Japanese lineup just never got untracked offensively.

With the exception of ten and nine run innings against Taipei and Czechia late...

Kondoh Okamoto and Mune underwhelmed and Seiya got hurt early.

5 minutes ago, Chick Mercedes said:

He’s probably OK, but it’s only fun until a guy has to miss 2 months for no good reason 

 

 

Talking about Teel or they've already diagnosed Suzuki?

Interesting that Francisco Cervelli is most associated with Venezuela and has one parent from there...but now is the biggest advocate in the world for Italian beisbol.

www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D0fvVXs7JH6I&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwjU6-KFiqGTAxXgmmoFHUHRFTIQFnoECBUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2Sh_uJC4t0x8QcUgFQHjJD

 

Francisco Cervelli: “Leading Italy with Culture, Passion, and Baseball Pride"

4:19 min interview

 

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2026/03/12/francisco-cervelli-pirates-world-baseball-classic-team-italy-manager/stories/202603120075&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwjA9P3jiqGTAxWOkmoFHZUPMcQQFnoECAUQAg&usg=AOvVaw2avWI3oxh9fEGzs1HB5Lx3

Edited March 15Mar 15 by caulfield12

https://global.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48185225/mlb-2026-wbc-world-baseball-classic-japan-future-stars

Much bigger fan of Takahashi than Itoh...and, of course, Sato.

https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/1rso4ga/netflixs_exclusive_wbc_deal_in_japan_reportedly/&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwi26p_Rj6OTAxURmSYFHctHDvsQFnoECAoQAg&usg=AOvVaw3tswjFdTxcQ4VqRsqIOPfp

 

Should have given the stream away for free with Netflix and other ads mixed in.

Backfired doubly because Japan missed out on semis and finals for first time ever.

Japanese manager Ibata not surprisingly resigned already.

A's fans are like where is this version of Luis Severino during the regular season?

Thank god Junior Caminero was traded by the Guardians...

how is this game not great for the sport of baseball?

 

Ofc Julio Rodriguez was fortunate there not to have a broken wrist on the hbp from Skenes.

 

Tatis absolutely flying down the 1B line there...should have been on third, though.

Great play by Henderson, too.  Just couldn't make an accurate throw.

 

Witt Jr. can play a little ball.

Edited March 16Mar 16 by caulfield12

one more inning to get to Mason Miller

turned into a dominant relief pitching and defensive battle in this one...

 

Dominguez on against heart of order

 

whitlock or hoffman for bot 8?

Edited March 16Mar 16 by caulfield12

Come on US - this has been a very very good game. 

DR has had a couple of low pitches called against them late. Wonder if the next WBC will have ABS challenges.

The World Baseball Classic semifinal between Italy and Venezuela on Monday night will feature starting pitchers Michael Lorenzen (Rockies) for Italy and Keider Montero (Tigers) for Venezuela...

Edited March 16Mar 16 by caulfield12

Oh that's a terrible call

Pitch was clearly low on GameDay...would have been Tatis first and third.

Edited March 16Mar 16 by caulfield12

What a s%*# was to end the game. That was well low. 

That was a ball but can’t take it that close. 

1 minute ago, Chisoxfn said:

That was a ball but can’t take it that close. 

Close?

Just can't have a game like this end on that call

ABS ABS ABS

no longer about brakes

 

Granted don't like Tatis getting a hit there against his teammate, but dramatic ending the game deserved.

Edited March 16Mar 16 by caulfield12

3 minutes ago, Autumn Dreamin said:

Just can't have a game like this end on that call

Ultimate framing job on an absolute horrid call.

5 minutes ago, Quin said:

Ultimate framing job on an absolute horrid call.

Big reason Smith was in late over Raleigh.

Why wouldn't you prefer Cal Raleigh hitting late lhb vs rhp if there wasn't another reason to keep W.Smith in?

He has faster pop times as well...but Miller takes way too long to deliver ball to throw out Rodriguez anyway.

Also RH starter in Severino.

 

Manager Mark DeRosa has opted to shake things up, removing catcher Cal Raleigh and third baseman Alex Bregman from the starting lineup.  (Also started playing PCA over Buxton.)

Edited March 16Mar 16 by caulfield12

What a shameful way to end that game 2-1.

Teel and Antonacci have some Italian heritage so they chose to play for team Italy. That was OK with me, especially when Italy needed some talent to compete with the USA All Stars. Then there is Roman Anthony who looks like an Italian actor or race car driver and is one of the best if not the best young players in the game. Italy needed outfielders and asked Roman to join. He declined and ended up playing for the USA team.  After Anthony hit the decisive home run he drew his hands across his jersey to highlight USA. He is an American (like Teel and Antonacci) and was absolutely entitled to demonstrate the pride he has in his country with that gesture. I guess because of the background, it made me wish he was on team Italy and at least for me it took something away from that moment.