Cordero accepts sacrifice for WBC

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VIERA, Fla. -- It's the final run of the day for pitchers -- four laps around a practice field, which equals a mile under an intense Florida sun.

Chad Cordero is struggling. The Washington Nationals closer is running last, way behind the pack, sweat pouring down his face. Cordero is laboring hard, to the point where it doesn't look like he will finish before collapsing.

Fans outside the chain-link fence shout encouraging words to "Chief" but at the same time make light-hearted comments about how his teammates are going to lap him.

But there's a good reason why Cordero is straining during what seems to be a simple job.

Since the age of 5, Cordero has suffered from asthma and has had to use an inhaler whenever he has difficulty breathing.

For the past two months, Cordero hasn't used his inhaler because the Albuterol he takes is considered a banned substance by the World Baseball Classic -- an inaugural 16-team tournament that begins next week. The tournament is subject to stricter anti-doping rules than Major League Baseball, and if Albuterol were found in Cordero's system, he could be kicked off the U.S. team.

"It's been tough. There's been times when I had to take it, but I haven't able to," said Cordero, who reports to U.S. team camp in Scottsdale, Ariz., next Thursday. "So that's why I've decided to take it easy. That's why when I'm running, I always finish last. I have to walk a little because I have to pace myself so much because I can't take it."

The thought of pulling himself from the national team never crossed Cordero's mind. He was going to represent his country at the expense of his own health.

"This is a huge deal to be able to play for your country," Cordero said. "That's why I've sacrificed taking the medicine that I need because being able to play for the USA is something you may never have a chance to do again."

Cordero's case illustrates why most major league managers and general managers are against the WBC. Nationals pitching coach Randy St. Claire, in fact, contacted USA Baseball pitching coach Rene Lachemann and asked how the team planned to use Cordero.