World Baseball Classic [Forum Archive]

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World Baseball Classic

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Posted by: IainDaniel

Any interest in this.... starts in a few weeks.

Just got some tickets to the Canada vs USA game at the Rogers Centre.

Row 3 third base side

Posted by: min0 lee

Please take pictures.

Posted by: soxmuscle

It's baseball, of course I'm interested.

That's really cool that you're going to the game.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Canada's preliminary roster:

Philippe Aumont, James Avery, Chris Begg, T.J. Burton, Rheal Cormier, Jesse Crain, Eric Cyr, David Davidson, Scott Diamond, Bryan Dumesnil, Jeff Francis, Eric Gagné, Steve Green, Rich Harden, Blake Hawksworth, Mike Johnson, Chris Leroux, Kyle Lotzkar, Brooks McNiven, Alex Periard, Vince Perkins, R.J. Swindle, Scott Richmond, Philippe-Alexandre Valiquette, Cole Armstrong, Luke Carlin, George Kottaras, Pete LaForest, Brett Lawrie, Russell Martin, Chris Robinson, Max St. Pierre, Chris Barnwell, Shawn Bowman, Stubby Clapp, Cale Iorg, Justin Morneau, Pete Orr, Joey Votto, Jason Bay, Aaron Guiel, Jamie Romak, Matt Stairs, Adam Stern, Mark Teahen and Nick Weglarz.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Absolutely.... That was the plan.

Should start a thread in the sports section of sporting pictures like your New York Thread.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Not to shabby of a roster, there Iain.

There are some solid canucks in the bigs.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Canada has a decent baseball development program.... Don't be too surprised.

Posted by: P-funk

I didn't know Matt Stairs was canadian...haha, that guy is awesome.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Yep New Brunswick.... his off-season training regime is playing hockey lol

Posted by: I Are Baboon

I'm interested!

I want to see Ichiro pitch. Word is he can hit 92 on the radar gun.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Yeah but Japan denied he would be pitching.

Last thing Seattle needs is him blowing out his elbow pitching.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Last thing Seattle needs is him blowing out his elbow pitching.

That's why Olympic baseball is dead and it'll probably be the demise of the WBC eventually as well.

100 years ago, this shit would have been like World War III... or World War I considering it'd be 1909.

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Last thing Seattle needs is him blowing out his elbow pitching.

Seattle = gay.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Anything west coast equals gay.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Absolutely.... That was the plan.

Should start a thread in the sports section of sporting pictures like your New York Thread.

That would be cool.

Posted by: IainDaniel

When I get them off my Camera I will post my ones from Ottawa Senators/ Buffalo Sabres game this past weekend

Posted by: soxmuscle

So I made some bets on this crap to make it more interesting:

Multi-Single Bet Confirmation (confirmed bets)
Risked US$ 20.00 to win US$ 90.00
Your reference number is #136845319
Japan 9/2
Baseball - Futures Odds to Win the 2009 World Baseball Classic - Moneyline
Thu@4:00a All wagers have action. Singles Only.

Risked US$ 12.5 to win US$ 20.00
Your reference number is #136845320
United States of America 8/5
Baseball - Futures Odds to Win the 2009 World Baseball Classic - Moneyline
Thu@4:00a All wagers have action. Singles Only.

Risked US$ 35.00 to win US$ 10.00
Your reference number is #136845321
Japan 2/7
Baseball - Futures 2009 World Baseball Classic
Odds to win Pool A - Moneyline
Thu@4:00a All wagers have action. Singles Only.

Risked US$ 20.00 to win US$ 50.00
Your reference number is #136845322
Mexico 5/2
Baseball - Futures 2009 World Baseball Classic
Odds to win Pool B - Moneyline
Thu@10:00p All wagers have action. Singles Only.

Risked US$ 20.00 to win US$ 55.00
Your reference number is #136845323
Venezuela 11/4
Baseball - Futures 2009 World Baseball Classic
Odds to win Pool C - Moneyline
Thu@10:00p All wagers have action. Singles Only.

Risked US$ 20.00 to win US$ 60.00
Your reference number is #136845324
Puerto Rico 3/1
Baseball - Futures 2009 World Baseball Classic
Odds to win Pool D - Moneyline

***

Go slant eyes!

Posted by: IainDaniel

What about Canada

Posted by: soxmuscle

Canada at 12/1 to come out of their pool isn't a bad bet. Might have to look into it.

The two teams coming out of that pool should be the USA and Venezuela though IMO and with all the money pouring in on team USA, I had to throw the money on the dog in Venezuela.

Posted by: IainDaniel

USA should win that Division... But hey Canada beat them last WBC.

I think Canada has a better squad then Venezuela

Posted by: soxmuscle

Just added 2.5 to win 50 on Puerto Rico at 20/1.

