World Baseball Classic 2006

[JohnBM01]

GTPlanet, if you'd like to talk about the World Baseball Classic and share scores from this upcoming matchup, then you're free to comment here. I don't know too much about this deal, so that's why I'll open this thread for you to chat it up about the World Baseball Classic.

 

[Solid Lifters]

So far, so good.

Korea is still up 2-nil against Chinese Taipei.

I'm waiting for the Japan vs. China game. That's going to be a good'n.

 

[a6m5]

I'm trying to figure out the internet radio for the Japan vs. S. Korea right now. This is the biggest game for Japan so far. In the Asian Qualify, Koreans came back in the 9th to beat Japan. I'm hoping we'll return the favor. Go, Ichiro!

Edit:
Son of a frickin' hibachi! Both my teams, basketball and baseball, lost tonight. God, what a night.

 

[a6m5]

This is awesome! By losing to Mexico(with the Rocket( 👎 ) on the mound), Team USA advanced Japan to the semifinals! And this was the best part:

One came in the third inning when Mexico's Mario Valenzuela appeared to hit a home run into the right-field corner.

The ball appeared to bounce off the foul pole, but umpires ruled it was a double after conferring on the matter.

The umpired who made the call was Bob Davidson, who made the high-profile reversal in Japan's loss to the U.S. on Sunday.

Should make a lot of Japanese Baseball fans happy. Sorry, my American friends!

 

[a6m5]

As much as I hate the (Yomiuri)Giants, this man is my hero!

Uehara Koji(pic) and Team Japan shutdown the Korean offense tonight, beating them 6-0 to advance to the Championship versus the Cuban Team. Sweeeeeeeeet! 👍

I-CHI-RO!

 

[a6m5]

This is kind of sad to me.......

Major league baseball and Americans have generally dismissed international events. Even today's winner will not be crowned world champion, as that honour goes to the winner of the so-called World Series.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/sport...l-us-fans-watch/2006/03/20/1142703286323.html

IMO, neither "Champions" are better than the other. Title of the "World Champs" should go to the winner of the World Baseball Classic though. That's my opinion on it anyway.

But this was great.

Home run king Hank Aaron, with 755 homers to his name, threw out the ceremonial first pitch and signed the ball for Cuban catcher Ariel Pestano.

"This is wonderful, no doubt about it,'' Aaron said. "You can tell by the fans that it's catching on and is going to get better and better.''

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/baseball/mlb/wires/03/20/2010.ap.bbi.classic.running.0580/

My true love is basketball, but I think baseball and football/soccer are better sports for international competition. In baseball and football, advantage, player's physique will have is minimal, compared to, say, basketball or American Football. When teams from many countries can compete using skills, etc., not just their size or athleticism, it's very interesting and exciting to me.

Finally, congratulations to Team Japan! Very first champ of the WBC(Again, IMO, World Champ). Also, great job to the MVP, Matsuzaka. When the very first batter homered, he did have me scared little bit. Pitching has been superb for this team, it was very impressive. Now I just hope Ichiro isn't too tired for the regular season with the Mariners.

 

[Solid Lifters]

I saw the game, and Japan did great, despite some serious fielding errors. Their batting was on fire, hitting the ball we they needed to. Fantastic series, and I enjoyed it as much, if not more, as the World Series.

A name change is in order? No. But, wouldn't mind seeing White Sox and Japan face off. To bad it's never going to happen.

 

[Omnis]

Holy crap Ichiro has some buff calves.

 

[a6m5]

A name change is in order? No. But, wouldn't mind seeing White Sox and Japan face off. To bad it's never going to happen.

Too bad we have to put together an all-star to compete with one major league team, but you are right, it would be interesting for sure.

Holy crap Ichiro has some buff calves.

I do too. Someone mentioned to me one time that a lot of Japanese guys he's seen do. I've noticed it on lot other asians also. Maybe because we ride bikes?(I'm half serious).

 

[Omnis]

My calves are bigger, but his front one just looked weird all jutting out like that. You wouldn't think it from the looks of the rear leg.

Japanese do a lot of walking and stuff, though. I wouldn't be suprised if all the really high-ranking kendo masters and dudes of other martial arts didn't have mr. olympia-like legs as well. Every practice is like leg-hell.

Congrats to Japan on the win. The only problem with it is that all the cubans in my school are all pissed off and crap. I don't know if I like them better angry with shame, or obnoxious with pride, though. Hahaha.

 

[a6m5]

Congrats to Japan on the win. The only problem with it is that all the cubans in my school are all pissed off and crap. I don't know if I like them better angry with shame, or obnoxious with pride, though. Hahaha.

Yeah, a lot of fans were really into it. I read about how some of the Cuban and S. Korean fans were upset over their losses. Japan did get lucky with the technicality(that Mexican win over the U.S.), and I can see why the Korean fans might be upset about winning the "unofficial" series against Japan(and while having a perfect record), but they get booted to the third place finish after just one loss. IMO, Japan did earn the championship in their last two games though. As for Cuba, I don't think they have anything to be upset about. #2 finish with all the tough competition that was filled with pro league players from all over the world. They are still great team in my book. That goes to the S. Korean team as well. 👍

 

[JohnBM01]

Keep in mind that Japan is big on baseball. Traditionally, people think the biggest sport in Japan is judo. However, many would be surprised that they have good baseball and football (soccer to many of us) teams. I can even remember Japan winning the Little League World Series over America's Boynton Beach earlier this decade. They had to be favorites to win, even though they got upset by Korea Republic.

What changes do you think should be made to the World Baseball Classic so that America has a better chance next go-'round? I just don't want this to be the 2004 Team USA basketball team of baseball. For some people, it's like: "how can you beat South Africa for miles, but lose to CANADA?" I can sense more patriotic protest and banter right about now... if it hasn't happened already.

 

[a6m5]

What changes do you think should be made to the World Baseball Classic so that America has a better chance next go-'round?

As far as the talent of individual players go, I think teams like the U.S., Japan, Dominican Republic were at the top. But the Team USA was kicked off early, Japan made it in by luck(though they had some bad luck too), Dominicans were upset by the Cubans. Teams like Cuba and S. Korea really surprised people, just coming out of nowhere. I believe that this indicates that teams like the Team USA needs to put in more time getting ready for the competition, practicing together. If they develope more "feel" for their teammates, I really think they'll have more success.