Japan 5, Korea 3

If anyone missed this game, you missed one of the best baseball games ever. This game had it all, extra innings, ridiculous fans and a clean up hitter lay down a bunt. Japan defended its WBC title against Korea in a battle for the ages. Ichiro Suzuki was absolutely phenomenal as he hit a 2 run double with runners in scoring position in the tenth to make the score 5-3. The 35-year-old Suzuki is a .331 hitter in eight seasons with the Mariners after starring in Japan. He tied Lou Gehrig's major league record with his eighth straight season of at least 100 runs and 200 hits last year. This goes to show you how good Ichiro is. Ichiro is going to play forever and will always be amazing. He may not steal as many bases as he once did, but he is still one of the best natural hitters to ever live. For Red Sox Fans, Japan's Daisuke Matsuzaka won the MVP award for the second straight time after going 3-0 -- the same record he had in the first WBC. He had a 2.45 ERA in 14 2/3 innings over three starts. Hopefully this is a good sign for Dice K and hopefully he can gain some momentum off of this into the season. Either way, this WBC changed my mind on it, but seriously, get back to spring training everyone.

USA 4 Japan 9

Well USA was finally bounced out of the WBC last night. Roy Oswalt sucked, and that was pretty much the story of this game. Oswalt went 3 2/3 innings allowing 6 runs (4 ER) on 6 hits with only 1 K. It was horrible. You have to wonder how serious the USA takes the WBC, but in the end you have to give Japan their due. They beat USA on their own turf, and are really showing that they may be the new powerhouse of baseball. They just play a more solid all around game. I still think USA is more talented if they have all of their players, but Japan is very steady and just gets the job done.

The good news for Boston fans is Dice-K looked good. He went 4 2/3 innings allowing 2 runs on 5 hits with 4 Ks. Sure that isn't awesome, but when you're going against a very dangerous lineup like USA's, and it is only March, you have to say that is kind of impressive.

The last thing I want to get out there is that USA really needs to stop playing Jeter. Listen, I respect that guy more then most of the players in the MLB, but he is way past his prime and Rollins is a much better player. The only reason Jeter was starting is because New York would have gone crazy if he didn't. I am all for having leadership, but sometimes skill is just too much to pass up. At least in this game they DH'd Rollins, but he is a much better defensive SS too. I just felt like this USA team was managed horribly, but once again give Japan credit for beating the US on their own turf.

Longoria Joins Team USA

"Third baseman Evan Longoria will be joining Team USA, according to Tampa Bay Rays general manager Andrew Friedman. Longoria will replace injured Chipper Jones on the U.S. roster for the semifinal round of the World Baseball Classic (ESPN)."

I really want to see Team USA with this Baseball Classic. I don't know why, but I am into this. Longoria is sick, and he can only help. USA is going to have some really tough teams to get through if they want to win it all. I am not sure if they can do it. Personally I think Japan is nasty, and they are going to be the toughest team to get through (Venezuela is also nasty). Longoria will not play first, as a lot of people thought he would. The rays came out and said they didn't want him doing that, which I don't understand. I don't know what they are going to do with the roster, since David Wright is also on the team.

World Baseball Classic Has Rating Surge

Here is the whole webpage but I will point out a few cool stats.

Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico drew a sellout crowd of 19,483 on March 9th for the game between Puerto Rico and the Netherlands, and duplicated the feat with 19,501 fans in attendance for a rematch between the teams in the Pool D championship game on March 11th.

Saturday’s game between the United States and Canada drew 43,000 fans to the Rogers Centre. Only three games between the Blue Jays and Yankees, and three games between the Jays and Red Sox had a higher attendance at the venue over the last year.

Sunday night’s game between the United States and Venezuela posted a 2.0 rating with 2,645,000 viewers tuning in, ranking as the most watched World Baseball Classic game ever, eclipsing the 2006 second round game between Mexico and the U.S. which was seen by 2,458,000 people. In addition, it was the most watched sporting event on basic cable for the week.

