Men's Baseball WBSC World Baseball Classic 2023

[owenp_23 559]

No Jose Miranda for  due to injury.

[Olympian1010 7,533]

@Olympian1010 will also be out for  due to injury (and the fact he hasn’t played baseball in a decade )

[Topicmaster1010 2,471]

Topicmaster1010's 2023 WBC Power Rankings: Part 2

 

This part was by far the hardest to rank. All 6 teams are really close to each other in my opinion. Each writeup is a bit long so I put the deeper analysis parts in spoilers.

 

Tier 4: Can Advance to the 2nd Round, Can't Win it All

 

15. Panama

WBC History: 2006 - 14th, 2009 - 15th

2023 Schedule: 3/8 - @ Taiwan, 3/9 - @ Netherlands, 3/10 - vs. Cuba, 3/11 - @ Italy, 3/12 - Off

Notable Absences: Edmundo Sosa, Johan Camargo, Ivan Herrera, Daniel Espino

Players to Watch: Christian Bethancourt, Jaime Barria, Jose Ramos, Javy Guerra

 

If there is one non-automatic qualifier that has a shot to advance to the quarterfinals, it would be Panama. The Central American country is returning to the big stage for the first time since 2009. Even though they haven't had any success in past tournaments, there's reason for optimism this time around. The country has produced one of the greatest pitchers of all time in Mariano Rivera and now the generation that watched him growing gets to take center stage here.

Spoiler

While several key hitters won't be playing, they'll still have a good lineup. Christian Bethancourt is probably they're best hitter and he's coming off a career year with the Tampa Bay Rays. Jose Ramos will also be a player to watch. He is one of the LA Dodgers top prospects and was Panama's best hitter during the qualifiers. On the pitching side, Jaime Barria is by far and away their ace. It is likely he'll start the opening game against Taiwan to try to get them off to a strong start. The bullpen will also have some decent pitchers with the likes of Javy Guerra, Justin Lawrence Alberto Baldonado and Randall Delgado. Unfortunately I still think they are below every other team in their pool in terms of talent but not by much and in a wide open pool, Panama could make some noise.

 

14.  Israel

WBC History: 2017 - 6th

2023 Schedule: 3/11 - Off, 3/12 - vs. Nicaragua, 3/13 - @ Puerto Rico, 3/14 - @ Dominican Republic, 3/15 - vs. Venezuela

Notable Absences: Jake Bird, Harrison Bader, Kevin Pillar, Alex Bregman

Players to Watch: Joc Pederson, Matt Mervis, Dean Kremer, Richard Bleier

 

This might be a controversial ranking. Israel was the Cinderella for during the 2017 WBC. With no expectations set on them, they won their pool and beat Cuba in the 2nd round before losing to eventual semifinalists, Japan and the Netherlands. As you can see by this ranking, I do not expect another Cinderella story this time around.

Spoiler

Thanks to the "Law of Return", any Jews are eligible to play for the Israeli National Team and as a result, the team is almost entirely American. 7 players return from the Tokyo Olympic team including Shlomo Lipetz who was born and raised in Israel. They will be joined by a collection of MLB players and minor leaguers. Joc Pederson is probably the most notable name. He had a decent season with the San Francisco Giants last year and has been a decent hitter for a while now. Matt Mervis is another name to watch out for. He's one of the Chicago Cubs best prospects and could make the team this year. On the pitching side, Dean Kremer is the ace of the team. He had a great season with Baltimore last year and he'll be relied upon a lot. While there are some good names, the depth isn't there for Israel with a lot of the players on the team not currently signed to any team. Being in a pool with the DR, Puerto Rico and Venezuela means they'll have to fire on all cylinders if they want to advance to the 2nd round.

 

13.  Taiwan

WBC History: 2006 - 12th, 2009 - 14th, 2013 - 8th, 2017 - 14th

2023 Schedule: 3/8 - vs. Panama, 3/9 - Off, 3/10 - vs. Italy, 3/11 - vs. Netherlands, 3/12 - @ Cuba

Notable Absences: Chang Yi, Tseng Jen-Ho

Players to Watch: Yu Chang, Sung Chia-Hao, Lin Li, Giljegiljaw Kungkuan

 

The 2017 WBC was a tournament to forget for Taiwan. Problems in their baseball federation forced one of their local club teams to boycott the tournament and left them without many of their top players. As a result, they went winless in 3 games. There is reason for more optimism this time. They have assembled arguably the most balanced team in their history and they are coming off a series of exhibition games in which they went 8-0.

