Baseball World Cup '06

[The Miz]

In March of next year there will be a Baseball World Cup, what team would you like to see the US put on the field?

Here's my roster

Rotation
Clemens
Beckett
Halladay
Buehrle
Willis

Pen
Farnsworth
Shields
Isringhausen
Politte
Street
Rhodes
Ryan

Lineup
1. Damon CF
2. Jeter SS
3. Sheffield RF
4. Bonds DH
5. ARod 3B
6. D Lee 1B
7. Varitek C
8. Brian Roberts 2B
9. Crawford LF

Bench
Edmonds
Loretta
Mauer
Sweeney

I dunno, hard to do with only 25 spots. :o I might try Venezuela and the DR later.

Anybody else?

[Team Sheep]

Who's gunna be in it? USA and...erm...South Korea? I guess we'll start and end it with the finals.

[BCWWF]

Are you kidding Haz?

[BCWWF]

As for your roster...

I wouldn't count on Roger Clemens coming back next year, but maybe he will just to take part in this.

I tried to make my own lineup but it would take me like an hour because there are so many good guys to choose from. One absense I noticed though was Albert Pujols, I thought he was American. I know he grew up in like Kansas City or something, but is he a citizen of somewhere else?

For the most part I think the rest of your lineup is pretty solid. Maybe Jeff Kent instead of Brian Roberts, but I guess we'll see which one implodes by years end.

Finally, even though he's struggled a bit lately, I don't think they would leave Joe Nathan off the bullpen :p Seriously though

[The Miz]

Nah Pujols is Dominican. And this is just a dream lineup, I couldn't see half these guys actually agreeing to play. I thought about putting Kent on there but I had enough old guys and Roberts has been the best hitter in the AL so far this year.

[The Miz]

Who's gunna be in it?
USA
Cuba
Japan
S Korea
Canada
Puerto Rico
Venezuela
Domincan Republic
Mexico
Holland (lol wtf)
Australia
Italy

+ 4 more teams. Colombia, Curacao, Panama, and Virgin Island would be my guesses.

[Loose Cannon]

I thought Halladay was Canadian.

Hudson/Mulder I would throw instead of Beckett

[samichna]

Nope, Halladay is from Denver or some shit.

[Danny Electric]

Britain should be in this but we'd play Rounders rules.

[BCWWF]

I love the whole idea of it, but I just don't know if it will pick up very well just because they have to have it in spring training, while players aren't at the top of their games, and the MLB season is so long its hard to watch any other baseball (olympics or college or whatnot).

Anyway, there are going to be some sweet teams. Quite a few Twins will be representing. Morneau (Canada), Balfour (Austrailia), Santana (Venezuela), Jacque Jones (Africa) I'd have to imagine that Rincon and Rivas both have a legit chance of making rosters too. I know we've got at least two more minor leaguers who played in the Olympics for random countries. Should be pretty cool.

[Team Sheep]

lol I was only joking. I just didn't know any other countries who played much baseball. Shows what I know really.

[BCWWF]

I would think the US is probably one of maybe two or three favorites to win it all, but by no means the same situation as in basketball, where a full US team would blow away any other country.

[The Miz]

Jacque Jones (Africa)
LOL

[Zen v.W.o.]

So what's Canada got?

Eric Gagne
Morneau
Walker
Koch
Stairs
Koskie? Is he a canuck?
Cormier
Bergeron

I cant recall any more right now. Someone fill this roster out and make us look like legit contenders.

[BCWWF]

Yeah Koskie is a Canuck. Who's the guy on the Rockies who wasn't allowed to go to the Olympics and Moonax made a big fuss about?

[MVP]

Rotation
Johnson
Willis
Halladay
Peavy
Myers

Pen
Foulke
Percival
Shields
Isringhausen
Looper
Street


Lineup
Damon CF
Jeter SS
A-Rod 3B
Bonds DH
D. Lee 1B
C. Lee LF
Roberts 2B
Sheffield RF
Varitek C

Bench
Glaus
Sexson
Dunn
Floyd
Edmonds

[PureHatred]

It would make me sick to my stomach if Barry Bonds ends up representing the US in any way whatsoever.

[Loose Cannon]

LOL Africa

[Oxstar]

Im gonna start a Great Britain baseball team, who wants to join? actually nah just a English baseball team.

[The Miz]

It would make me sick to my stomach if Barry Bonds ends up representing the US in any way whatsoever.
Asshole or not, he's the best hitter in the world when healthy.

[Team Sheep]

Baseball=Glorified rounders :o

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The Dominican lineup is gonna be pretty nuts if Vlad, Tejada, and Pujols all play.

Also I thought I heard somewhere that the rosters will have 27 players on them. I dunno I could just be making that up.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Let's try the Dominican Republic dream lineup:

Lineup:
1. Alfonso Soriano 2B
2. Miguel Tejada SS
3. Albert Pujols 1B
4. Vlad Guerrero RF
5. Manny Ramirez LF
6. Aramis Ramirez 3B
7. David Ortiz DH
8. Can't think of catcher
9. Wily Mo Pena CF

Bench
Sammy Sosa OF
Rafeal Furcal MIF
Adrian Beltre 3B
Raul Mondesi OF

Rotation
Bartolo Colon
Pedro Martinez
Odalis Perez
Ramon Ortiz
Pedro Astacio

Bullpen
Octavio Dotel
Francisco Cordero
Yhency Brazoban
Damaso Marte
Jose Mesa
Julian Tavarez
Felix Rodriguez

I dunno I'm prolly leaving some huge people off

[FakeLaser]

Dotel won't be able to pitch, he's out for 1 to 2 years.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

use your imagination

[YOUR Hero]

Yeah Koskie is a Canuck. Who's the guy on the Rockies who wasn't allowed to go to the Olympics and Moonax made a big fuss about?
Steve Francis

[The Miz]

DR is stacked, weak rotation though

[The Miz]

Here's the bracket:

Pool A
China
Japan
Korea
Taiwan

Pool B
USA
Canda
Mexico
South Africa

Pool C
Cuba
Puerto Rico
Panama
The Netherlands

Pool D
Dominican Republic
Venezuela
Australia
Italy

The rosters haven't been released but I like US, Japan, DR, and Cuba in the final four.

[BCWWF]

I would say Group D looks the most competitive right now

[Loose Cannon]

Africa :lol:

still funny.

Who's from Italy in the MLB?

[The Miz]

No one. One time I had a dream Marco Scutaro joined up with Mario and Luigi and beat up Michael Young.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The only guy that gets mentioned for Italy on the official site is Jason Simontacchi</font>

[Joey Slugs]

So what's Canada got?

Eric Gagne
Morneau
Walker
Koch
Stairs
Koskie? Is he a canuck?
Cormier
Bergeron

I cant recall any more right now. Someone fill this roster out and make us look like legit contenders.

2004 NL ROTY, Jason Bay

[Joey Slugs]

From what I understand, it's not just MLB players filling out the international rosters. For the South African and Italian teams you might just see the teams they would field for the Olymipcs.

[The Miz]

There are no South African players in MLB so I would hope so

[CNM]

Steve Francis

Jeff Francis

[Joey Slugs]

There are no South African players in MLB so I would hope so

None? For some reason that suprises me.

[The Mackem]

USA
Cuba
Japan
S Korea
Canada
Puerto Rico
Venezuela
Domincan Republic
Mexico
Holland (lol wtf)
Australia
Italy

+ 4 more teams. Colombia, Curacao, Panama, and Virgin Island would be my guesses.
Curacao and Virgin Islands should band together.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I can't wait to see Venezuela and the Dominican play. That should be classic.

