Johnny Cueto / Cueto will not participate in this year's World Baseball Classic,

Reds right-hander Johnny Cueto was hoping to represent his native Dominican Republic in next month?s 2013 World Baseball Classic. But it?s not going to happen: Reds exercised right to disallow Cueto?s participation in WBC as he finished on DL. Despite his desire to play, he respects their decision. ? Bryce H. Dixon (@brycehdixon) February 20,?

Johnny Cueto will not pitch in the 2013 WBC.

Impacts: Cueto was hoping to represent in his native Dominican Republic in the event, but the Reds intervened. The right-hander will remain in major league camp all spring.

Rather than rest on the accomplishments of his finest professional season, Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto said he is looking to improve this year. Completely over the oblique injury that plagued him at the end of last season, Cueto will have a tough act to follow. He went 19-9 with a 2.78 ERA and pitched two complete games in 33 starts while fanning a team-high 170 batters. He became the first Reds pitcher to claim at least 19 wins with an ERA under 3.00 since 1988. "I feel great," he told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "My arm is good. But I can get better. I'm trying my hardest."

Analysis: One of the more overlooked parts of Cueto's standout season was his improved poise on the mound. The right-hander did not become flustered when he fell into jams and also walked just 49 batters in 217 innings -- the first time in his career he topped 200 innings. "He always had good command," manager Dusty Baker said. "He always had good stuff. He's worked on his composure. He doesn't get rattled now as easily. ... Johnny's improved. He worked hard to get to this point." Cueto, who turned 27 last week, could experience a slight regression this year but is still a strong source for wins and ERA. Don't let him slip too far in the middle rounds of Fantasy drafts for the upcoming season.

Source: http://www.fantasysp.com/player/mlb/Johnny_Cueto/2692076/cueto-will-not-participate-in-this-years-world-baseball-classic

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