Oswalt inning goes international

[JimR]

Dammit

[VirtualBob]

Dammit

Yep.  Beat me to it.  Just got back from breakfast (tomorrow) and turned on the tube to find the disaster in progress.

[Reuben]

his defense let him down a bit to start the inning, but then Roy just started leaving breaking balls up in the zone left and right... hope the US can get to the Japanese bullpen.

[JimR]

The defense did not let him downm that ball was a shot in the hole with two on after base hits. Classic Oswalt inning. Reminded me of the WS.

[Reuben]

The defense did not let him downm that ball was a shot in the hole with two on after base hits. Classic Oswalt inning. Reminded me of the WS.

You don't think Roberts should've gotten in front of that more and at least gotten the out at 1st? Otherwise I was alluding to Dunn's poor positioning/throws, although it might not have made any difference... an Oswalt inning regardless.

[SaltyParker]

I think Roy was scared to throw over to DeRosa at first and hold the runners. Dunn was out of position.  You will never beat these Korean and Japanese teams with DH type guys playing defense. Johnson should have pulled Oswalt out quicker as well.

[SaltyParker]

Is Rollins hurt? Just wondering why he is at DH tonight.

[Ron Brand]

Rollins looked pretty healthy there.

[JimR]

You guys are just making excuses for Roy. He got clobbered.

[JaneDoe]

You guys are just making excuses for Roy. He got clobbered.

And seemed unable to adjust.

[jonbloozy]

Does he really owe it to the Astros to make sure Roy gets his work?

[jonbloozy]

I'm sorry, but as far as USA Baseball in the WBC, you shouldn't leave someone in longer just because you feel an obligation to the parent organization.  What a lame excuse.

[Ron Brand]

Given the current structure, I think so. This whole WBC is a clusterfuck right now, with unclear priorities at least for the US team.

[Reuben]

was Berkman ever asked to be on the team? I know he couldn't be added at this point, because he's not on the provisional roster... but did he decline initially or was he just not asked?

[Russe]

He declined.

[Savage]

Dunn is a disaster in RF.

[Reuben]

Dunn looked like he thought that was a walk-off RBI single.

[jonbloozy]

Dunn heard about the 10-run rule and thought that was it.  Maybe he didn't know it had to be a 10-run lead.

[AtascAstro]

Given the current structure, I think so. This whole WBC is a clusterfuck right now, with unclear priorities at least for the US team.

And this game continues to drive that point home.  I've enjoyed watching the Asian teams play the game...pitching, speed, defense, go figure!

[chuck]

The two best teams are going to be playing in the final. It should be a fun game. I bet each of those teams has a shortstop who can consistently make a routine play.

[DVauthrin]

The two best teams are going to be playing in the final. It should be a fun game. I bet each of those teams has a shortstop who can consistently make a routine play.

So did the U.S. team, except he was at DH.

[Reuben]

Hazel Mae on MLB Network just did a post-game interview with Iwamura. he gave two long answers in Japanese; she then sat there listening to his interpreter translate, clutching the microphone directly in front of her face.

[Bench]

So did the U.S. team, except he was at DH.

That decision is so indefensibly absurd.  Having to play an out of position DeRosa along with two bumps on a log in the outfield corners is understandable given the injury circumstances, but there is no excuse for having Rollins DH while Jeter plays short.

[SaltyParker]

That decision is so indefensibly absurd.  Having to play an out of position DeRosa along with two bumps on a log in the outfield corners is understandable given the injury circumstances, but there is no excuse for having Rollins DH while Jeter plays short.

Not just that, but how about Rollins in RF, or shuffle guys around somehow where Dunn is DH.  Almost any combination of moving people around was better then what we had out there.There is no point to the USA even entering this tournament with the brand of baseball we just witnessed this go round. Play to win or don't bother entering. When you sit your best athelete on the bench to DH that says it all.

[DVauthrin]

That decision is so indefensibly absurd.  Having to play an out of position DeRosa along with two bumps on a log in the outfield corners is understandable given the injury circumstances, but there is no excuse for having Rollins DH while Jeter plays short.

You are right.   I mentioned it was costly versus Puerto Rico and it hurt again tonight.  To help the defense you could have played Longoria or Wright at 1b(since they would be used to picking short hops at 3b) moved DeRosa to RF(a position he's played), and Rollins to SS or had Victorino in RF, DeRosa at 1B and Rollins at SS.   

[homer]

Or they could have added a first baseman instead of Longoria.

[Deja Vu]

any ruling on dunn's effort on the double in the 8th? i mean, if we're not even going to hustle, why bother showing up?

[MusicMan]

If Dunn wants to know why he has a reputation for not caring about baseball, he should rewatch that tape.

[Reuben]

If Dunn wants to know why he has a reputation for not caring about baseball, he should rewatch that tape.

If Dunn wants to know why Scot Shields is sending him hate mail, he should also rewatch that tape.

[JackAstro]

If Dunn wants to know why he has a reputation for not caring about baseball, he should rewatch that tape.