[Zen v.W.o.]

I heard this morning on the radio Kevin Wheeler mentioning how the latin teams would dominate. And how the US, if they show the same kind of enthusiasm as last night at the homerun derby, which is to say none at all, they'd get trounced by players and teams that love to play the game. They can back it up with talent too.

But I find it funny how they are doing all of this, after the Olympic commitee decided to boot baseball and softball from official competition. Kind of a desperate ploy to say yeah, baseball is worthy enougyh to be in the games.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

But I find it funny how they are doing all of this, after the Olympic commitee decided to boot baseball and softball from official competition. Kind of a desperate ploy to say yeah, baseball is worthy enougyh to be in the games.


Well considering this was in the plans long before the IOC dropped the sport and also that baseball is still going to be played in the 2008 games I don't think that's a very accurate statement.

[Zen v.W.o.]

Well I dont know..you can even see it in the way they ran the derby..making it some nationalistic rubbish. Personally, there were a few players from the dominican I would have liked to have seen participate in it. Instead you are now limited due to this new rule.

[The Miz]

So what's Canada got?

Eric Gagne
Morneau
Walker
Koch
Stairs
Koskie? Is he a canuck?
Cormier
Bergeron

I cant recall any more right now. Someone fill this roster out and make us look like legit contenders.
1. Jason Bay, CF
2. Pete Orr, 2B
3. Justin Morneau, 1B
4. Larry Walker, RF
5. Corey Koskie, 3B
6. Matt Stairs, LF
7. Cody McKay, C
8. Simon Pond, DH
9. Dan Klassen, SS

1. Rich Harden
2. Erik Bedard
3. Jeff Francis
4. Shawn Hill

Rheal Cormier
Paul Quantrill
Ryan Dempster
Aaron Myette
Jesse Crain
Eric Gagne - closer

[weather vane]

Dominican is gonna kill everyone.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Venezuela's lineup could look relatively competitive

Bobby Abreu CF
Richard Hidalgo LF
Magglio Ordonez RF
Miguel Cabrera DH
Melvin Mora 3B
Carlos Guillen SS
Victor Martinez C
Andres Galarraga 1B (:o)
Miguel Cairo 2B

Ramon Hernandez C
Omar Vizquel IF
Caesar Izturis IF
Roger Cedeno OF

Johan Santana
Carlos Zambrano
Freddy Garcia
Kelvim Escobar
Carlos Silva

Francisco Rodriguez
Jorge Julio
Ugueth Urbina
Giovanni Carrara
Juan Rincon
Rafael Betancourt

Not a very deep team but a lot of star potential up front. I see them finishing 4th or 5th.

[The Miz]

A-Rod says he's gonna play for the DR. LOOK OUT

[The Miz]

My Venezuelan lineup

1. Cesar Izturis 2B
2. Miguel Cabrera LF
3. Bobby Abreu CF
4. Melvin Mora 3B
5. Magglio Ordonez RF
6. Richard Hidalgo DH
7. Ramon Hernandez C
8. Henry Blanco 1B
9. Carlos Guillen SS

Victor Martinez C
Miguel Cairo 2B
Jose Castillo 2B
Edgardo Alfonzo 3B
Alex Gonzalez SS
Endy Chavez OF

1. Johan Santana L
2. Kelvim Escobar R
3. Freddy Garcia R
4. Carlos Zambrano R
5. Gustavo Chacin L

Rafael Betancourt
Jorge Julio
Juan Rincon
Ugueth Urbina
Wilfredo Ledezma
Giovanni Carrara
Francisco Rodriguez - closer

I really like their starting 5 but their lineup is a little weak

[The Miz]

I'm bored

Dominican Republic
1. Miguel Tejada SS
2. Alex Rodriguez 3B
3. Vladimir Guerrero RF
4. David Ortiz DH
5. Albert Pujols 1B
6. Manny Ramirez LF
7. Jose Guillen CF
8. Miguel Olivo C
9. Alfonso Soriano 2B

Alberto Castillo C
Julio Franco 1B
Luis Castillo 2B
Aramis Ramirez 3B
Rafael Furcal SS
Juan Encarnacion OF
Wily Mo Pena OF

1. Pedro Martinez R
2. Bartolo Colon R
3. Odalis Perez L
4. Victor de los Santos R
5. Ramon Oritz R

Yhency Brazoban
Damaso Marte
Salomon Torres
Felix Rodriguez
Julian Tavarez
Miguel Batista - closer

I still think their pitching is thin but I honestly do not think it will matter because that lineup is the most insane thing of all time.

[RoXer]

Doctor lookout

[Londoner]

Look people, there's a reason why Baseball was removed from the olympics in 2012.It sucks and hardly anybody plays it, why else do you think funny teams like Africa and Holland have to be entered?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Look people, there's a reason why Baseball was removed from the olympics in 2012.It sucks and hardly anybody plays it, why else do you think funny teams like Africa and Holland have to be entered?
Because they have teams to compete with? So like I said in the other thread, why aren't cricket and rugby Olympic sports? HMMMMMMMMMM

[Londoner]

Because they have teams to compete with? So like I said in the other thread, why aren't cricket and rugby Olympic sports? HMMMMMMMMMM

Because there is too much cricket being played anyway, and same goes for Rugby. Those sports i'm not a big fan of though(well, maybe cricket, but they're messing around with it too much).

Oh and just so you know Lord's cricket ground is hosting Archery.(i think that's the name of the sport-i don't know because i don't follow it)So atleast they're involving cricket in some way!

[Supreme Olajuwon]

So there is too much cricket and rugby being played, yet the IOC decided there wasn't enough soccer being played? That makes a lot of sense.

[Londoner]

Yes it does make sense, the difference is it's under 23's football. And cricket/rugby arent as big as football. If you look at cricket, there are only 9 countries competing at the highest level, and two of them are only good enough for club level, so it would be pointless putting cricket in because it doesn't have the resources football has, do you americans(i assume your american?) realise how popular english football is around the world?Sometimes i don't think you do.

Rugby 7's could be in the olympics in the near future though.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

What the fuck are you talking about my man? You just said, "there is too much cricket being played anyway," and then you come back with "it would be pointless putting cricket in because it doesn't have the resources football has." Pick a side and go with it. And yes I understand that soccer is the most popular sport in the world. That might be why I used it as an example of a sport that is played too much as you put it yet is still in the Olympics.

And let's not even start discussing how you opened your argument with the reason baseball was removed because "hardly anybody plays it" and then followed up with the next post with the reason rugby and cricket aren't in the Olympics was "because there is too much cricket being played anyway, and same goes for Rugby."

I understand you hate America for whatever reason and hey that's fine with me, but come on. Respect yourself.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

All of those mainstream sports should be cut from the Olympics anyway. Tennis? What the fuck?

Football especially should be cut. There are too many competitions.

[RoXer]

What the fuck are you talking about my man? You just said, "there is too much cricket being played anyway," and then you come back with "it would be pointless putting cricket in because it doesn't have the resources football has." Pick a side and go with it. And yes I understand that soccer is the most popular sport in the world. That might be why I used it as an example of a sport that is played too much as you put it yet is still in the Olympics.

And let's not even start discussing how you opened your argument with the reason baseball was removed because "hardly anybody plays it" and then followed up with the next post with the reason rugby and cricket aren't in the Olympics was "because there is too much cricket being played anyway, and same goes for Rugby."

