Justin Verlander declines World Baseball Classic, talks extension, makes men everywhere jealous

In today's installment of "Justin Verlander is Cooler Than All of Us": Verlander announced Monday at Detroit Tigers spring training camp in Florida that he won't join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic.

But hey, at least we get Gio Gonzalez.

Verlander's decision makes total sense, because his team was so good last year that he pitched late into the postseason and it will most likely be so good this year that he'll do the same again. World, he can only share his greatness with so many teams.

Of course, Verlander didn't say that, because he's too nice. Instead, he told reporters:

"I don't want to have to feel rushed to catch up to where I need to be. I like the idea of pitching for Team USA. I got to pitch for the national team in college, and that was one of the best experiences ever. Hopefully, I'll have another chance. But first and foremost, I have to be ready for this team."

This comes a day after Verlander finished tied for 13th at 26-under at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in California, which is no big thing, because, ya know, he's Justin Verlander and he's good at golf too.

Flying across country for spring training, striking fear into the rest of the American League by announcing he's focusing on the Tigers, girlfriending the woman we all drool over, even making that goofy hat look good -- there's nothing Verlander can't do. Look at him, that outfit makes him look like one of Madonna's back-up dancers and he doesn't even care.

Verlander also told reporters on Monday that he'd be interested in signing a long-term deal with the Tigers, which we all know will ultimately make him super mega ridiculous rich.

"My agent knows where I stand. He knows I love Detroit. I feel like I'm a kindred part of that town. I grew up in front of these fans, and earned my way into their hearts, and it doesn't very often anymore where a guy sticks with one team his whole career. It just doesn't happen. You don't get that kind of loyalty from either side."

See, Verlander even says the perfect thing. How can you not love him? Just give him all the money right now.

Pitchers and catchers are reporting.
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