World Baseball Classic

[sk7326]

Another option I think would be fun would be to just cancel the All Star game and extend the Break to 2 weeks in WBC years.

[Bellhorn04]

Another option I think would be fun would be to just cancel the All Star game and extend the Break to 2 weeks in WBC years.

Good luck persuading Manfred to kill the All Star game cash cow.

[mvp 78]

It's great baseball. Last night's Mexico-Japan game was better than most MLB games I've watched because those other countries--but especially Mexico and Japan, who have sizable populations and have been playing baseball for 150 years--love the WBC.

I don't discount the injury aspect, which is real and potentially costly (as it was again this year when that player was injured in the post-game celebration). But it's still great fun to watch with games that are well played and enthusiastically supported by fans. Miami games have been sold out, which they aren't during the regular MLB season.

I've been a Sox fan since 1949, but have routinely apologized for my baseball fandom because I have no family or friends who share that passion. Why? Because MLB games last forever--3+ hours with maybe 10 minutes of real action--and are definitely an acquired taste.

So, when I see fanatics from other countries--to say nothing of the players--I'm delighted.

Last night I rooted for Japan, especially after seeing what an unbelievable hotdog Arozarena is. When the game ended and Mexico had lost, he had a big smile on his face because for him it's all about the show. Nevertheless, I thought both teams played a high brand of baseball--definitely MLB caliber.

From 2004-22, the only season the Marlins made the playoffs was 2020 when fans couldn't show up to games. Attendance did increase in 04 and 05 after their WS win. I think that fanbase just needs to be given a reason to show up.

[mvp 78]

Overlooked in his WBC record RBIs is the defensive play that saved the game for Japan -- when Yoshida gunned down a runner at the plate for the last out in the 8th, keeping it a two-run deficit. He's fundamentally sound.

ACTUALLY, he's only a DH and the Sox overpaid for him! His defense is terrible!

[sk7326]

Good luck persuading Manfred to kill the All Star game cash cow.

Take one MLB sanctioned cash cow and replace it with a bigger one!

[Bellhorn04]

Take one MLB sanctioned cash cow and replace it with a bigger one!

Rob wants it all!

[iortiz]

I watched most of the games and is great to see that it is turning like the soccer world cup. While big stars and names played the tournament, some missed though. They need to find a way to let big stars, specially pitchers play. The more big names play the more this tournament will grow and reach more audience.

[notin]

Another option I think would be fun would be to just cancel the All Star game and extend the Break to 2 weeks in WBC years.

Let’s get those World Series games into December!!

[Bellhorn04]

I watched most of the games and is great to see that it is turning like the soccer world cup. While big stars and names played the tournament, some missed though. They need to find a way to let big stars, specially pitchers play. The more big names play the more this tournament will grow and reach more audience.

Injury concerns are always going to keep some guys out of it.

[sk7326]

Let’s get those World Series games into December!!

we just had a season that started a week late and nothing happened. So this is not splitting the atom or anything.

[mvp 78]

I watched most of the games and is great to see that it is turning like the soccer world cup. While big stars and names played the tournament, some missed though. They need to find a way to let big stars, specially pitchers play. The more big names play the more this tournament will grow and reach more audience.

Agreed. 100%

Even if the pitchers are just going 1-2 innings at a time.

[mvp 78]

we just had a season that started a week late and nothing happened. So this is not splitting the atom or anything.

Just have a season with 150 games?

[Bellhorn04]

Just have a season with 150 games?

The dream never dies, just the dreamer.

[mvp 78]

The dream never dies, just the dreamer.

Is that a threat?

[Bellhorn04]

Is that a threat?

No, I'm just a harmless old philosopher.