It's a Classic

Well, there were quite a few things that were "classic" in today's games of the WBC. The entire USA/Canada game was everything a baseball game should be. The two teams chased each other to the finish line, there were home runs, there were great defensive plays (on both sides), there were light moments. Pudge Rodriguez gave a truly classic performance in the Puerto Rico/Panama game. The Netherlands beat the Dominican Republic, which is just priceless, and while Venezuela beat Italy 7-0, Italy showed that they could play some serious defense. It took the positively legendary lineup four full innings to score. There was a bonafide highlight play by the Italian center fielder when he laid out and landed so hard that it broke the belt on his pants.

Here's a preview of tomorrow's action (in my time zone, EST):

5:30 AM- China vs. Korea: I love baseball, but only births, injured loved ones, or a natural disaster would get me out of bed at this hour in the morning. I do think Korea will win, though, which means that China will be going home.

2:00 PM- South Africa vs. Cuba: Now this is more like it. I don't really know anything about South African baseball, but I know that the Cubans are very good at international baseball. So, I think they'll win this one.

4:30 PM- Panama vs. Dominican Republic: This is an elimination game, too. I can't imagine the Dominicans being caught sleeping twice. I predict Panama will be packing.

8:00 PM- USA vs. Venezuela: ...I have no idea. I'm really, really glad that we won the game against Canada, because that means that this isn't an elimination game. Even if we lose, we're not out. I definately think that we can win this game, though. The US team is more balanced than the Venezuela team.

9:00 PM- Australia vs. Mexico: I think it's extremely difficult to beat the Mexicans in Mexico in any sport. Also, baseball still has a secondary sport status in Australia. Cricket is still number one by far. Being able to play Cricket doesn't mean you can play baseball. There's a big difference.  Don't believe me?  Watch some Cricket. I think Mexico will win this one.

Another day filled to the brim with baseball. This tournament will keep me nice and occupied for the next few weeks. During this week I probably won't be able to get anything accomplished. Which is bad...because I have another draft of my thesis due next Monday.

~K