Spoiler

Most of their players come from their national league, the CPBL. While not at the level of the MLB, Japanese (NPB) or Korean (KBO) leagues, there are still some very good players from that league. On offense, Yu Chang will be expected to be lead the way. He is the one player on the team who currently has an MLB contract and showed last year that he can be a serviceable hitter. Supporting him will be the likes of former MLB player Lin Tzu-Wei, reigning CPBL MVP Lin Li, catcher Giljegiljaw Kungkuan as well as NPB players Wu Nien-Ting and Wang Po-Jung. The pitching, like the rest of the teams in their pool, will be one of their weaknesses. There are some decent names like Sung Chia-Hao, Huang Tzu-Peng, Lu Yen-Ching and Chen Yu-Hsun but it's nothing particularly special. But in Pool A, it'll be enough to keep them in some games.

 

12.  Kingdom of the Netherlands

WBC History: 2006 - 11th, 2009 - 7th, 2013 - 4th, 2017 - 4th

2023 Schedule: 3/8 - vs. Cuba, 3/9 - vs. Panama, 3/10 - Off, 3/11 - @ Taiwan, 3/12 - @ Italy

Notable Absences: Ozzie Albies, Ceddane Rafaela, Sem Robberse

Players to Watch: Xander Bogaerts, Jurickson Profar, Wladimir Balentien

 

And this is probably going to be my most controversial ranking. If you've been watching the last two editions, you're probably wondering how I could put a team that's made back to back semifinals this low in the power rankings. There's a few reasons: 1. A very weak pitching group, 2. An aging offense, 3. Poor results in exhibition games against Korean teams (that included their MLB players).

Spoiler

Let's look at the offense first. Despite the decline of most of their players, it is still a great offense. Xander Bogaerts is a superstar and he will have to play like one if the Dutch are going to make the semifinals again. Jurickson Profar had the 2nd best season offensive season last year and will also play a big role. Jonathan Schoop, Didi Gregorius and Andrelton Simmons all had down season last year but have shown greatness in the past and have good stats in past WBC's. And then there's Wladimir Balentien. The 38 year old will be playing in his final tournament and Dutch fans are hoping that he can return to the form that saw him hit 5 home runs during the 2017 tournament. Also joining the offense will be American Curacaoan brothers, Josh and Richie Palacios, and current Atlanta Braves catcher, Chadwick Tromp. The defense is also expected to be great. On the pitching side, the retirement of Rick van den Hurk leaves a big gap in the team. Most of the pitchers come from the local Dutch League, Honkbal Hoofdklasse which is a big unknown in the baseball world. Lars Huijer and Shairon Martis will be expected to carry the load. Despite having great results in the Dutch league, their results elsewhere have not been great. Who knows what kind of pitching we'll get from this Dutch team.

 

11.  Italy

WBC History: 2006 - 10th, 2009 - 10th, 2013 - 7th, 2017 - 12th

2023 Schedule: 3/8 - Off, 3/9 - @ Cuba, 3/10 - @ Taiwan, 3/11 - vs. Panama, 3/12 - vs. Netherlands

Notable Absences: Brandon Nimmo, Trey Mancini, Jordan Romano, other Americans of Italian ancestry

Players to Watch: Vinnie Pasquantino, Sal Frelick, David Fletcher, Andre Pallante, Matt Harvey

 

For the first time since the tournament's inception, Italy will be heading to Asian soil to play their pool. Many people wondered whether or not that would less commitments and a weaker team than usual but despite a few notable absences, they will still field a very good team and be expected to be compete for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Spoiler

Like every other team in Pool A, pitching is their weakness. Andre Pallante is expected to be the ace of their team and had a very good rookie season last year with St. Louis. However, there's a noticeable decline after that. The other notable pitcher is Matt Harvey. Once thought to be a promising young pitcher, his career quickly fell off a cliff and he is now out of the MLB. Who knows what we'll see from him this tournament. Once the game gets to the ninth inning, you can expect to see Matt Festa come in to pitch. On the hitting side, there are a lot of intriguing names. A duo of Kansas City Royals players headline the roster in Vinnie Pasquantino and Nicky Lopez. Pasquantino in particular will be expected to be their best hitter. The man nicknamed "The Italian Nightmare" is coming off a great rookie season in which he was the Royals best player. Also featured in the offense will be LA Angels hitter David Fletcher and Milwaukee Brewers prospect Sal Frelick who is currently ranked as the 30th best MLB prospect.

 

10.  Canada

WBC History: 2006 - 9th, 2009 - 13th, 2013 - 12th, 2017 - 15th

2023 Schedule: 3/11 - Off, 3/12 - vs. Great Britain, 3/13 - @ United States, 3/14 - @ Colombia, 3/12 - vs. Mexico

Notable Absences: Joey Votto, Josh Naylor, Jameson Taillon, James Paxton, Rowan Wick, Charles Leblanc, Zach Pop, Nick Pivetta

Players to Watch: Freddie Freeman, Cal Quantrill, Bo Naylor, Edouard Julien, Tyler O'Neill

 

Am I biased and ranking Canada too high here? Possibly. However, I believe their depth is roughly equal as the teams below them and they have the better top end talent. 2017 was a tournament to forget for Canada. Many players were not able to participate and as a result, they were forced to call many players out of retirement to play major roles on the team including a 39 year-old Ryan Dempster (who was asked to make two starts) and a 41 year old Eric Gagne. This time, while they still have a lot of players not playing, the depth has improved this year with many great players and exciting young players to watch.

