I'm not going to pitch. I don't feel like I'm ready to pitch in meaningful games this early in the year. I'm honored to be asked, and in different circumstances, I'd love to play.

I was definitely honored to be chosen, but I just didn't feel ready to be pitching in big games yet. It was a tough decision. I talked to my wife and my mother. I'm not sure I'm ready to be pitching in front of 40,000 to 50,000 people. I don't think I'd be helping Team USA or the Indians if I hurried up (his training schedule) and got hurt.

Playing meaningful games every night in September makes it fun. I follow what the other teams are doing. I watch every game now. I even went out and got the (satellite TV) package.

Although I would love to pitch in the inaugural World Baseball Classic and am proud to represent my country, I will not be ready to pitch in a competitive-game environment when play begins on March 7.

When the White Sox were 15 games ahead, we were looking at the wild card anyway. Now, it's up for grabs.

If I'm not pitching, I'm staring at it the whole time. We definitely have a reason to be scoreboard watching.