I understand you hate America for whatever reason and hey that's fine with me, but come on. Respect yourself.



I :heart: u

[Lotus]

All of those mainstream sports should be cut from the Olympics anyway. Tennis? What the fuck?


Yeah boy, the Olympics should be straight underground, son.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

I don't know if you are joking or not. It's not funny, but that doesn't rule out the possibility you were trying to make a joke.

[RoXer]

I chuckled :-/

[El Capitano Gatisto]

You are a cunt.

[RoXer]

:-/

[PureHatred]

Why is ARod playing for the DR? He is the most Americanized, non-Spanish speaking Dominican on the planet. Yeah, his parents are from there, but ARod himself grew up as the typical Upper Middle Class American Teenager. He's about as Dominican as Barry Zito.

My guess is that AJOB didn't have the guts to play for a US team that would be the underdogs. He decided that joining an already stacked DR team was the only way he'd win anything...ever.

Once again...Alex Rodriguez: Little Bitch

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

He has dual citizenship I guess. I like how Hakim was on Team USA for Basketball now A-Rod is on the DR team haha

[Londoner]

What the fuck are you talking about my man? You just said, "there is too much cricket being played anyway," and then you come back with "it would be pointless putting cricket in because it doesn't have the resources football has." Pick a side and go with it. And yes I understand that soccer is the most popular sport in the world. That might be why I used it as an example of a sport that is played too much as you put it yet is still in the Olympics.

Er i am explaining the reasons why cricket and rugby arent in the olympics, then you go and rant a bunch of bullshit at me because you can't think of anything else to say. It's impossible to argue with people like you because whenever your proved wrong, or whenevr someone gives their opinion to you and you can't take it, you come back with some smartass comment.

The two things ive said are fucking connected. What i said was 1) There is too much cricket/rugby and football being played. That's true. But 2) Football has the resources to cope with that, where as rugby and cricket don't have the resources to cope because they're not as popular.Same goes for baseball. When i said baseball sucks that was basically my opinion on the sport, just like you hate cricket or rugby or whatever.But yeah lets see what smartass comment you come up with next in order to get people on your side again.

[Londoner]

And by football i mean english football obviously, just to avoid any confusion.

[BCWWF]

I agree with ECG though, its not a bad idea. The summer olympics is based around track and field, gymnastics, rowing, sports like that. They have the best athletes and this is the biggest stage that they compete in.

As international soccer/football goes, the Olympics is one of the lowest international stages. Hell, Iraq was in the semi-finals weren't they? I don't think its a bad idea to take baseball out of the Olympics and give it its own tournament, like rugby and soccer. As of right now, I like basketball and hockey in the Olympics, because it is still the highest stage of the game.

World Series > College World Series > Olympic Baseball

World Cup > CONCACAF Gold Cup > MLS Cup > Olympic Soccer

I don't mind it one bit for baseball.

[Zen v.W.o.]

How is the NHL then not greater than the olympics? Stanley Cup, the ultimate prize, or olympic gold?

The thing with Hockey though is this: You take Hockey out of the winter olympics, and you basically pillage those games. Hockey is your main attraction. And no it isnt fucking skiing or some other BS.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Er i am explaining the reasons why cricket and rugby arent in the olympics, then you go and rant a bunch of bullshit at me because you can't think of anything else to say. It's impossible to argue with people like you because whenever your proved wrong, or whenevr someone gives their opinion to you and you can't take it, you come back with some smartass comment.

The two things ive said are fucking connected. What i said was 1) There is too much cricket/rugby and football being played. That's true. But 2) Football has the resources to cope with that, where as rugby and cricket don't have the resources to cope because they're not as popular.Same goes for baseball. When i said baseball sucks that was basically my opinion on the sport, just like you hate cricket or rugby or whatever.But yeah lets see what smartass comment you come up with next in order to get people on your side again.


If rugby doesn't have the resources, then how do they organize a World Cup for both 7's and 15's? Baseball clearly has the resources and has since it became an Olympic sport.

By the way I've been playing rugby for the better part of three years now so don't be so quick to assume things, sir.

[Londoner]

If rugby doesn't have the resources, then how do they organize a World Cup for both 7's and 15's? Baseball clearly has the resources and has since it became an Olympic sport.

By the way I've been playing rugby for the better part of three years now so don't be so quick to assume things, sir.

I'm not an expert on Rugby's situation, but the Rugby world cup isn't really that strong, the only teams who had any chance of winning were England(which we did) Austrailia(who came second)South Africa and New Zealand.I don't know much about the 7's either but that looks to be growing in popularity, so as i said before it could be in in the near future, but it is only a new sport.

Baseball has only been in because it's an american sport and americans wanted another gold medal next to their countries name.

[Londoner]

Also i listed the sports as 'cricket or ruby or whatever' notice the word 'or'?That means i'm not saying you hate every single one i list, just giving examples.

[Londoner]

I agree with ECG though, its not a bad idea. The summer olympics is based around track and field, gymnastics, rowing, sports like that. They have the best athletes and this is the biggest stage that they compete in.

As international soccer/football goes, the Olympics is one of the lowest international stages. Hell, Iraq was in the semi-finals weren't they? I don't think its a bad idea to take baseball out of the Olympics and give it its own tournament, like rugby and soccer. As of right now, I like basketball and hockey in the Olympics, because it is still the highest stage of the game.

World Series > College World Series > Olympic Baseball

World Cup > CONCACAF Gold Cup > MLS Cup > Olympic Soccer

I don't mind it one bit for baseball.

I would actually say the olympics is higher than that for other countries involved with baseball though, take the British team for example, they were crushed when they found out 2 days after the announcement of the Olympics that Baseball was being removed, i find that kinda funny because i didn't even know we had a team.

[BCWWF]

Umm...yeah, the Stanley Cup playoffs isn't an international competition. The Olympics are. Thats how they differ.

[RoXer]

Is Canada no longer a country BCWWF? HMMMMM?

:roll:

[BCWWF]

It's the country where Scot lives

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Baseball has only been in because it's an american sport and americans wanted another gold medal next to their countries name.
See, that's exactly what I'm talking about. I'm all for America bashing but don't make statements that you have no idea what the facts are. Do you know what place the US finished in the Athens games in baseball? Me neither because they didn't even QUALIFY.

Although I guess the US could have used another medal so they would win the medal count by 41 instead of just a measly 40.

[Joey Slugs]

Baseball has only been in because it's an american sport and americans wanted another gold medal next to their countries name.

research before you comment. The US Men's baseball team as never been the most successful team during Olympic play.

[Joey Slugs]

Look people, there's a reason why Baseball was removed from the olympics in 2012.It sucks and hardly anybody plays it, why else do you think funny teams like Africa and Holland have to be entered?

Baseball was removed from the Olympics (may be back for the following summer games) due to the lack of involvement from the MLB and it's minor leagues. With the basketball and hockey "dream teams" playing, the IOC hoped that it would be able to lure the MLB for 3 weeks mid-season to play in the games. The interest ran out and baseball, along with softball, was dropped from medal games.

This worked out just fine for the MLB, since they have been after a "world cup" type tournament for the last 15 years. Teams like Italy, South Africa, Australia, and the Netherlands were all playing in the summer games so it made the most sense to invite them to field teams for the World Baseball Classic.

[The Miz]

Bump.

Pencil this in for your U.S.A. rosters:

4. Barry Bonds LF :cool:

[Joey Slugs]

I can't wait until we get to see and debate the full rosters for all teams. Could be as soon as the end of this year.

