Team USA were stunned by Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, falling 3-2 in the final for the second straight time. But while many fans were disappointed in the outcome, some believe that the loss came because Team USA simply didn't care.
Appearing on Foul Territory, Rosenthal dismissed the narrative that Team USA's players didn't care about the tournament. He declared that the U.S. players clearly "relished" representing the Stars & Stripes and pointed out that losing doesn't make them any less passionate.
“It’s a ridiculous narrative,” Rosenthal said. "And it’s so funny to me A.J., 10-15 years ago, when we were still in the period where the unwritten rules ruled, right? The reaction of players from Venezuela, Dominican Republic, all the guys who would act like they did, some Americans too, that was looked down upon. Now if you don’t act like that it’s looked down upon. The idea that these guys didn’t care and weren’t trying to win as hard as they could, it’s absurd. They care a lot. And they bonded and they relished being part of this team. They relished being with each other. They relished representing their country.
“And if you want to look at this question from a different perspective, ok, because the US beat the Dominican Republic, does that mean the US cares more than the Dominican Republic? No. Did Venezuela win last night because they cared more than the US? No. It was a baseball game. People express themselves differently. One of the beauties of this tournament, and in fact Bryce spoke to this last night, is that we get to celebrate the diversity of baseball cultures. We get to see and experience all the different cultures in this game, this beautiful game that is played around the world,” Rosenthal added.
Reaction
Fans vehemently disagreed, dismissing the World Baseball Classic as a glorified exhibition tournament while pointing out that some players either quit mid-tournament or openly said that they don't see it as that big of a deal.
"These are exhibition games. Pitching changes/usage are handcuffed. In a REAL championship Mason Miller is not on the bench for the 9th, Skubal is not wearing a hockey jersey, and Paul Skenes would be warming up in the bullpen," one user said dismissively.
"Yes, the players quitting mid tournament totally shows they care. Including a guy who literally would not play baseball again after this tournament. The narrative is ridiculous because unfortunately it’s true." wrote another.
"Did they care just as much in the moment? Sure. Are any of those guys on the USA team going to trade a World Series ring for a WBC? Come on now," a third declared.
© Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Prestige is in the eye of the beholder. No matter what the prize is at stake, it all comes down to what the players and fans believe is most important.
For many, the World Series is the most important prize in baseball. For others, the World Baseball Classic or the Olympics might be the ultimate prize.
There's no objective answer, regardless of what people say on X.
