Nebo86

Japan's Ichiro Suzuki, Hiroki Kuroda will sit out 2013 Classic

__________________

JustinVerlander35

Yeah, I just read about that. Sad too, because you'd think these players would want to represent their countries and the MLB. Guess not.

__________________

Nebo86

It's common in other sports for older players to retire from international competition. That said, the WBC needs as much star power as possible to help itself. Ultimately, the players can't be forced to participate.

__________________

Nebo86

__________________

JustinVerlander35

I watched that whole game. Good game!

__________________

Nebo86

Here is how I would rank all of the WBC Qualifier teams, according to placement, statistical performance and group strength:

1. Canada
2. Taiwan
3. Brazil
4. Spain
5. Panama
6. Israel
7. Colombia
8. Germany
9. Nicaragua
10. New Zealand
11. South Africa
12. France
13. Great Britain
14. Philippines
15. Czech Republic
16. Thailand

__________________

JustinVerlander35

Any idea on who might be in the USA team? I know if all the stud players like Verlander, Trout, Braun, and so on and so forth all joined they would cream anyone.

__________________

Kelzzy

Agreed. If the U.S. team has all the studs I just don't see them losing to anyone.

__________________

Nebo86

The U.S team should be formidable, but I wouldn't call any team invincible. The WBC is a short tournament, in which anything can happen. The longer the tournament, the better deeper teams do. The U.S. hasn't done too bad in terms of rosters, but you can't force anyone to play that doesn't want to. Aside from depth at all positions the U.S. needs a sound game plan,

• They can't be satisfied with waiting for someone to hit a homer, they will have to play some small ball to win some games.
• Load the roster with the maximum amount of pitchers allowable.
• Don't forget about the pitch count, stock the roster with plenty starters and top it off with a dynamic bullpen.
• Don't be afraid to change pitchers, there isn't enough time to allow a big name pitcher to settle down.
• Did I mention how crucial pitching is...

Ultimately, the U.S. needs a Team not a collection of Names to win it all.

__________________

JustinVerlander35

Nebo, if you essambled a team of all the best American players they would not lose. When I get home ill make a dream team.

__________________