This is the latest of insults to the baseball community to what some will have to regard as one of the greatest players of all time.  Barry has released an official statement on his blog stating:

As it is every season, my main goal and main focus is for our team to win a championship. I need to be in the best physical shape for the 2006 season—in what could possibly be my last season. I owe it to the Giants organization, my teammates, and most of all to the fans of San Francisco to give 100 percent this season. I assure you, my decision was not an easy one, but based on my circumstances, I had to put my health and my team first. I wish Team USA the best of luck and even though I won’t be in the dugout with them, I’ll be definitely be cheering them on to bring our country a WBC title.

Which, of course, is an official cop out to the WBC and the spirit of baseball.  Mickey Mantle was once regarded as a draft dodger in his time - as he said is was due to injury.  This came before his rise to stardom in pinstripes.  Since he primarily kept his nose clean after that - with exception to his drinking at the end of his career - Mantle survived the media.  I’m not so sure Barry’s headed down the same path of glory.  Barry’s attitude continues to be questionable and selfish.  In his statement he claims it’s in the best interest of the Giants’ organization and its fans.  Was it in the best interest when he chewed out his agent because he didn’t want to bat second?