Caribbean Series 2013: Key Storylines to Watch at International Event

As the 2013 Caribbean Series winds down—there are just three days of games left—the drama is starting to increase for one of the best international events on the baseball calendar. 

If you haven't been paying attention, you are not a real baseball fan, because this has been one of the best Caribbean Series in history. The last five games played have all been decided by two runs or less, including two extra-inning games. 

With the finish line so close, here are the key storylines that we will be paying attention to at the Caribbean Series. 

Will Puerto Rico or Venezuela Break Out of Their offensive Funks?

Puerto Rico has run hot and cold during the Caribbean Series. In its first game, the team mustered up just five hits against Mexico in a 3-0 shutout. After that, the team was able to put up two runs in a 6-2 loss against the Dominican Republic. 

Against Venezuela, the Puerto Rican team did manage nine hits but again only one run. Everything finally came together in its second game against the Dominican Republic, putting up six runs on 13 hits in a 10-inning victory. 

Venezuela hasn't been lighting it up, either, averaging just 2.25 runs per game. When Puerto Rico and Venezuela meet on Tuesday, it could be one of those agonizing 1-0 or 2-1 games late, because these teams just don't have enough pop to light up the scoreboard. 

Will Anyone Stop the Dominican Republic?

The team from the Dominican Republic has clearly established itself as the one to beat in this series. The roster is the best among the four teams in the series, with established big leaguers like Hanley Ramirez and Fernando Rodney leading the charge. 

Through four games, the Dominican Republic boasts the best record in the Series at 3-1. Venezuela and Mexico are right behind with a 2-2 record. 

With two games left against Mexico and Venezuela, the Dominican Republic is so close to locking up a spot in the championship game. The team has scored 23 runs in four games, easily the best in the series. 

Is Puerto Rico Going to Keep Playing Spoiler?

We touched briefly on the Puerto Rican team earlier, but now we can discuss what role this group will play in the outcome of the Caribbean Series. 

Puerto Rico got its first win of the Series on Monday when it handed the Dominican Republic its first loss with a 6-4 10-inning win. Second baseman Rey Navarro provided the sparks with his two-run homer in the top of the 10th to secure the victory. 

Odds are good Puerto Rico dug itself to big of a hole to get to the championship game, so its role now is to prevent Venezuela and Mexico, its next two opponents, from celebrating at its expense. 

The pitching for Puerto Rico has been strong. It is just a matter of keeping the offense rolling after that six-run outburst against the Dominican Republic. 

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