US advances to semi-finals of WBC

In the end, being mercy ruled was probably the best thing that happened to the US.

As we've seen already in the tournament, merely losing a game you are expected to win does not serve as a wake up call (see Republic, Dominican). However, having that game called after 7+ innings because you are losing by too many runs? You can't blame that on luck, a cold streak, or an off night.

Instead, you realize that if you want to keep playing, you're going to have to show up. Granted, it's usually advisable to show up before the bottom of the ninth inning, but better late than never, right? Certainly better for the WBC: drama tends to sell, and what's better drama than a walk off win in the 9th inning?

Does this fix the WBC? No. Will it make a difference in how many people tune in for the semis and final? Unlikely.

Was it more fun than anything spring training had to offer? Yes. That's certainly not what MLB was hoping for when they rammed this tournament down everyone's throat, but even so, this means it's turned out 1000% better than most of good old Bud's ideas.

Dominican Republic sent packing from WBC

The Netherlands has done it again, knocking off the D.R. 2-1 in 11 innings. It is being hailed as the "biggest upset in D.R. baseball history."

Really?

The Dominican team is full of major league talent. But it's full of major league talent with guaranteed contracts during the beginning of spring training. These players are still slowly and leisurely playing their way into baseball shape. Sure, maybe they've been working out over the winter break, but they certainly haven't been facing live pitching since last September/October. Add to that the fact that many of these players are stars for their employers, and a good number of players have either politely refused to play or been denied the opportunity to play by their teams for fear of exacerbating lingering injuries. Then put them up against a young team with few players in any major league system, players entering the spring training period with something to prove, and players for whom this tournament IS their world series.

Yes, this is a rather incredible story and no, I don't want to take anything away from the Netherlands who beat a baseball powerhouse twice over 4 days. But does this scenario sound familiar to anyone else? If you're a fan of USA Basketball, it should. It took a 6th place finish in 2002 and being relegated to the bronze medal game in 2004 for playing for those involved with USA Basketball to really buy in. Perhaps this will serve as similar motivation for the Dominican players in 3 years.