The Dutch pitch another good game, but lose to Venezuela 3-1 in the second round of the WBC. The Netherlands hitters are just too weak to take advantage of a pitching staff that is delivering against major league competition.

One thing that's becoming clear; Blyleven should be some team's pitching coach. I like him as an announcer, but I get the feeling I would love him instructing pitchers.

Puerto Rico shuts out the Netherlands 5-0. Both teams advance to the Miami pool with Puerto Rico getting the top seed. They play the loser of the USA-Venezuela game, in which the US trails 4-1 in the bottom of the sixth.

David Ortiz wonders why the Dominicans lost to the Dutch. My guess is that Ortiz is only clutch against good teams. :-)

I hinted at this in my live blog last night, but Felipe Alou should never be allowed near a manager's office again. The DR defeat goes down in history with John Thompson's Olympic debacle in 1988.

Here's a Dutch article on the Netherland's upset victory. The photo of the celebration translates to "King Sale (21) was later the center of the revelry." Here's the English translation of the article. It get the feeling stunt doesn't mean the same thing in Dutch.

The Cubans and the Australians are tied at two in the bottom of the sixth. The Australians have runners on 2nd and 3rd with two out after a throwing error.

Update: A walk loads the bases.

Update: A single plates two, and Australia takes a 4-2 lead. The winner of this game moves on to the next round, the loser has to play and win tomorrow to stay in the tournament.

Update: If the Australians win this game, then the finals will be split with four team from the Americas and four teams from other parts of the world. I'm sure this is what the organizers had in mind.

Update: Enriquez doubles in a run in the top of the seventh, and the Australian lead is one run.

Update: That's all they get. The Australians are six outs away from a trip to the US.

I'm off to bed. I'll see how this came out later this morning. If someone wants to continue in the comments, be my guest.

Update: Cuba wins 5-4. They advance to the next round, but the Australians played a good game. They can advance with a win over Mexico tonight. They beat Mexico 17-7 in their first matchup.

That was quite a game. The Dominican pitchers dominated the Dutch hitters for ten innings. The DR batters had their chances, picking up seven hits, seven walks and a hit by pitch, but could only push across one run.

Marmol got his first pitch up to the first batter he faced in the 11th, and De Jong banged it. That started the rally, and two errors, Marmol's bad pickoff throw and Aybar's botched line drive, gave Nederland the 2-1 victory. They'll wake up to good news tomorrow in northern Europe.

I'm having a Manhattan, grandma Boerum's favorite drink. Grandpa's family goes back to 1649 New Amsterdam, so I'm enjoying this victory. I can't wait to see how the Dutch play in the next round. The pitching was certainly up to major league standards tonight.

With the game scoreless in the top of the seventh, Hanley Ramirez just misses a two-run homer. Twice he's hit the ball deep but just short of the wall for outs. Ortiz is up with two out and a man on first.

Update: Ortiz falls behind 0-2, works the count back to 3-2, then pops up on the infield to end the inning. The Netherlands and Dominican Republic remain scoreless. The Dominican staff has yet to allow an earned run in the tournament.

Update: The Dutch go 1-2-3 in the seventh as Pedro Martinez pitches a very effective three innings.

Update: The DR goes down without scoring in the top of the eighth. The way this game is going, the 13 inning rule may come into effect.

Update: The Netherlands go 1-2-3 again. The DR lead in hits 5-2 as the game goes to the top of the ninth.

Update: Dennis Neuman of the Red Sox is out for his second inning of work and he's holding his own. The first two batters hit the ball hard, one a line drive right at the centerfielder, the second a deep drive to left, both caught. That's it for the Boston farm hand. It's one of those nights when the hard hit balls keep finding gloves.

Update: Markwell comes in and gives up a single to Jose Reyes.

Update: Nepotism rules as Felipe Alou sends up his son Moises to pinch hit.

Update: Alou hits a soft grounder to short for the third out. The Netherlands is coming up to try for the walk-off win.

Update: Rafael Perez takes the mound for the DR in the bottom of the ninth.

Update: After a slow roller to the pitcher for the first out, Kingsale hits a chopper that Reyes boots, but it was a tough play. He gets an error.

The next batter hits into a force, so it comes down to Randall Simon.

Update: Simon hits the ball into the hole between first and second, but the second baseman makes the play. Regulation ends with a scoreless tie.

Update: A hit batter and a single put two on for the Dominicans in the top of the tenth with two out. Robinson Cano gets a chance to be the hero.

Update: Cano hits a fly ball to right for the third out. The Dutch have been over matched by the DR pitchers so far. Can they change that in the bottom of the 10th?

Update: Damaso Marte starts the tenth on the mound for the DR.

Update: Nederland gets a hit, but fail to score. On to the 11th and closer to starting an inning with men on first and second and no one out.

Update: Boyd walks Jose Reyes with two out in the top of the 11th.

Update: Bautista hits a liner to right, Kingsale slides but misses the ball. It goes to the wall and Jose Reyes scores. It's 1-0 Dominican Republic, and Bautista gets a triple. Given the way the Dutch have hit in this game, that might be enough.

Update: Hanley Ramirez strikes out to end the innings, and the Netherlands needs one run to stay alive.

Update: Carlos Marmol takes the mound for the DR in the bottom of the 11th.

Update: De Jong pinch hits for his first at bat in the WBC, and hits the first pitch to the wall in left-center for a double.

Update: Curt Smith pinch hits.

Update: Smith hits a roller up the middle. Reyes is able to get to the ball and toss out Smith, but De Jong gets to third with one out, and the infield comes in. Kingsale gets a chance to make up for his play in right that allowed the run in the top of the inning.

Update: Kingsale drops a single into short right-center! De Jong scores and the game is tied at one! Unbelievable.

Update: Marmol attempts a pickoff, but throws the ball down the right field line. Kingsale goes all the way to third!

Update: Schoop strikes out swinging. He was just overmatched. Marmol now intentionally walks Randall Simon to bring up de Caster.

Update: Marmol falls behind de Caster 3-1. He throws a fastball by the batter for a 3-2 count. de Caster then lines a ball down the first base line that hits off the fielder Aybar and de Caster is safe. Kingsale scores from third and Nederland goes to round two!

I'm stunned and happy. This game just put the World Baseball Classic on the map.

By the way, Felipe Alou joins John Thompson in the crappy international coach Hall of Fame.

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The Dominican Republic puts the first two batters on in the top of the fourth, but wind up leaving the bases loaded as the Dutch pitch out of the problem. The game remains scoreless. The winner advances to the next round of the WBC.

Update: Ubaldo Jimenez sets a WBC record with his 9th strikeout of the game. That came on the 2nd out of the fourth inning. If he wasn't limited to 70 pitches, he might strike out over 20.

Update: Jimenez strikes out one more in the fourth, for ten of the 12 outs recorded. He's very close to the 70 pitch limit, however, so he's probably done.

Bernie Williams makes a bad play in the outfield, and the Netherlands drive in the resulting runner for a 1-0 lead in their game against Puerto Rico in the top of the second. A second upset for the Dutch would put them in the next round.

Update: Bernie costs Puerto Rico another run as he gets thrown out at the plate on a two-out single to right in the bottom of the third. He's just too slow. The Dutch still lead 1-0.

Update: The Netherlands loses 3-1. That sets up a DR-Dutch rematch, with the winner going to the next round.

I just woke up and South Korea leads Japan 1-0 in the top of the eighth inning of the World Baseball Classic. Both teams advance, but a South Korea win gives them the higher seed in the next round.

Update: South Korea bounces back from a 14-2 loss to Japan earlier in the pool to hold on for a 1-0 victory. The Koreans win the top seed in pool A, which should give them a easier opponent in the next round.

Australia just took a 9-7 lead on Mexico in the top of the sixth. Pitching hasn't been on tonight on either side. Mexico, however, is playing at home, so this could be a huge upset in the making.

Update, March 9, 7:51 AM: Australia wins 17-7, stopping the game on the mercy rule. If Australia beats Cuba, they advance. If they lose, they play the winner of the Mexico-South Africa game and advance on a win. Their chances are looking good.

The US World Basebal Classic team defeats Canada 6-5, making up for the defeat in 2006.

China beat Taiwan earlier today, now the Netherlands take down Edinson Volquez and the Dominican Republic. Maybe the MLB has their academies in the wrong country! :-)

No doubt Bert Blyleven is a very happy man today.

Update: I'm part Dutch, so I'm a happy man, too.

China defeats Taiwan 4-1 in the World Baseball Classic. It's China's first win in the tournament, and against a country that produces major league players. I'm impressed that their program is coming along so quickly.

South Korea defeats Taiwan easily in their first WBC game of 2009. They'll face Japan for the right to advance in the tournament.

Japan took game one of the World Baseball Classic, defeating China 4-0. The Chinese take this as a great sign of improvement:

Given the results of three years ago when China lost to Japan 18-2, Thursday's performance was an improvement. China's pitchers held Japan's star-studded lineup to five hits.

''Any time you can hold a lineup like that to five hits you are doing a good job,'' Collins said. ''I'm very pleased with the way our pitchers played tonight.''

Given China's massive population advantage, I suspect they will continue to become very competitive at the sport.

B.J. Ryan won't pitch in the WBC:

Ryan on Monday cited concerns about his mechanics and becomes the third relief pitcher in the last 24 hours to announce that he will miss at least the first round of the tournament. Minnesota's Joe Nathan pulled out entirely on Sunday, while Angels closer Brian Fuentes said he will miss the first set of games.

Most of the other players I've seen say no offered pretty good reasons, usually recovery from injuries or their teams simply said no. If Ryan's mechanics are off, is that a sign of something deeper?

Here's a list of players in the WBC by organization. You can also click on a country in the side bar at the link to see the roster.

Buy World Baseball Classic tickets.

Dave Cameron suggests that every four years the All-Star break is expanded to seven days and they play the WBC tournament in that time. It's a fine idea, but how are they going to determine home field for the World Series without an AL-NL game? :-)

Albert Pujols won't play for the Dominican Republic in the WBC:

Pujols says he is 100 percent physically "but the insurance does not want to cover" him to play, leaving the Dominican Republic without one of its biggest stars. He made the comments Monday during a conference call with Dominican baseball officials.

Pujols had elbow surgery in October.

I assume this is the insurance that pays off the Cardinals if Albert gets hurt. This announcement has to increase the chance of the other teams in the WBC winning.

Team USA for the World Baseball Classic is shaping up to be young and good. The rotation of Peavy, Oswalt and Lackey is a 1-2-3 any team would love to trot out every five days.

Hideki Matsui won't be playing in the 2009 WBC due to his injury:

But although a major-league source confirmed that Matsui did have some interest in playing in the WBC, Matsui never told Hara (or any other Japanese player) that he would do so. Always diplomatic in his relationship with the Yankees, Matsui wouldn't put his team in a bad spot by putting his desires against the club's.

Nevertheless, by having Cashman make the announcement -- teams have more authority on rehabilitating players than they do regarding healthy players -- Matsui should receive less heat from his home fans than he did three years ago. This time, in other words, Matsui has an excuse.

It's too bad, Matsui would make them a better team.

Two star Cuban players were thrown off the Havana Industriales for trying to defect:

Ace pitcher Yadel Marti and star outfielder Yasser Gomez have been thrown off Cuba's top league team for "a grave act of indiscipline," likely ending their hopes of playing in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

That should make it a little easier for other teams to win.

Iwamura singles up the middle with two out in the third for the first Rays hit of the game. Crawford, however, grounds out to second to end the inning with the Phillies still leading 2-0. Hamels is averaging 11 pitches per inning, throwing twice as many strikes as balls.

Update: Kazmir strikes out two in the third as he pitches his first one-two-three inning. Scott has four strikeouts to Cole's one, as the Rays are swinging early against Hamels.

Here's a suggestion that Ichiro Suzuki serve as player-manager for the Japanese World Baseball Classic team. I wonder what Seattle fans think of this idea, and more generally, Ichiro as a baseball manager when he retires from game? Would he try to bring Japanese discipline to the North American game, and would that grate against MLB players? I think it would be a fascinating experiment.

Ryan Howard singles between the shifted second baseman and shortstop. It's the third inning in a row the Phillies put the leadoff runner on.

Update: A grounder by Burrell puts another runner in scoring position. Victorino grounds one just by Pena that Iwamura stops. He can't throw out Shane, however (Shields was covering) and the Phillies get their first hit with runners in scoring position. It does not score a run, however, as Howard can only go to third.

Update: Dobbs strikes out. Two down in the fourth.

Update: Feliz grounds out to short, and the Phillies inability to drive in runners continues. The Rays lead 3-0 in the middle of the fourth.

Major League Baseball announced first round sites for next year's World Baseball Classic. I assume the threat by the Dominican Republic to pull out of the tournament if they didn't host is no longer on the table.

The Dominican Republic is threatening to pull out of the WBC if they can't host in 2009. I guess their leverage is that lots of major league stars come from the DR. However, I bet a lot of clubs would like those stars in camp rather than playing in a tournament, so it might not be a bad thing for the clubs.

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Scott Rolen vs. Brandon Inge should be no contest. Rolen is a great offensive and defensive third baseman. He gets on base, he hits for power, and he's among the best with the glove. Rolen is a middle of the order hitter, while Inge properly bats at the bottom of the Detroit lineup. At age 29, Inge did develop some power, smacking 27 home runs this season, but his low batting average caused him to post a less than impressive .463 slugging percentage. With the power came a drop in OBA, which pretty much negated the home runs.

The problem is, that Rolen isn't healthy. He's only managed one extra-base hit this post season, although his chance at a home run was Endy'd by Chavez. His struggles at the plate make this matchup more even than it should be. Still, advantage St. Louis here.

It turns out that the story about Cuba donating money to Katrina victims wasn't true:

Patrick Courtney, a spokesman for Major League Baseball (MLB), which helped organized the tournament, said that the Classic's agreement with the Cuban baseball federation clearly stipulated that Cuba, unlike the other 15 participating federations, would receive none of the tournament's proceeds.

''To the contrary, at the insistence of the Treasury and the State Department, Cuba agreed, as a condition of its participation in the tournament, that `it will not receive any direct or indirect revenues and/or prize money,'' Courtney wrote in an email to the Miami Herald.

''Based on the agreement, Cuba doesn't have a cut of the proceeds from the tournament, and there is nothing for Cuba to donate,'' he added.

What I find interesting is that this myth was allowed to float around unchallenged for so long. Did people think Cuba would pull out of the tournament if the truth was known?

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Jon Swift suggests a way Team USA can win the World Cup in the future.

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I wanted to respond to a comment by Lisa Gray to this post:

a super world league? how long the season gonna last? cuz you can't have guys playing a night game in japan then a day game in italy. guys get enough jet lag just here in the US

That depends on how fast technology advances. After all, they couldn't put teams on the west coast until planes were fast enough to fly teams out there in a reasonable amount of time. If you can go NY to Tokyo in six hours, you can play the world. Rocket planes, anyone?

What probably would work best now, however, is 36 Western Hemisphere teams and 12 Asian teams. Divide them into four leagues, two divisions each. (I'm not sure Europe is actually ready for baseball yet). This would be similar to the way the majors were set up from 1969-1976. There would be no interleague play with the Asians until the playoffs due to travel time.

But all teams would draft from the same pool of players, be covered by the same collective bargaining agreement, etc. There would be players from all over the world playing all over the world.

Each division winner plays a seven game series against the winner of the other division in its league in the first round. That results in four pennant winners. These are seeded 1-4 based on regular season record, and two more seven game series are played to determine a World Champion.

If travel time becomes a non-issue and baseball starts to really develop in Europe, six weak franchises could be moved there eventually. You could then institute interleague play simply by moving divisions around every year. I'm sure there are plenty of creative people out there who can come up with ways to make this work.

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Ducksnorts posts stunning photos from the final game of the World Baseball Classic. It looks like Geoff had the best seat in the house!

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It was an exciting finale to the World Baseball Classic Monday night. Japan got off to an early lead, Cuba fought back, and Japan answered with even more runs. It seems to me Cuba lost the game in the first inning when Velez lifted his starter Romero after just four batters. Romero was a bit wild (23 pitches, 12 strikes), but Japan loaded the bases on luck. The three balls in play could easily have been outs, as none got out of the infield.

What the early hook did was leave Cuba short of good pitchers at the end of the game. Velez was forced to leave Palma in with an injury to his left hamstring. Palma pitched brilliantly through three innings in one of the gutsiest performances I've seen. But he was gassed in the ninth. The Cubans had fought back to trail 6-5, but Palma and the back of the bullpen gave up four runs in the inning to seal their fate.

Japan's approach on offense was perfect. They were both selective (6 walks) and put the ball in play (10 hits). They ran the bases well, and the play of the game was Kawasaki's slide in the 9th to score the seventh run. Pestano blocked the plate perfectly, but Kawasaki reached across and underneath with his right hand to just beat the tag. In real time it looked like he was out, but the closeup replay showed the ump called the play correctly.

All in all, a fitting finish to a fine tournament. Baseball is played very well in many places across the globe. With Korea and Japan playing so impressively, the Asian invasion is likely just around the corner. I expect North American scouts to step up activity in the east, trying to snap up players before they sign and give their best years to one of the Asian leagues. That will be very good for the salaries of the Pacific rim players, as competition will likely force their salaries up. Eventually, maybe all these major leagues will combine to draft and trade from the same world wide pool of players.

I'd love to see eight divisions of six teams each someday. Six teams in Asia, six in the Caribbean and six in Europe joining with the North American major leagues to form a super world league? That would be sweet.

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Japan and Cuba should be getting underway in a few minutes. Of course, Notre Dame and Michigan will probably go into triple overtime and we'll miss the first third of the game. :(

Matsuzaka pitches against Romero. Daisuke pitched nine innings so far, allowing just four hits. Omari won both his starts, and has nine strikeouts in 8 1/3 innings. Both pitchers allowed just one run.

Update: I knew the basketball game was going to overtime. I'm going to miss the start of the game due to second-rate college basketball.

Update: It's double overtime in the basketball game. Japan and Cuba are underway, and number two hitter Nishioka singles with one out for the game's first hit.

Update: ESPN only has 1,000,000 channels, you'd think they could put the game on one of them.

Update: A stolen base and a walk to Ichiro put men on first and second for Matsunaka, the DH.

