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World Baseball Classic
World Baseball Classic: World Baseball Classic Bracket
Not much into Major League Baseball, unless it's the World Series (badly named). But the World Baseball Classic, held every 3 years, is something else. 16 countries from all around the world, down to a single final game to determine the champion. Brazil, China, Australia, and Korea have already been eliminated, as Groups A and B have already moved on to the 2nd round. But some surprising entries still remain in Groups C and D, such as Spain and Italy.
Group C is playing in San Juan, so I got 2 tickets to see the P.R.-Venezuela clash tomorrow. Should be fun. This group is pretty tough, with powerhouses Venezuela and the Dominican Republic as well as Puerto Rico in there.
Just watched Mexico upset the U.S. 5-2 earlier tonight. Obviously the U.S. is missing some of its bigger stars, either through injury or whatnot. Also the timing of the tournament is a bit awkward, as the Major League teams go through their spring training in preparation for the coming season. But I enjoy the Classic immensely.
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Re: World Baseball Classic
I enjoy the World Baseball Series as well.
I think it is great that it is during spring training, as it gives even more people a chance to participate in spring training (as the teams bring in more people to compensate for losing players).
I also think it helps the players participating in World Baseball, because it gives them meaningful games much earlier in the season that everyone else.
Players from the Kansas City Royals to watch:
Eric Hosmer -- 1st Base USA
Louis Mendoza -- Starting/Relief pitch for Mexico
Irving Falu -- Puerto Rico
Salvador Perez -- Catcher Venezuela
Tim Collins -- relief pitcher USA
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Saw Mendoza pitching last night against the U.S. And I gotta say... Mexico's pitching all-around is not bad. And I'm enjoying seeing some typical "non-baseball" countries, such as Italy and the Netherlands, give it a go. It's only when they have the Classic, that I become aware of the number of countries that actually have baseball. I'm amazed they didn't start this Classic earlier than 2006.
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Yeah Tito Mendoza is one of my favorite pitchers. He only makes around half a million this year and outperforms some players on our team that make 5 + million.
He won't make our rotation but will be a great long reliever.
I agree, this is a fun event and is alot of fun for other countries too. Baseball seems to be alot more important in other countries than here now. Just seems like the majority of kids go for other sports.
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Pitching is one aspect of baseball we've never been known for here in Puerto Rico. Some decent pitchers, but nothing like a Pedro Martinez or a Mariano Rivera. We're mostly known for producing good catchers.
And yeah, I know what you mean about baseball in other countries vs baseball in the States. It seems football and basketball are higher on kids' list than baseball. And meanwhile, baseball has picked up in other countries.
Personally, I love seeing the international interest pick up... and I love seeing how the Baseball Classic is progressing. With Saddo's being a very international, but mostly British boxing forum, baseball doesn't get a lot of mention. Cricket is considered more of an international sport. But I think the Classic is going to grow international baseball interest very, very significantly.
(Side Note: I'm tempted to refer to the classic by its initials, WBC, but as a boxing fan, WBC only has one meaning to me. :) )
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Re: World Baseball Classic
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Puerto Rico 6, Venezuela 3....... YEAH!!
Just got back from Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan from having attended the Puerto Rico vs Venezuela game. It was electric! The first thing that struck me was the number of Venezuelan fans at the game, all decked out in the Venezuelan team caps and jerseys. Also the large number of Venezuelan flags being waved at the stadium. That's what I love about these international competitions.
Venezuela was favored, as they along with the Dominican Republic were rated the best teams in Group C. Puerto Rico was a close third, with Spain lagging behind. But tonight's win over Venezuela catapults Puerto Rico into the second round, along with Dominican Republic, who had already beaten Venezuela earlier in the round robin first round.
It was cool seeing some of the best Major Leaguers out there, such as Miguel Cabrera and Pablo Sandoval, both from Venezuela. Miguel is coming off winning the Triple Crown this year, the first Major Leaguer to do so in 45 years. And I think Pablo Sandoval was the MVP of this year's World Series. Puerto Rico, of course, counters with the likes of Carlos Beltran and Yadier Molina.
The stadium looked great. About the only thing I would add is a larger screen to show replays and stuff like that. Anyway, the atmosphere was electric, and I shouted myself hoarse. I'll probably be like that for a couple of days. I went with my brother, and we had pretty good seats. But it took us about an hour to get out of the stadium and the parking lot.
Then we went to Lupi's, a late night Mexican food place, and watched some of the USA vs Italy game on ESPN Deportes.
