World Baseball Classic 2013: Full Qualifying Round Breakdown and Analysis

Even though the 2013 World Baseball Classic doesn't get underway for five months, the qualifying for the event is right around the corner. 

It has been nearly four years since Japan won the 2009 World Baseball Classic. That was also the event that introduced the world to current Texas Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish, who was a 22-year-old workhorse and went on to become one of the most sought-after international free agents last winter. 

Given that this event is sponsored by Major League Baseball, the rosters are loaded with talent from all 30 teams and give it some credibility to casual fans who did not know what to make of it when this event was first announced nearly seven years ago. 

The 2013 version is going to be the biggest so far, as there are 28 total countries taking part in the tournament with 12 teams being given an automatic bye into the tournament and 16 more taking part in the qualifying rounds. 

There are four qualifying groups with four teams each. Qualifying rounds will take place over the next two months to determine the final four teams that get in. 

We will have a rundown on all the groups in qualifying, as well as a quick look at the 12 countries that have been given an automatic bye into the 2013 World Baseball Classic. 

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Qualifying Group 1

Participating Teams

Spain

France

Israel

South Africa

Tournament Dates

September 19-23 at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, FL

Favorite

Spain

The top two teams in this qualifier are Spain and Israel. You could make a case for either one and get no argument from me. 

I give Spain a slight edge because its roster is deeper with better young talent. The best player—at least known to a lot of fans—is Engel Beltre of the Texas Rangers. He is more tools than performance in the minors right now, but in a format like this, his talent can shine. 

Richard Castillo and Chris Manno form a very nice righty and lefty duo at the top of the pitching rotation. 

Qualifying Group 2

Participating Teams

Canada

Czech Republic

Germany 

Great Britain

Tournament Dates

September 20-24 at Armin Wolf Baseball Arena in Regensburg, Germany

Favorite

Canada

One of the most surprising results of the 2009 World Baseball Classic was the Canadian team going winless. While it is not a country entirely known for its baseball acumen, there is a tradition that exists and talent that can shine in this kind of event. 

Things look a lot more promising this time around, as the roster is stacked with far more talent than it had in the event three years ago. 

Given my love for prospects, I look forward to seeing what Tyson Gillies, Andrew Albers and Kellin Deglan are going to do. But there are some notable names on the roster like Shawn Hill, who pitched for the Expos, Nationals, Padres and Blue Jays from 2004-2010, out there for casual fans. 

Qualifying Group 3

Participating Teams

Brazil

Columbia

Nicaragua

Panama

Tournament Dates

November 15-19 at Rod Carew National Stadium in Panama City, Panama

Favorite

Panama

It is hard to predict a clear favorite in this group since the rosters aren't finalized yet. Panama doesn't have a great history in the World Baseball Classic, going winless in the first two tournaments. 

However, it actually has a history in the event and that is more than you can say about the other three countries in the group. 

We will know more about this group in the coming weeks as rosters are announced, so for now, I will just go with Panama because it has some history in the event. 

Qualifying Group 4

Participating Teams

New Zealand

Philippines

Thailand

Chinese Taipei

Tournament Dates

November 15-18 at Xinzhuang Stadium in New Taipei City, Taiwan

Favorite

Chinese Taipei

As far as countries in this group go, Chinese Taipei is the most likely to make an undefeated run when the action starts. 

It has been here before, actually won a game in 2006 and is presumably going to boast more talent than any other country in this group when the rosters come out. 

Like we said with Panama in the previous group, Chinese Taipei is almost going to win by default right now. 

Automatic Qualifiers

In Alphabetical Order (2009 Finish)

Australia (1-2)

China (1-2)

Cuba (3-2)

Dominican Republic (1-2)

Italy (1-2)

Japan (Champions)

Mexico (2-3)

Netherlands (2-3)

Puerto Rico (4-1; Lost to United States in Round 2)

South Korea (Lost to Japan in Finals)

United States (Lost to Japan in Semi-Finals)

Venezuela (Lost to South Korea in Semi-Finals)