Guide to the World Baseball Classic

[vegasbob]

In almost all respects the WBC has given some encouragement that the Red Sox p are fully ready for the season. 

 To me, one of the most encouraging is Whitlock.   If the team has an 8th inning lead, i hope Garrett is out there slinging.

[moonslav59]

18 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

"Contreras has only hit over 22 HRs once." He's hit 20+ HRs SIX times though!

I'd project 22-25 HRs for Willson.

[mvp 78]

 

[Kimmi]

On 3/11/2026 at 5:35 PM, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

I'm confused about the tiebreaker of "the lowest quotient of runs allowed divided by defensive outs recorded," and welcome any math whiz on the forum to correct me -- because I hope I'm wrong.

That tiebreaker could penalize any team that won by a mercy score -- which makes zero sense to me...

Ex: two winners allow 4 runs each. Team 1 wins 5-4 in 9 innings. Team 2 wins by mercy, 14-4, in 7.

Team 1's quotient of 4 divided by 27 outs is 0.148.

Team 2's quotient of 4 divided by 21 outs is 0.190. 

So Team 2 -- so dominant they only had to play 7 -- gets eliminated because they were better?

 

I hadn't thought about the mercy rule and how that factors into the "lowest quotient".  You're absolutely right.

I just thought that runs allowed was an interesting choice.  Run differential would have made more sense, IMO.

[Kimmi]

On 3/11/2026 at 9:39 PM, JoeBrady said:

I wouldn't mind at all.  Having Italy and Mexico move on is good for the sport overall.

I want USA to win it, but now that Japan and the Dominican Republic are out, I am okay with whoever wins it.  I have nothing against the Japan and DR teams, but they've already won it, so let's spread the wealth around.  

The atmosphere in these games has been electric.

[Kimmi]

I am not in favor of the ABS challenge system, but if there ever was a case for why it is needed, the 3rd called strike on a 3-2 count last night is it.  

That said, a tip of the cap to Pujols and the Dominican team for their very positive attitudes shortly after the game.  

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

23 minutes ago, Kimmi said:

I want USA to win it, but now that Japan and the Dominican Republic are out, I am okay with whoever wins it.  I have nothing against the Japan and DR teams, but they've already won it, so let's spread the wealth around.  

The atmosphere in these games has been electric.

I like your attitude. This tournament has been exactly what I was hoping for to fill the time waiting for the Spring. 

It's fun to watch ballgames the world cares way more about than Grapefruit or Cactus, and the young Red Sox all had clutch moments and experiences in intense competition that can only bode well.

[JoeBrady]

3 hours ago, mvp 78 said:

"Contreras has only hit over 22 HRs once." He's hit 20+ HRs SIX times though!

From 8/11 on, Anthony's pace was 41 HR per 650 PA. 

Contreras was also a catcher.  Over the past 7 seasons, he's averaged 29.8/600 ABs.

[moonslav59]

1 hour ago, JoeBrady said:

Contreras was also a catcher.  Over the past 7 seasons, he's averaged 29.8/600 ABs.

I see 28 per 655, but good point. (2019-2025)

[JoeBrady]

2 hours ago, moonslav59 said:

I see 28 per 655, but good point. (2019-2025)

The 600/650 split is not precise on the individual level.  Nor is my preference in using 600.  Close enough either way.

[moonslav59]

14 minutes ago, JoeBrady said:

The 600/650 split is not precise on the individual level.  Nor is my preference in using 600.  Close enough either way.

Yes. The fact is, he's had decent power.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Anyone who's watched the Venezuela games know why WiLLson hasn't played or even pinch hit in almost a week? 

I don't want to start getting Jack Clark vibes from this guy...

[mvp 78]

26 minutes ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

Anyone who's watched the Venezuela games know why WiLLson hasn't played or even pinch hit in almost a week? 

I don't want to start getting Jack Clark vibes from this guy...

