WBC

[knoppers]

anyone watching this? the U.S. won a good game today against canada. I like the fact that we can watch some baseball that means something this time of year. some of these teams are like all star rosters.

[B. Amish]

I can't believe the Netherlands beat the D.R.

What an upset!

[riverrat56]

I have been kinda watching, I really like the idea behind the WBC though, I wish I had more time to tune in.

[jigging-matt]

I've been enjoying the games, can't wait for the regular season.

[Cicada]

I had planned on watching, but after I lost my job, I cut the dish off. Right now I'm watching the Twins beat the Yankees in game two of a double header. Frank Viola is looking great and leading 9-2 in the sixth inning. Pucket is smoking the ball in every at bat and the Twins haven't had an error in eight straight games. I think the game was in 1988; didn't know I had this on tape.

[bassNspear]

I have been watching them as well. Glad to see we are playing well for the USA!

[ozzie]

fun to watch baseball again.....the rosters are stacked with hitters so it makes the watching a little more interesting.

[CrappiesNCats]

the WBC is a travesty. the pitchers arent ready for it and start putting extra work on their arms that should be saved for the season that matters. the players should be with the teams that matter getting ready for the regular season.

they also pulled baseball from the olympics for this. thats the real problem.

[wingnut38]

pitchers, extra work? there's limitations on how many pitches or innings they can pitch. also these guys that are pitching knew about this a while ago, so they are prepared ahead of schedule. i like this idea and can't wait to see the u.s. win this thing.

[blue_healer_guy]

I'm with crappie cats on this one. I watched the dude from Houston throwing 96mph fastballs and 90mph sliders the other night and he looked gassed. GM's and managers and fans with players playing have to be on pins and needles hoping somebody doesnt get hurt over a meaningless series. They are simply not ready for this, this early. Scrap the whole idea or go to amatuers etc. Say what you want about playing for your country, they should be playing for the teams that pay them.

[B. Amish]

Hats off to Bert and the Netherlands for moving on and upsetting the D.R. AGAIN!

Quote:

Even without injured Alex Rodriguez, the Dominicans featured David Ortiz, Hanley Ramirez, Miguel Tejada and Pedro Martinez, just to name a few. But in two games they couldn't solve an unheralded Netherlands pitching staff coached by former big leaguer Bert Blyleven.

[hanronson]

I thought it was kind of cool to see Punto's Italy beat Morneau's Canada to eliminate them. Punto will get to crow about that game all year!

[riverrat56]

Another thought that would make the WBC slightly less interesting but still fun to watch (and appease owners, fans and the MLB alike) would be to not allow any current professional baseball players to play in it. This would have to mean not only the MLB but also for the Japan league as well. If guys are on the spring training roster then that would cut them out from contetion. Minor leaguers would still be able to play.

Lets see who has the best players who still live in that country.

Thoughts?

[knoppers]

interesting idea there riverrat. I think the U.S. would have the best chance there.

its nice to see a team like the netherlands do what they have.

[ozzie]

the only problem with that then is how do you determine professional? The Netherlands players were profesional players just don't make that much....I think the highest paid player was at $40,000 in the dutch league but they are still not as good as some of our minor league players....and our minor league players are profesionals as they get paid also.............

[riverrat56]

I guess it would have to be taken on a team by team basis.

Maybe if you are at the highest level of the legue you play in then you are a professional?

[ozzie]

I think the pros like to play in it though cause they get to represent their country and they also get to get out of spring training and play in some decent ball games......but it does suck when someone gets injured and then there season is ruined.....and the fans season!

[knoppers]

a very big game sunday against the 2006 champs, japan. we will win this.

[LOTWSvirgin]

Silva was looking like [PoorWordUsage] today against Korea 5 runs in the first

[knoppers]

thats the carlos sivla that the twins fans know.

[PierBridge]

a very big game sunday against the 2006 champs, japan. we will win this.

Wishfull thinking.

It could happen but I expect a 7-3 game in favor of Japan.

[mnwild]

Very close Pier,

USA made to many mistakes last night and didnt have clutch hitting. Japan is a very good team and I am looking forward to watching the championship game tonight between Japan and S.Korea

[bassNspear]

Should be a good game, your right, USA just didnt play well last night.

[SledNeck]

USA needs to field a better team.

[PierBridge]

Good Game!

I think the other country's take this Tournament a lot more seriously then we do.