The World Baseball Classic

The moment that every baseball fan has waited for is finally here... or is it? That seems to be the question on everybody's mind as the World baseball Classic has finally arrived after years of talks in the works. For years Baseball commissioner Bud Selig has talked about having a world tournament of countries to compete like the Olympics every 4 years. The Olympics have done away with the sport of baseball which featured college players. Now the action is getting serious and players have to choose allegiances? Will they play for the U.S. or their home country and land of their ancestors?

That wa the question facing Alex Rodriguez, a player born in the U.S but whose parents were from the Dominican Republic. He finally decided to play for the U.S. Team. The action should be really exciting especially in countries outside the U.S. like the Domincan Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba, South Africa, China, Japan, Korea, Venezuela, Mexico and Panama. The stadiums and tickets sales will be booming in those countries which are filled with pride rooting for their home team. However reactio in the U.S. has not gone according to Bud Selig's plan. Ticket sales are down and anticipation is as well. To many baseball fans it isn't a big deal. Rule changes have made play ridiculous in some aspects like protecting pitchers with innings and pitch counts. For example, Johan Santana, the best pitcher on his team cannot pitch a complete game.

Some games are sure to be interesting like a first round matchup against powerhouses Dominican Republic and Venezuela. This matchup is one of pitching vs. hititng. The Dominican team lineup is stacked with the best sluggers in the game. You have Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Vladamir Guerrero, Albert Puljols, Miguel Tejada and so many other all stars. The Venezuela team has a deep pitching staff led by Cy Young winner Johan Santana as well as Freddy Garcia and Francisco Rodriguez, a dominating closer. This should be a fun matchup to watch. The hitters on Venezuela also feature Bobby Abreu and Miguel Cabrera, two all stars as well.

The problem in the U.S. is that a lot of stars aren't participating like Barry Bonds. Some pitchers and hitters are exempt because of past injuries. Still the USA team will be hard to beat led by Cy Young winner Roger Clemens in pitching his possible last starts of his career. Team USA also has Todd Helton, Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon, Michael Young, Ken Griffey Jr. and many more all stars. The USA team is in a very weak 2nd bracket in which their first round matchup is against South Africa, a team that the USA will destroy. The two teams are the complete opposites of each other and the US should have no problem at all winning this game. The fun will start when team USA plays the Dominican Republic or Venezuela in the playoff game. The tournament is a double elimination style where after 2 losses u are oout of the tournament.

I think the World Baseball Classic will be a success around the world and spark baseball passion. Even in China where fans don't watch baseball, the Chinese team lost by a combined 40-6 margin in exhibition games, fans have started to spark interest in the team. In Japan it will be interesting to watch the team go up against international compeition with faster pitchers and stronger quicker hitters. How will Yankee outfielder Hideki Matsui fare in the competition?

I strongly suggest that you toon in to watch the games. I assure you it will be much better than spring training or an early March or April baseball game during the regualr season. And to see all stars face each other in compeititon for their countries, isn't it worth the price of admission?