It is not generating that much press right now but the WBC is in full swing right now. For people who do not know the WBC is similar to soccer's world cup but for baseball teams across the world. This is a sixteen team tournament with several major league baseball players playing for their home nations during the tournament. The US suffered a loss to the Puerto Rican team but came back with their ninth inning walk off victory over Puerto Rico in a rematch last night.
When US lost their first pool game to Puerto Rico they lost so due to the mercy rule. The game ended after seven innings where the US trailed by a score of 11-1. The US then entered a game against the Netherlands where the loser would be eliminated from competition. This win gave the US a rematch with PR. Three outs away from elimination the US came through to win a nail biter over Puerto Rico.
The next game the US plays is against Venezuela and the game does not matter much because both teams will enter the semi finals along with Korea and the winner of Japan/Cuba.
People have been discussing what can be done to make the WBC more attractive to fans. My answer is simple; nothing. When I say nothing I am not saying that the event is entertaining and must watch TV but, it is as good as it can get. This really is the most feasible time of year to hold the tournament, right before the start of the regular season where all the players are missing is some time with their respective teams. There is no way the MLB would allow an extended all star break like the NHL does during the Olympics. The league makes far too much money and the teams are far too greedy than to allow this type of extended break. Having the tournament after the world series would also never work because fans have been watching since April and have had enough of the game for the year and the players are exhausted after playing almost every day for over 162 games for playoff teams.
Take it or leave it the WBC is what it is and this is as good as it is going to get.
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