Looks like Cuba will be in as well, meaning that all the teams that were invited have excepted.

[John la Rock]

I'm bored

Dominican Republic


2. Alex Rodriguez 3B



isn't A-Rod American from Miami?

[CNM]

Actually, I think he was born in New York but grew up in the Dominican.

[VonErich Lives]

So, will it be where they are born or where they have spent most their lives? and who decides?

may have already been mentioned in the thread but Castro wants a Cuban team.

Just think, if the Mets had just let him play (was is SS or 2B?) things might be a lot different today!

[The Miz]

I have no idea how it works because Piazza announced today he is playing for Team Italy.

[Joey Slugs]

WBC rules unveiled at Winter Meetings (http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/wbc/article.jsp?content=120505_e)

[VonErich Lives]

"if you eat pizza you can play for Italy!"

I'm interested to see how the pitch count works out... I know the MLB is on break, but what about the other countries? are they going to stop things mid-season?

[Joey Slugs]

WBC Roster List (http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/wbc/rosters.jsp?content=country)

[Loose Cannon]

A-Rod's definately selling out his little country to play for the US :yes:

[VonErich Lives]

A-Rod's definately selling out his little country to play for the US :yes:

hasn't he been here most his life?

I know he played highschool ball in the US because Bronson Arroyo played against him.

[VonErich Lives]

local radio guy was making a case for "team Isreal"... I don't think any of the Jewish players in MLB are actually born in Isreal, so I don't think that would work.

I'll LMFAO if Team Australlia gets a bunch of cricket players and kicks everyones butt.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The US team is gonna be ridiculous</font> :cool:

[OssMan]

Netherlands
Player Country MLB Organization Last MLB Club
Jones, Andruw Netherlands ATL

[VonErich Lives]

Wonder how long it takes for the uniforms to hit stores.

[Downunder]

Last baseball World Cup I remember the Aussies playing in the MBL were not able to play for The Dingos (lol) because the Major League clubs they played for wouldn't release them. It was the same club over country crap that's been going on in Football for donkeys years.

So if the real World Series is on while you lot are playing your own world series don't expect to see the best players representing your country - but I don't suppose it matters as long as A-Rod hits Barry Bonds out of the park for a touch down at Fenway

[MVP]

I wonder how good Japan and Korea are gonna be.

[The Miz]

Most scouts compare NPB (Japan leagues) to AAA in America. Maybe their team will be like an AAA all star team + Ichiro and Matsui.

[The Miz]

http://MLB.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pMLB2-2397969reg.jpg
http://MLB.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pMLB2-2397847reg.jpg
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http://MLB.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pMLB2-2397997reg.jpg
http://MLB.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pMLB2-2397886reg.jpg
http://MLB.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pMLB2-2397814reg.jpg
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http://MLB.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pMLB2-2397775reg.jpg
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http://MLB.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pMLB2-2397984reg.jpg

I think most of them look really good, except for the Australia Athletics, Italy Rangers, and the Netherland Giants.

China's is the best. Canada's sucks ass though, screams "minor league baseball".

[The Miz]

Mexicos is accurate because it looks like a McDonalds hat :shifty:

[RoXer]

AUSTRALIA F'N A'S!!!!

[toxic rooster]

Australia's the olympic silver medallist you mong VEL

[Joey Slugs]

I gotta get me that Team Italy hat. Show my support for Mike Piazza.

[Loose Cannon]

lol National League

[VonErich Lives]

Australia's the olympic silver medallist you mong VEL

mong?

and you're forgetting that none of the MLB players played in the olympics.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

so what, did the marketing people run out of ideas when they got to South Africa and the Dominican Republic?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The Chinese Taipei hats are pretty snazzy if I do say so myself.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Most of those hats look pretty sweet, even if they are blatantly obvious MLB ripoffs</font>

[RP]

LET THEM PLAY! LET THEM PLAY!

[The Icon of Elisim]

US government won't allow Cuba to play, MLB is trying to get it overturned.

[loopydate]

That's ridiculous. I know Major League Baseball is really involved in this process and that they're subject to U.S. law, but leaving Cuba out is just ridiculous. I thought the Cold War ended a decade and a half ago.

If we're leaving Cuba out because of embargoes against their Communist government...why are we allowing China to play?

[VonErich Lives]

That's ridiculous. I know Major League Baseball is really involved in this process and that they're subject to U.S. law, but leaving Cuba out is just ridiculous. I thought the Cold War ended a decade and a half ago.

If we're leaving Cuba out because of embargoes against their Communist government...why are we allowing China to play?

I don't think we have an embargo against China... I could be wrong here.

What exactly is the issue? is it because MLB is an american corp and some sales/profits would go to cuba?

Cause, how does the olympics work when they're in the US? Doesn't Cuba compete?

[BCWWF]

I agree, I thought the whole point of these international tournaments was to put everything else aside. Like in the Olympics how all the world leaders sign a symbolic couple week peace treaty.

Also, Mike Piazza is the man if he plays for Italy

[The Miz]

Why? He's not Italian. Piazza knows he's not one of the best 30 American players so he's representing a country that he shouldn't.

[toxic rooster]

mong?

and you're forgetting that none of the MLB players played in the olympics.

Probably because the US didn't get there :o. I heard they were allowed to last time round though, am I mistaken?

[Evil Vito]

Why? He's not Italian. Piazza knows he's not one of the best 30 American players so he's representing a country that he shouldn't.

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah he should...they are using Olympic rules in that if you can get a passport from a country (or have a parent born in that country) you can play for it

Also, A-Rod is a pussy:</font> http://www.nypost.com/sports/yankees/58869.htm

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Griffey wants to play. Bonds and Griffey in the outfield. :drool:

brb change pants

[The Miz]

I wonder if they'll use the DH rule, if so, that's where Bonds should play

[VonErich Lives]

Probably because the US didn't get there :o. I heard they were allowed to last time round though, am I mistaken?

Yes, but MLB wasn't going to pause the season, and it's not just the US team I was refering to.

[VonErich Lives]

Griffey wants to play. Bonds and Griffey in the outfield. :drool:

brb change pants

Sure, Griffy finally has his first healthy season in years and now he'll blow out his knee in this tourny.

and yeah, LMFAO at A-rod, you don't wanna play that's fine, but don't give me this "I can't decide which team to play for" crap!

[The Miz]

lol A-Rod tries so hard to get people not to hate him its pathetic

[toxic rooster]

Man, I wish I wasn't too lazy to find that picture of A-Rod from last year's ALCS with the caption A-ROD SLAPS BALLS.

But I am.

[The Outlaw]

Yeah he should...they are using Olympic rules in that if you can get a passport from a country (or have a parent born in that country) you can play for it

Also, A-Rod is a pussy: http://www.nypost.com/sports/yankees/58869.htm

AKA he's not one of the best 30 American players so he found a way to play for a different country.

[The Miz]

I don't care what the rules say. Piazza is from Pennsylvania. I doubt he speaks Italian or has ever been to Italy, why should he represent that country?

lol @ Livan Hernandez trying to play for Puerto Rico because he has a house there and they won't let Cuban refugees play

[BCWWF]

Piazza is hilarious

[Loose Cannon]

Just saw on ESPN2 that A-ROD is expected to play for the US :cool:

[toxic rooster]

I don't care what the rules say. Piazza is from Pennsylvania. I doubt he speaks Italian or has ever been to Italy, why should he represent that country?

