World Baseball Classic



TO date, other than Fidel’s Infidels joining the field, it seems like the biggest stories are held within the names of the no-shows and the speculation of big stars getting injured. This may only be because there is no history of the World Baseball Classic to reflect upon, no memories of great moments, no Game Seven-type excitement to recall.

That’s a pity but a situation which will be rectified by the time the inaugural Classic is concluded.

For guidance have a look at voetball’s World Cup.

Can you imagine some massive international star, say Brazil’s Ronaldo or England’s David Beckham, turning down the opportunity to play for his country in the World Cup? It’s arguably the biggest sporting event in the world, not to mention a stage upon which to play yourself up for massive contracts and transfers. Much like March Madness, football players often parlay impressive performances in the World Cup into huge paydays.

Certainly there will be unknowns who make a big splash and some from Japan, Korea and perhaps China and Cuba, will be have a chance to cash in big but by and large, contractual obligations and the binding nature of baseball’s minor league system make the prospect of a staging ground for baseball millions less for the baseball stars than those in voetball’s World Cup, but there seems little doubt that once the Classic has been played a few times there will be no sitting out. There will be mad desire to participate.

As for stars getting injured, it’s certainly a possibility. However, consider this: do you ever see baseball players faking getting hit by a ball, diving to the ground, rolling and writhing from imaginary fouls like football players often do? In other words, who are more fragile, voetball stars or baseball players? And if voetball players can endure not only a gruelling season like that of the Premiership in England and THEN go on to play in the biggest tournament in the world with relatively few injuries, certainly baseball players still playing themselves into shape and perhaps not even taking the games all that seriously just yet, are not going to go falling like dominoes.

Pitching counts are limited – quite an important method to avoid costly pitcher injuries. 65 in the first round, 80 in round two and 95 in the finals and semi finals.

The wildcard is of course, Cuba. Having been allowed entry into the tournament by virtue of guaranteeing no profits (all go to Hurricane Katrina aid), the roster hasn’t been announced yet and even those who are on the roster might be tempted to jump ship as soon as possible.

Although there is no history of the Classic upon which to base rivalries, certainly China v Chinese Taipei in Pool A will be a high strung match, as well as Puerto Rico-Cuba (Pool C) and Domincan Republic against Venezuela in Pool D.



Holland, no doubt, stuffed in the grouping with Cuba and Puerto Rico will have a hard go at it but with Curacao star Andruw Jones and Randall Simon joining Shea Hillenbrand, it’s not a bad lineup. The rotation looked formidable with Kirk Saarloos (whose surname is at least Dutch) and A’s future ace Danny Haren – (Mark Mulder, invited but declined, it appears,) but regardless, they might be able to give Panama a run for their money to escape the basement of Pool C.

Sports Amnesia’s early pick for the Final Four is Cuba, Dominican Republic, USA and Korea.

*****

Lombari's Last Speech

In case you missed it, Jerry Kramer, Packer legend and World Champion, author and chronicler of the Packer's seasons, has discovered the lost Lombardi tapes and placed them on his website both on offer and available in excerpts. Interesting place to visit, memory lane.

Kwan Pulls Out



Such headlines! There was little I was interested in watching about the Winter Olympics in Torino, but this just about seals the deal that I won't even bother betting on Olympic Hockey matches.

It's difficult enough getting worked up about these overhyped "games" as it is but with Michelle Kwan dropping out, or "pulling" out rather (what a curious way to put it, one speculates...over a groin injury, no less...) what else is left to get excited about, speed skating? Giant slalom? Or will I just content myself with following the coverage of Saddam Hussien's hunger strike.

BEFORE


AND AFTER


AND REALLY AFTER


Going back to this Kwan pulling out with groin injury, the Kawn Um School of Zen is the only remedy left.

But it's a sad day for The Kwan and the last remaining hope of establishing a casual interest in these Olympic events...