Update: Matsunaka gets an infield single to load the bases with one out. Romero is having control problems, only 12 of his 23 pitches have gone for strikes.

Update: That's in for Romero. Odelin relieves for Cuba.

Update: Tamura is hit by a pitch. Japan takes the early 1-0 lead.

Update: YES! It's a buzzer beater! I love Michigan! Get to the baseball game already.

Update: Odelin gets a strikeout for the second out.

Update: Odelin walks in another run. It's 2-0 Japan, and they're showing good selectivity versus Cuba so far.

Update: Imae gets a phat pitch and drives it up the middle for a two run single. It's the first ball out of the infield in the inning. Japan leads 4-0, and Cuba goes to the bullpen again.

Update: They're showing a replay of the early part of the inning. I don't understand why Romero was removed. It's not like Japan hit him hard. There was a slow roller and an infield hit with the runners moving, so the shortstop was out of position. Noberto Gonzalez is pitching for Cuba now.

Update: Cuba gets out of the inning on a grounder to second, but Japan bats around and leads 4-0 at the end of one.

Update: Paret gets one back right away with a home run into the left field stands. It's 4-1 Japan in the bottom of the fourth.

Update: That's it for Cuba in the first. Matsuzaka was getting his pitches up early, but regained control for two ground outs and a strike out. It's 4-1 Japan after one inning.

Update: We keep seeing great defense in this tournament. The Japanese shortstop Kawasaki made a great play in the hole in the bottom of the first, and the Cuban catcher Pestano just made a great play a Kawasaki bunt leading off the second. I'd love to see both of them in the majors.

Update: Another nice play to retire Ichiro. Paret makes a leaping catch of a line drive to retire the side in order in the top of the second.

Update: ESPN has a camera in Havana. Why don't they have one in Tokyo?

Update: Matsuzaka strikes out the first two batters, then gives up a single to Garlobo.

Update: Matsuzaka strikes out Pestano to end the inning. He's struck out four of the last five batters. Daisuke struck out five in his first nine innings of the tournament.

Update: Japan puts two on but doesn't score in top of the third. The Cuban pitchers walked three and hit a batter so far.

Update: Alexei Ramirez starts off the bottom of the third with a double off the left field wall.

Update: Despite striking out Paret, Matsuzaka is wild high this inning.

Update: Ramirez stays at second. Matsuzaka gets two fly outs to end the inning. Matsuzaka was throwing inside and up a lot in that inning. He's not afraid to try to intimidate batters.

Update: For all intents and purposes a 1-2-3 inning. Gonzalez issues a two out walk, but immediately catches the runner stealing on a pickoff.

Update: Another great play by Kawasaki. A ground smash up the middle grazes the pitcher, and Kawasaki has to adjust to make the dive, catch the ball, then come up and throw to get the batter. Well done. Kawasaki makes all his plays look easy.

Update: The Cuban swing early in that inning, but only get a single out of it. At the end of four, it's still 4-1 Japan. Matsuzaka has thrown 62 pitches so far, 43 of them for strikes.

Update: Ichiro Suzuki doubles down the left field line to start the fifth inning for Japan. It's followed by a single by Matsunaka to put runners at first and third with none out.

Update: Cuba is making a pitching change. Pedroso comes in to face Tamura.

Update: A hot smash to the hot corner is snared by Enriquez. However, he looked home to try to get Ichiro, can't, then doesn't have time to get the runner at first. Japan leads 5-1 and still have two on with none out.

Update: Satozaki bunts to move the runners to second and third with one out.

Update: Another pitching change for Cuba. They're bringing in a left vs. the left batter Ogasawara.

Update: Ogasawara hits a sacrifice fly to extend the Japanese lead to 6-1.

Update: A groundout to shortstop end the inning. But Cuba has its work cut out, needing at least five runs in the final five innings against a tough Japanese pitching staff.

Update: Watanabe enters in relief in the bottom of the fifth. Matsuzaka threw four brilliant innings, walking none and striking out five. His one mistake was the homerun to the leadoff batter Paret.

Update: Watanabe pitches like Chad Bradford, almost dragging his knuckles on the ground. The Cubans have a tough time picking up his pitches and are retired in order in the fifth.

Update: The Cuban pitcher Palma injured his left hamstring going after a bunt. He's still in the game, but he appears to be limping after each pitch.

Update: Palma gets out of the inning. Japan is 12 outs away from the Championship.

Update: Kawasaki makes a rare mistake, bobbling a ball on the speedy Gourriel. A single follows putting men on first and second with one out.

Update: Cepeda doubles down the left field line, driving in the second Cuban run. The Cubans certainly take advantages of errors.

Update: Another single and Cuba cuts the lead in half, 6-3. The runner at second started back to the bag, so he didn't score.

Garlobo swings at the first pitch and grounds into a double play to end the inning. It looks like Cuba figured out Watanabe in that inning. I doubt he'll come out for the seventh.

Update: Palma is back out for the seventh. I guess he didn't hurt the hamstring too badly.

Update: A gutsy inning by Palma. He strikes out two, retiring the side in order.

Update: Kawasaki makes the same mistake again, taking his eye off the ball as he catches it. The error puts the leadoff man on for Cuba.

Update: Kawasaki makes up for it by starting a double play on the next pitch. The Cuban strategy late seems to be to try to put the first pitch in play.

Update: On the next pitch, Watanabe takes his eye off the ball covering first and drops the throw from the first baseman. Ichrio makes the final out on a fly to right, but the lack of concentration by Japan is surprising.

Update: Palma gets the side in order in the 8th. Cuba has six outs to get three runs.

Update: Gourriel leads off the eighth inning with an infield single, and Japan is making a pitching change. I'm surprised they stayed with Watanabe as long as they did. Cuba was hitting the ball hard the last couple of innings, just at fielders.

Update: The lefty Fujita comes in to face the two Cuban lefties, who bat back to back.

Update: Fujita gets a fly to shallow left for the first out.

Update: Cepeda blasts one out to left field to make this a one-run ballgame. Cuba's the team that found the power tonight. The bases are empty with one out in the 8th, and Japan is making a pitching change.

Update: Closer Otsuka comes in to try to finish the game. He's back at his old ballpark in San Diego. He gets the first batter he faces on the first pitch.

Update: Garlobo flies out to right to end the inning. Japan needs to get three outs to win the championship. They'll try to re-insure themselves in the top of the ninth.

Update: Cuba makes their first error of the game, with Enriquez making a short throw to first. Japan has the leadoff man on first in the top of the ninth.

Update: Kawasaki bunts hard and right at the third baseman and they cut down the runner at second.

Update: Nishioka pushes a bunt past the pitcher to the second baseman for a base hit. Japan has runners on first and second with one out. And Ichiro is up.

Update: Ichiro singles to right to drive in Kawasaki. The play at the plate was close but Kawasaki got his hand in right under the catcher to score. You had to see it in slow motion to see that indeed he was safe. The score is now 7-5 Japan.

Update: The runners advanced on the throw, and an intentional walk loads the bases. I'm a little surprised Palma isn't coming out.

Update: Maya is coming in to pitch. They just took their time making the change.

Update: Fukudome pinch hits, and just like Saturday gets a big hit. He singles in two to make the score 9-5. They answer the two in the bottom of the eighth with three of their own.

Update: Maya walks Satozaki to load the bases again. Still just one out.

Update: Y. Gonzalez comes on to try to get out of the inning.

Update: Another sacrifice fly, and Japan doubles the Cuban score. It's 10-5.

Update: Jonder Martinez gets Cuba out of the inning. They need a big inning. Japan just needs three outs.

Update: Cuba does not go quitely in the ninth as Pestano starts the inning with a double.

Update: Ichiro makes the first out on a Fly Ball A.

Update: Paret singles in the whole to drive in a run and make the score 10-6.

Update: Otsuka strikes out Enriquez to put Japan one out away from the win.

Update: Gourriel strikes out to end the game and Japan is champion of the first World Baseball Classic. Congratulations to Saraharu Oh who managed the last two games very well to lead his team and his country to this win. A great game by Ichiro and Otsuka, the two major leaguers left in the tournament.

It's late, so more tomorrow.

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Japan faces Cuba tonight in the first ever World Baseball Classic championship. Your guess is as good as mine as to what's going to happen. However, Cuba does have a pattern of losing the first matchup against a professional team, then winning the second. Puerto Rico mercy ruled them in the first round, then lost 4-3. The Dominican Republic defeated Cuba in the second round by four runs, then lost a close game 3-1. It seems once Cuba sees you play once, they adjust well. Having not played against Japan might give the Asian team the edge.

Given the weather and the tough pitching, I suspect another low scoring game. I was impressed that the Japanese hitters found a way to get the ball out of PETCO Saturday night; if they can do that again, their odds of winning go up.

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The Astros returning from the World Baseball Classic are ecstatic about the event.

What impressed the players was the depth of talent on the international teams. They knew about the Dominicans and Venezuelans and even the Cubans but were stunned by the skills they saw among the Japanese, Koreans and even the Italians.

"It's going to be great for the long-range future of baseball to have that kind of talent in those countries," Wheeler said. "To think that it's spreading around the world makes me more excited."

Lidge said he was shocked at some of the things he saw.

"Yeah, seeing just how well those other areas have developed," Lidge said. "Shoot, Japan and Korea were exceptional teams. We knew they would be mechanically sound, but we didn't realize the talent they would have."

And they want everyone who can play to play:

Lidge said major leaguers should be excited about the tournament.

"Obviously, if you're hurt, not able to do it, that's one thing. But if you're just not sure, and you think, 'I might not be ready for the season if I do this,' I don't think that's a good excuse," Lidge said. "I think you need to do it. Who knows? If one or more people wanted to do that, maybe we would have gotten to the final round."

One of the really nice things about this tournament is that sportsmanship appears to be alive and well. I can't say I've seen many instances of sour grapes from any particular team or players. There's some trash talking, but all the contestants project a genuine respect for their opponents, and there's been a minimum of whining about losing. That's a pleasant change.

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Ducksnorts attended both games of the World Baseball Classic yesterday and took some great high-home shots of the action. He has slide shows for both games.

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The third time was a charm as team Japan finally defeated South Korea when it counted the most. There were two strategy differences that appeared to lead to the Japanese victory:

1. The Japanese team decided to stick with their starting pitcher deep into the game.
2. In the late innings Fukudome and Tamura adpoted upper-cut swings and were able to power balls out of PETCO.

Congratulations to Japan on the win! They'll face Cuba on Monday night.

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Japan and Korea are about to get underway for the right to play Cuba on Monday.

Update: I guess they had some rain that's delaying the start of the game. By the way, all five Lee's are in the lineup for Korea tonight!

Update: With two out, Ichiro Suzuki singles to right. Seo had only one pitch go for a ball so far tonight.

Update: Ichiro steals second. Matsunaka is down 0-2.

Update: Matsunaka grounds out to third to end the inning. Jae Seo continues to be dominant, throwing eight of ten pitches for strikes.

Update: JB Lee doubles with one out to put a runner in scoring position for South Korea.

Update: S-Y Lee fouls off a number of pitches, then strikes out on a high pitch. It's up to Choi.

Update: A wild pitch puts the runner at third, but Choi grounds out to first to leave the game scoreless after one. The Koreans did work Uehara for 22 pitches, however (17 strikes).

Update: A beautiful play by the Korean shortstop, Park, in the hole. A good stretch to catch the ball, and an extremely strong throw to beat the batter to the bag at first. Nothing flashy, but spectacular nonetheless.

Update: Nice leaping catch by JY Lee in right to end the inning, although it struck me that his timing was off, and if he kept running he would not have needed to jump. Japan goes 1-2-3 in the second inning, and Seo with 18 pitches through two has thrown fewer than Uehara did in one. At this rate, Seo can go very deep into the game.

Update: Uehara also retires the side in order in the second inning. He's up to 36 pitches.

Update: Kawasaki lets the good times roll, doubling down the right field line. Aoki follows with a four pitch walk.

Update: The Korean defense comes through again. A sharp line drive is gloved by the third baseman, and his throw doubles Aoki off first. Seo lost the plate a bit in that inning, but gets out unscathed. He's averaging eleven pitches an inning.

Update: Ichiro beats out an infield grounder leading off the top of the fourth inning.

Update: Suzuki gets his second stolen base on a 3-0 strike.

Update: Matsunaka pops out foul on a 3-1 pitch. Suzuki is still at second with one out.

Update: Tamura flies out to deep left. It's the sort of hit that might have been a home run somewhere else. A fly to center retires the side. Seo is through four inning without allowing a run. He's only thrown 47 pitches.

Update: Nice catch by Tamura in left on a foul ball in the corner to start the bottom of the fourth.

Update: Choi hits one hard, but to the deepest part of the field in center for the third out. Still 0-0 after four.

Update: Another easy inning for Seo. He's still averaging just a little over 11 pitches an inning.

It looks like whoever scores the first run might make it hold up for the win. Both pitchers look very strong tonight.

Update: Jin Man Park stops Uehara's streak of 13 straight outs with a two-out single in the fifth. But a long fly ball by Cho to center ends the inning.

Update: I'm surprised. Jun comes on to relieve Seo in the sixth inning.

Update: Jun picks right up with Seo left off, retiring the side in order, including a nice play by the shortstop to get Suzuki to end the inning. Jun just throws 11 pitches. The Japanese hitters are not making the South Korean pitchers work.

Update: Uehara throws just nine pitches to get the Korean side in order in the sixth. It's still a double shutout after six innings.

Update: Matsunaka doubles down the right field line to start the seventh inning for Japan. With right-handed hitters up next, Byung Hyun Kim enters the game for South Korea.

Update: Tamura strikes out swinging after failing to bunt for the first out.

Update: Kosuke Fukudome breaks the scoreless tie. He launches a pinch-hit two-run homer into the rightfield stands to give Japan the lead.

Update: Fukodome had a nice upper cut on the ball. Kim once again is going to be remembered for giving up a big home run.

Update: Tomoya Satozaki hits one that bounces over the wall in left to plate another run. It's 3-0, and Japan is getting a lot of mileage out of uppercut swings in this inning. That's it for Kim.

Update: Japan will try to get a few hits off Bong now.

Update: Another hit, and Japan leads 4-0. Correction: Son came into the game at this point.

Update: That's two hits off Son in two batters. Ichiro is batting with runners on first and third and two outs.

Update: Ichiro gets the third hit off Son, and the Japanese score goes higher. It's now 5-0.

Correction: Sorry, I originally had the hits off Bong, but he had been replaced after getting an out. The hits were off Son.

Update: Korea finally gets out of the inning, but they need more offense than they're used to getting in this tournament in order to stage a comeback.

Update: Uehara strikes out the side while allowing one hit. You have to wonder why Seo came out early but Uehara is still pitching. Obviously, Oh made the right decision as far as using his starter.

Update: Another Japanese home run and they've now scored half a dozen runs.

Update: It's raining hard enough that they're bringing out the tarp! I thought it didn't rain in southern California. :-)

Update: As much as I'd like to stay up and watch the end of this game, I'm very tired. Feel free to comment if they resume playing. Japan leads 6-0 in the top of the eighth.

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The Cubans defeated the Dominican Republic 3-1 this afternoon. In looking at the boxscore, the Dominicans had plenty of opportunities. The table setters reached base four times by hits, but the heart of the order, Puljols, Oritz and Beltre only managed one hit. They wasted a great outing by Bartolo Colon. Colon pitched six shutout innings, striking out four and walking none.

The Cubans did use small ball, sacrificing twice and getting caught stealing twice. Despite giving away four outs, the Cubans still were able to score three runs, and that turned out to be enough. They only used two pitchers, and the only run they allowed were a result of an error. Three double plays made up for the two errors.

Congratulations to Cuba on making the finals. They're a better team than I realized. They appear to be very good at matching their talent against their opponents.

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I'll be out this afternoon at a family function. Feel free to leave thoughts on the game in the comments to this post.

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The World Baseball Classic finals take place this afternoon and evening in San Diego. Cuba face the Dominican Republic in the early game (3 PM EST) while Korea hosts Japan this evening (10 PM EST).

I expect both games to be close. PETCO hurts the Dominican offense the most. The Dominicans hit 9 home runs so far in this tournament, tied with the US for the most. PETCO is off the scale in preventing home runs, according to The Bill James Handbook 2006. The Cubans strike me as more of a small ball team than the Dominicans, so the park works in their favor. It also works in their favor from the point of view of their pitching, as Cuba's seven home runs allowed are the most in the tournament.

Korea and Japan are just too evenly matched. Japan's offense is number one in the tournament, scoring 44 runs in six games, the most by any team. They're doing that with an impressive .398 OBA. The Koreans allowed only eight runs in the WBC, all of them earned. In their two games vs. Japan, they've held their neighbors to the east to just three runs. Japan scored 28 runs vs. the two Chinese teams, but just four runs a game otherwise. I would not be surprised to see another one run contest tonight. With Korea getting the last at bat, and with two wins over Japan already, South Korea gets a slight advantage in my book.

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The US team took the loss hard last night. That's good. That means they care about the tournament. You can see that in these quotes:

Which feeling will he and the club carry away with them now that it's over?

"In the end, it was fun. I would recommend it to anyone that has the opportunity next time it comes around. It was a fun experience, right up until tonight," said Jeter, finally managing a smile.

Vernon Wells, who's been rah-rah about this thing from the beginning, agreed. "We're disappointed, but we can't really hang our head too much," he said. "This tournament shows you how good baseball is around the world. It's been fun to be a part of. It's fun to see the different countries and how they play the game, and the different flair they bring to it, and all the fun they have. Unfortunately, they had a little too much fun tonight."

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With the end of the first two rounds of the World Cup, it's interesting to note that only one team composed mostly of major league players made it to the semifinals, the Dominican Republic. It seemed for a few teams hitters (US, Mexico, Venezuela) that their timing was off. Even the Dominicans struggle to score runs in two of their three second round games.

For a while I've thought that spring training was too long. But maybe these batters do need some time to get their batting eyes in order. A week of exhibition games with their regular season teams might do them a world of good. Playing the tournament at the end of spring training, rather than the beginning may mean we see the North American major leaguers at their best, rather than in training mode.

Maybe MLB can delay the start of the season a week in WBC years, and schedule double headers during the season to make up for the lost time.

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It's parents' night at school, so I'm going to miss the first couple of innings of this game. Feel free to leave your opinions in the comments.

