WBC?

[formerDevilsGM]

Italy Roster
Pitchers
Philip Barzilla, Cody Cillo, Chris Cooper, Roberto Corradini, Tiago Da Silva, Mark DiFelice, Lenny DiNardo, Jason Grilli, B.J. LaMura, Alex Maestri, Kasey Olenberger, Adam Ottavino, Dan Serafini

Catchers: Francisco Cervelli, Vinny Rottino

Infielders: Frank Catalanotto, Mike Costanzo, Davide Dallospedale, Alex Liddi, Giuseppe Mazzanti, Nick Punto, Jack Santora

Outfielders: Mario Chiarini, Peter Ciofrone, Chris Denorfia, Andrea De Santis, Val Pascucci, Leonardo Zileri.

Monday March 9 Canada 2 vs. Italy 6

I know it's baseball and not your Forte Canada but come on.....

[CalgaryGM]

Like you said, it's only Baseball. I guess that's how other countries feel about Hockey every time we kick their ass, they say "It's only Hockey".

But, if Canada were to win in Baseball, it would be, "YEAH, WE KICKED YOUR ASS!!!"

[Elite Sim News (ESN)]

Well someone has to come to the defense of the Canadians here, so I guess I will. In this type of tournament, you really need to have your best players show up. Canada got a good portion of their best in position players with Morneau, Martin, Votto, Bay and Stairs. They did not, however, have anywhere near their full compliment of pitching. I realize they are starters, but having the likes of Ryan Dempster, Rich Harden, Erik Bedard, Jeff Francis and Shawn Hill would have helped a great deal. Yes, I know Francis is injured, and Harden is one pitch away from his career being over. I mean they almost beat the US with Mike freaking Johnson starting for them.

I don't know how many of you have had a chance to watch many of these games, or even care about this tournament for that matter. I am a huge fan of international competition in any sport, so I have watched a lot of it. I still can't believe the Netherlands beat the Dominican Republic, and took a 1-0 lead into the 8th against Puerto Rico last night. I was surprised to see Australia beat up on Mexico. Who knows what would have happened if Venezuela hadn't used Felix Hernandez against Italy and he was available to pitch against the Americans.

Having said all that, I don't think many would have expected Italy to beat Canada. It was only one game though. You can't judge ANY baseball team by one game. Even using the WBC for example, Korea and Japan have played twice. Japan won the first game 14-2 in seven innings. Korea won the second game 1-0. There are just too many variables in baseball, especially when you don't have your best players and there are special rules used.

Ok...I'm done defending Canada now.

[formerDevilsGM]

I never said "Its only baseball" cause I love the game of baseball. I never say its only hockey when Canada wins cause I enjoy hockey also, no matter who wins.

I just like to rattle the neighbors from the north a little bit. I do agree 100% about the 1 game thing, I love the international competition of it but I really disagree with the format baseball like hockey is not a sport for 1 game elimination in the 1st round.

I just dont get how USA, Canada, Italy play eachother in the 1st round and the Next phase of Elimination its Italy and USA.
To me if you make it to the next round you should play teams from other groups.

But Netherlands over D.R. was much bigger of an upset by far when you look at the D.R. roster top to bottom, but in a 1 game series anything can happen...

[Elite Sim News (ESN)]

Well said Los. Now, having said all that...

Serioulsy. Canada lost to Italy? ITALY! Good lord.

[NYRangersGM]

roger my italian brothers resent that comment...............

[hurricanesgm2]

It doesn't seem that anyone really cares about this .. considering many of the players don't.

[formerDevilsGM]

There is just no good time to the the WBC. A lot of players did not get to go because fear of injuries. I still enjoyed it, but it does take a bit off of it that the best each country has to offer is not on the field..

By the way Ron, how many log in names is that for you now?

[Elite Sim News (ESN)]

Yeah, there really isn't an ideal time to have this tournament. That said, having had the chance to watch some of the games and listen to the comments from those involved, I think they very much care. You could see how much the Dominicans cared last night, especially after they lost.

Hearing some of the comments from Jake Peavy, Adam Dunn and Chipper Jones suggests they are having the time of their lives with the WBC. Peavy went so far as to say the only baseball related item on display in his house is his framed team USA jersey. Here in Tampa, Scott Kazmir is plenty upset (and I don't blame him at all) that the Rays pretty much mandated he didn't accept the invite to play. I don't think it's a case of the players not caring at all. I think it's the management of the MLB organizations that don't want to see their players get hurt, which I can understand.

I haven't had the chance to watch all the games, but those I have watched have been very entertaining. It could be that I just go crazy for international competition with any sport though. I do wish each country was able to have their best representing them, but the WBC is still entertaining. I can say with 100% confidence there are plenty of unhappy Dominicans today. The Dutch will be elated, and can see that their development program is starting to pay off. Can you imagine the kind of talent China can crank out when they get organized? Their highest professional league only plays 20 game seasons right now. When they get their program in place, much like Chinese Taipei, they will start to take off.

Or perhaps my excitement for a tournament like this is just because I love baseball so much.

[formerDevilsGM]

Well Said Roger.. There is just something especial about baseball.

"The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It's been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt, and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game, is a part of our past, Ray. It reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again. Oh people will come, Ray. People will most definitely come."

[formerDallasGM]

Well, there is no bigger baseball fan here than me (my son plays NCAA Div1 ball). But for the life of me, I just can't get into the WBC. Maybe cause there is just no historical significance, or the 'best' aren't playing...I don't know.

Maybe I side too much with the MLB owners. None of them can afford their star players, especially pitchers, to get injured playing in something that just doesn't count for anything. Spring Training is so important for pitchers to build up for the regular season grind. And yet here are starting pitchers throwing at top speeds already and for extended innings in the WBC. Our local paper had a piece on stats from pitchers who played in the first WBC and how they did in that MLB season compared to their past MLB season. The stats often showed a decrease in performance. (yes, I know stats can be manipulated to prove almost any point). And as has been stated, there just isn't a good time to play this thing. So I vote to send this, the college BCS and the NFL Pro Bowl to the recycle bin.

Anyway, just my two pennies. Thanks for the 'Field of Dreams' quote Los - I always play that in my pre-game program for our high school games (I am the PA announcer). And let's all remember...there's no crying in baseball!