They keep running out Arraez who has a 1168 OPS and leads the team in RBI. Eugenio Suarez has been DH'ing. Probably sticking with the pure power guy at DH is my guess. If Arraez wasn't playing out of his mind, Contreras would be in there. 

[mvp 78]

Also, Clark was good in '91. He was bad in '92, but it's easy to remember a guy when they've held on for one year too long. 

[drewski6]

1 hour ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

Anyone who's watched the Venezuela games know why WiLLson hasn't played or even pinch hit in almost a week? 

I don't want to start getting Jack Clark vibes from this guy...

Better than Tony Clark vibes , in which case we'd prob have to hide WiLLiam Contrera's wife

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Venezuela benching Contreras is curious. They're obviously doing well without him, but in some close games where he hasn't even been called on to pinch hit.

As a Sox fan it's hard not to notice, especially since management seems to be counting on Willson to be the veteran force in the heart of the order this year -- our one "big bat" that Breslow acquired in a winter where a lot of fans graded him an A for the offseason.

[mvp 78]

23 minutes ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

Venezuela benching Contreras is curious. They're obviously doing well without him, but in some close games where he hasn't even been called on to pinch hit.

As a Sox fan it's hard not to notice, especially since management seems to be counting on Willson to be the veteran force in the heart of the order this year -- our one "big bat" that Breslow acquired in a winter where a lot of fans graded him an A for the offseason.

ST stats: 

462 AVG

1563 OPS

2 HR

13 AB

I think we got a grade A panican on our hands folks. 

[JoeBrady]

26 minutes ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

As a Sox fan it's hard not to notice

I didn't notice.  But of all the guys that I worry about, he's at the bottom of the list.

[notin]

24 minutes ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

Venezuela benching Contreras is curious. They're obviously doing well without him, but in some close games where he hasn't even been called on to pinch hit.

As a Sox fan it's hard not to notice, especially since management seems to be counting on Willson to be the veteran force in the heart of the order this year -- our one "big bat" that Breslow acquired in a winter where a lot of fans graded him an A for the offseason.

A 6 game stretch on a National All Star team.  Think the Cubs are concerned that Pete Crow-Armstrong got benched?

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Oh woe is me -- I actually paid attention to an international tournament where guys are trying and watched the Red Sox players participating.

Quick, now quote me some Spring Training stats... and then post on another thread how Spring Training stats mean nothing.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

20 minutes ago, notin said:

A 6 game stretch on a National All Star team.  Think the Cubs are concerned that Pete Crow-Armstrong got benched?

I asked if anyone knew why Contreras was benched in a world tournament, because as a curious Red Sox fan I know Cora has already stated Willson will be his new clean-up man on a club the team president says is all about winning championships.

I could care less what the Cubs think.

[notin]

15 minutes ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

I asked if anyone knew why Contreras was benched in a world tournament, because as a curious Red Sox fan I know Cora has already stated Willson will be his new clean-up man on a club the team president says is all about winning championships.

I could care less what the Cubs think.

The reason he has been benched is very likely simply because he isn’t the best first baseman on a Venezuelan All Star team.  
 

And that’s ok with me…

[mvp 78]

9 minutes ago, notin said:

The reason he has been benched is very likely simply because he isn’t the best first baseman on a Venezuelan All Star team.  
 

And that’s ok with me…

I already said that Luis Arraez is currently on a heater (and slugging the ball somehow). It's clearly the reason Contreras isn't starting. 

[drewski6]

1 hour ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

I asked if anyone knew why Contreras was benched in a world tournament, because as a curious Red Sox fan I know Cora has already stated Willson will be his new clean-up man on a club the team president says is all about winning championships.

I could care less what the Cubs think.

I thought it was a fair question.  Willson, in his managers opinion, is not a better starting option than not only Luis Arraez (only could get a 1 yr contract) but also Gleybar Torres , Geno , M. Garcia , and Tovar .  Torres, Arraez, Geno were all 1 yr contract guys. Tovar plays on a terrible team (rockies).  Yet our stud acquisition who is supposed to not only replace Bregman but also save Breslows weird offseason and anchor our lineup - isnt his managers top choice to beat out any of these 5 guys?

