2009 World Baseball Classic - Page 3

MIJB#19 · 03-11-2009, 11:34 AM

Wow. Way to go, baseball team!

Honolulu Blue · 03-11-2009, 11:56 AM

I saw the end of the NED-DR game last night. Awesome. I can't believe the Dutchies pulled it off. Bert Blyleven should get into the Hall of Fame for his role in this. Wait a minute...

A few assorted comments:

* If the "biggest upset in history" happens two times between the same two teams within four days, then how big of an upset was it, really?
* I think the roster is a fairly even split between guys from the Netherlands and guys from the Caribbean.
* You guys who like the college football overtime system should LOVE the extra innnings system here. They're both variations of the same theme.

ISiddiqui · 03-11-2009, 10:39 PM

Sure y'all heard the US lost in the seeding game and PR beat the Netherlands.

But it seems that after the thumping Australia gave Mexico, Mexico is returning the favor! Winner of the games goes to the 2nd round (after a seeding game against Cuba) and Mexico is up 8-0 in the top of the 4th!

MIJB#19 · 03-12-2009, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honolulu Blue

* I think the roster is a fairly even split between guys from the Netherlands and guys from the Caribbean.

I think it's a fairly even split between guys from the Netherlands and guys from the Netherlands.

Big Fo · 03-12-2009, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIJB#19

I think it's a fairly even split between guys from the Netherlands and guys from the Netherlands.

So does anyone back in the Netherlands give a care? (about the wins, not the Caribbean/Europe split I mean)

MIJB#19 · 03-12-2009, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Fo

So does anyone back in the Netherlands give a care? (about the wins, not the Caribbean/Europe split I mean)

Some of us do, most of us don't. We all know how popularity works, media coverage determines what's hot and what's not.

Baseball is one of the third-tier sports. It's not soccer, it's not in the group of well-covered sports, but it does get their share of time on national television. These wins make the fornt page of the sports pages in newspapers. At the same time, had the team gown out after two hard fought 4-3 losses, the news papers would have largely ignored it. National TV would have given it some minutes in the scare 20-some minutes on week days.

There's no live covarage overhere, although I'm sure there will be attempts to get live coverage if 'our guys' make it to the final four.

Big Fo · 03-15-2009, 11:59 AM

So I totally forgot about the US - PR game last night and saw this morning that we got ten-runned by our own commonwealth. So today we face an elimination game against the Netherlands, the top baseball power in all of Europe. At least Jake Peavy isn't starting again.

samifan24 · 03-15-2009, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Fo

So I totally forgot about the US - PR game last night and saw this morning that we got ten-runned by our own commonwealth. So today we face an elimination game against the Netherlands, the top baseball power in all of Europe. At least Jake Peavy isn't starting again.

I didn't catch the game but man, what an embarrassing loss. Surely USA will rebound against the surprising Dutch.

ISiddiqui · 03-15-2009, 01:49 PM

Way to go Peavy!

Chief Rum · 03-15-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samifan24

I didn't catch the game but man, what an embarrassing loss. Surely USA will rebound against the surprising Dutch.

Didn't we lose in the second round last time, too? I forget. Very disappointing. Judging from the team member comments, they are pretty embarrassed, too, so I hope that helps motivate them better.

As for Peavy, Johnson kept him in to meet the Padres' pitch count requirements. Really? WTH? Have him throw side work in the bullpen after taking him out if you want to do that. Gawd, the attitude in particular of the American baseball establishment to this event is galling to a fan who wants to see his country do well in their own bleeping national past time.

Big Fo · 03-15-2009, 03:12 PM

This article rips Team USA's coaching staff pretty hard, from the "get everyone their time" mentality to not being aware of the rules.

Team USA makes a mockery of WBC mission - Yahoo Sports

ISiddiqui · 03-15-2009, 03:54 PM

Cuba vs. Japan has been very interesting so far. Bottom of the 1st, Dice-K lets on 1st and 2nd with 1 out, but gets them out (vintage Dice-K, I guess). And in then in the top of the 2nd, Japan has two baserunners picked off of 1st after walks.

And 7:30 Eastern, US tries not to get eliminated.

Big Fo · 03-15-2009, 07:18 PM

I like how the absolute worst baseball town in the country was chosen as one of the hosts in round two. They must have been worried about weather in places were people actually like the sport.

