World Baseball Classic Round Two: What (We Think) We Learned

(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Really, this entire round was more of a confirmation of What (We Thought) We Learned in Round One. However, there were a few items that stood out with some pretty good baseball played and another “Classic” game on the World Baseball stage. 

Pool One

Japan and Korea should go head-to-head as often as possible. After the controversy of seeding in 2006, a double-elimination format was adopted due to these two nations. 

With the championship game in the pool, the head-to-head standings stood at 2-2 this year and 4-3 Korea through the two Classics. The teams seem to know each other well, and with the exception of the 14-2 fluke on Mar. 7in the Tokyo Dome, the games are always competitive.

The pitched ball to the head of Yong-Kyu Lee provided a couple of very scary moments that need never be repeated. With that said, assuming there is no harm, these are the incidents even when unintentional that rally teams together. 

I think a seven-game series between these two would be entertaining, and more insightful as to the depth of both teams’ pitching. 

Translation may have something to do with it, but the depth of this quote from Ichiro indicates the level of intensity shown by the Asian teams in the tournament.

Speaking specifically of his failed bunt against the Cubans with the background of a poor (by his standards) tournament, “I was already down before I missed the bunt and then things got worse. It felt as if I was wearing a Cuban uniform.” 

Mexico’s gift of first-round pairings became a nightmare in round two. Having to advance past Australia and South Africa is like being handed a bye. Having to get past two of Korea, Japan, and Cuba is another story. 

With the offensive statistics coming back to earth after playing in the altitude of Mexico City, Team Mexico was unable to advance. Jorge Campillo was able to eat some innings, but giving up five runs in four innings against Cuba was not what Mexico needed. 

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