Spoiler

The theme with teams in this tier is weak pitching and Canada is no exception to that rule. There are 5 pitchers on the roster who currently have no team and some of them have come out of retirement again, though they aren't expected to play as big of a role. Cal Quantrill is by far the best starting pitcher on the team. Which team he starts against will be a big factor into advancing to the 2nd round. Nick Pivetta was expected to be on the roster but had COVID recently and won't be able to play. It's a big loss to the pitching staff which will now have to rely on older guys and young prospects to fill the void. Matt Brash is the other pitcher of note here. The Seattle Mariners originally used him as a starting pitcher to begin the season but after a rough start, transitioned him to the bullpen where he was excellent. It remains to be seen how Canada will use him here. On the offensive side, Canada will feature one of the best hitters in all of baseball, Freddie Freeman. Tyler O'Neill, when healthy, is also a great offensive player and will be expected to play 2nd fiddle to Freeman. Behind that, there are some exciting young players. Bo Naylor is currently the 64th ranked prospect in the MLB and Otto Lopez was great in the limited time he had with the Toronto Blue Jays last year. The name to watch out for the most though is Minnesota Twins prospect Edouard Julien. He was the best player in the Arizona Fall League last year and has been off to a great start in spring training this year.

 

[Topicmaster1010 2,471]

Topicmaster1010's 2023 WBC Power Rankings: Part 3

 

Been a while since the last edition. I"ll try to get another edition done later today.

 

Tier 3: Dark Horses

 

9.  Colombia

WBC History: 2017 - 11th

2023 Schedule: 3/11 - @ Mexico, 3/12 - Off, 3/13 - @ Great Britain, 3/14 - vs. Canada, 3/15 - vs. United States

Notable Absences: Luis Patino, Donovan Solano

Players to Watch: Jose Quintana, Gio Urshela, Jorge Alfaro

 

So every power rankings that I've seen so far have Colombia outside of the top 10 and I don't understand why. This is a very solid team in all areas. Colombia qualified for WBC for the first time in their history in 2017. They made sure to make the most of if beating Canada and almost upsetting the powerhouses teams of the United States and the Dominican Republic. Arguably no nation has improved more in the last six years than them producing many MLB players that will be making their debut in this edition of the tournament.

Spoiler

Colombia's strength should be their rotation. Jose Quintana was Colombia's best player in 2017 and should be one of their best players here again. He pitched 5 shutout innings against the United States in 2017 and last MLB season was one of his best. Nabil Crismatt and William Cuevas should also be part of the startion rotation and are both good options. Bullpen looks decent too. Elkin Alcala, Reiver Sanmartin, Jhon Romero and Tayron Guerrero should form the core of it and are all decent pitchers. On the hitting side, Gio Urshela and Jorge Alfaro will form the core of their lineup. Urshela has been the best Colombian hitter for the last half decade and Alfaro, while having a down year last year was one of the heroes for Colombia in the 2017 tournament. Harold Ramirez is another big piece for them. Unfortunately, the absence of Donovan Solano will leave a mark but it is still a very solid team overal.

 

8.  Cuba

WBC History: 2006 - 2nd, 2009 - 6th, 2013 - 5th, 2017 - 7th

2023 Schedule: 3/8 - @ Netherlands, 3/9 - vs. Italy, 3/10 - @ Panama, 3/11 - Off, 3/12 - vs. Taiwan

Notable Absences: A bunch of MLB players who either weren't invited or declined to participate

Players to Watch: Luis Robert, Raidel Martinez, Livan Moinelo, Alfredo Despaigne

 

It has been quite a fall for the nation that was almost unbeatable during the 90's and 00's. There WBC record has been trending down and during they failed to qualify for the 2020 Olympics marking the first time that Cuba has ever failed to medal, let alone qualify for the Olympics. This decline can be widely attributed to the fact that most of their talent defected from the country in order to pursue an MLB career. This has lead to the Cuban federation approving the participation of US based players for the first time ever in their history. A total of 6 MLB affiliated players accepted the invitation highlighted by a pair of Chicago White Sox players.

