Colorado Rockies’ Jhoulys Chacin all set to represent Venezuela in World Baseball Classic
Colorado Rockies’ starting pitcher Jhoulys Chacin is excited to be representing the Venezuelan team in the World Baseball Classic that will be taking place in March.
The pitcher who only pitched in 14 games in the 2012 season had spent some time in the Venezuelan Winter League for the Leones del Caracas but there were concerns about his ability to pitch at the big stage and the risks associated with an early comeback.
However, the result of a physical exam put those fears to rest as the results have shown him to be completely healthy and fit to play. After getting clearance, he was included to the Venezuelan national side.
"They told me my arm was fine, and that the physical found no issues. So, I can be finally included on the roster," Chacin said.
He expressed his delight on his dream of wearing his country’s colours is soon going to be a reality. He hopes to perform well and live up to the expectations of his countrymen and help them to achieve victory at the WBM.
"I'm extremely happy," Chacin said. "This is a great opportunity for me and a dream come true, nonetheless. It's amazing to see everything happening like we expected to. God willing, nothing wrong will happen and I hope I can support my fellow countrymen
in the best way possible."
The 25-year-old has been playing the Majors for four seasons now and has played all four of them with the Colorado ballclub. He has a 23-31 win-loss record and has posted a career RBI of 3.68.
The Rockies struggled big time with their pitching and injuries played a massive role in that. Jhoulys is one of a number of pitchers who were unfit in 2012 which forced relatively less experienced pitchers to take up the leading roles. The Colorado ballclub
ended up at the bottom of just about every statistic related to pitching in all of Major League Baseball in 2012.
The pitcher says that he has been throwing down around 50 pitches in the bullpen and should be able to throw down 75 at game level with his current level of fitness.
"I believe I'm ready to throw 75 pitches in a game at that level. I've been doing bullpen practices with approximately 50 pitches each," Chacin said.
Jhoulys is confident that is arm is performing well and he can deliver at a competitive level. He will be take part in Spring Training before and after the World Baseball Classic and is also looking excited for the 2013 season.
One hopes that Jhoulys Chacin will serve the cause of the Rockies as well as his national team. The pitcher will have to be consistent and healthy to help both of them to be able to perform well.
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