Team Italy is recruiting Michael Conforto to play for them in the World Baseball Classic.  They have gone so far as to name Conforto to their preliminary roster, along with fellow Met Brandon Nimmo, despite not having heard back from Conforto regarding his willingness to play in the tournament.

By many accounts, it seems doubtful Conforto will play in the tournament.  Earlier, Conforto had listened to his advisers in rebuffing Terry Collins‘ request that Conforto play Winter Ball.  The decision was grounded in many factors included risk of injury and level of competition.  Arguably, the same concerns would present itself with the WBC leading to Conforto ultimately deciding not to play for Italy.

That would be a mistake.

The first reason why it would be a mistake is Conforto would miss out on an opportunity to work closely with Mike Piazza.  In 1998, Piazza struggled with the Mets, and he was booed by the fans.  Piazza was able to overcome the booing, and he helped bring the Mets to the precipice of the Wild Card.  In subsequent years, Piazza was the superstar who led the Mets to consecutive postseason appearances.  He is also the first Mets position player to have his number retired and be inducted in the Hall of Fame.

Considering Conforto’s struggles in 2016, there are few people on this planet who can better help him than Piazza.  Piazza understands what is means to struggle with the Mets, and how to overcome those struggles to become one of the best and most beloved players in Mets history.  Essentially, Piazza understands what Conforto has gone through, and better yet, he understands what it takes to get to that next level.  That next level is where Conforto wants to be as a player.

However, it is more than mental.  Piazza has widely credited for Team Italy’s unexpected run in the 2013 WBC.  Cubs first baseman, Anthony Rizzo said of Piazza, “In my opinion, he’s a Hall of Famer. When he opens his mouth, you listen. He just makes you so relaxed.  He’d be a great hitting coach.” (USA Today).

While Piazza is not the hitting coach for Team Italy anymore, the effect Piazza has on players is well noted.

Speaking of Rizzo, another important factor is Conforto will get to experience being the focal point of an offense as he is bound to be one of the better players on Team Italy.  Conforto is likely going to be pitched tough by some of the best pitchers in the world.  As it stands, Italy is in Pool D with Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela.  It’s already been confirmed that Oliver Perez, Roberto Osuna, Felix Hernandez, and Francisco Rodriguez, and Seth Lugo will pitch.  As we have seen in year’s past, there will be many more quality pitchers Conforto will have to contend with in real pressure packed situations.  That is a good thing for a player still developing into a middle of the order bat.  It’s also better thatn getting on a bus to face another team’s AA, AAA, and AAAA pitchers.

Another factor for Conforto is the WBC gives him an opportunity to get out from the pressure of New York for a while and try to improve as a player.  It could be helpful to get out from under the constant, and at times difficult, New York media, and go play for Team Italy.  With Team Italy, it may be easier to focus on improving as a ballplayer. Furthermore, with coaches like Piazza, it may be helpful to hear another voice that can help him either mechanically or mentally.

Overall, there are many benefits for Conforto playing in the WBC.  It is an opportunity that is in front of him, and it is one he should probably take, especially when you consider how much someone like Piazza can help him.