Alex Rodriquez's decision to play for the United States and not for the Dominican Republic in the inaugural World Baseball Classic in March has disappointed long-time friend Pedro Martinez, Newsday reported Monday.

"Alex is American because he was born in the United States, but after what Mike Piazza — a future Hall of Famer — did, who will be playing for Italy, and Nomar Garciaparra, who will be playing for Mexico, he had an excuse to do the same with the Dominican Republic," said Martinez, a pitcher for the New York Mets, according to Newsday.

Martinez plans to pitch for his native Dominican Republic. His statements were spoken to the Dominican-based television network Color Vision. Rodriguez, a third baseman for the New York Yankees, plans to play for the United States.

"Now Alex must prepare for the nasty comments that will arise in the Bronx, where almost half of the citizens are Latino and purely Dominican," said Martinez, according to Newsday. "In fact, when Alex gets [to the Dominican Republic] it's possible that not even the reporters will be here to welcome him."

Rodriguez couldn't be reached by Newsday to comment, but publicly agonized over his WBC decision. Initially, A-Rod hinted that he would play for the Dominican, then declined to select a team, then dropped out and ultimately signed on with the U.S. squad.

MORE FROM BASEBALL

Baseball Section Front

Roberto Alomar, Larkin, McGriff on Hall ballot MLB offseason no longer a time to rest Jays sign SS Gonzalez to 1-year deal CTB: ‘Voice of the Yankees’ officially retires Sosa sued for $203,000 in Dominican court Opinion: Who needs Roy Halladay the most? CTB: Red Sox putting on press for Halladay CTB: Andruw Jones a great pickup for White Sox Complete list of free agents Circling the Bases: Blogging on news, rumors, buzz Baseball Section Front   Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: