Topicmaster1010

Topicmaster1010's 2023 WBC Power Rankings: Part 1 With one week to go, I thought now would be a good time to rank and do a mini-preview for each team in the WBC especially for those of you how aren't too familiar with baseball. Tier 5: The Teams that are just happy to be here 20. China WBC History: 2006 - 15th, 2009 - 11th, 2013 - 13th, 2017 - 16th 2023 Schedule: 3/9 - @ Japan, 3/10 - vs. Czech Republic, 3/11 - @ Australia, 3/12 - Off, 3/13 - vs. South Korea Notable Absences: I literally have no idea Players to Watch: I literally have no idea. Alan Carter I guess? The fact of the matter is that nobody knows anything the Chinese team or any of its players. It's national league hasn't been active since 2019 because of COVID and they recently lost 16-0 to a Japanese amateur team. I honestly don't even know how they've managed to qualify to every single WBC so far. They do however, have a few heritage players that could be interesting including current LA Angels minor league player Alan Carter and former NPB players Yusuke Masago. 19. Czech Republic WBC History: Debut 2023 Schedule: 3/9 - Off, 3/10 - @ China, 3/11 - @ Japan, 3/12 - @ South Korea, 3/13 - vs. Australia Notable Absences: No idea Players to Watch: Marek Chlup, Martin Schneider, Martin Cervenka You got to give credit to the Czechs. Unlike other European nations, they are fielding a team of homegrown players (with the exception of 2) and beat a tough Spanish team with those players to qualify for this tournament. Most of those players currently play in the Czech Extraliga where a lot of them work separate part time jobs to go along with playing baseball. Unfortunately, this results in them having a weaker team than most teams in this tournament. They do have many exciting players to watch though. Marek Chlup has been lighting it up in the NCAA so far and made a game saving throw in the qualifiers to help the Czechs win. Martin Schneider is one of two players who can both hit and throw well. You can expect him to be there best pitcher for this tournament. Martin Cervenka is probably the most notable Czech player of all time being the only player to play in the minor leagues and Boris Vecerka recently signed a contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball. 18. Great Britain WBC History: Debut 2023 Schedule: 3/11 - @ United States, 3/12 - @ Canada, 3/13 - vs. Colombia, 3/14 - @ Mexico, 3/15 - Off Notable Absences: Jazz Chisholm, Ian Lewis, Players to Watch: Harry Ford, Trayce Thompson This will be one of the more interesting teams to watch in the tournament. They consist of mostly American and Bahamian players who have British ancestors and play all over the world including the MLB, Mexico, Taiwan and independent leagues in the US. Ultimately this team only has a handful of good players lacking depth at every position, especially on the pitching side. Harry Ford will be the most exciting player to watch for the Brits. The Seattle Mariners prospect is currently the 49th ranked prospect in the MLB. Trayce Thompson (brother of Klay Thompson for any basketball fans reading this) is their most experienced hitter and he had a great season last year with the LA Dodgers. Both Thompson and Ford will be expected to be the focal point of the offense. Lucius Fox is also another young player to watch out for. 17. Australia WBC History: 2006 - 13th, 2009 - 12th, 2013 - 16th, 2017 - 9th 2023 Schedule: 3/9 - @ South Korea, 3/10 - Off, 3/11 - vs. China, 3/12 - vs. Japan, 3/13 - @ Czech Republic Notable Absences: Liam Hendriks, Curtis Mead Players to Watch: Aaron Whitefield, Tim Atherton I was heavily debating whether or not to put Great Britain or Australia ahead of the other but ultimately, even though Great Britain has the best player between the two, Australia has the better depth and they are in an easier pool. However, they will be without their best pitcher in Liam Hendriks (undergoing cancer treatment) and their best hitter in Curtis Mead (shoulder injury I believe). Their current roster all come from the Australian Baseball League and minor league baseball. Aaron Whitefield is the one player who had MLB experience but he didn't do well when he played there. He will still be expected to be a key part of their offense though. 16. Nicaragua WBC History: Debut 2023 Schedule: 3/11 - @ Puerto Rico, 3/12 - @ Israel, 3/13 - vs. Domincan Republic, 3/14 - @ Venezuela, 3/15 - Off Notable Absences: Mark Vientos Players to Watch: Jonathan Loaisiga, Erasmo Ramirez, Carlos Rodriguez, Dwight Britton, Alex Blandino, Cheslor Cuthbert On paper, Nicaragua's team isn't that terrible especially compared to the 4 teams below them in these rankings. The problem is that they are in the Pool of Death with 4 other really good teams and most people has them at least a tier below the other 4 teams in the pool. Their strength is on the pitching side. Jonathan Loaisiga is currently the best Nicaraguan baseball player and when healthy, is one of the better relief pitchers in baseball. Expect him to be used for 9th innings. Erasmo Ramirez is also a very good relief pitcher and Carlos Rodriguez is one of the top prospects in the Milwaukee Brewers system. On offense, they will be lead by the likes of former major leaguer Cheslor Cuthbert and Dwight Britton, who had a great qualifying tournament. Alex Blandino, an American of Nicaraguan heritage will also play a big part in the team. Unfortunately another Nicaraguan American, Mark Vientos, was unable to play in this tournament and also would have been a big part of the offense.

Sorry boys, I completely disagree. I was initially against the idea but after hearing the rules and seeing it for the first time, I'm a big fan of it. I have no issues with 3+hour games when there is a lot of action but when an hour of that time is taken up by batters constantly walking out of the box and pitchers grabbing at their crotch and licking their fingers between pitches, then there's a problem. We don't need to see pitchers take 5 minutes to throw a pitch The MLB has already tried to implement pace of play rules which worked initially but doesn't now. This, this is the result we get. It was proved to be very effective in the minor leagues and game times were shortened by an hour with a shortened percentage of dead time. There was also a period of adjustment but there were slowly less violations over time. Same thing will happen in the MLB. This is what's going to help attract more people to watch. And now I presume I'll be getting a ban from this forum for having a more urban opinion

Respect to all of you that are watching light into the night! My prediction is that a Kelce brother will win the Superbowl

Designated Pitcher Pools (aka Available Pitcher Substitutes. Can substitute 2 players on roster for two pitchers on pool after advancing to a further round) Australia Matthew Beattie, Timothy Kennelly, Christopher Oxspring, Joshua Tols, Coen Wynne Colombia Luis de Avila, Santiago Florez, Tayron Guerrero, Jeffry Nino, Carlos Ocampo, Julio Teheran, Ezequiel Zabaleta Dominican Republic Ronel Blanco, Genesis Cabrera, Enyel de los Santos, Carlos Estevez, Joel Payamps, Cesar Valdez Great Britain Malik Binns, Richard Brereton, Jacob Esch, Gunnar Groen, Branden Noriega, Jack Seppings, Matteo Sollecito Israel Jake Kalish, Alex Katz, Adam Kolarek, Shlomo Lipetz, Jake Miednik, Italy Vincenzo Aiello, Glenn Albanese, Alex Bassani, Matteo Bocchi, Tiago da Silva, Alessandro Ercolani, Brian Marconi, Jeffrey Passantino Mexico Manuel Barreda, Victor Castaneda, Felipe Gonzalez, Oliver Perez, Roel Ramirez, Alan Rangel, Netherlands Dennis Burgersdijk, Jiorgeny Casimiri, Aaron de Groot, Dylan Farley, Arij Fransen, Kenley Jansen, Jair Jurrjens, Scott Prins Panama Paolo Espino, Carlos Luna (3 of the following names below. Couldn't find the full list anywhere). Harold Arauz, Randall Delgado, Steven Fuentes, Severino Gonzalez, Alberto Guerrero, Humberto Mejia, Andy Otero, Davis Romero Puerto Rico Jonathan Bermudez, Alex Claudio, Jose Espada, Luis Quinones United States Nick Martinez Venezuela Endrys Briceno, Max Castillo, Enmanuel de Jesus, Jhonathan Diaz, Edwin Escobar, Norwith Gudino, Jesus Luzardo,

TEAM PANAMA Manager: Luis Ortiz Pitchers: Harold Arauz (Federales de Chiriquí, Probeis, ) Alberto Baldonado (Rochester Red Wings - WAS AAA, IL, ) Jaime Barría (Los Angeles Angels, MLB, ) Miguel Cienfuegos (San Antonio Missions - SD AA, TL, ) Randall Delgado (Aguilas Cibaenas, LIDOM, ) Steven Fuentes (Federales de Chiriquí, Probeis, ) James Gonzalez (Stockton Ports - OAK A, CAL, ) Severino Gonzalez (Federales de Chiriquí, Probeis, ) Javy Guerra (Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, ) Alberto Guerrero (Tomateros de Culiacan, LMP, ) Matt Hardy (Nashville Sounds - MIL AAA, IL, ) Justin Lawrence (Colorado Rockies, MLB, ) Humberto Mejia (Toros de Tijuana, LMB, ) Andy Otero (Estrellas Orientales, LIDOM, ) Wilfredo Pereira (Peoria Chiefs - STL A+, ML, ) Davis Romero (Federales de Chiriquí, Probeis, ) Catchers: Christian Bethancourt (Tampa Bay Rays, MLB, ) Erasmo Caballero (Federales de Chiriquí, Probeis, ) Iván Herrera (St. Louis Cardinals, MLB, ) Infielders: Jonathan Araúz (New York Mets, MLB, ) Jose Caballero (Seattle Mariners, MLB, ) Gerald Chin (Aguilas Metropolitanas, Probeis, ) Allen Córdoba (Algodoneros de Union Laguna, LMB, ) Ruben Tejada (Long Island Ducks, ALPB, ) Joshwan Wright (Lansing Lugnuts - OAK A+, ML, ) Outfielders: Luis Castillo (Atlanticos, Probeis, ) L.J. Jones (Peoria Chiefs - STL A+, ML, ) Edgar Munoz (Atlanticos, Probeis, ) Rodrigo Orozco (Federales de Chiriquí, Probeis, ) Jose Ramos (Great Lake Loons - LAD A+, ML, ) Carlos Sanchez (Atlanticos, Probeis, ) Jahdiel Santamaria (Federales de Chiriquí, Probeis, ) Jhonny Santos (Federales de Chiriquí, Probeis, )

TEAM AUSTRALIA Manager: David Nilsson Pitchers: Tim Atherton (Brisbane Bandits, ABL, ) Liam Doolan (ACL Dodgers - LAD ROK, ACL, ) Kyle Glogoski (Louisville Bats - CIN AAA, IL, ) Josh Guyer (Sydney Blue Sox, ABL, ) Sam Holland (Brisbane Bandits, ABL, ) Jon Kennedy (Melbourne Aces, ABL, ) Steven Kent (Melbourne Aces, ABL, ) Daniel McGrath (Melbourne Aces, ABL, ) Mitch Neunborn (Adelaide Giants, ABL, ) Jack O'Loughlin (West Michigan Whitecaps - DET A+, ML, ) Warwick Saupold (Perth Heat, ABL, ) Will Sherriff (Perth Heat, ABL, ) Blake Townsend (Modesto Nuts - SEA A, CAL, ) Todd van Steensel (Adelaide Giants, ABL, ) Luke Wilkins (Adelaide Giants, ABL, ) Catchers: Ryan Battaglia (Brisbane Bandits, ABL, ) Jake Bowey (Perth Heat, ABL, ) Alex Hall (Carolina Mudcats - MIL A, CL, ) Robbie Perkins (Canberra Cavalry, ABL, ) Infielders: Andrew Campbell (Brisbane Bandits, ABL, ) Jarryd Dale (El Paso Chihuahuas - SD AAA, PCL, ) Darryl George (Melbourne Aces, ABL, ) Robbie Glendinning (Northwest Arkansas Naturals - KC AA, TL, ) Liam Spence (Myrtle Beach Pelicans - CHC A, CL, ) Logan Wade (Brisbane Bandits, ABL, ) Rixon Wingrove (Jersey Shore BlueClaws - PHI A+, SAL, ) Outfielders: Ulrich Bojarski (Perth Heat, ABL, ) Tim Kennelly (Perth Heat, ABL, ) Jordan McArdle (Adelaide Giants, ABL, ) Aaron Whitefield (Los Angeles Angels, MLB, )

TEAM COLOMBIA Manager: Jolbert Cabrera Pitchers: Elkin Alcala (El Aguila de Veracruz, LMB, ) Adrian Almeida (Piratas de Campeche, LMB, ) Danis Correa (Chicago Cubs, MLB, ) Nabil Crismatt (San Diego Padres, MLB, ) William Cuevas (Diablos Rojos del Mexico, LMB, ) Rubén Galindo (Lake Elsinore Storm - SD A, CAL, ) Pedro García (Louisville Bats - CIN AAA, IL, ) Río Gómez (Portland Sea Dogs - BOS AA, EL, ) Yapson Gómez (El Aguila de Veracruz, LMB, ) Jasier Herrera (Tiburones de La Guaira, LVBP, ) José Quintana (New York Mets, MLB, ) Jhon Romero (Unattached, ) Reiver Sanmartín (Cincinnati Reds, MLB, ) Jose Torres (Algodoneros de Unión Laguna, LMB, ) Guillermo Zúñiga (St. Louis Cardinals, MLB, ) Catchers: Jorge Alfaro (Tigres del Licey, LIDOM, ) Gustavo Campero (Rocket City Trash Pandas - LAA AA, SL, ) Elias Diaz (Colorado Rockies, MLB, ) Meibrys Viloria (Columbus Clippers - CLE AAA, IL, ) Infielders: Jordan Díaz (Oakland Athletics, MLB, ) Dayan Frias (Akron RubberDucks - CLE AA, EL, ) Evan Mendoza (El Paso Chihuahuas - SD AAA, PCL, ) Fabian Pertuz (South Bend Cubs - CHC A+, ML, ) Adrian Sánchez (Tigres de Cartagena, LPB, ) Donovan Solano (Unattached, ) Gio Urshela (Los Angeles Angels, MLB, ) Outfielders: Jesus Marriaga (Tigres de Cartagena, LPB, ) Oscar Mercado (Memphis Redbirds - STL AAA, IL, ) Tito Polo (Harrisburg Senators - WAS AA, EL, ) Harold Ramírez (Tampa Bay Rays, MLB, )

TEAM CZECH REPUBLIC Manager: Pavel Chadim Pitchers: Jeff Barto (Trebic Nuclears, Extraliga, ) Filip Čapka (Draci Brno, Extraliga, ) Tomáš Duffek (Eagles Praha, Extraliga, ) Lukáš Ercoli (Hroši Brno, Extraliga, ) Lukáš Hlouch (Hroši Brno, Extraliga, ) Michal Kovala (Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, NCAA, ) David Mergans (Draci Brno, Extraliga, ) Marek Minařik (Tempo Praha, Extraliga, ) Jan Novák (Sokol Hluboká, Extraliga, ) Dan Padyšák (Charleston Southern Buccaneers, NCAA, ) Ondřej Satoria (Arrows Ostrava, Extraliga, ) Jan Tomek (Regensburg Legionaire, Bundesliga, ) Boris Večerka (Hroši Brno, Extraliga, ) Catchers: Martin Červenka (Eagles Praha, Extraliga, ) Dan Vavruša (Heidenheim Heidekoepfe, Bundesliga, ) Infielders: Willie Escala (Sussex County Miners, Frontier League, ) Jakub Grepl (Arrows Ostrava, Extraliga, ) Jakub Hajtmar (Draci Brno, Extraliga, ) Jakub Kubica (Arrows Ostrava, Extraliga, ) Vojtěch Menšik (Hrosi Brno, ) Martin Mužik (Sokol Hluboká, Extraliga, ) Milan Prokop (Draci Brno, Extraliga, ) Eric Sogard (Unattached, ) Petr Zýma (Eagles Praha, Extraliga, ) Outfielders: Marek Chlup (NGU Crusaders, NCAA, ) Arnošt Dubový (Draci Brno, Extraliga, ) Marek Krejčiřik (Hroši Brno, Extraliga, ) Matej Menšik (Technika Brno, Extraliga, ) Filip Smola (Tempo Praha, Extraliga, ) Pitcher/Hitter: Martin Schneider (Draci Brno, Extraliga, )

TEAM NICARAGUA Manager: Marvin Benard Pitchers: Joaquin Acuña (Tiburones de La Guaira, LVBP, ) Leo Crawford (Gigantes de Rivas, LBPN, ) Fidencio Flores (Bravos de Margarita, LVBP, ) Kevin Gadea (Binghampton Rumble Ponies - NYM AA, EL, ) Osman Gutierrez (Tiburones de La Guaira, LVBP, ) Duque Hebbert (Tren del Norte, LBPN, ) Jonathan Loáisiga (New York Yankees, MLB, ) Ronald Medrano (Gigantes de Rivas, LBPN, ) Erasmo Ramirez (Washington Nationals, MLB, ) JC Ramirez (Leones del Caracas, LVBP, ) Roniel Raudes (Navegantes del Magallanes, LVBP, ) Carlos Rodriguez (Wisconsin Timber Rattlers - MIL A+, MID, ) Carlos Teller (Caribes de Anzoategui, LVBP, ) Junior Téllez (Leones de Léon, LBPN, ) Rodney Theophile (Wilmington Blue Rocks - WAS A+, SAL, ) Catchers: Rodolfo Bone (Tren del Norte, LBPN, ) Melvin Novoa (Indios del Bóer, LBPN, ) Infielders: Benjamin Alegria (Leones de Léon, LBPN, ) Alex Blandino (Unattached, ) Cheslor Cuthbert (Gigantes de Rivas, LBPN, ) Brandon Leyton (Louisville Bats - CIN AAA, IL, ) Iván Marín (Gigantes de Rivas, LBPN, ) Elian Miranda (Tren del Norte, LBPN, ) Milkar Perez (ACL Mariners - SEA ROK, ACL, ) Willie Vasquez (GIgantes de Rivas, LBPN, ) Outfielders: Isaac Benard (Gigantes de Rivas, LBPN, ) Sandy Bermudez (Tren del Norte, LBPN, ) Dwight Britton (Leones de Léon, LBPN, ) Juan Montes (Roswell Invaders, PECO, ) Norlando Valle (Tigres de Chinandega, LBPN, )

TEAM VENEZUELA Manager: Omar López Pitchers: José Alvarado (Philadelphia Phillies, MLB, ) Silvino Bracho (Louisville Bats - CIN AAA, IL, ) Jhoulys Chacin (Leones del Caracas, LVBP, ) Luis García (Houston Astros, MLB, ) Carlos Hernández (Kansas City Royals, MLB, ) Darwinzon Hernández (Norfolk Tides - BAL AAA, IL, ) Elieser Hernández (New York Mets, MLB, ) Pablo López (Minnesota Twins, MLB, ) Andrés Machado (Rochester Red Wings - WAS AAA, IL, ) Germán Márquez (Colorado Rockies, MLB, ) Martín Pérez (Texas Rangers, MLB, ) José Quijada (Los Angeles Angels, MLB, ) José Ruiz (Chicago White Sox, MLB, ) Ranger Suárez (Philadelphia Phillies, MLB, ) Anthony Vizcaya (Navegantes del Magallanes, LVBP, ) Catchers: Robinson Chirinos (Navegantes del Magallanes, LVBP, ) Omar Narváez (New York Mets, MLB, ) Salvador Pérez (Kansas City Royals, MLB, ) Infielders: José Altuve (Houston Astros, MLB, ) Luis Arráez (Miami Marlins, MLB, ) Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers, MLB, ) Eduardo Escobar (New York Mets, MLB, ) Andrés Giménez (Cleveland Guardians, MLB, ) Luis Rengifo (Los Angeles Angels, MLB, ) Miguel Rojas (Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB, ) Eugenio Suárez (Seattle Mariners, MLB, ) Gleyber Torres (New York Yankees, MLB, ) Outfielders: Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves, MLB, ) David Peralta (Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB, ) Anthony Santander (Baltimore Orioles, MLB, )

Could be the end of the road for the Dutch team. No Ceddanne Rafaela or Jurickson Profar and an aging pitching staff.

TEAM ISRAEL Manager: Ian Kinsler Pitchers: Jake Bird (Colorado Rockies, MLB, ) Richard Bleier (Boston Red Sox, MLB, ) Daniel Federman (Aberdeen Ironbirds - BAL A+, SAL, ) Jake Fishman (Las Vegas Aviators - OAK AAA, PCL, ) Brandon Gold (Unattached, ) Colton Gordon (Asheville Tourists - HOU A+, SAL, ) Andrew Gross (Tampa Bay Rays, MLB, ) Rob Kaminsky (Unattached, ) Evan Kravetz (Chattanooga Lookouts - CIN AA, SL, ) Dean Kremer (Baltimore Orioles, MLB, ) Kyle Molnar (Unattached, ) Bubby Rossman (Adelaide Giants, ABL, ) Jacob Steinmetz (ACL D-backs Red - ARI ROK, ACL, ) Robert Stock (Nashville Sounds - MIL AAA, IL, ) Joey Wagman (Unattached, ) Zack Weiss (Los Angeles Angels, MLB, ) Josh Wolf (Lynchburg Hillcats - CLE A, CAR, ) Catchers: Ryan Lavarnway (Unattached, ) Garrett Stubbs (Philadelphia Phillies, MLB, ) Infielders: Zack Gelof (Oakland Athletics, MLB, ) Ty Kelly (Unattached, ) Assaf Lowengart (Mansfield Mountaineers, NCAA, ) Noah Mendlinger (Peoria Chiefs - STL A+, ML, ) Matt Mervis (Chicago Cubs, MLB, ) Danny Valencia (Unattached, ) Michael Wielansky (Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, ALPB, ) Outfielders: Alex Dickerson (Unattached, ) Jakob Goldfarb (Tri-City Valley Cats, Frontier, ) Spencer Horwitz (Toronto Blue Jays, MLB, ) Joc Pederson (San Francisco Giants, MLB, )

TEAM NETHERLANDS Manager: Hensley Meulens Pitchers: Mike Bolsenbroek (Heidenheim Heidenkoepfe, Bundesliga, ) Tom de Blok (Curacao Neptunus, Honkbal Hoofdklasse, ) Jaydenn Estanista (FCL Phillies - PHI ROK, FCL, ) Wendell Floranus (Tigres de Quintana Roo, LMB, ) Lars Huijer (HCAW, Honkbal Hoofdklasse, ) Ryan Huntington (Twins Oosterhout, Honkbal Hoofdklasse, ) Antwone Kelly (FCL Pirates - PIT ROK, FCL, ) Kevin Kelly (Curacao Neptunus, Honkbal Hoofdklasse, ) Shairon Martis (L&D Amsterdam Pirates, Honkball Hoofdklasse, ) Eric Mendez (Visalia Rawhide - ARI A, CAL, ) Pedro Strop (Unattached, ) J.C. Sulbaran (Curacao Neptunus, ) Franklin Van Gurp (York Revolution, ALPB, ) Derek West (Corpus Christi Hooks - HOU AA, TL, ) Catchers: Sicnarf Loopstok (L&D Amsterdam Pirates, Honkbal Hoofdklasse, ) Dashenko Ricardo (Curacao Neptunus, Honkbal Hoofdklasse, ) Chadwick Tromp (Atlanta Braves, MLB, ) Infielders: Xander Bogaerts (San Diego Padres, MLB, ) Didi Gregorius (Cangrejeros de Santurce, LBPRC, ) Dwayne Kemp (Curacap Neptunus, Honkbal Hoofdklasse, ) Richie Palacios (Cleveland Guardians, MLB, ) Juremi Profar (Braves de Leon, LMB, ) Jonathan Schoop (Detroit Tigers, MLB, ) Sharlon Schoop (L&D Amsterdam Pirates, Honkbal Hoofdklasse, ) Andrelton Simmons (WildCats KJ74, Curacao, ) Zander Wiel (High Point Rockers, ALPB, ) Outfielders: Wladimir Balentien (Gigantes del Cibao, LIDOM, ) Roger Bernadina (Curacao Neptunus, Honkbal Hoofdklasse, ) Ray-Patrick Didder (WildCats KJ74, Curacao, ) Josh Palacios (Indianapolis Indians - PIT AAA, IL, )

@phelpsStill some good players on the Italian team, what do you think of the team?

