World Cup Predictions
The 37th IBAF World Cup slated to begin November 6 in Taiwan promises to be one of the most competitive and balanced competitions in the tournaments storied history. Will the star-studded defending World Champions from Cuba bag yet another Gold? The Talkin’ Texan takes a look at the teams expected to make the quarterfinals of the tournament.
1. CUBA – The most dominating team in the history of the game, the Cubans (278-29) will be shooting for their 26th World Cup title in their 29th appearance.
THE GOOD NEWS: For the first time in more than a decade the Cubans are rich in prospects that some Latin baseball experts rank as among the best to ever play for the baseball-crazy island nation.
THE BAD NEWS: While still the tournament favorite – and with good reason – both Team USA and Australia believe the Cubans are beatable. Venezuela handed Cuba two losses recently which may or may not be a sign of things to come.
2. JAPAN – The Japanese (109-42) finished a disappointing fifth in 2005 and best finish was in 1982 when they took home the Silver medals. After capturing the World Baseball Classic title last year, Japan – in their 15th appearance – will reportedly send a strong team to Taiwan looking to win the Gold.
The GOOD NEWS: The baseball-loving Japanese reveled in their international conquest of World Baseball in 2006 and Group A appears weaker than Group B.
THE BAD NEWS: None. Unless Italy or Spain surprises a couple of teams, the road to the quarter-finals might be a breeze.
3. PANAMA – In recent years Panama (129-106) has emerged as another budding International baseball heavyweight finishing second and third, respectively, in 2003 and 2005.
THE GOOD NEWS: Even without their Major League stars Panama should be confident and competitive. Also, playing in Group A doesn’t hurt their chances of surviving the first round.
THE BAD NEWS: Similar to Venezuela, turbulent times back home might derail Panama’s championship aspirations.
4. USA – The Americans have won the tournament twice (1973, 1974) in 22 appearances and Team USA (143-72) have former Major League skipper Davey Johnson calling the shots.
THE GOOD NEWS: This is the most talent-laden bunch of top prospects Team USA has ever assembled for the World Cup with some of MLB brightest future stars wearing the Red, White, and Blue.
THE BAD NEWS: Can this group stay healthy for 10 games? If so – this could be the year that Cuba’s dominating tournament run ends.
5. KOREA – The Koreans are making their 14th trip to the World Cup and won the tournament in 1982. Korea (83-51) has finished second five times including in 2005.
THE GOOD NEWS: Past and recent history suggests that the Korean National Team is now a bonafide international baseball power capable of competing with the best squads in the world.
THE BAD NEWS: A more competitive schedule means that teams with only a few quality arms will fade as the tourney progresses. Making the top four in Group B might be a challenge.
6. VENEZUELA – With three World Cup titles in tow, Venezuela (124-68) will be making their 19th trip and is always a threat at international events.
THE GOOD NEWS: With two recent victories over Cuba on their home soil a few weeks ago, the confidence level of the team should be advantageous.
THE BAD NEWS: Turmoil at home cannot be good for the psyche of team players especially after troops fired on protestors this week. A sad and troubling distraction heading into the tournament.
7. AUSTRALIA – The Aussies (25-39) are making only their eight trip to the World Cup with their best finish coming in 1998 when they placed seventh.
THE GOOD NEWS: A strong cast of hard-throwing youngsters mixed with veterans with winning pedigrees has Australian believing they have what it takes to shock the baseball world.
THE BAD NEWS: Will the young Aussie fireballers “wilt” under the bright lights or the anticipated big crowds? Only time will tell but to make the quarterfinals one of the Big Three (Cuba, Korea, or Venezuela) must be sent packing.
8. NETHERLANDS – The Dutch (46-104) were the darlings of the 2005 tournament placing fourth but underachieved at this year’s European Championship while claiming a 2008 Olympic berth.
THE GOOD NEWS: This team has played together for awhile now and with the addition of a few minor leaguers have put European baseball on the map. Skipper Robert Eenhoorn is arguably one of the top skippers at the tournament.
THE BAD NEWS: No longer can the Dutch sneak up on opponents who are looking ahead on their schedule and Group B is undoubtedly the stronger of the two groups.