Tomorrow Puerto Rico plays the Dominican Republic, but it's meaningless, because both of them have advanced to Round 2. Venezuela and Spain have been eliminated.
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TigerFan
If you are going to lose the game badly at least don't get beat up in the brawl.
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Never been to Baseball game, but it looks to be something to attended in the US, if given the
chance.
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
Puerto Rico 6, Venezuela 3....... YEAH!!
Just got back from Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan from having attended the Puerto Rico vs Venezuela game. It was electric! The first thing that struck me was the number of Venezuelan fans at the game, all decked out in the Venezuelan team caps and jerseys. Also the large number of Venezuelan flags being waved at the stadium. That's what I love about these international competitions.
Venezuela was favored, as they along with the Dominican Republic were rated the best teams in Group C. Puerto Rico was a close third, with Spain lagging behind. But tonight's win over Venezuela catapults Puerto Rico into the second round, along with Dominican Republic, who had already beaten Venezuela earlier in the round robin first round.
It was cool seeing some of the best Major Leaguers out there, such as Miguel Cabrera and Pablo Sandoval, both from Venezuela. Miguel is coming off winning the Triple Crown this year, the first Major Leaguer to do so in 45 years. And I think Pablo Sandoval was the MVP of this year's World Series. Puerto Rico, of course, counters with the likes of Carlos Beltran and Yadier Molina.
The stadium looked great. About the only thing I would add is a larger screen to show replays and stuff like that. Anyway, the atmosphere was electric, and I shouted myself hoarse. I'll probably be like that for a couple of days. I went with my brother, and we had pretty good seats. But it took us about an hour to get out of the stadium and the parking lot.
Then we went to Lupi's, a late night Mexican food place, and watched some of the USA vs Italy game on ESPN Deportes.
Tomorrow Puerto Rico plays the Dominican Republic, but it's meaningless, because both of them have advanced to Round 2. Venezuela and Spain have been eliminated.
'
Sounds like a great time!!
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Quote:
Originally Posted by
VictorCharlie
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TigerFan
If you are going to lose the game badly at least don't get beat up in the brawl.
So Mexico gets stomped by Canada in the baseball game, and their asses kicked in the brawl.
Hahaha.
BTW, that was a total bush league move by Mexico's 3rd baseman and pitcher in intentionally beaning the Canada batter. The game's not over till it's over. If you're getting blown out, put another pitcher in there. Suck it up, you're a professional. Besides, as the announcer said, there's run differential tie-breakers involved. Totally bush league by the Mexican team.
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Venezuela is looking good against Spain right now...
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Quote:
Originally Posted by
boozeboxer
Venezuela is looking good against Spain right now...
Miguel Cabrera and Pablo Sandoval are about due for a big game.
They're like unexploded ordnance.
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
Quote:
Originally Posted by
boozeboxer
Venezuela is looking good against Spain right now...
Miguel Cabrera and Pablo Sandoval are about due for a big game.
They're like unexploded ordnance.
Venezuela is looking to give the game right back.
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Wow... Venezuela looking listless and could easily lose to Spain. It would be a good showing for Spain, maybe spurring a little more interest in what is strictly a futbol-crazy nation. Can't help but notice the empty seats at the stadium. Quite a difference from the crazed atmosphere last night. This afternoon's clash between P.R. and the D.R. should be pretty crazy as well.
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Re: World Baseball Classic
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.
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Quote:
Originally Posted by
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?
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Venezuela's third baseman made a pretty glaring error just now.
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Quote:
Originally Posted by
boozeboxer
Quote:
Originally Posted by
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.
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
Quote:
Originally Posted by
boozeboxer
Quote:
Originally Posted by
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!
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Quote:
Originally Posted by
boozeboxer
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
Quote:
Originally Posted by
boozeboxer
Quote:
Originally Posted by
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. :)
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
Quote:
Originally Posted by
boozeboxer
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
Quote:
Originally Posted by
boozeboxer
Quote:
Originally Posted by
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?
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Quote:
Originally Posted by
boozeboxer
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
Quote:
Originally Posted by
boozeboxer
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
Quote:
Originally Posted by
boozeboxer
Quote:
Originally Posted by
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.
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Re: World Baseball Classic
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.
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Missed a good game, bro. :)
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I wonder what the chances are of England ever fielding a team. :)
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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!!
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Re: World Baseball Classic
D.R. coming back..... now 4-2 Italy, with the bases loaded and 2 outs.
Pitching change for Italy.
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Re: World Baseball Classic
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....
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Re: World Baseball Classic
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.
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Quote:
Originally Posted by
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.