If USA, Japan or Puerto Rico don't win it it's going to be unfortunate.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Korea might be a smart bet.

Apparently they amended there season like they do with the olympics around the WBC.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Awesome Game Yesterday. Canada vs. USA.

how the fuck did the Netherlands beat Dominican Republic

Posted by: soxmuscle

that game was awesome yesterday.

kind of fun to be in playoff mode in march, really got the juices flowing.

any pics, Iain?

Posted by: IainDaniel

It was amazing the atmosphere that last inning.

Yeah.... got basement leak problems at home.... as soon as I have a chance I will upload them.

Posted by: min0 lee

Posted by: min0 lee

Netherlands ousts Dominican Republic from WBC

Posted by: IainDaniel

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

Netherlands ousts Dominican Republic from WBC

Yep who would have thunk, they would have beat them twice.

Betcha there is some scouts heading over there right now.

Posted by: largepkg

Damn, I didn't realize there were so many black Dutchman.

I know, I know I'm ignorant...

Posted by: I Are Baboon

HEINENKEN all around!!!!

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by largepkg

Damn, I didn't realize there were so many black Dutchman.

I know, I know I'm ignorant...

I didn't know this either.

Posted by: oaktownboy

It's too bad for Bernie Williams. It looks like he just doesn't have it anymore. But I'll always love his attitude and big smile.

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally Posted by oaktownboy

It's too bad for Bernie Williams. It looks like he just doesn't have it anymore. But I'll always love his attitude and big smile.

I was actually hoping he'd hit one out.

Posted by: min0 lee

Sayonara! US ousted by Japan in WBC semifinals
By BETH HARRIS, AP Sports Writer
10 hours, 35 minutes ago
Buzz up! 15 votes
Print
LOS ANGELES (AP)—For the second time in three years, the United States was beaten at its own game on its own turf.

Maybe baseball just ain’t America’s sport anymore.

Daisuke Matsuzaka remained undefeated in the World Baseball Classic and defending champion Japan topped Team USA 9-4 in the semifinals at Dodger Stadium on Sunday night.

“Can you believe this? Look at the score. I feel so bad about this,” Tom Lasorda, Hall of Fame manager and WBC global ambassador, said from his seat behind home plate.

“I’m very, very disappointed. We had high hopes. This is the second time we were supposed to win. We taught these people the game.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Instead, Japan gave the lessons on American soil.

Matsuzaka sent his country into Monday night’s title game against South Korea, a 10-2 winner over Venezuela in Saturday’s semifinal. Japan won the inaugural tournament in 2006, defeating Cuba in the final.

Akinori Iwamura’s RBI triple was the key hit in a five-run fourth inning against starter Roy Oswalt, and the U.S. absorbed its first loss to Japan in major international play since the 2005 World Cup. The Americans had won four in a row, including an 8-4 victory in the bronze medal game at the Beijing Olympics.

“We didn’t play as well defensively,” U.S. manager Davey Johnson said. “We made it a ballgame through seven innings, and made some mistakes, walked the leadoff hitter in the eighth, and that’s not the way you win ballgames.”

The WBC has hardly been a showcase for the United States, despite a roster loaded with major league stars.

Three years ago, the Americans were eliminated 2-1 by Mexico in the second round of the tournament after beating Japan 4-3 during pool play in Anaheim.

“I have no thoughts whatsoever that I have surpassed them,” Japan manager Tatsunori Hara said through a translator. “But the American baseball team came to recognize the Japanese team. To some extent, that is something I believe is the result of this.”

The Americans came into their first final four appearance hobbled by injuries.

During the second round in Miami, they lost second baseman Dustin Pedroia (left side), first baseman Kevin Youkilis (sprained left ankle, left Achilles’ tendinitis) and reliever Matt Lindstrom (strained right rotator cuff). Chipper Jones (right side) was replaced for the semifinal by Evan Longoria.

The Americans were the visiting team on a cold, blustery night in Los Angeles, having earned the designation by finishing second in Group 2. Japan won Group 1, with South Korea coming in second.

“Some of our pitchers aren’t as far along as some of the Japanese pitchers,” said Johnson, who played in Japan in the mid-1970s. “When I was in Japan, spring training started January 1. It’s a lot of practice. It does give them a head start when you play them in March, but I thought our guys played well.”

Matsuzaka allowed two runs and five hits in 4 2-3 innings. The Boston Red Sox right-hander struck out four and walked three before being pulled when he reached 98 pitches, two shy of the 100-limit for the tournament’s final two rounds.

Matsuzaka, who pitched six shutout innings against Cuba last Sunday, is 3-0 in this year’s WBC, having allowed 14 hits and four runs in 14 2-3 innings. He went 3-0 and was selected tournament MVP three years ago.

