World Baseball Classic 2013: Breaking Down Top Storylines from Tournament

Even though the 2013 World Baseball Classic is just a few days old, there have been a number of performances, both from teams and individuals, that could go a long way towards shaping what happens as the event moves on. 

Things will also pick up later on this week, when Pool C (the deepest group in the tournament) and Pool D (which features Team USA) start playing.

We have all thought about the storylines that would take over the tournament before the games started. Now that we have a (small) sample size to judge some of these teams by, we can look at what is going to come. 

Which team is the best in Pool A?

Brazil and China have already been eliminated from the tournament, though both teams have one game remaining before heading home. 

Japan and Cuba were the favorites to come out of Pool A before the event and they have held serve through each of their first two games.

Japan has looked a little vulnerable, needing a late rally against Brazil in the first game of the event to win, but the pitching has been sound and the lineup frustrates by taking extra bases and hitting well with runners in scoring position. 

Cuba used a powerful offensive attack to destroy China, and the lineup has the thump, led by first baseman Jose Abreu, to keep that going. 

In the end, Japan probably has more talent and should go deeper in the tournament. But Cuba does have the punch to knock you on your rear. Pitching is not a strength for the Cuban team, so look for Japan to separate itself from Cuba when the two teams meet on Wednesday. 

Does anyone want to come out of Pool B?

When you make lists, there has to be someone that finishes in last place. In the case of the World Baseball Classic, Pool B was thought to be the softest in the tournament. That hasn't changed after four days of action. 

Only the Australian team has been eliminated with an 0-2 record. Chinese Taipei is the class of Pool B right now, with a 2-0 record. The Netherlands and Korea enter the final day of Pool Play on Tuesday with a 1-1 record and a shot in the second round on the line. 

The Netherlands holds a tiebreaker over Korea as a result of a head-to-head victory and has an easier opponent (Australia). 

But neither team has been especially impressive. Netherlands got help from Korea's defense, which committed four errors, in a 5-0 win. Korea's lone win came against a punchless Australian team. 

Two teams have to come out of the region, with Chinese Taipei looking like a strong contender, but the Netherlands or Korea don't figure to be around very long after Pool Play is over. 

Who is the best team yet to play?

The triumvirate at the top of this tournament before it began included the United States, Dominican Republic and Venezuela. 

Venezuela and the Dominican Republic boast two of the most potent lineups in the tournament. The Venezuelan team is led by Miguel Cabrera, Elvis Andrus, Pablo Sandoval and Asdrubal Cabrera. 

However, the Venezuelan pitching staff took a huge hit when Felix Hernandez pulled out of the event. There was a report (via Danny Knobler of CBS Sports) that Hernandez felt "pressure" to withdraw by the Mariners, who signed him to a new contract and didn't want to jeopardize his status for the regular season. 

"

Per @arreazaortega, Felix now skipping WBC, because of new contract and "pressure" from M's.

— DKnobler (@DKnobler) February 8, 2013"

The Dominican Republic boasts an impressive array of offensive talent, with Jose Reyes, Robinson Cano and Hanley Ramirez leading the charge. But the pitching staff is lacking depth, particularly when it comes to starters. 

The more you look at what the United States team has assembled, the better it looks. The offense is stacked, with Ryan Braun, Giancarlo Stanton and Joe Mauer in the middle of the lineup. The pitching looks strong, thanks to Ryan Vogelsong, Craig Kimbrel and R.A. Dickey. 

For the first time in the brief history of the event, the United States appears to be the team to beat. The talent is there and there are glaring holes facing its main competition that can be exploited. 

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