Italy is a team that really surprised me. You wouldn't think Italy would have a team at all!
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Re: World Baseball Classic
I know what you mean. Italy is the Cinderella story in the WBC right now. And that's one thing I love about these international competitions. Every once in awhile, a team will come out of nowhere and capture everyone's imagination. Of course, they're playing Puerto Rico tonight in an elimination game. So I'm kinda hoping the clock strikes midnight and the carriage turns into a pumpkin.
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Whew!
Great comeback by the Puerto Rican team to eliminate Italy 4-3. Italy goes home, but they definitely have nothing to be ashamed of. They lost two nailbiting, one-run games to two established baseball powerhouses, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. This is gonna do a lot for baseball popularity in Italy.
For Puerto Rico, it's a one day rest to wait for the loser of tomorrow's game between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic.
So for now, we're still alive. "Vamos boricua!!"
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Re: World Baseball Classic
It's the U.S. vs the Dominican Republic tonight in what should be a hell of a matchup.
The winner goes directly to the semi-finals in San Francisco, where Japan and the Netherlands are already waiting.
The loser plays Puerto Rico tomorrow night in yet another elimination game, and a second spot in the semi-finals.
I'm enjoying this Baseball Classic!
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Re: World Baseball Classic
I hope our pitcher Tim Collins gets to show off a little.
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@boozeboxer , did you watch any of the last couple of games? Damn! Those were pretty much all close, exciting games. I think the interest in the WBC has increased several times over. Even the major leaguers from the U.S. team, typically lackadaisical about the event, are expressing more interest. Especially team leaders like David Wright, who was sorely missed in the U.S.'s last 2 games.
What stands out to the U.S. players is the amount of fans, the cheering, and the celebrations of the teams that have played in the event.
Both teams eliminated in the 2nd round of Pool B (the U.S. and Italy) lost two 1-run ballgames. Well no... scratch that. The U.S. lost 3-1 against the DR, and 4-3 against Puerto Rico. Italy lost 5-4 against the DR, and 4-3 against Puerto Rico.
It sucks for the U.S. team, but I'm ecstatic about Puerto Rico getting into the semifinals. Of the 4 teams there: Japan, Netherlands, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.... only the Netherlands is surprising to me. I've would've expected to see the U.S. there, or Cuba, or Venezuela.
Be that as it may, I'm glad to see the Caribbean well represented in the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic.
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Crap! P.R. lost to DR 2-0 yesterday, and ends up getting seeded 2nd in our semifinal group. That means we get to play Japan tonight, after a trip from Miami to San Francisco. Dominican Republic gets the day off and plays the Netherlands tomorrow night. Not the matchup I was hoping for, but anything can happen. C'mon Puerto Rico... beat Japan!
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
Crap! P.R. lost to DR 2-0 yesterday, and ends up getting seeded 2nd in our semifinal group. That means we get to play Japan tonight, after a trip from Miami to San Francisco. Dominican Republic gets the day off and plays the Netherlands tomorrow night. Not the matchup I was hoping for, but anything can happen. C'mon Puerto Rico... beat Japan!
I agree, BEAT JAPAN!
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Re: World Baseball Classic
Quote:
Originally Posted by
boozeboxer
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TitoFan
Crap! P.R. lost to DR 2-0 yesterday, and ends up getting seeded 2nd in our semifinal group. That means we get to play Japan tonight, after a trip from Miami to San Francisco. Dominican Republic gets the day off and plays the Netherlands tomorrow night. Not the matchup I was hoping for, but anything can happen. C'mon Puerto Rico... beat Japan!
I agree, BEAT JAPAN!
Japan down! One more game to go!
Dominican Republic and the Netherlands meet tonight in the other semifinal.
Meanwhile, Japan is eliminated from a World Baseball Classic for the first time ever.
They lost to Puerto Rico last night, 3-1.
People down here are celebrating big time!!
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Re: World Baseball Classic
This is it!!
It's Puerto Rico vs. the Dominican Republic for the World Baseball Classic title. It doesn't get any better than this. It's a championship game with all the Caribbean flavor that these two baseball powers bring to the game. These are two rivals who meet yearly in the Caribbean Series, and know each other very well.
Baseball powers U.S., Japan, and Cuba have already been eliminated. The first two by Puerto Rico in what were widely considered upsets.
So come 8:00 pm Eastern Time, I'll be sitting in front of the TV set, cheering on our guys from Puerto Rico, to win the 3rd edition of the World Baseball Classic. To borrow Michael Buffer's phrase..... "LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE-E-E-E-E-E!!!!!!"
