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 News from Around the Americas | February 2006 
Loaiza Hopes for Solid Mexican Showing in WBC
 Josh Suchon - insidebayarea.com
Phoenix — Esteban Loaiza described his first day in an Oakland Athletics uniform as "the easiest first day I've ever had in my career."
That is, once he found Papago Park. Loaiza got lost in his car and missed a brief morning meeting in which Oakland Athletics manager Ken Macha addressed his pitchers and catchers.
When Loaiza asked Macha what was discussed, Macha didn't miss a beat by replying, "not being late."
Loaiza is hoping he misses a lot of training camp this spring because it would mean Mexico is advancing deep in the World Baseball Classic. Loaiza is one of three A's pitchers who will participate in the WBC, but his situation will be monitored more closely because he's a starter.
A's pitching coach Curt Young mapped out a schedule that fits perfectly with Loazia's schedule of starting an exhibition for Mexico against Arizona on March 4, then starting the March 9 game against Canada.
If Mexico reaches the final, Loaiza wouldn't rejoin the A's until March 21.
Loaiza started throwing a little earlier than usual and made sure he stayed in shape through the holidays, but didn't radically adjust his throwing schedule. He's not worried about fatigue late in the season and believes he'll be ready, especially with the 65-pitch limits for the first round.
Loaiza spent a week in Mexico, doing promotions and interviews, trying to make sure his countrymen can watch the games.
"They are all very excited," Loaiza said. "Mexico City is usually all about futbol and the World Cup. Now they are excited about the World Baseball Classic. We should have a good team."
A's reliever Kiko Calero, who started throwing a month earlier than usual, reported similar excitement in Puerto Rico.
"That's all everybody is talking about," said Calero, who departs the A's camp on March 1. "They've been waiting for this. They sold out all the games in three days."
Catcher Jason Kendall kidded closer Huston Street about deserting the A's training camp, asking Street before his bullpen session, "I thought you were leaving us."
"Not yet," replied Street. |
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