2023 World Baseball Classic

[Brewcrew82]

Tournament starts March 7th. Here are the Brewers participating: 

I think the winner is going to come down to the US, the Dominican Republic, and Japan. Gotta say I'm kind of disappointed in the starting pitching staff the US put together compared to those teams. Our lineup is probably the best, but compare Adam Wainwright, Miles Mikolas, Merrill Kelly, and co. to Alcantara, Javier, Garcia, Ohtani, Darvish, etc...That could very well prove to be the difference. Too bad because DeGrom, Burnes, Scherzer, Cole, etc. would blow everyone out of the water (though, I'm obviously glad Corbin and Woody are bypassing it). 

Think this could be a really good opportunity for Devin, as he has started really slow over the past couple of years. He could very well end up as team USA's closer.

[brooks_quichenick]

I'm most excited to see our prospects in this thing, pretty cool for Frelick, Vassalotti, Rodriguez and Hall.

[brewcrewdue80]

5 hours ago, Brewcrew82 said:

Tournament starts March 7th. Here are the Brewers participating: 

I think the winner is going to come down to the US, the Dominican Republic, and Japan. Gotta say I'm kind of disappointed in the starting pitching staff the US put together compared to those teams. Our lineup is probably the best, but compare Adam Wainwright, Miles Mikolas, Merrill Kelly, and co. to Alcantara, Javier, Garcia, Ohtani, Darvish, etc...That could very well prove to be the difference. Too bad because DeGrom, Burnes, Scherzer, Cole, etc. would blow everyone out of the water (though, I'm obviously glad Corbin and Woody are bypassing it). 

Think this could be a really good opportunity for Devin, as he has started really slow over the past couple of years. He could very well end up as team USA's closer.

I see a good reason for top pitchers to bypass this closer to FA. Williams has  2 more years control beyond this season so a blown out elbow he could still put together a full year pitching before FA.  Wainwright and Mikolas make sense being twilight of their careers to pitch.  You know I'll be rooting for Frelick to impress and just take over any questions if he should start in minors or Opening Day.  Man I want some baseball game results!

[owbc]

Most of the rosters look pretty light on pitching. There's going to be a lot of runs scored in this tournament, although the winning formula might be to have a set of 5 relief pitchers that can cover most of the game. It's also the last chance to watch MLB players without the new rules. 

The DR is absolutely stacked and has to be the favorite. I would add Venezula to the list of contenders. Mexico looks surprisingly good. The first round US-Mexico game in Phoenix will be a fun one in front of a sold out, pro-Mexico crowd. The Miami pool also promises to have some games with a fun atmosphere.