So what if some baseball fans don’t get the World Baseball Classic? Well, tell that to the Dominican, Puerto Rican and Venezuelan baseball fans all hyped up to see their beloved countrymen on the same field together. Tell that to those Mexican fans at Estadio Charros de Jalisco on March 9th when they first see L.A. Dodgers star Adrian Gonzalez step to the plate against some Italian pitcher. Shoot, tell that Team USA star Nolan Arenado, who normally plays lots of meaningless games for the Colorado Rockies, yet will now play for his country.
“I’ve heard the atmosphere is pretty intense,” Arenado told MLB.com. “I’m excited for that opportunity to play.”
Still don’t get it? Let us put you on. Here are seven things to ponder about the WBC:
1. Can the Dominican Republic Repeat?
The 2013 champions return in 2017 with bashers including Robinson Cano, Hanley Ramirez and Hialeah, FL’s Manny Machado. Johnny Cueto and Edinson Volquez run the starting staff, while Jeurys Familia and Fernando Rodney hold down the bullpen. Still, D.R. may not have it so easy this time, as it faces Team USA in the opening round.
2. Will Team USA Contend?
Here’s the knock on Team Stars and Stripes: the elite Americans don’t buy in like the players from other national teams. Case in point: no Mike Trout, no Bryce Harper and no Clayton Kershaw. However, the All-Stars playing – like Arenado, outfielders Giancarlo Stanton and Andrew McCutchen and Toronto Blue Jays starter Marcus Stroman – can do damage. If you can watch just one game, check out Pool C’s D.R. vs. USA game on March 11 in Miami.
3. Can Venezuela Break Through?
After a disappointing 2013, manager Omar Vizquel’s squad hopes to make a run. Venezuela can, too. A team with Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez, Detroit Tigers legend Miguel Cabrera and Houston Astros spark plug Jose Altuve always has a chance.
4. Which Team Is This Year’s Version of 2006 Netherlands?
L.A. Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen was the team’s young catcher when the Netherlands upset D.R. in 2006. An unlikely team will surprise this season, too. Watch out for Mexico, which hosts Pool D with Puerto Rico, Italy and Venezuela then would play games in “Northern Mexico” – San Diego – if it advances.
5. Will Carlos Correa, Francisco Lindor and Javier Baez Play In The Same Infield?
¡Claro que sí! Lindor and Baez dazzled in the 2016 World Series while Correa is a bankable MLB superstar. P.R. is trying to take one final step after its runner-up finish in 2013. If Puerto Rico wins it all, the star power of this trio will play a big part.
6. What Player We’ve Never Heard Of Will Become a Future MLB Star?
Indeed, the WBC has been a showcase for upcoming international talent. Think Aroldis Chapman of Cuba in 2013 or Yu Darvish of Japan in 2009. This year, prospects like Colombia’s Dilson Herrera, Cuba’s Victor Mesa and Japan’s Sho Nakata and Yoshitomo Tsutsugo could open some eyes.
7. Is This The Last Stand for the World Baseball Classic?
Since the Olympics seeks to absorb baseball back in time for 2020 and this tournament hasn’t caught on in the U.S., there are murmurs MLB may not bring back The Classic unless serious money is made this year.
See – more reason to watch it! You can’t ask for a better way to inject some baseball sabor into March.