Because his name is sorta like pizza?

[The Miz]

Buehrle joins the list sitting out. Great, by the end of this the US rotation will feature Aaron Harang and Eric DuBose. This whole thing is a waste of time if the best aren't going to play.

[YOUR Hero]

IBAF may pull plug on WBC

Without Cuba, the World Baseball Classic, that highly charged and already highly politicized 16-team tournament scheduled for its debut in March, likely won't ever get to a "Play Ball!"

The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) is threatening to pull its sanctioning of Major League Baseball's brainchild if Cuba isn't allowed to participate. In a Jan. 3 fax from IBAF president Aldo Notari of Italy to MLB, the players union and others, Notari said that the federation would order its members out of the WBC if the U.S. government doesn't change course and lift its ban on the Cubans.

"Neither the principals of Olympism nor the rules of the International Baseball Federation permit any form of discrimination of a political nature," Notari wrote, "which is why the IBAF considers your government's refusal inadmissible."

Last month, the U.S. Treasury Department, citing a longstanding embargo of Cuba, informed MLB that it could not allow Cuba into a tournament in which the communist nation would have a financial interest. MLB and the players union are petitioning the Treasury Department to reverse the decision, and there are some indications that the Cubans would be willing to forfeit any money they'd earn as a participant in the event.

"We are extremely optimistic that Cuba will be allowed to participate," Paul Archey, the senior vice president of MLB International, said, "and we'll have the best tournament we can possibly have."

If the U.S. government doesn't allow Cuba to play, the WBC almost certainly would be dead for 2006. Without sanctioning from the IBAF, other teams would be forced to drop out or face being banned by the IBAF in upcoming international events.

Whatever happens, the issue has to be resolved soon. Sixty-man rosters for the participating teams will be submitted on Jan. 17, though that deadline probably can be moved.

The inaugural WBC, to be played at seven sites in Japan, Puerto Rico and the U.S., is scheduled to begin March 3. The final round is scheduled for March 18 and 20 at Petco Park in San Diego.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=cnnsi-ibafmaypullplug&prov=cnnsi&type=lgns

[The Miz]

Good. Cuba is one of the top 3 teams easily and I won't feel comfortable with US/Dominicans celebrating a title if Cuba isn't involved.

I still think their should be a Cuban "A" team (Cuban League players) and a Cuban "B" team (Defects and Cuban-Americans) and let them play eachother. I'd love to see Rafael Palmeiro get booed in Cuba. Also, Jose Canseco could manage the B team.

[VonErich Lives]

"Anthony Nomar Garciaparra" born in Whittier, CA plans to play for team Mexico...

[BCWWF]

In a way though, I like Nomar being able to play for Mexico. If he didn't, they would have like Juan Castro as their best player. This makes it a little more interesting at least, and if a team like Mexico can do a little better and create some interest, then the tournament is doing its job.

[The Miz]

Nomar's parents are both Mexican and he speaks Spanish fluently, I still don't like it but its much less ridiculous than Piazza playing for Italy

[BCWWF]

I still lol everytime I remember about Piazza

[VonErich Lives]

Nomar's parents are both Mexican and he speaks Spanish fluently, I still don't like it but its much less ridiculous than Piazza playing for Italy

Their both ridiculous.

That being said, what was the last generation from Piazza's family that was from Italy?, and were both of Nomar's parents born there?

[BCWWF]

I think it said Nomar's parents were both born in Mexico

[The Miz]

Yeah if your parents are both Mexican and you speak the language and your whole family lives there I can see that. Nomar is American though. The only reason I even care is that Nomar, like Piazza, knows he isn't close to top 30 American players so he's using the Mexico thing to play. If this was 1999, Nomar would play for the US because he knows he would be the starting SS.

[YOUR Hero]

Shades of Brett Hull.

[loopydate]

That being said, what was the last generation from Piazza's family that was from Italy?

I think his mother is Italian, and that's why they're allowing it.

[The Miz]

I somehow doubt that David Dellucci, Mark DeRosa, Vince Gallo, Frank Catalanotto, Doug Mirabelli, Matt Mantei, Frank Menechino, and Mike DiFelice (all on the Italian team) all have a parent who is legitamately from Italy.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The US plan on announcing its initial 60-man roster tomorrow...pretty stoked to see how big of a powerhouse it is (along with last-second dropouts)</font>

[The Miz]

This is the lineup I'd go with

C Joe Mauer
1B Derrek Lee
2B Chase Utley
3B Alex Rodriguez
SS Michael Young
LF Carl Crawford
CF Vernon Wells
RF Brian Giles
DH Barry Bonds

Jason Varitek - C
Mark Teixeria - 1B
David Wright - 3B
Derek Jeter - SS
Torii Hunter - OF
Chone Figgins - PR

1. Mark Buehrle
2. Roy Halladay
3. Dontrelle Willis
4. Kevin Millwood
5. Barry Zito

Scot Linebrink
Bobby Howry
Cliff Politte
Billy Wagner
Huston Street
B.J. Ryan
Joe Nathan - closer

[loopydate]

Tried to come up with a 60-man roster, but by the time I got to 50, I was really having to reach.

C - Joe Mauer
1B - Mark Teixeira
2B - Chase Utley
3B - Alex Rodriguez
SS - Michael Young
LF - Chone Figgins
CF - Carl Crawford
RF - Gary Sheffield
DH - Derrek Lee

David Wright (3B)
Jeff Kent (2B)
Jimmy Rollins (SS)
Derek Jeter (SS)
Travis Hafner (1B)
Lance Berkman (1B/OF)
Todd Helton (1B)
Richie Sexson (1B)
Paul Konerko (1B)
Ryan Howard (1B)
Grady Sizemore (OF)
Morgan Ensberg (3B)
Adam Dunn (1B/OF)
Juan Pierre (OF)
Marcus Giles (2B)
Hank Blalock (3B)
Scott Podsednik (OF)
Jim Thome (1B)
Eric Chavez (3B)
Barry Bonds (OF)
Chipper Jones (3B/OF)
Pat Burrell (OF)
Johnny Damon (OF)
Ken Griffey Jr. (OF)
Cliff Floyd (OF)

SP - Chris Carpenter
SP - Jake Peavy
SP - Roy Oswalt
SP - Roy Halladay
SP - Mark Prior

Closer - Brad Lidge

Dontrelle Willis (SP)
Randy Johnson (SP)
Ben Sheets (SP)
Mark Buehrle (SP)
Huston Street (RP)
Billy Wagner (RP)
Joe Nathan (RP)
BJ Ryan (RP)
Josh Beckett (SP)
Andy Pettitte (SP)

[The Miz]

Except for Figgins I like your starting lineup, though I'd switch Teixeria and Lee's positions because Lee is a better 1B.

Rotation, eh, we can do better than sending 4 NL guys. Carpenter is overrated. Need a lefty too.

