2009 World Baseball Classic

[joeyballsack]

Sorry if there is already a thread about this, I didn't see anything at quick glance.

I am loving it so far, the US is finally ahead after HR's by Youklis and McCann. The DR lost today because of terrible defense and the Japs are dominating again, crushing Korea.

I love baseball season.

[drjoek]

I love baseball season.



X2
Amen !!

[brettmojo]

Totally forgot it was going on.

[midwestjeff]

I know it is cool for some people but I have no interest in the WBC.

I don't like the timimg of it as far as interfering with spring training
and I don't really care which country has the best players.

Hopefully Mexixo loses quick so Oquendo and Yadi can get back to camp.

[Snoogans]

i been watchin, but so far, no real excitement

[brettmojo]

I know it is cool for some people but I have no interest in the WBC.
Agreed. Much rather see a meaningless Yankee spring game and get a look at the young guys in the system rather than have to watch a US team that has Kevin Youkilis on it.

[Dave's Cackle]

I know it is cool for some people but I have no interest in the WBC.

I don't like the timimg of it as far as interfering with spring training
and I don't really care which country has the best players.

Hopefully Mexixo loses quick so Oquendo and Yadi can get back to camp.

I love the WBC. It's not like Yadi is going to get any better and it's not like he doesn't know his STL pitching staff well already.

Fuck Canada! USA USA USA!

[brettmojo]

Why does Ryan Braun wear eye liner?

[Snoogans]

Why does Ryan Braun wear eye shadow?

he is emo

[TheMojoPin]

Why does Ryan Braun wear eye shadow?

He hangs out with Jim Edmonds?

[Dave's Cackle]

Why does Ryan Braun wear eye liner?

He's a cutter

[Snoogans]

He's a cutter

What else is there to do in Milwaukee, really?

[MacVittie]

I haven't had time to watch lately, but I will definitely check out the later rounds once some of the Washington Generals-esque teams are eliminated (South Africa, I'm looking right at you). Last year Korea made it all the way to the semifinals undefeated before losing to Japan (who they beat in round one), so I'm interested to see how they do this year.

note: Could a mod change the title of this thread to "2009 World Baseball Classic" so there's no confusion about this thread being about the World Boxing Council (or the Westboro Baptist Church)?

[Dave's Cackle]

What else is there to do in Milwaukee, really?

...be out of shape, drunk, unattractive, and unemployed?

[IMSlacker]

OK, that was impressive.

[IMSlacker]

Uh oh. Putz is melting down.

[Kevin]

JJ Putz sucks balls. Goodluck with him, Mets fans.

[IMSlacker]

He pulled it off. The ninth inning is gonna be an adventure for Mets fans again this year.

[joeyballsack]

That 9th innning is why I am liking this thing.

There was real emotion from both teams and the fans that your not going to find in a spring training game.

That was a fun game to watch.

[sailor]

suck it, canada!

[Kevin]

suck it, canada!

Aren't you Canadian?

[Marc with a c]

the dutch?

[Kevin]

the dutch?

Sigh.. Another team Arod was a part of, won't make it outa the 1st round..

[sailor]

Aren't you Canadian?

what are you talkin' aboot?

[K.C.]

Nice to see the Neatherlands and Austrailia showing a little bit of a presence.

I think both teams are pretty much home grown, too.

No dutch or aussies like the 'italians' like the ones on Team Italy

[vjr97]

usa usa usa usa:smoke:

[Gvac]

As much as I love baseball I can't get into this at all. I think I'd rather watch a Little League game.

I felt the same way about Olympic Baseball. It just doesn't feel "real."

[K.C.]

As much as I love baseball I can't get into this at all. I think I'd rather watch a Little League game.

I felt the same way about Olympic Baseball. It just doesn't feel "real."

It's true to a degree...you could field a team of MLB players that chose not to play in the classic that could probably crush everyone in this tournament.

But, at the same time, the big appeal to me as a baseball guy is to see how well some of these countries are developing in the sport.

Australia and the Netherlands are two examples of this. The teams a immensely better than 2006....as a Phils fan, I've also noticed the the Phillies signed probably four or five Australian prospects since the 2006 WBC.

China's another country that's shown some progress, even though they got bounced. They were slightly more competitive this time around.

So I guess that's the appeal to me...to see how well these countries are improving.

Eventually, I think you'll get the best of the best.


And then, it's always fun to see the Cuban team since no one ever gets to see them.


Also, I think they need to eventually move this to the end of the season. Play in Hawaii, Venezuela, DR, Puerto Rico, Mexico, etc...Seth Everett brought up the Hockey World Championship model of playing during the MLB playoffs, and using the players from the teams that have been eliminated from playoff contention to represent their countries.

