Anti-Doping:
In one of his latest articles in his blog, IBAF president Dr. Harvey Schiller reports that the out-of-competition testing for the 2009 World Baseball Classic already started on February 4th.
The out-of-competition testing program for the Baseball Classic started on February 4th. Players with a documented medical condition requiring use of a prohibited substance must require a TUE as quickly as possible but no later than 21 days prior to the beginning of the Classic.
Our goal is to avoid any unnecessary disciplinary actions based on late submissions and required review.
Dominican Republic:
Shortstop Miguel Tejada, who is on the provisional roster of the Dominican team for the WBC, pleaded guilty on Wednesday in front of a court in Washington D.C. for making misleading statements to congressional investigators in 2005. He faces up to six months probation for the misdemeanor. The sentence will be announced after the WBC on March 26th. It is not clear, if Tejada even will be at the Classic, as shortstops Jose Reyes and Hanley Ramirez probably are in front of him on the depth chart.
Canada:
Ernie Witt, who will manage Team Canada at the World Baseball Classic, was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame on Wednesday. Witt was a catcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, including their inaugural season 1977. He later coached Canada in numerous international tournaments. Larry Walker, Bernie Soulliere and Roy Miller also were inducted.
Japan:
Ichiro Suzuki will not pitch in the World Baseball Classic for Japan. As exiting this would be for the Baseball fans around the globe, the general manager of his employer Seattle Mariners, Jack Zduriencik, told the Seattle Times on Wednesday that he will not pitch. Suzuki had created some buzz in the Baseball community, when he threw 56 pitches in a bullpen session last weekend, hitting 92 MPH on the radar gun. The outfielder also showed off a nice curveball and a forkball. Apparently he would like to pitch in a Major League game someday.