2017 World Baseball Classic Preview — Pool C
It’s time for the fourth ever World Baseball Classic. Baseball’s world tournament kicks off this week as sixteen teams compete to become the 2017 WBC Champions. Four years ago, the team from the Dominican Republic ran through the tournament going undefeated in eight games as they took the crown. Baseball fans enjoyed a changing of the guard four years ago, as Japan had won the first two tournaments, in 2006 and 2009. This year has the makings to be the best tournament yet. Let’s take a look at what’s in store.
Pool C
March 9–13, 2017 — Marlins Park — Miami, FL
Dominican Republic
The reigning, defending (Bruce Buffer voice) WBC Champions ran roughshod through the 2013 tournament winning all eight games they played. This year they look to continue their dominance with a star studded roster. Their lineup is packed with All-Stars like Robinson Cano, Manny Machado, Nelson Cruz, Carlos Santana, and Starling Marte just to name a few. On the bump, the Dominicans are led by none other than Big Sexy himself, Bartolo Colon. While not the best pitcher on the staff, Bartolo is the elder statesman of the pitching staff that includes Johnny Cueto, Carlos Martinez, Ivan Nova and Luis Severino. After trying to get past those starting pitchers, opposing offenses will dread facing their bullpen with the likes of Jeurys Familia, Alex Colome and Dellin Betances.
With all that talent, the Dominicans looks to continue their WBC dominance. The only question is, will they come to play? It was believed that back during the ’09 tournament, David Ortiz chartered a plane from the Dominican Republic to Florida to fly all of the Dominican players back for their opening game the next day. Apparently the Dominicans had quite the party the night before as they lost 2–1 to the Dutch and later would not even advance out of the first round. If this group comes to play like they did last tournament, watch out, because we could see something special again like in ’13. Look for the Dominicans to easily advance into the second round.
Colombia
Making their first appearance in the WBC, the Colombians will be looking to put their name on the world baseball map. If the Colombians have any chance to advance, it will be on the shoulders of their horses, Jose Quintana and Julio Teheran. Behind these two arms, anything can happen. If it wasn’t for the 65 pitch limit in the first round, these two aces could single-handedly carry the Colombians through the tournament. But unfortunately for them, they’re going to need some other players to step up. With top Colombian prospect Dilson Herrera withdrawing from the tournament due to shoulder soreness, there are other young Colombians looking to step up. Brothers Donovan and Jhonatan Solano will look to add some quality offense to the team, as well as Giovanny Urshela and Tito Polo. Behind the dish, the Colombians will look to Phillies prospect Jorge Alfaro.
Alfaro is a 23-year-old backstop who will look to shine and showcase his skills to world in this tournament. With a couple of good outings on the mound and some quality at-bats, who knows what this team can do. But with the Dominicans and the Americans in their pool, it will be tough to advance. The Colombians will show the world a glimpse of what they can do on the baseball field, but it won’t be enough this year to advance to the second round.
Canada
The Canadians will be making their fourth straight WBC appearance. After not advancing out of the first round yet, the Syrup makers will be looking to finally get over the hump this year. Led by Canadian legend Justin Morneau, there are also some other old timers on the squad. Recently retired pitcher Ryan Dempster will get the starting nod in the opening game this year. Also on the pitching staff is the former flame throwing Cy Young winner and now 41-year-old relief pitcher, Eric Gagne. “Game Over” Gagne will be looking to use his appearances in this tournament as a tryout for all 30 major league teams as he looks to make a comeback this season. Surprisingly to me, Freddie Freeman will represent his parents’ homeland this year in honor of his late mother. The Canadian young bloods to look out for this year are outfielders Tyler O’Neill and Dalton Pompey. Missing from action this year are former MVP Joey “Mr. OBP’ Votto, pitching prospect Jameson Taillon, Michael Saunders, and Russell Martin. While Martin won’t be playing, he will be on the bench with the team for moral support. Unfortunately for the Canadians, they won’t be making out of the pool again this year. Sorrey.
USA
The Americans this year will be looking for their first ever top three WBC finish. After advancing out of pool play the past three tournaments, a second round appearance will not be enough to satisfy the Americans. With a star-studded lineup that includes Giancarlo (Mike) Stanton, Buster Posey, Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and Adam Jones. The youngsters of the lineup are Christian Yelich and Alex Bregman, who can learn a lot from the accomplished veterans on the US roster. On the hill, the US will be led by Chris Archer, Marcus Stroman, Tanner Roark and AL ROY (this award should be Gary Sanchez’s but that’s for another blog) Michael Fulmer. The back-end of the bullpen consists of Andrew Miller, David Robertson, Jake McGee and Tyler Clippard. The glaring omissions from the roster are Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Clayton Kershaw and Madison Bumgarner. Maybe in 2021 our best players will want to play for us. But until then, this roster is still stacked with some of the best talent in the world. There will be no reason for the USA to not advance out of pool play and make a run at the championship. They’re just too talented. Look for the US to make it out of pool play yet again.
Predicted Pool Winner — Dominican Republic
Predicted Pool Runner-up — USA
