World Baseball Classic early feelings

     On February 5th Cru's Corner broke down the four pools highlighting each team's strength and weaknesses.  Most of the early tournament results have proven to stay within the expected script, but a few teams can still throw everything into chaos.  The Dominican Republic squad is as good offensively as advertised.  Crushing a bad Nicaragua team was hardly surprising, but they showed both great defense (see Manny Machado's back to back plays at third) and power (Oneil Cruz crushing a three run homer).  Cru's Corner had predicted the Dominicans and Venezuela advancing in the Miami bracket.  So far it looks good for both.

     Japan has shown they are for real both offensively and on the mound.  They destroyed a pretty good Chinese Taipei team 13-0.  Ohtani was actually a triple shy of the cycle in the second inning of the game.  Having only pitched Yamamota two innings allows him to return quickly and might spell trouble for whoever draws Japan in the next round.  Although Japan beat South Korea in a tight game 8-6, I still believe South Korea comes out of this pool as a survivor.  Australia vs. South Korea might be the deciding game to determine who advances with Japan.  Cru's Corner had predicted Japan and South Korea to advance and we are sticking to that thought.

     The Puerto Rico team got great pitching in game one to beat Colombia 5-0.  Allowing Seth Lugo to go five innings this early might mean he is not available in the next round.  They still have enough to win this pool play and should advance pretty easily.  Cuba was surprisingly good in their first competition.  Originally it was believed that Cuba might not field a team with everything going on in their country right now, however they beat a pretty decent Panama squad yesterday 3-1.   I'm still picking Canada to advance with Puerto Rico here, although Cuba has me a bit worried.

     In Houston, the United States struggled a bit early against a heavily overmatched Brazilian team before pulling away late.  The highlight of the whole tournament thus far had to be when 17 year old high school pitcher Joseph Contrares retired the American lineup in the second inning.  He faced Bryce Turang, Bobby Witt Jr., Bryce Harper, and Aaron Judge to retire the side.  Just amazing.  Mexico has looked good as expected after beating Great Britain 8-2 and most are projecting them to advance with the United States.  Cru's Corner had picked Italy to upset Mexico and advance with the United States.  It is a longshot, but we are sticking to it.  

Cru's Corner Predictions on Feb 5th.  (We are sticking with them)

Dominican and Venezuela advance from Miami

Japan and South Korea advance from Tokyo

Puerto Rico and Canada advance from Puerto Rico

United States and Italy advance from Houston.