- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,252,475
- Reaction score
- 59
You must be registered for see images
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 14: Francisco Cervelli #29 of Italy celebrates with his team after defeating Puerto Rico during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals game at Daikin Park on March 14, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning.
- We’re coming off a terrific World Baseball Classic semi-final between the US and Dominican Republic with a controversial end. We’ll have more on that game later this morning. Here are some takeaways from the Team USA win.
- Some of the best photos from the game.
- Players from the Dominican Republic explain how baseball is like a religion in their country. Michael Clair with the story.
- The DR was managed by Albert Pujols. Cody Stavenhagen looks at Pujols’ ambitions and chances of being an MLB manager. (The Athletic sub. req.)
- Mike Trout couldn’t play in the WBC this time around, but he’s thrilled so many people are getting excited about it this year.
- Tarik Skubal is defending himself against criticism (The Athletic sub. req.) that he betrayed Team USA by leaving the team early. On the one hand, Skubal has to do what’s right for him and he shouldn’t be criticized for not making a second WBC start. On the other hand, I love that American fans are getting this passionate enough about the WBC that they’re willing to be jerks about the whole thing. OK, I’m not thrilled about the jerks part. Just the passion part.
- Matt Snyder believes this time, the US has really bought into the joy of the WBC.
- Matthew Trueblood argues that the WBC is a wonderful celebration of baseball culture from around the world, and that includes US culture.
- USA catcher Cal Raleigh refused another in-game fistbumb from a teammate, but this one with Team Canada’s Josh Naylor was pre-arranged. Sort of.
- However, Kathryn Xu argues that no one is having more fun that Team Italy. (free reg. req)
- Tyler Kepner writes about how the mostly-American Team Italy is firmly embracing Italian culture as the Cinderella underdogs. (The Athletic sub. req.)
- Italy has been celebrating home runs with espresso. Rustin Dodd looks at how caffeine affects athletic performance. (The Athletic sub. req.) Italy is juicing!
- Johnny Flores Jr. has a preview of tonight’s Italy/Venezuela semifinal. (The Athletic sub. req.)
- Venezuelan native Francisco Cervelli manages Team Italy. He says that when he’s wearing the uniform, he’s all Italian.
- Venezuelan manager Otto López says his objective is to bring joy to his home country.
- Jake Mintz writes that Japan was simply outplayed by Venezuela in the semifinals.
- Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata resigned after the loss.
- Bob Nightengale talks to Shohei Ohtani and asks how Ohtani is processing something he has little experience with: failure. I mean, he was on the Angels for six years, Bob.
- Jake Mintz has the story of Ohtani’s first ever international game, and 18-and-under loss to Canada. Team Canada, which included Josh Naylor and Cal Quantrill, were still impressed with him.
- Here’s what many of you want to know about Samurai Japan: Which players on Japan’s WBC team could be coming to MLB next? Jorge Castillo with the story.
- Union president Bruce Meyer has warned that a work stoppage in 2027 could affect MLB player participation in the 2028 Olympics.
- Meyer also said that if MLB players do play in the Olympics, MLB is considering exhibition games between major and minor leaguers to fill the time the league shuts down for the Games. (The Athletic sub. req.)
- Katie Woo reports that the Dodgers have sold naming rights at Dodger Stadium to the Japanese company Uniqlo. (The Athletic sub. req.) It will still be Dodger Stadium, it’s just going to be something like “Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium.” One, that’s a terrible name. Second, the Dodgers already have enough money and don’t need to do this.
- Kevin Acee reports that four bids have been submitted to buy the Padres.
- Jeff Passan has a short season preview of all 30 teams.
- Six darkhorse candidates to win MVP.
- Six darkhorse candidates to win the Cy Young.
- One player from each MLB team who has made the biggest impression in Spring Training.
- Giants pitcher Hayden Birdsong is getting a second opinion after being diagnosed with a Grade 2 right forearm strain and ulnar collateral ligament sprain. Obviously Tommy John surgery is a possibility.
- The Giants named Logan Webb as their Opening Day starter for the fifth-straight year. Only Juan Marichal, with six, has more consecutive Opening Day starts in Giants history.
- Here’s an interesting article with lots of quotes from Pete Crow-Armstrong in it. How difficult is it for outfielders to play in each MLB park?
- And finally turning to college baseball, Georgia beat Tennessee on Sunday thanks to this amazing walk-off home run robbery.
Continue reading...
