WBC: Pool B

South Korea

IBAF World Rank: 4

South Korea was the most dominate team in the 2009 tournament. They led all teams in RBIs, runs, and shutouts pitched. They cruised to the championship and were set to face arch intercontinental rival Japan in a winner take all game. The Koreans had previously beaten Japan 4-1 in the second round but the Japanese showed their resilience and squeaked out a 12-inning victory to win the championship. If South Korea wants to win this year they don’t have to improve on much, they put themselves in a great position to win it all last time and came very close to winning. They are always a contender in every international competition and there’s no reason why this one would be any different.

Kingdom of the Netherlands

IBAF World Rank: 7

All aboard the bandwagon now, I making a bold prediction that the Netherlands is going to make a huge splash in this year’s WBC. Let me rephrase that, a bigger splash. Last time they shocked the baseball world when they beat the Dominican Republic twice in the first round. They are also the all time leader in European Championships and finished fourth in the 2008 Olympics. The Netherlands may not have many big names on their roster, but they can flat out pitch against anyone. However, their biggest concern is whether their hitting manufacture runs and clutch up in big situations because their pitching will keep them in close ball games. I think the Netherlands recent success will give them the confidence that they can make a serious run at the title.

Australia

IBAF World Rank: 10

Australian players have been surging into the Major Leagues with 62 players currently under contract with professional clubs. As a team they have been very competitive but have failed to win any major championships. Australia has good pitching but their hitting isn’t developed enough to compete with the top ranked countries. They have participated in both WBCs but have failed to advance pass the first round in both. Unfortunately, they have drawn the toughest pool in the tournament and will have trouble advancing this year as well. Australia is a great baseball country with a strong future and they should be very competitive in the years to come.

Chinese Taipei

IBAF World Rank: 5

Chinese Taipei looks to improve upon their dismal performance in 2009 where they scored 1 run in two games and finished last in their group. They have a tough road because all four teams in pool B are ranked in the top 10 in the world. Taipei is very talented and if they find a way to advance out of the first round don’t be surprised if you see them playing in San Francisco.

Prediction:

South Korea 3-0

Netherlands  1-2

Australia         1-2

Chinese T.P.   1-2

Bold represents teams advancing.

-Blake Dale Lepire