Are you interested in the WBC? [Archive]

baseball junkie

12-11-2005, 02:59 AM

I'm extremely excited about the WBC. Almost everyday I see what players in the MLB are going to be playing for their ethnic countries.

I hope the U.S. wins. The Dominican Republic and Japan are going to be tough. Certain teams like Korea should be push-overs. Does anyone know if Castro has agreed to send a team? Wouldn't that be a great final?

Cuba vs. U.S.

runningshoes

12-11-2005, 04:02 AM

I can't wait to see it.

sschirmer

12-11-2005, 04:33 AM

I'm not overly excited about the format, but it's baseball, so I'll watch.

Cuba_fan

12-11-2005, 06:15 AM

yes, I am!

I am going to Puerto Rico to see the games...so can't wait for it :p

Guerrero Mad Man 2715

12-11-2005, 08:21 AM

I still can't wait to watch the WBC. I'm gonna tape almost all the games. It's gonna great.

Greerman29

12-11-2005, 11:28 AM

Yankeebiscuitfan

12-11-2005, 11:31 AM

I think it's a great idea although I'm not to excited about the one game elimination. I'm going to watch it because it's baseball but with a one game elimination you can almost bet the two best teams won't make it to the final.

One game eliminatons are very common in international tournaments, no matter which sport.

World cup baseball uses it as well. Did Cuba ever not reach the final?

nmadd

12-11-2005, 12:29 PM

I'll be following it, but the wife will not be so happy about baseball in March. :D

trosmok

12-12-2005, 08:13 AM

Does anyone know if Castro has agreed to send a team?

Yes, and I'm wagering the Cuban National team is the odds on favorite to win the whole thing. (See Pool C in the schedule). Fidel wanted assurances he wouldn't have any more of his countrymen defect during the tournament, and evidently the diplomatic representatives from Puerto Rico and San Diego have satisfied his demands. Viva Besebol! Viva Cuba!:gt

KCGHOST

12-12-2005, 08:48 AM

No interest whatsoever.

bake mcbride

12-12-2005, 02:41 PM

I cannot wait to see the Dominican Republic and Venezuela go at each other. Personally, that's what has me so excited. The United States should put a solid squad out there, as will Japan, but I think the Dominican Republic will thoroughly destroy any team placed in its path, and I just want to sit back and watch it happen. There's the one downfall, though, that some players could get injured and have their Major League season affected in the process. Here's to hoping that won't be too big a problem. Only three and half months to go (counting the days, if you couldn't already tell).

Honus Wagner Rules

12-12-2005, 10:43 PM

Yes, and I'm wagering the Cuban National team is the odds on favorite to win the whole thing. (See Pool C in the schedule). Fidel wanted assurances he wouldn't have any more of his countrymen defect during the tournament, and evidently the diplomatic representatives from Puerto Rico and San Diego have satisfied his demands. Viva Besebol! Viva Cuba!:gt

:laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh Good one trosmock! :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh

Yankee Legend

12-12-2005, 10:46 PM

I would go to a game but I don't exactly have $64 to pay for bleacher seats.

Perseas

12-16-2005, 03:40 AM

Very Very excited!!! I am only dissapointed from the fact that I will not be able to watch any of the games... No TV coverage of the sport at all in this part of the world...

Baseball Guru

12-16-2005, 12:55 PM

Already have my tickets to all the games in Orlando!!!

Mattingly

12-16-2005, 05:53 PM

I'd be more excited if the games weren't held during spring training. Whose bright idea was that?

plask_stirlac

12-16-2005, 09:11 PM

I'd be more excited if the games weren't held during spring training. Whose bright idea was that?

Probably players who wanted February rest.

UnderPressure

01-08-2006, 07:02 PM

This is an old thread but, I have a couple of questions.

Will the games be televised?
If so, who will televise them?

Mattingly

01-08-2006, 07:26 PM

Probably players who wanted February rest.
They already rest if February. So how do they have spring training, then they have to fly from one country to another to play exhibition games?

I'm all in favor of games being played on an international level, but during spring training? What's the schedule of the other countries' teams?

I figured that before you exercise heavily, you're supposed to stretch and warm up, right? Well, that light practice and exercise is exactly what ST is supposed to be, from my perspective: working out, going through the routines, getting re-used to playing. Except now, if you get beaten, other teams will say they've beaten the USA, so a player who may not even be in tip-top shape in March, has to overexert himself, risking injury.

Baseball is supposed to be one of those sports where the USA is expected to be the best at, but if guys aren't in top condition, then you've lessened their abilities.

So no, I'm definitely not interested. I'll follow it, but only because it's a part of baseball, and one that I wish weren't taking place.

Yankeebiscuitfan

01-09-2006, 10:01 AM

They already rest if February. So how do they have spring training, then they have to fly from one country to another to play exhibition games?

I'm all in favor of games being played on an international level, but during spring training? What's the schedule of the other countries' teams?