TEAM ITALY Manager: Mike Piazza Pitchers: Joe Biagini (Unattached, ) Ryan Castellani (Unattached, ) Nick Fanti (Unattached, ) Matt Festa (Seattle Mariners, MLB, ) Sam Gaviglio (Unattached, ) Matt Harvey (Unattached, ) Joe LaSorsa (Tampa Bay Rays, MLB, ) Braxton Lorenzini (Unattached, ) Joey Marciano (Sacramento River Cats - SF AAA, PCL, ) Vinny Nittoli (Iowa Cubs - CHC AAA, IL, ) Andre Pallante (St. Louis Cardinals, MLB, ) Nicolo Pinazzi (Daytona Tortugas - CIN A, FSL, ) Claudio Scotti (FCL Mets - NYM ROK, FCL, ) Mitchell Stumpo (Arizona Diamondbacks, MLB, ) Vin Timpanelli (Dayton Dragons - CIN A+, ML, ) Michele Vassalotti (Carolina Mudcats - MIL A, CAR, ) Stephen Woods Jr. (Omaha Storm Chasers - KC AAA, IL, ) Catchers: Vito Friscia (Philadelphia Phillies, MLB, ) Alberto Mineo (Parma Baseball Club, IBL, ) Dominic Miroglio (Arizona Diamondbacks, MLB, ) Brett Sullivan (San Diego Padres, MLB, ) Infielders: David Fletcher (Los Angeles Angels, MLB, ) Robel Garcia (Águilas Cibaeñas, LIDOM, ) Nicky Lopez (Kansas City Royals, MLB, ) Miles Mastrobuoni (Chicago Cubs, MLB, ) Vinnie Pasquantino (Kansas City Royals, MLB, ) John Valente (Toledo Mud Hens - DET AAA, IL, ) Outfielders: Ben DeLuzio (Iowa Cuba - CHC AAA, IL, ) Dominic Fletcher (Arizona Diamondbacks, MLB, ) Sal Frelick (Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, )

TEAM MEXICO Manager: Benji Gil Pitchers: Erubiel Armenta (Jersey Shore BlueClaws - PHI A+, SAL, ) Javier Assad (Chicago Cubs, MLB, ) Luis Cessa (Cincinnati Reds, MLB, ) Jesús Cruz (Lehigh Valley IronPigs - PHI AAA, IL, ) Giovanny Gallegos (St. Louis Cardinals, MLB, ) Adrián Martínez (Oakland Athletics, MLB, ) Gerardo Reyes (Salt Lake Bees - LAA AAA, PCL, ) Wilmer Rios (Acereros de Monclova, LMB, ) JoJo Romero (St. Louis Cardinals, MLB, ) Jake Sanchez (El Paso Chihuahuas - SD AAA, PCL, ) Patrick Sandoval (Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB, ) Julio Urías (Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB, ) José Urquidy (Houston Astros, MLB, ) César Vargas (Orix Buffaloes, NPB, ) Taijuan Walker (Philadelphia Phillies, MLB, ) Samuel Zazueta (Toros de Tijuana, LMB, ) Catchers: Austin Barnes (Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB, ) Alejandro Kirk (Toronto Blue Jays, MLB, ) Infielders: Jonathan Aranda (Tampa Bay Rays, MLB, ) Isaac Paredes (Tampa Bay Rays, MLB, ) Rowdy Tellez (Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, ) Alan Trejo (Colorado Rockies, MLB, ) Luis Urías (Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, ) Roberto Valenzuela (Sultanes de Monterrey, LMB, ) Outfielders: Randy Arozarena (Tampa Bay Rays, MLB, ) José Cardona (Sultanes de Monterrey, LMB, ) Jarren Duran (Boston Red Sox, MLB, ) Joey Meneses (Washington Nationals, MLB, ) Alek Thomas (Arizona Diamondbacks, MLB, ) Alex Verdugo (Boston Red Sox, MLB, )

