“Heartbroken” Pineiro Pulls out of WBC, Slams Oquendo
JUPITER, FLA — Cardinals fifth starter Joel Pineiro this morning announced he will not play for Team Puerto Rico after its manager, Cardinals third-base coach Jose Oquendo, informed him he would not be part of his three-man rotation for next month’s World Baseball Classic.
Pineiro, who started for Oquendo’s overachieving national team during the inaugural ‘06 event, described himself as “heartbroken” over Oquendo’s decision, adding that pitching out of the bullpen would not make sense because it would disrupt his conditioning for the upcoming regular season.
“I was very disappointed, very heartbroken. I felt disrespected,” Pineiro said prior to this morning’s workout at Roger Dean Stadium. “Everybody knows that there have been only two pitchers in Puerto Rico the past 8-10 years who have been consistent starters, Javier Vazquez and myself. To hear that from [Oquendo], it was such a setback. I’m very disappointed. I can’t believe I’m talking to you guys about this.”
Pineiro said he already had purchased plane tickets for his family for events leading up to the tournament and for the Miami games.
“I feel bad for my country, for Puerto Rico, and for the teammates I would have had over there,” Pineiro said. “I talked to most of the guys over there and they know I’m doing the right thing.”
Oquendo first approached Pineiro about his role on Saturday. Pineiro construed the comments as a joke. But it later sunk in that Oquendo intended to use Ian Snell and Jonathan Sanchez along with Vazquez.
“From there on, that’s it. The last two days I’ve talked to the family and other players. Obviously, it’s my thing to start. I’ve been doing it my whole career,” Pineiro said. “As a Puerto Rican guy I’ve been doing it the last eight years. Why not know? What happened in ‘06? How come I started in ‘06?”
Oquendo found himself in an unenviable position. The Cardinals clearly hoped Pineiro would remain in camp rather than participate in the WBC. However, clubs are not allowed to prohibit participation. At one point, Oquendo noted Pineiro “needed to be here.”
Asked if he felt Cardinals manager Tony La Russa or pitching coach Dave Duncan influenced Oquendo’s decision, Pineiro said, “It could have but those words never came out of Jose Oquendo.”
“I hope he just moves on. I hope he uses this as a chip on his shoulder and wins us 20 games,” Oquendo said.
As for Pineiro’s claim of disrespect, Oquendo said, “I don’t think I disrespected him. I had to make a decision what was best for Puerto Rico.”
(20 votes, average: 4.25 out of 5)
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Mike….well, said. I was going to go there with Randy until I read your post. Thanks!
As for the drama queen, Joel Pinata….You better get your act together this spring. The cost-conscious Cardinals would hate to have to pack you and your wasted millions on a Bon Voyage!
Mike- your a douche~ Duncan is not better then what I give him credit for~ Not at all, he was crappy with Oakland, and has been even worse with St. Louis! His in game pitching decisions are down right horrendous, much like your stupid rant… Do us all a favor and get off your dial up internet in Troy, MO and go pipe-fit something you worthless pos! If I were Duncan, I would be so proud of the most blown saves out of any team last year~ Yeah, he’s worthy of his title (pitching coach)- my a$$!!! I think I would rather get your sister to take the job, and get her insights as to how to make them better pitchers, considering her brother is such a witty bas*tard~
Shelly was a pitcher in HS turned hitter~ like his brother too- tard! My point is- how do you have a DAD that is a pitching COACH in major league baseball, and have two MLB sons that are both over 6ft tall, and one is freaking LEFThanded~ AND NEITHER OF THEM PITCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And with that, I think we’ve seen the end of the Joel Pineiro starting experiment in St. Louis. If ever TLR had a reason to let one of the youngsters have the #5 spot, he’s got one now. Pineiro is a spoiled brat who happens to suck as a starting pitcher. Isn’t this the same guy who was “disrespected” in Boston for getting put in the bullpen? Which is weird, because he said “I’ve always been a starter.” Um, not true. St. Louis got you on the cheap because you wore out your Boston welcome. I’ll take any free agent starter out there over Joel now. Or any of our Young Birds. Note to TLR from a die hard fan: GET HIM OUT OF HERE!!!!!!!!!! Send him the way of Kennedy.
Wow, what class all of you have shown! Such a great fan-base we are, though in all of these comments someone actually pointed that without sarcasm, among all of these over-the-top comments.
Do I think he should feel the way he does? No. I think that the 3 starters picked in front of him are currently better than he is. That’s all that really needs to be said. Yet you guys pounce on him like a bunch of schoolyard bullies picking on the slow kid. The guys pride was hurt, maybe the lack of pride within yourselves is allowing you to overlook that simple fact.
I would expect better from this fan-base, regardless of the rough season he had for us last year. Sure, point out that he didn’t do so well last season and that the other options are better……but at least try and have some class/maturity about it.
JohnnyG…..Sorry, but I don’t have to feel bad for anyone making millions of dollars. A motivated Pinero winning 15 games this year would go a long way to making me forget about his pouting. Suck it up, Joel!
On another note, about 100,000 more people will lose their jobs today.
Did they interview Pinero or Terrell Owens?
Joel, now is not the time to be a whiny cry baby because you are not garnering the accolades of your fellow country men.
Last year you were HORRIBLE, you weren’t even decent, With Waino, Carp, Mulder, Clement out for all or most of the year you had your chance to prove you were a #1 or #2 starter. Your pitch selection was horrible & you gave up clutch hit after clutch hit. Is that “The Secret Weapons” fault? Be a man and admit you probably didn’t qualify for a spot on the active roster last year. The Cards were FORCED to use you since they are too cheap to go out & get a REAL Starting Pitcher!!! I would rather see Ankiel take your spot in the rotation then you remain… GROW UP & focus on your command. We don’t need your DRAMA in the LOU.. feel free to pack up & leave. WE DONT NEED YOU Pinero… why are you still here?
Good. Maybe a little humility will do him some good, but I doubt it.
“disrespected”? He felt “disrespected”? Is that even a word? I believe he felt “insulted”. That’s what grown-ups used to say before everybody went soft in the melon and tried to be all gangsta yo.
Joel,
These comments are way off base. We will miss playing against you every three games.