WBC Power Rankings
After taking a few weeks off to write my research paper, I’m back with a look at the World Baseball Classic. Lets get into it:
1. United States- Surprisingly their team doesn’t have the most stars in the tournament, but depth and an improved mindset is what should lead Team USA to its first WBC title.
2. Dominican Republic- You know your offense is good when it’s the best in the tournament while missing Albert Pujols, Alfonso Soriano, Miguel Tejada and Vladimer Guerrero.
3. Venezuela- Felix Hernandez will take the ace role from injured pitcher Johan Santana. Miguel Cabrera, Bobby Abreu, and Magglio Ordonez anchor the offense.
4. Japan- The defending champs will be back with a target on their shoulders. Player you’ve never heard of to watch out for: starting pitcher Yu Darvish. Also note that their pitchers are in mid-season form, a huge advantage.
5. Cuba- Electrifying shortstop Yulieski Gourriel and the Cuban national team aim to avenge their 10-6 loss in the championship.
6. Korea- Shin-Soo Choo is the lone major leaguer on a team that advanced to the semifinals in 2006.
7. Mexico- A team with plenty of major league experience that knocked Team USA out of the last Classic.
8. Puerto Rico- Carlos Beltran leads a team of aging stars that would have been title contenders a decade ago.
9. Canada- Eric Bedard was their only legitimate pitcher. They just won’t have enough arms despite an offense with Justin Morneau, Russell Martin and Jason Bay.
10. Panama- Carlos Lee and Manny Corpas outline a roster built with 15 minor leaguers.
11. Italy- Mike Piazza steps down from catcher to hitting coach.
12. Netherlands- Even Andruw Jones can’t help this team… then again he can barely help his regular teams.
13. Chinese Taipei- Chein-Ming Wang opted not to play, but there still is some unknown talent hidden on the Taiwan roster.
14. Australia- Little to be excited about for the team down under.
15. China- One Billion people and 100 olympic medals but baseball has still yet to catch on.
16. South Africa- Have never produced a MLB player.
Predictions
First Round
Pool A
- Japan
- Korea
- Chinese Taipei
- China
Pool B
- Cuba
- Mexico
- Australia
- South Africa
Pool C
- United States
- Venezuela
- Canada
- Italy
Pool D
- Dominican Republic
- Puerto Rico
- Panama
- Netherlands
Round 2
Pool A
- Japan
- Cuba
- Mexico
- Korea
Pool B
- United States
- Venezuela
- Dominican Republic
- Puerto Rico
Semifinals
- United States over Japan
- Venezuela over Cuba
Finals
- United States over Venezuela
Bronze Medal Game
- Japan Over Cuba
Between The Chalk 
welcome to the mlblogosphere! mark http://mlblogs.mlblogs.com
I like your prediction for the USA! Let’s hope it is correct! Go USA!
Aaron
http://mlbtribefan.mlblogs.com
Wow,
I still think that it is Japan’s until they show a weakness. But, the Team USA has the strength in their starters, but hopefully the pitch counts regulations will not pull someone out of a masterpiece game and turn it into a loss.
I consider the WBC torney to be like a pinball machine. Just because the ball is going towards the bumper doesn’t mean you will have another swipe at it before it drains down the side.
I also hope you prediciton holds true. I was in Clearwater today for the open practice, and they already look pretty sharp. The first game against Team Canada will also tell us a lot about this team.
Rays Renegade
http://raysrenegade.mlblogs.com
I like your ranking of Team USA! But I have to agree with Rays Renegade – I think Japan – especially with the ptichers farther ahead then ours – is the team to beat.
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
Do you think that the fact that the Japan team has many non-major league players might invite them to be slightly underrated? I think they’re serious contenders again.
However, I sincerely hope that your predictions are correct, and the US wins it all!
http://erinsmetsblog.mlblogs.com/
Not very good predictions. Don’t forget Korea was 6-1 last year. I don’t think U.S.A has a good chance. Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youklis were both injured.