World Baseball Classic- anyone interested in this?

**eSDee** · 02-16-2006, 09:16 PM

To be honest I haven't watched any of the Winter Olympics as I'm not much of a fan of winter sports. However I'm pretty stoked that Baseball is starting again soon (pitchers and catchers reported today). I am also excited that the World Baseball Classic is going to happen soon. Anyone here planning on watching it? I believe it's March 3rd through 20th, including the last 3 games here in San Diego. I would watch all 3 of them if I wasn't going to be watching the Padres in spring training that weekend. Should be pretty cool to watch.

I am also wondering if the games are going to be broadcast on a major network. MLB.tv will broadcast it if I can't get it on by my local cable company, at which point I am going to gladly purchase a subscription. If anyone knows if a network is going to pick it up, I'd appreciate you letting me know.

To Baseball.

**PrObLy** · 02-16-2006, 10:18 PM

I'm excited for sure.

I just purchased plane tickets to go to Phoenix over spring break to check out some spring training games (particularly the Cubs over in Mesa).

I think the WBC will be awesome as some of the teams are really loaded...like Venezuela: http://www.worldbaseballclassic.com/...x.jsp?sid=t944 (not finalized)

**Merlin** · 02-17-2006, 04:49 AM

At first I wasn't too into it as the whole event seems a bit contrived. But now that it is coming up soon I am coming around. I think it can be a lot of fun and some of the games between latin american countries should be quite good - the Dominican and Puerto Rico have a pretty good baseball rivalry. So yes, I am going to watch and yes, I am getting excited about it.

With baseball having been dropped from the Olympics (stupid Europeans) this is really the only forum to see international baseball. In the future I think some of the little issues will get worked out.

Also looking forward to seeing the team from Japan.

**VTGreg** · 02-17-2006, 10:46 AM

I will probably watch a few of the games but overall I'm not all that interested in this. To my knowledge, it will be broadcast on ESPN and it's various channels.

I agree with the comment that it seems a bit contrived.

One thing I would look forward to is Ozzie Guillen getting his. His comments about A-Rod and Garciaparra were completely un-called for and instead of dismissing his comments he should be dealt with.

**Merlin** · 02-17-2006, 10:56 AM

One question about this.....can you really call something a "Classic" if it never took place before? Seems to me that something should have a little history before getting the classic label.

**Grubbie** · 02-17-2006, 11:06 AM

I'm a diehard baseball fan but I don't care about baseball until opening day. The players aren't going to be at their peak since it is still during ST. If it occured in the middle of the summer, ya I would be more interested.

On the topic of ST, I would love to go down to Arizona some time to watch my M's, but overall ST sucks. There is nothing to get excited about, spring training stats mean nothing, nothing really changes.

**eSDee** · 02-17-2006, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by Grubbie

I'm a diehard baseball fan but I don't care about baseball until opening day. The players aren't going to be at their peak since it is still during ST. If it occured in the middle of the summer, ya I would be more interested.

On the topic of ST, I would love to go down to Arizona some time to watch my M's, but overall ST sucks. There is nothing to get excited about, spring training stats mean nothing, nothing really changes.

Baseball in spring training is fun for just that reason. It doesn't matter what happens or wins the game. However you still get to watch Major League players which equals some mammoth home runs and stellar defensive plays at times. It's true that some might not give it 100% being spring training, however that is made up by those struggling to make the team and giving 110%. Plus it also means good weather, and since the M's usually play indoors it means you get to watch them outside for a change. I went last year to watch the Padres and it was a completely relaxing day at the park, with cheap beer and great baseball food on a beautiful Arizona day. The Padres also scored 4 runs in the last 2 innings to comeback and win against the M's, which although insignificant made it exciting. Basically it's a just a small baseball fix before the real season starts, so that you're ready to hit the ground running once it does.

Originally Posted by VTGreg

One thing I would look forward to is Ozzie Guillen getting his. His comments about A-Rod and Garciaparra were completely un-called for and instead of dismissing his comments he should be dealt with.

