SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Closer Mark Melancon is leaving to join Team USA for the final round of the World Baseball Classic, while another pitcher in Giants camp is left to deal with disappointment and deflect the carping of critics.
Johnny Cueto said he would have pitched Tuesday’s semifinal game for the Dominican Republic against Japan, had his country beaten Team USA on Saturday to advance to the final round.
Instead, he is hearing it from fans back home for not participating earlier in the tournament – even though it’s well documented that the right-hander reported late because of his father’s health issues.