[轉錄] USA-Rod psyched up for WBC
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USA-Rod psyched up for WBC
BY ANTHONY McCARRON
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
PHOENIX - For a guy who "wasn't really fired up about coming here," Alex
Rodriguez sure seemed to be having a good time yesterday at Team USA's first
workout for the World Baseball Classic.
Rodriguez had dreaded the WBC because of the disruption it would be to the
routine he relies on to get ready for the season - and, perhaps, because of
his uncomfortable winter of pressure from baseball officials and leaks about
his decision whether to play for the United States or the Dominican Republic.
But A-Rod "changed his tune a little bit" about the tournament after walking
into the clubhouse, pulling on red, white and blue and bonding with new
teammates.
"Coming here, I'm psyched," Rodriguez said. "Now I'm thinking, 'What the hell
was I thinking about, why didn't I want to come?' Because you never really
know and that was my feeling. I wasn't really happy. But now coming here, you
realize, 'Stupid of me for not thinking this would be great.'"
Whether the tournament - or Team USA - will be great remains to be seen, but
optimism reigned on the first day. Both Rodriguez and Johnny Damon said they
expected to win the whole thing, though neither was making any Namath-esque
guarantees.
Rodriguez even admitted, "I don't know if we're ready. I don't think we're
July-ready."
That's part of why Rodriguez was reluctant to come. Plus, there were the
logistical tasks of moving his wife, young daughter and nanny.
"It was a difficult decision, because I'm so routine-oriented," he said. "I
don't want to whine or cry, it's all relative, but I am kind of in love with
my routine, what I do and getting ready for the season.
"Winning a world championship with the New York Yankees is by far the No. 1
priority in my life. (But) once you get here, you realize what's going on,
the commitment that everybody here made."
The Yankee contingent - A-Rod, Damon, Derek Jeter and Al Leiter - arrived
with their families and entourages early Thursday evening aboard what Damon
dubbed "Air A-Rod" - Rodriguez's chartered plane. The team will work out
today, play the Giants in an exhibition game tomorrow and work out Monday in
preparation for Tuesday's opener against Mexico.
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Wake Up, Right Now!
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