MLB pitchers to be given pitch count for World Classic

	Pedro Martinez is expected to compete in the WBC for the Dominican Republic. John Iacono/SI
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INDIAN WELLS, Calif. -- What's the right number of pitches a major league pitcher should throw in March when he's pitching for his country in the inaugural World Baseball Classic instead of a laid-back spring training game?

That's what general managers have had a hard time deciding at their meetings here. The original recommendation was to allow a maximum of 75 pitches in the WBC -- about five innings. But several GMs objected to that number and suggested that 60 pitches was a better, safer limit. Major League Baseball's Technical Committee, chaired by Padres president Sandy Alderson, will continue to study the issue and ultimately decide on the limit.

A pitcher must be removed from the game when he reaches the pitch limit, unless he does so in the middle of an at-bat. The pitcher is allowed to complete the at-bat and then must be removed.

The 16 invited countries must submit rosters with up to 60 names by Jan. 17. Eligibility rules are designed to populate the rosters with many major leaguers. For instance, Mike Piazza of the Mets, Frank Catalonotto of the Blue Jays and Doug Mirabelli of the Red Sox are expected to play for Italy.

Most of the discussions regarding the format have involved pitchers, who typically throw two or three innings in spring training games in early March. GMs were told that the regular-season salaries of all players injured in the WBC will be covered by insurance. "But that won't replace my asset,'' one GM said.

Pitchers coming back from injuries, including Roy Halladay of the Blue Jays and Ben Sheets of the Brewers, will not play in the Classic. Pedro Martinez, whom New York shut down in the final two weeks of the regular season, is expected to compete in the WBC for the Dominican Republic.

"We support it,'' Mets GM Omar Minaya said. "We all want to grow the game. The pressure to play, for some guys, like Petey, is very strong [and is] coming from their home countries. When the president of your country wants you to play, that's pretty strong.''