Gibsons Ryan Dempster will not be donning the red maple leaf and playing for Team Canada at the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC). It's a decision that has received criticism by some Team Canada players, but it's a decision that Dempster says he is comfortable with.
The WBC will be contested in March and will feature teams from the U.S., China, Japan, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
In an interview on Team 1040 sports radio last week, player Aaron Guel was critical of Dempster's decision, saying it was more about the lucrative contract the right-hander had just signed with the Chicago Cubs and not what was right for Team Canada.
"I'm disappointed in him electing not to play," said Guel. "He has an obligation to play. If Ryan was injured, everyone would understand, but he's not, so he should be there."
The following day, on Jan. 22, Dempster hit the airwaves with his response.
"I thought about it for months and there were a lot of factors in the decision," Dempster said. "It's a long season and you pitch a lot of innings. I want to be strong all season long and I just felt I had to get ready for the regular season with the Cubs."
Dempster said he has worked hard the past few years coming back from Tommy John surgery, and he did not want to put any added injury pressure on himself.
"Pitchers are far more prone to injuries than position players. Why do you think we and the catchers report to spring training two weeks before the other guys?" Dempster asked. "Do I feel obligated to the Cubs? Darn right I do. I worked hard to get that new contract and for me to go out and play and then not be ready for the regular season with the Cubs is not fair to them or me. It's not a knock against Team Canada or the guys, it's something in my heart and I feel strong about it."
Dempster said he wishes Team Canada well and hopes they win the tournament.
"Every time I walk out on a major league field, I'm not just representing the Cubs, I'm representing our country," he said. "Just because I'm not wearing it during the WBC doesn't mean I'm not representing the country. I represent my country by the way I play and the way I interact on the field with opposition players and my teammates. Down the road maybe it will work out differently. Would I like to wear the jersey and be out there? Yes, but I just don't think for me, for now it's the best situation."
