World Baseball Classic.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

All in on Team Czechia. They all have full time jobs. Manager is a neurologist. Lost first qualifier 21-7 and then won three straight to make it   They play in the Tokyo group.

I'd be thrilled if Meneses mashes for Mexico. 

[Natsinpwc]

I'd be thrilled if Meneses mashes for Mexico.

The Mexican Masher?

[Natsinpwc]

Games are on the Fox sports. My Roku for that app seems to have not noticed my cable tv change. Will see how long that lasts.

[Dave in Fairfax]

Josh Palacios, who is American (born and raised in Brooklyn), is playing for the Netherlands, along with his brother Richie. Apparently, their mother was originally from Curaçao. In other news, Josh Palacios played for the Nats last season, yet I have absolutely no recollection of him.

[Natsinpwc]

Josh Palacios, who is American (born and raised in Brooklyn), is playing for the Netherlands, along with his brother Richie. Apparently, their mother was originally from Curaçao. In other news, Josh Palacios played for the Nats last season, yet I have absolutely no recollection of him.

It’s best to have no recollection of the 2022 Nats.

I think he got a few starts in the OF late in the season and did nothing to distinguish himself. Claimed him on waivers from the Blue Jays. Now with the Pirates organization.

[imref]

Yep. Borderline AAAA outfielder.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Josh Palacios, who is American (born and raised in Brooklyn), is playing for the Netherlands, along with his brother Richie. Apparently, their mother was originally from Curaçao. In other news, Josh Palacios played for the Nats last season, yet I have absolutely no recollection of him.

lefty, IIRC, so had an occasional start.  Call hit righties well enough to get playing time. Also, didn't they use Cesar some of the time in the OF?

[Natsinpwc]

Games get underway late tonight.

[imref]

Other than Meneses (Mexico) and Candelario (DR) I don't think we have anyone else playing, correct?

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Washington Nationals: Alberto Baldonado, LHP (PAN), Jeimer Candelario, 3B (DR), Alex Colome, RHP (DOM -- DPP), Paolo Espino, RHP (PAN -- DPP), Andres Machado, RHP (VEN), Joey Meneses, INF (MEX), Erasmo Ramírez, RHP (NCA), Rodney Theophile, RHP (NCA). Tito Polo, OF (COL -- removed from roster), Lucius Fox, INF (GBR -- withdraws from Classic)

https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-club-list-of-world-baseball-classic-players

So, while Baldy was sent out of camp, he may be with Panama.

DPP - designated pitcher pool.

Each WBC team may choose up to 10 players as part of their pool -- these players are eligible to participate in one or more consecutive rounds of the WBC, but if replaced on their team's roster will be unavailable for the rest of the tournament. Affiliated players in Designated Pitcher Pools who are not actively on their team’s WBC roster during a given round will report to Spring Training with their Major League clubs.

[English Natsie]

Holy Moly! The WBC actually got a mention on one of the sports news programs, over here - albeit as the last item...

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Holy Moly! The WBC actually got a mention on one of the sports news programs, over here - albeit as the last item...

Harry Ford is a player to watch for Team GB.  There's a few others - McKenzie Mills and Trayce Thompson that I spotted.

[imref]

Harry Ford is a player to watch for Team GB.  There's a few others - McKenzie Mills and Trayce Thompson that I spotted.

He's been great in Shrinking, even at age 80.

[Natsinpwc]

Shark went 2 for 3 and a walk. Scored a run as Netherlands beat Cuba. Panama putting it to the home country right now.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Shark went 2 for 3 and a walk. Scored a run as Netherlands beat Cuba. Panama putting it to the home country right now.

don't sleep on the Dutch.

[imref]

Adam Wainwright is pitching today.

[Natsinpwc]

Adam Wainwright is pitching today.

Saturday in their first classic game? Or in exhibition tonight against the Giants?  Think they have another practice game tomorrow also.  Pools C and D start a few days later than the ones in Asia. I guess to give the teams that move on time to travel.

[imref]

Saturday in their first classic game? Or in exhibition tonight against the Giants?  Think they have another practice game tomorrow also.  Pools C and D start a few days later than the ones in Asia. I guess to give the teams that move on time to travel.

my mistake, he starts Saturday against Great Britain.

[Natsinpwc]

my mistake, he starts Saturday against Great Britain.

Ok. They have Cactus League games tonight and tomorrow.

Japan and Korea early Friday morning should be a good game.

[English Natsie]

he starts Saturday against Great Britain.

GB v USA...So who do we think is going to win this tight contest between two closely matched teams, then?...

[Natsinpwc]

GB v USA...So who do we think is going to win this tight contest between two closely matched teams, then?...

Well if it was just England we might have a chance. But not when you throw in those other baseball hotbeds.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

GB v USA...So who do we think is going to win this tight contest between two closely matched teams, then?...

we may play for the nil-nil draw and just try to advance.

[English Natsie]

You never know - it could be baseball's 1950 moment....

[Natsinpwc]

Australia upset Korea. 

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Australia upset Korea. 

hoping Aussie Nats posts here to gloat.   

It's great when baseball develops in non-traditional areas and the teams are able to compete. At this point, Netherlands is pretty acknowledged as fielding a consistently competitive mix of island and mainland players in this format.