Shock--World Baseball Classic forces spring training a week earlier

Nothing mentioned in the story about the increasing toll on American players asked or required to do more international travel with shorter off seasons. I suggest players put clauses in their contracts saying they won't do international travel. What happened to MLB's concern about man-made climate change and abuse of the planet caused by international air travel? Why is there nothing in this article questioning the actions of MLB?

• An estimated $100 million will be made by the WBC in 2009.

CBS Sportsline: "NEW YORK -- Spring training is expanding by nearly a week next year because of the World Baseball Classic. Players will start reporting to training camps on Feb. 14, under an agreement between the players' association and the commissioner's office. Exhibition games will start about Feb. 25....

• The mandatory reporting date for non-WBC players was moved up to Feb. 22 from March 5.

The second edition of the 16-nation tournament begins March 5, and first-round games are scheduled for

• Mexico City; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Tokyo; and Toronto.

Second-round games will be in Miami (March 14-18) and San Diego (March 15-19). Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles will host the semifinals (March 21-22) and championship (March 23).

• This year's tournament is projected to bring in about $100 million in revenue, an increase from
• $60 million three years ago."

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