Update: I got back just in time to see Chipper Jones tie the game at 1 in the top of the fourth. Also, in time to hear Sutcliffe talking about productive outs. :(

Update: Duke Castiglione talked to the ump, and he said he thought it hit the top of the wall. They also saw no paint on the ball.

Update: I'm reading the comments, and it looks like an ump missed a ball off the foul pole. What inning, please, so I can back up and watch it on TIVO?

Update: Just saw the replay. That's the worst call since the Jeter homer against the Orioles in 1996.

Update: Francoeur doubles to right to start the US fifth.

Update: Barrett gets hit by the pitch. It looks like it just brushed his hand. Runners on first and second.

By the way, Valenzuela, who lost the home run, reached base and scored anyway. For all intents and purposes, the bad call didn't make a difference. Lucky for the ump.

Update: Francoeur is picked off second by the catcher, although it technically goes as a caught stealing. Barrett was able to move up to second.

Update: Barrett gets to third but he's stranded there. Remember, since Mexico scored a run, the US has to win this game to advance. It's tied at 1 in the middle of the fifth.

Update: Valenzuela gets another hit, leading off the fifth with a single to center. He's bunted to second.

Update: Amazega lines one up the middle for a single. Valenzuela had to head back to second, as it was low enough to be caught. A lucky break for the US as there is no score on the play. Roger Clemens leaves the game after 73 pitches. He can't win the game, but he might lose it.

Update: Scot Shields enters in relief.

Update: Mexico scores on a slow grounder. It's 2-1 in the fifth.

Update: That's it for the fifth. Right now Japan is cheering.

Update: The heart of the US order goes 1-2-3 on seven pitches in the sixth inning.

Update: The US goes in order in the seventh, on just 8 pitches. Mexico strikes out its first two batters of the night.

Update: Bud's in the booth, and he's bringing down the whole energy of the broadcast.

Update: Is Miller going to ask Bud about Bonds? That would certainly ruin the whole atmosphere of the game. How can he not ask, however, given the news of the day?

Update: Ojeda walks to start the bottom of the seventh.

Update: Miller does talk about Bonds. Bud's looking at everything. But who knows what "everything" is.

Update: There's a game going on. A 2-1 game. Get Bud out of the booth and let's talk about the game!

Update: Street gets out of the inning without any more damage. The US has two innings to score at least one run.

Update: Villarreal gets the side in order, striking out Jeter looking. The Atlanta pitcher has thrown 16 pitches, 15 for strikes. The US is three outs away from elimination.

Update: Nathan retires the side in order. The US has Jr, Chipper and A-Rod in the 9th. They'll win or lose with their best.

Update: De La Rosa is in to get the save for Mexico.

Update: The crowd, on both sides, is really into the game. Each is chanting the name of their country.

Update: De La Rosa screws Griffey into the ground as Ken strikes out swinging. Two outs to go.

Update: Chipper Jones walks on four pitches. We'll see a right-hander, Ayala to face A-Rod.

Update: A-Rod takes ball four. Men on first and second, Damon running for A-Rod. Wells is due up.

Update: Depending on the pitcher, I'd rather see Utley bat than Wells.

Update: Cortes is in, a righty. I'd rather see Utley. I'd rather see Lee, but I believe his shoulder is bad.

Update: Wells breaks his bat on the first pitch and hits into a double play. Where was Utley? Where was the left-handed bat in that situation?

Congratulations to Japan! They advance to the semi-finals. It's close to an all island finals. South Korea isn't an island, but it is cut off from the mainland.

Saturday should be fun.

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Omar Vizquel loved playing in the World Baseball Classic and thinks the players who turned down the offer missed a great opportunity:

"I feel sad for the guys that didn't go to this tournament - the guys who had a chance and were invited and didn't go for whatever reason," Vizquel said. "I think they really missed something huge in their careers. Opportunities like this will not come very often. I think the guys who had the opportunity to go really enjoyed it."

I suspect in 2009 they'll be turning players away.

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There's a story going around that members of the South Korean team will be exempted from military service due to their success in the World Baseball Classic. That's not a done deal, but it looks like it's going to happen:

South Korea is expected to exempt its national team baseball players from compulsory military service after a series of stunning victories in the World Baseball Classic that sparked an outpouring of patriotism.

All South Korean men over 20 without major mental or physical problems are obligated to undergo military service of at least two years, a legacy of the country`s decades-long military confrontation with North Korea.

Public calls for rewarding young baseball players with an exemption mounted on Thursday after their team secured a berth in the semifinals of the inaugural 16-nation tournament by beating the Japanese 2-1 and humbling the Americans 7-3. South Korea remains the only unbeaten team in the tournament, with a 6-0 record.

Thanks to Conductor for the link.

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Sabernomics notices the South Korean pitching staff was well coached:

Count South Korea as another team that has benefited from Mazzone’s teachings. In early January, Mazzone spent 10 days in Hawaii working with 18 pitchers from South Korea’s team. Now, South Korea’s 1.40 ERA is the lowest among teams in the Classic.

“They’ve got a lot of talent,” Mazzone said.

And an undefeated record.

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Imagine this:

It's the bottom of the ninth, and the US and Mexico are tied at 0-0. Brad Lidge on the mound is told to intentionally walk every batter he faces. A 1-0 loss by the US puts them in the tournament. So the catcher stands up calls for the intentional ball, and Lidge starts throwing the them wide.

The batter, however, knows Mexico has to win in 13 by a score of 3-0. It's a longshot but it's possible, so he starts swinging and missing at the intentional balls!

Lidge, seeing what's happening, then grooves one down the middle of the plate. Thinking it's going to be another intentional ball, the batter swings and hits it. It's fair, but none of the US players are going after the ball. Again, realizing he has to make an out, the runner stops halfway to first base. Two weeks later, they're all still there.

Update: Why not use the Pythagorean method for the tie breaker? Runs^2/(Runs^2+Allowed^2) encourages teams to score lots of runs and prevent many from scoring, which is pretty much the point of the game.

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I don't know if they're changing tie breakers on the fly, or if people just it wrong in the first round, but the second tie-breaker is runs allowed per 9 innings among the tied teams, not total runs allowed among the tied teams. This means Mexico does indeed have a chance to advance today. The scenarios are detailed here in a sidebar.

This also highlights the problem with the tiebreakers. For the Mexicans to advance, they have to keep the game scoreless for 13 innings, then score three runs in the bottom of the 13th inning. There is no incentive for Mexico to try to score at all in this game until very late.

Also, do they change the rule, so that Mexico keeps batting in the bottom of the 13th, even if they score a single run? Or do they have to hit a three-run homer or better?

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They're underway in San Diego, and Korea failed to score in the top of the first.

Update: They're through the fourth in San Diego with no score. Japan has four hits to Korea's one. This is exactly what the US doesn't want, a low scoring game. Chan Ho Park has struck out three without a walk through four innings.

Update: It continues to be a pitching duel through five innings. Watanabe, the Japanese pitcher has retired 10 in a row.

Update: They are through six, no change. Park went five innings, giving up four hits and striking out three. Korea still has just one hit.

Update: Toshiya Sugiuchi is the new pitcher for Japan in the top of the seventh. Watanabe allowed just one hit through six.

Update: Korea has a man on second with one out in the seventh.

Update: The runner is left stranded. The game is still scoreless in the 7th.

This game can end in a tie. If so, that would help the US, as Japan would be 1 1/2-1 1/2. If the US wins, then they'd be 2-1 and go on to the next round.

Update: Byung-Hyun Kim strikes out two in the 7th, getting the side in order.

Update: Korea has men on first and third with 1 out. The runner was dead at third, but the Japanese third baseman bobbled the ball!

Update: JB Lee drives in two with a double, and he's thrown out trying to stretch it into a triple. But Korea takes a 2-0 lead in the top of the eighth.

Update: That's all they get. Japan is coming to bat in the bottom of the eighth.

Update: Japan fails to score. Korea is just three outs away from the semis.

Update: Korea goes 1-2-3 in the ninth. Japan has three outs to score two runs.

Update: A leadoff home run makes the score 2-1 Korea. It was Tsuyoshi Nishioka.

Update: Nobuhiko Matsunaka singles. Japan has the tying run on base with 1 out.

Update: Korea is making a pitching change. Seung Hwan Oh is coming in.

Update: Arai strikes out for the second out of the inning. One out to go for Korea. Tamura is batting for Japan.

Update: Two strikes on Tamura.

Update: Tamura strikes out swinging! Korea remains undefeated and advances to the semis. Congratulations to the Koreans on another great pitching performance!

The US is still alive, and a win tomorrow sends them to the semis.

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It's Ormari Romero vs. Dickey Gonzalez for a trip to San Diego. What we've seen so far in this tournament is anything can happen. Puerto Rico defeated Cuba easily in the first round, and Puerto Rico has the home field advantage. I expect a very good game.

My updates will be sparse tonight as I'll be on the air with the Baseball Musings Radio Show at from 8 PM to 9 PM EST.

Update: Oh those base on balls. The first two Cuban batters walk, and one comes around to score on two ground outs. Cuba leads in the top of the first 1-0.

Update: Cuba just gets one. But Gonzalez throws over 30 pitches, so it's not likely he's going deep in this game.

Update: Bernie Williams blasts a pitch out of right field to tie the game at one. The crowd is going wild, chanting, "Bernie! Bernie!"

Update: The radio show is over, and Cuba is up 4-1 on Puerto Rico in the bottom of the fifth. An error by Cintron led to two unearned runs. Cintron singled to try to start a rally in the fifth, and he's on along with Bernie Williams, one out.

Update: With men on 2nd and 3rd, Beltran grounds a 3-1 pitch to the third baseman for the third out of the inning. Puerto Rico still trails by three.

Update: A Valentin double and a Cintron single put runners at first and third for Puerto Rico in the bottom of the seventh. Perez is pinch hitting, and there's a pitching change. It's still 4-1, Cuba, and it looks like Ledee will bat for Perez.

Update: Puerto Rico scores a run to make the score 4-2. Ledee grounded the ball to Gourriel, who tried to get the force at second. His throw pulled the fielder off the bag, so everyone is safe and Cuba leads 4-2.

Someone just got thrown out (Velez?) and the announcers said he touched the umpire, and the whole Cuban team is on the field arguing.

The announcers on radio say he was pulled off the bag.

Update: Indeed, the Cuban manager Higinio Velez was ejected for arguing.

Update: Bernie Williams grounds into a double play. There's a man on third for Ivan Rodriguez.

Update: Pudge walks to bring Beltran to the plate as the go-ahead run.

Update: An exciting end to the inning. Beltran singled up the middle driving in Cintron. The ball gets away from the centerfielder, and Pudge tries to score, but gets thrown out at the plate. Puerto Rico scores 2, and trail by a run at the end of seven, 4-3.

Update: Cuba gets a 2-out double, but doesn't score in the top of the eighth. Puerto Rico has six outs to get one run.

Update: Jose Cruz singles, and Carlos Delgado is coming on to pinch hit! He hasn't appeared to do an injury.

Update: Delgado takes the first pitch into the space between first and second (the first baseman was holding) for a single. Rios pinch runs, and the Puerto Ricans have men on 1st and 2nd.

Update: Valentin beats out an slow roller to the third place side of the mound. The first baseman bobbled the throw from the pitcher on the scoop. The bases are loaded.

Update: Cintron grounds into a double play. A golden opportunity missed by Puerto Rico. It's 4-3 Cuba at the end of eight.

Update: Cuba does not score in the ninth. Puerto Rico needs a run. The PR bullpen did a great job, pitching 5 2/3 innings of 2 hit ball, 0 walks and 5 strikeouts. They kept the team in the game, and now it's up to the offense.

Update: Gotay makes the first out of the inning, a line shot right back to Odelin, the Cuban pitcher.

Update: Williams fouls out to the second baseman. Puerto Rico is down to its last out, and the batter is Pudge Rodriguez.

Update: Pudge strikes out swinging! Cuba is going to San Diego!

A very exciting game. It came down to Puerto Rico's fielding errors being more costly than Cuba's fielding errors. Again, a poor start by a pitcher buries a team, as Gonzelez's lack of control set up the runs that eventually won the game.

Congratulations to Cuba! They'll face the Dominican Republic on Saturday at 3 PM EST.

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I was not aware that there is a theory that Venezuela threw the game with Cuba for political reasons. Conductor debunks that idea at Cuban-American Pundits.

Just because Cuba was the underdog does not mean that they had no chance to win the game. After all, that's why they play them. The 1993 Florida Marlins were terrible. Probably the worst team in baseball, but even so they managed to win 64 games.

I guess this is one of the ugly byproducts of Castro and the 47-year nightmare he has inflicted upon Cubans. We see ghosts. Sometimes they are there. Sometimes they aren't. He's disoriented us to the point that some of us are irrational.

The Venezuelan offense did not play up to snuff in this tournament. But anything can happen in a sample size that small. I have to agree with Conductor's conclusions.

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Mexico was eliminated from the semis last night. They can't win a tie breaker with Japan at this point. So even though both teams and the US can finish at 1-2, Mexico finish ahead of Japan.

Ben Kabak worked out the US tie breakers here.

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Japan and Mexico face off in a few minutes in Anaheim. The game can be seen later on tape delay. Both teams are 0-1, so the winner gains the advantage in heading for the semis. From a US perspective, they'd rather see Mexico win. With the US playing Mexico Thursday, the Americans would control their own destiny with a Mexican win. A Japanese win, especially one in which they shut down the Mexican offense, would put the into a tough tie-break scenario.

Update: Japan gets a threat going in the second as the first two batters reach. But then Hitoshi Tamura bunts into a double play as Mexico takes out the lead runner and the batter.

Update: I believe South Korea is rooting for Mexico as well. If Mexico wins, then South Korea is in the semis, as only one other team could earn 2 wins in that situation.

Update: I have to disagree with the Japanese manager Oh. His team gets the first two runners on again, and Oh has Ichiro sacrifice. Ichiro is too good a hitter to be used moving runners over this early in the game.

Update: Japan plays for one and gets none in the third.

Update: They are through three in Anaheim. Japan has three hits, Mexico one, and both pitchers are around 50 pitches thrown.

Update: For the third inning in a row, Japan gets the leadoff man on base.

Update: For the third inning in a row, Japan gets the first two hitters on first and second.

Update: For the third inning in a row, Japan tries to sacrifice. They are successful for the second inning in a row. I guess it's the Deja Vu inning.

Update: And now for something completely different. Michihiro Ogasawara singles in two. The sacrifice finally pays off and Japan leads 2-0 in the top of the fourth.

Update: Tomoya Satozaki follows with a two run homer to extend the Japanese lead to 4-0.

Update: Ichiro singles, but Japan does not score again in the fourth.

Update: At the end of six, Japan leads Mexico 5-0. A Japanese win makes the next two days much more interesting.

Update: The Mexicans go to the bottom of the ninth trailing 6-1.

Update: Mexico gets two on, but fails to score in the bottom of the ninth. The win by Japan leaves all four teams in the tournament. There are lots of possibilities, including a Japanese loss and a United States loss putting Mexico in the semis if the tie breaker falls right. Both the US and Mexico are rooting for a Japanese loss tomorrow. A low scoring Japanese win against Korea, however, puts both Asian teams in San Diego. The US allowed 10 runs to Japan and Korea. If the Japanese win and allow less than six runs to the Koreans, then the US can't win the tie-breaker, I believe.

Update, Wednesday 7:10 AM EST: It's pointed out in the comments that Mexican is out of the tournament to do allowing more runs than Japan in US-Mexico-Japan games.

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This game will be getting underway in a few minutes and can be seen on ESPN2. With all four teams in Pool 2 tied with 1-1 records, the winner of the this game moves on to the semi finals. Freddy Garcia faces Daniel Cabrera.

Update: Daniel Cabrera looked very strong in the first inning. He struck out two and got a grounder back to the mound. Cabrera accomplished this with just 12 pitches.

Update: Replacing Soriano with Planco continues to pay off. Placido leads off the bottom of the first with a single.

Update: Tejada takes Gracia down the left field line for a double. The table setters do their job. Two up, two men in scoring position.

Update: Pujols grounds out hard to third, and the runners hold. Big Papi is being walked to load the bases for Beltre.

Update: Beltre lines out to shallow left. Palanco was moving toward the plate, so he couldn't score. It's not clear if he could have scored even if he had tagged.

Update: Alou nubs one between the pitcher and the third baseman. Everyone's safe, and the Dominicans lead Venezuela 1-0.

Update: Encarnacion grounds back to the pitcher. The Dominicans take the lead, but they wasted the potential for a lot of runs.

Update: Cabrera stays strong through three for the Dominicans. He's only allowed a single walk while striking out five, using 44 pitches.

Update: Cabrera continues to be unhittable. He now has seven strikeouts through four innings on 60 pitches.

Update: Liriano takes over the the Dominicans in the top of the 5th.

Update: With a man on first in the top of the 6th, Omar Vizquel doubles past Beltre for the first Venezuelan hit of the game. Two on, one out with the DR holding a 1-0 lead.

Update: Abreu ground out to second with the infield back. Rivera scores to tie the game at 1.

Update: That's all the scoring in the top of the sixth.

Update: At the end of six the pitcher's duel continues with the teams tied at 1. The teams have combined for just five hits and four walks, including two doubles.

Update: Castillo singles for the Dominicans with one out in the seventh.

Update: With two out and Castillo at second after a stolen base, Polanco gets an infield single, his third hit of the day. Men at first and third for Tejada.

Update: Tejada walks. The bases are loaded for Albert Pujols.

Update: Castillo scores on a pitch that gets a way from the catcher. A passed ball mades the score 2-1 DR.

Update: Pujols grounds out to third to end the inning. An unearned run, however, puts the Dominicans on top. They need to get six outs to advance to the semi finals.

Update: Venezuela gets nothing in the 8th. Three more outs and the Dominicans are going to San Diego.

Update: Jose Reyes steals two bases to put himself at third with one out, but Alou lines out to the first baseman to freeze Jose at third. It's still 2-1 DR in the bottom of the 8th.

Update: Alfonzo makes the out on a pop to shallow center. It was a good play, but he didn't look good making it. Team Venezuela has three outs to score at least one run.

Update: Abreu strikes out looking for the first out.

Update: Miguel Cabrera flies out to center for the second out. It's up to Victor Martinez.