USA up 3-0 in the second inning after a Jimmy Rollins two run shot. Brian Reroberts just got his second hit, his inclusion in the squad after Dustin Pedroia's injury had the Netherlands filing an official protest but due to how the rules are written we're in the clear.

Japan beat Cuba 6-0.

Mexico - South Korea is on at 11pm.

samifan24 · 03-15-2009, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Fo

I like how the absolute worst baseball town in the country was chosen as one of the hosts in round two. They must have been worried about weather in places were people actually like the sport.

USA up 3-0 in the second inning after a Jimmy Rollins two run shot. Brian Reroberts just got his second hit, his inclusion in the squad after Dustin Pedroia's injury had the Netherlands filing an official protest but due to how the rules are written we're in the clear.

Yeah it's pretty disappointing to see the stands so empty.

The broadcasters just explained that teams aren't allowed to add players to the roster mid-round but never explained why Roberts was allowed to replace Pedroia mid-round but Team USA cannot fill Chipper Jones' roster spot. They never explained it.

Big Fo · 03-15-2009, 07:33 PM

They were able to swap Pedroia for Roberts because the US hadn't played their first game in round two yet despite the Netherlands - Venezuela game having already started.

Chipper Jones was going to play tonight before being scratched out of the lineup and he won't play in the rest of the WBC, but the US team can't replace him until the next round if they make it.

Big Fo · 03-15-2009, 09:31 PM

Nice bit of controversy in an 8-2 game as the Dutch celebrate a homerun with enough enthusiasm to cause Matt Lidstrom to throw behind their next batter.

8-3 USA now after a sac fly, top of the eighth.

edit: I don't think a nationalist brawl would hurt this competition's standing one bit in terms of coverage or fan interest.

ISiddiqui · 03-15-2009, 10:40 PM

Good the US actually looked worthy to move to the next round.

ISiddiqui · 03-15-2009, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Fo

I like how the absolute worst baseball town in the country was chosen as one of the hosts in round two. They must have been worried about weather in places were people actually like the sport.

Well LA is for the Finals. And I'm not sure Texas would have been much better (well, perhaps aside from Mexican games, though, then again, that doesn't hurt in SD either - where it looks packed for that game right now).

Where else would work that wouldn't be too cold?

Big Fo · 03-15-2009, 10:50 PM

Seattle, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Arizona, Houston, Tampa Bay, and Toronto all have indoor/retractable roof stadiums.

Toronto was used in the first round. Perhaps Arizona is too close to San Diego and Los Angeles which are also hosting. Tampa Bay also has attendance issues.

I think any of the other three would be better than Miami.

ISiddiqui · 03-15-2009, 11:26 PM

Toronto was chosen because of its 'international' location. As was the stadium in San Juan. It was no mistake that none of the 1st round was held in the US, while all of the rest of it is.

For the semis and finals, I'm sure they wanted areas that were warm outdoors as well as indoors, as well as selling the game as best played and watched outdoors (which it is).

Interestingly enough, last time for the final three stadiums were Angel Stadium, Estadio Hiram Bithorn in San Juan, and Petco Park in San Diego - all outdoor stadiums.

RainMaker · 03-16-2009, 01:55 AM

I think Miami was chosen because of the ethnic makeup of the city. They probably figured a lot of hispanics would want to see the game. They were wrong.

Lot of stadiums outdoors that could be used. Arlington, Houston, Arizona, and Atlanta. Heck, doesn't Las Vegas have a decent sized stadium?

ISiddiqui · 03-16-2009, 06:57 AM

Atlanta is way too cold for a baseball tourney right now. Trust me.

MIJB#19 · 03-16-2009, 12:29 PM

Ah well, it was a fun little run while it lasted.

Big Fo · 03-16-2009, 09:17 PM

Venezuela is having a clear homerun reviewed after it was called off the wall. It would put them up 2-0 in the seventh, so if they were to hold on the US would have a rematch with Puerto Rico to see who makes the semifinals. This is taking longer than a challenge in an NFL game...

Karlifornia · 03-16-2009, 09:23 PM

I've adopted Venezuela as my team in this competition. I'm not too sure why, but go Venezuela!

PilotMan · 03-16-2009, 09:34 PM

This has been what baseball is all about. A close game where every batter makes a difference. Every pitch is important and the crowed is on the edge, not to mention the players.

This has been a fun game to watch, despite not too much offense.

Big Fo · 03-16-2009, 10:08 PM

I never cared when he was with Anaheim but I'm going to hate K-Rod now that he's in the division.

