After a three year wait, the World Baseball Classic is nearly with us once again. Japan and China will get things underway in Tokyo on Thursday with a 9.30 start for British fans.Â
However, the non-Tokyo based national teams will be playing some warm-up matches against Major League teams this week. Several of these can be followed on MLB.tv or Gameday Audio and, although they are not going to be intensely competitive, they should be enjoyable contests nonetheless.Â
The match-ups start today. Canada’s Major League team, the Blue Jays, will take on the Canadian national team at 18.05 GMT, while Derek Jeter will make many fans rub their eyes with disbelief as he looks set to play against the Yankees for the U.S. from 18.15. Gameday Audio fans can also listen to the Dominican Republic’s game against the Marlins (18.05).
There are eleven national team/MLB team games tomorrow, six of which can be followed on MLB.com. Unfortunately the games involving our European representatives (the Netherlands v the Reds and Italy v the Marlins) are not among them. You can listen to Canada against the Phillies, the U.S. against the Blue Jays, Venezuela versus the Astros (all three starting at 18.05) and South Africa taking on the Angels (20.05). Puerto Rico’s game against the Rays begins at five past midnight, while insomniacs and/or night-shift workers can watch Australia’s clash with the Mariners from 02.05.
Thursday’s Gameday Audio selection includes three national team/MLB team games. Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino might be playing for the U.S. against the Phillies (17.05), but Albert Pujols has already stated that he will not be suiting up for the Cardinals against his home nation: the Dominican Republic (19.05). Finally, the Aussies face the Brewers from 20.05.
The last such game of the week sees the Aussies in action again, this time in an MLB.tv clash against the White Sox. First pitch is scheduled for 20.05.
These games should provide something a bit different to the normal Spring Training contests. At the very least, they are a good way to get into the World Baseball Classic spirit.
6 comments
It should be a good tournament. Having said that, it’s gonna look weird seeing Derek Jeter play along side Dustin Pedroia. That’s how much I don’t like the Boston Redsox. Having said that, I look at the groups and I think their might be a few surprises this year.
Group A
Japan, China, Tiawan and South Korea.
this is as close as you can get to a group of death in baseball. I would not be shocked if defending champion Japan, somehow failed to make it out of the first round. South Korea has fare well in the last major international tournament, while Tiawan enjoys a solid reputation as well. I think Japan should get through, along with South Korea.
Group B
Mexico, Cuba, South Africa, Australia.
Sadly, I think both Australia and South Africa will suffer from the fact that they’re playing in the same bracket as Cuba and Mexico. Otherwise, I would have given both teams a shot at progressing to the second round. Unfortunately, I think either will. Although it would be nice. Look for Cuba and Mexico to advance.
Group C
USA, Canada, Venezuala and Italy. Interesting Group and one where I think Europe can advance. Venezuala is a good team, but I don’t think they enjoy the same repuation as the DR or Cuba. Should be a fun group. I’m going with Team USA and Italy in this group.
Group D
Panama, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Another fun group and one where the Netherlands could sneak through. The reputaion of the Domincan Republic is what it is, but they too are suffering from Pitching problems. There best pitcher maybe Pedro Martinez but he is not the same player he once was. I’ll go with Both the Netherlands and the Domincan Republic to advance.
Now granted, alot of these predictions are based on hope more than anything. Having said that, it should be a good tournament and much more interesting that the NCAA Mens Basketball tournament.
Here’s how I see it.. sort of an analysis of the previews I’ve read:
Pool A:
Too much weight has been given to Japan for being champions. They actually had an mediocre (as in average) record last time, losing three times. I still expect them to go through, though, but they won’t coast. Korea is the likely second, but Chinese Taipei could very much produce an upset. Unfortunately, I’d say that more confidently if they had the Chinese league players here. I don’t see China playing more than one game, but I hope at least they are competitive in their opening game vs. Japan!
Pool B:
Easiest group to call. Cuba and Mexico, if only because South Africa and Australia are among the least talent-loaded teams in the tournament. Australia has an outside shot at an upset vs. either Cuba or Mexico, but don’t count on it. South Africa, unfortunately will not get to 3 games.
Pool C:
Now this is the real group of death here. U.S.A. and Venezuela seem to be the safest choice to move out of the group, but if ever there is an upset to be had in Round 1, it’s here. Canada could surprise either the U.S. or Venezuela and pull one out of the bag (esp. given home field advantage). Personally, I would love them for it! Italy is also underestimated: they played rather well in 2006, I believe, and look to be enthusiastic Euro-baseball representatives. They have talent. With the current tournament format all it takes is one good game. I believe it’s understated how the U.S. (the most talented team here) could trip up two games, with the likes of Canada and Venezuela swimming in this pool.
Pool D:
This one’s a bit tricky. Dominican Republic is not at full strength (the absences have brought them down to Venezuela’s level, I think), but they are still the most potent force on here, and have good enough pitching to carry them for the first two games. Puerto Rico will likely take the first game, but losing to the D.R. in the winner’s game would drop them into the sudden death match with either Panama or the Netherlands. Panama is the quiet Latin American baseball nation, but the talent is there. The Netherlands is probably not as strong as Italy’s team, but it’s a team that ‘could’ (and I say this with some restraint) capitalize on a Puerto Rico team asleep at the wheel. Still, Dom. Rep. and Puerto Rico-on the home advantage-will likely go through.
Dominican Republic is my tip. im looking forward to watching it some intresting games. after seeing whos droping out of usa team they might not get out there group
Thanks for all your predictions. I’m going to put up my thoughts on Thursday just before the opening game.
I’ve got:
Japan
South Kora
Cuba
Australia – kind of a toss up with Mexico
USA
Italy
Netherlands
Puerto Rico
I made my predictions a week ago, but nice to see people are thinking like I am.
Wow, you got DR, Venezuela and Mexico down on the first round? Insane! haha, but that’s predictions for you. Everyone’s got their own reasoning. Matt, keep up the good work here, look forward to your previews 🙂