TEAM PUERTO RICO Manager: Yadier Molina Pitchers: José Berríos (Toronto Blue Jays, MLB, ) Fernando Cruz (Cincinnati Reds, MLB, ) José de León (St. Paul Saints - MIN AAA, IL, ) Alexis Díaz (Cincinnati Reds, MLB, ) Edwin Díaz (New York Mets, MLB, ) Dominic Hamel (Brooklyn Cyclones - NYM A+, SAL, ) Jorge López (Minnesota Twins, MLB, ) Anthony Maldonado (Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp - MIA AAA, IL, ) Jovani Morán (Minnesota Twins, MLB, ) Nicholas Padilla (Chicago White Sox, MLB, ) Emilio Pagán (Minnesota Twins, MLB, ) Yacksel Rios (Gwinnett Stripers - ATL AAA, IL, ) Dereck Rodríguez (St. Paul Saints - MIN AAA, IL, ) Hector Santiago (Acereros de Monclova, LMB, ) Marcus Stroman (Chicago Cubs, MLB, ) Duane Underwood Jr. (Pittsburgh Pirates, MLB, ) Catchers: Martín Maldonado (Houston Astros, MLB, ) MJ Melendez (Kansas City Royals, MLB, ) Christian Vázquez (Minnesota Twins, MLB, ) Infielders: Javier Báez (Detroit Tigers, MLB, ) Edwin Díaz (Worcester Red Sox - BOS AAA, IL, ) Kiké Hernández (Boston Red Sox, MLB, ) Francisco Lindor (New York Mets, MLB, ) Vimael Machín (Lehigh Valley IronPigs - PHI AAA, IL, ) José Miranda (Minnesota Twins, MLB, ) Emmanuel Rivera (Arizona Diamondbacks, MLB, ) Neftalí Soto (Yokohoma DeNA BayStars, NPB, ) Outfielders: Henry Ramos (Louisville Bats - CIN AAA, IL, ) Eddie Rosario (Atlanta Braves, MLB, ) Nelson Velázquez (Chicago Cubs, MLB, )

Dang, no Jose Ramirez or Emmanuel Clase Also lol at Robin Cano and Nelson Cruz being on the roster. Aside from that, what an amazing Dominican team!

TEAM DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Manager: Rodney Linares Pitchers: Bryan Abreu (Houston Astros, MLB, ) Sandy Alcántara (Miami Marlins, MLB, ) Diego Castillo (Seattle Mariners, MLB, ) Roansy Contreras (Pittsburgh Pirates, MLB, ) Johnny Cueto (Miami Marlins, MLB, ) Camilo Doval (San Francisco Giants, MLB, ) Jarlin García (Pittsburgh Pirates, MLB, ) Luis García (San Diego Padres, MLB, ) Yimi García (Toronto Blue Jays, MLB, ) Cristian Javier (Houston Astros, MLB, ) José Leclerc (Texas Rangers, MLB, ) Rafael Montero (Houston Astros, MLB, ) Héctor Neris (Houston Astros, MLB, ) Gregory Soto (Philadelphia Phillies, MLB, ) Catchers: Francisco Mejía (Tampa Bay, Rays, MLB, ) Gary Sánchez (Unattached, ) Infielders: Willy Adames (Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, ) Robinson Canó (Estrellas Orientales, LIDOM, ) Nelson Cruz (San Diego Padres, MLB, ) Rafael Devers (Boston Red Sox, MLB, ) Wander Franco (Tampa Bay Rays, MLB, ) Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays, MLB, ) Manny Machado (San Diego Padres, MLB, ) Ketel Marte (Arizona Diamondbacks, MLB, ) Jeremy Peña (Houston Astros, MLB, ) Jean Segura (Miami Marlins, MLB, ) Outfielders: Teoscar Hernández (Seattle Mariners, MLB, ) Eloy Jiménez (Chicago White Sox, MLB, ) Julio Rodríguez (Seattle Mariners, MLB, ) Juan Soto (San Diego Padres, MLB, )

That Canadian pitching staff . But we actually have MLBers on the team this time and this is much better than 2017 when we had the corpses of Eric Gagne and Ryan Dempster coming out of retirement to pitch for us.

TEAM CANADA Manager: Ernie Whitt Pitchers: Andrew Albers (Unattached, ) Philippe Aumont (Unattached, ) John Axford (Unattached, ) Matt Brash (Seattle Mariners, MLB, ) Mitch Bratt (Down East Wood Ducks - TEX A, CL, ) Trevor Brigden (Tampa Bay Rays, MLB, ) Indigo Diaz (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders - NYY AAA, IL, ) R.J. Freure (Lincoln Saltdogs, AAPB, ) Adam Loewen (Unattached, ) Scott Mathieson (Unattached, ) Nick Pivetta (Boston Red Sox, MLB, ) Evan Rutckyj (Melbourne Aces, ABL, ) Cal Quantrill (Cleveland Guardians, MLB, ) Noah Skirrow (Lehigh Valley IronPigs - PHI AAA, IL, ) Cade Smith (Cleveland Guardians, MLB, ) Curtis Taylor (Iowa Cubs - CHC AAA, IL, ) Rob Zastryzny (Indianapolis Indians - PIT AAA, IL, ) Catchers: Kellin Deglan (Unattached, ) Bo Naylor (Cleveland Guardians, MLB, ) Andy Yerzy (Unattached, ) Infielders: Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB, ) Edouard Julien (Minnesota Twins, MLB, ) Otto Lopez (Toronto Blue Jays, MLB, ) Damiano Palmegiani (Vancouver Canadians - TOR A+, NWL, ) Abraham Toro (Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, ) Jared Young (Iowa Cubs - CHC AAA, IL, ) Outfielders: Owen Caissie (South Bend Cubs - CHC A+, ML, ) Denzel Clarke (Oakland Athletics, MLB, ) Tyler O'Neill (St. Louis Cardinals, MLB, ) Jacob Robson (Melbourne Aces, ABL, )

