World Baseball Classic

[TitoFan]

I didn't realize this, but the loser between Venezuela and Spain needs to through a qualifier tournament to qualify for the next WBC. That's good, as it makes the game a little more meaningful.

[boozeboxer]

I didn't realize this, but the loser between Venezuela and Spain needs to through a qualifier tournament to qualify for the next WBC. That's good, as it makes the game a little more meaningful.

You mean next years WBC?

[boozeboxer]

Venezuela's third baseman made a pretty glaring error just now.

[TitoFan]

I didn't realize this, but the loser between Venezuela and Spain needs to through a qualifier tournament to qualify for the next WBC. That's good, as it makes the game a little more meaningful.

You mean next years WBC?

Well, it's every 3 years (or 4, not very consistent right now... as they've had it in 2006, 2009, and now 2013). But yeah... the next WBC. The loser has to go through a qualifier, whereas the winner is still eliminated from this tournament, but has an automatic berth in the next WBC.

[boozeboxer]

I didn't realize this, but the loser between Venezuela and Spain needs to through a qualifier tournament to qualify for the next WBC. That's good, as it makes the game a little more meaningful.

You mean next years WBC?

Well, it's every 3 years (or 4, not very consistent right now... as they've had it in 2006, 2009, and now 2013). But yeah... the next WBC. The loser has to go through a qualifier, whereas the winner is still eliminated from this tournament, but has an automatic berth in the next WBC.

No reason not to have it next year or at least every other year!

[TitoFan]

I didn't realize this, but the loser between Venezuela and Spain needs to through a qualifier tournament to qualify for the next WBC. That's good, as it makes the game a little more meaningful.

You mean next years WBC?

Well, it's every 3 years (or 4, not very consistent right now... as they've had it in 2006, 2009, and now 2013). But yeah... the next WBC. The loser has to go through a qualifier, whereas the winner is still eliminated from this tournament, but has an automatic berth in the next WBC.

No reason not to have it next year or at least every other year!

Imagine the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup being held every year. It would take some of the glamour off. I think every 3 years is good. It gives countries something to look forward to, without waiting too long.

I'm just pretty excited, because I think this is just what baseball needed to help it take off on the international stage.

[boozeboxer]

I didn't realize this, but the loser between Venezuela and Spain needs to through a qualifier tournament to qualify for the next WBC. That's good, as it makes the game a little more meaningful.

You mean next years WBC?

Well, it's every 3 years (or 4, not very consistent right now... as they've had it in 2006, 2009, and now 2013). But yeah... the next WBC. The loser has to go through a qualifier, whereas the winner is still eliminated from this tournament, but has an automatic berth in the next WBC.

No reason not to have it next year or at least every other year!

Imagine the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup being held every year. It would take some of the glamour off. I think every 3 years is good. It gives countries something to look forward to, without waiting too long.

I'm just pretty excited, because I think this is just what baseball needed to help it take off on the international stage.

Well I am sure you are right.

Personally, I probably do not value it as much as those of other countries, as it is more just a different way to get ready for MLB and allows something more interesting for our spring training camp.

I think we can all agree it would better if it occurred in definite, set years. That may or may not be possible with the Union and MLB, unless through bargaining?

[TitoFan]

I didn't realize this, but the loser between Venezuela and Spain needs to through a qualifier tournament to qualify for the next WBC. That's good, as it makes the game a little more meaningful.

You mean next years WBC?

Well, it's every 3 years (or 4, not very consistent right now... as they've had it in 2006, 2009, and now 2013). But yeah... the next WBC. The loser has to go through a qualifier, whereas the winner is still eliminated from this tournament, but has an automatic berth in the next WBC.

No reason not to have it next year or at least every other year!

Imagine the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup being held every year. It would take some of the glamour off. I think every 3 years is good. It gives countries something to look forward to, without waiting too long.

I'm just pretty excited, because I think this is just what baseball needed to help it take off on the international stage.

Well I am sure you are right.

Personally, I probably do not value it as much as those of other countries, as it is more just a different way to get ready for MLB and allows something more interesting for our spring training camp.

I think we can all agree it would better if it occurred in definite, set years. That may or may not be possible with the Union and MLB, unless through bargaining?

Yeah, as long as it didn't interfere with MLB. I see it as a win-win. MLB players get some much needed warm up before the MLB season, while international interest is further stoked by the 3 or 4-year event. Look at how the World Cup has sparked new interest in the U.S., and the U.S.'s strong showing at recent Cups has done even more. Only problem would be if a star from an MLB team were to get hurt. But those are the risks you have to take.

BTW, were you watching the U.S.-Canada game? It was an elimination game, and a nail-biter. But I think the U.S. blew it open in the 9th. I stopped watching it, but it should be over by now.

The U.S., Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Italy move on to Round 2 in Miami.
Should be damn good.

[boozeboxer]

No I didn't watch it, I ended up listening to the Royals/Angels outside on the AM (only way I can get it on the radio). Now I am watching Michigan State/Northwestern basketball.

[TitoFan]

Missed a good game, bro.

[TitoFan]

I wonder what the chances are of England ever fielding a team.

[TitoFan]

Round 2 in Miami, Fla. is underway.

Top of third... Italy with a surprising 4-0 lead on the Dominican Republic.
Tonight it's Puerto Rico vs the U.S.A.

Two teams have made it to the semifinals thus far: Japan, and surprisingly the Netherlands.
The Netherlands knocked off powerhouse Cuba and eliminated them from the tournament.

So 4 teams battling it out for the two remaining spots in the semifinals.
Great stuff!!

[TitoFan]

D.R. coming back..... now 4-2 Italy, with the bases loaded and 2 outs.
Pitching change for Italy.

[boozeboxer]

I am watching USA v. Puerto Rico right now.

Hosmer just struck out. He is a Royal, but I just don't have much faith in him at all....

[TitoFan]

Doesn't look good for P.R. right now. Down 4-1 and the U.S. is still batting in the bottom of the 8th. Barring a miracle, we'll (Puerto Rico) will facing Italy tomorrow in a "do-or-die" game.