“Compared to the Cuba game, I believe that the control of the slider was not as good,” catcher Kenji Johjima said. “What I think is good about him is if one ball is not good, one pitch, even when that ball is not good, he would not give up.”

Oswalt got tagged, giving up six runs and six hits in 3 2-3 innings. He walked four and struck out one. The Houston Astros right-hander was 1-1 in three WBC starts, allowing nine runs, seven earned, in 11 1-3 innings.

“I thought he was throwing the ball all right,” Johnson said. “I tried to get (John) Grabow up. I didn’t think it was going to take him so long. It took him longer in the cold weather to get loose. But I still thought he (Oswalt) was throwing good enough to stay in the ballgame.”

The United States took a 2-1 lead after three innings on Brian Roberts’ leadoff homer in the first and David Wright’s RBI double in the third.

Japan broke loose in the fourth, with the help of an error by Roberts at second base that made two of the runs unearned. Roberts was added to the U.S. roster before the second round, replacing Pedroia.

Atsunori Inaba and Michihiro Ogasawara opened the inning with singles and the error by Roberts allowed Japan to tie it at 2. Johjima followed with his second sacrifice fly before Iwamura tripled into the right-field corner.

Munenori Kawasaki then singled home Iwamura. One out later, Hiroyuki Nakajima hit an RBI double on a 3-0 pitch, chasing Oswalt and giving Japan a 6-2 lead.

That put the Americans in a big hole against a team that came into the semifinals having outscored its opponents 36-9 in seven games.

But the U.S. got back in the game in the eighth on a two-run double down the left-field line by Mark DeRosa off Takahiro Mahara, cutting the deficit to 6-4. Mahara avoided further damage by striking out pinch-hitter Longoria and getting Roberts to ground back to the mound.

Japan tacked on three insurance runs in the bottom half off Joel Hanrahan and Scot Shields. The first scored on shortstop Derek Jeter’s two-out throwing error. Ichiro Suzuki added an RBI single, and Nakajima had a run-scoring double that right fielder Adam Dunn appeared to lose in the lights.

Jimmy Rollins went 4-for-4 with a walk and a two-out triple in the seventh. Masahiro Tanaka struck out Wright to end the inning.

“We had a lot of fun being an underdog, knowing that we were at somewhat of a disadvantage as far as having time to prepare,” Rollins said. “It shows the support and passion these other countries have for baseball. In America, we have many sports, so our attention is at whichever sport season is going on at that time.”

The announced crowd of 43,630—second-largest in WBC history and the most on U.S. soil—was bundled in jackets and blankets as temperatures hovered in the 50s and wind whipped the palm trees in the outfield. There were large pockets of empty seats throughout the stadium.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Waits for Soxmuscle to bash Jeter about his throwing error

(don't worry I agree on this one)

Posted by: IainDaniel

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Korea might be a smart bet.

Apparently they amended there season like they do with the olympics around the WBC.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Waits for Soxmuscle to bash Jeter about his throwing error

(don't worry I agree on this one)

I know, at first I felt like deleting this but let him have his fun.
I can see him now....

Posted by: IainDaniel

it didn't change the fact, that the US made a lot of errors, and were already losing.

Posted by: min0 lee

I was watching a young Jeter at short during the World series and for some reason even back then I felt he would have been better suited at second base.

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Japan vs South Korea at 9:30 PM on ESPN?

I predict the lowest baseball ratings ever for ESPN.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

So I made some bets on this crap to make it more interesting:

Multi-Single Bet Confirmation (confirmed bets)
Risked US$ 20.00 to win US$ 90.00
Your reference number is #136845319
Japan 9/2
Baseball - Futures Odds to Win the 2009 World Baseball Classic - Moneyline
Thu@4:00a All wagers have action. Singles Only.

Risked US$ 12.5 to win US$ 20.00
Your reference number is #136845320
United States of America 8/5
Baseball - Futures Odds to Win the 2009 World Baseball Classic - Moneyline
Thu@4:00a All wagers have action. Singles Only.

Risked US$ 35.00 to win US$ 10.00
Your reference number is #136845321
Japan 2/7
Baseball - Futures 2009 World Baseball Classic
Odds to win Pool A - Moneyline
Thu@4:00a All wagers have action. Singles Only.

Risked US$ 20.00 to win US$ 50.00
Your reference number is #136845322
Mexico 5/2
Baseball - Futures 2009 World Baseball Classic
Odds to win Pool B - Moneyline
Thu@10:00p All wagers have action. Singles Only.

Risked US$ 20.00 to win US$ 55.00
Your reference number is #136845323
Venezuela 11/4
Baseball - Futures 2009 World Baseball Classic
Odds to win Pool C - Moneyline
Thu@10:00p All wagers have action. Singles Only.