Pretty cool. At the beginning of this tournament I bashed the WBC, but slowly I have changed my mind. The timing still sucks, but the games are extremely entertaining and somewhat prideful. Last night's USA/ PR was very entertaining and a hell of a game. oh yea, USA won.

USA 6 Puerto Rico 5

This just in....Kevin Youkilis is nasty....

USA was able to avoid elimination last night with a 9th inning rally, but what has really amazed me throughout this tournament is how good Youk really is. I know he had a great year last year, but I never thought of him as anything more then an "onbase" guy who has a little power. I was wrong. He just keeps improving. Last night he had another HR, and just looks like he is going to have an incredible season. I really wouldn't be shocked if he has a 35 HR 125 RBI year and wins an MVP.

Anyways this was a great game. USA looked like they were down and out as Puerto Rico was beating USA 5-3 going into the 9th. USA began its rally when Shane Victorino and Brian Roberts singled to start the 9th against J.C. Romero (steroids!!!!). Derek Jeter flied out, Roberts stole second, and Jimmy Rollins walked on a 3-2 pitch.

Fernando Cabrera came on to pitch, and he walked Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis (who had hit a solo homer in the 3rd). Wright then lined a 2-1 pitch just inside the right-field line, raising his fist when the ball dropped in. It was amazing to watch, and really just gave you a taste of what playoff baseball feels like.

I know a lot of people talk shit about the WBC, but I say you really have to watch it to judge it. Trust me it is fun to watch.

My Thoughts On The World Baseball Classic

I have been on the record despising the WBC, but this year has changed me. Not a lot of upsets have really happened for the exception of the DR choke job. But living in a place where baseball isn't shoved down your throat, it gives me a huge appreciating for the game itself. I watched Venezuela destroy Italy yesterday and it was really cool to watch pros mixed in with prospects and over the hill players. I agree with the Captain fully when he said that the timing is completely fucked, which it is. It makes me cringe to think of all the Red Sox players playing in it, but whatever, if nothing bad happens to our players, why not enjoy it for the time being?

Prediction:
Venezuela all the way.

Nathan/Ryan Out Of WBC

"Joe Nathan of the Minnesota Twins and B.J. Ryan of the Toronto Blue Jays are skipping the World Baseball Classic, leaving the United States without a pair of first-rate relievers (ESPN)."

Obviously this hurts the American team. Nathan was replaced by Houston Astros reliever LaTroy Hawkins, and Ryan's replacement is Washington Nationals closer Joel Hanrahan. The Jays have to be pumped that Ryan pulled out. This is a guy who was battling back from a serious injury last year, and I think that he should try to limit his work as much as possible. Nathan is a workhorse, but I assume any team is happy that their player gets extra rest.

Pedro Martinez Looking For A Contract

Pedro Martinez is getting read for the World Baseball Classic. The tournament probably means more to Pedro then any other player has he is battling to prove that he still has something left in the tank. Pedro pitched a simulated game today, his velocity ranged from 88-92 mph during the 43 pitches that he threw. At some point someone will take a chance on him. I think he should have retired 2 years ago, but whatever. The teams interested in Pedro are The Dodgers, Pirates and Indians, but no formal offer has been made.

World Baseball Classic: USA Roster

Broxton, Jonathan Los Angeles Dodgers Pitcher
Fuentes, Brian Los Angeles Angels Pitcher
Guthrie, Jeremy Baltimore Orioles Pitcher
Howell, J.P. Tampa Bay Rays Pitcher
Lilly, Ted Chicago Cubs Pitcher
Lindstrom, Matt Florida Marlins Pitcher
Nathan, Joe Minnesota Twins Pitcher
Oswalt, Roy Houston Astros Pitcher
Peavy, Jake San Diego Padres Pitcher
Putz, J.J. New York Mets Pitcher
Ryan, B.J. Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher
Shields, Scot Los Angeles Angels Pitcher
Thornton, Matt Chicago White Sox Pitcher
Ziegler, Brad Oakland Athletics Pitcher
Iannetta, Chris Colorado Rockies Catcher
McCann, Brian Atlanta Braves Catcher
DeRosa, Mark Cleveland Indians Utility
Jeter, Derek New York Yankees Infielder
Jones, Chipper Atlanta Braves Infielder
Pedroia, Dustin Boston Red Sox Infielder
Rollins, Jimmy Philadelphia Phillies Infielder
Wright, David New York Mets Infielder
Youkilis, Kevin Boston Red Sox Infielder
Braun, Ryan Milwaukee Brewers Outfielder
Granderson, Curtis Detroit Tigers Outfielder
Sizemore, Grady Cleveland Indians Outfielder
Hawpe, Brad Colorado Rockies Outfielder