Let's relive the magic with him.

[MusicMan]

If you're going to post clips like that, then your avatar needs to change into leather and chains.

[Gizzmonic]

One of my buddies at work is Japanese, he was quite excited today.  He said their shortstop, Nakajima, plays for his hometown team, the Seibu Lions.  He also said that Nakajima has a European father.

[Twoniner]

  It would make a lot more sense for USA to field a team built more around speed and defense, even if it didn't seem like the strongest squad.   Speed and defense don't need a full spring training to be effective the way many sluggers do.    When  you field a fantasy lineup of players whose entire value is in their bat (Jeter, Dunn, Braun)... if they don't hit,  you have zilch.

[Matt]

Why not just let the college kids go at it next time?

[Noe]

Why not just let the college kids go at it next time?

Agreed or minor leaguers.  And take some serious minor league pitching with you too!  And when one is getting lit up, you go get him before the damage is too much.  You will never have to say "He needed to get his work in" ever again.

[Matt]

Agreed or minor leaguers.  And take some serious minor league pitching with you too!  And when one is getting lit up, you go get him before the damage is too much.  You will never have to say "He needed to get his work in" ever again.

I guarantee the minor leaguers or college kids would be much hungrier to prove something in this tournament.

[Mr. Happy]

Why not just let the college kids go at it next time?

Agreed. Or at least get a good retired college coach, who knows how to coach in tournament play, handle the job.

[geezerdonk]

One of my buddies at work is Japanese, he was quite excited today.  He said their shortstop, Nakajima, plays for his hometown team, the Seibu Lions.  He also said that Nakajima has a European father.

I wonder if he has his father's name.

[Bench]

Top 7:  That was an amazing double play under the circumstances.  This has been a fun game to watch.

[Gizzmonic]

I wonder if he has his father's name.

Hmm...he said the same thing today about Yu Darvish, the pitcher who blew the save last night.  And apparently it's true this time..  The confusion is probably because of the language barrier...I should work on my Japanese!

[kevwun]

I don't think college players are an option unless they move the start date of the tourney up.  College teams have already been in conference play for a couple of weeks.

[Ty in Tampa]

I don't think college players are an option unless they move the start date of the tourney up.  College teams have already been in conference play for a couple of weeks.

So we've already listed 2 things that are more important than the WBC.

[Lurch]

I don't think college players are an option unless they move the start date of the tourney up.  College teams have already been in conference play for a couple of weeks.

Wasn't it created in the first place by MLB to showcase MLB talent and expand their game's reach to increase their viewership and talent pool?  Going to college players would seem counter to that goal.  Further, other than pride, what harm is there in the US not winning, especially as it relates to the MLBs goal.  They probably like that other nations are competing at such a high level and winning.  This will only further increase their future talent pool of players and expand marketing opportunities to countries they previously couldn't reach nearly as effectively as they will be able to when those nations' players are in the MLB.

The problem with the minor league players approach is that those that are good enough to be on the team are the same ones that are probably fighting for a major league spot and need to be with their teams.

[Gizzmonic]

So we've already listed 2 things that are more important than the WBC.

I enjoyed the WBC...if for no other reason than to see the other countries' teams play.  Those Japanese and Korean teams excel in pitching, defense, patience at the plate, etc...solid fundamental baseball.  Very nice to watch.

[Deja Vu]

I enjoyed the WBC...if for no other reason than to see the other countries' teams play.  Those Japanese and Korean teams excel in pitching, defense, patience at the plate, etc...solid fundamental baseball.  Very nice to watch.

don't forget speed- the real reason Japan ended up beating the US was the ferocious baserunning in the 8th inning, IMO.

[Mr. Happy]

I enjoyed the WBC...if for no other reason than to see the other countries' teams play.  Those Japanese and Korean teams excel in pitching, defense, patience at the plate, etc...solid fundamental baseball.  Very nice to watch.

I too enjoyed this tourney. You had some upsets, which was fun. I love fundamental baseball. This station-to-station home run derby that the game has debilitated into for some leaves me cold.

[Noe]

Wasn't it created in the first place by MLB to showcase MLB talent and expand their game's reach to increase their viewership and talent pool?  Going to college players would seem counter to that goal.  Further, other than pride, what harm is there in the US not winning, especially as it relates to the MLBs goal.  They probably like that other nations are competing at such a high level and winning.  This will only further increase their future talent pool of players and expand marketing opportunities to countries they previously couldn't reach nearly as effectively as they will be able to when those nations' players are in the MLB.

The problem with the minor league players approach is that those that are good enough to be on the team are the same ones that are probably fighting for a major league spot and need to be with their teams.

TeamUSA is an seperate entity than the MLB.  TeamUSA uses whatever is available to them to put together a team to play in International venues, such as the Olympics, World Championships and now the WBC.  The tournament itself may be an MLB chartered tourney, but it invites the TeamUSA to put the team in place and suggests using professional players as well.  But using players who are important to their own team is a problem.  Minor leaguers for TeamUSA however can be constructed early, say in December/January and have practices and team charters in place by tournament time.  Most, if not all, MLB teams will want to showcase their minor leaguers (especially those who are prime prospects) and providing a tournament that will allow these hot shot prospects to play with major leaguers is a bonus.  Think of it as a glorified extention of the AFL, where only the elite of the elite of minor league prospects make up the rosters.

