Report: Mike Trout will not play for Team USA at World Baseball Classic
Angels outfielder Mike Trout reportedly told the WBC committee he did not want to participate before being asked. (Tim Umphrey/Getty ImageS)
Los Angeles Angels phenom Mike Trout will not play for Team USA at the upcoming World Baseball Classic, according to the Los Angeles Times’ Mike DiGiovanna. According to his agent, Trout told the WBC committee that he would not play before he was asked.
Confirmed participants for the United States under manager Joe Torre include the Brewers’ Ryan Braun and Jonathan Lucroy, the Mets’ David Wright, the Twins’ Joe Mauer and the Orioles’ Adam Jones. Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton and Indians reliever Chris Perez committed to play on Saturday.
The U.S. has failed to advance to the semifinal round in each of the first two Classics, in 2006 and 2009.
Trout burst onto the scene as a 21-year-old last season, hitting .326 with 30 home runs, 129 runs scored and 49 stolen bases to earn American League Rookie of the Year honors and finish second in MVP voting.
#Angels OF Mike Trout will not play for US in WBC. According to agent, Trout told WBC committee he wouldn't play before he was even asked.—
Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) January 12, 2013
That is like expecting a US soldier to accept UN control. If you want a US team - hire them like regular team owners do,or pick college,or minor league players. Pay them and to heck with amateur or NCAA regulations.