WBC: Pool A

Japan

IBAF World Rank: 3

The key to Japan winning their third World Baseball Classic championship in a row is their pitching staff. Japan has a history of being very scrappy offensively and relies on manufacturing runs with their team speed. They always are fundamentally sound and extremely organized defensively, so the best way to beat them is by out powering them. The previous two WBCs their pitching has been incredible behind Disuke Matsuzaka and Yu Darvish, but their MLB careers have given major league hitters a chance to study their tendencies. The chance of them having the same success against the power oriented countries of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and the US are much smaller because they no longer have the element of surprise. Regardless, Japan will be tough to beat and I hope the WBC is another coming out party for an unknown superstar.

China

IBAF World Rank: 18

Baseball has grown a lot in China the past decade. They have qualified for the WBC the past three times and their 2009 experience was highlighted with a win over Chinese Taipai who is currently ranked 5^th in the world. China does not have any big name baseball stars and only two of their players are listed over 200 pounds. It is very unlikely that they’ll be able to beat Japan or Cuba but it’s exciting to see a new country make big strides in baseball.

Cuba

IBAF World Rank: 1

Jose Abreu

Unfortunately because of Cuba’s current political state the fans will not get to watch Aroldis Chapman or Yoenis Cespedes wear their country’s name across their chest. Nevertheless their roster is still elite, especially first basemen Jose Abreu who has been tearing up Cuba’s National Series and has been considered the best hitter on the planet. Although many fans won’t be able to recognize the names on the Cuban roster, it is filled with players who could be stars in the Big Leagues. The key to Cuba winning the championship is their offense; if they perform to their capabilities there isn’t a pitching staff in the tournament that can hold them down. Look for violent swings in fastball counts.

Brazil

IBAF World Rank: 20

Brazil represents baseball’s growth in South America. Outside of Venezuela, Brazil is the only other South American team to earn a spot in the WBC. Yan Gomez was their first Major Leaguer when he debuted for the Blue Jays this year, proof that Brazil is growing as a baseball country. However, they will have trouble in this pool with every team because they are still a few years away from being able to make a big splash in the WBC.

Prediction:

Cuba:  3-0

Japan: 2-1

China:  1-2

Brazil:  0-3

Bold represents teams advancing.