I think you can use the tournament team in this way much more effectively than they currently do with major league veterans who are getting in their spring training work.

[Matt]

Speaking of fundamental baseball, does anyone know if you can get a Korean and Japanese league games on satellite providers?  It has been awesome to watch those two teams play each other and I would definitely watch their leagues play.  Also, I think Korea will be getting scouted much more heavily in the near future.

[JackAstro]

TeamUSA is an seperate entity than the MLB.  TeamUSA uses whatever is available to them to put together a team to play in International venues, such as the Olympics, World Championships and now the WBC.  The tournament itself may be an MLB chartered tourney, but it invites the TeamUSA to put the team in place and suggests using professional players as well.  But using players who are important to their own team is a problem.  Minor leaguers for TeamUSA however can be constructed early, say in December/January and have practices and team charters in place by tournament time.  Most, if not all, MLB teams will want to showcase their minor leaguers (especially those who are prime prospects) and providing a tournament that will allow these hot shot prospects to play with major leaguers is a bonus.  Think of it as a glorified extention of the AFL, where only the elite of the elite of minor league prospects make up the rosters.

I think you can use the tournament team in this way much more effectively than they currently do with major league veterans who are getting in their spring training work.

Of course, then you're going to run into trouble with clubs who would prefer to have their top prospects in ST, either to try to make the big club, or just so the coaches can have a chance to evaluate them directly. Just pulling one not-too-great example out of my ass, would the Astros rather Chris Johnson be in camp this spring, or playing in the WBC? Unless you drop down to a lower level of prospect or move the dates, there's always some amount of conflict with existing schedules and interests, be it college, minors or MLB.

[Noe]

Of course, then you're going to run into trouble with clubs who would prefer to have their top prospects in ST, either to try to make the big club, or just so the coaches can have a chance to evaluate them directly. Just pulling one not-too-great example out of my ass, would the Astros rather Chris Johnson be in camp this spring, or playing in the WBC? Unless you drop down to a lower level of prospect or move the dates, there's always some amount of conflict with existing schedules and interests, be it college, minors or MLB.

True, but I bet showcasing Brian Bogesevic would be met with excitement.

[JackAstro]

True, but I bet showcasing Brian Bogesevic would be met with excitement.

Also true. We either just solved the problem, or created an infinite loop of fail. Not sure which.

[DVauthrin]

Of course, then you're going to run into trouble with clubs who would prefer to have their top prospects in ST, either to try to make the big club, or just so the coaches can have a chance to evaluate them directly. Just pulling one not-too-great example out of my ass, would the Astros rather Chris Johnson be in camp this spring, or playing in the WBC? Unless you drop down to a lower level of prospect or move the dates, there's always some amount of conflict with existing schedules and interests, be it college, minors or MLB.

If your goal is to please everybody, you will never succeed.   If you gave GM's the scenario you just described or using big league stars, they choose your scenario every time.

[JackAstro]

If your goal is to please everybody, you will never succeed.   If you gave GM's the scenario you just described or using big league stars, they choose your scenario every time.

I have no goal, other than to point out that there's going to be a problem with every potential scenario.

[Deja Vu]

Can I point out one "minor" issue? If we send minor leaguers, or college kids, then we will get our asses kicked and never make it to the semifinals, ever. Unless we go the LLWS route and exempt ourselves into the semis every year.

[MusicMan]

You mean like how we changed the rules this year to a double-elimination format that would give us a better chance of making it to the semis?

[Arky Vaughan]

Can I point out one "minor" issue? If we send minor leaguers, or college kids, then we will get our asses kicked and never make it to the semifinals, ever. Unless we go the LLWS route and exempt ourselves into the semis every year.

Why do you care? Isn't a crushing blow to running-dog kleptocracy America a glorious victory for the kind and benevolent rest of mankind? Comrade?

[Noe]

Can I point out one "minor" issue? If we send minor leaguers, or college kids, then we will get our asses kicked and never make it to the semifinals, ever. Unless we go the LLWS route and exempt ourselves into the semis every year.

Well, there is good suggestion!  I just feel that preparation is vital for a tournament and it's all about time allotment and preparation in terms of roles on the team being clearly defined.  Once you have that, then you seek the good strategical fit to win said tournament.  Just throwing talent at the other side isn't going to cut it (as we've seen so far).

[Deja Vu]

Why do you care? Isn't a crushing blow to running-dog kleptocracy America a glorious victory for the kind and benevolent rest of mankind? Comrade?

Against my hard-wiring, I'm being told by the Pope to use the "Ignore" user feature.

[Limey]

a crushing blow to running-dog kleptocracy America a glorious victory for the kind and benevolent rest of mankind

Is this the sub-title to the Borat sequel?