PHNX Arizona Diamondbacks Podcast · ALLCITY Network, PHNX Sports

Could the WBC Give D-backs Stars a HEAD START on the Regular Season?

·1 hr·2 clips

Carlos Santana compares WBC games to a season or World Series and says players must push their bodies further.

1. The PHNX Arizona Diamondbacks Podcast examines whether the March 5-17 World Baseball Classic can give Diamondbacks stars a head start on the 2026 regular season. 2. Hosts Derek Montia and Damon Farrell connect Arizona's spring-training roster decisions with players departing this weekend for national-team camps. 3. Carlos Santana argues that WBC games resemble a season or World Series and require players to push their bodies further than normal spring training. 4. Santana recalls winning the 2013 tournament with the Dominican Republic and says the event was one of the best moments of his career. 5. Nolan Arenado explains that Puerto Rico offered him a chance to represent his Latin heritage after Team USA did not ask him to participate. 6. Arenado, who has never visited Puerto Rico, expects to play in front of its home fans while joining a roster affected by injuries and insurance denials. 7. Eduardo Rodriguez threw two innings against Kansas City, used five pitches, and received praise from Torrey Lovullo for his velocity and fastball command. 8. Arizona's 13-10 victory over the Royals included a late Luke Baker home run, while Merrill Kelly and Brandon Pfaadt remained connected to pitching-health concerns. 9. Jose Fernandez's three-RBI spring game strengthened his backup-shortstop case, while Jordan Lawler continues receiving center-field reps without the door to shortstop being closed. 10. Diamondbacks fans interested in spring training, roster roles, and international baseball should listen.

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