I figured that before you exercise heavily, you're supposed to stretch and warm up, right? Well, that light practice and exercise is exactly what ST is supposed to be, from my perspective: working out, going through the routines, getting re-used to playing. Except now, if you get beaten, other teams will say they've beaten the USA, so a player who may not even be in tip-top shape in March, has to overexert himself, risking injury.

Baseball is supposed to be one of those sports where the USA is expected to be the best at, but if guys aren't in top condition, then you've lessened their abilities.
So no, I'm definitely not interested. I'll follow it, but only because it's a part of baseball, and one that I wish weren't taking place.

Don't you think other teams have same problem too? Most teams are in the Northern hemisphere. So they have this problem too IMO.

Mattingly

01-09-2006, 10:32 AM

Don't you think other teams have same problem too? Most teams are in the Northern hemisphere. So they have this problem too IMO.
It all depends upon what their schedules are like. Do other countries, such as Cuba, Japan, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Korea, etc all have Spring Training in March, then play from April to September, then have the playoffs in October? If so, then this would be an especially crazy decision.

I'm not sure what their schedules are, so I'm hoping that someone informs me. If not, I'll have to post separately under the International forum.

I'm not sure which hemisphere these teams are, but I presume that Cuba and other Caribbean island countries are in the same as ours, as would Venezuela (Western Hemisphere, I believe), which is in South America. The Asian nations may be in another. I'm not sure how that would affect anything other than travel time, since March in one hemisphere is March in another.

UnderPressure

01-09-2006, 09:56 PM

This is an old thread but, I have a couple of questions.

Will the games be televised?
If so, who will televise them?

Ok, so no one knows? Thanks.

Mattingly

01-10-2006, 12:36 AM

Ok, so no one knows? Thanks.
I'll try finding out. Just give me a little while. Check back in 18 hours or so.

trosmok

01-10-2006, 05:35 AM

Ok, so no one knows? Thanks.

The WBC is in serious jeopardy of being cancelled if the Tresury Dept. maintains it's cold war stance on the Cuban National team. If they do go forward, many of the games in San Diego and San Juan will be televised on Fox and ESPN, but no schedule has been published, yet. As soon as they do have a tenative broadcast lineup, we'll let you know.

Baseball Guru

01-10-2006, 10:16 AM

This is an old thread but, I have a couple of questions.

Will the games be televised?
If so, who will televise them?

I am pretty sure, if you have XM radio, they will be covering all the games...

Haven't heard a TV schedule yet.. I would imagine ESPN would be covering some of the games...

DownUnderDodger

01-13-2006, 04:28 PM

I'm all in favor of games being played on an international level, but during spring training? What's the schedule of the other countries' teams?

As for Ausrtalia, our National competition cum selection trial is being held towards the end of this month, however it is likely that the majority of the Aussie team will be players who are linked to MLB teams (see International Baseball)

Except now, if you get beaten, other teams will say they've beaten the USA, so a player who may not even be in tip-top shape in March, has to overexert himself, risking injury.

Baseball is supposed to be one of those sports where the USA is expected to be the best at, but if guys aren't in top condition, then you've lessened their abilities.

But aren't many of the players from the other teams linked with MLB clubs anyway - which means that most teams will be in the same boat?
Are you sure you are not simply afraid that the USA may not prove to be the best team in baseball, and are using Spring training as an excuse?

Surely allowing the best players from each country - and that means players who have been bought by MLB clubs to supplement the apparent shortage of talent in USA - to represent their countries is a good thing for baseball worldwide. Although it appears there are many who believe that baseball belongs in USA and should stay in USA, despite relying on talent from many other countries to bolster their teams!!

I only hope that FOX or ESPN pick up on it and we get to see some of it over here as I am sure our local commercial stations will have no interest because our football seasons will have already started by then!

plask_stirlac

01-15-2006, 11:57 PM

They already rest if February. So how do they have spring training, then they have to fly from one country to another to play exhibition games?

I'm all in favor of games being played on an international level, but during spring training? What's the schedule of the other countries' teams?

I figured that before you exercise heavily, you're supposed to stretch and warm up, right? Well, that light practice and exercise is exactly what ST is supposed to be, from my perspective: working out, going through the routines, getting re-used to playing. Except now, if you get beaten, other teams will say they've beaten the USA, so a player who may not even be in tip-top shape in March, has to overexert himself, risking injury.

Baseball is supposed to be one of those sports where the USA is expected to be the best at, but if guys aren't in top condition, then you've lessened their abilities.

So no, I'm definitely not interested. I'll follow it, but only because it's a part of baseball, and one that I wish weren't taking place.

Well participation isn't mandatory. Players can decline or be "injured" so they'll have their February off and whatever in spring. But if you're Miguel Cabrera and probably didn't stop playing ball, what better way to get ready for the season then facing Roger or Pedro with some pride on the line? That's pretty live. Of course an injury sends things down the drain, but this'll be like Olympic hockey and health/safety will be in mind.

Chisox

01-19-2006, 08:58 AM

Do I care about the WBC?
About as much as I care about Homer Bedlow's peeing disorder on Petticoat Junction.