Update: Victor Martinez keeps hope alive with a two out walk.

Update: Miguel Tejada charges, then bobbles a slow roller. Venezauela is left with runners at 1st and 2nd and two out. Carlos Guillen holds the tournament in his hands.

Update: Guillen walks to load the bases. Now a wild pitch ties the game.

Update: Alfonzo flies out to right to end the game and send the Dominicans to the semi finals.

A great game by the Dominican pitching staff. They allowed just one hit, although they did walk six. Team Venezuela struck out 11 times.

The Venezuelan offense was pretty non-existent during the tournament. With Abreu and Cabrera in the middle of the order, I expected more from this team. But those two hit .150 and .211 respectively.

Congratulations to the Dominican Republic on being the first team to advance to the Semis. Tomorrow, Puerto Rico and Cuba decide the other semi-finalist from Pool 2.

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South Korea remained undefeated, walloping the United Stats 7-3 last night. The big blow was a three-run homer by the Dodgers own Hee-Seop Choi. He was on the bench when Willis started, but pinch hit Choi in the fourth when Willis couldn't go deep into the game. I like the attitude of the Korean manager:

"Something happened tonight which nobody could believe," Korea manager In Sik Kim said. "Not just the USA team, which is (some) of the best of all the best Major Leaguers, but our players (beat) these players and it's very difficult to believe what happened.

"But this is baseball and you never know what might happen."

Pitching and defense are the mainstays for the South Koreans in this tournament. They're posting an ERA of 1.40 through five games. Look at their numbers compared to the United States. Both team are striking out a lot of batters; the US has the same number of Ks in five fewer innings. But look at the hits allowed. Twenty eight for Korea vs. thirty seven for the US. That's the defense.

With the outstanding play of Japan and Korea in this tournament, and with the success of their countrymen in the major leagues over the past decade, we're going to see more and more Asians playing in North America. Maybe over the next decade all these countries can agree on a system where there is a free market in players; that an Asian major league and a North American major league drafts and trades from a world pool of players. That would be expansion.

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It's Willis vs. Son tonight, but I'm disappointed only for Lee's are starting. With Derrek, we had a chance for six between the two teams, but Mark Teixeira is starting for the US, and Korea is only using four of their Lees tonight.

Update: The US loads the bases on two walks and a single, but Varitek strikes out to end the inning without a score.

Update: Seung-Yeop Lee hits his fifth home run of the tournament, once again giving Korea a lead in the first inning. Korea leads the US 1-0.

Update: Willis is off to another poor start. Korea gets another run after a walk and two single. That's three hits and two walks for the Florida lefty.

Update: Willis gets out of the inning on a fly ball to left. Once again, however, the US finds itself in a hole early.

Update: Willis pitches somewhat better in the second. He walked one but struck out two, and the score remains 2-0 South Korea after two innings.

Update: Ken Griffey Jr. cuts the lead in half with a solo home run to center field in the top of the third inning. It's 2-1 South Korea.

Update: Willis starts the third inning with a walk. He's walked the leadoff man in all three innings.

Update: Willis hits Tae Kyun Kim to put men on 1st and 2nd with none out in the bottom of the third.

Update: After a sacrifice bunt, a ground out drives in the third run of the game for Korea. Willis is just not having a good day. Again.

Update: Willis gets out of the inning, but the US is down 3-1. Willis is up to 60 pitches, and the US will be lucky to get five innings out of the starter at this point.

Update: Byung Doo Jun replaces Son on the mound for Korea. Son threw just 46 pitches, but it doesn't seem to matter who South Korea uses on the mound.

Update: US selectivity is paying off as Chipper Jones and Jason Varitek draw walks to start the fourth.

Update: Teixeira strikes out looking, and that's it for Jun. the Koreans are going to the bullpen early and often. Byung-Hyun Kim takes over on the mound.

Update: Kim strikes out his teammate, Holliday. Still two on for Utley.

Update: Utley singles, but the second baseman keeps it on the infield to prevent a run from scoring. Vernon Wells up with the bases loaded.

Update: Wells fails to put the ball in play as he strikes out. That's three on and three strikeouts in the inning for the US, and they fail to score.

I'm off to bed. Feel free to update the game in the comments.

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The second game of the Pool Two double header is due to get underway in a few minutes. Venezuela needs a win here, otherwise they'll be the only team in the draw with two losses. A win means all four teams would be tied at one, and whichever two teams win tomorrow go on to the semi-finals.

Update: A walk to Abreu is the only damage done by the Venezuelan team against Pineiro. The big hitters for Venezuela continue not to produce.

Update: Zambrano throws a ton of pitches in the first to keep Puerto Rico scoreless. He threw 27 to Piniero's 18.

Update: They're through three innings in Puerto Rico, and not much is happening. Both teams have two hits and no runs. Zambrano's thrown 59 pitches, so he may be done. Pineiro is at 47. An outing like this from Pineiro has to make Seattle fans happy. He's yet to allow a run in the tournament.

Update: It's raining in the bottom of the fourth.

Update: Zambrano is through four with 72 pitches thrown. He's given Venezuela an excellent start, striking out five, but even if he comes out for the fifth, he'll likely face just two batters.

Update: Endy Chavez starts the scoring in fifth. With Alfonzo on first, Chavez launches one into the right field bleachers for a 2-0 Venezuelan lead.

Update: A walk to Vizquel chases Pineiro from the game. He ends up throwing 72 pitches, same as Zambrano, but with two more outs.

Update: Pedro Feliciano get Abreu for the final out of the inning.

Update: There was just a very strange double play. With men on first and third, Alex Cora bunted. The catcher Hernandez jumped on the ball and threw to second for the out. Valentin was off third, and Vizquel threw to third to try to nail him. The ump called Valentin out, but the replay showed he was safe. The Puerto Rican threat goes by the boards and Venezuela still leads 2-0.

Update: Puerto Rico gets men on first and third, but I-Rod flys out to shortstop to end the inning. The score remains 2-0 Venezuela at the end of seven.

Update: Venezuela gets the first two batters on in the 8th on walks. Puerto Rico goes to the bullpen again to try to put out the fire. Ivan Maldonado comes in to pitch.

Update: Miguel Cabrera gets hit in the hand. He goes to first to load the bases, but he's in pain.

Update: Victor Martinez puts an exclamation point on the night as he hits a grand slam to extend the Venezuelan lead to 6-0. Looks like we'll have a four-way tie in Pool 2 after this game.

Update: K-Rod retires the side in the bottom of the ninth to give Venezuela the victory and throw Pool 2 into a four way tie. Venezuela plays the Domincian Republic for one semi-final spot tomorrow, while Cuba faces Puerto Rico for the other slot on Wednesday. It's been a very evenly matched bracket so far.

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Game 2 of round 2 is about to get underway for the Dominicans and Cubans. It's Odalis Perez vs. Vic Odelin. Soriano is not leading off for the DR today.

Good.

Update: Pujols reaches on a hit by pitch, but that's it for the Dominicans in the top of the first.

Update: Cuba loads the bases with two hits and a walk in the first but fails to score.

Update: Odelin puts the side down in order in the second. The Dominicans are putting in the ball in play, they're just not finding the holes yet.

Update: Juan Encarnacion makes a great catch where the wall meets the foul line in right field. Yesterday he misplayed two balls, so that one will make up for that. Perez uses just six pitches to retire the Cubans in the second inning.

Update: Nice play by the Cuban catcher on a bunt attempt by Taveras. Pestano jumped on the ball that wasn't too far in front of the plate and gunned out the runner at second.

Update: Palonco gets the first hit for the Domincan Republic. They have runners on first and second with one out.

Update: Nice work by Miguel Tejada. He looked bad swinging and missing at a pitch, then adjusted and took the next pitch to the wall in the right-center gap for a two run double. Nice job by Orestes Destrade in the booth. Just before the pitch, he talked about how Tejada was good at adjusting in the middle of an at bat, and to look for him to take a pitch to right.

Update: Yadier Pedroso comes in to pitch for Cuba. He's just 19 years old.

Update: With men on 1st and 3rd with two out, Alou grounds to the third baseman who throws the ball away. Pujols comes all the way around from first to score and the Dominicans lead 4-0 in the top of the third.

Update: That's it for the Dominicans. They've built a nice 4-0 lead. Now they need to make it hold up.

Update: Odalis Perez isn't striking out batters, but the balls in play are being turned into outs. Perez threw just 30 pitches to get through three innings. At this rate, he'll be able to go deep into the game.

Update: Another Cuban error leads to another Dominican run. The DR extends its lead to 5-0 in the top of the fourth.

Update: Cuba ends the inning with a strike 'em out/throw 'em out double play. The Cuban catcher, Pestano, certainly plays defense as well as any catcher in the majors.

Update: Security just took away a "Down with Fidel" sign. The fans were not happy about it.

Update: It turns out the Cuban expats had a backup plan. They spelled out "Down with Fidel" one letter at a time on their shirts. Now security is trying to break up the group.

Update: David Ortiz hits a monster shot, totally out of the stadium. It's 6-0 Dominican Republic.

Update: Perez leaves after 48 pitches and 4 2/3 innings. A very solid outing, giving up three hits and striking out three. Sosa comes on and retires the last batter of the 5th. It's still 6-0 DR.

Update: David Ortiz is coming up with the bases loaded and two out in the 6th inning. Another long fly by Papi and there's a chance that Cuba loses on the mercy rule.

Update: Papi walks to drive in a run. It's 7-0 DR.

Update: A force out ends the inning. The Cubans have four more at bats in a very slow moving game.

Update: Cuba gets on the board with a home run by Yulieski Gourriel, his second of the tournament. He's batting .316 overall. He's another player here that looks like he would be successful in the majors.

Update: Cuba's trying to put together a rally here. They have men on 2nd and 3rd with one out in the bottom of the seventh. There was a blown call on the double as the Cuban runner overslip the bag, but the ump missed it.

Update: Sosa loads the bases with two out. Manny Acta goes to the bullpen. Duaner Sanchez comes on in relief.

Update: Sanchez gets a fly out to end the inning.

Update: The DR has the bases loaded again in the top of the 8th. However, ESPN has it wrong. A grand slam homer does not end the game. The home team gets one chance to come back.

Update: Alou flies out to end the inning. This game continues to drag on.

Update: We're going to the bottom of the ninth. DR still leads 7-1.

Update: Robinson Tejada walks the first two Cuban batters in the bottom of the 9th. This is why this is the most boring game I've watched in this tournament. Lots of walks and lots of men on base. The pitchers just aren't going after the batters, especially since the 6th inning.

Update: Encarnacion has another ball clink off his glove. Just like yesterday, he appeared to dive too early. He's charged with an error and Cuba gets another run. It's 7-2 DR with 1 out in the 9th.

Update: A single makes the score 7-3. Alou fell down fielding the ball, and a very slow Cuban runner, Cepeda scores. Cuba has men on first and second with 1 out, and the Dominicans are making a pitching change. There isn't a lot of pitching depth on the Dominican team.

Update: Fernando Rodney is on to try to end the game for the Dominican Republic.

Update: Paret strikes out looking on a nasty low, outside corner pitch by Rodney. Cuba is down to its last out.

Update: Rodney walks the bases loaded. It's Gourriel's spot, but he was hit on the hand on a swing and is out of the game.

Update: Rodney gets the last batter swinging, and this game is mericfully over. The Dominicans and Cuba are now tied at 1-1 in this series. Both need a win tomorrow for a chance to advance.

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Bryan Smith provides some analysis of the World Baseball Classic, with an eye toward drafting fantasy players:

The first question statheads will likely have after this tournament's completion is whether successful participants are more likely to continue playing well early in the season. If true, fantasy owners should be pushing up the likes of Adrian Beltre, Ken Griffey Jr., Carlos Beltran and Derrek Lee on their draft boards. All have been fantastic thus far.

Furthermore, if the Twins had any question whether Francisco Liriano was ready for the Major Leagues, his tournament thus far should answer such qualms. The Dominican southpaw has struck out six batters and showcased the power arsenal that led to such a dominant 2005 season. Finally, for those that doubted the resumes of Jae Seo, Javier Vazquez or Bartolo Colon, their tournaments should change your mind. Seo in Dodger Stadium is particularly intriguing.

I would not read too much into this tournament. The players might get 40 plate appearances if they're lucky. That's way too small a sample size. However, it's clear that Griffey, Colon, Beltran and Beltre are healthy, and that's well worth knowing.

Update: Fixed the link.

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If you went to bed after the third inning last night, you didn't miss any offense. What you missed was a great pitching duel on a cold night in Anaheim.

Rodrigo Lopez did indeed last only three innings, but chasing the stater early did not help the Korean offense. The Mexican relief corps yielded just two hits over five innings while walking one. They kept Mexico in the game until the end.

Jae Seo went deep into the game, getting the first out in the sixth before turning it over to the bullpen. He pitched as he did at the end of last season, striking out four and walking none. The Korean bullpen allowed three hits over 3 2/3 innings, but struck out five, including two by closer Chan Ho Park.

It was an exciting end of the game, as Vinny Castilla singled with one out in the top of the ninth. Pinch runner Luis Cruz went to second on a ground out, then to third on Park wild pitch. Park left Garcia stranded there as he struck out Gil swinging.

Korea joins Puerto Rico as the only undefeated teams in the tournament. Korea faces the United States today while Puerto Rico takes on Venezuela. With Cuba taking on the Dominican Republic, it should be another fun day of baseball.

Keep you eye on the television schedule. There's a note on the schedule page that:

Game times may be reversed for television.

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One game ends, another begins. Mexico and Korea are underway with Jae Seo against Rodrigo Lopez.

Update: Seo gets the side in order in the first.

Update: JB Lee gets the first single of the game for Korea with one out in the first. The Koreans are making Lopez work. He's already thrown 20 pitches.

Update: Seung-Yeop Lee hits his fourth home run of the tournament to give Korea a 2-0 lead in the first.

Update: Lopez gets out of the first inning, but throws 38 pitches, nearly half of what he's allowed. You have to like the Korean's approach at the plate. It's going to be tough for Mexico to get five innings out of Lopez at this point.

Update: Nice diving play by Kim at second base to end the top of the second inning. He knocked the hard hit ball down and had plenty of time to retire Gonzalez. Six up, six down for Mexico.

Update: Lopez pitches a better second inning, retiring the side in order. He's up to 54 pitches, however. Another 16 pitch inning and he's likely done for the night. I don't think the Orioles really want Rodrigo going 80 pitches yet.

Update: Mexico gets its first hit of the game, and it's a long one. Luis Garcia hits an opposite field, power alley home run to cut the Korean lead in half. The score is 2-1 Korea.

Update: Time for bed. Feel free to leave comments as the game goes on.

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Now that basketball is over for the day, we actually get to watch a game on ESPN2. It should be a good one as both Puerto Rico and the DR are undefeated in the tournament so far.

By the way, I waited 20 minutes to see highlights of the Japan/US game on ESPN News, and all they show is the game winning hit by A-Rod. I want to see the reversed play at third! That interview with Jim Boeheim was just too important to give the baseball highlight an extra 20 seconds!

Update: Pudge Rodriguez doubles off the glove of Juan Encarnacion. It looked to me like Juan tried to dive too soon. I-Rod is at second with one out.

Update: Beltre makes a nice play on Javy Lopez to end the inning. The Dominicans are coming to bat in the bottom of the first.

Update: Someone just told me the Japan-USA game was on ESPN2. Nice of them to wait to the last minute. It never made it to the DirecTV program guide, so I listened to the radio.

Update: Albert Pujols grounds to the shortstop Cintron, who boots the ball. However, Ortiz follows with a groundout to second to end the inning. The fielding miscues have not hurt either team so far.

Update: Javier Vazquez has long ball tendencies, and Adrian Beltre hits his fourth homer of the tournament to give the Dominicans a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second.

Update: A very nice K-DP. Taveras tries to steal as Soriano swings and misses. Ivan Rodriguez makes a perfect throw, and Cora makes a perfect tag, using his leg to block the bag from Taveras.

Update: Carlos Beltran smashes one that handcuffs Pujols and goes for a leadoff double in the top of the fourth.

Update: Javy Lopez follows it up with a one-hopper past Beltre at third. Lopez gets a double and a game tying RBI.

Update: Colon gets out of the inning with no more damage. It's tied at one going to the bottom of the fourth. Colon is up to 58 pitches. He'll probably go one more inning.

Update: Vazquez also finishes the fourth with 58 pitches thrown. He's thrown two more strikes than Colon, 36-34. The way they're pitching, it would be nice to see them battle deep into the game.

Update: Vazquez pitches a strong fifth, knowing it was his last inning. It's still 1-1 as the game is about to go over to the bullpens.

Update: Marte comes on to pitch for the Dominicans, but has the wrong color bill on his cap. Game delay due to hat!

Update: Marte starts off Puerto Rico with a walk.

Update: Javy Lopez doubles off Marte to move Beltran to third. It must be the unlucky, Red Billed Cap!

Update: The evil Red Billed Cap keeps the rally going. Cruz singles up the middle to drive in two, and Puerto Rico takes a 3-1 lead over the Dominicans. The home town crowd is going wild!

Update: An infield hit by Valentin puts runners on 1st and 3rd with 1 out. That's it for Marte and the evil, unlucky, Red Billed Cap!

Update: Tavarez takes over on the mound.

Update: Cintron plays like Men Without Hats, dropping down a safety squeeze for a single and an RBI. Puerto Rico leads 4-1.

Update: Tavarez breaks the curse of the cap and gets out of the inning. Puerto Rico is set up for an upset victory.

Update: A Soriano error leads to a run as Cruz grounds one up the middle for an RBI single in the top of the seventh. Puerto Rico extends their lead to 5-1.

Update: Two more runs for Puerto Rico on a single by Valentin. The throw to the plate was there in plenty of time to nail the second runner, but the catcher Brito couldn't reach him with the tag. It's 7-1 Puerto Rico.

It's stretch time. If this game holds up, the Puerto Ricans will have posted blow outs of two of the favorites of this tournament. It's time to start looking at Puerto Rico as the favorite coming out of this pool.

Update: Down six, Alou tries to go for a double on a ball toward the left field corner. Ledee makes a perfect throw to nail Moises at second. I can't argue too much with Alou; Ledee had to make a perfect play for the out.

