Orioles: Montanez "disappointed" about WBC
The Orioles players who are taking part in the World Baseball Classic are scheduled to report to their teams tomorrow, but Lou Montanez (left) will not be one of them. He was on the provisional roster for the Puerto Rican team, but was cut when the team decided to take 40-year-old Bernie Williams instead.
"I'm a little disappointed,'' Montanez said. "I was kind of counting on going. The guy told me I was the last cut. On the last day (setting the roster) they went with a couple of other guys."
Montanez is trying to be philosophical about the situation.
"Maybe it will end up being a blessing in disguise,'' he said. "Maybe I'll get to play a lot here.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Guthrie (USA), Melvin Mora (Venezuela) and Cesar Izturis (Venezuela) will be headed for their WBC training sites today or tomorrow. Orioles bullpen catcher and batting practice pitcher Ruben Felix also has been invited to be on the Team USA staff.
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Comments
He should have played winter ball in PR. Not many people in PR know who he is and maybe he could have had some exposure and support from the fans if he had played.
He shouldn't be too disappointed, though. It's only a matter of time until Bernie Williams pulls a hammy and he'll get the call to fill the spot.
Posted by: BWI | February 28, 2009 3:07 PM
The politics of baseball. Playing with this organization, it should be no surprise.
Posted by: A Fan with Visions of Grandeur | February 28, 2009 5:22 PM
Guess this is what you get for hitting for the Triple Crown in one of the better pitching leagues in AA, follow it up by hitting .295 in the bigs, and is 14 years younger than the guy who made the team.
Hopefully Lou can force his way onto this roster, but I just don't see the room unless they carry 12 pitchers, even then it's a stretch. He's earned another look, but probably won't get it unless there's an injury.
Posted by: Michael J. | March 1, 2009 8:48 PM