VENEZUELA – Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Mexico, the Dutch Antilles, and Venezuela all advanced to next year’s Baseball World Cup at the recently concluded 2008 Americas Baseball Cup from a strong Group A that also included Panama. And, the groups each squad will compete in at the revamped IBAF international tournament in Europe next summer will offer Latin teams a chance to shine even without their Major League stars.

Mexico finds itself in Prague with Group A participants Australia, Taiwan and host Czech Republic. Similar to Nicaragua, the Mexicans should have the opportunity to battle for the top spot against the Aussies or Taiwanese.

Group A Forecast:
1. Australia
2. Mexico
3. Taiwan
4. Czech Republic

Puerto Rico will travel to Barcelona for Group B action which also includes host Spain, Cuba and South Africa. Although the Spanish League is developing nicely and enjoyed parity in 2008 after reducing a watered down 14-member league by five teams, Puerto Rico seems to be a lock for a 2-1 record behind the Cubans.

Group B Forecast:
1. Cuba
2. Puerto Rico
3. Spain
4. South Africa

The Dutch Antilles wore the Cinderella shoes at the Americas Cup and motors to Stockholm for Group C action with the likes of Sweden, South Korea and Canada. The Canadians and Koreans will be the favorites in this group, but baseball is more popular in this Dutch territory than most European nations.

Group C Forecast:
1. Canada
2. South Korea
3. Dutch Antilles
4. Sweden

Nicaragua heads to Moscow where host Russia, Japan and Great Britain or France awaits in Group D. With Japan reserving NPB stars for the World Baseball Classic only next year, Nicaragua should have a legitimate shot at finishing on top of this group.

Group D Forecast:
1. Japan
2. Nicaragua
3. Great Britain/France
4. Russia

Venezuela will be on the road in Regensburg where host Germany, China and the United States make Group E arguably the stiffest first-round group. Team USA collegiate stars seem to be getting stronger each year and China, after their glowing Olympic performance, could be the surprise team of the tourney. Still, Venezuela should be in the thick of things with a 2-1 record a realistic possibility.

Group E Forecast:
1. USA
2. China
3. Venezuela
4. Germany

Tags: World Cup