Lots To Cheer About So Far
Just a few thoughts and observations about the World Baseball Classic so far. For me, its been a great way to get myself into the upcoming baseball season. It is only three weeks away.
How about Team Canada beating the United States 8 - 6, after leading 8 - zip through three innings. Led by Adam Stern’s inside the park homerun and two outstanding grabs in center field, the Canadians beat up on the National League’s reigning Cy Young winner, Dontrelle Willis. Too bad Canada couldn’t follow the big win with another one. Instead they lost 9 - 1 to the Mexicans. At least beating the Americans is a nice consolation prize for not getting into the next round.
Lots of homeruns! Ok, many not allot of homeruns, but at least they were monster shots. David Ortiz and Adrian Beltre have both went yard, as did Derek Lee, Jorge Cantu, Griffey Jr. and Albert Pujols.
Ken Griffey Jr. has been awesome. Hopefully he can go a full season without injury (knock on wood) and put up some big numbers. It would be nice to see him play to all star potential at least one more time in his career. Remember when he played in Seattle and was all-world. In the South Africa game he went four for four with seven rbi in JUST five innings.
The Netherlands proved they can play with the big boys by mercying Panama 10 - 0 in seven innings. Granted they were already eliminated and had nothing to lose, it goes to show that some of these less powerful countries were making up ground. Their pitcher, Shairon Martis, pitched a no-hitter. Why isn’t he in the Major Leagues? Or even better, why haven’t I heard about him as a future prospect?
How about the kid who plays third base for Cuba, Yulieski Gourriel? He’s only 21 and should be playing in the Majors. I know its wishful thinking, here’s hoping it happens soon. So far in the tournament he has five rbi and nine total bases in eleven at-bats.
Has anyone else noticed the passion displayed by the fans in Puerto Rico? Man I wish I was there. What a great looking environment for a game! The fans are chanting and just having a good old time. What a great thing for baseball. Now if the Puerto Ricans could build a major league stadium there is the possibility of getting a major league team. I think they did great job hosting the Expos two years ago so why not? Just an idea, but I think the Florida Marlins should move there permanently.
And the best part of the World Baseball Classic so far is that there have been no major injuries. Of course there are a few tweaks here and there, but nothing major. Knock on wood.