What did he say?

**ialsohaveadream** · 02-17-2006, 12:07 PM

Originally Posted by eSDeeLoco

What did he say?

He said that Nomar is thinking about playing for Mexico, even though the only experience he has there is going to visit Cancun.

**Grubbie** · 02-17-2006, 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by eSDeeLoco

Plus it also means good weather, and since the M's usually play indoors it means you get to watch them outside for a change.

Huh????

The M's play most of their home games outdoors with the roof open. It only sucks to go to their games in the first month of the season, besides that you get some great night games at 60degrees(or warmer in the summer). The ammount of times the roof is actually closed for a game is minimal.

I do get your point that going to the games is fun though, I have always wanted to go down to Arizona to watch them and the padres. However, sitting at home I really don't care about any of the stories or how the players are doing. If I was at a game it might be different, but ST is like training camp in football, how fun is that?

**Yossarian** · 02-17-2006, 12:35 PM

nope

**eSDee** · 02-17-2006, 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by Grubbie

Huh????

The M's play most of their home games outdoors with the roof open. It only sucks to go to their games in the first month of the season, besides that you get some great night games at 60degrees(or warmer in the summer). The ammount of times the roof is actually closed for a game is minimal.

I just thought it rained a lot and so most of the time the roof was closed. My bad.

I do get your point that going to the games is fun though, I have always wanted to go down to Arizona to watch them and the padres. However, sitting at home I really don't care about any of the stories or how the players are doing. If I was at a game it might be different, but ST is like training camp in football, how fun is that?

Training camp for football is super boring to me, and so I wouldn't want to see that. But baseball is different. I'll watch a Little League game once in a while if the teams are good

**Grubbie** · 02-17-2006, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by eSDeeLoco

I just thought it rained a lot and so most of the time the roof was closed. My bad.

It is understandable, that is what everyone thinks of Seattle. I guess having 30 straight days of rain in the winter doesn't help that idea at all.

Looking back on the stadium decision for a roof, it was a COMPLETE waste of money. They shut the roof a lot though since there is a "chance or rain". When it first opened they would shut the roof whenver they had a valid reason to try to justify the millions of dollars that was required for it.

Overall it is nice to watch games in Seattle though(not as nice as in San Diego for sure). I actually like watching games in Seattle more then Boston, since Boston gets so cold in the beginning and end of the season and REALLY hot in the summer time(night games are great).

**Merlin** · 02-17-2006, 06:39 PM

Hemight be thinking of the old place that was a dome. The new place opened what? About three years ago?

**Sirrich3** · 02-17-2006, 09:36 PM

I have tickets for the game in Anaheim. Pool A Winner vs Pool B Winner

**eSDee** · 02-18-2006, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by Grubbie

Overall it is nice to watch games in Seattle though(not as nice as in San Diego for sure). I actually like watching games in Seattle more then Boston, since Boston gets so cold in the beginning and end of the season and REALLY hot in the summer time(night games are great).

Have you been to Petco park yet? I like it don't get me wrong, but I don't think it's the nicest ballpark in the league. Whenever the Padres play the Mariners in Seattle, our home town announcers always talk about what an awesome ballpark Safeco is. They say that where it is located in this city is also pretty awesome. Petco is nice, but being on the bay it can get pretty cold there early in the season.

Originally Posted by Merlin

Hemight be thinking of the old place that was a dome. The new place opened what? About three years ago?

Actually I knew it was Safeco field and that it had a retractable roof. I just incorrectly assumed that it rained a lot over there all year around, and so the top was on a bunch.

**SpikeDig** · 02-21-2006, 07:05 PM

Originally Posted by eSDeeLoco

To be honest I haven't watched any of the Winter Olympics as I'm not much of a fan of winter sports. However I'm pretty stoked that Baseball is starting again soon (pitchers and catchers reported today). I am also excited that the World Baseball Classic is going to happen soon. Anyone here planning on watching it? I believe it's March 3rd through 20th, including the last 3 games here in San Diego. I would watch all 3 of them if I wasn't going to be watching the Padres in spring training that weekend. Should be pretty cool to watch.