[K.C.]

Are the Netherlands really going to shut out another Latin powerhouse?

Must be all those choke artist Mets folding under the bright lights for PR.

[Marc with a c]

this is a great game.

[K.C.]

That was eeriely familiar

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[Marc with a c]

i was shocked that kid didn't throw him a curvebal in that spot. i was thinking the same thing while that at bat was going on.

[K.C.]

i was shocked that kid didn't throw him a curvebal in that spot. i was thinking the same thing while that at bat was going on.

Yeah, I must have said 'give him the hook' like 20 times before that pitch.

I can't bust on Beltran too badly....Aviles should have scored on the wild pitch.

[Marc with a c]

he also should've advanced on molina's bunt. terrible job by aviles on the bases that inning.

[K.C.]

You guys are missing a gem tonight.

Netherlands vs. Dominican Republic, 0-0 in the 8th, loser goes home.

Some fantastic plays in this game.

[K.C.]

Netherlands with a chance to walk it off in the 9th!!!

There might be a mass suicide watch in the DR if they get bounced here.

[K.C.]

Annnnnnnnnd.....there's Jose Reyes with another clutch error. Coming up small as always.

God, I hope DR loses.

[Pestz4Evah]

1-0, DR winning.

RBI triple, Reyes scores.

[K.C.]

Marmol's pitching like this is a Cubs' game in October.

This is unbelievable if DR blows this.

[Pestz4Evah]

Marmol's pitching like this is a Cubs' game in October.

This is unbelievable if DR blows this.

...and they did!

[K.C.]

CURACAO!!!






HAHAHAHAHA...they're playing the Platoon theme....why not...the DR might as well have been slaughtered by the Vietcong.

[Doogie]

Goddamn, that was an exciting end to the Netherlands/Domincan game.

[epo]

Has anyone seen that Yu Darvish pitch yet?

[K.C.]

I'd like to see Australia sneak in too.

That'd set up a Cuba vs. Mexico elimination game tomorrow.

[K.C.]

Has anyone seen that Yu Darvish pitch yet?

Nah, I haven't seen too much of the Asian Pool yet. The games have been on at local time over there, so it's like 4 or 5 AM here when they're on.

I'll probably get to see a lot more when they move across to Miami.

[Dave's Cackle]

That was eeriely familiar

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That knee bender from Wainwright NEVER gets old...:clap:

[midwestjeff]

That knee bender from Wainwright NEVER gets old...:clap:

It certainly doesn't.

:drunk:

[K.C.]

Aussie Aussie Aussie!

Oi! Oi! Oi!


I'm liking Team Austrailia...especially with all the Phils prospects and ex-prospects on it.

[MacVittie]

It's do or die for Team USA against the Dutch. The Dutch are rested while the US got pounded by Puerto Rico. It's Houston's Roy Oswalt against Marlins pitcher Rick Vanden Hurk.

[K.C.]

Matt Lindstrom almost sparked a Dutch/American war.

Randall Simon was ready to run over and drop him like a Miller Park sausage.

[OGC]

Matt Lindstrom almost sparked a Dutch/American war.



It would be too bad if they put an embargo on wooden shoes.

[K.C.]

Wow, this is actually nerve racking.

Come on, Youk!

[K.C.]

Ugh...I really have to hope David Wright gets a clutch hit

[K.C.]

Wright! USA! USA! USA!

[Marc with a c]

Wright! USA! USA! USA!

mod quote.

[hammersavage]

How bout those Mets owning the joint?

I loved the effort out of David. Glad Beltran, Delgado and others are going home though uninjured.


America, fuck yeah.

[BeerBandit]

As a Mets fan: Shane Victorino is a dirty scumbag of a ballplayer.

As an American: Heads up play Shane. That's the kind of hustle and intensity I like to see out there.

[Marc with a c]

this jap is filthy.

[hammersavage]

They're usually such a clean people too.

[joeyballsack]

See ya Cuba..you dirty Commies.

[Pestz4Evah]

See ya Cuba..you dirty Commies.

Say what you will about their government, but the red pants is a good look.

[Marc with a c]

amazing play by korea's shortstop

[cougarjake13]

korea advances to final




usa vs japan tonight


winner plays korea for wbc title

[Suspect Chin]

korea advances to final




usa vs japan tonight


winner plays korea for wbc title

My neighbors are Japanese...I'm going to put out an American flag just to taunt them.

FACE!

[NickyL0885]

Its safe to say the USA have no chance in winning this game. I hope they prove me wrong but Japan is so good.

[razorboy]

Its safe to say the USA have no chance in winning this game. I hope they prove me wrong but Japan is so good.

Safe to say? HA! You forget, they now have the future greatest third baseman of all time on their roster.

