First-time members like pitcher Adam Wainwright, outfielder Mike Trout and Betts have gushed concerning the occasion. Betts has seemed re-energized, whereas Wainwright and Trout have stated that this has been essentially the most pleasant baseball expertise of their careers.
“I knew going in it was going to be a fun time, but I never knew it was going to be this fun,” Trout stated final week. Betts added, “I encourage those who are watching, come join, come play for Team U.S.A., because this is a lot of fun.”
Two gamers beloved their 2017 W.B.C. journeys a lot that they signed as much as come again: Paul Goldschmidt, the St. Louis Cardinals first baseman who gained the 2022 National League Most Valuable Player Award, and his perennial All-Star teammate, third baseman Nolan Arenado. Players have additionally stated that attending to spend time round rivals-turned-teammates or decide the brains of different standouts has been fruitful.
“Watching their routines and seeing how they go about their business, you understand why they are the best in this game, and I really enjoy that part,” Arenado stated of being round Trout and Betts, who’ve 4 M.V.P. awards and 16 All-Star appearances between them.
But it’s not simply the gamers. The United States teaching workers is stuffed with former stars, together with five-time World Series-winning pitcher Andy Pettitte and the Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. So whereas McNeil had solely 19 plate appearances over six spring coaching video games with the Mets earlier than he left for the W.B.C. — and has had even fewer since — he stated he valued engaged on his hitting with Griffey, who’s serving because the group’s hitting coach.
McNeil stated he had talked to Griffey about a number of minor issues in his swing and later felt “really good” throughout batting follow and within the batting cages. “We’ll see if they translate to a game,” he added.
Should the United States declare its second title on this quadrennial event, maybe extra gamers might be prepared to make the leap regardless of the potential downsides.
There had been “probably plenty of players that wish they could play,” Arenado stated. “This really is a great tournament. There’s no reason why the stars of our game should not be playing in this. I’m thankful that we got Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, the faces of our game that are playing this thing. If you’re throwing 96 to 100 in spring training, that works anywhere. So there’s no reason why you can’t do that here and represent your country.”
