WBC: Pool D

Canada

IBAF World Rank: 6

Canada has failed to make it out of the first round in the last two WBCs and if they want to advance this year it’s going to come down to their opening game with Italy. They have the talent to hang with the best teams, but they’ve had problems beating the teams they are supposed to beat. Italy is a very strong team but they pale in comparison to Mexico and the U.S. Canada has to take care of Italy and then find a way to squeak out one win versus either the U.S. or Mexico. However if they find a way to advance, don’t count on seeing them in San Francisco; they don’t have quite enough firepower to consistently compete with the best teams in the world. Justin Morneau and Brett Lawrie will be their team leaders offensively and Jon Axford from the Brewers will anchor their bullpen.

Mexico

IBAF World Rank: 11

I have to start out by saying Mexico has the worst hats in the tournament… by far. Anyways, they proved by beating the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean Series Championship that they can be pretty good, but I am not completely sold on our southern neighbors. Don’t be surprised if Mexico comes out flat after their Caribbean Championship and one slip up in Pool D can ruin your whole tournament.

Italy

IBAF World Rank: 9

While everyone is focused on the North American threesome, Italy will be ready to spoil someone’s tournament. The second best European team has a lot of good players including the Chicago Cubs’ first basemen Anthony Rizzo and the Dodgers’ Nick Punto. The Italians lack of pitching depth keeps them from being a threat to advance deep into the tournament, they beat Australia in 2006 and Canada in 2009 so don’t be surprised if the Italians find a way to beat someone in their pool this year. Heck, one win may be good enough to advance to the second round.

United States of America

IBAF World Rank: 2

The roster speaks for itself, but the Americans only problem is their lack of continuity. Many teams in the WBC have had experience playing as a team, but the U.S. does not at all. The amount of All Stars on their lineup is enough to get them past the first round, but in order to win the whole thing they will need to come together as a team very quickly. There is no physical reason why the U.S. can’t take home the trophy, but we’ll see if the star power can overcome the lack of chemistry.

 

Prediction:

USA                2-1

Canada         2-1

Italy                 1-2

Mexico            1-2

Bold represents teams advancing