Rodriguez will play for United States
NEW YORK – A-Rod plans to play for the USA.
His allegiance torn between the Dominican Republic and United States, Alex Rodriguez finally made up his mind Tuesday night and decided he will participate in the World Baseball Classic as a member of the U.S. team.
“In recent weeks, following dialogue with caring friends and players, both Dominican and American, I reached the conclusion that if I played in the Classic, I would play for the United States and honor my American citizenship,” Rodriguez said in a statement on his Web site.
“I appreciate the support and understanding of my fellow Dominican players and friends who aided me in making this decision. The World Baseball Classic offers baseball and its fans an exciting new forum and I look forward, if selected, to representing the United States in what will be baseball’s greatest international competition.”
Rodriguez vacillated until the end. After speaking with the New York Yankees third baseman earlier in the day, players’ association chief operating officer Gene Orza thought the two-time MVP was leaning toward not playing at all.
Later in the day, Rodriguez made his decision to participate, according to agent Scott Boras.
“The guy is one of the best players on the planet. He’s finally made up his mind on a very difficult decision. If he wants to play for the U.S., we’re definitely glad to have him,” U.S. general manager Bob Watson said.
While A-Rod made his choice at last, tournament organizers remained unsure whether the Bush administration will allow Cuba to participate.
The U.S. Treasury Department last month denied baseball’s application for Cuba to play in the United States. A permit is needed because of laws governing certain transactions with Fidel Castro’s communist country, which generally is not allowed to receive U.S. currency.
After Cuba promised to donate any money to victims of Hurricane Katrina, baseball reapplied for a permit and was still awaiting a decision on that second application.
“We are very hopeful that … Cuba will be allowed to participate on the terms that have been negotiated,” said Bob DuPuy, baseball’s chief operating officer. “It is critical that Cuba participates. Cuba is an important international program, the defending Olympic champion, and ought to be in the World Baseball Classic.”
Treasury Department spokeswoman Molly Millerwise said no decision had been made.
Puerto Rico has threatened to pull out as host for the tournament if Cuba isn’t allowed to play. Baseball’s world governing body, the International Baseball Federation, says it would withdraw its sanction of the tournament.
Rodriguez joins Yankees teammates Jeter and Johnny Damon on the preliminary American roster.