[Evil Vito]

Provisional 42-man roster:

Starting pitchers
Bonderman, Jeremy, RHP -- Detroit Tigers
Clemens, Roger, RHP -- Free agent (formerly Houston Astros)
Halladay, Roy, RHP -- Toronto Blue Jays
Hudson, Tim, RHP -- Atlanta Braves
Leiter, Al, LHP -- New York Yankees
Peavy, Jake, RHP -- San Diego Padres
Pettitte, Andy, LHP -- Houston Astros
Sabathia, C.C., LHP -- Cleveland Indians
Willis, Dontrelle, LHP -- Florida Marlins

Relief pitchers
Cordero, Chad, RHP -- Washington Nationals
Fuentes, Brian, LHP -- Colorado Rockies
Jones, Todd, RHP -- Detroit Tigers
Lidge, Brad, RHP -- Houston Astros
Nathan, Joe, RHP -- Minnesota Twins
Shields, Scot, RHP -- Los Angeles Angels
Street, Huston, RHP -- Oakland Athletics
Timlin, Mike, RHP -- Boston Red Sox
Wagner, Billy, LHP -- New York Mets
Wheeler, Dan, RHP -- Houston Astros

Catchers
Barrett, Michael -- Chicago Cubs
Lo Duca, Paul -- New York Mets
Mauer, Joe -- Minnesota Twins
Moeller, Chad -- Milwaukee Brewers
Schneider, Brian -- Washington Nationals
Varitek, Jason -- Boston Red Sox

Infielders
Counsell, Craig -- Arizona Diamondbacks
Ensberg, Morgan -- Houston Astros
Hall, Bill -- Milwaukee Brewers
Jeter, Derek -- New York Yankees
Jones, Chipper -- Atlanta Braves
Lee, Derrek -- Chicago Cubs
Rollins, Jimmy -- Philadelphia Phillies
Teixeira, Mark -- Texas Rangers
Utley, Chase -- Philadelphia Phillies
Wright, David -- New York Mets
Young, Michael -- Texas Rangers

Outfielders
Berkman, Lance -- Houston Astros
Bonds, Barry -- San Francisco Giants
Crawford, Carl -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Damon, Johnny -- New York Yankees
Griffey Jr., Ken -- Cincinnati Reds
Wells, Vernon -- Toronto Blue Jays

-----

<font color=goldenrod>Shit</font> :eek:

[The Miz]

I think they did a good job considering the circumstances. I don't like half the bullpen being closers though.

LOL @ Al Leiter. Come on

[RoXer]

Counsell :cool:

[The Miz]

No Mariners on this team :( Surprising to see no White Sox or Cardinals though.

I guess I'll have to root for Japan, and maybe Puerto Rico if Pineiro makes it

[CNM]

Good to see Brian Fuentes making the team. He's lights out

[toxic rooster]

Does Counsell still have that excruciating batting stance?

[CNM]

Yup. Counsell is an annoying fuck. (Mainly because he's a Rockies killer :'( )

[RoXer]

He's also an extremely solid fielder.

[BCWWF]

He's on the Brewers right?

[CNM]

He re-signed with the D'Backs last year

[toxic rooster]

Arizona, buddy

[toxic rooster]

...fuck you, Diesel Mac :mad:

[CNM]

LOL all the Broncos avatars are leading to confusion

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Do they really need 6 catchers

[toxic rooster]

Come on, it even said Arizona Diamondbacks in the post :o

[VonErich Lives]

Do they really need 6 catchers

Do they really need 9 SP's and 10 RP's.

I think their are two issues.

1) Trying not to "Snub" anyone that really wants to play (See: Al Lieter).

2) Not over working anyone... I wonder if teams are setting rules for pitch counts and such...

So, I think in the pitching/catching it's so they don't "over work" anyone before the season starts.

[VonErich Lives]

looking via espn, the final rosters are only going to be 30, so I'm guessing a lot of those guys wont be on the final roster?

Also, both the US and the Dominican have A-rod on their provisional roster

[The Miz]

U.S. allows Cuba to participate in WBC
Treasury Dept. grants license after MLB reapplication accepted
By Barry M. Bloom/MLB.com

Game on!

Major League Baseball received word on Friday that the U.S. Treasury Deptartment has granted a license so Cuba can participate in the upcoming inaugural World Baseball Classic.

MLB filed the reapplication on Dec. 22, a week after the Treasury Dept. denied the initial application on financial grounds, thus initially barring Cuba from the 16-team tournament that is now set to be played from March 3-20 in the United States, Japan and Puerto Rico.

MLB has been waiting for the past two weeks for the Treasury Dept. to act. And only two days ago, Bob DuPuy, MLB's president and chief operating officer, said he was "guardedly optimistic" that Cuba would be allowed to participate. On Friday that optimism came to fruition.

"I wish to thank the Department of State and the Department of Treasury for their assistance in securing the approvals necessary for Cuba to participate in the inaugural World Baseball Classic in March," Commissioner Bud Selig said. "The federal government thoughtfully and diligently helped us bring the application process to a successful conclusion. Now, with Cuba's entry in the tournament approved, the World Baseball Classic promises to be an historic event and will guarantee our fans the greatest possible competition among the best players in the world."
Cuba is the preeminent baseball power on the international scene and the winner of three of the four Olympic gold medals since baseball became a medal sport in 1992. They were the winners of the gold medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece, and the 2004 International Baseball Federation World Cup in the Netherlands. The Cubans have won the latter tournament 25 times since its inception in 1938. The IBAF World Cup is now played on a bi-annual basis and Cuba has won 12 of the last 13 gold medals dating back to 1976 (South Korea won in 1982).
Cuba has never competed against MLB players at the international tournament level and this is the first one that will include Major League players. The closest it came was splitting a pair of exhibition games against the Baltimore Orioles in 1999, losing in Havana and winning at Camden Yards.

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/wbc/images/dec_include_275.gif (http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/wbc/index.jsp)

[The Miz]

Ok, this is getting ridiculous. Apparently Mark Mulder, Danny Haren, and Kirk Saarloos are all Dutch. Shea Hillenbrand too. No I'm not kidding, they're all on the Netherlands roster.

[loopydate]

:lol:

But :D at Cuba being allowed to play. I'm so glad this thing is actually happening.

[VonErich Lives]

Ok, this is getting ridiculous. Apparently Mark Mulder, Danny Haren, and Kirk Saarloos are all Dutch. Shea Hillenbrand too. No I'm not kidding, they're all on the Netherlands roster.

What did you expect? for the most part the "best of the best" play in the MLB and with only 30 slots in a team, there are plenty of top talent who want to play but wont make team USA.

They said they used the olympic rules... I always though the Olympics was place of birth, but what they're saying is place of birth or citizenship...

I wonder if any of those you listed actually have citizenship status elsewhere...

At this rate, I'd expect to see the South Africa team re-named "Africa" and Bonds & Griffey will go play for them.

[toxic rooster]

I thought it was either parents or grandparents from the country

[BCWWF]

Why are you killing yourself over the Diamondbacks thing?

[toxic rooster]

I find it hilarious that you made a dick of yourself when 3 seconds of research would have prevented it

[toxic rooster]

...you were talking to me, right?

[BCWWF]

I just find it funny that you brought it up three times after it was already cleared up

[RoXer]

I find it funny that you didn't strain your eyes to look 1 centermeter away from the name to read the team "Arizona Diamondbacks". And he brought it up like once.

BUT ANYWHOOOO


Should I even bother getting tickets to these games? The first round and I think second are in Phoenix but I doubt it will be a hot item.

[The Miz]

I'd do it

[RoXer]

Well then that settles it

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod><b>Bonds pulls out of WBC</b>

After a long period of deliberation, San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds has decided not to play in the World Baseball Classic, he told MLB.com on Monday, reiterating a posting on his Web site.
"The timing is just not right," Bonds said when reached by telephone in Los Angeles. "I have too many other responsibilities, too many things I have to take care of that are important to me. I owe it to the city (of San Francisco), my knee, my team, the fans and my family. I have to put my greatest effort right now into all of that."

