Wells: "This is a hell of a team"

Cartoon by Frank Galasso

David Wells has decided that he wants to stay in Boston. This is good news considering that he was the Sox best starter (gulp) in 2005--not to mention the potential that Wells the persona has to provide us with some serious entertainment.

I love this Wells quote regarding the 2006 Sox and his reasons for staying:

''There's so much depth it's ridiculous. Live arms. I want to go out on top. I felt this is the best opportunity I have to go out on top. This is a hell of a team."

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I admit it. I am eagerly awaiting Team USA's first pitch of the World Baseball Classic and not just because Steinbrenner hates it (although that is part of the appeal).

According to New York Newsday, the Yankees posted a sign outside of their spring training ticket office apologizing for the absence of Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon, A-Rod and Bernie Williams:

"We are sorry that certain players will not be present for portions of spring training. These players have elected to participate in the World Baseball Classic. The New York Yankess, (spelled wrong) did not vote to support this event. Any comments you have regarding the World Baseball Classic should be directed to the commissioner of Major League Baseball or the Major League Baseball Players Association."

Are the Yankees being big babies about the World Baseball Classic or what? This was Bud Selig's response:

"At some point in life you got to rise above your own selfish interests. If this sport is to go on to do the heights that we're [anticipating], then you can't, you can't let your own myopic interests guide you. You gotta say ... 'If I can do something that makes this sport bigger and better for the next generation of players, is two or three weeks in spring training one year worth it?' "

Wow. The logistics of the World Baseball Classic are not perfect. It would be better to stop the MLB season halfway through, cancel the all-star game, and play the WBC. Players--especially pitchers--- are not going to be at their peak level of performance in March. That being said, it is going to be fantastic to see MLB stars play for their native countries. It is much more interesting than watching spring training games. I'm intrigued.

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Two hours of "24" tonight and now I've got the Jacktracker and the 24 Drinking Game. Patch me through.

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