ok, ok, the WBC was a success
random thoughts during the championship game
(Japan defeated Cuba 10-6)
If I was the Cuban manager, I'm not so sure that I would've pulled the starter so fast. Although that said, it's probably all hands on deck out of the bullpen.Gotta love the crowd shots in Havana watching on the jumbotron. Probably "required viewing" for the entire island.
Is it just me or do all Japanese pitchers have unusual deliveries?
Joe Morgan is the baseball version of John Madden. He adds nothing of value to the broadcast. What value is there in him saying "Oh well I could understand them (the espen deportes announcers)" then talking on and on about how he was in Mexico listening to the spanish language broadcasts. So what did they say? Elighten us! He couldn't do it, his frown said "I have no idea what they were talking about..." I wish the on-field reporter hadn't bailed him out.
Japan's defense is shakier than I expected, they seem to be anticipating thier victory—c'mon it's 27 outs!
The first and ninth innings not withstanding, the Cubans have put on a pitching clinic.
2009 until the next WBC? Then every four years after that? The Cubans are right, do this thing every two years.
2 Comments:
Oh, so you do let other countries in. Do you know if the UK has a team?
Well, I know that this (the WBC) is MLB's attempt to branch out to a more international audience. This time out there were teams that were representing South Africa, the Netherlands, Australia, Italy. Hopefully the next iteration in 2009, will have additional nations represented.
A little background:
Asia, that is Japan and Korea specifically, have had their own baseball leagues since at least the early 1900's. Latin America, in particular the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Venzuela, has historically had tremendous amounts of talent that have made it to the "big league" level. While there has been some influx from other countries, for example Australia (see Dave Nillson), there is still a lot of potential talent and audience development possible.
Personally I initially thought that the WBC was doomed, but I was wrong. The games proved to be very competitive, compelling and relevant. I took particular glee in the fact that the two 500-pound gorillas, teams USA and Dominican Republic, both of which were stocked almost entirely with MLB players, were eliminated before the championship.
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