Results tagged ‘ World Baseball Classic ’

That’s Embarassing

So it appears that Puerto Rico beat, er DESTROYED, the U.S.A. in the WBC last night, 11-1.  Tats right folks, we lost by 10 runs thereby invoking the “Mercy Rule” and ending the game in seven innings.  I haven’t seen the mercy rule come into play since AAA Little League baseball when I was 10– very sad.

The unfortunate thing in all of this is Team USA is now on the ropes.  Another loss not only sends the team packing, but I think it could be a major blow to the World Baseball Classic in the biggest baseball nation in the world.  This could be the second straight second-round exit for the Americans, the supposedly best team in the world, and lead to our fans thinking even less of the WBC than we already do.  Hopefully the players, and coaches, will take this problem seriously and not treat tonights game like any old spring training game.
The failure of the U.S.A. to put its best product on the field led to the demise of Olympic baseball.  Failure to put out the best effort (we already know some of the best players aren’t playing) will lead to history repeating itself in the WBC.
Other Takes:
Jeff Passan calls out Johnson for worrying about pitch count versus performance in not pulling Peavy.
Amy Nelson gives a good recap of last nights emotion and what lays ahead against the Netherlands.
Side Notes:
Congrats to the Trojans on winning the PAC-10.
T.J. Simers chims in on Boston’s obsession with Manny. All I’ve heard for two weeks from my Red Sox fans is how horrible Ramirez is– last time I checked he was a major piece in two World Series victories.
While I am not a Padres fan, I do like the Umpire camp they are putting on for local Marines. The Pad’s have always been great at reaching out to our men and women in uniform. 

Schmidt Pitches, Martin Should Return Soon

Jason Schmidt made his first “A” game start  of the spring.  Should be interesting to hear how he feels this morning.  Torre apparently still views Schmidt as the most likely fifth starter in the crop of pichers still at Spring Training.


“I don’t think there’s any question,” said Torre. “His experience certainly adds a lot to the rotation. He’s always had movement, he’s got to keep his pitches down. I think the velocity will get better. If he stays healthy, what we saw today is not as good as it will get.”


In other news, Canada is out of the WBC.  I’m a little suprised they got knocked out this early.  I expected them to beat Italy and give Venezuela a run for its money after their poor showing against the USA.  Good news in this is Russell Martin should be back in camp soon.  I also find it interesting that the Dodgers current catching star was knocked out by the team coach by the one of the greatest Dodger catchers of all time, Mike Piazza.

Martin Becomes Enemy for WBC

Martin-- Canada.jpg

 

Just saw this on Sons of Steve Garvey.  Apparently Russell Martin missed the USA-Canada love fest last week between President Obama and Prime Minister Harper last week.  The results of that meeting? 

CANADA <3 USA

In all seriousness though, Martin is my current favorite player and idolized by my oldest son who plays Catcher.  He shall not be praised in this house until we knock them out of Pool Play.  Why?  Cause thats how we roll! . 

| back to blog home |
Theme: MLB “fan” | Get a free blog at WordPress.com
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.