Update: The Dominicans get two hits and a walk in the inning, but the arm of Ledee keeps them off the scoreboard. It's 7-1 Puerto Rico going to the top of the 8th.

Update: Puerto Rico goes quietly in the eighth. The Dominicans need six runs in two innings.

Update: Another scoreless inning for the Dominican Republic. They haven't scored since the second inning and only knocked out five hits in the game.

Update: Puerto Rico threatens but doesn't score in the top of the 9th. One more chance for the Dominicans.

Update: Jose Cruz catches the fly ball to right and Puerto Rico defeats the Dominican Republic 7-1. An impressive game by both the offense and the pitching. Lopez and Cruz combined for six hits, four runs and four RBI. Javier Vazquez pitched five excellent innings in his start, and although the bullpen did not strike out a batter, they only allowed three hits. Puerto Rico is making the most of their home field advantage.

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Japan starts the game off the right way with a home run by Ichiro Suzuki. Tsuyoshi Nishioka follows with a single to center. Jake Peavy is on the mound for the US.

Jeter turns a double play on the next batter.

Update: Japan finishes the inning with no other damage. They lead the US 1-0 going to the bottom of the first.

Update: Poor defense by the Japanese to start the bottom of the first. The second baseman allows Young to reach on an error, then, when Jeter tries to bunt Young over, they go for the out at second and fail to make the play. The US has the first two runners on.

Update: Uehara strikes out Griffey looking. It's A-Rod's turn.

Update: Uehara induces a double play to end the inning. The US can't take advantage of the fielding miscues.

Update: A walk and a single in the top of the second puts men on first and second for Japan.

Update: A sacrifice sets up a two-run single by Munenori Kawasaki. Japan is putting the ball in play and good things are happening against the US defense. Japan leads 3-0.

Update: Chipper Jones homers leading off the second for the US. That cuts the Japanese lead to 3-1.

Update: Japan makes two good defensive plays in the bottom of the 5th, the last by the shortstop on a shallow fly to center by Griffey. The score remains 3-1 Japan.

Update: That's it for Peavy. Scot Shields starts the sixth for the US.

Update: The new Japanese pitcher in the sixth, Shimizu, does not understand the rule about going to your mouth on the mound. He's licking his fingers instead of blowing on them. He's been called twice on it. It leads to a walk of Chipper Jones, and then helps him fall behind Derrek Lee. That was the big mistake as Lee takes him deep to tie the game at three.

Update: With the bases loaded and one out, Akinori Iwamura hits what appears to be a sacrifice fly. But Martinez appeals, and the runner at third is called out for leaving early. Oh is arguing, but it looks like the top of the eighth is over and the score is still tied at 3. A huge mistake by Japan!

Update: Billy Sample thinks the runner started his body moving before his foot left the base, and that fooled the umpires.

Update: In the top of the 9th, Japan gets men to 2nd and 3rd with two out. Lidge then walks Nishioka to load the bases.

Update: Tamura strikes out on a splitter to end the inning. They'll go to the bottom of the ninth tied at 3.

Update: Vernon Wells gets an infield hit in the hole to lead off the ninth inning.

Update: Once again, a team tries to get the lead runner on a sacrifice. The second baseman is late getting to the bag, then doesn't hold the bag once he gets there. It's an E4, and the US has the winning run in scoring position with none out. Young is up, and he's 3 for 4 today.

Correction: The play was to first. I was listening on the radio and they just talked about the second baseman, so I made a wrong assumption. The second baseman was covering first, and was slow to get there.

Update: Buck Martinez is an idiot. He has Michael Young bunt, and he pushes it back to the mound and they get Wells at third. With the man in scoring position, why not let Young try to drive Wells in? Too many bunts!

Update: Jeter takes one for the team as he's hit by a pitch to move the winning run to third with one out.

Update: Griffey strikes out with the bases loaded. It's up to A-Rod. Sounds like he swung at ball four.

Update: A-Rod comes through with a single up the middle to plate the winning run. The US defeats Japan 4-3 with a bit of help from the umpires.

The Japanese pitchers were impressive, striking out seven and walking only one. They did give up 12 hits, however, and their defense let them down in the 9th on the first bunt attempt.

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The second round of the World Baseball Classic is underway. Johan Santana is facing Cuba in the top of the first. Pitchers can throw 80 pitches before they must be removed in this round.

Update: Santana gets the side easily in the first, striking out Cuban Star Gourriel to end the inning. Santana threw 15 pitches, 10 for strikes.

Update: Venezuela works Cuban pitcher Marti for 25 pitches, but just get an Abreu walk and stolen base out of it. It's scoreless at the end of one.

Update: Yoandy Garlobo doubles with one out in the second for the first hit of the game.

Update: Cuba takes a 1-0 lead. Vizquel tried to get the third out at third, but Cabrera wasn't ready. The next batter, Ariel Borrero, singles in the runner for the early lead.

Update: That's all they get. Cuba leads 1-0 going to the bottom of the second.

Update: They are through four innings, and nothing's changed. Marti is throwing a no-hitter for Cuba, allowing three walks while striking out four.

Update: Magglio Ordonez and Ramon Hernandez start the fifth with the first two singles of the game for Venezuela. The Cubans are going to the bullpen, bringing in the pitcher who was supposed to start the game, Pedro Luis Lazo.

Update: Alfonzo bunts. Lazo goes for the out at third and bobbles the ball. That loads the bases for Endy Chavez.

Update: Chavez hits a short fly to left field. The runners hold.

Update: Vizquel also flies to shallow left! Guillen stands between Venezuela and a wasted opportunity.

Update: Guillen strikes out. A nice piece of pitching by Lazo, and Venezuela is unable to take advantage of a golden opportunity. The score remains Cuba 1, Venezuela 0 after five innings.

Update: Carrara replaces Santana. Johan threw 67 pitches, walked none and struck out five. That's the Johan we know and love.

Update: A walk, a steal and single lead to a second run for Cuba. So far, Cuba's taken advantage of every opportunity in this game.

Update: From the radio broadcast, it sounds like Vizquel made too bad plays in a row. He bobbled one ball, losing it in his shirt, then bobbled another and couldn't make a relay on a double play. No errors charged on either play, but that's not the Vizquel we're used to.

And it hurt as Frederich Cepeda hits a three-run homer. Cuba now leads 5-0 in the bottom of the sixth.

Update: Back to back home runs makes the score 6-0. Carrara is coming out of the game for Venezuela.

Update: The Cubans make it 7-0 in the top of the seventh, but Endy Chavez comes up with a runner on in the bottom of the inning and launches a 2-run shot. It's now 7-2 Cuba.

Update: They're going to the bottom of the ninth with the score still 7-2. Japan and the United States are about to get underway in Anaheim.

Update: Ramon Hernandez walks with one out to keep hope alive in Venezuela.

Update: Alfonzo makes the second out. It's up to Endy Chavez.

Update: Chavez grounds out to end the game. Cuba wins 7-2.

Apart from Santana's pitching, the Venezuelan team didn't execute at bat, on the mound or in the field. miscues by Vizquel of all people led to the first six runs.

The Cuban pitchers walked 5 and struck out 7, but allowed just five hits. The walks did not harm them. Cuba takes a big game.

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Puerto Rico mercy-ruled Cuba last night, winning the game 12-2 in seven innings and going undefeated in Pool C. It was a good night for New York centerfielders as Bernie Williams and Carlos Beltran both homered.

The Dominican Republic also finished undefeated, but Australia gave them a good game. The final was 6-4. The Australians still struck out a lot, fanning 10 times in the game.

This completes the brackets for round 2, which gets underway tomorrow. There are no more pushovers in this round. The big games tomorrow pit Japan vs. the United Stats and Puerto Rico vs. the Dominican Republic. Again, one loss in a three game round robin puts a team on the bubble, so two favorites are going to come out of Sunday with their backs against the wall. And if you're a junky, the games start at 1, 4, 8 and 11 EST, so it all baseball, all the time.

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In what only can be considered a stunning upset, The Netherlands defeated Panama 10-0 in seven innings on a no-hitter by Shairon Martis.

Shairon Martis threw a seven-inning no-hitter, while the Dutch offense exploded for 10 runs on 17 hits, as the Netherlands rolled to a 10-0 mercy-rule victory.

The no-hitter was the first of the World Baseball Classic, as the 18-year-old right-hander stamped his name in both the record books and assured himself of being a trivia answer.

"I feel very proud," Martis said. "Words cannot express what I feel."

"I would personally like to congratulate Martis for his wonderful performance," said Panama manager Anibal Reluz. "After the fourth, our team was falling behind and Martis was in a very good position. We kept fighting, but today was a very difficult day."

The no-hitter wasn't without its taste of controversy, as a ball hit by pinch-hitter Adolfo Rivera with one out in the seventh was ruled an error, though it could have easily been scored a base hit.

Congratulations to Martis! I can't wait to see this one on Tivo.

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The previous posts were a result of my trying to blog from my cell phone. My daughter is going to her sophomore semi-formal tonight, so I was busy driving her to get flowers and her hair done and all those fun things that go with being a teenager.

The US made up for the loss to Canada, stomping on South Africa 17-0, invoking the 5 inning mercy rule. Griffey was particularly merciless, gathering four hits, two homers and seven RBI in those five innings. Jeter, A-Rod and Utley all added three hits each. Along with Derrek Lee's home run, they made for a very productive infield.

Clemens just mowed down the opposition, allowing 1 hit in 4 1/3 innings while striking out 6. Yep, he's ready to retire.

With the victory, the US earns the number 1 seed from the pool and faces Japan on Sunday afternoon. That should be a very good game. The Japanese team is made up of hitters who get the bat on the ball. The US infield defense is going to be tested.

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The US is up 4-0 in the 4th. The Netherlands is killing Panama 10-0 in the 7th.

It seems Cuba doesn't like fans in the stands with signs:

Jose Garcia, a Cuban exile living in San Juan, sitting five rows behind the plate, held up a sign reading Abajo Fidel (Down With Fidel) that was clearly visible on the TV feed that was carried internationally, including in Cuba.

That led to a confrontion with as many as four credentialed members of the Cuban delegation, one of whom was escorted from the stands by armed police officers, who later returned to protect Garcia from further harassment.

Some members of the Cuban team left their dugout to watch the incident before continuing with the game. But afterward, Cuba refused to participate in the mandatory postgame news conference and, according to a high-ranking San Juan police official, threatened to pull out of the event.

''What happened was a great provocation on the part of four or five counter revolutionaries using signs and offensive language that violated the established norms of the organizing committee,'' said a statement released by the Cuban team. ``The local police, instead of fixing the problem, showed their support for [the protesters].''

The statement went on to say the Cuban delegation would meet with Major League Baseball officials early today to determine ''a solution'' before tonight's scheduled game with Puerto Rico.

I believe the solution is for every fan going to the game tonight to carry an Abajo Fidel sign and chant it loudly every time a Cuban player comes to bat. Major kudos to the local police, who in fact did fix the problem.

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Venezuela leads the Bruces 1-0 in the second. A win by Venezuela means they advance to the next round along with the Dominican Republic.

Update: It's still 1-0 Venezuela after four innings. Australian pitchers are walking a ton of batters, but they've only given up 2 hits. If they keep it close, anything can happen.

Update: In the top of the 6th, Omar Vizquel walks with the bases loaded to extend the lead to 2-0. The Australian staff issued nine walks so far tonight.

Update: At the end of seven, the score is still 2-0. Australia collected just one hit through seven, while the Venezuelans drew 11 walks.

Update: Chacin and Julio strike out the side in order in the 8th. The men from a land down under fanned 11 times so far tonight.

Update: Venezuelan batters strike out twice and walk once in the top of the ninth but don't score. They've sent 43 batters to the plate tonight, and 21 did not put the ball in play as they drew 13 walks while striking out 9 times. One more good half inning and they are in the next round.

Update: Australia goes down 1-2-3 in the ninth. Venezuela earns a berth in the next round along with Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. That's going to be a lot of fun to watch.

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Cuba leads the Netherlands 5-0 in the top of the fourth. The Dutch offense has just a walk so far through three innings. A win by Cuba means they advance to the next round along with Puerto Rico.

Update: Cuba is up 6-0 in the top of the sixth inning. Cuban pitcher are striking out a batter an inning.

Update: The Netherlands is trying to mount a comeback. Simon singles with the bases loaded to drive in two and make the score Cuba 6, The Netherlands 2 in the bottom of the 6th.

Update: That comeback was short lived. Cuba is batting in the 7th with four runs scored in the inning, extending their lead to 10-2.

Update: Cuba wins 11-2. They'll advance to the next round along with Puerto Rico. That should be a great draw.

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The game is about to get underway. Karim Garcia is not in the lineup for Mexico due to a hamstring injury he sustained last night.

Update: After Vinny Castilla was hit by a pitch, Durazo drives Castilla in with what may be a triple (or a double and an error).

Update: It's a double and an error by Stern. Gil follows up with another two-out double and Mexico leads 2-0. One more run by Mexico and the US moves ahead in the tie-breaker.

Update: Luis A. Garcia doubles also. Mexico now leads 3-0. So if the US wins against South Africa tomorrow, they are in. Now Canada needs to comeback and win this game to move on to the next round, if the US wins tomorrow.

Update: That's four doubles in a row as Miguel Ojeda doubles to center to make the score 4-0. Mexico is putting Canada in a hole early.

Update: The top of the first ends with a strikeout. Canada needs to start chipping away at Mexico.

Update: After the fifth double of the game, Jorge Cantu blasts a ball over Jayson Bay's head into the stands for a 6-0 Mexican lead. If this keeps up we'll be looking at a mercy rule game.

Update: Canada is being no-hit through three innings. Valenzuela homers in the fourth to make the score 7-0 Mexico.

Update: Cantu picks up his third RBI of the game to extend Mexico's lead to 8-0.

Update: Gil picks up his 2nd RBI of the game in the top of the 6th to make the score 9-0. One more run and one more inning and this game is over.

Update: Esteban Loaiza uses his full pitch allotment. He walks Stubby Clapp leading off the fifth to end his stint. He only allowed 3 hits and 2 walks through five innings. If the reliever can recover from the Clapp walk, Loaiza will get five scoreless innings.

Update: Oliver Perez comes on and so far has two strikeouts and three walks. Canada is on the board, now trailing 9-1 with the bases loaded and two out.

Update: Guiel strikes out looking to end the inning. Canada does not put a ball in play in the inning but score a run. If Mexico can score two in the top of the 7th they have a chance to end the game early.

Update: Mexico goes 1-2-3 in the 7th, so there will be an 8th inning tonight.

Update: It's still 9-1 as they go to the bottom of the ninth. It looks bleak for the great white north.

Update: Canada goes 1-2-3 in the 9th. Mexico wins 9-1 and advances to the next round against Japan and South Korea. The fate of the Canadian team is in the hands of the South Africans. The US faces them tomorrow at 3 PM EST.

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I just got home and turned on MLB Radio and heard Albert Pujols' home run. What's impressive, however, is that Pujols needed that home run to give the DR the lead! They now lead Italy 4-3 in the bottom of the third. Italy is playing tough in this series.

Update: It was a two-run shot for Pujols, so Italy was ahead 3-2. Odalis Perez is giving up the runs for the DR.

Update: Jorge Sosa takes over for the Dominicans and strikes out two in a 1-2-3 inning.

Update: Adrian Beltre smacks a three-run homer in the bottom of the fifth to extend the Dominican lead to 7-3. He's batting .571 in the series. Again, Seattle fans have to be happy to see him having a good series.

Update: Jorge Sosa is just dominating the Italians today. Four innings, one hit, four strikeouts and just 40 pitches. It's still 7-3 at the stretch.

Update: It's now 8-3 as Moises Alou adds a solo home run in the bottom of the 7th.

Update: The game is over and the Dominican Republic defeats Italy 8-3 to up their record to 2-0. A win by Venezuela tonight means that the Dominicans and the Venezuelans will advance to the next round.

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I want to disagree with Jerry Crasnick:

But one of his other nightmare scenarios could still materialize. There's a possibility that Team USA might not make it out of the first round of the WBC, ensuring that plenty of good seats will be available for the games in Anaheim and San Diego.

If the point of the tournament is to sell seats, then Crasnick is correct. If the point of the tournament is to sell the game World Wide, then a loss by the US helps that goal. It shows that teams from anywhere are capable of putting together a squad that can defeat the baseball powerhouse. Enthusiasm for the World Baseball Classic might go down in the US, but my guess is that it goes up everywhere else. Long term, that's a good thing. The US already spends plenty of money on the game. Baseball would like other countries to do the same thing.

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There were more games played last night in the World Baseball Classic last night. Team Netherlands debuted against Puerto Rico and lost 8-3. The win by Puerto Rico puts them 2-0 in pool C with a game left against the Australians. Puerto Rico is very likely to advance to the next round. Carlos Beltran was the hitting star, knocking out three hits and a home run. Andruw Jones was 0 for 3 with a walk for the Netherlands.

Mexico pounded South Africa 10-4. Jorge Cantu and Vinny Castilla each collected three hits. Mexico and the United States are now tied at 1-1. This makes today's Canada-Mexico matchup very important. A Canadian win puts Canada in the next round. It also means that the US just needs to beat South Africa on Friday to advance. A Mexican win opens the possibility of a three way tie between the US, Mexico and Canada, and then the tie breakers come into play. If this happens, the number two tie-breaker, fewest runs allowed in head-to-head games between the teams comes into play. For the US, that's 8, for the Canadians so far 6 and the Mexicans it's 2. So if the Mexicans beat Canada, the US is rooting for them to score at least three runs.

Pool D played one more game last night, with Venezuela defeating Italy 6-0. The Venezuelan pitchers just dominated the game, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out twelve. The teams are now tied at 1-1, but Italy plays the Dominican Republic today at 1 PM EST, while Venezuela takes on the Australians at 8 PM EST. Those matchups favor Venezuela advancing.

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They're underway in Phoenix, and Dontrelle Willis is in a bit of trouble, giving up a triple to Clapp and a walk to Bay.

Update: Clapp scores from third on a ground out. After another walk, Canada has men on 1st and 2nd with 2 out.

Update: Adam Stern triples in the second, driving in the Canadians second run of the game. The US is behind 2-0.

Update: Willis is not sharp today. Canada takes a 3-0 lead in the third on three singles. Al Leiter is coming in to add fuel to the fire.

