Friday’s Results:

USA 3, Korea 1   Cuba 6, Mexico 0  Dutch 6, Taiwan 3  Japan 3, Australia 0

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The final four teams at the 37th Baseball World Cup in Taiwan are as different as the regions they come from. The nine-time defending tournament champs from Cuba and the top prospect-laden Team USA are heavy favorites to meet for the championship on Sunday. But, the Netherlands and Japan are both keen on making sure that “anticipated” showdown never materializes.

CUBA (7-1)
Cuba arrived in SE Asia with huge bull’s eye on their backs yet faltered only once to a solid Dutch squad. While not dominating, the Cubans have played well in all phases of the game and has a roster deep in Major League-level talent similar to the Americans.

Offensively, the Cubans have a cupboard full of sluggers led by outfielder Freddie Cepeda. Third baseman Yuliesky Gourriel, an undisciplined free-swinger, is a long-ball threat every time he steps into the batter’s box. Yoandry Urgelles and Alex Mayeta are both talented power hitters while veterans Ariel Pestano and Osmani Urrutia are dangerous clutch hitters. Yes, the list is endless.

On the hill the Cubans have an array of golden arms including Industriales right-hander Yadel Marti who was brilliant in his only World Cup outing thus far. Veteran Pedro Lazo and Aroldis Chapman should also play key roles during Cuba’s final two contests.

JAPAN (6-2)
You have to take your hats off to the Japanese who – without any professionals – have stood eye-to-eye with the big boys in Taiwan. Japan will have to play a perfect game to beat Cuba who loves the spotlight and just simply do not lose semi-final games.

Hisayoshi Chono (12 hits) is enjoying an All-Star tourney with the lumber while teammates Yasuyuki Saigo and Kanya Suzuki are also capable hitters. Japan is not an offensive juggernaut but has some good, young hitters who are not afraid to take their cuts.

Tadashi Settsu might have to bring out his cape and let the world knows Superman really exists if the talented Japanese right-hander is given the ball, again. Settsu has been “lights out” in 20+ innings allowing just a single run. Southpaw reliever Kohhei Hasebe has also been impressive tossing eight frames without surrendering even a single run.

PREDICTION: Japan is out of pitching but with Cuba knocking on the door to the title game it is probably a moot point anyway. I am so sure that the Cubans will not let me down, I will eat my second Balut (a boiled duck egg fetus) since arriving in the Philippines in 1998.

USA (7-1)
Just like Cuba the Americans have been racking up some nice wins, and some not-so nice victories. But Team USA entered the tournament looking to capture the World Cup championship for the first time in 19 failed attempts. Will it happen? I refuse to bet any duck eggs on this contest.

On paper this is one heck of a lineup. But on grass and dirt this team has been inconsistent at best. LA Dodger stud Andy LaRoche looks like a future star in-waiting while Tampa Bay Rays hotshot Evan Longoria keeps showing glimpses of why he was considered the best hitter in the Arizona Fall League. If these guys all start hitting at the same time, hello gold medals.

It is possible that certain Major League clubs have sent instructions with their pitching prospects? It’s a fact that some guys – even if they only throw 50-60 pitches – need a few days to bounce back while some “rubber” arms can reload after 24 hours. Regardless, I do not expect to see Jeff Karstens again so Matt Wright, Dallas Trahem, and Brian Duensing will shoulder the load for Team USA.

Netherlands (6-2)
If you want to know how to tell the difference between a manager and a guy who makes out a lineup card – look at the photo of Dutch skipper Robert Eenhoorn after his squad beat the Aussies. The guy looked mentally exhausted which is normal after 11 innings of adjustments, hunches, gut feelings, errors, bad calls, foul balls, etc. I will say it again and again. The Dutch are no fluke.

Most of these guys have been playing together for 5-6 years and this bunch is not shy about hacking. Unless you are a fan of the Dutch Major Leagues, names like Legito, de Jong, van’t Klooster, and Rooi doesn’t ring any bells. But even without Dutch batting champ Danny Rombley, these guys come to play every game.

Leon Boyd came up big at the World Port Tournament earlier this year and will have the opportunity to do the same thing here in Taiwan. Unlike Team USA, Eenhoorn will use any of his pitchers in any given situation and has a habit of bring in one of his stud starters if their able and willing. Looking at the numbers, David Bergman, Kenny Berkenbosch, and Diegomar Markwell are the main guys on the hill with “big” Loek van Mil the wildcard.

Prediction: Team USA has a habit of enduring “dry” offensive spells (5-6 frames) in each game which has been rescued – albeit discreetly – by a dominating pitching staff. I pick the Americans to advance because the law of averages suggest these guys will start peppering the ball. But, I am rooting for the Dutch.

Photo courtesy of IBAF

Tags: World Cup