Risked US$ 20.00 to win US$ 60.00
Your reference number is #136845324
Puerto Rico 3/1
Baseball - Futures 2009 World Baseball Classic
Odds to win Pool D - Moneyline

***

Go slant eyes!

So I won a couple of the pools to the point where I'm slightly above on the tournament (I believe, didn't really keep track) but the big bopper is tonight..

Come on JAPS!

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Good call, but I better not lose this one.

I'd be more comfortable with Daisuke on the mound...

/sweating profusely emoticon

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Waits for Soxmuscle to bash Jeter about his throwing error

(don't worry I agree on this one)

Was driving back to skewl during the game and didn't catch highlights but a Jeter error shouldn't surprise anybody.

Did it happen when he did the patented Jeter jump throw?

I sure hope so, what a useless fucking move that is/always has been...

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

I know, at first I felt like deleting this but let him have his fun.
I can see him now....

I'm just looking forward to the regular season when even you will be forced to admit that he's declining.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

I was watching a young Jeter at short during the World series and for some reason even back then I felt he would have been better suited at second base.

No range, bad arm. I agree, he'd have been better suited as a second baseman.

When A-Rod was acquired, he should have definitely shifted over.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Celll.. e.... brate good times, come on.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

I'm just looking forward to the regular season when even you will be forced to admit that he's declining.

I know he's declining, it's just the way you get a woody talking about Jeter Al.l The Time.
I think you really envy the guy.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

No range, bad arm. I agree, he'd have been better suited as a second baseman.

When A-Rod was acquired, he should have definitely shifted over.

Would you please get off A-rod's rod.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Nope routine Ground ball with a quick runner. Threw it high and inside pulling first off the bag.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Good game what I saw of it. Fucking retarded to have it start at 9:30. Guess that time will appeal to the large oriental population on the west coast.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Nope routine Ground ball with a quick runner. Threw it high and inside pulling first off the bag.

Quote:

1. Team USA manager Davey Johnson opened himself up to all kinds of grief with his faulty WBC strategy. One area that he was particularly criticized was continuing to alternate Derek Jeter at shortstop with Jimmy Rollins, who is far better defensively. Throughout the tournament, Jeter showed the world what those who have watched with their eyes - not their hearts - have known for a few years now: He is a defensive liability. His range to his left is just horrible and he made a key throwing error in the bottom of the eighth Sunday against Japan that pretty much sealed Team USA's elimination. Here is the thing: Johnson might be enduring some arrows now. But his time as a 2009 manager is now at an end. Joe Girardi has to play Jeter at shortstop all year. Whether the diehard loyalist to Jeter want to believe it or not that hurts the Yankees.

I would have had Rollins as a defensive replacement..what was he thinking. Well....at least he still has his good looks.

Posted by: IronAddict

And in sports news, after their surprising loss in WW 2, Japan wins the World Baseball Classic!

Posted by: min0 lee

It's good in a way, just shows you there are more competitive players overseas and it's somewhat growing.....slowly..I think.

Off topic but there are a few black former players trying to recruit the young blacks, they are shrinking.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

I know he's declining, it's just the way you get a woody talking about Jeter Al.l The Time.
I think you really envy the guy.

I don't mind Jeter - I just happen to think he's the most overrated player in sports over the last decade.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

Would you please get off A-rod's rod.

I'm glad Jeter selfishly avoided shifting over.

A-Rod is worse at third base than he was at short.

Jeter isn't a good short stop.

After Soriano was traded, they had a hole at second base that they filled by plugging in four-a player, Miguel Cairo.

There's a good chance had Jeter took one for the team, the Red Sox don't win the World Series in 2004.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Nope routine Ground ball with a quick runner. Threw it high and inside pulling first off the bag.

Ahh.. thanks for clarifying.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Good game what I saw of it. Fucking retarded to have it start at 9:30. Guess that time will appeal to the large oriental population on the west coast.

It was an awesome game, but like you said, staying up til 2:30AM to watch it was a bit ridiculous.

The Korean manager should have walked Ichiro with runners on second and third but instead decided to pitch to him and the pitcher left a change up right over the plate.

But, your last sentence makes perfect sense.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

I would have had Rollins as a defensive replacement..what was he thinking. Well....at least he still has his good looks.

Who wrote that piece on Jeter?

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

I don't mind Jeter - I just happen to think he's the most overrated player in sports over the last decade.

He was never the best player on the team but he has always carried himself with class and did shine at times in the playoffs.
It's more of his persona than anything else.

Can you imagine if he had the skills of an A-Rod, he would be up there with Mantle and Ruth.

Sigh.....if only A-rod could keep himself of the front pages.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Who wrote that piece on Jeter?

I lost the link.

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