DownUnderDodger

01-19-2006, 04:14 PM

Do I care about the WBC?
About as much as I care about Homer Bedlow's peeing disorder on Petticoat Junction.
Do I take that as meaning you are a great fan of Petticoat Junction? :laugh :laugh

Evangelion

01-19-2006, 06:00 PM

In between. If pitchers are really on pitch count, then how competitive will this be? Is this going to be a competition or a mere exhibition? Image Guillen pulling Buerhle during the World Series, because he went over his pitch count? Of course, that's the World Series, but still, that's a real competition. Depend what I see on the field this year if I want to continue watching WBC.

Another thing? Why Garciapara on Team Mexico? Still don't understand why he's even allowed to play for Team Mexico. Why Piazza playing for Italy? Because his name ends with a vowel, as Eric put it on ESPN Sports Bash. These players being allowed to hop around to whatever team they want, because they have blood? Found it weird A-Rod could even decide to play for Team Domician, because he has Domician, but doesn't sound or act Domician what so ever. That what happen when you grow up in US. :rolleyes:

I'll watch this year, but if it's going to be a weak exhibition, then my excitement for it will die. Jeez, the Yankees are keeping most of their players out of WBC. Show how important Yankees and other team treasure players' nation pride in their nation. :rolleyes:

KingJ

01-19-2006, 06:10 PM

I'm only going to be checking it out for the prospect players as only the good prospects will survive in the WBC (v. Pedro, Rocket, etc.)

F_man8326

01-19-2006, 08:02 PM

I am interested; I just wished that it didn't happen during spring training. It is going to be interesting, though, to see what happens when a big name athlete gets hurt.

Hopefully the success of the WBC will get baseball back into the Olympics for 2012.

Archery and curling in the Olympics but no baseball...what a joke!:grouchy

DownUnderDodger

01-20-2006, 02:12 AM

Interested or not, here is a list of players from your club who are in the 60 man rosters for the various countries in the WBC:

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/wbc/rosters.jsp?content=mlbclub

Chisox

01-20-2006, 07:33 AM

Do I take that as meaning you are a great fan of Petticoat Junction? :laugh :laugh

Bobby-Jo
Betty-Jo
Billie-Jo

Nothing about Homer.

Yankeebiscuitfan

01-20-2006, 09:32 AM

Do I care about the WBC?
About as much as I care about Homer Bedlow's peeing disorder on Petticoat Junction.

I guess this is a no? :rolleyes:

sschirmer

01-20-2006, 09:51 AM

I wasn't interested at all in the beginning. Now, as October gets further and further in the rearview mirror, I'm jonesing bigtime for some baseball. Bring on the WBC!

Yankeebiscuitfan

01-20-2006, 10:48 AM

I wasn't interested at all in the beginning. Now, as October gets further and further in the rearview mirror, I'm jonesing bigtime for some baseball. Bring on the WBC!

Heey, join the club sschirmer! :clapping :clapping :clapping

wamby

01-20-2006, 01:17 PM

I'll wait for the real thing.

KingNothing13

01-20-2006, 02:06 PM

wamby

01-20-2006, 07:14 PM

Anyone hear anything about US TV coverage yet?

There is no mention of it on the official sites, and I have not seen it anywhere. I can assume that ESPN/ESPN2 will be covering some games, but you know what they say about making assumptions.....:D

Last week Sports Illustrated reported that Fox hasn't shown any interest. Maybe ESPN or ESPN2 will pick up some of it.

trosmok

01-31-2006, 10:15 AM

Last week Sports Illustrated reported that Fox hasn't shown any interest. Maybe ESPN or ESPN2 will pick up some of it.

ESPN was just granted the exclusive broadcast rights, and will carry, along with ESPN2 all of sixteen games including the finals at Petco Park. Their spanish language station, ESPN Deportes will carry all 39 games of the World Beisbol Classic. ESPN Internatonal will broadcast to Africa, Europe, Israel, New Zealand, and Australia, but the article I read on Yahoo sports made no mention of Asian broadcasts, but that might have just been an oversight. No word on what their schedule of games on the air will be yet, but I'll try to get more details as they become available.

DownUnderDodger

01-31-2006, 06:22 PM

ESPN was just granted the exclusive broadcast rights, and will carry, along with ESPN2 all of sixteen games including the finals at Petco Park. Their spanish language station, ESPN Deportes will carry all 39 games of the World Beisbol Classic. ESPN Internatonal will broadcast to Africa, Europe, Israel, New Zealand, and Australia, but the article I read on Yahoo sports made no mention of Asian broadcasts, but that might have just been an oversight. No word on what their schedule of games on the air will be yet, but I'll try to get more details as they become available.

Thks Trosmok, just read the same in the Aussie Baseball site as follows:
http://www.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=22372

Gashouse6

01-31-2006, 06:35 PM

I will be ready on March 3rd:laugh

Imapotato

01-31-2006, 09:02 PM

A desperate act by a desperate dying sport riddled in scandal

Good thing the NBA and NHL has had some problems or baseball would be right above rodeo in status

This is just plain silly, they have the Olympics, but pulled the plug to make money...

Thank God Japan told them to stuff it, they seem to be the only reasonable country