Alex: Too big to skip World

In a radio appearance yesterday, Alex Rodriguez called the World Baseball Classic an ambitious event and said he was proud to play for Team USA. But he also acknowledged the Yankees' dim view of the 16-nation tournament, admitting that if he were George Steinbrenner, he wouldn't want his players risking injury in an exhibition. "No, I wouldn't, I'd be nervous," Rodriguez said on Michael Kay's show on ESPN Radio. "But you've got to knock on wood that guys stay healthy."

Rodriguez had several long debates with his wife, who wanted him to play for Team USA, and his mother, who wanted him to play for the Dominican Republic. He asked other players - Manny Ramirez, who will play for the Dominican despite gaining American citizenship in 2004, said A-Rod should play for the U.S. - and talked with baseball bigwigs, including Bud Selig. Continue