Update: Leiter gives up a walk and a single, and Canada is thumpin the US 5-0. You'd think they'd be tired after the long game last night!

Update: As ESPN cuts back to the Canada-US game, Matt Stairs knocks in two more to make the score 7-0. Bay, Morneau and Stairs are a combined five for seven with four runs and three RBI. Could this turn into a mercy rule game?

Update: The US puts men on 1st and 2nd with 1 out in the bottom of the fourth. This is an embarrassing game for the US so far, but there's lots of time left and the Canadian bullpen should be a bit tired after last night. Canada barely got by South Africa; you'd think the US could make this game closer.

Update: Varitek flies out for the 2nd out of the inning. That's it for Canadian starter Adam Loewen, who is in line to be a national hero.

Update: Begg gets the last out. The US team should be getting on base more. They're not putting together consecutive hits and walks.

Update: Adam Stern just hit an inside-the-park home run. The ball caromed off the left field corner, and Holliday couldn't go after it. Matt hurt himself, but it's not clear how bad. He's staying in the game for now.

Canada now leads 8-0, and everything that can go wrong for the US is going wrong.

Update: I guess my going to dinner was good luck for the US. They score six runs, four on a grand slam by Jason Varitek. It's 8-6 Canada in the top of the 6th.

Update: A note to Tangotiger: If the US completes the comeback, I'll write that Canada lost the game. :-)

Update: The US cuts down a runner at the plate to end the top of the 8th. The Americans have two innings to score two runs.

Update: Vernon Wells walks leading off the bottom of the eighth.

Update: Damon walks with 1 out to put the tying run on base. Men on first and second for Young, who flies out to right.

Update: Chase Utley hits a shot to the wall in straight away center, and Adam Stern pulls it in for out number three. That's what he gets for not pulling the ball. :-)

Update: Canada goes 1-2-3 in the ninth. The US needs 2 runs.

Update: Francoeur grounds out to short to start the inning.

Update: Derrek Lee grounds out to third. Two out. It's up to A-Rod.

Update: A-Rod hits a soft one to center. Stern charges, dives, gets it in his glove, but loses the ball when he hits the ground. A-Rod is safe at first with Teixeira up.

Update: Teixeira grounds out to first to end the game. Canada wins, and is very likely to move on to the finals. It might be the biggest victory for the Canadians since the French and Indian wars!

This was an embarassing loss for the United States. Canada barely got by South Africa last night. This should serve as a wakeup call to the US. Anything can happen in these games. You can't take any team for granted.

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Cuba just started play in the World Baseball Classic. Bruce Chen of Panama retired the Cubans in order in the first. Panama needs a win today to keep their hopes of advancing to the next round alive.

Update: With one out in the bottom of the first, two single and a hit batter load the bases for Panama.

Update: Cuba turns a double play to get out of the inning.

Update: Osmani Urrutia singles off the wall leading off the second for Cuba's first hit of the series.

Update: An infield fly (dropped) and a double play get Panama out of the inning without allowing a run. The boxscore is running way behind, but it sounds like Chen isn't throwing very many pitches.

Update: Chen is at 16 pitches through two innings.

Update: With one out, Panama gets a walk, a single and a ground rule double as Yoni Lasso drives in the first run of the game. That chases the Cuban starter Lazo, who threw 40 pitches.

Update: Saenz is up with two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the second.

Update: Saenz forces the runner at second. Panama keeps putting runners on base. Eventually, more will come around to score. They lead Cuba 1-0 after two.

Update: Cuba scored twice in the top of the third while I walked home. They lead Panama 2-1 after three.

Update: Cuban reliever Vic Odelin is mowing down the Panama batters. He's retired 8 of 9 batters he's faced. It's still 2-1 Cuba after four.

Update: The pitchers keep dominating as both sides fail to score in the 5th.

Update: A hit by pitch and a bloop single put Panama reliever Gomez in hole in the top of the sixth.

Update: After a "productive out" an intentional walk loads the bases.

Update: Panama gets Cuba's slow moving catcher to hit into a double play. The play developed slowly, but out was not close at first. Panama still trails 2-1.

Update: Panama gets the first two on the bottom of the sixth, and Ruben Rivera goes the opposite way with a three run homer. Panama now leads 4-2, and Odelin is done. The Cubans kept him in three batters too long. Up until this point, it was an impressive relief performance.

Update: Pedroso relieves and gets the side. Panama needs to hang on for three innings to keep the second round alive.

Update: Cuba gets a run back in the 7th. They are still threatening with runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out.

Update: Cuba now has the bases loaded.

Update: Cuba ties the game on a deep sacrifice fly to center field. All the runners move up, so it's 2nd and 3rd with two out.

Update: A pop out to second ends the inning. It's knotted at four in the middle of the 7th.

Update: It's still tied in the top of the ninth. Cuba gets the leadoff man on with the fifth hit batter of the game, and then bunt him to second.

Update: The Cuban runner gets picked off at second base. A huge mistake. Two out, bases empty.

Update: Acosta walks the next batter. Gourriel is up for the Cubans.

Update: Oh those base on balls. Gourriel sends it deep into the stands for a two run homer and a 6-4 lead for Cuba.

Update: A caught stealing ends the inning for Cuba. Panama needs two in the bottom of the ninth.

Update: DeLeon walks to lead off the inning for Panama.

Update: Pinch hitter Espino singles through the hole at shortstop to put runners on first and second with none out, and Cuba goes to the bullpen.

Update: Cuba makes a huge defense gaff. Miller bunts down the third base line, they go for the out at third and the throw is late. Panama now has the bases loaded and one out. Always get the sure out.

Update: Herrera strikes out swinging for the first out.

Update: Saenz dumps one into short right center. The outfielders were deep to prevent two runs, but they allow one to score. It's 6-5 with one out and the tying run at third.

Update: Carlos Lee falls behind 0-2.

Update: Lee strikes out swinging. What a terrible at bat by the best hitter on the team.

The next batter, however, gets hit on the forearm to tie the game! Agnoly is in pain, but it's a good pain. Bases loaded, two outs, game tied at six for Ruben Rivera.

Update: Maya, the Cuban pitcher has a wicked breaking ball. He's behind Rivera 2-1, however.

Update: Rivera jumps out of the way of ball 3.

Update: The count goes to 3-2 as Rivera takes a pitch.

Update: Rivera dumps one into center field, but the second baseman Gourriel goes out and catches it to end the inning. They'll go to the 10th.

Update: Cuba has a runner reach on a strikeout in the 10th, but that's it. Panama can win with a run in the bottom of the 10th.

Update: The Cuban right fielder and first baseman collide on a foul ball. It should be the first out, but the lead off hitter gets another chance.

Update: Ruiz ends up grounding out hard to third.

Update: Panama goes 1-2-3 in the 10th. Only four innings left!

Update: Panama pitches around Gourriel, but the next two hitters get two out singles to drive in two runs. It's 8-6 Cuba in the top of the 11th.

Update: Cuba ends the inning by trying to steal third and failing. Last time they took a two-run lead, they ran themselves out of a bigger inning as well. We'll see if it haunts them again.

Update: Miller doubles leading off the bottom of the 11th. Panama will not go quietly.

Update Marti is on to try to finish the game for Cuba.

Update: Marti gets a grounder to short, and the runner moves up to third.

Update: Saenz grounds out to third. Lee is up with a man on third.

Update: Lee hits a 3-1 pitch hard, but lines out deep to the left fielder. Panamas chances of moving on to the next round are pretty much finished. It was an exciting game, with both great and poor play. The win by Cuba gives them a great chance to move on to the next round.

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The Canadians get on the board in the top of the fifth. Stubby Clapp (best name in the tournament) drives in a run with a ground out as Canada takes a 1-0 lead. Similar to the US-Mexican game, the Canadians are outpitching the South Africans, but the Candaian offense hasn't taken advantage of the weakness of the opposing pitchers.

Update: It's now 3-0 as Matt Stairs doubles in two.

Update: The soon to retire Paul Quantrill enters the game and with the help of some poor fielding has the bases loaded with one out.

Update: Brett Willemburg clears the bases with a double. The game is tied at three in the bottom of the fifth. And the South African fans go wild!

Update: An error by Orr allows Willemburg to score the go-ahead run. South Africa leads Canada 4-3.

Update: Still 4-3, Jayson Bay of Canada leads off the 7th with a double off the wall.

Update: Morneau follows up with a double of his own to plate Bay and tie the game. The hose heads are starting to play like major leaguers!

Update: Koskie gets the third extra-base hit in a row, a two-run homer off Tyrone Lamont. He's thrown his last pitch of the game as Canada takes a 6-4 lead.

Update: The extra-base hit barrage continues with Pete Laforest doubling off the new pitcher, 18 year old Jared Elario.

Update: Two wild pitches plate Laforest. It's 7-4 Canada. Looks like be cruel to Canadians day was short lived. That's what I get for calling my Canadian roommate from college, Dan Wechsler, and telling him the hose heads were losing.

Guiel walks and Stern singles. Six of seven batters have reached in this inning.

Orr bounces into a double play to finally end the inning.

Update: South Africa refuses to go away. They start their half of the seventh with a single and a run scoring double to make the score 7-5.

Update: South Africa just gets the one run. They'll go to the 8th in Scottsdale.

Update: South Africa has the bases loaded in the bottom of the 8th with one out.

Update: Butcher strikes out for the second out.

Update: Paul Bell reaches base for the 5th time, doubling off Reitsma. It's the second bases clearing double of the game for South Africa. They lead Canada 8-7, and they're going to the top of the ninth. Canada needs one or else they'll be facing elimination in their next game.

Update: A good start for the Canadians in the ninth as Ryan Radmanovich triples. Stern follows up with a double to tie the game. This one might go awhile.

Update: Phillips, the SA third baseman, throws a ball away and Canada leads 9-8.

Update: On an 0-2, two out pitch, Canada takes a two run lead when the pitch goes wild.

Update: A double plates the fourth run of the inning and Canada takes a three run lead into the bottom of the 9th. It's 11-8 in a very poorly pitched game by both sides.

Update: Crain strikes out Kemp to start the bottom of the ninth.

Update: Dempsey singles with one out. South Africa needs a couple of more base runners.

Update: Phillips grounds out for the second out of the inning.

Update: Botha strikes out swinging to end the game. With that pitching, neither of these teams look like they are going far in this tournament.

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Jason Grilli strikes out two in his first inning of work against Australia, retiring the side in order. Meanwhile, Panama and Puerto Rico are scoreless after three.

Update: Panama takes a 1-0 lead in the fourth on a bases loaded walk to Carlos Ruiz.

Update: Grilli continues strong. Six Australians up, six down, four strikeouts. Still no score in this game.

Update: Italy takes a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second after a poor fielding play by the Australians sets up a scoring opportunity. Dustin Delucchi gets the RBI on a ground out.

Update: Menechino brings in two with the help of another poor fielding play by Australia. It's now 3-0 Italy.

Update: Alex Rios hits a home run for Puerto Rico to tie Panama at one in the bottom of the fifth.

Update: Grilli remains perfect through three innings in the Australia-Italy game. He's struck out five. Mike Piazza leads off the bottom of the third with a double.

Update: After an out, Pascucci hits the top of the wall and triples in Piazza. It's 4-0 Italy in the third.

Update: Bernie Williams drives in a second run for Puerto Rico in the fifth. They take the lead 2-1 over Panama.

Update: Second baseman Trent Durrington doubles for Australia to break up the no-hitter in the fourth.

Update: The double leads to nothing. Grilli is averaging 12 pitches through four innings.

Update: Jason Grilli leaves after 4 2/3 innings. He allowed just one hit while striking out seven. He threw 57 pitches, 37 for strikes. The Australian hitters were totally overmatched. Italy leads 5-0 in the top of the fifth.

Update: Mark Saccomanno homers for Italy in the bottom of the fifth to make the score Italy 7, Australia 0. We have a shot at a mercy rule game here. Canada and South Africa are scoreless in the second.

Update: Puerto Rico loads the bases in the bottom of the 8th but fails to score. They take a 2-1 lead to the top of the 9th.

Update: With one out in the 9th, Carlos Ruiz walks for Panama.

Update: Pinch runner Rivera is thrown out stealing by Y. Molina for the second out.

Update: Cabrera gets the final out of the game on a strikeout of Manuel Rodriguez. Puerto Rico puts Panama on the bubble to continue in the tournament.

Update: Vince Sinisi hits a two run homer for Italy to make the score 9-0 in the sixth. One more run and one more inning and Italy can call it a night. Italy has 10 hits, 7 for extra bases.

Update: After two walks, Australia turns a double play. Italy will need to bat in the bottom of the seventh.

Update: With two out and men on first and second in the bottom of the seventh, Italy's Tom Gregorio, in relief of Mike Piazza, brings home the final run with a double. Italy wins 10-0.

This sets up a very important game tomorrow at 7 PM. Italy plays Venezuela with a chance to move on to the next round. While I don't think Italy is as good as the South Americans, they showed tonight they can hit for power. If they can keep the game close, who knows what happens? Right now, the Italians have a shot to move on to the next round and possibly knock out a favorite.

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The US goes quietly in the 8th. Brad Lidge will try to continue the Team USA dominance in the 9th. The US leads Mexico 2-0.

Update: Castro grounds to Utley for the first out.

Update: Karim Garcia strikes out for the second out.

Update: Cantu flies to left to end the game.

A great job by both pitching staff, but the US just had a bit more, striking out nine and walking none. The US offense was not that impressive for the number of stars on the team, but the power was more than enough.

The other nice thing, it was only 2 hours six minutes. The US puts itself in a great position to advance.

By the way, I really love the Team USA caps.

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Joe Nathan gives up a single but strikes out the side in the top of the 8th. That's 8 strikeouts and no walks from the US pitchers. Can't argue with that performance.

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Chipper Jones bats after replacing A-Rod at third, and he smacks an opposite field home run on the first pitch. It's 2-0 USA over Mexico in the bottom of the seventh.

Update: That's it for the US. Mexican pitchers are doing decently in this game. They've struck out three and walked just one. The Mexican defense is very crisp, which they need with all the balls in play. The US just has too much power.

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Mexico gets the leadoff man on, but hits into another double play. Castilla comes to the plate with two outs and the bases empty.

Update: Todd Jones give up the second hit of the inning, a grounder back through the middle by Castilla.

Update: That's it, as Durazo grounds out to second to end the inning.

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Jeff Francoeur goes in for Damon in the top of the sixth, and in the bottom of the inning, Vernon Wells pinch runs for A-Rod after the third baseman singles. Teixeira hits into a double play to end the inning. It's still 1-0 US.

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Dan Wheeler allows two long fly balls, but gets the side in order. The US team is pitching great, allowing just one hit through six innings. They've faced the minimum 18 batters as the single and error were both followed up with double plays.

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Elmer Dessens comes on to start the fifth for Mexico and strikes out Randy Winn for the first out of the inning.

Update: Damon lines one up the right-center gap and ends up on third with a 2-out triple.

Update: Jeter flies out to right to leave Damon at third. It's still 1-0 US after five.

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Chad Cordero gets Mexico in order in the fifth. This game is flying along. We'll see if that continues when the Mexican bullpen gets in the game.

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Derrek Lee deposits a ball in the rightfield seats to put the US on top of Mexico 1-0 in the bottom of the fourth.

Update: That's all the runs the US gets. They lead 1-0 after four innings. Lopez is at 54 pitches, so it's possible he can go one more for Mexico.

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Mike Timlin starts the fourth inning for the United States. With Peavy throwing just 23 pitches, I believe he'll be able to pitch again in the round-robin if the US needs him. Maybe he'll relieve Clemens in game 3.

Update: Timlin gets the side in order.

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Randy Winn gets the first hit for Team USA, a single leading off the third.

Update: Jeter gets a two-out single to put men at first and third. It's up to Griffey now.

Update: Griffey flies out to left to end the inning.

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Jake Peavy turns in three very good innings. He allows one hit while striking out three. He's also thrown just 23 pitches. The announcers are talking about him being done, but I don't see why. Jake hasn't broken a sweat yet.

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Sanchez gets Abreu to fly out to Alou to end the game. The Dominicans win by a score of 11-5. This puts Venezuela in the position of needing to win its last two games to have a chance to move on in the tournament.

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The US gets a walk from Griffey, but the three Yankees all make outs. The US and Mexico are scoreless after one.

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Slipping on the first play, Utley and Lee can't connect for the out on Karim Garcia. The play goes as a single.

Update: A-Rod starts a double play, then Castilla grounds out on the first pitch to Jeter. An easy inning for Peavy.

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With Tejada at second, one out, and Ortiz coming to the plate, the Venezuelans go to the lefty Carlos Hernandez.

Update: For the second time today, David Ortiz goes deep off a left-handed pitcher. The Dominican Republic takes an 8-5 lead.

Update: Jorge Julio is on to try to finish the inning. He gives up a single to Alou.

Update: Venezuela gets out of the inning, but they need six just to tie in the bottom of the 9th.

Update: While I was watching the home country, Adrian Beltre hit his second homer of the game. It's 10-5 DR, with two on and just 1 out.

Update: Belliard helps the cause, driving in a run to make the score 11-5.

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Miguel Tejada makes an off-balance throw to nail Alfonzo at first, but falls on his knee. He's staying in the game, but limping a bit.

Update: Venezuela does not score in the 8th.

Update: Tejada's knee looks okay as he beats out a bunt to start the 9th.

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Willy Taveras just tried to bunt for a base hit. Cabrera charged the ball (which was bunted a bit hard), bare-handed it and threw Taveras out easily. That play used to be the specialty of Graig Nettles. Now, it's in the repertoire of every third baseman out there. The teams go to the bottom of the eighth after two strong innings by Victor Zambrano.

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Omar Vizquel leads off the bottom of the 7th with his third hit of the day, a double.

Update: Guillen strikes out.

Update: Abreu flies out to deep center, and Marte is lifted for another reliever with Cabrera coming up.

Update: Julian Tavarez is on to pitch.

Update: Cabrera hits the top of the outfield wall and bounces back. Sojo is arguing it's a home run, and the umps are confering. The replay is showing it indeed hit the top of the wall. The score is now DR 6, Venezuela 5. The umps clearly got the call right. Cabrera gets a double.

Update: Tavarez hits Ramon Hernandez in the hand. Ramon is in pain.