[IMSlacker]

Safe to say? HA! You forget, they now have the future greatest third baseman of all time on their roster.

Aramiz Ramirez is from the D.R.

[razorboy]

Aramiz Ramirez is from the D.R.

For being such a fan of his, you'd think you would know how to spell his name.

[Suspect Chin]

Safe to say? HA! You forget, they now have the greatest third baseman of all time on their roster.

Ron Santo came out of retirement?

[IMSlacker]

For being such a fan of his, you'd think you would know how to spell his name.

Needed more z's.

[OGC]

Anyone watching USA vs Japan tonight ? I sure wish Joe Morgan had dropped dead during the off season.

[Snoogans]

plenty of great seats available


jesus, NO ONE even cares....PLAY IN NOVEMBER

[NickyL0885]

Woo. David Wright clutch yet again.

[drjoek]

What a play by Wright
Followed by an error throw

[underdog]

plenty of great seats available

They're in LA, aren't they? They'll show up soon. And then leave in the 7th.

[NickyL0885]

I think its prob time to change the channel no? US wont come back. Its over johnny.

[Gvac]

I guess Asians are better than us at EVERYTHING.

[hammersavage]

I guess Asians are better than us at EVERYTHING.

Tell it to our big American dicks.

[Marc with a c]

tying run at the plate.

[Marc with a c]

infield in for japan with a two run lead in the 8th? i'd like to hear the rationale for that.

[NickyL0885]

Longoria hit for Victorino right? Horrible move. I guess Davey was hoping for a 2-run homer to tie the game. At least Victorino could run out a ball hit in the infield.

[Marc with a c]

Longoria hit for Victorino right? Horrible move. I guess Davey was hoping for a 2-run homer to tie the game. At least Victorino could run out a ball hit in the infield.

longoria hit for granderson, i didn't think it was a bad move. and yes johnson was looking for a two run shot.

[Marc with a c]

why the fuck is jeter playing short and rollins at DH?

anybody anybody? fuck jeter he's awful!

[NickyL0885]

ah. Classic high throw by Jeter. He never fails to disappoint.

[Marc with a c]

I think its prob time to change the channel no? US wont come back. Its over johnny.

yup thanks to jeter.

edit: um what did dunn just do? that was mannyesque.

[razorboy]

why the fuck is jeter playing short and rollins at DH?

anybody anybody? fuck jeter he's awful!

Because no one dares to tell the Little Lord Fauntleroy of baseball it's time to find somewhere else on the field to play. If he's such a "team player", and I assume no one knows better than he his unique brand of suck over the past four years, why the fuck hasn't he moved himself? I dare say I could put a SS glove on a bowling pin and it would have better range to the left.

[NickyL0885]

I can't imaging anyone watching the Japan vs Korea Championship game. Besides asians of course.

[Marc with a c]

i will. these sneaky fucks are good pitchers.

[razorboy]

i will. these sneaky fucks are good pitchers.

No disrespect to the Orientals, but they use these pitches we call "Jap pitches"...

[Marc with a c]

amazing game going on.

[hammersavage]

I'm actually quite into it.

[Marc with a c]

i really like they way these two teams play. old school national league style with a dh.

[hammersavage]

And such similar faces.

[TheMojoPin]

This is a REALLY good game.

[TheMojoPin]

Oh, that BUM!

[TheWalkingDead]

I'm kicking myself for not going.

On the bright side. 40K asians driving home from Dodger Stadium. Nobody looking when they merge! The Horror.....The Horror.....

[hammersavage]

Did you see the play the Japanese left fielder made in the 5th inning I think? He slid and scooped a ball on a bounce and threw a one hopper to 2nd to nail the runner. One of the most technically smooth baseball plays I've ever seen.

[Marc with a c]

maybe they rode their bikes.

[TheMojoPin]

Did you see the play the Japanese left fielder made in the 5th inning I think? He slid and scooped a ball on a bounce and threw a one hopper to 2nd to nail the runner. One of the most technically smooth baseball plays I've ever seen.

The defense this whole game has been outstanding.

And man, the crowd noise is insane.

Holy shit, Korea is unleashing a fucking MONSTER.

[Marc with a c]

Did you see the play the Japanese left fielder made in the 5th inning I think? He slid and scooped a ball on a bounce and threw a one hopper to 2nd to nail the runner. One of the most technically smooth baseball plays I've ever seen.

yes.

edit: im pretty sure this guy on the right is batting for korea now.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JwIzOb3ENjY/SaQXuDLVXrI/AAAAAAAABM0/3LRHuEQbWzA/s400/bloodsport.jpg

[TheWalkingDead]

I'm just waiting for this to happen....

http://www.iiiii.nu/image_archive/public_figures/park_chan_ho/angry.jpg

[TheMojoPin]

"The possible tying run is on base now?"

