Last Baseball World Cup

[USA101]

My gut feeling is that Japan will play inspired baseball because of the earthquake and win it all, but i havent really looked at the rosters yet.

[desslok]

My gut feeling is that Japan will play inspired baseball because of the earthquake and win it all, but i havent really looked at the rosters yet.

Japan has no chance. Even without "super prospects," the USA has enough talent to win it all.

[USA101]

Japan has no chance. Even without "super prospects," the USA has enough talent to win it all.

Probaly would have been smart of me to look at the rosters before telling the world i make my pick .......LOL

[SouthwestAmAZins]

Dominican NT arrives in Panama: http://www.mundialbeisbolpanama2011....x?contenido=58

Panama wins Inaugural Game in a packed Rod Carew Stadium.

[Unit312J]

The Dominican team needed $472,440 to cover their expenses. Hector Pereyra says its embarrassing that they can't cover the cost and yet wish to become a WBC host. This is probably why the 16U team didn't make it to Mexico for the 16U World Championships; they forfeited all of the games, where the Philippines withdrew and didn't get dinged with any forfeitures.

Exactly...they got dinged with forfeits because none of us down there had no idea THEY WERE NOT SHOWING UP!!! We even expected them a day or two later, but then finally gave up hope of course....

[Unit312J]

And they WON the Pre-Mundial even....shouldn't be forgotten when they are actually WINNING some of these tournaments.

[SouthwestAmAZins]

Exactly...they got dinged with forfeits because none of us down there had no idea THEY WERE NOT SHOWING UP!!! We even expected them a day or two later, but then finally gave up hope of course....

Yes, the Cuban 16U Team also forfeited their first game, but they showed up and eventually placed second in the tournament.

[Mischa]

My guesses:

Group A:
USA, Canada, Netherlands and Panama (home field advantage) advance. I wouldn't be surprised if Taiwan, Puerto Rico or Japan makes it instead of Panama or the Netherlands. Only Greece would really shock me. Good lord, how old is Erik Pappas? Will they keep treading out their 2004 Olympic team forever?

Group B:
Cuba, Dominican Republic, Australia and Venezuela advance. Nicaragua, Italy and South Korea all have a chance to advance to me in my mind. Germany is the weakest team here and I could see them beating any of the above on a good day. No pushovers like Sweden (2005), Thailand (2007), South Africa (lots of times) or Britain (2009) have served in the past.

[brewcrew82]

After going down a cumulative 21-0 in their first two games do you want to change your pick from Australia to another team?

[Mischa]

I am surprised how bad Australia's done. You've got a few former major leaguers and some other guys who have played in the higher minors. I expect them to get going soon - a shutout loss to Cuba is no big deal, but ITALY??

[brewcrew82]

Shut out again...this time by Korea.

Hopeless!!!!

[SDL]

Nederland is 4-0...I am one happy Dutchman!

[brewcrew82]

Won 7-5 against the US today...now 5-0.

[SDL]

Won 7-5 against the US today...now 5-0.

I am celebrating!

[GijsZepa]

I am celebrating!

Running around with a dutch flag ?