Bonds underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee three times this past year and played in only 14 games, all in September, as the Giants made a late and unsuccessful run at the San Diego Padres for the National League West title. He had originally said he would play for Team USA in the upcoming tournament that runs from March 3-20 and was placed on the 52-man U.S. provisional roster that was filed this past week.

But he said he had second thoughts and made his decision after returning from a trip to the Dominican Republic.

"They (Team USA) doesn't need me," he said. "They have plenty of talent. They don't need me taking up space."

Even without Bonds, the U.S. roster remains impressive. Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Roger Clemens top what should still be a formidable team.

On his Web site, barrybonds.com., Bonds further explained the decision.

"After the announcement I received a lot of criticism as well as concern from fans and my family and friends," he said. "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."

Bonds will by 42 on July 24 and Giants general manager Brian Sabean said at the end of the 2005 season that he hopes the seven-time National League Most Valuable Player will be able to play up to 120 games and be a force for San Francisco in 2006. Bonds heads into the season with 708 home runs, six behind Babe Ruth's 714 and 47 in arrears of Hank Aaron's all-time leading 755.

He said he's about to begin taking batting practice again during the weeks prior to the start of Spring Training, but he hasn't determined whether this season, his 21st, will be his last.

"I'll play this year and maybe one more," Bonds said. "I'll speak with my wife about it and my mother. I speak with mother more than anybody about these things. It's getting harder and harder. Going to the same cities, eating the same food. I'm going to be 42 years old. It's getting near the end."

On Jan. 31, 2005, Bonds had surgery on his right knee to remove torn meniscus. This after he rehabbed from surgery on Oct. 17, 2004, to clean debris from beneath his left knee cap. Bonds tried to come back at the outset of Spring Training, and underwent right knee meniscus surgery again on March 17.

For the next six weeks he showed no improvement and finally visited the clinic of Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles where he was diagnosed with a serious bacterial infection. On May 2, he had the knee flushed with antibiotics and had to wear a portable IV for another week.

The infection was ultimately purged. On June 24, Bonds left the team to rehab at the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic under the auspices of Yocum, the Angels' chief orthopedic surgeon, and physical therapist Clive Brewster.

Bonds rejoined the team at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 5 to resume batting practice and returned on Sept. 12 to hit five home runs in his first 36 at bats. He finished 2005 with a .286 batting average (12-for-42), including a double, the five homers, eight runs scored, 10 RBIs in and nine walks, three of them intentional.

About the condition of his right knee, Bonds said there are still good days and bad.

"My knee is the way my knee is and the way it's always going to be," Bonds said. "The less stress on it the better it is. That's what I'm going to start finding out now: how much stress I can put on to see what the aches and pains are going to be."
--------------------------

Can't say I'm surprised :-\

US team still looks mad ridiculous anyways</font>

[BCWWF]

I said it in the other thread too, but I read an article saying that a lot of players from the US side didn't want to do it, but that they didn't want to look bad by pulling out early. So I wouldn't be surprised if some other big names skipped out when it gets closer.

[toxic rooster]

Australia
<TABLE class=border1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width=750 border=0><TBODY><TR class=bg6><TD class="white hlXs" width=200>Player</TD><TD class="white hlXs" width=150>MLB Organization</TD><TD class="white hlXs" width=100>Last MLB Club</TD><TD class="white hlXs" width=300>Professional club</TD></TR><SCRIPT>printPlayers('country');</SCRIPT><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Anderson, Craig</TD><TD noWrap>BAL</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Auty, Tim</TD><TD noWrap>PHI</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Blackley, Adam</TD><TD noWrap>BOS</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Blackley, Travis</TD><TD noWrap>SEA</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Brassington, Phil</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Brice, Tom</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Bright, Adam</TD><TD noWrap>COL</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Burnside, Adrian</TD><TD noWrap>TOR</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Collins, Michael</TD><TD noWrap>LAA</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Cox, Tim</TD><TD noWrap>BOS</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Crawford, Tristan</TD><TD noWrap>MIN</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>D'Antonio, Trent</TD><TD noWrap>FLA</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Dale, Lachlan</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>DeSanMiguel, Allan</TD><TD noWrap>MIN</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Durrington, Trent</TD><TD noWrap>BOS</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Edlich, Kyle</TD><TD noWrap>MIN</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Fingleson, Gavin</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Gahan, Matthew</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Graham, Andrew</TD><TD noWrap>DET</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Harman, Bradley</TD><TD noWrap>PHI</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Hendricks, Donavon</TD><TD noWrap>ATL</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Hill, Josh</TD><TD noWrap>MIN</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Huber, Justin</TD><TD noWrap>KC</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Hughes, Luke</TD><TD noWrap>MIN</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Humphries, Justin</TD><TD noWrap>HOU</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Kelly, Mark</TD><TD noWrap>PHI</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Kennelly, Tim</TD><TD noWrap>PHI</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Kent, Matthew</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Kingman, Brendan</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Lewis, Craig</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Lundgren, Wayne</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>MacKenzie, Aaron</TD><TD noWrap>LAA</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Mildren, Paul</TD><TD noWrap>FLA</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Mitchinson, Scott</TD><TD noWrap>PHI</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Moss, Damian</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap>(TB - 2004)</TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Moylan, Peter</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Naughton, Joel</TD><TD noWrap>PHI</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Nilsson, Dave</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap>(MIL - 1999)</TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Oeltjen, Trent</TD><TD noWrap>MIN</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Ough, Wayne</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Oxspring, Chris</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap>(SD - 2005)</TD><TD noWrap>Hanshin Tigers (Japan)</TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Richards, Glen</TD><TD noWrap>ATL</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Risinger, Ben</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Roberts, Josh</TD><TD noWrap>CLE</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Roneberg, Brett</TD><TD noWrap>PIT</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Rowland-Smith, Ryan</TD><TD noWrap>SEA</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Rutgers, Paul</TD><TD noWrap>MIN</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Stephens, John</TD><TD noWrap>BAL</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Stockman, Phil</TD><TD noWrap>ATL</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Sutherland, David</TD><TD noWrap>LAD</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Tamburrino, Brett</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Thompson, Richard</TD><TD noWrap>LAA</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Utting, Andrew</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Van Buizen, Rodney</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Vincent, Tom</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>White, Dean</TD><TD noWrap>ATL</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Wigmore, Ben</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Williams, Glenn</TD><TD noWrap>MIN</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR><TR class=bg4><TD noWrap>Williams, Jeff</TD><TD noWrap></TD><TD noWrap>(LAD - 2002)</TD><TD noWrap>Hanshin Tigers (Japan)</TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>Wise, Brendan</TD><TD noWrap>DET</TD><TD noWrap></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[toxic rooster]

There are a few familiar names on that list

[toxic rooster]

ie people I know personally

[toxic rooster]

among others ;)

[BCWWF]

Glenn Williams is the man. He came up and was doing really well at third base for the Twins last year but then got injured. It sucked for him, but he is the man still. There's a lot of Twins farm guys on there randomly.

[The Miz]

Ron Villone will sit out for Team Italy. Bummer :(

[The Miz]

So the first game is March 2, Korea vs. Taiwan, anybody else excited?

[loopydate]

I'm sure it was mentioned earlier, but I've since forgotten and am lazy.

Who's airing these games?

