2013 World Baseball Classic Thread

[Yankee Tripper]

The killer blow so far from the Italians is a three-run bomb from Algodoneros de Guasave IF Chris Colabello in the third inning.

If Italy hangs on, they're in the driver's seat in Pool D going 2-0 with a meeting with the United States in the finale.

6-4 and a pitching change coming for Italy with 2 on 2 outs in th 7th. Italy may yet regret stranding all those runners in the first 6 innings. Especially with Grilli unavavilable due to WBC pitch count rules.

[BroadwayBomber55]

6-4 and a pitching change coming for Italy with 2 on 2 outs in th 7th. Italy may yet regret stranding all those runners in the first 6 innings. Especially with Grilli unavavilable due to WBC pitch count rules.

Canada also has three double plays tonight as well which killed some Italy rallies.

[Yankee Tripper]

Italy busts it open with 3 in the bottom of the 7th. 9-4.

[Yankee Tripper]

And everybody's favorite ambidextorus pitcher is on for Italy.

[Yankee Tripper]

Italy pouring it on 10-4. Working on that run differential should they have 2-1 tie-breaker come into play before playing USA.

[Yankee Tripper]

Grand salami for Italy up 15-4. a virtual lock to go the next round even if they lose to USA.

[DieHardYankeesFan732]

Italia very impressive this far!

[DieHardYankeesFan732]

They should have the WBC after the MLB season.

[DieHardYankeesFan732]

3-0 Puerto Rico, Bot 3rd.

[DieHardYankeesFan732]

15 minutes until USA opens up against Mexico! Lets Go 'Merica!

[DieHardYankeesFan732]

Sac fly Mexico takes a 1-0 lead over USA in the top of the 1st.

Runner on 2nd 1 out for Mexico.

[DieHardYankeesFan732]

A-gon grounds out but another run crosses the plate, 2-0 Mexico.

[NewOrioleWork]

Ugh Dickey isn't warm at all. Can't believe we're already 2 in the hole.

[DieHardYankeesFan732]

Ugh Dickey isn't warm at all. Can't believe we're already 2 in the hole.

Not a good start, Dickey got rocked.

[NewOrioleWork]

They should have the WBC after the MLB season.

Then people are just going to complain that they're tired after 162 games + playoffs, players are injured and need the rest time, etc. If they're serious about increasing the focus on international play, they need to shorten the MLB season....

[DieHardYankeesFan732]

Then people are just going to complain that they're tired after 162 games + playoffs, players are injured and need the rest time, etc. If they're serious about increasing the focus on international play, they need to shorten the MLB season....

Having it after the MLB season is better than having it before, where players are expected to be in "October baseball mode" in early March.

[NewOrioleWork]

US offense off to a slow start...man I hope this isn't going to be one of those LONG games...

[Brooklyn Yankee Fan]

Dickey doesn't have it tonight. He's not hitting the knuckle ball so far.

[DieHardYankeesFan732]

Dickey settles down and gets out of the top of the 2nd.

2-0 Mexico, Mid 2nd.

[NewOrioleWork]

Yeah Dickey look a hell of a lot better. God I hate that he's in the AL East now.

[NewOrioleWork]

Having it after the MLB season is better than having it before, where players are expected to be in "October baseball mode" in early March.

Yeah, the ones who could still find the energy to play after 162 games (plus playoffs) would be serious, everyone else would be too beat up/tired. The truth of the matter is, with the way the baseball season is set up, there really is no good time to do this. But I'm really starting to come to the opinion that for this to happen, and for international play to be taken more seriously in the US, you woul dneed to A) model the US national team after the US basketball model, where a group of elite althetes commit to 4 years of regular training and international games, and B) shorten the season to about 140 games so that its easier for players to commit time and energy to their national teams, and so you could do yearly events like a "Asia Cup" or "Latin America Cup" more easily (and of course winning would provide "points" or whatever toward getting in the WBC).

[DieHardYankeesFan732]

Yeah, the ones who could still find the energy to play after 162 games (plus playoffs) would be serious, everyone else would be too beat up/tired. The truth of the matter is, with the way the baseball season is set up, there really is no good time to do this. But I'm really starting to come to the opinion that for this to happen, and for international play to be taken more seriously in the US, you woul dneed to A) model the US national team after the US basketball model, where a group of elite althetes commit to 4 years of regular training and international games, and B) shorten the season to about 140 games so that its easier for players to commit time and energy to their national teams, and so you could do yearly events like a "Asia Cup" or "Latin America Cup" more easily (and of course winning would provide "points" or whatever toward getting in the WBC).

Or we could just send minor-league players.

[NewOrioleWork]

Or we could just send minor-league players.

And no one would care. *shrug* I guess as these tournaments go on, I'm just realizing more and more that MLB is half-assing it.

[DieHardYankeesFan732]

And no one would care. *shrug* I guess as these tournaments go on, I'm just realizing more and more that MLB is half-assing it.

yeah i agree

[DieHardYankeesFan732]

2-run HR for A-gon, 4-0 Mexico. This is getting ugly...