Veteran closer Kenley Jansen (36), newly signed with the Boston Red Sox, plays only the final round of the World Baseball Classic (WBC).
On the 15th, Jansen said in an interview with local media such as ‘MLB.com’ that he had decided not to participate in the first and second rounds of the WBC.
A native of Curaçao, Netherlands, Jansen has represented the Netherlands three times at the WBC. This time he was also named in the Dutch national team.
However, the decision to participate only in the final round was because there was something to prepare for the season opener. This is the pitching time limit (pitch clock) introduced by the major leagues from this season.
In order to increase the speed of the game and attract fans’ interest, the major leagues have stipulated that starting this season, pitching motions must be initiated within 20 seconds when there is no runner and within 15 seconds when a runner is out. Runner checks are also limited to two per at-bat. Balk rules will also be applied more strictly here.
“I’m the slowest pitcher in the league,” Jansen said, adding that he needed time to prepare for the new rules.
The WBC, which will be held this time, will not introduce shift bans or pitch clocks newly introduced by the major leagues. If he is absent due to joining the national team, it will be difficult to prepare for the new regulations.
Even if it is not a pitch clock, it is true that the Dutch national team’s schedule for this tournament is somewhat difficult for major leaguers to participate in. The Netherlands, which is in Group A along with Taiwan, Cuba, Italy and Panama, will play the first round in Taichung, Taiwan, the second round in Tokyo, Japan, and the final round in Miami, Florida, USA. 온라인카지노
Compared to Taichung or Tokyo, Miami is very close to Northport, Florida, the club’s spring camp training ground, so if the Netherlands advances to the final round, it seems that they can participate without any burden.
In the 2017 tournament, Jansen bought time to prepare for the season by competing only in the final round at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. I made the same choice this time.
Jansen, who recorded 391 saves and a 2.46 ERA in 766 appearances in 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves, agreed to a two-year, $32 million contract with the Red Sox ahead of this season.