""[Team USA has] been extremely supportive of everything," Skubal said, per ESPN. "They totally get what's going on with my situation - it's unique. I've had these discussions with people, and most of it is - they're extremely supportive of me being here in the first place. And I've got a ton of respect for that. But it's just hard. When you get in these environments, and you get this team, it's hard to walk away from that.""
"On the one hand, being part of a WBC-winning Team USA would be a very special thing, and another start might not be THAT much different from a Spring Training ramp-up appearance. On the other hand, what if that extra competitive juice just happens to come at the wrong time on the calendar, and, even if it doesn't result in an injury, what if it degrades his arm just 1% for some stretch of the season?"
Tarik Skubal, entering a walk year that could lead to the highest pitcher contract in history, is having second thoughts about making only one World Baseball Classic appearance. After consulting with Tigers officials and agent Scott Boras, Skubal expressed the emotional difficulty of leaving Team USA's winning environment, noting their support for his participation. The decision presents a complex dilemma: competing in meaningful WBC games offers special experiences, but additional competitive play during spring training could potentially degrade his arm performance during the regular season. Any additional appearance would occur in high-stakes quarterfinal or later games, adding pressure to an already difficult choice.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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