Update: Hernandez stays in the game. Ordonez gives the ball a ride to deep center, but it's caught for the third out. It's a one-run game going to the eighth.

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Victor Zambrano starts the 7th for Venezuela and Albert Pujols greets him with a single.

Update: Victor strikes out Ortiz swinging and the Venezuelan fans start chanting, "Papi!"

Update: Victor gets out of the inning with no runs allowed. Venezuela has three turns to get two runs.

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Edgardo Alfonzo helps the Venezuelans inch closer, knocking a home run in the bottom of the 6th to make the score 6-4 in favor of the Dominicans.

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Miguel Cabrera smacks one over the left field fence, a two-run homer to make the score 6-3 Dominicans at the end of five.

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Zambrano walks Pujols and Ortiz with two out, then gives up an RBI single to Alou. It's 3-1 DR in the top of the fifth.

Update: Adrian Beltre belts one for a three run homer. Carlos Zambrano is gassed, and the Dominican Republic leads 6-1. The homer by Beltre has to make the Seattle fans think the player they expected is going to show up this year.

Update: Venezuela gets out of the inning. Their offense needs some runs, however.

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Miguel Batista replaces Bartolo Colon and immediately plunks Miguel Cabrera.

Update: Ramon Hernandez hits into a double play to clear the bases.

Update: The DP looms large as Ordonez and Martinez follow with a single and a walk. Alfonzo dumps one down the right field line to plate the Venezuelan's first run.

Update: Rivera flies out to end the inning. It's 2-1 DR after four innings.

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Johan Santana yields to Carlos Zambrano. Not a bad combination. Santana uncharacteristicly walked three, and he was yelling at the umps about it. He did strike out five in his 3 1/3 innings. He's responsible for a runner on first.

Update: Zambrano strikes out Taveras to end the inning. Santana allows two runs, one unearned.

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With men on 1st and 2nd, Colon gets Guillen and Abreu to pop out to short. Santana has thrown 53 pitches, Colon 50. It's still 2-0 Dominicans. The Venezuelan team has a number of players out of position, which is one reason for the unearned run allowed.

Correction: I'm told Dominica is another country. Sorry about that.

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I've been wondering what the tie breaker is if teams are tied at the end of the round robin. The Baseball Tonight Crew broadcasting the game says it's earned runs allowed. As they point out, the official scorer can decide who advances. If you're going to base a tie breaker on runs, base it on the difference between runs scored and runs allowed.

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David Ortiz slams a 2-1 pitch off the top of the centerfield fence for a 1-0 lead in the top of the second for the Dominican Republic.

Update: Encarnacion walks with two outs, and Castillo pops one behind first base for a single. The DR has men on 1st and 3rd with 2 outs.

Update: Taveras hits a slow roller to second. Alfonzo tries to get the runner at second, but Vizquel does not cover and the ball goes into centerfield. The Dominicans now lead 2-0.

Update: Soriano strikes out to end the inning. Santana is well over 30 pitches now, so there goes a long outing out of the left-hander.

Update: Santana threw 37 pitches through 2.

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Omar Vizquel takes the first three pitches and falls behind 1-2. He then lines the next pitch into left for a single. Alou overslides the ball and Vizquel winds up at second. It's a huge error, since Guillen grounds out to second, which would be an easy double play ball. Instead, Omar is at third with one out.

Update: Abreu walks. Colon's pitch count is rising, and he has men on 1st and 3rd.

Update: Miguel Cabrera hits into a double play to end the inning. Colon uses 14 pitches in the first inning. The DP saves him from a high pitch inning.

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Johan Santana blows one by Soriano to start the game. Soriano swings at the second pitch as well, and flies out to left for the first out of the game.

Update: Tejada strikes out on a change up.

Update: Pujols grounds out to short to end the inning. Santana is very economical in the first inning. He throws just 9 pitches, only one of them called a ball. Maybe Venezuela can get seven innings out of Santana.

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The teams in the World Baseball Classic should have nicknames. The Dominican Dreams, the Puerto Rico Rockers, the Italian Stallions, etc. Any other ideas?

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Pool D is set up just the opposite of Pool A in terms of scheduling. In the opening round in Japan, the two strong teams did not meet until the last game, and by that time both had wrapped up a trip to the second tier of the tournament. Pool D, however, has the Dominican Republic and Venezuela facing off in the first game. Given that the chances of a tie are slim, one of them is going to be down 0-1 after a game. Looking at the rosters for Venezuela and the DR, I wouldn't be surprised if the loser was the Dominican Republic.

In a three game round robin, an initial loss puts a team on the brink of elimination. After Colon, the Dominican pitchers aren't that good. If the winner of the Italy-Australia game gets lucky against the DR, suddenly a lot of all-stars are headed back to spring training. We all know how lucky teams can be over a 162 game season. In one game, absolutely anything can happen.

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The World Baseball Classic continues today with five games in the Western Hemisphere. ESPN and ESPN2 carry live action this afternoon at 1 and 4 PM Eastern as the Dominican Repulic faces Venezuela, followed by the US hosting Mexico. Other games will be shown on delay overnight, although I don't understand why they're not showing Austraila vs. Italy live at 8 PM. :-)

Note that DR vs. Venezuela pits the last two Cy Young award winners against each other as Bartolo Colon faces Johan Santana. I doubt the mercy rule will take effect in that game.

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The team USA camp is a real love-fest:

"There's a special bond building here," Buck Martinez, head cheerleader and manager of Team USA, said after Saturday's workout.

"Guys are hanging out in the clubhouse just talking to one another. It's refreshing to see. There is no urgency for them to get out and get away. They're hanging out, wanting to get to know their teammates. And that's the aspect of this that's pretty special."

The Japanese have a term for that special something. They call it wa, or harmony; the sense of team over self.

Here, we call it chemistry - a magical feel-good feeling that makes good teams great; that carries an apparently ordinary lot like the 2005 White Sox to a steamrolling World Series Championship.

Crazy as it sounds, Team USA seems already to have it.

I'm not surprised. These are some of the best players, and they get to work out with each other in a non-pressure situation. For two weeks, they don't need to worry about the local press bothering them, or their manager yelling at them. It must be like taking a vaction with your best friends.

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I can't resist linking to this post.

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The team from South Korea upset the home town favorite Japan this morning, defeating the hosts 3-2.

After winning their first two games in the inaugural World Baseball Classic with terrific pitching, the Koreans ran into a mirror in Team Japan. They were one run behind with one out in the eighth inning and facing hard-throwing left-handed reliever Hirotoshi Ishii when they pulled a proverbial rabbit out of their hats.

Jong Beom Lee lined a single to center field and Seung Yeop Lee drove a hanging slider into the right-field seats, giving Korea the runs it needed for a 3-2 victory before 40,553.

The game was meaningless as far as the WBC goes, but the Koreans earn eastern bragging rights. The Koreans especially wanted to make Ichrio Suzuki eat his words from the beginning of the tournament:

There is an intense war of words going on between Korea and Japan, sparked by Japanese baseball star Suzuki Ichiro (Seattle Mariners), who said, “I will teach Korea and other countries that they won’t be able to beat Japan in the next 30 years,” to which Korea’s Park Chan-ho replied, “Ichiro and others can’t help talking about Korea because they feel threatened.”

In the earlier game, Taipei beat mainland China 12-3. The Chinese team, especially the pitching, is very poor. However, given it's huge population, China can get good in a hurry. In a country of 1.3 billion people, there must exist a few hundred people with the talent to compete at the major league level. China just needs to develop a systematic way to find them.

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Team Japan ends another game early, defeating Chinese Taipei 14-3 in seven innings. The victory means that today's games will be meaningless as Japan and Korea will advance to the next round based on their 2-0 records. Ichiro, however, has been doing some trash talking, so tonight's Japan-Korea matchup will be for bragging rights.

The Koreans took up where the Japanese left off last night. They're pounding the team from mainland China 7-0 in the top of the seventh. The four starting Lees for Korea are a combined 8 for 12 with all seven RBI and four runs scored. There's a good shot at another game shortened due to the mercy rule.

Update: China goes down 1-2-3 in the top of the 7th. The Korean pitchers allowed just 1 hit so far while walking two and striking out 8.

Update: Korea scores two more in the 7th to make the score 9-0. They'll continue to play for at least one more inning.

Update: China gets on the board with a home run, only their second hit of the game. Shuo Yang ends the scoreless inning streak for the Korean pitchers with that long ball.

Update: That's all the Chinese get in the 8th. Korea can end the game with two runs in the bottom of the inning.

Update: Seung-Yeop Lee hits his second home run of the game to give Korea a 10-1 lead in the bottom of the 8th. He's four for four with five RBI in the game.

Update: No mercy rule tonight as Korea gets just the one run. China gets to bat in the top of the ninth.

The announcers just said that Korea goes on to the next round with the win, but I think Taipei has to lose to Japan later for that to be a certainty. If this score holds up, however, it's very likely they will advance to the next round.

Update: Korea wins 10-1, striking out 11 Chinese along the way. A win by Japan later tonight puts both teams into the next round of the tournament.

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Japan and China are playing live on ESPN2. At the end of six innings, Japan is out to a 9-2 lead over the mainland team. They've scored 7 runs in the last two innings.

The Japanese pitchers are dominating the Chinese, striking out eight so far while issuing no walks. Their only mistake, a two run homer to Wei Wang.

As far as the hitters go, everyone in the lineup for Japan has either earned his way on or scored a run.

Tamura just homered for Japan after a walk in the 7th. The score is now 11-2. Japan is 1 run away from a mercy rule win.

Update: China gets out of the inning, so there will be an 8th. I'm not impressed by the crowds. Only 5193 showed by for the first game, although that was played in the early afternoon and there's no home team there. But I thought the Tokyo Dome would be full for the home team, but the stands look pretty empty to me.

Update: The big difference I see between major and minor league teams is the defense. When you watch a AA game in the US, you see fielding miscues that just don't happen in the majors. China, in the top of the 8th, is playing like a AA team. They've made two errors, the second on a deep line drive by Ichiro Suzuki. Nishioka follows with a triple and Japan leads 13-2. If China does not score in the bottom of the 8th, the game will be over as the mercy rule is now in effect.

Update: I haven't see every Japanese player bat yet, but many have Ichiro's approach. The lefties especially have the same balance in their stances, and the same "meet the ball" swing.

Japan scores another run, chasing the Chinese pitcher.

Update: The new Chinese pitcher, Hongrui Li allows the first three Japanese hitters to reach, the last on a shot that ate up the Chinese third baseman Gougang Yang. Overall, the first seven reached for Japan here in the seventh, and they've scored five runs. Good defense, however, would have them out of the inning with much less damage.

Update: Finally, an out in the inning. The ninth batter hits into a double play, third to first. The #10 batter in the inning, however, hits a solid line drive into the right center gap to plate the 18th Japanese run. Ichiro is up again.

Update: Ichiro grounds out to the shortstop to end the inning. China needs seven runs in the bottom of the 8th to stay in the game.

Update: China goes 1-2-3 in the 8th. The final is 18-2. China has a long way to go before they'll be competitive on the world stage.

In a three game round robin, a single loss is major. The two Chinese teams have no room for error. Taipei is facing an excellent Japanese team tonight, while the mainland faces Korea in the afternoon game today. If both lose, the bracket is settled.

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The World Baseball Classic is underway. If you don't want to know what's happening unitl you watch on ESPN2, I'm putting the rest of the details in the extended entry.

Update: I just woke up and see that Korea won the game 2-0. The Korean pitching staff allowed just five hits while striking out 8 and walking just two.

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Deadspin.com defends the World Baseball Classic:

We know it’s not a real competition, and we don’t think it will crown a true champion. But so what? It’s Albert Pujols, David Ortiz and Alfonso Soriano in the same lineup. It’s Roger Clemens pitching against people from South Africa. Jeez … it’s baseball on TV in March! We just watched a three-hour exhibition Yankees-Phillies game where one guy was wearing a jersey with about 28 digits on its back, just because it was baseball on TV. We don’t care how full of it Bud Selig and company might be. You’re not gonna watch this? Really? (Assuming, of course, you don’t have to, you know, work at 4 p.m. in the afternoon.)

I'm going to try to watch on my computer at 9:30 tonight. It' usually doesn't work well enough, but at least I'll be able to listen to the game. How often do we get to see a team of Japanese all-stars after all. And of course, there's Tivo, that allows you to watch the games in about an hour each. Enjoy the games for what they are, competition in March!

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Another ballplayer pulls out of the World Baseball Classic. Vlad Guerrero is not up to playing after the death of his three cousins:

"I feel mentally that I cannot go out there and play to the level and compete for my country," Guerrero said through a translator.

Our hearts go out to Vlad and his family.

Two more top notch players withdrew from the World Baseball Classic today.

New York Mets closer Billy Wagner and Cleveland pitcher C.C. Sabathia withdrew Wednesday from the U.S. roster for the World Baseball Classic and were replaced by Washington right-hander Gary Majewski and Yankees left-hander Al Leiter.

That's certainly a step down.

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There can be tie games in the World Baseball Classic.

Organizers said Tuesday that games in the first two rounds of the tournament will be ended after 14 innings, even if teams remain tied.

In addition, the tournament's technical committee may suspend semifinal games after 14 innings if "pitcher availability for both teams would be substantially jeopardized by not suspending the game and pitcher availability would be substantially enhanced by resuming the game as a suspended game on the next day."

Of course, ties happen in Major League Baseball as well. The difference is those games don't count in the standings and are replayed (the stats count). Here, a tie is counted as 1/2 a win and 1/2 a loss. It's like going back to the 1920s, when darkness or bad weather often caused games to end in a tie.

Even without Manny Ramirez, the Domincan Republic presents a powerful lineup, although I might flip Soriano and Alou in the batting order.

Buck Martinez announced his pitchers yesterday for the first round of the World Baseball Classic:

Team USA manager Buck Martinez announced his probable pitchers for the opening round of the 16-team tournament Monday and named future Hall of Famer Clemens to start Game 3 at Scottsdale Stadium on Friday, March 10 at 1 p.m.

San Diego ace Jake Peavy is scheduled to start Game 1 against Mexico at Chase Field next Tuesday at 2 p.m. followed by National League Cy Young Award runner-up Dontrelle Willis in Game 2 against Canada at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Chase Field.

Team USA plays an exhibition against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium on Sunday at 2 p.m., for which 8,000 tickets have been sold.

It's nice to have Clemens as your number three starter. However, maybe it's time to hang up the spikes when this happens:

Martinez probably hopes Clemens has better stuff than he did Monday in Kissimmee, Fla. Clemens faced a team of Astros minor leaguers. Clemens' son, Koby, took Dad deep on the Rocket's first pitch of spring training, crushing a trademark fastball over the left field fence.

"That was probably one of the harder fastballs I cut loose," Roger Clemens said. "He got my attention."

Then again, Koby's probably seen so many pitches from his dad, he knows exactly what's coming. :-)

Melvin Mora is the latest defection from the World Baseball Classic, although his reason will strike some as egotistical:

Mora made his decision after being informed that Venezuelan team officials planned on playing him in center field, not at third base, for the March tournament.

"I know there's going to be a [controversy] in Venezuela: 'Why isn't Melvin [going] to be in the Baseball Classic?'" Mora said. "I'm not a center fielder anymore. I'm not an outfielder anymore. I'm a third baseman. I cannot go over there to look ridiculous in front of a million people to try to catch a fly ball and [have] the ball go over me. ... I'd just like to have a little bit of respect."

Mora, 34, who hasn't played the outfield since 2003, was particularly annoyed that he was chosen to move to the outfield, rather than Miguel Cabrera, the 22-year-old third baseman of the Florida Marlins who played outfield much of last season. Mora said that he would have backed off and played another position in favor of the Los Angeles Angels' Edgardo Alfonzo, 32, but he didn't think he should have to do it for Cabrera.

Mora makes a bit of sense here. Cabrera played the outfield more recently than Melvin. But if Mora is willing to embarass himself for Alfonzo, why not for Miguel?

Talking Baseball finishes up their series on Cuba with a look at the island nation's chances in the tournament. Meanwhile, a guest writer at Yard Work likes the chances of Venezuela.

Everyday brings a new defection from the World Baseball Classic. I was wrong about Manny Ramirez reporting late in order to avoid a lot of time at Red Sox camp. Because he's reporting late, he won't be participating the the WBC. That's a big blow to the Dominican team. While they're still formidable, Manny would be their best hitter.

Pedro Martinez won't be pitching for them either (at least in the first round), but that was expected. Roberto Kelly, however, just pulled out as Panama's manager:

He complained that local officials held some players back from the Classic so they would play in the Panamanian championships and alleged that he had been the target of racist comments.

If Panama had been smart, they would have traded him for someone better. :-)

Talking Baseball posts the second article in their series on Cuba, this time on the issue of Cuban participation in the WBC. It might be in the island's best interest to not compete in the tournament.

Talking Baseball offers an article on how popular the game is on the island. And not just the local teams:

But for all of this knowledge, they do not know, according to Wendel, the physical descriptions of Major League Baseball players. Due to the embargo between Cuba and the United States, the MLB games are not broadcast over the air to Cuba.

During his 1992 trip, Wendel was sitting in the lower deck of the stadium in Havana when an older man next to him noted that he was American. This old Cuban baseball fan starting asking Wendel about the 1991 World Series Champion Minnesota Twins. When Wendel started telling him the names of the players, the man cut him off. He knew all of their season statistics and individual accomplishments. "I need to know what they look like," the Cuban said to Wendel.

Meanwhile, The Bases are Loaded is out on DVD. It's the story of Monte Irvin's return to Cuba to reunite with former teammate and Cuban baseball icon Connie Marrero after a 50-year separation.

It looks like Ervin Santana will play in the World Baseball Classic after all. It turns out there was a misunderstanding as to what the Angels wanted from the pitcher.

Santana received clarification on the matter during Saturday's workout.

"They told me they wanted me to be focused on what we're doing right now," is how Santana interpreted Friday's meeting with Scioscia and Black. "They want me to do a good job in the big leagues, so that's why it's going to happen."

That idea has either changed or has been explained more thoroughly.

"The reality of it is that if guys are healthy and they want to pitch for their country, we're going to support that because I think that's a great honor," Scioscia said.

He may end up being the team's top starter, given the injury status of Colon and Pedro.

