Tuning in to the WBC

The World Baseball Classic (WBC) has been in session for a little less than two weeks. It's the second historical premiere of the event and so far it has been somewhat more exciting than the inaugural WBC in 2006.

Since game one on March 5th, the Dominican Republic, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, China, Taiwan (Chinese Taipei), Australia, Mexico, Panama, and South Africa have all been eliminated from the tournament. In turn, this left Japan, South Korea, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the United States as the remaining teams striving for the championship.

As of now, the Venezuelans have already guaranteed themselves a spot in the semi-final round with the recent victory over Puerto Rico. This left Puerto Rico with the United States in an all-or-nothing situation. The winner between the two countries advances, while the loser goes home.

Similarly, though not as dire, the winner between the upcoming Japan-South Korea matchup will be guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals. The loser, however, will not yet be eliminated. In a last ditch effort, said losing team will face off against Cuba, with the winner of that contest advancing, and the loser exiting.

I have my money on either Japan or South Korea winning it all. No, it's not because I'm Asian... The Japanese were crowned the international champions at the end of the inaugural WBC. In the 2008 Olympic Games at Beijing, South Korea claimed the gold medal in baseball. Both teams in the 2009 WBC have been performing very well. If you put two and two together, such an outcome is quite feasible.

Then again, no one should ever count Team USA or Cuba out...