No, that IS the tying run, dipshit. It's not an issue of debate if he crosses home plate.

God, I hate these guys so much. I will rejoice when ESPN wises up and cans both of them.

[TheMojoPin]

Holy shit, that blocked slide looks painful as hell. He's lucky he didn't fracture his cheek or his eye socket.

[hammersavage]

maybe they rode their bikes.

I hope they are as good as Takashi.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd114/besh1/takashi1.jpg

Couldn't find a pic of him on the bike. Stupid internet.

[joeyballsack]

fucking Korean helmets, just another reason to buy American.

[TheWalkingDead]

Korea Town is right by Dodger Stadium. I'm sure that dude died, and they just found a replacement that looked just like him.

[TheMojoPin]

The dude with the drum and whistle is my hero. This game would be a blast to be at live.

[Marc with a c]

;iugpigu

[joeyballsack]

I find it embarrassing that the Asian teams bring in more fans than a US team playing in their own country.

[joeyballsack]

That whole place probably reeks of kim chee.

[TheWalkingDead]

Question? Who's manning all the liquor stores right now????

[epo]

I've always wondered how many HRs Ichiro could hit if he wasn't so unselfish.

[hammersavage]

That whole place probably reeks of kim chee.

Kim Chee's on first, Kung Pow's on second, Dim Sum's on third.

[TheWalkingDead]

Kim Chee's on first, Kung Pow's on second, Dim Sum's on third.

I thought Hu's on first?

[TheMojoPin]

I think I'm pulling for Korea.

[Marc with a c]

me too

[hammersavage]

Where'd the zim zam boom go?

[Marc with a c]

Where'd the zim zam boom go?

walking dead used the same joke as me so i got rid of that jazz.

[razorboy]

The Koreans have better massage parlors.

[joeyballsack]

Do the professional leagues in other countries have problems with steroids?

[TheWalkingDead]

walking dead used the same joke as me so i got rid of that jazz.

Im on west coast time. sorry. time difference.

[epo]

I like this Darvish's motion.

[Marc with a c]

Im on west coast time. sorry. time difference.

apology not accepted.

[TheMojoPin]

Every time I've seen Darvish pitch he's been disgustingly filthy.

[NickyL0885]

How many players from the WBC will be in MLB next year? Darvish def seems like one.

[TheMojoPin]

OK, maybe I jinxed him.

[Marc with a c]

How many players from the WBC will be in MLB next year? Darvish def seems like one.

you have to play seven seasons in japan before you are able to come over. not sure about the korean rules.

[razorboy]

How many players from the WBC will be in MLB next year? Darvish def seems like one.

We'll see if he is posted, but he isn't a FA until 2014 and he is only 22. We shall see, but I wouldn't get your hopes up.

[epo]

His off-speed stuff is just sick.

[hammersavage]

Remember when Parcells said 'jap plays'? That was awesome.

[TheMojoPin]

Holy shit, that fastball was a knee-buckler.

[Marc with a c]

holy fuck

[TheMojoPin]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

That's my Bum!

[Marc with a c]

baseball is awesome.

[epo]

That's clutch. A-Rod should study that at-bat.

[TheMojoPin]

Oh my God, Darvish just served up two meatballs with those strikes.

[hammersavage]

Just sick. Darvish will be on Seppuku watch tonight.

[razorboy]

you have to play seven seasons in japan before you are able to come over. not sure about the korean rules.

Darvish could be posted right now, but it would cost any MLB team who wanted to negotiate with him WELL over the $51mill Dice-K's rights commanded.

[epo]

Japan not scoring Ichiro in the 9th looks huge now.

[joeyballsack]

Darvish could be posted right now, but it would cost any MLB team who wanted to negotiate with him WELL over the $51mill Dice-K's rights commanded.

How were the Red Sox able to get Tazawa at such a young age?

[epo]

Its funny listening to the ESPN announcers finally figure out why the teams are playing so shallow in the OF.

[TheMojoPin]

SHUT THE FUCK UP, JOE MORGAN.

God.

[razorboy]

How were the Red Sox able to get Tazawa at such a young age?

He was a corporate player for Nippon Oil and announced early that he wanted to skip the Nippon Professional Baseball draft and attempt a career in the MLB. There was a bit of an argument about MLB teams having to wait three years to sign him but Epstein pretty much said "fuck you" to NPB.

[Marc with a c]

that shit bounced. what a nut.

[epo]

That was an amazing at-bat.

[epo]

Who is worth more in a posting: Aoki or Darvish?

[joeyballsack]

Who is worth more in a posting: Aoki or Darvish?

I would go with a young pitcher anytime.