TEAM UNITED STATES Manager: Mark DeRosa Pitchers: Jason Adam (Tampa Bay Rays, MLB, ) Daniel Bard (Colorado Rockies, MLB, ) David Bednar (Pittsburgh Pirates, MLB, ) Nestor Cortés Jr. (New York Yankees, MLB, ) Kendall Graveman (Chicago White Sox, MLB, ) Merrill Kelly (Arizona Diamondbacks, MLB, ) Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB, ) Lance Lynn (Chicago White Sox, MLB, ) Miles Mikolas (St. Louis Cardinals, MLB, ) Adam Ottavino (New York Mets, MLB, ) Ryan Pressly (Houston Astros, MLB, ) Brooks Raley (New York Mets, MLB, ) Brady Singer (Kansas City Royals, MLB, ) Adam Wainwright (St. Louis Cardinals, MLB, ) Devin Williams (Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, ) Catchers: Kyle Higashioka (New York Yankees, MLB, ) J.T. Realmuto (Philadelphia Phillies, MLB, ) Will Smith (Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB, ) Infielders: Pete Alonso (New York Mets, MLB, ) Tim Anderson (Chicago White Sox, MLB, ) Nolan Arenado (St. Louis Cardinals, MLB, ) Paul Goldschmidt (St. Louis Cardinals, MLB, ) Trea Turner (Philadelphia Phillies, MLB, ) Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals, MLB, ) Outfielders: Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB, ) Jeff McNeil (New York Mets, MLB, ) Cedric Mullins (Baltimore Orioles, MLB, ) Kyle Schwarber (Philadelphia Phillies, MLB, ) Mike Trout (c) (Los Angeles Angels, MLB, ) Kyle Tucker (Houston Astros, MLB, )

TEAM TAIWAN Manager: Lin Yueh-Ping Pitchers: Chen Kuan-Wei (Wei Chuan Dragons, CPBL, ) Chen Kuan-Yu (Rakuten Monkeys, CPBL, ) Chen Shih-Peng (Fubon Guardians, CPBL, ) Chen Yu-Hsun (Rakuten Monkeys, CPBL, ) Chiang Shao-Ching (Fubon Guardians, CPBL, ) Hu Chih-Wei (Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions, CPBL, ) Huang Tzu-Peng (Rakuten Monkeys, CPBL, ) Lee Chen-Chang (C.C) (CTBC Brothers, CPBL, ) Lu Yen-Ching (CTBC Brothers, CPBL, ) Sung Chia-Hao (Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, NPB, ) Teng Kai-Wei (Richmond Flying Squirrels - SF AA, EL, ) Tseng Jen-Ho (Rakuten Monkeys, CPBL, ) Tseng Chun-Yueh (Fubon Guardians, CPBL, ) Wang Wei-Chung (Wei Chuan Dragons, CPBL, ) Catchers: Giljegiljaw Kungkuan (Wei Chuan Dragons, CPBL, ) Kao Yu-Chieh (CTBC Brothers, CPBL, ) Lin Dai-An (Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions, CPBL, ) Infielders: Chang Yu-Cheng (Unattached, ) Cheng Tsung-Che (Bradenton Marauders - PIT A, FSL, ) Chiang Kun-Yu (CTBC Brothers, CPBL, ) Fan Kuo-Chen (Fubon Guardians, CPBL, ) Lin Li (Rakuten Monkeys, CPBL, ) Lin Tzu-Wei (Auckland Tuatara, ABL, ) Wang Wei Chen (CTBC Brothers, CPBL, ) Wu Nien-Ting (Saitama Seibu Lions, NPB, ) Outfielders: Chen Chen-Wei (Rakuten Monkeys, CPBL, ) Chen Chieh-Hsien (Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions, CPBL, ) Cheng Chin (Rakuten Monkeys, CPBL, ) Kuo Tien-Hsin (Wei Chuan Dragons, CPBL, ) Wang Po-Jung (Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, NPB, )

I have more bad news. Also no Nick Vespi for Italy as well. Doesn't surprise me that the pirates would do something like this despite their team not being competitive. Their owner doesn't have a heart. Not surprised about Correa. His health has been a talking point all off-season. Dominican starting rotation also starting to be a concern as Luis Castillo, Wandy Peralta, and Luis Severino all didn't get permission to play and now it doesn't look like Framber Valdez will play either. Taiwan will also be without one of their best pitchers, Chang Yi, due to shoulder inflammation.

If anyone was wondering what happened to Markus Thormeyer this past year https://swimswam.com/two-time-canadian-olympian-markus-thormeyer-gets-doping-ban-after-sharing-a-water-bottle/