[BCWWF]

WGN

[The Miz]

My predictions:

Round 1
Pool A - Japan, Korea advance
Pool B - US, Mexico advance
Pool C - Cuba, Puerto Rico advance
Pool D - Dominican Republic, Venezuela advance

Round 2
Pool 1 - US, Japan advance
Pool 2 - Dominican Republic, Cuba advance

Semifinals
US over Japan
DR > Cuba

Finals
DR > USA

[BCWWF]

You mean DR > US?

[The Miz]

Whoops

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Team USA's 30-man roster

Starters (4): Roger Clemens, Jake Peavy, Dontrelle Willis and CC Sabathia.

Relievers (10): Chad Cordero, Brian Fuentes, Todd Jones, Brad Lidge, Joe Nathan, Scot Shields, Huston Street, Mike Timlin, Billy Wagner and Dan Wheeler.

Catchers (3): Michael Barrett, Brian Schneider and Jason Varitek.

Infielders (7): Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, Derrek Lee, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, Chase Utley and Michael Young.

Outfielders (6): Johnny Damon, Jeff Francoeur, Ken Griffey Jr., Matt Holliday, Vernon Wells and Randy Winn.</font>

[loopydate]

So who'll replace Griffey when he gets injured?

[David Sutherland]

THATS RIGHT LITTLE BRO, OI OI OI

[toxic rooster]

I love ferret when he turns into a spastic :love:

[The Miz]

God, what a shitty outfield group

[CNM]

Matt Holliday is the man

[BCWWF]

Joe Mauer should be in there, but that is just based on the fact that I don't know who Brian Schneider even is.

[The Miz]

Joe Mauer was on there but he dropped out

[BCWWF]

Really? I didn't see that.

[The Miz]

http://www.startribune.com/509/story/234932.html

"I want to make sure I feel good," he said from Fort Myers, Fla.. "Adding another month to the season, for me, I'm not ready to do that."

[Joey Slugs]

BP and Authentic Jerseys now available here (http://shop.mlb.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=2164444)

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

lol Lenny Dinardo is playing for Italy, he is 3 generations removed and none of his family members have even set foot in Italy except for one of his uncles. That's hilarious

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Damn no Nomar shirts on that site, I might order the Varitek one. I kinda don't want to though because everytime I get a Red Sox (granted this one would be USA) tshirt, the player leaves/tries to leave. (Nomar, Damon, Manny)

[Boondock Saint]

I think you'd be safe with a Varitek shirt. Why would you want Nomar?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Korea's uniforms are hideous. God dammit. Also Japan beat China 18-2.

[toxic rooster]

How'd the Chinese Taipei game end up? I missed everything after that double play in like the second inning. Damn work

[Supreme Olajuwon]

2-0 Korea

[toxic rooster]

Anything outstanding happen?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

nah

[The Icon of Elisim]

So Canada is probably gonna field a starting lineup with one right handed bat, that should be interesting

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Well then I guess we know what game Dontrelle Willis is starting.

[The Miz]

As expected, Korea and Japan advance from Pool A to Round 2.

[BCWWF]

They really dropped the ball on the opening of the tournament. I didn't realize it had even started, and then all of a sudden there's a game being played in an empty Tokyo Stadium.

[The Miz]

It sucks these games are airing at 2 am on the East because there have actually been some good stories. Ichiro states that Japan is "30 years ahead" of Korea in baseball, Korean pitcher intentionally plunks him and then Chan Ho Park gets him to pop out to win the game for Korea 3-2.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I think you'd be safe with a Varitek shirt. Why would you want Nomar?Nomar is my boy

[toxic rooster]

Did the Korean pitcher stick him? I was only half watching the game

I always miss the good bits :(

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Is Nomar even playing for Mexico? I just checked out their roster and he wasn't on it.

-edit

Just looked it up, he isn't playing. Damn :(

[BCWWF]

DR just took off in the top of the ninth

[loopydate]

One of my best friends is Venezuelan. Going to a Pistons game with him tomorrow, and I think I might just spend most of the night ribbing him about how bad his team got whupped today.

[Joey Slugs]

USA wins 2-0 over Mexico.

But good god... DR looks fucking tough.

Cuba/Panama and USA/Canada tomorrow afternoon on ESPN2

[Loose Cannon]

Nice way to air US games at 4pm there guys.

[Joey Slugs]

Italy threw it down against Aussies tonight 10-0.

Nice battle going between Canada and South Africa.

Might have to watch these in a few hours (fucking replays)

[toxic rooster]

Yeah wow, we were meant to fucking murder them too.

Italy just jumped on top early and stayed there I guess (that's my coach's strategy, too ;)), and that Jason Grilli, sign that kid up. He was hitting that breaking ball all night

[YOUR Hero]

South Africa sure gave Canada a run. Either they're better than I expected or Canada needs to pick up their play.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Timlin pitched 1 2 3 4th and Ortiz hit 2 homeruns

Red Sox representing in the WBC

[The Icon of Elisim]

Canada :love:

[The Icon of Elisim]

ARGH NO

shitty error fuck fuck fuck

[The Icon of Elisim]

WHOOO

FUCK YEAH!

[YOUR Hero]

What TIoE is trying to say is Canada just whooped the USA.

[The Miz]

Congrats on nailing Al Leiter

[Joey Slugs]

the Cuba/Panama game was insane.

[YOUR Hero]

South Africa, they are saying, plays like 30(?) games in their season. That's not enough to get real good. They have a lot of holes in their team, but they seem to enjoy themselves. - Sure would be nice to see them beat the USA tommorow (Against Roger Clemens) :eek:

[YOUR Hero]

Congrats on nailing Al Leiter

and Dontrel Willis

[Blitz]

Don't care all that much for Baseball, but :love: Canada

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Didn't catch the game. Not really surprised the US lost though they only got 2 runs off of 2 HRs againest Mexico. Team is full of Yankees, so that is why I'm not surprised to see them choke.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Adam Stern (Red Sox) 3-4 1 R 1 HR(Inside the park) 4 RBI for Canada

Jason Veritek (Red Sox) 2-3 1 R 1 HR(Grandslam) 4 RBI

[The Outlaw]

LOL we lost to Canada. Dunno why but when we lose to Canada in baseball it's a big joke. I expect to lose to them in Hockey but that's about it. :o

Didn't watch the game, saw the highlights though.

[McDoogle]

This just proves that Canada is better then the USA in every aspect.

[The Outlaw]

Yeah, that proves it. Nice point there McDoogle.

[YOUR Hero]

I can't believe that Western Canadian viewers got to watch the Canada/Mexico game live, but us out here in the West have to wait until 2am to catch the game. Talk about a bullshit televised schedule.

[Loose Cannon]

lol South Africa. Might of been a great story.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Griff had 7 RBI's..ridiculous

Also, Damon was held hitless :D

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Junior is batting .750 for the WBC so far. It must be nice being a god.

[YOUR Hero]

:'(

Ah well got the big win over the USA.

[toxic rooster]

:( 0-3

What happens when you don't have a baseball league in your country

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Trent Durrington is in the Red Sox minor league system, so they got that going for them...which is nice

[The Miz]

ICHIRO

[Loose Cannon]

this game on or what? It's 3-3 right now and I can't find it anywhere on TV. WTF :mad:

[BCWWF]

There's a tornado here

[McLegend]

What was the big controversy in the USA/Japan game?

[The Outlaw]

Dude from Japan tagged up from third and they said he left early after first saying he didn't.

[McLegend]

Was it the right call?

[The Miz]

Nope

[McLegend]

I see

[The Outlaw]

Yeah he didn't leave early at all. There wasn't even a need to.