Mark Teixeira Pulls Out Of World Baseball Classic

Phoenix, AZ – Mark Teixeira, the New York Yankees first baseman, won’t play in the World Baseball Classic as a result of an injured right wrist.

He sprained the wrist today taking hacks in the batting age and is flying home to New York to be examined by specialists. Initial X-rays of Teixeira’s wrist were negative however.

ESPN reports that Yankees Manager Joe Girardi found the Teixeira injury very unsettling:

“I was kind of shocked. He was taking swings in the cage and felt something. It was in his hand or wrist. I’m sure there will be more tests.”

The Yankees have had their share of health issues with frontline players of late including Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and even General Manager Brian Cashman, who broke his leg making a parachute jump.

So where does that leave Team USA? MLB.com reports that Team USA Manager Joe Torre may be considering Paul Konerko, 37, of the Chicago White Sox to take over first base duties in the international competition. Assuming Torre is agreeable, ChiSox Manager Robin Ventura said that it is up to Konerko if he wants to leave Spring Training camp and participate:

“If he’s ready to go and play, it’s his decision. Again, he’s been around long enough to know if it’s going to help him or hurt him to be ready for the season.”

Team USA begins WBC play on Friday night.

Mark Teixeira, who turns 33 next month and underperformed in the 2012 season, recently got high marks for candor when he admitted that he and his contemporaries are way overpaid:

“I have no problem with anybody in New York, any fan, saying you’re overpaid. Because I am. We all are. Agents are probably going to hate me for saying it. You’re not very valuable when you’re making $20 million. When you’re Mike Trout, making the minimum, you are crazy valuable. My first six years, before I was a free agent, I was very valuable. But there’s nothing you can do that can justify a $20 million contract.”

Who do you think should play first base for Team USA?

[Image credit: Rena Schild / Shutterstock.com]