Ervin Santana opted out of the World Baseball Classic. This leaves the Dominican team in a bit of a bind:

Santana's withdrawal could create issues for the Dominicans, who have a scary lineup but little starting pitching. Bartolo Colon and Pedro Martinez are waffling because of physical issues, meaning Daniel Cabrera or Jose Lima could become the team's No.1 starter.

If you like high scoring games, the Dominicans are going to be the team to watch in this tournament. If they move the games to Coors Field, we might see 40 runs a game. :-)

Both Dontrelle Willis and Billy Wagner are on the record saying they're not afraid to throw inside against a teammate in the World Baseball Classic.

Like Willis, Wagner said he wouldn't think twice about throwing inside to his new Mets teammate, Carlos Delgado. The first baseman, who spent last season with the Marlins, will play for Puerto Rico.

''I'm a baseball player, and he's a baseball player,'' Wagner said. ``I would throw inside to him just as much as anybody else. We're out there to win. I don't think anybody's going to take it easy.''

I can just see the general managers wincing every time a matchup like that occurs.

Bob Watson wanted Ben Sheets on team USA, but Sheets was honest and told the GM he would not be ready:

"He said he would love to be there but did not think he'd be ready to give what he wanted in that competition," Watson said. "I respect him for that because he understands what the experience is all about.

"He was very candid. He said he was throwing but did not think he'd be able to use his full repertoire on March 7. That's not to say he won't be ready for opening day with Milwaukee. I wished him well."

Michael Young's ability to play both short and second allowed Buck Martinez to take an extra reliever. I suppose at some point we might the old Texas infield of A-Rod at short, Young at second and Teixeira at first.

Buck Martinez announced the team USA roster today. He'll go with a rotation of Clemens, Willis, Peavy and Sabathia. How many managers would like to go into a season with that staff!

The outfield isn't all that impressive, with Griffey and Damon being the big stars. I wonder if both will start, or if Griffey will DH?

The infield is really stacked. A-Rod and Chipper at third, Jeter and Young at short, Chase Utley at second and Teixeira and Derrek Lee at first. I would suspect that team USA would have the best offensive team by playing Jeter and Chipper Jones in the outfield.

This is going to be a fun squad to watch.

Buck Martinez announces the United States roster for the World Baseball Classic this afternoon. The squad will be heavy on relief pitching:

Other strict regulations apply on pitchers, including how many days of rest they must have based on how many pitches thrown.

All of this means that smart hitters will be taking a lot of pitches against the best starters. If Roger Clemens is having trouble throwing strikes or Roy Halladay or Dontrelle Willis are a little wild, they might have trouble making it through three innings in the opening rounds.

With that in mind, Buck Martinez, manager of Team USA, said he would put a premium on relief pitchers when he announces his final 30-man roster today at a 1 p.m. news conference. All 16 teams in the first-of-its-kind tournament announced their preliminary rosters of up to 60 players last month. They aren't required to submit their final 30-man rosters until five days before their first game, which for the United States will be March 7 at Chase Field against Mexico.

Team USA officials, however, have said they are eager to build excitement and give their players plenty of time to prepare.

With a great setup man and closer, major league teams like to talk about a seven-inning game. I guess in this tourament, US opponents might be facing a four inning game.

Baseball is growing in Ireland. In about 15 years it's gone from a few people playing softball to a team competitive on the European level. A documentary about the team debuts at the end of this month:

"We decided we should try and form an international team," Kindle said. "We said, 'Let's get some uniforms and funding and go play.' We were sitting in the boozer over a couple of pints. Over a couple of pints, it sounded good."

The story of the recent birth of baseball in Ireland, its growth and its baby steps in international competition is told in "The Emerald Diamond," a film by John J. Fitzgerald. The film will be shown in 20 cities and towns throughout the United States, starting Feb. 25 at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, N.Y.

Baseball and softball failed to gain reinstatement to the Olympics. If nothing changes, 2008 will be the last summer games with these ball and bat sports.

At least the winter games still have curling!

Alex Gonzalez came through once again, getting a late hit against the Dominican Republic to tie then game in the ninth, then scoring the winning run. Their second comeback win against the D.R. left the Lions with an undefeated record and the Caribbean Series championship. Congratulations to Venezuela!

It's going to be an exciting last day for the Caribbean World Series as Venezuela and the Dominican Repulic both won today. They'll face each other tomorrow in the final scheduled game of the tournament. A win by Venezuela gives the host country the title. A Dominican win forces a one-game playoff on Wednesday.

By the way, has anyone seen the tie-breaker rules for the first rounds of the World Baseball Classic? What happens if at the end of a round, three teams are tied 2-1?

Here's the word on checking for banned substances at the World Baseball Classic:

Two players from each team will be tested for banned drugs after each game of the World Baseball Classic.

The International Baseball Federation also said Monday it will have 80 players tested at random before the tournament, to be played from March 3-20.

There was speculation earlier that everyone would be tested, so if a player was in the tournament, he was clean. It looks like that won't be the case.

Another late inning victory for Venezuela as Alex Cabrera drives in the game winner in the 10th for a 4-3 score over Mexico. Venezuela remains undefeated with two games left in the tournament. The Dominican Republic, which also won yesterday, is the only team that can catch the South American country now.

The two countries will face off again with all-star teams in the first round of the World Baseball Classic. That part of the tournament will take place in Orlando.

Alex Gonzalez, newly acquired by the Boston Red Sox, hit a three run homer to give Venezuela the edge over the Dominican Republic on the third day of the Caribbean Series. Both teams were undefeated, and the D.R. connected for five home runs in the game, but went down 11-9 after the Gonzalez blast. With the series at the halfway mark, it's Venezuela 3-0, D.R. 2-1, Puerto Rico 1-2 and Mexcio 0-3.

The second game of the Caribbean Series was not as close as the first, but provided its own excitement. Venezuela ran away from Mexico 17-1, but Ramon Hernandez, the new Orioles catcher hit for the cycle.

Update: Here's the Spanish version from ESPN Deportes.

The Caribbean Series got underway this afternoon with an eleven inning, 5-4 victory by the Dominican Republic over Puerto Rico.

Update: I'm watching the Venezuela-Mexico game, and the players have corporate names on their backs where player names would normally appear in the majors. At first, I thought all the Mexican players were named Corona!

ESPN is broadcasting the World Baseball Classic. That's good news. The worldwide leader in sports is great at covering multi-game tournaments like this.

Three True Outcomes wonders why Danny Haren is on the roster of the Netherlands.

I'd qualify for the Italian roster, since my dad was born in Italy. I also might qualify for the Dutch roster, since my grandpa Boerum's family settled in New Amsterdam in 1649 (the original van Boerums are buried in Brooklyn in a church on Boerum Place). Haren, however, appears to have no Dutch ancestry at all.

Via the Boston Globe, here are the rules on use and rosters for the World Baseball Classic. Here's the pitch counts:

Pitchers in the first round of games, scheduled from March 3-10, will be limited to 65 pitches. The amount rises to 80 pitches for the second round, set for March 12-16, and 95 for the semifinals on March 18 and the championship March 20.

A 30-pitch outing must be followed by one day off, and a 50-pitch outing must be followed by four days off. No one will be allowed to pitch on three consecutive days.

Pitchers who reach the limit will be allowed to complete the current plate appearance. The usual rule that a starting pitcher must throw at least five innings to get credit for a win will be waived.

Are pitchers usually throwing 95 pitches in the middle of March? That seems like a high limit. I doubt major league hurlers will come near that.

The World Baseball Classic lost one of the biggest stars on the program as Barry Bonds announces he won't play.

"After the announcement I received a lot of criticism as well as concern from fans and my family and friends. The obvious objections were about my health and whether or not I would be ready to play. In the end, I decided that I can't take any chances that might jeopardize my season.

"I don't want to give the impression that the WBC is not important. I know this means a lot to showcasing our sport worldwide, and the patriotism of playing for Team USA would have been a great honor. I feel what is best for me, my family, the Giants, and our fans is that I sit the WBC out."

I'm not surprised by this. In fact, I was surprised he was on the roster in the first place. Of course, there will be speculation that Barry didn't want to face the drug testing. Or that Buck Martinez wanted him to bat second. :-)

Dan Le Batard's Cuban roots help him pen a very emotional article:

This is an emotional argument, not a rational one. I usually don't want government interfering in the great escape of sports. I usually think games ought to be a unifying symbol, transcending politics. That's my head talking, unfeeling as a calculator.

But then I start thinking about all that my grandparents and parents lost, and how I get to be spoiled and free and Americanized because of their suffering. And what rushes back upon on me -- the sadness, the love, the gratitude -- are not feelings produced by the head.

Fidel Castro is our Hitler, our Saddam, our bin Laden. Before quibbling over the analogies or getting into a comparison of atrocities, please absorb that. Viscerally, immediately, how would you feel about playing games today with them? Would they just be exhibitions then?

Castro has the blood of my people on his hands. His prisons, his firing squads, his politics, his evil.

The U.S. Treasury Department issued Cuba a license to play in the World Baseball Classic today:

"Working closely with World Baseball Inc. and the State Department, we were able to reach a licensable agreement that upholds both the legal scope and the spirit of the sanctions," Treasury spokeswoman Molly Millerwise said.

So basically, once MLB figured out there were laws that needed to be followed, they got the license. Maybe reading the law in the first place could have avoided the whole mess.

I wonder now, how the Cubans will do? Puerto Rico is their only real competition in the first round, but in round two they'll likely face both Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. I'll bet they don't survive that challenge.

As it turns out, this report was a sketchy. Alex Rodriguez now says he will play for the United States in the World Baseball Classic. Can he beat out Chipper Jones for the spot at third base? At some point, will he be put on the roster of all 16 teams?

You can view all the rosters here. It looks like the Netherlands can use a third baseman (and everyone else, for that matter).

According to this report,Alex Rodriguez is on the Dominican roster for the World Baseball Classic. What's not clear from the report is if Rodriguez agreed to be put on the roster or if the Dominican team placed him there in case Alex changes his mind. Up until this point, Rodriguez has made it clear he isn't going to play in the tournament.

With the way the story changes on Alex, t some point, I expect him to show up on the Chinese team. :-)

The preliminary US Roster was named yesterday. With Barry Bonds on the list, the Arizona Republic notes the drug testing provision:

As part of their commitment to play, all 42 big leaguers agreed to submit to Olympic-style drug testing, including pre-competition screening.

The problem is, positive tests will only keep a player off the final roster:

Major leaguers wouldn't face professional penalties if caught. An agreement with the players union prevents their names from being released.

But anyone caught will be barred from competition, which assures players on the final rosters tested clean

.

So does MLB get to test the player officially if he comes back positive for the WBC? If someone test positive and MLB doesn't start scrutinizing that player, there's something wrong with the system.

Looking at the roster, even the second string team should be very good. The outfield is interesting. You can have the slow but powerful outfield (Bonds, Griffey, Berkman), but my guess is a lot of ball would be falling between the fielders. Do you start Crawford for his defense, or just let those three bomb the competition?

Roberto González Echevarría comes down against Cuba playing in the World Baseball Classic in the op-ed pages of the New York Times (hat tip, Amar).

Alex Rodriguez is not going to play in the World Baseball Classic (if there is one).

The third baseman insists the tidal wave of headlines was not only premature, but entirely false. He's saying no to Dominicans, no to the Americans and better-luck-next-time to the Players Association, which his handlers believe is responsible for prematurely leaking the story.

"When Alex said he was staying out, he meant it," is how a person close to the third baseman put it. A-Rod intends to "discuss" the matter with union officials this week, as his agent, Scott Boras, promised, but Rodriguez already has told his inner circle, as well as Yankees officials, that he's focusing on spring training instead of international play.

It looks like the stories putting Alex in the tournament were wishful thinking.

The World Baseball Classic keeps going through tough times. The IBAF will not sanction the tournament unless Cuba is allowed to play.

Now, international baseball is not my forte. Can someone tell me why, then, I should care about the IBAF? What can they do that Major League Baseball and the MLBPA can't? Or are they just another bunch of bureaucrats looking for a piece of the pie? What are the ramifications if they pull the sanction?

This tournament should be, as the Pythons often said, "a bit of fun." It's too bad everyone's getting in a hissy fit about it.

There's a report via Baseball Think Factory that Alex Rodriguez will play in the World Baseball Classic. It looks like he decided the Dominican Republic wouldn't be that offended if he played for the United States. Too bad Jeter's on the team, too, otherwise we could see Alex play short again.

Puerto Rico wants the US to allow Cuba to play in the World Baseball Classic:

Puerto Rican athletic officials said Thursday that the island should not host next year's World Baseball Classic unless the U.S. government reverses its decision to deny Cuba permission to play in the United States.

I'm sure MLB is quaking in their boots over this. It's not like they can move the site to Atlanta or Miami or Houston!

I also keep reading that keeping Cuba out of this tournament hurts the US chances of landing an Olympics in the future. I don't quite understand that. This is a private tournament. As far as I know, Cubans are not banned from competing in the Olympics in this country. If MLB were not offering prize money (operating like the Olympics) there would not be a problem. In fact, isn't that the best solution to this whole thing? Just withdraw the prize money.

Jack Curry of the New York Times looks at what went wrong with Cuba's invitation to the World Baseball Classic (WBC). It turns out Cubans had no problem competing in a soccer tournament called the Gold Cup:

Chuck Blazer, a general secretary for Concacaf, said that the organizers had paid Cuba for travel, meals, lodging and other costs during the Gold Cup. Blazer added that the Cubans were not paid for participating in the event because that would have violated the Cuban embargo.

Jim Scherr, the chief executive of the United States Olympic Committee, said the baseball officials had violated State Department rules in organizing the World Baseball Classic. Scherr said he was hopeful that Major League Baseball and the State Department would agree to a compromise that allowed the Cubans to compete.

"Obviously, it's not a positive development for U.S. international relations, either for the Olympics or in general," Scherr said. "It's just not a good thing for the U.S. in international sports."

Scherr said baseball officials had not consulted the U.S.O.C. about how the tournament was arranged and how to deal with Cuba. Scherr said it was "much too early" to determine if blocking Cuba in baseball would influence a future Olympic bid.

Alex Rodriguez is not playing in the World Baseball Classic:

"After thoughtful deliberations with my family, I am announcing my decision to withdraw from the World Baseball Classic," Rodriguez told The New York Post for Friday's editions. "When faced with the decision to choose between my country, the United States of America and my Dominican heritage, I decided I will not dishonor either."

I'm not sure I understand his reasoning. How many US citizens would really feel dishonored if Alex played for the Dominican Republic? If you're going to hold these tournaments, and allow a player to make a choice based on heritage, there shouldn't be recriminations. Is Alex getting pressure from both sides? And if so, why not just make a decision and live with it?

The US Treasury Department won't let Cuba compete in the World Baseball Classic:

The decision by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control was conveyed to Major League Baseball on Wednesday, according to Pat Courtney, a spokesman for the commissioner's office.

A permit from OFAC is necessary because of U.S. laws governing commercial transactions with the communist island nation.

Paul Archey, the senior vice president of Major League Baseball International, and Gene Orza, the chief operating officer of the Major League Baseball Players Association, issued a joint statement saying the organizers would try to reverse the decision. The commissioner's office and the union have jointly organized the 16-team tournament, which runs from March 3-20 in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Japan.

There's a suggestion that a team of free Cubans, culled from the US majors and minors represent the country. I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, I don't like giving repressive governments a world showcase (and that includes China). On the other hand, it's a great chance for Cuban players to defect the the US, or just see how nice it would be to play here. There will be appeals, of course, so this may not be the final word.

There seems to be some disagreement over Ken Griffey's status for the World Baseball Classic.

Gene Orza, an executive with the players union, made special mention of the fact that Cincinnati's Ken Griffey Jr. will be playing for the U.S. team.

It was a surprise to Griffey when he answered his cell phone Monday during his celebrity charity golf tournament that raised $180,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

"I don't know anything about it," he said. "I don't know where or when they practice, Florida or Arizona. I don't have any of the details. I have not committed."

Later, his Cincinnati-based agent, Brian Goldberg, said he talked to the players union at the end of last week and was waiting to hear back with more details.

I've met Gene Orza and he's very good with facts. I'm surprised he'd get this wrong.

It appears that the upcoming Baseball World Cup will allow great flexibility in determining which country a player can represent:

Mike Piazza would be eligible to catch for Italy in the inaugural World Baseball Classic next year under eligibility rules being discussed by the commissioner's office and the players' association.

The sport is considering adopting rules that allow the most latitude, a high-ranking baseball official said Monday after arriving at the annual meeting of big league general managers.

At this point, the US is probably better off with Piazza catching another team.

Brad Ausmus lines a single into right to lead off the third inning for the Astros.

Update: Rodriguez is still throwing in the bullpen for the Astros. Fox just showed video of Clemens limping down the stairs at the end of the previous inning.

Everett taps back to Contreras for a force out.

Update: Biggio singles on a soft fly to short center to put men on first and second for the Astros.

Update: Taveras tries to bunt his way on, and Contreras makes a good play to throw him out a first.

The Sox pitch to Berkman, and he hits the first down the right field line for a double and a tie game. This seems to be a game of "Anything you can do I can do better," so far.

Update: Ensberg grounds out to short to end the inning. It's 3-3 in the middle of the third. Both teams have four hits, a double and a homer.

Robert Scharnberger sends this article from Baseball America full of leaked details about a World Cup style tournament next spring involving major league players from all over the world.

The tournament will split teammates along national boundaries; so Matt Morris might end up pitching against Albert Pujols. Injuries are a concern:

Team rosters, currently set at 27 players, will be chosen according to Olympic eligibility guidelines by tournament organizers. According to one union official, major league clubs will not be able to block any of their players from participating. Several teams, most vocally the Yankees, have expressed concerns both privately and publicly about their high-priced stars possibly getting injured before the season starts. The Yankees also have been reluctant to release their minor leaguers for USA Baseball’s teams in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2003.

“What is (George) Steinbrenner going to say if he loses a $20 million player?” current Yankee slugger Gary Sheffield told the New York Times last year. “How is that going to sit with him?”

One union official said that insurance to cover player contracts in the event of injuries during the tournament had been addressed to MLB’s satisfaction.

Injuries can be pretty random. Yes, some players will be injured during the tournament. But some players would have been injured during spring training as well. What concerns me more is that players are missing out on team drills. I guess we'll find out just how important six weeks of spring training really is.