JonInMiddleGA · 03-16-2009, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

Atlanta is way too cold for a baseball tourney right now.

And too wet.

larrymcg421 · 03-17-2009, 08:27 PM

USA down 4-3 in the 6th in an elimination game against Puerto Rico.

Scoobz0202 · 03-17-2009, 08:45 PM

Bottom of 7th. Man on 2nd. One out. Jeter's up if anybody is interested. Still down 4-3

Big Fo · 03-17-2009, 08:49 PM

Nice move by Victorino turning into the throw there.

Scoobz0202 · 03-17-2009, 08:51 PM

Yea, that was pretty funny. Definitely worked out for us.

RainMaker · 03-17-2009, 08:52 PM

What channel is this game on? Can't find it anywhere.

Scoobz0202 · 03-17-2009, 08:53 PM

MLB Network.

Fucking stupid, I know.

Big Fo · 03-17-2009, 08:54 PM

Blame that stupid NCAA play-in game.

C'mon Youk we need a hit here.

RainMaker · 03-17-2009, 08:54 PM

Got it, forgot I had that channel.

larrymcg421 · 03-17-2009, 08:56 PM

Down to 6 outs.

larrymcg421 · 03-17-2009, 09:01 PM

This commentary is so bad. There is no sense of the moment. This is a one run game in the 8th inning and the loser is eliminated. You think they might try to sound excited.

Scoobz0202 · 03-17-2009, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larrymcg421

This commentary is so bad. There is no sense of the moment. This is a one run game in the 8th inning and the loser is eliminated. You think they might try to sound excited.

I agree to an extent. They lack excitement. I don't think their analysis has been terrible, but they do definitely treat this like it's just another exhibition game. I like the WBC, but it definitely needs some work on the whole... making it a big deal?

Scoobz0202 · 03-17-2009, 09:04 PM

dola -

4-3 going into the bottom of the 8th

JonInMiddleGA · 03-17-2009, 09:05 PM

Quote:

they do definitely treat this like it's just another exhibition game

Umm ... I can think of a reason that might be the case.

Scoobz0202 · 03-17-2009, 09:09 PM

I would explain further but I am sure you get my point so there is no need.

Big Fo · 03-17-2009, 09:10 PM

Gah, we keep hitting the ball hard but right at their guys.

larrymcg421 · 03-17-2009, 09:22 PM

3 outs left for the USA.

Big Fo · 03-17-2009, 09:31 PM

And that's why you don't put Rollins at DH and Jeter at SS. Fuck you Davey Johnson.

larrymcg421 · 03-17-2009, 09:33 PM

But, but Jeter is a True Yankee and always come through in the clutch!

Big Fo · 03-17-2009, 09:47 PM

Victorino and Roberts single, two on no out, USA down two.

Let's go Jeter! *washes out mouth*

larrymcg421 · 03-17-2009, 09:50 PM

Clutch!

Big Fo · 03-17-2009, 09:57 PM

Bases loaded with one out after Rollins draws a walk. Weird for Puerto Rico to wait until now to bring in the closer...

larrymcg421 · 03-17-2009, 10:01 PM

Walked in the run! Winning run at 2nd!

03-11-2009, 11:34 AM	#101
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Wow. Way to go, baseball team! __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-11-2009, 10:39 PM	#103
ISiddiqui Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Decatur, GA	Sure y'all heard the US lost in the seeding game and PR beat the Netherlands. But it seems that after the thumping Australia gave Mexico, Mexico is returning the favor! Winner of the games goes to the 2nd round (after a seeding game against Cuba) and Mexico is up 8-0 in the top of the 4th! __________________ "A prayer for the wild at heart, kept in cages" -Tennessee Williams

03-15-2009, 01:49 PM	#109
ISiddiqui Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Decatur, GA	Way to go Peavy! __________________ "A prayer for the wild at heart, kept in cages" -Tennessee Williams

03-15-2009, 03:12 PM	#111
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	This article rips Team USA's coaching staff pretty hard, from the "get everyone their time" mentality to not being aware of the rules. Team USA makes a mockery of WBC mission - Yahoo Sports Last edited by Big Fo : 03-15-2009 at 03:12 PM.