To Baseball.

Yeah, my buddies are looking to snag some seats at PetCo soon. This is a great idea. Superstars of the MLB & respective countries/regions competing on the heels of the Winter Olympics. Did they drop baseball from the Summer or was it some other sport(s)?

Regardless, I'll need a scorecard to see who are the new Padres & I'd love to keep tabs on all the current ex-Padres like Hernandez & Loretta.

to the 2006 baseball season!

**Merlin** · 02-22-2006, 04:37 AM

Originally Posted by SpikeDig

Did they drop baseball from the Summer or was it some other sport(s)?

Yes, Baseball is off the Olympic menu.

**attgig** · 02-22-2006, 08:32 AM

i'm totally not excited about the WBC. it's a gimmick by mlb to make more money, cuz they realized how huge the world cup is for soccer.

if they were serious, they would put a pause to the season once ever 4 years or so and do it right. instead, they're too busy trying to please owners and their 'investments'.

**Butch** · 03-03-2006, 04:28 AM

There are a couple matches I'm interested in watching . . . just for sh*ts & giggles, I'm watching the Japan vs. China match right now . . . Japan is spanking the hell out of China 16-2 in the 8th . . . kind of cool to be able to watch a live baseball game in Japan via the Intarweb thingie

**eSDee** · 03-03-2006, 12:38 PM

I stayed up late watching Korea play Taiwan. I thought it was cool! I might buy the package next week so I can watch games from work

**attgig** · 03-03-2006, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by Butch

Intarweb thingie

what's that?

**Merlin** · 03-03-2006, 05:13 PM

a webcast

**attgig** · 03-03-2006, 06:49 PM

is it free? can i get a link?

**Sirrich3** · 03-03-2006, 09:13 PM

How many more pro stars will drop out of this WBC?

**Merlin** · 03-04-2006, 05:25 AM

Probably not too many more at this point. MLB did a poor job thinking the scheduling through. This event would be better if it took place in December. Right now players, pitchers in particular, feel like they are out of shape due to the winter layoff.

I heard a good idea yesterday. Hold the event once every few years but take a couple of weeks mid season. Put MLB on a break for it. Make it an extended all star break and do away with that silly game.

**Butch** · 03-05-2006, 03:42 AM

Good game between Korea & Japan right now . . . Korea just took the lead 3-2 on a 2 run homer in the 8th inning off the Japanese closer . . . fun game!

By the way, you can watch on www.mlb.tv . . . but you have to either pay $9.95 for the WBC or $79.95 for a full season pass . . . I have the full season pass since it's the only way I can watch baseball on a regular basis out here in Germany.

Of course, you can also catch the WBC games on ESPN or ESPN2 . . . current game is on ESPN2 right now.

Edit: Game's over . . . Ichiro really had to eat some crow. He made some comments a little over a week ago that he wanted to show that the Koreans and Chinese Taipei would not be able to beat Japan in the next 30 years . . . welllllll, Ichiro had the 'honor' of being the last out in Korea's victory over Japan today.

**speedracer120** · 03-05-2006, 02:21 PM

Lee Seung-yeop is a monster. He was integral part in getting his old squad the championship last season.

**Butch** · 03-07-2006, 01:33 PM

Dominican Republic just beat the crap out of Venezuela . . . that was supposed to be a big game!

Right now, USA is playing Mexico . . . 2nd inning . . . worth watching in my view

**attgig** · 03-07-2006, 01:37 PM

Originally Posted by Merlin

Probably not too many more at this point. MLB did a poor job thinking the scheduling through. This event would be better if it took place in December. Right now players, pitchers in particular, feel like they are out of shape due to the winter layoff.

I heard a good idea yesterday. Hold the event once every few years but take a couple of weeks mid season. Put MLB on a break for it. Make it an extended all star break and do away with that silly game.

yeah, that's what i was suggesting above.

they gotta do what hockey does with olympics or soccer does with world cup.