Out of Left Field: Is the World Baseball Classic Worth the Risk

Another week of Spring Training has come and gone and now the World Baseball Classic has begun in 4 different locations around the globe, and as enjoyable as it may be to watch, it has already caused some tense moments in the Midwest.

Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez was helped off the field in Mexico after a collision with his Royals teammate, and backup catcher, Drew Butera. Will he be ready by Opening Day and what, if any, repercussions could an injury to a Major League Baseball star do to the WBC?

The WBC has not been the only case of injuries this early 2017 season. Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis and Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray will be missing time to start the year. Can Gray come back to his 2015 form and will Jason Kipnis be able to stay healthy all year?

Plus, the Chicago Cubs and Kris Bryant have already come to a pre-arbitration deal netting him just over $1 million, while the Washington Nationals have designated Derek Norris assignment and are expected to release him. Can Derek Norris find another job after a dismal 2016?

Lastly, Jake Arrieta had some interesting comments about young players today and the “bat flip” culture that seems to be trying to permeate baseball. Former big leaguer Phil Nevin drops by with his take on this topic and how pitchers from his generation would have handled it.