03-15-2009, 03:54 PM	#112
ISiddiqui Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Decatur, GA	Cuba vs. Japan has been very interesting so far. Bottom of the 1st, Dice-K lets on 1st and 2nd with 1 out, but gets them out (vintage Dice-K, I guess). And in then in the top of the 2nd, Japan has two baserunners picked off of 1st after walks. And 7:30 Eastern, US tries not to get eliminated. __________________ "A prayer for the wild at heart, kept in cages" -Tennessee Williams

03-11-2009, 11:56 AM	#102
Honolulu Blue Dynasty Boy Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Michigan	I saw the end of the NED-DR game last night. Awesome. I can't believe the Dutchies pulled it off. Bert Blyleven should get into the Hall of Fame for his role in this. Wait a minute... A few assorted comments: * If the "biggest upset in history" happens two times between the same two teams within four days, then how big of an upset was it, really? * I think the roster is a fairly even split between guys from the Netherlands and guys from the Caribbean. * You guys who like the college football overtime system should LOVE the extra innnings system here. They're both variations of the same theme.

03-15-2009, 11:59 AM	#107
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	So I totally forgot about the US - PR game last night and saw this morning that we got ten-runned by our own commonwealth. So today we face an elimination game against the Netherlands, the top baseball power in all of Europe. At least Jake Peavy isn't starting again.

03-15-2009, 07:18 PM	#113
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	I like how the absolute worst baseball town in the country was chosen as one of the hosts in round two. They must have been worried about weather in places were people actually like the sport. USA up 3-0 in the second inning after a Jimmy Rollins two run shot. Brian Reroberts just got his second hit, his inclusion in the squad after Dustin Pedroia's injury had the Netherlands filing an official protest but due to how the rules are written we're in the clear. Japan beat Cuba 6-0. Mexico - South Korea is on at 11pm.

03-15-2009, 07:33 PM	#115
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	They were able to swap Pedroia for Roberts because the US hadn't played their first game in round two yet despite the Netherlands - Venezuela game having already started. Chipper Jones was going to play tonight before being scratched out of the lineup and he won't play in the rest of the WBC, but the US team can't replace him until the next round if they make it.

03-15-2009, 09:31 PM	#116
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	Nice bit of controversy in an 8-2 game as the Dutch celebrate a homerun with enough enthusiasm to cause Matt Lidstrom to throw behind their next batter. 8-3 USA now after a sac fly, top of the eighth. edit: I don't think a nationalist brawl would hurt this competition's standing one bit in terms of coverage or fan interest. Last edited by Big Fo : 03-15-2009 at 09:36 PM.

03-15-2009, 10:40 PM	#117
ISiddiqui Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Decatur, GA	Good the US actually looked worthy to move to the next round. __________________ "A prayer for the wild at heart, kept in cages" -Tennessee Williams

03-15-2009, 10:50 PM	#119
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	Seattle, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Arizona, Houston, Tampa Bay, and Toronto all have indoor/retractable roof stadiums. Toronto was used in the first round. Perhaps Arizona is too close to San Diego and Los Angeles which are also hosting. Tampa Bay also has attendance issues. I think any of the other three would be better than Miami.

03-15-2009, 11:26 PM	#120
ISiddiqui Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Decatur, GA	Toronto was chosen because of its 'international' location. As was the stadium in San Juan. It was no mistake that none of the 1st round was held in the US, while all of the rest of it is. For the semis and finals, I'm sure they wanted areas that were warm outdoors as well as indoors, as well as selling the game as best played and watched outdoors (which it is). Interestingly enough, last time for the final three stadiums were Angel Stadium, Estadio Hiram Bithorn in San Juan, and Petco Park in San Diego - all outdoor stadiums. __________________ "A prayer for the wild at heart, kept in cages" -Tennessee Williams

03-16-2009, 01:55 AM	#121
RainMaker General Manager Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chicago, IL	I think Miami was chosen because of the ethnic makeup of the city. They probably figured a lot of hispanics would want to see the game. They were wrong. Lot of stadiums outdoors that could be used. Arlington, Houston, Arizona, and Atlanta. Heck, doesn't Las Vegas have a decent sized stadium?

03-16-2009, 06:57 AM	#122
ISiddiqui Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Decatur, GA	Atlanta is way too cold for a baseball tourney right now. Trust me. __________________ "A prayer for the wild at heart, kept in cages" -Tennessee Williams

03-16-2009, 12:29 PM	#123
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Ah well, it was a fun little run while it lasted. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-16-2009, 09:17 PM	#124
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	Venezuela is having a clear homerun reviewed after it was called off the wall. It would put them up 2-0 in the seventh, so if they were to hold on the US would have a rematch with Puerto Rico to see who makes the semifinals. This is taking longer than a challenge in an NFL game...

