SouthieFanatic

Saw Bogaerts back in 08 in Aruba. He was intriguing back then, but my God he is absolutely tearing it up. I don't think he'll have much trouble adjusting in AAA. I'm a believer that A to AA is the more challenging jump in the minors. With Ciriaco gone now I'd think he has a chance this August if Iglesias or Middlebrooks suck. I prefer him at SS, but if WMB doesn't hit for a better average give Xander a shot? I wouldn't give up on WMB, but its more of a, Xander is pushing him out

Okay fair point, I guess it worked both ways

Did it not make his career actually? I mean it was his first national stage and not long after the sox of course paid that huge transfer fee for him, and gave him an outrageous contract. I'd say it got him recognized more than any japanese league game

I wouldn't mind seeing them both in the outfield for years to come, but not at that price. 20 million is way too much for a guy like Ellsbury. Sure when he's healthy he's great, it's just staying healthy that's been a problem. Regardless I think Bradley should be playing this year in Fenway

Netherlands is bringing in top prospect Jurickson Profar for the finals. The top of their lineup is just about as good as any in this tournament. Anybody but Japan this time around. I don't understand how they've beaten us in the past along with other powers like DR, Cuba, PR, etc

They just had DR V PR on ESPN the other day. And no it wasn't deportes, they had it on American ESPN. It apparently got great ratings too despite it being in Spanish. Maybe that means next time around it'll be televised more widely

Poor Brandon has been getting embarrassed a lot lately. He got crossed up real nice by Kyrie Irving not long ago. All these embarrassing plays are hiding the fact he's a very good young player

Again, another person who finds it to be 100% pointless. I agree, it would be nice if the very best Americans were in this thing, but I still take pride in Americans competing for their country. The average baseball fan may find it to be meaningless, but these players seem to really be buying in. Ex - Mexico v Canada brawl, they don't do things like that cause they DONT take the tournament seriously

I thought it was a great game. Larry Bowa was losing it on the bench at certain times though lol. I like Maddux being there as well. It's a young rotation for the most part, so his expertise will most definitely be handy. DR and PR coming up for the US though. They'll need some luck

Yeah, but look at the amazing pitching we're missing ex. Verlander, Sabathia, etc. If we had more of the top line guys we'd be in the running for winning this. I like the pitching staff we have, but once we meet up with Japan, DR we won't have the man power

The only everyday MLB players that's there for them is Punto. Denorfia is there and Rizzo too. I've really enjoyed the games so far. Don't know why everyone bashes the WBC. Only reason I can think of is cause the US best players don't attend. On the other hand you look at the DR squad and they're absolutely stacked with MLB talent. US needs to get on board with this thing 100% next time around. I completely agree with Torre saying "This is our sport, we need to show up" or something along those lines

Old friend and psychopath, Engel Beltre playing for Team Spain. I don't know what the rules are for parents/grandparents being born in other countries is, but this kid couldn't look anymore Dominican. Of course I understand he's nowhere near good enough for that squad. Also where the hell did Italy come from? Very surprising

Well technically ESPN does have it.. ESPN Deportes that is. I love how they throw that out there too on sportscenter sometimes, like most people who watch sportcenter have deportes or understand spanish

They should hold the tournament right after the playoffs. It's only every 4 years, so it wouldn't be a "burden" to most top level players. It would also help if they didn't hold the final rounds on the other side of the world. It is our sport after all. I don't go complaining when Italy or Spain get the World Cup. See my point..

I kind of wish the big baseball countries took more pride in this tournament (DR, PR, USA, etc). I mean what other stage is there for countries to represent themselves now? The olympics is gone for baseball, and in all honesty it was never really taken too seriously. I don't know, I personally like the tournament itself and would like to see the Americans take it more seriously and with more pride