Solid team, but I am not overconfident. I am also really surprised to see guys like Putz and Ryan on this team. Ryan just got back from a serious surgery last year, and Putz had an injury plagued year. You would think their respective teams would want to limit their work load.

Byung-hyun Kim Won't Play In Baseball Classic

Now, the dormant Kim has finally found another to stash away amid the recesses of his storied career as the 30-year-old sidearmer failed to join the South Korean national team practice in Hawaii due to the loss of his passport.
``I was informed that Kim had lost his passport,'' Korean team manager Kim In-sik told the reporters, Sunday.
``As we have to submit the final roster for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) by Feb. 22, we have agreed to take him off the list.''

The only thing I can say about this is good. Fuck him. He is the only Asian pitcher i have ever hated.

Johan Santana Declines WBC

"Johan Santana plans to decline an invitation to pitch for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic at the request of the New York Mets, who want their pitching ace to be careful with his recovery from knee surgery, according to New York-area media reports (ESPN)."

If I was a Mets fan I would be thrilled that Johan is not going to try and push himself to pitch in the World Baseball Classic. I am a big fan of the WBC, but it is a big risk to have a pitcher like Santana pitching in an event that does nothing for your MLB team (especially with the amount of Money he makes). If the Mets are going to do anything this year, they know Johan is going to have be pitching his A game all year, and the best chance of that happening is for him to to be throwing any extra innings that he doesn't have to.

World Baseball Classic Rosters

Well they came out a little later but here is the link for all the rosters for the WBC....CLICK HERE

-BMack

World Baseball Classic Rosters

The World Baseball Classic rosters will be released at 6pm tonight. So if you're interested check back around 6:30pm.

-BMack

Youkilis Joins WBC American Team

Today Youkilis accepted an invitation to play on Team USA during the World Baseball Classic. Who would have thought a couple years ago that Youk, and Pedroia would have been two of the best American ballplayers? Team USA looks like they will have a solid group, but it will be interesting to see who else they will add. I would think that they will need to add some more power to their lineup. It sucks Ryan Howard, and Josh Hamilton passed on the WBC.

Here is a list of others who have joined Team USA:

Derek Jeter
Ryan Braun
David Wright
Brian McCann
Chipper Jones
Grady Sizemore
John Lackey
Dustin Pedroia
Mark DeRosa
BMack/DP - still awaiting our invitations

-BMack

Pedroia Joins USA WBC Team

Pedroia has decided to play this year in the World Baseball Classic. Josh Beckett has decided to skip it, which is a great choice, since he needs time off to get healthy. I don't think playing the WBC will affect Pedroia at all, since he is young enough to deal with the long MLB schedule. Other Red Sox that will likely play is Jason Bay (Canada), and Ortiz (DR). Youk and Papelbon are other possibilities.

-BMack

Dice-K To Pitch In World Baseball Classic

The 2009 World Baseball Classic will starts March 5 in Tokyo, and one of Japans favorites will be pitching for their beloved team (Dice-K). If you can remember Japan won the World Baseball Classic, and Dice-K was part of that team. The WBC really helped Dice-K gain popularity, and it means a lot to him to play for his country. I know a lot of people don't like the WBC, but I am a fan, and I think it is a good opportunity to see the baseball talent from around the world. I just wish they could do it so it didn't interfere in the MLB at all (spring training).

-BMack