Spoiler

Luis Robert, Yoan Moncada, Andy Ibanez, Roenis Elias, Ronald Bolanos, and Miguel Romero are the MLB affiliated players who accepted the invitation while former MLB players Yoenis Cespedes is also on the team. Robert and Moncada are the biggest names of the bunch and are expected to be a big part of the lineup. Expect them to bat in the middle of the lineup with Andy Ibanez and Yoenis Cespedes batting somewhere below them in the order as well. Former NPB players Alfredo Despaigne and Yurisbel Gracial should also be a part of their starting lineup. On the pitching side, Roenis Elias and Ronald Bolanos should be a part of their rotation and will be relied upon to go deep into the game for Cuba. However, if that doesn't happen, there's not much to worry about as Cuba boasts 3 of the best pitchers in the world not playing in the MLB: Raidel Martinez, Livan Moinelo, and Yariel Rodriguez. Although he is relief pitcher for the Chunichi Dragon, Rodriguez is expected to start the opening game against the Netherlands. Martinez figures to be the teams closer with Moinelo as the 8th inning man. Cuba is definitely not a team you want to be trailing against late into the game.

 

7.  South Korea

WBC History: 2006 - 3rd, 2009 - 2nd, 2013 - 9th, 2017 - 10th

2023 Schedule: 3/9 - vs. Australia, 3/10 - @ Japan, 3/11 - Off, 3/12 - vs. Czech Republic, 3/13 - @ China

Notable Absences: Choi Ji-man, An Woo-jin, Ryu Hyun-jin

Players to Watch: Tommy Edman, Kim Ha-seong, Lee Jung-hoo, Go Woo-suk, Kang Baek-ho

 

Speaking of countries on the decline, South Korea is another. After medaling at the first two editions of the tournament, they failed to advance past the opening round in the last two editions including the 2017 one where they were on home soil. During Tokyo 2020, they were playing in the bronze medal game against the Dominican Republic when they lost the lead late in the game and ultimately lost. 13 players return from that 2020 team seeking redemption along with a couple MLB stars including an American-Korean.

Spoiler

Tommy Edman will be the first heritage Korean player to play for the national team. He's a versatile player who has great speed, can hit for contact and play multiple positions. He'll probably play 2nd base and should be the best player on the Korean team. On the opposite side of him at shortstop, you have another MLB player in Kim Ha-seong who also had a great season with the San Diego Padres last season. Together, they will form one of the best middle infield combinations in the tournament. The rest of the lineup doesn't look too bad. Guys like Kang Baek-ho, Na Sung-bum, Yang Eui-ji and Park Byung-ho are all great hitters from the KBO. However, they player that most people will be keeping their eyes on is Lee Jung-hoo. Lee won the KBO MVP last year and set multiple records. Choi Ji-man would have a big addition to the lineup and was on the initial roster but ultimately the Pittsburgh Pirates wouldn't let him play due to him having shoulder surgery. The pitching side is not as strong unfortunately. Kim Kwang-hyun should be expected to be the ace of the team. The former MLB player has been one of the better pitchers in Korea for a few years now. Other pitchers like Koo Chang-mo, So Hyeong-jun and Lee Eui-lee should be expected to complete the rotation. While not at the level of the powerhouse teams, it's still a solid rotation and should be good enough for the Pool they're in. Go Woo-suk should be a reliable closer for them as well.

 

 

Edit: After the news today about Quintana's injury, I might move Colombia down a tier.

Edited March 5, 2023 by Topicmaster1010

[phelps 6,975]

2 late changes in the  Italian team: Nick Fanti and Vin Timpanelli are out, Glenn Albanese (L.A. Angels minor leaguer) and Matteo Bocchi (Parma Baseball, Italian league team) are in.

[Dragon 1,719]

Interesting little fact.

The money generated by  qualifying for the tournament is enough the run the British Baseball Federation until 2030.

[Topicmaster1010 2,471]

March 5th Exhibition Games Results

 

 

Pool A (vs. Taiwanese Baseball Clubs)

 

 Panama 8-4 Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions

 Netherlands 1-2 Fubon Guardians

 Italy 3-3 Wei Chuan Dragons

 Cuba 4-5 Rakuten Monkeys

 Taiwan 13-9 CTBC Brothers

Edited March 5, 2023 by Topicmaster1010

[owenp_23 559]

Sadly,  has lost two games to Taiwanese clubs and one to a Japanese team, from what I have seen. I hope their MLB players help out a lot or it will be a rough tournament for Cuba.

[Topicmaster1010 2,471]

9 minutes ago, owenp_23 said:

Sadly,  has lost two games to Taiwanese clubs and one to a Japanese team, from what I have seen. I hope their MLB players help out a lot or it will be a rough tournament for Cuba.

I believe today's game was with their MLB players 

[owenp_23 559]

6 hours ago, Topicmaster1010 said:

I believe today's game was with their MLB players 

Uff da