03-16-2009, 09:23 PM	#125
Karlifornia Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: San Jose, CA	I've adopted Venezuela as my team in this competition. I'm not too sure why, but go Venezuela! __________________ Look into the mind of a crazy man (NSFW) http://www.whitepowerupdate.wordpress.com

03-16-2009, 09:34 PM	#126
PilotMan Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Seven miles up	This has been what baseball is all about. A close game where every batter makes a difference. Every pitch is important and the crowed is on the edge, not to mention the players. This has been a fun game to watch, despite not too much offense. __________________ He's just like if Snow White was competitive, horny, and capable of beating the shit out of anyone that called her Pops. Like Steam? Join the FOFC Steam group here: http://steamcommunity.com/groups/FOFConSteam

03-16-2009, 10:08 PM	#127
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	I never cared when he was with Anaheim but I'm going to hate K-Rod now that he's in the division.

03-17-2009, 08:27 PM	#129
larrymcg421 Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Georgia	USA down 4-3 in the 6th in an elimination game against Puerto Rico. __________________ Top 10 Songs of the Year 1955-Present (1976 Added) Franchise Portfolio Draft Winner Fictional Character Draft Winner Television Family Draft Winner Build Your Own Hollywood Studio Draft Winner

03-17-2009, 08:45 PM	#130
Scoobz0202 Pro Rookie Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Dayton, Ohio	Bottom of 7th. Man on 2nd. One out. Jeter's up if anybody is interested. Still down 4-3 Last edited by Scoobz0202 : 03-17-2009 at 08:46 PM.

03-17-2009, 08:49 PM	#131
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	Nice move by Victorino turning into the throw there.

03-17-2009, 08:51 PM	#132
Scoobz0202 Pro Rookie Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Dayton, Ohio	Yea, that was pretty funny. Definitely worked out for us.

03-17-2009, 08:52 PM	#133
RainMaker General Manager Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chicago, IL	What channel is this game on? Can't find it anywhere.

03-17-2009, 08:53 PM	#134
Scoobz0202 Pro Rookie Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Dayton, Ohio	MLB Network. Fucking stupid, I know. Last edited by Scoobz0202 : 03-17-2009 at 08:53 PM.

03-17-2009, 08:54 PM	#135
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	Blame that stupid NCAA play-in game. C'mon Youk we need a hit here. Last edited by Big Fo : 03-17-2009 at 08:54 PM.

03-17-2009, 08:54 PM	#136
RainMaker General Manager Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chicago, IL	Got it, forgot I had that channel.

03-17-2009, 08:56 PM	#137
larrymcg421 Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Georgia	Down to 6 outs. __________________ Top 10 Songs of the Year 1955-Present (1976 Added) Franchise Portfolio Draft Winner Fictional Character Draft Winner Television Family Draft Winner Build Your Own Hollywood Studio Draft Winner

03-17-2009, 09:01 PM	#138
larrymcg421 Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Georgia	This commentary is so bad. There is no sense of the moment. This is a one run game in the 8th inning and the loser is eliminated. You think they might try to sound excited. __________________ Top 10 Songs of the Year 1955-Present (1976 Added) Franchise Portfolio Draft Winner Fictional Character Draft Winner Television Family Draft Winner Build Your Own Hollywood Studio Draft Winner

03-17-2009, 09:04 PM	#140
Scoobz0202 Pro Rookie Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Dayton, Ohio	dola - 4-3 going into the bottom of the 8th

03-17-2009, 09:09 PM	#142
Scoobz0202 Pro Rookie Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Dayton, Ohio	I would explain further but I am sure you get my point so there is no need.

03-17-2009, 09:10 PM	#143
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	Gah, we keep hitting the ball hard but right at their guys.

03-17-2009, 09:22 PM	#144
larrymcg421 Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Georgia	3 outs left for the USA. __________________ Top 10 Songs of the Year 1955-Present (1976 Added) Franchise Portfolio Draft Winner Fictional Character Draft Winner Television Family Draft Winner Build Your Own Hollywood Studio Draft Winner

03-17-2009, 09:31 PM	#145
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	And that's why you don't put Rollins at DH and Jeter at SS. Fuck you Davey Johnson. Last edited by Big Fo : 03-17-2009 at 09:31 PM.