Im not worried about it, and I get riding the hot bat. But its not one player who is getting the nod over Contreras. Its the entire infield and DH.  I know its hard to accept, but in 2026 guys move around, and all of the guys playing over Contreras have experience at multiple infield positions.  Arraez isnt even a 1b primary, he's playing 2b for the Giants this year.  So why not play him at 2b? Because Torres is there (so Torres is also getting playing time over WILLson). As is M. Garcia (Torres could just as easily play 3b, with Arraez to his natural position of 2b), and Tovar (Garcia can play SS), and even Geno (WILLson can DH). Thats not a who's who of elite players, sorry. Thats a bunch of could only get 1 yr guys.  But yet that entire infield (and DH) have Contreras pushed to cheerleader role. You can make that infield work subbing in Contreras for ANY of Arraez, Torres, Garcia, Tovar, Geno.

I dont think you deserve tomatoes chucked at you for asking if this is something to be concerned about even though Im not personally concerned.  

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

26 minutes ago, drewski6 said:

 I dont think you deserve tomatoes chucked at you for asking if this is something to be concerned about even though Im not personally concerned.  

I don't mind the tomatoes -- or peppers and eggplant -- because my mom ate them all her life and just turned 90 (take that, Nightshade Tom Brady). 

And nothing against Arraez -- who the Red Sox could've had for a measly $12 million instead of Dobbins and Yoiker Fajardo, the arms they traded for Contreras (I know, Arraez bats lefty and doesn't have the Fenway pop that Willson hopefully does). 

Then again, couldn't any line-up of swing-and-missers use a guy who recently won three straight batting crowns and led the NL in total hits twice? He also struck out less in the past four seasons combined  than Contreras did last year.

For what they cost, Boston could've had both Contreras and Arraez... and before someone asks where would Luis play, I'd say somewhere in the top of the order. You find a place for bats like his.

Of course, this was all before Brez dealt for the Durbin Legend.

[mvp 78]

1 hour ago, drewski6 said:

Im not worried about it, and I get riding the hot bat. But its not one player who is getting the nod over Contreras. Its the entire infield and DH.  

Arraez is a terrible 2b and Venezuela is right to play him at 1b instead. 

[drewski6]

5 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

Arraez is a terrible 2b and Venezuela is right to play him at 1b instead. 

If Buster Posey and whomever is the manager came to the conclusion that Arraez is worth 12m as a second baseman, then I find it likely that its at least an option for team Venezuela.  Im not saying its the right option or for sure means that Contreras is going to disappoint. I am just saying there are more options than just Contreras at 1b or Contreras on bench with Arraez at 1b.

For the record, I think Venezuela is dumb to bench Contreras - so my position is not this smells like a bad signing.  

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

59 minutes ago, drewski6 said:

For the record, I think Venezuela is dumb to bench Contreras - so my position is not this smells like a bad signing.  

I know I was one of the first posters to suggest trading for Contreras -- righty pull power in Fenway, big contract Bloom loves to hate. And I look forward to watching him mash. 

I'm just baffled that he's being counted on as Cora's clean-up man, essentially replacing two All-Star bats in Bregman who replaced Devers, and he can't even pinch hit for Venezuela...

Or as Drewski points out in his thorough post, not even DH? Sure, Geno hits more homers, but also strikes out more. Overall, Willson has a career edge in WAR and OPS, and made more All-Star teams. 

We've also been told Contreras is a better first baseman than Sox fans have seen for years -- while Arraez is not noted for his glove... so wouldn't Willson be an option for late-inning defense in a close game?

Ok, that's my last WC fields comment.

[JoeBrady]

5 hours ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

and he can't even pinch hit for Venezuela...

But wouldn't that be offset by the fact that Yoshida bats cleanup for the mighty Japan?

edit:  I feel more concerned about Gray's location today than about the WBC results.

[jad]

WIL-YER!